12th November 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 1,177

SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER, 2016

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Nigerian Tribune

Village boys arrested for stealing 30 human skulls

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Nigerian Tribune

N150

SPECIAL TREAT

pg8

•Sold skulls with identified owners for N30,000; unidentified ones, N20,000

When taking aloe vera, ginger may be deadly pg36

North, South East politicians battle pg5 South West Rally for Tinubu holds today in Lagos Obasanjo’s group in siddon-look

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You need family, friends to build career

—Amina Oyagbola, HR Executive MTN Foundation and founder, pg9 Women in Successful Career

Ondo: Citizens celebrate with Mimiko over Jegede’s Appeal Court reprieve pg7

Trump: Nigerian muslims should stay off US —MURIC pg4

Children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) studying under the sun at the Stafanos Foundation Camp in Jos on Friday. PHOTO: NAN

Gunmen kidnap Methodist Robbers invade bank, kill Reverend in Ibadan, pg6 manager, bridegroom-to-be, Bishop begs govt for help 2 others pg6

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12 November, 2016

Folarin Falana, also known as Falz the bad guy, is the first and only son of renowned lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, SAN. The rapper and comedian who also is an actor recently stormed the University of Ibadan to headline the make naija stronger campaign for One. org. He spoke to select journalists on the campaign, his music career and controversies among other things. JOAN OMIONAWELE brings excerpts:

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HAT inspired you to join the ‘make naija stronger ‘ campaign?

This is something that is coming at a time that is very necessary, I liked the idea of it from the moment I was told about it, I loved the movement , I also like what it stands for and that’s why I joined.

The health sector is something that is key in our nation today.

Thus, it is very important to create awareness on hygiene and malaria , among other things, thus it is a welcome movement for youths to get involved in this campaign because we discovered that nobody is participating in even voting, if you are just sitting back and being spectators, how do you become a leader of tomorrow? It’s not enough to sit down and complain that there is corruption, the question is, what are you doing about it?

already the top album in tunes, apple music, and it’s the most downloaded. In fact, this makes us very happy as musicians.

If you should choose a song from the chemistry EP (mixtape) what will you choose?

All the songs are equally wonderful, but if I am to select one that is close to my heart, I’ll chose the song entitled ‘foreign’.

How has life been in the industry since you started music?

Sometimes, people challenge me but I have enjoyed grace and favour. So far, it has been great.

What is your relationship with Simi?

Sorry, come again Yes you (trying to avoid the question) You mean myself?

n i t o n m ’ I

On a lighter note how did you celebrate your birthday during the week?

I had so much fun with friends. I went car racing and showcased my other talents.

You are a rapper, an actor and a stand up comedian, which really pays you?

(Cuts in with his language) I am not a stand up comedian hashualle (actually).

But which one pays you better?

Everything pays me, I give God the glory.

Last week, you dropped a song entitled ‘chemistry’ with Simi, how has the response been so far?

It’s been wonderful and amazing. It’s

Yes That’s a good question, we do have chemistry, inside studio, out of studio, and the rest is for you to feel in the blank space.

n o i t i t e comp alz

F — d l o G e l n u k e d with A

What’s your advice for youths towards this campaign?

My advice will just be that everyone should get involved, let’s help make naija stronger.

Go on to one.org and sign the petition to get the government to invest in health care. Because it is a very important sector in the country, as millions of lives are struggling to get basic amenities daily, let alone their health.

Saturday Tribune

It’s general knowledge that Simi is also close to Adekunle Gold, are you in a competition with Adekunle Gold?

Am I in competition? (laughs) No, I am not in any competition with anybody, I’m in my own lane.

So, there is nothing emotionally attached?

I don’t really know about that, that’s for people to find out.

Asides having a comic alter ego, people say you are shy, is this true?

Yes, I’m actually a very shy person, I’m just a very cool guy If you have the opportunity to go to the bar, will you still go?

I go to the bar often, I drink sometimes Not that, I mean to practice law (Laughs) Definitely, If the opportunity comes, I will still go for it.

No doubt, this year has been a great year for you, looking at all the awards you received and what you have been able to accomplish, did you envisage that you will make it this far?

I didn’t know that I’ll come to this stage, I was just working with my amazing team and I was hoping that eventually, things will work out, I’m thankful.

There are some people mimicking you especially ‘Paul the good guy’ who looks like you and talks like you, do you have any plans for him?

I have heard about him. In fact, people have been telling me that there is someone in this place that I need to meet. I’m actually exited to meet him.

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12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

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12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Militants still bombing oil facilities are criminals, enemies —Clark declares Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

Co-Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (second left); Dr Olamijulo Ajayi (third left); Bishop of Methodist Church, Ikorodu Diocese, The Rt. Reverend Samson O. Osundina (second right), the Very Reverend M. O. Ogunsiji (left) and the Reverend Elijah Makinde (right), during the condolence visit to late Sir Olaniwun Ajayi’s family at Isara Remo, Ogun State, on Thursday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN.

Trump’s victory: MURIC advises Nigerian Muslims to suspend US trips

By Saheed Salawu

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GAINST the background of the emergence of the Republican Party candidate, Donald Trump, as the presidentelect of the United States, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to Nigerian Muslims to suspend planned trips to the US until they know which way the cat will jump.

It also advised immigrant Muslims residing in the US to return to their countries or be prepared for harsh treatments, including increased Islamophobic attacks.

Trump had defeated the Democratic Party candidate, Hillary Clinton, in the presidential election held on Tuesday.

In a statement, on Friday, by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC said considering Trump’s “Americanisation of virtually everything” and “tortuous isolationism and a pathological obsession with Islamophobia,” his emergence as the next president of the United States had serious implications for Muslims in that country and elsewhere around the world.

“The contemptuous treatment of Muslims travelling in or out of America has long been a matter of serious concern to advocates of free movement and Allah-given fundamental human rights.

“Coupled with this is the horrendous policy of rendition whereby Muslims are kidnapped en route other destinations and forcefully taken to the dreaded Guatemala to face America’s notorious waterboarding and other forms of inhuman treatment.

“The advent of Donald Trump is the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The

American president-elect has divided America along racial and religious lines.

He threatened to close mosques. He also swore to give Muslims a special data base in order to control terrorism.

“Trump may be an iconoclast but the Americans who voted for him were not deaf. They heard him loud and clear. They heard all his threats. The victory of Trump, particularly coming hot on the heels of Brexit, means that Western democracies are jettisoning globalization for nationalism.

“MURIC respects the wish of Americans to stand by their national interest. We call on Muslims around the world to also respect the wish of the American people to be left alone.

“Nonetheless, we reiterate our avowed rejection of racist and hate speeches.

We disown violent groups like Al-Qaidah and ISIS who instigate Muslims to kill Americans and attack American and Western interests.

“We urge Muslims around the world to nurse no malice against Americans over Trump’s victory and the likely fallout. It should be noted that a few Americans support Trump’s weird policies.

He won the election via the Electoral College but received fewer votes than Hillary Clinton. The victory of Trump reveals the paradoxical underbelly of the world’s greatest democracy. American minority has had its way”, MURIC’s statement said.

Russia says it was in touch with Trump’s campaign during election The Russian government was in touch with members of president-elect, Donald Trump’s political team during the US election campaign and knows most of his

entourage, one of Russia’s most senior diplomats told the Interfax news agency on Thursday.

Accused by defeated Democratic contender, Hillary Clinton, of being a puppet of President Vladimir Putin after praising the Russian leader, Trump has dismissed suggestions he had anything to do with the Russian government during the campaign.

But in comments that could prove politically awkward for the president-elect, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said there had, indeed, been some communications, Reuters reported on Friday.

“There were contacts,” Interfax cited Ryabkov as saying. “We are doing this and have been doing this during the election campaign.”

Such contacts would continue, he added, saying the Russian government knew and had been in touch with many of Trump’s closest allies. He did not name names.

“Obviously, we know most of the people from his (Trump’s) entourage. Those people have always been in the limelight in the United States and have occupied high-ranking positions,” he said.

“I cannot say that all of them, but quite a few have been staying in touch with Russian representatives.”

Moscow was just beginning to consider how to go about setting up more formal channels to communicate with the future Trump administration, said Ryabkov.

A spokeswoman for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

FBI inquiry The Federal Bureau of Investigation opened a preliminary inquiry in recent months into allegations that Trump or his associates

might have had questionable dealings with Russian people or businesses, but found no evidence to warrant opening a full investigation, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The agency has not publicly discussed the probe.

The US government has blamed Russia for cyber attacks on Democratic Party organisations.

Trump, who has spoken of his desire to improve tattered US-Russia ties, has said he might meet Putin before his inauguration, but Putin’s spokesman has said there are currently no plans for such a meeting.

Interfax reported on Wednesday that Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, would be in New York this week for a chess tournament, a few blocks from Trump Tower, where the presidentelect has his office.

But it cited Peskov as saying he did not plan to pass any message to Trump from Putin.

The Russian parliament erupted in applause on Wednesday when it heard that Trump had been elected and Putin told foreign ambassadors he was ready to fully restore ties with Washington.

Ryabkov was more circumspect though, saying the Russian Foreign Ministry felt no euphoria about the Republican’s win despite wanting to normalise relations with Washington.

Moscow and Washington are at odds over Syria, Ukraine and NATO. Ryabkov said Trump’s allies had made some tough statements about Russia during the campaign and that his ministry was therefore not harbouring any “rose-tinted” hopes.

“We are not expecting anything in particular from the new US administration,” Interfax cited Ryabkov as saying.

LEADER of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has branded suspected militants engaged in a renewed destruction of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta as criminals and enemies of the state.

The worried Ijaw leader threatened that the forum would not front for criminal elements still engaging in the economic sabotage in the region in the guise of dialogue.

It will be recalled that a few hours after the Federal Government’s meeting with PANDEF with a view to resolving the renewed militant activities, a number of oil and gas assets had been bombed at Batan and Forcados crude oil export terminal in Delta.

Clark stated these on Friday at a press briefing of PANDEF members in Warri, Delta State.

He said the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and other groups still engaged in bombing of assets should prepare to face the music in the hands of security agents if they’ll not have a rethink.

Terrorism inhibiting Africa’s development —Buhari Clement Idoko - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has called on African leaders to form a strong united front to defeat terrorism and violent extremism, which is inhibiting development in Africa.

He made the call on Friday while receiving Kenya’s Deputy President, William Ruto at the State House, Abuja.

Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in a statement said President Buhari expressed concern that the continent was still grappling with acts and effects of terrorism after a successful de-colonisation campaign.

Acknowledging the valued cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya in the fight against terrorism, the President commended the East African country for the recent successes recorded in tackling terrorism in the region.

“A situation in which insecurity continues to obstruct the process of national development should not be allowed to continue”, the President told Mr Ruto, a special envoy to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kwara hosts maiden agric fair Biola Azeez - Ilorin HUNDREDS of farmers, stakeholders in agriculture and agro-allied industry will converge on Ilorin, Kwara State for a six-day international agricultural exhibition, tagged, agricultural trade fair.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Friday ahead of the agric trade fair, the Divisional Head of Agric in Harmony Holdings, Mrs Iyabo Amajo, said the agric fair was conceived to key into the policy of the state government on improved agriculture.

She noted that the state had become a centre point in the area of agriculture with abundant fertile and arable land.

Amajo also said that the fair would afford stakeholders in the state to showcase their potential in agriculture to the world and attract heavy investors and off-takers to the state.

She said that many big organisations would also participate at the exhibition with equipment and other prototypes to address observable problems in the agricultural sector.

“Exhibitors from around the country and abroad will be presenting innovation in Agric mechanization, access to improved seedlings and financing to farmers. It will be a platform for meeting potential business partners and attracting investment,” she said.

Moremi beauty peageant holds Nov 26 THE maiden edition of Moremi Ajasoro, a celebration of Ile-Ife’s young girls has been slated for 26 November.

This was confirmed when over 50 beautiful ladies who are contesting for the peagant visited the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who welcomed then in company with his wife, Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, who invited the ladies to a dinner and a formal meeting for the first time with the Ooni.

Speaking at the gathering, the Project Director, Dr. Kunle Balogun, who expressed his gratitude for the king’s invitation to the young ladies said, “my team and I cannot thank his Majesty and Yeyelua enough for this invitation to the ladies, for this project, and for their support thus far. They have both been a pillar of support.

“Moremi, as we know, was a warrior and we believe she should be celebrated.”

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12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

North, South East politicians join forces against South West

•Rally for Tinubu holds today in Lagos • Obasanjo’s group in siddon-look FromTaiwoAdisa,DapoFalade andChuckwumaOkparaocha

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HE northern political establishment working for the consolidation of the Presidency of General Muhammadu Buhari is set for a major alliance with the South East political class in a shift aimed at tackling the collapse of the North/South West alliance that brought him to power.

As a direct response to this development, a rally in support of the APC National Leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, holds in Lagos today, even as one of the organisers described the event as a “show of force” to send a message to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership about where the South West caucus of the party stands.

Incidentally, the third force agenda appears to be gaining ground also even outside APC as some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met in Abuja, on Tuesday, to design clear ways by which an alliance can be struck with proponents of the Third Force.

Leaders of the PDP in the legislature and some key members of the party’s National Caretaker Committee were spotted at the meeting held in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Sources told Saturday Tribune in Abuja that the pro-Buhari elements are working on the notion that the alliance with the South West has already collapsed and that the relationship with Senator Bola Tinubu, the perceived arrowhead of the political force in the zone and his political machinery cannot be revived.

The South West link It was gathered that, to fill the void, the Buharists are already raising young elements in the South West, not only to replace Tinubu but also to essentially reduce the bloc votes from the zone and cut a piece for the Buhari camp in 2019.

Sources also told Saturday Tribune that, in line with that decision to look beyond the Tinubu camp, the Buhari loyalists are putting in place an arrangement with the South East.

It was learnt that a former presiding officer in the National Assembly is fasttracking the relationship that would ensure that the South East replaces the South West in the political arrangement ahead of the 2019 elections.

The recent appointment of former Senate President Ken Nnamani, as the chairman of the Constitution and Electoral Reform Committee by the president is also believed to be in furtherance of the new friendship between political leaders in the zone

and certain northern leaders.

Also, during the week, President Buhari met senators from the South East, led

by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekeweremadu, for several hours in the Villa where the senators reportedly told him the grievances in their zone against the North and his presidency.

It was gathered that going forward into 2019, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) section of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would firm up its hold on the party against other power blocs.

“The plot is very simple and direct”, said a source who confirmed that the push is to ensure a conciliatory relationship between the Buhari camp and the South East, once the leaders of the South East are able to eke out some promises from the president, which would become the selling points for him in the zone ahead of the next election.

“But a major aspect of the deal is the push that could see the South East producing a key member of the next government, using a former lawmaker who is seen as having played a major democratic role in the past”, the source said.

It was learnt that the Buhari camp, having written off the possibility of making up with Tinubu, has decided to rest its hope of eking out something from the South West on politicians who hold positions in the government.

The three politicians from the South West who are said to be key to the planned incursion of the president to the South West reportedly include Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, former Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, who is the serving Minister of Power, Works and Housing, and former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State who presently serves as the Minister of Solid Minerals.

“We are aware of the political maneuverings from some governors who are playing the card of unity in the South West. Since the alliances they are working on won’t be able to get the zone into a one-way traffic, the reliance on the trio to gain some inroads in the South West is still valid. And that is where the alliance with another zone that can produce bulk votes becomes imperative”, another source said.

The realignment of forces across geo-political zones has heightened in recent weeks, following the rapprochement between some political actors in the PDP and the APC, with some governors openly flaunting the new found unity.

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and his Ekit State counterpart, Mr Ayodele Fayose of the PDP, have not been hiding their new-found friendship, even

flaunting it in the media.

Obasanjo group Sources also told Saturday Tribune that though the camp of former President Olusegun Obasanjo appears to be dissatisfied with the emerging trends in Abuja, it has so far decided to play the ‘siddon look’ game, while keenly watching the games from Abuja and Lagos.

“The Obasanjo group regularly evaluates the state of the nation and, particularly, developments in the ruling party; members of the group, spread across the country, are watching events. However, they are not part of the arrangement put together by the South West faction led

by Tinubu. The strategy of the Obasanjo camp for now is to watch how the government continues to treat them in the scheme of things”, a source close to the group told Saturday Tribune.

Indeed, the APC deputy national Chairman and a former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni who is a leading light in the Obasanjo camp, may have shed light on the position of the camp in the ongoing alignment as he told Saturday Tribune in an interview, two weeks ago, that anybody working on a new party is on his or her own.

Oni, who said he was not aware of any meeting bothering on alignment, had said: “But let me say that right from day one, the losers in this scheme had always been talking of alignment. Don’t forget, right from when we started, they didn’t even wait for us to spend one year before they started talking of alignment.

“They didn’t even wait for us to spend one year before they started talking of alignment. That is always the mentality of losers.

The losers would always look for a new thing; the winner would always try to promote continuity psychologically.”

Interestingly, Fayose visited Oni in his Ifaki Ekiti home with both sides refusing to disclose why the two sworn enemies met.

Loyalty walk for Tinubu in Lagos Meanwhile, a group, “I Stand with Bola Tinubu,” has said hundreds of loyalists of Senator Tinubu, are set for a loyalty walk in honour of the politician, who recently got involved in a dispute with the national chairman of the party.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Tribune, Media Team Chairman of the group, Comrade Tijani Oluwadamilare, said members of the group as well as other participants

remained undaunted and were rearing to go simply because of the faith and love they had for the person of Tinubu.

Tijani pointed out that the group had chosen to organise the loyalty walk to show solidarity and support for Tinubu, and to send a message to everyone concerned that never again would Yoruba people stand and watch any of their respected leaders being ridiculed.

Tijani however further restated the group’s earlier stance that the walk is neither a protest nor an attempt to disparage the leadership of APC under any guise, but rather, to “show unwavering honour and respect to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”

He further noted that the walk would take participants through different parts of Ikeja to the final destination at the APC State Secretariat at ACME Road in Ogba area of Ikeja, where a letter would be submitted to the leadership of the party.

“At the APC Secretariat at ACME Road, a letter from the group which will,among other things, state our support for Asiwaju, will be submitted to the leadership of the party,” he noted.

Tijani debunked claims by another group that the walk was being sponsored by the Lagos State government with public fund, maintaining that rather, the group relied on money raised from individuals who had been approached before the event.

“If indeed we are being sponsored with public

fund, would I be worried that less than 24 hours to the event, many things that ought to have been put in place are still not in place?

As I am speaking with you, a lot of things are yet to be put in place as a result of lack of adequate fund, but we remain undaunted,” he stated.

It will be recalled that just a few hours to the commencement of the walk, another group, the Save Lagos Group, had raised the alarm that the walk was being sponsored by the Lagos state government with public fund, while also giving the indication that it would organise a counter walk of its own against the Tinubu Loyalty Walk.

Alliance against South West will fail Speaking with Saturday Tribune on Friday, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, Nati o na l Co o r d i na to r , Committee for Democracy and Rights of the People, said whatever alliance or alignment between the North and the South East against the South West would collapse because, as he put it, most of the political players in the North did not believe in righteousness.

He also said any attempt to rubbish the South West in the alignment would collapse like a pack of cards, noting that “whoever seeks to underestimate the Yoruba race would be doing so at his or her detriment. If they think they can underestimate the Yoruba race, they are joking.

“Yoruba elevated former President Goodluck Jona-

than to become the president but when he started behaving funny, where did he end up? He saw the consequences. Those who ventured into attempting to rubbish the Yoruba lost out completely.

If anybody now thinks in the same direction, they will also disgrace themselves at the end of the day. No region can entirely be on its own without the Yoruba. No region can dare it”.

Speaking further, Amitolu said the ruling party in the country would collapse because “the present leadership of the party is not honest at all.

The APC leadership is naïve to the extent of supporting charlatans to destroy their home.

“Those who made election easy for Buhari in the South West in 2015 have been short-changed and the virus is spreading fast. The problem of the North is that they don’t consider national interest. Having lost power several years ago, they now see in the Buhari administration an opportunity to come into reckoning. No matter the marriage you have with them, such cannot last because they don’t believe in righteousness.

“I am not speaking for anybody and I am not in the Tinubu camp but the treatment meted out to Tinubu is very embarrassing.

When you were struggling for power, you were able to mingle with them, but suddenly when you came to power, you discovered that your friends are not good and you want to isolate yourself from them.

Why can’t you isolate yourself from them from the onset?’, he asked.

$29.96b loan: Fayose wants senate to stop FG ‘Buhari’s govt plunged Nigeria into depression’ Sam Nwaoko - Ekiti

EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose , has declared that attempt by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to borrow $29.96 billion to finance the 2016 budget will plunge the nation into depression in no future time, urging the senate and Nigerians to promptly reject the decision.

Fayose, who speculated that the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki’s body language tilts towards supporting President Buhari’s stand on the loan, warned that any attempt to subvert the wishes of Nigeria, who had vehemently rejected the proposition would amount to betrayal of trust.

The governor, who had been a consistent critic of the Buhari’s government also predicted that a great implosion will soon rock the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that would sign a death knell

for the party before the 2019 general elections.

Fayose spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday while delivering a lecture entitled: ‘Journalism: Antidote to Economic Recession’ to mark the 2016 Press Week of the Ekiti Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Fayose, who criticized President Buhari for blaming the past governments for the economic woes despite that he has spent one and half years in the saddle, said borrowing of such huge amount of loan from the international market would push the economy from the present recession to depression level.

“The current situation whereby the federal government is running after perceived opposition suggests that of a man that is interested in pursuing re-election rather than solving economic problems.

“A situation whereby gov-

ernment is borrowing far and above its external reserves means that the 2016 budget will not be implementable because about 30 per cent will be used to service external debt and if this happens, then our economy will go into depression in 2017.

“At the departure of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government, a dollar was at the upper limit of N220 and official rate of N190. But today, a dollar is N477 which shows clearly that Buhari’s government has damaged the economy by per cent.

“As we speak now, Nigeria is gradually entering autocracy. Judiciary no longer has courage to defend democracy. The government is clueless about how to solve the economic problem. All they are pursuing is how to demonise opposition. No justice and justice is the bedrock of democracy.

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Saturday Tribune

Dec 3 bye-election: Akinwunmi emerges APC candidate for Ifako-Ijaiye Rep’s seat Bola Badmus - Lagos

Head of Gloworld, Globacom’s state-of-the-art customer service chain, Mr. Babatunde Alimi (middle) welcoming the President of Lagos State Polytechnic Students’ Union, Comrade Lawal Dauda to Globacom during the visit of the newly inaugurated Students’ Union executives to the company’s head office in Lagos on Thursday. With them is the Vice President of the Students’ Union, Comrade Akintona Timilehin.

Robbers invade bank in Ekiti, kill manager, bride-groom-to-be, 2 others Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

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OW fewer than four persons, including a security guard, whose wedding is a few weeks ahead, were killed when armed robbers invaded a branch of a new generation bank in Otun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Sources said among those killed were the Manager and a cashier of the bank, a security man in another nearby bank and a night guard to the town’s palace.

The monarch of the the community, the Oore, Oba Adedapo Popoola, said: “it happened around 6pm on Thursday evening. I was relaxing with my chiefs in front of the palace when we heard what first sounded like some fireworks and we dismissed it as some of the children’s antics as a result of the festive period.

But later we heard heavier and more shocking sounds that resembled gunshots and explosives. That was when we realized it was no child’s play.

“Gunshots and explosives were all over the place and heard from all corners. I couldn’t situate the incident as we ruminated whether it was robbery, Boko Haram’s attack or some kind of war happening. We later learnt that the robbers mounted their men at the four outlets into the town, first was the roundabout at Erinmope Road, second was outside Moba LGA secretariat , third was in front of my palace and the fourth was in front of a technical college outside the town on the way leading to Kwara State.

“The sporadic gunshots and explosives lasted for about an hour before the dust settled. And by that time four innocent lives were lost. The bank manager and cashier, security man at the other bank and my night guard, who had just resumed for night duty and wanted to close the gate.

“I reported the case to the governor and he immediately called me and mobilized the security operatives who promptly followed the governor’s instruction and came around 7pm but the robbers had long left.”

The monarch who said that the incident was the first ever in the town, explained that Otun was prone to such attacks be-

cause it is a border town with Kogi, Osun, and Kwara states.

“The border towns and local government areas should be given very tight security so that such incident would not happen again. Government should put in more effort into seeing to the protection of lives and property,” he said.

A resident of the town “The Oba’s guard killed was shot in his private part. He was about closing the Oba’s gate when one of the robbers rushed towards him and rained bullets on him and dispatched into an early grave. The man who is to get married in two weeks and the Oba’s guard hailed from Mayan outskirts of Otun.

Even police men ran for

their lives. We saw a sergeant with the police who ran far more than every others who scampered for safety during the attack. The one killed in Unity Bank has just two weeks to his wedding. His wife is heavily pregnant. We also learnt that the slain bank manager resumed just 20 minutes when the robbers attacked,” he said.

Confirming the incident, Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Alberto Adeyemi , said that the police had deposited the bodies of the deceased four at Usi morgue at the Usi-Ekiti General Hospital, adding that: “We have commenced investigations into the development and hope that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended.”

Gunmen kidnap Methodist Reverend in Ibadan

By Taiwo Olanrewaju A Methodist minister, The Reverend Dr Biodun Ogunbekun, was on Thursday, kidnapped by five gunmen in Ibadan.

The Reverend Ogunbekun, who was kidnapped at about 7p.m. at his farm at Kufi Area, along OlorundaAba road, was stationed at Methodist Church Nigeria, Akobo-Ojurin, Diocese of Agodi, Ibadan, capital city of Oyo State.

Addressing the Press in Ibadan on Friday, the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt Rev Amos Ajiboye said Rev Ogunbekun went to his farm to pick up something and was about leaving when the gunmen, who were also masked, gained entry into the farm and dragged him

away with them into the bush on foot.

According to Bishop Ajiboye, two of the staff of Rev Ogunbekun were with him at the time of the incident, adding that it was one of the staff members that was opening the gate for their boss to leave when the gunmen swooped on them.

He also explained that the gunmen did not come in a vehicle and did not make away with the minister’s vehicle with number plate OSUN SSU 74 XA. Bishop Ajiboye, however, “on behalf of his Eminence, Dr S.C.K. Uche, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria and his Grace, Most Rev M.K. Stephen, Archbishop of Ibadan, appeal

to the state governor, state commissioner of police, all other security agencies and well meaning Nigerians to please assist in finding the man of God.” The Diocesan Bishop reiterated the prayer of the entire diocese, that God would touch the hearts of the kidnappers to release The Rev Dr Ogunbekun very soon and unhurt.

He also explained to the press that the Police from Akobo-Ojurin station had visited the farm.

Oyo Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Adekunle Ajisebutu, in a telephone discussion, promised to inquire about the case and get back to Saturday Tribune.

He had not done so as of press time on Friday.

AHEAD of December 3, 2016 bye-election to House of Representatives seat for Ifako- Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Honourable Nurudeen Akinwunmi, on Friday, emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after defeating his challenger, Mr Adisa Owolabi in the primary conducted by the party.

Akinwunmi polled 219 votes to defeat Owolabi who scored 166 votes in the exercise conducted by the APC Primary Organising Committee, headed by Mr. Ismail Ahmed It will be recalled that the member representing IfakoIjaiye Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Dr. Elijah Olu Adewale died in Abuja on July 20 and had since been buried.

Announcing the result at the end of the exercise, Ahmed said the winner, Akinwunmi, scored 219 votes, while his challenger, Owolabi, polled, 166 votes, disclosing that a total of 392 delegates were screened for the poll from 11 wards that made up the federal constituency.

He said that the total votes cast were 388 out of which 385 votes were valid, while three votes were void.

While declaring Akinwunmi as winner of the party primary, Ahmed, the chairman of APC Primary Organising Committee, commended the delegates and other stakeholders for their cooperation.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of APC in the constituency, Mr. Akintunde Fadayomi, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, saying that the delegates had, by their conduct, shown that the party was disciplined.

Fadayomi, while adjudging the election as “beautiful,” and applauding both contestants to have worked hard, with a promise to do everything possible to reunite all the would-be aggrieved members, predicted that the APC would have a landslide victory at the bye-election slated for December 3, 2016.

In his remark, a lawmaker representing Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Rasheed Makinde, also said he was impressed by the peaceful conduct of all delegates, urging the loser to take the outcome of the exercise in good faith and the winner to be magnanimous in victory.

The winner, Akinwunmi, told newsmen that he would close ranks with the other contestant and stakeholders to ensure victory at the bye-election.

An official of INEC in the state, Mrs Bose Oluwatomisin said the primary exercise was free and fair, noting that there was internal democracy at play.

“It was free and fair and the atmosphere was peaceful.

There is internal democracy, the election had no rancor, though there is always room for improvement,” she said.

Col Dan-Ali: Oyinlola commiserates with Army, family FORMER Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has commiserated with the nation on the recent death of an army officer and some soldiers fighting the Boko Haram in Borno State.

An armoured Colonel, Mohammed Dan-Ali and six of his men were killed by Boko Haram last week Friday.

They were buried this week in Abuja amidst shock and mourning across the country.

Oyinlola, who retired as a Brigadier-General in the Armoured Corps of the Nigerian army described the death of Dan-Ali and his men as sad, unfortunate and a great loss to the nation.

The retired general while commiserating with the family and friends of the deceased added that with the death, the nation and the Nigerian Army particularly, the armoured corps had lost gems whose sacrifices to the nation would be forever appreciated.

“I commiserate with the president, commander-inchief, the military authorities, officers and men of the Nigerian Army and, in particular, the armoured corps on this unfortunate event. I also send my condolences to the wife and children of the late colonel and his father, General Dan-Ali. God will console them. It is my prayer that God almighty will grant the dead eternal peace. I also pray that God grant the nation total victory over terrorism so that all officers and men who have paid the supreme sacrifice since these operations started would not have died in vain,” Prince Oyinlola said.

7

news

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Abia police warns against inflammatory statements Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia FOLLOWING the political crisis that trailed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmanship primaries in Abia State, the state police command, on Friday, warned politicians against making inflammatory statement.

The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyabade who stated this in Umuahia, said his attention had been drawn against unnecessary comments made by few politicians as the party’s primaries progresses.

According to Oyabade, it was embarrassing for politicians trying to create problems to undermine the state government’s intension to organise a free, fair and credible local government election in the state.

The Commissioner of Police enjoined politicians to play the game according to rules and regulations, adding that the police was on red alert to checkmate individual and groups who may wish to hide under the guise of politics to cause mayhem in the state.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State acknowledging cheers from a crowd in Akure, following the Court of Appeal ruling in favour of Mr Tayo Jegede (SAN), on Thursday evening.

Ondo: Citizens celebrate with Mimiko over Jegede’s Appeal Court reprieve

T

HERE have been wild jubilation across Ondo State since the Court of Appeal granted Eyitayo Jegede SAN, leave to appeal the ruling that warranted the substitution of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list of candidates for the state’s governorship election billed for the 26th of this month.

Ondo City, Igbokoda, Okitipupa and Owo on Friday witnessed their own share of the jubilation which had earlier been witnessed in the capital, Akure and Ikare on Thursday evening, following the favourable court rulings.

The State’s Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko was in Ikare , in the North Senatorial District of the state where he had gone to flag off a 4.7km road project when the Appeal Court siting in Abuja gave the ruling.

The town immediately erupted in jubilation with the same scene recorded in the Akure, simultaneously.

Akure was still agog when Governor Mimiko arrived the already crowded streets and he was instantly besieged by the people singing victory songs, while he had to join them to move round the town, thanking the people for their patience since the PDP candidacy imbroglio started.

From Jegede’s campaign office down to the popular Oba Adesida Road in Akure, the people trooped out enmasse to congratulate the governor and his team with the shout of ‘PDP! Power!

Iroko! Gbasibe’ renting the air.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, an elated Mimiko commended the people for their loyalty and thanked

God for the ruling.

He charged the people to continue with their houseto-house campaign to win many more people to support Jegede’s ambition.

Mimiko, who enjoined those who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to go and collect them during the weekend, noted that the fight would be won with votes.

He assured the enthusiastic crowd that Eyitayo Jegede’s project is God’s own project that would be completed by God Himself.

It was a carnival-like setting in Okitipupa, on

Friday, where the state government flagged off the second phase of the free food distribution under its palliative programme.

The food distribution team, which arrived Okitipua as early as 9.00am, could not settle down to work as the entire South Senatorial town was agog with jubilation over the ruling.

Different groups had, as early as 8.00am, trooped to the streets in celebration of the ruling which they described as a deserved justice served to the PDP candidate.

The same scenario played out in Owo, Ondo City and Igbokoda where different groups trooped to the streets in jubilation over the ruling.

The campaign office of Eyitayo Jegede at Ijapo in Akure witnessed heavy human traffic since the ruling from the Special Appeal Court from Abuja.

The Appeal Court, apart from dismissing the appeal filed by Biyi Poroye and Jimoh Ibrahim to disband itself, also granted Eyitayo Jegede SAN the right to appeal the Okon Abang’s ruling.

I’ll make OSUTECH an institution of first choice, revive Agagu’s legacies, says Akeredolu THE candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has promised to transform the state University of Technology at Okitipupa (OSUTECH) from what he termed “glorifying secondary school” to an institution of first choice.

He also promised that, if voted into power, all the legacies of the immediate past governor of the state, late Dr Olusegun Agagu which he alleged that the outgoing Mimiko-led administration has abandoned, shall be revived.

Akeredolu, who spoke on Friday at Igbotako when his campaign team visited the palace of the Rebuja of Osoro land, Oba (Dr) Gbadebo Rebuja, said it was unfortunate that, eight years after OSUTECH was established, the institution was yet to produce a graduate.

Akeredolu also vowed to revive the dreams of Agagu for Olokola Free Trade Zone, regretting that despite its at-

tendant benefit to the state, the Mimiko administration allowed the OKLNG at Olokola to be relocated to Epe in Lagos State.

“The incumbent governor, my friend, Mimiko, claimed to be the closest governor to former President Goodluck Jonathan yet, under his watch, the Federal Government and Alhaji Aliko Dangote relocated the Olokola Liquefied and Natural Gas Project sited at Olokola to Epe, Lagos.

“I have studied extensively, the policy paper of Olokola Free Trade Zone. I must confess that I envy those who formulated the concept. If the blueprint of Olokola had been aggressively implemented, poverty would have been a history in Ondo State, today.

“It is now almost nine years that the University of Technology at Okitipupa was founded by our big brother, late Agagu, but the institution has not produced a graduate. This is unfortunate and sad. I will correct this injustice when we get there. OSUTECH

will become an institution of first choice within two years when will get to office.”

He said.

Akeredolu also said he has gathered together a consortium of experts and foreign investors that would establish a Coastal Sea Port in Ilaje/Ese Odo council areas of the state which it is targeted at boosting the economy of the state.

“Today, Lagos and Port Harcourt Sea Ports are overloaded. They are now congested. We will engage in Public Private Partnership to establish a coastal sea port in Ilaje/Ese Odo council areas which will turn around the economy of this senatorial district and the state in general.

Oba Bajowa, while responding, described Akeredolu as an encyclopaedia of knowledge. The paramount ruler of Osoro land said a character like Akeredolu is needed in power.

He prayed to God to grant Akeredolu and his running mate, Agboola Ajayi, their hearts desires.

Ogun govt warns against indiscriminate packing THE Ogun State chairman, Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB), Alhaji Ayo Ogunsolu, has cautioned motorists and transport unions in the state to desist from parking indiscriminately on the roads, as the act disrupts free flow of traffic and endangers human lives.

Alhaji Ogunsolu made this known in Abeokuta while addressing motorists on the importance of obeying traffic rules and regulations, advising them to make use of the designated parking spaces provided along the roads to ensure sanity.

Ogunsolu, in a statement issued by his press officer, Mrs Folake Ade-Adeniji, on Friday, noted that the present administration would leave no stone unturned at ensuring that road transport remained the best in terms of safety and compliance to traffic regulations, explaining that government had adopted an efficient transport management for safe motoring.

The PAGADEB boss identified AMORAN, TORAN, TWORA, NURTW, RETEAN, UTQUEN as some of the unions recognised by the state government, cautioning people to be wary of some illegal groups parading themselves as officers of the approved unions.

“It’s imperative to caution the general public against boarding motors on obstructions and on the road sides as it pose more dangers to their lives. They need to patronise garages approved by the state government so as to ensure safety of their lives and properties,” Ogunsolu said.

TASCE gets new Provost THE Ogun State government has appointed Dr Adeola Kiadese as the new Provost of Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Ijebu Ode, with effect from September 1, 2016.

Born over four decades ago, Kiadese, a native of Ifo, in Ogun State, had his elementary education at Holy Trinity Primary School, Lagos and Sonmori Comprehensive High School, Lagos, before he proceeded to Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin for his Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) with Distinction Classification in 1996.

He obtained Bachelor of Science (Ed.) in Business Administration (Second Class Upper Division) from Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye, Ogun State in 1999.

He did his Master’s Degree programme in Business Education at the University of Benin and Doctorate degree in Business Education from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Anambra State, respectively between 2005 and 2012.

As a trained and profes-

sional educator, Dr Kiadese taught briefly at Igangan High School, Igangan in 2000 as a class teacher before he became a lecturer at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, from 2002 to 2008.

He was a research fellow at the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council from 2008 to 2009 before he left for Adeyemi College of Education, Oyo, where he was a senior lecturer from 2009 to 2015. He was an adjunct lecturer at University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, from 2013 to 2016 till his appointment as senior lecturer in the same university.

8

newsfeature

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Village boys arrested for stealing 30 human skulls Sold skulls with identified owners for N30,000; unidentified ones, N20,000

One of the graves from which skulls were stolen.

The Ojikan shrine.

By Tunde Ogunesan

U

NTIL recently, precisely Monday, November 7, residents of Arikuyeri village, in Iyana-Offa, Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, believed that the caving in of many graves around was as a result of ageing of the burial places. Their belief was hinged on the notion that graves become sunken at some point, when the body of the dead is done decomposing and then gives way to the bones. But they were wrong. Something sinister was really going on.

A gang of human skull thieves had actually been at work.

They had been roaming the village and exhuming “biscuits,” as skulls are referred to in their secret parlance. In the night, the elements had always dug the graves for skulls, fresh or stale.

Saturday Tribune gathered that inhabitants became agitated after their attention was drawn to a disturbing increase in the number of concave-looking graves across the village. The development soon became the only subject in the village.

Arikuyeri was not the only one affected by this rather strange occurrence; two other villages, Alfa and Aba Loke, were also being visited by these traders in human remains. A tour of the affected villages by Saturday Tribune, which spanned over 120 minutes, showed that over 25 graves, including ones located in thick bushes, had been visited by the elements whose identities were soon to be revealed.

One of the leaders in Arikuyeri village, Pa Muniru Sangotunde, otherwise called Baba Oba in the village, said: “We began to notice holes on many graves in the community. At first, we thought the holes were caused by nature because of our environment but we were proved wrong as holes continued appearing on more graves. Disturbed by the development, we debated the development and discovered that the holes were not appearing naturally; that something sinister was happening.

“At that point, we summoned a meeting with our village head, Chief Bashiru Gbolagade Kilade. After the deliberation, we moved out to check round the villages to either confirm or disprove the insinuation. Our worst fear was soon confirmed. I can tell you that for the over 75 years that I have lived in Arikuyeri village, we have never seen this kind of thing.

“With the new reality, we knew there is danger in the land.

As a community, nobody has the special power to stop this ugly act but we cannot fold our arms and let things go from bad to worse. So, we went traditional and resorted to the use of our ancestral justice system, which is only administered at the Ojikan shrine.

“One thing was sure: although we had yet to know the culprits, they or their accomplices were living with us in the village.

“With the consent of the Baale (the village head) and the agreement of everyone in the village, we decided to swear by the Ojikan water. Everybody drank from the water. Those who refused to drink because of their religions, I mean, Christians and Muslims, we sprinkled the water on them. This is because at that point, nobody could be regarded as innocent; everyone was a suspect. So, nobody was left out. You must take a sip insofar as you live in this village.”

A grave that has had the entire corpse stolen.

The efficacy of the Ojikan water was soon proven. According to Pa Sangotunde, three hours after the swearing, there began confessions that stunned the entire villagers.

The ringleader turned out to be a known face in the community. Someone standing close to a young man in his 20’s, Rilwan (surname withheld), noticed that he had lost his composure. Soon, Rilwan could not hold back any longer; he had an uncontrollable urge to say something.

And then he began his confession. He mentioned the names of his accomplices and told chilling stories of their brash adventure.

What followed was a discovery that over 30 skulls – and in some cases the entire corpse – had been exhumed illegally from various tombs in the three villages.

Pa Sangotunde, who conducted our correspondent round the three villages with Mr Ismaila Salaudeen from Alfa village, said further that Rilwan mentioned one Adeaga as their middleman who brought ‘business’ and linked them up with the buyers. “When Rilwan began to mention names, we couldn’t believe it. He told us he was not alone in the business. He mentioned Sule, Muideen, Ibrahim and the Baba Isegun of Arikuyeri.”

According to Pa Sangotunde, the community began to witness ungodly acts in 2012. In that year, he said a gang, in broad daylight, attacked an unidentified woman walking

Rilwan confessed that they sold the skulls for between N30,000 and N20,000. He said skulls whose owners’ names were known were the ones that went for N30,000 while those with unknown owners were offered for N20,000.

across the village and then cut off her head.

“Sometime in 2012, one woman was attacked in broad daylight. She had her head cut off and then dangling on her chest. The troublemakers escaped. Another disturbing thing was that they eventually removed the woman’s head after she had been buried,” he said.

Sangotunde said that the suspects in the latest incident were natives of Arikuyeri village. He noted that all those who had been identified so far were considered to be hard-working, causing everyone to wonder why they took to such a devilish trade.

“Rilwan confessed that they sold the skulls for between N30,000 and N20,000. He said skulls whose owners’ names were known were the ones that went for N30,000 while those with unknown owners were offered for N20,000. From our investigations, we discovered that they knew most of these people before they died and in some cases, they got names from loose talks in the compounds. Some graves already have the names of the deceased inscribed on them.

“What was most surprising to us was that these suspects are hard-working people in the village. Some of them are okada riders, bricklayers, farmers and even well diggers. It is only God that knows why they are involved in the act. They have removed skulls of people who had died since as far back as 1958. And they don’t mind the recently buried ones which ooze out putrid smells.

“In fact, there was someone named Dauda. They made away with his whole body, leaving an empty tomb. We have lost our peace in this village. Our people can just not imagine themselves dead and buried only to have their heads severed and stolen,” he added.

Corroborating Pa Sangotunde’s claim, the Baale of Alfa village, one of the affected three villages, Chief Muraina Opebi, said residents of the village remained traumatised by the strange development.

“When we first noticed the holes on the tombs, we covered them with sand without telling one another. Our thought was that the tombs were merely sunken. But when the sight became commonplace and somebody raised the alarm, we knew there was a problem.

“From our checks, we found that some tombs had been marked for ‘operation’. You will notice that some graves that they have not dug had machete marks at the top”, Chief Opebi said.

When contacted, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the development, saying that six people had been arrested.

“Some people were involved in the exhumation of over 12 corpses around Iyana-Offa, Lagelu Local Government Area.

Six suspects were apprehended by the divisional office of the state police command and have been taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Iyaganku.

“The Commissioner of Police, Sam Adegbuyi, has directed the CID Iyaganku to take over the case and ensure proper investigation,” Ajisebutu said.

xquisite

9

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Editor Tayo Gesinde 08054727801 temiligali03@yahoo.com

Food & Drink —12

‘How I give local dishes a luxury look’

style —10 & 31

Mrs Trump triumphs is style

You need family, friends to build career

—Amina Oyagbola, HR Executive MTN Foundation and founder, Women in Successful Career

Crew

Blessing Gbarada Kate Ani Oyeyemi Okunlade

in Business Administration ), Masters’ degree (LL.M) from Cambridge and Masters’ Degree (ABU rsity Unive Bello adu Ahm from LL.B an has bola Oyag a Amin organisations like United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Shell Petroleum rate corpo many in ed work has She ol.

Scho nt geme Mana (MBA), from Lancaster University Executive.

Services Executive of MTN Foundation and Human Resource orate Corp as ed work she e wher MTN, g joinin e befor ) (SPDC Development Company See pg29 ssful Career (WISCAR) speaks on her success story.

In this interview by TAYO GESINDE, the founder of Women In Succe

10

xquisite

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

style

31

With Kate Ani 08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

Mrs Trump

Attention! Attention!! Attention!!!

Do you own a boutique? Are you a fashion designer, jewellery store owner, make-up/hair expert or spa treatment specialist? This notice is for you! You can now reach more prospective clients across the nation by advertising your goods and services on our STYLE page at a very affordable rate.

For more information, call Tayo Gesinde on 08054727801 or Kate Ani on 08071080888.

triumphs in

style

Cuppy Otedola Zoe Chinaka

The‘kunto’styleladiesareobssesingon

W

ATCHING the television during the United States of America presidential election night, as the First Lady-in-waiting, Melania Trump, made her way to the stage at the Hilton Midtown, where she wowed the crowd while wearing a white Ralph Lauren silk one-shoulder neckline jumpsuit and which costs $4,000 — about N12.6 million, there was no doubt that Mrs Trump would take many fashion figures breaths away when she resumes her duty as the First Lady.

A Google search on her style history

revealed top Italian designed styles, boobs and thigh-high revealing ensembles and over-the-top fashion choices.

This translates that Melania won’t likely dress like the traditionally laid-back and conservative styles that characterize the style choices of the previous First Ladies of America.

The 46-year-old Slovene-American former model shook the fashion world recently with her style choices, as she wore a Gucci blouse, called “pussy bow,” to the second presidential debate.

Check out the picture gallery of her notable stylish moments.

Agatha Ashi

Josephine Benson Toke Makinwa

THIS style is flattering and can instantly make a plus-sized and stomp- looking lady to appear taller and slimmer. Why? When you show more neckline in your outfit, it makes your neck longer seem, which in turn makes you look taller. That same illusion of elongation also makes you appear slimmer.

The kunto style is a daring cut that can make a lady feel younger and sexier, if done right. However, a spotless and stretch markfree cleavage and chest are the important

things to consider in order to pull off this bomb style.

Because of how daring and dangerously low the Kunto cut is, to avoid an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction, wear a camisole or bandeau bra underneath.

Ladies with small busts will have an easier time rocking this look as the garment will lay flatter against the skin, avoiding any unwanted movements that could cause an embarrassing flash.

11 healthandfitness Bleeding after sex

PLEASE, what can make my fiancée discharge blood each time we have sex? She was not menstruating at those periods. Kindly tell me the causes and solutions.

Adeleke (by SMS) Bleeding after sex can be due to many reasons ranging from an infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia, damage to the vagina, such as tears caused by childbirth, or

Dr. Wale Okediran

by dryness or friction during sex. It can also be caused by cervical or endometrial polyps (benign or non-cancerous growths in the womb or the lining of the cervix) In rare instances, bleeding after sex can be a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer. In view of the above, it is important for your fiancée to see her doctor who will recommend some tests or examinations with which the actual diagnosis and treatment can be made.

Is it safe to donate my sperm?

I am a recently married 25-year-old lady. My problem is that my husband snores so badly that I find it difficult to sleep at night. This makes me wake up the following day with headache. The problem is affecting our marriage as I now sleep in the spare room for a good night’s sleep. Please help me.

Nkechi (by SMS)

I recently stumbled on a paper calling for people to donate their sperm to the Sperm Bank of a Teaching Hospital. I was told that the sperm is needed to help infertile couples to have children. Although I am ready to help people who cannot conceive, my problem is that I am afraid in case my sperm is used for juju or something that will affect me in future.

Badmus (by SMS)

to avoid alcohol, smoking and certain medications such as tranquilizers. In addition, if he has blocked airways or stuffy nose, he will benefit greatly from a visit to the doctor. Finally, sleeping flat on his back will allow the flesh of his throat to relax and stop blocking the airway.

As you rightly mentioned, sperm donation can go a long way in helping childless couples have their own children. When done through the right channel such as a Teaching Hospital, sperm donation is harmless and very safe.

Also, for your protection, the donation will be done anonymously and all information about you will be kept secret.

Noise from my right ear MY right ear is making noise.

At times, it itches me. I usually notice the sound especially when I am in a lonely room.

Please tell me the drug to use for the ear problem.

Charles (by SMS)

to vibrate. Snoring can be worsened by overweight, Nasal and sinus problems, alcohol, smoking, medications and wrong sleeping posture. If your husband is overweight, exercising and losing weight can sometimes be all it takes to end his snoring. It is equally advisable for him

waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

08055069356 (sms only)

My husband’s snoring problem

Snoring happens when you can’t move air freely through your nose and throat during sleep. This makes the surrounding tissues vibrate, which produces the familiar snoring sound. People who snore often have too much throat and nasal tissue or “floppy” tissue that is more prone

Saturday Tribune

12 November, 2016

Noise in the ear is called Tinnitus. It is not an illness itself but a symptom of other conditions, such as hearing loss, ear infection, ear wax build up, loud noise exposure, ear trauma, certain medications, brain tumours among other causes. The main symptom of tinnitus is hearing sound in your ears that is not due to an external source that no one around you can hear. Because tinnitus is due to other conditions that may require medical

treatment, your condition should be evaluated by a doctor, especially since your tinnitus is only on one side.

There is currently no cure for most cases of tinnitus. Symptoms of tinnitus may come

and go over time, and if you have had tinnitus it’s likely it will recur. While it may be annoying, most people can learn to cope with it. Stress, diet, and noise exposure may worsen symptoms.

MY fingers are always shaking and I am just in my 30s. Please let me know what I should do about it.

Chukuemeka (by SMS)

by metabolic problems and toxins (such as alcohol) that affect the brain and nervous system. Shaking fingers and tremor can also be a side effect of medications, anxiety, drug abuse, fatigue, low blood sugar and in rare cases, brain tumour. From the above, it will be a good idea if you can check if you practice any habit that could contribute to your ailment.

If not, a proper medical examination will help clarify the situation.

My shaking fingers

Your ‘shaking fingers’ is due to hand tremor. A tremor is an unintentional rhythmic movement of any part of the body. Tremors are usually caused by problems with areas of the brain that control movements. Neurological problems can cause tremors, but they can also be caused

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12

12 November, 2016

BLESSING GBARADA

MUM&CHILD

ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

By Blessing Gbarada

F

OR some women, the pregnancy period can feel like a full-time job. What with the discomforts and symptoms that could be as mild as nausea to as severe as headaches, backaches and vomiting. With many more women taking up full time career jobs, the pressure can seem to be overwhelming especially in work environments where the woman is expected not to slack in her responsibilities and productivity level regardless of her state. In Nigeria where the provisions on maternity protection in the Labour Act are grossly inadequate and do not sufficiently cater for the needs of working women, women are vulnerable to discriminatory actions by employers where they are continually displaced or dismissed from their places of work due to pregnancies, childbirth and other related issues.

Regardless of this shortfall, the pregnant employee can strive to get the best of both worlds by being adequately informed and prepared.

What to expect at work Dr Olumide Ajayi an obstetrician/gynaecologist points out some symptoms the pregnant employee would have to deal with at work. “Though being pregnant does not mean a woman is ill and incapacitated, the pregnant employee should not force and overburden herself in a bid to be supermom and employee of the year at the same time. She needs to listen to her body which is doing a lot of work in growing and carrying life. There are ways she can get around to still being productive; it takes a bit of planning.

“Fatigue: Your biggest challenge will probably be fighting tiredness especially during the first and late third trimesters.

You can handle this by using part of your lunch break to nap in your car or office. Try to take short walks, even if it’s just around the office. Be physically active; stand up and stretch every couple of hours to relieve aches and stiffness. Ensure you eat foods rich in iron and protein such as red meat, poultry, seafood, leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified whole-grain cereal and beans as fatigue can be a symptom of iron deficiency anaemia.

“Frequent restroom visits: Frequent urination is expected during pregnancy, especially at the third trimester when the weight of the uterus (womb) puts pressure on the bladder. It is natural and expected.

Pregnant women should not reduce the intake of water because they want to limit bathroom visits. Your body and baby need water. Also, dehydration can increase the risk of contracting a urinary tract infection.

There’s no way around this, but the woman should ensure proper hygiene when cleaning up. Ensure that the bladder empties completely and keep the genital area dry to prevent infections.”

“Morning sickness: Although it is called morning sickness, the feeling of nausea and sometimes actual vomiting can hit you at any time in the day. You need to study your body and discover what triggers the feeling of nausea. For some, the aroma of certain foods can set it off. To handle this, first of all keep snacks in your desk and munch on them throughout the day as having an empty stomach can make nausea

Dealing with pregnancy at work

•

•

• worse. Crackers and other bland foods help when you feel nauseated. Ginger has been proven to help with nausea and vomiting.

It would help to keep a change of clothing, wet wipes and mouthwash with you in case of accidental vomiting.

“Back pain: Several factors associated with pregnancy can cause back pain.

Postural changes, weight gain, hormonal changes can contribute to back pain. Also, emotional stress can cause tension in the back muscles. While at work, the pain can be alleviated by improving your posture especially while sitting. Slouching strains the spine, so when sitting at a desk, you can place a rolled-up towel behind your back for support, keep your feet elevated on a stack of books or stool and sit up straight, with your shoulders back. As much as women like to look stylish, high-heeled shoes should be given up for the time being.”

Safety precautions for pregnant women in the workplace Exposure to reproductive hazards in the workplace is an increasing health concern as some hazards can affect pregnancy at the very early stage or even before conception. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, reproductive hazards are substances or agents that may affect the reproductive health of women or men or the ability of couples to have healthy children. These hazards may cause

Saturday Tribune

problems such as infertility, miscarriage, birth defects and developmental disorders in children.

Mr Anthony Udechukwu, a health and safety professional said, pregnant employees need to be careful of the following activities while at work: • Lifting or carrying heavy loads • Standing or sitting for long periods • Exposure to toxic chemical substances including mercury, anti-cancer drugs, carbon monoxide and substances which cause cancer • Exposure to biological agents including viruses, bacteria etc.

• long working hours • Ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation • Excessive noise • Heavy vibrations, such as from large machines • Extreme temperatures —cold and heat With your boss, decide if you need to take special precautions or modify your work duties during your pregnancy.

Get the best for you and your pregnancy while at work Experts recommend the following to help the pregnant employee through the process: • Take breaks. If you’ve been standing, put your feet up or walk around. Moving the muscles helps push fluid out of the feet and legs and back up to the heart

•

•

•

• •

to be re-circulated.

• Keep moving. Stand up and walk around every two hours. This will relieve swelling in your feet and ankles, and it should keep you more comfortable. While you’re up, do a few stretching exercises to protect your back.

• Dress comforta b l y .

W e a r c o m fortable s h o e s and loose clothing.

You might also try wearing maternity tights or support hose to prevent or ease swelling and varicose veins.

• Drink a lot of water. Keep a tall glass at your desk or work area and refill it often. This will also give you a chance to take a break and walk to the bathroom.

Don’t skip meals. Eat regular meals and snacks, which can prevent morning sickness and drops in blood sugar.

Choose balanced and nutritious lunches whenever you can. Add fibre to your diet to ease constipation.

Be mindful of repetitive strain injuries.

Pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome because fluid retention can increase pressure inside the carpal tunnel of the wrist and irritate the median nerve. Try to limit repetitive tasks, and make your workstation as comfortable as possible.

Request workplace modifications. If your workstation is starting to cause you pain, ask for an ergonomic evaluation. Don’t hesitate to ask for wrist guards, splints, or other equipment that can prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Reduce stress. If you can’t eliminate a stress factor in your workplace, try to find ways to manage it, such as stretching, doing deep-breathing exercises, or simply taking a short walk.

Rest when you can. The more strenuous your job is, the more you should scale back your physical activity outside of work.

Take time off if needed. If you find yourself feeling extremely fatigued, take an occasional sick day to rest or use an hour or two of vacation time here and there to shorten your workdays. If you’re so tired that you just can’t focus at work, find a private spot or go out to your car and use 15 minutes of your lunch break to take a quick nap.

Don’t overdo it. Refuse offers of overtime, especially if you’re exhausted or if your job requires physical activity.

Accept help. If your co-workers want to baby you a little – and you don’t mind – let them. Consider yourself lucky to be in a supportive workplace. This is a special time in your life, and it would be a shame to have to pretend that nothing has changed every day when you’re at work.

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12 November, 2016

ntertainment News

Society Gist

US election

st i l e g n a v e n I’m now aMAJID —P15 of God —

—P15

key O d n a e b Mercy Aigo host Bon Awards Bakassi t

e d n i h e k E e d a l a J a l o t o Om

d e t c i d e I pr n i w s ’ p Trum ade-Ekehinde l a J a l o t o Om illy politicking in Nigeria.’

‘No time for s

Saturday Tribune with Joan Omionawele and

Newton-Ray Ukwuoma jistwtjoan@yahoo.com Twitter:@joanbajojo 08059793705

Celebrity Interviews

14 entertainment

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

US election: Nigerian female celebrities speak Susan Peters: They didn’t want a woman to lead America They didn’t want a woman to lead. Americans hated Hillary Clinton since her husband’s stuff with Monica Lewinsky. The FBI nailed her coffin at the last minute.

It was all a conspiracy to derail and weaken her possibility of getting the presidency.

Oh well, life goes on; you did your best, but God knows best

Fathia Balogun: I pray everything goes well Chai! I am so sad too, but, it is well sha. l pray everything goes well

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde:

I predicted Trump’s win

I worked late last night and got woken up by a friend who remembered me predicting Trump would win.

Hmm...looking back now, I’m thinking. As Nigerians, we need to wake up. The world is changing drastically, there’s no time for silly politicking, fight for your own country

Mo Abudu: It’s time to rethink IT is rather a sad day for me, with the results of the American elections.

But it’s time to think, reflect and plan. It’s time to make things happen and fix our continent.

There is nowhere to run to anymore; let us read the writing on the wall

Funke Adesiyan: Hillary didn’t win, but won many hearts TODAY you didn’t win an election but you won many hearts. It’s not enough to win an election; it’s everything to win the people. You gave people like me the hope that a woman can be the most powerful person in the world. You aspired and fiercely contested for this belief. Even in the face of imminent defeat, you never lost your cool. Train your girl-child in the right way; she just might rule the world. In a world of Kardashians, be a Hillary

Afro candy: I have hope of being president one day

YOU can laugh at me all you want; when I say I have the hope of becoming the president in the future, believe it or not.

The world has been fucked up by the so-

cial media and Reality TV and anything is possible! So I can continue my naked business and maybe someday...you never know

Kemi Adetiba: Africans need to develop our continent If the elections have shown us anything today, it is that we Africans need to fix our continent. Africans, both in and out, need to focus on the development of Africa.

15 entertainment

12 November, 2016

Mercy Aigbe and Okey Bakassi to host Bon Awards

Yaw, Tana Adelana to host Pearl Look 2016

By Joan Omionawele

O

RGANISERS of the Best of Nollywood Awards are set to do everything to make the 2016 edition a memorable one as they have announced two heavyweights in the industry as hosts for this year’s award.

The CEO of Bon Awards, Mr Seun Oloketuyi, wrote in a statement, “It is with all pleasure that we introduce to you the hosts of this year’s Best of Nollywood Awards which will hold in Abia State on December 10, 2016. This year, we are proud to announce Okey Bakassi and Mercy Aigbe as hosts of the awards.

Elaborating on the choice of the duo, Oloketuyi further wrote “Okey is one of Nigeria’s most prolific comedians and an actor who has carved a niche for himself as a vintage entertainer for over two decades, while Mercy has, over the years,

By Joan Omionawele

built her career as the new darling of the new school Nollywood.

“Bon Awards has eveolved, over the years, into a rallying point for the English and Yoruba genre, attracting notable A-listers in the industry. The organisers are working assiduously to produce an event that Nollywood will be proud of.”

Radiance Launch: Chigurl, Adenike Owolabi share thoughts on women empowerment

Naomi Mac Thrills Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

By Joan Omionawele FAST-RISING star, Naomi Mac was among the distinguished artistes who had the honour to visit Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State at his office, last Saturday, courtesy of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The singer visited the governor, alongside some of the most notable names in the African music industry at large, including renowned saxophonist, Yemi Sax, Gambian singer, Jizzle, highly sought-after Kenyan singer, Avril, Ghanaian Hip-hop group, VVIP and a host of others.

Naomi commenced her performance with her 2015 smash hit, ‘My Heart’, featuring YBNL’s Adekunle Gold, before she went on to perform her latest hit; ‘Ori Mi’, featuring another YBNL act, Pheelz.

The crowd cheered with glee as the singer harnessed her vocal prowess and strength, singing to an enthralled Governor Ambode, the first lady Mrs Bolanle Ambode and the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Oluranti.

POPULAR comedienne and

By Newton-Ray Ukwuoma actress, Chioma Omeruah, professionally known as Chigurl and the wife of the presiding pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of His Glory, Mrs Adenike Owolabi stressed the importance of more women empowerment to nation-building.

The launch, which witnessed a large turn-out of women from all walks of life, was compered by mirthful entertainment personality, Chigurl and featured activities such as music performance, fashion runway, award presentation and guest speeches.

Speaking at the official launch of the fourth edition of Radiance Magazine in Ikeja, Lagos, during the week, Mrs Owolabi, the convener of Inner Beauty Outward Radiance (IBOR) event, enjoined women all over the world to seek ways of more empowerment, rather than to concentrate on outer beauty.

“Enough of the make-ups, no intelligence, no self-esteem”, she said, adding, “We want women to be empowered enough to work out their beauty from the inside. The days are over to have a beautiful face without anything to show for it.

“We form the society. We give birth to presidents; the nation comes from the women. Women need to be empowered so they can do more.

If women are underneath and are feeling oppressed, the society cannot tap from their great potentials. That is why we need more empowerment for women.

“There is more to us than the kitchen and the other room.

We have a womb, a womb of inspiration, of fruitfulness, even our words alone are life.”

Commenting, Chigurl said women around the world

Saturday Tribune

POPULAR on-air personality, Yaw and Nollywood actress, Tana Adelana, have been announced as hosts of the upcoming beauty pageant competition, Pearl Look, holding at the Lagoon Front, Army Officer’s Mess Victoria Island, Lagos, today.

The duo will pilot the affairs of the event, which will see 24 contestants showcase their talents at the grand finale and battle for the grand prize of a trip to Dubai on tour and the opportunity to represent Nigeria in South Africa for the Miss Africa Continent Pageant.

Speaking on the choice of Yaw and Tana as hosts, one of the organisers of the event, Mr Olatokunbo Deji, said, “Both personalities are widely respected for their remarkable inputs

in their professions. They are flawless at what they do. We couldn’t think of other people that exhume such charisma, laced with humility. They are the guys for the job.”

Yaw and Tana Adelana will be joined on stage by some of Nigerian’s finest artistes.

Pearl Look is a competition for young ladies who aspire to be top models with international standard, replete with beauty, poise, character and professionalism. It is owned by international top model, Doyin Haastrup.

Ellyman drops ‘Got the Money’ Mrs. Adenike Owolabi of RCCG House of His Glory, and convener of IBOR 4, fourth left; and attendees at the Launch of Radiance at the Nelos Place, Ikeja.

needed to have a change of orientation about their role in the society.

“It is a man’s world. But at the same time I think women should be given opportunity to prove themselves.I think it is good to be reminded constantly that you are beautiful, that you are important and that you are needed.

“We are the nurturers of the nation. We actually provide the care children need to grow. And when you are empowered, you

function better. Women don’t belong to any other room, but the room they choose to be.

“I want to say to women that you are beautiful, that you are great, that you are a vital part of what makes society great. You are mothers, sisters, friends and necks of your husbands. So hold his neck up high. You are in control”, she said.

I’m now an evangelist of God —MAJID

By Joan Omionawele NOLLYWOOD actor, Majid Michel, has confirmed that he will no longer be seen acting sexually explicit roles as he has become an evangelist of God. The actor, who stunned his fans recently when photos of him healing the sick went viral, said he would continue to feature in bad movies, but promised that he would minimise nudity in his roles.

The Ghanaian actor, in an interview with Hitz FM, said, “You will not see my buttocks, you will not see sexually explicit scenes, you won’t hear bad language, but you will identify things that will propel your spirit to

somewhere great. Basically, we will reduce all the explicit scenes you used to see. I’m going to regulate whatever provokes the emotions of man, be it sexually or any negative way. I won’t stop being bad in movies, but I will regulate the kind of bad scenes you will see.”

By Newton-Ray Ukwuoma NIGERIAN versatile artiste, Elias Sunday Ogbu, also known as Ellyman, has released a new single, ‘Got the Money’ and the official release of the hit track was greeted with fanfare and grandeur.

The song, which may headline his upcoming album, continues to receive massive air plays and comments on social media.

The IMO records signee and Benue State born artiste who has been around the bend for decades now had come to stamp his foot in the industry and he attributed his rising profile to a lot of hard work and patience.

Influenced by his parents, especially his mother who was a chorister in the church and years devoted to listening to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Ellan said he had been able to discover himself as well as sharpen his craft.

He said, “I am a versatile artiste who wants to make a difference in the music industry. I’ve got lots of songs with good lyrics. My team and I are ready to give lovers of good music what they want”.

‘Got the Money’ is his second hit song and it released alongside the official visual shot by celebrity music video director, Unlimited LA

16

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018

Tunde Olaogun opens Royalty Lounge TOP socialite, Tunde Olaogun has added a new line to his business.

The businessman, who is the brains behind the All LASU Awards, has come together with some friends to float a new hospitality haven, Royalty Lounge and Suites in Lagos.

The man disclosed that the need to have a bar, lounge and suite that will match what is obtainable in Victoria Island and other highbrow of Lagos, prompted the decision to open the Royalty Lounge.

The new lounge is in a class of its own with modern facilities in place to compete with others in the hospitality business.

The grand opening of the new lounge was well-attended and sent a signal to revellers on the mainland axis of Lagos about where to be during the celebration time.

TPT wins big at BJAN Awards

T

PT International, a foremost Public Relations Agency in Nigeria, has emerged the most Media

Friendly Public Relations Agency of the Year at the 2016 Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria Awards held in Lagos last

Kuforiji Olubi celebrates low-key 80th birthday THE dame of commerce, Otunba Bola Kuforiji-Olubi surprised many recently by opting for a low-key celebration of her 80th birthday.

The woman, who understands the essence of the social scene even before contemporary celebrities were born, disappointed her friends and admirers, who expected a week-long celebration where the high and mighty would feast

and merry as usual.

The woman of true nobility went against all forms of celebration as she dragged a handful of friends to a thanksgiving service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Yaba, Lagos.

Present at the event were Senator Ben Obi, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Peter Obi, Bola Obasanjo and many others.

week.

The Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (BJAN) is the umbrella body of practicing journalists covering Brands, Public Relation, and Marketing Communication beats in Nigeria.

The award, according to Goddie Ofose, the Chairman of BJAN, is aimed

at rewarding excellence in the fields of public relations, advertising and marketing communication.

Ofose maintained that TPT deserved such honour because it is a Public Relations Agency of repute known for its outstanding media relations strategies and campaign executions.

Frank Okamigbo celebrates with destitutes MAN-ABOUT-town and the strongman behind leisure place in Lagos, Club Papas, Frank Okamigbo has once again played out his usual habit.

He recently staged his birthday party, which he usually celebrates at the Lagos State Home for Destitute, Ebute Metta.

Frank and his birthday mate, DJ Humility, led some of their celebrity friends to the Home where they presented cash and material gifts and also mingled with the inmates who had the best of the occasion.

The party train later moved to the Place by Papas in Lekki, Lagos where a gig was held in Frank’s honour.

Wedding bells for Simisola Idowu THE family of Gbenga Idowu, the National Coordinator of Shareholders United Front recently trooped out to celebrate one of them, Simisola, who married her Naval officer lover, Tobi OluOjo, in a grand ceremony in Lagos.

The couple, who beamed with smiles took their vows before ministers at the Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos with multitude of their friends and families

as witnesses.

Both parents of the couple spared no cost to ensure the wedding ceremony had all the trappings of a real society event.

Guests, who are mostly businessmen and highranking government officials as well as military personnel of the Nigerian Navy where the groom works, were treated to both local and intercontinental dishes with exotic drinks that flowed freely.

17

12 November, 2016

Divorce

Saturday Tribune

Court & Crime

She doesn’t allow me to discipline my children —Husband He treats the children with scorn —Wife

By Oyeyemi Okunlade

He removed my tooth during one of his many fights with me —Wife She wears tight skirts and always disobeys me —Husband

M

R Ademola Odunade, the President of a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved a 12-year-old marriage between one Aishat and her husband, Riliwan Atanda, for blowing off her tooth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Odunade held that it was obvious that there was no more love between Aishat and Riliwan because the duo agreed to part ways and had even stopped living together.

He awarded the custody of their three children to Aishat for proper care.

The court president, however, directed Riliwan to be paying monthly feeding allowance of N10, 000 for the upkeep of the children and be responsible for their education and other welfare needs.

Narrating her ordeal, Aishat told the court that Riliwan blew off one of her teeth during one of his punching encounters with her.

“My Lord, over a period of time, Riliwan has turned me to a punching bag during one of which he broke my front tooth.

“In his usual trouble making mood and

without any offence, Riliwan descended on me that faithful day when we were in Kano State and blew off my front tooth that has left a bitter memory on me till today.

“Sometimes, over minor disagreements that could be easily resolved, he might decide to abscond from home for two or three months leaving the children and I with only N1,500 to manage.

“I moved permanently away from his home this last Id-el- Kabir because he was not ready to make the children and I happy; I have known no peace in his house.

“In fact, neighbours sometimes come a r o u n d to dash us money to feed,” Aishat told the court.

However, Riliwan, who did not

inside

oppose the divorce bid, also did not deny beating his wife.

Riliwan, however, asked the court to see reason why he subjected Aishat to unpleasant experiences.

“Aishat is such a disobedient and wayward wife who does not deserve to be in any marriage.

“Aishat wears tight dresses which I warned her against, but she refused to listen to me and did not obey my instructions.

“Aishat does not respect me in anyway and I told her that she would never gain any favour from me as long as she continues to disrespect me.

“She also works against my interest by forming alliance with my enemies.

“Lastly, Aishat prevented my children from going to the prayer ground with me during the last Muslim festival, she refused to cook for the celebration and moved to my sister’s house who is not in good terms with me, “Riliwan said.

He keeps threatening my life, embarrassing and harassing me —Wife

See pages 18 & 23

‘I caught her on several occasions with different men at different hotels’

A man, who has married his wife for 31 years, has filed a divorce suit against her before an Oja’ba/ Mapo Grade ‘C’ customary court, sitting at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, on account that she doesn’t allow him to discipline his children when it comes to their education and that she has also poisoned their minds against him.

Bayonle Alao, a father of four, while recounting his ordeal before the court, said: “I wish for dissolution of our marriage because my wife denies me opportunity to train my children, especially when it comes to their education. She has poisoned their minds to the extent that at times, they threaten to beat me.

“My first born smokes Indian hemp. There is no more love between us. I’m fed up of her.

That is all I can say,” Bayonle told the court.

While responding to the allegations against her, the defendant, Toyosi, asked her husband, “Did you see Indian hemp with your first born and did you say they have attempted to beat you?” The husband said ‘Yes.” Toyosi also asked, “Do you allow your children to enter your sitting room and are you not used to keeping food to yourself in the house?,” Bolanle said “Yes and no” respectively.

However, the court, also asked the defendant some questions: “Do your children threaten your husband? “No,” Toyosi replied. “What is the academic level of your first born, what is the nature of his work and who bought the instruments he’s working with? “SSS 2, his work is all about building, block making and his father bought the machine for him,” she said.

“Do your children hate him? ‘No.’ “What is the level of his wickedness?” Toyosi said: ‘He used to curse them.”

‘Are you the only wife, when did your husband leave the house?’

‘Yes. He left the house about a month ago,’ she replied. ‘Why?’ Toyosi said “I can’t say.”

The president of the court, Chief Odunade Ademola, adjourned the case till November 29 for further hearing.

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12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

courtandcrime

He keeps threatening my life, embarrassing and harassing me —Wife

‘I caught her on several occasions with different men at different hotels’

A

31-year-old woman, Oluwatoyin Ibikunle, has asked an Agege Customary Court, Lagos State, to dissolve her 14-year-old marriage to her husband, Okiki, citing constant beatings.

Oluwatoyin told the court that Okiki was irresponsible.

“He has turned me into a punching bag, I am no longer interested in the marriage. He keeps threatening my life, embarrassing and harassing me.

“He is so abusive, always raining curses on me and accusing me of having illicit affairs with different men.

“He made the police to arrest and detain me and l slept in their cell for two days before l was released, ” she said.

The mother of four, described her husband as an irresponsible man, who could not cater for her and the children.

Oluwatoyin pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage, saying “I am no longer interested in the union; the love I have for him has faded. “l also want my husband to give me custody of the children for good and proper upbringing.”

Okiki denied the allegations, and said:“my wife is not submissive and she is wayward; she is not a good wife.

“She enjoys doing what l don’t like and has moved out of the house over two years now.

The respondent said that his wife used to be honest, faithful and straightforward, but suddenly changed after he lost his job and she started keeping bad friends.

He further alleged that the petitioner started keeping late nights and receiving strange calls till very late at night.

“I couldn’t talk much because l was not working and couldn’t provide for the house financially,” he said.

The respondent accused the wife of infidelity having caught her on several occasions with different men at different hotels.

He told the court that his wife had on several occasions lied that she was going for parties and left the house for days.

There was a time she went for a party and did not return, claiming she slept over at her sister’s house, which l later discovered were all lies.

He said that he confronted her on a particular day when he saw her with one of her men friend.

She told me to my face not to disturb her, that the man has been of immense help to her.

The respondent told the court that he made efforts to resolve the issues between them, but has always been fruitless.

He said that he later realised that her family were dancing to her tune because she credits her father’s and family’s account with money she gets from her men friends.

He also said his wife did not care about the welfare of the children; all she was good at was her business and to frolic with men.

The petitioner debunked all that the respondent describing them as fabricated stories.

She told the court that she moved out of the house due to constant beatings, during which she sometimes sustain injuries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that during mediation, the children did not want their parents to live separately as this could lead to psychological trauma.

President of the court, Mr Philip Williams, then admonished the estranged couple and told them that they do not love their children.

The court president charged them to be careful, saying, “If care is not taken, you will ruin the lives of these children and turn them to societal nuisance.”

Due to the insistence of the couple to go their separate ways, the case was adjourned to December 1 for judgement.

My wife undermines me, man tells court Help me beg him not to divorce me —Wife A dumb man, Tajudeen Ibrahim, has told an Ilorin Magistrates’ Court in Kwara State that his wife, Sakirat, undermines him and wants to assume the role of the family head.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ibrahim made this known when he testified in his divorce petition against his wife.

He told the court to dissolve his five-year-old marriage to Sakirat for alleged misbehaviour.

The petitioner wrote in a paper that his wife always wanted to assume the role of the family head whenever a decision was to be taken.

“I am tired of her, she collected unnecessary money from me, she locked me outside whenever I am coming back from work.

She is also planning to sell my house.

“Your honour, I want an end to this marriage because this is the second time I wrote petition against her. The first time she promised to change from her misbehaviour, but failed to do so,” he said.

The respondent, Sakirat, who burst into tears in the court, said she still loves her husband and didn’t want to divorce him.

Sakirat said that their marriage was contracted in 2011 and produced a child.

“Please, I didn’t want to be a single mother and I will put a stop to my misbehaviour.

“I agreed that he should marry a second wife, but I am begging him not to divorce me,” she said.

The Magistrate, Mr Abdulquadr Ibrahim, dissolved their marriage and issued a certificate of divorce to the petitioner.

My wife is irresponsible; she wears provocative dresses —Husband I can’t see any good example in him at all —Wife

By Oyeyemi Okunlade

Anything can happen to her if this marriage is not dissolved,man tells court A Grade “C” Customary Court sitting in Iseyin in Iseyin Council Area of Oyo State has dissolved a one-month-old marriage over the wife’s alleged infidelity.

The marriage, which was contracted in October, came to an end when the President of the Court, Chief Adelodun Oyegbenle, pronounced the estranged marriage dissolved.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Amuda Amidu had approached the court to seek dissolution of the union on the ground of infidelity of his wife, Yemisi Amidu.

He said: “I have incontrovertible evidence against Yemisi to establish that she is not deserving of bearing my name or being called my wife.

“I have warned before that if this marriage is not dissolved at the earli-

She left our home without telling me anything —Husband A 33-year-old man, Tajudeen Onikijipa, has urged an Ilorin Area court in Kwara State to dissolve his marriage to his wife, Zainab Bello, for allegedly abandoning their home.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Onikijipa said Zainab left her matrimonial home for the past two years with no idea of where she could be.

He said though the union had not produced any child yet, all his efforts to locate her whereabouts had proved abortive.

The plaintiff begged the court to dissolve the marriage to enable him move on with his life.

Zainab was, however, absent in court.

In his ruling, the Presiding judge, Abdulquadr Ibrahim, adjourned the case till November 23 for a new summon to be issued against the respondent.

est time possible, anything can happen to her, because the more I see her, the more I get angry.

“I should have listened to my family members who advised me against marrying her.”

In his judgement, the court’s president bemoaned Yemisi’s refusal to appear in court despite court summons and tagged it “lack of respect for the court.

“The case involves threats to life and with what we have heard and seen, if this union is not dissolved now, their continuous stay together may lead to death or serious injury.

“I, therefore, hereby pronounce the marriage dissolved.”

I’m always afraid to go home —Husband A husband, Abdulganiy Kehinde, has sought the dissolution of his 15-year-old marriage to Baliqees Abdulganiyu allegedly for unruly behaviour.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the plaintiff told the court that his wife had given him hypertension by her troublesome behaviour.

Abdulganiy said that their marriage was contracted in 2000 and had produced five children.

“I have hypertension because of her. I am always scared whenever I am coming home from work because she always causes trouble.

“My lord, I want an end to this marriage because she does not allow me to rest and I don’t want to die young,” he said.

He urged the court to grant the divorce request as well as award him the custody of the children.

The Presiding Judge, Mr AbdulQuadir Ibrahim, adjourned the case till December 13 for the respondent to enter her defence.

THE Ile Tuntun Customary Court, Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, has finally dissolved the 6-year-old marriage which produced two children, between Abdulsalam Muideen Adubi and his wife, Saudat, when they could not resolve their issues even after adjournment. The plaintiff, Muideen swore to an oath with the holy Quran that the best thing was to divorce his wife because she is irresponsible and loose.

Muideen told the court that the step he just took ought to have been taken about four years go even before his mother died.

“From day one of our marriage, her parents did not accept me as a husband because I was disgraced and even cursed. I left their house weeping.

“My wife is irresponsible; she wears provocative dresses around and which I’ve told her that I’m not comfortable with. Instead of turning a new leave, she said: “I’ve been wearing it before I met you.” She doesn’t take good care of me and also violates my rules and regulations. I don’t have rest of mind at all.

“One day, we were having sex and she said to me: ‘You’re not aware that I have another man with whom I’m having an affair.’

I was taken aback and could not reply. Since she let me into this, she has been threatening to kill herself because she has committed adultery a lot. I reported to her parents but her mother was always on her side. I’m fed up of being her husband. I want to eat the fruit of my labour. I beg the court to allow me have possession of the two children produced by our marriage so that they can enjoy the best of everything in life,”

Muideen declared to the court.

The defendant, Saudat, was also ready to part ways with her husband on grounds that he does not appreciate her as a wife.

She told the court that she has endured many things, yet the husband has decided to pay her back with divorce, saying this shows he doesn’t care about her.

“I was in the secondary school when he impregnated me. He treated me as if I was a slave because of my parents’ reaction to him the day he came to meet them. I never knew that he doesn’t want any progress for me.

“He challenges me that I’m moving with another man but I did not tell my parents about it. He batters me every time. I do not see any good example in him at all. “He told me sometime that he has a daughter who will be living with us. Since the girl has been with us, he has put her above me to the extent that he doesn’t even allow me to carry out my duties as a wife.

“I’ve been tolerating his misdeeds because of my children.

Aside accepting the divorce, I want the court to order that the two children are in my custody for proper care,” Saudat said.

Since efforts to restore peace into their family by the court failed, it is obvious that there is no more love between them and more so, the court cannot force them to live together, the president of the court, Chief Agbaje Henry Olasunkanmi, read his judgement: “The marriage between husband and wife is hereby dissolved and court orders that the children stay with their father while the other stays with their mother. N3,000 is awarded for feeding allowance of the child every month, N12,000 for house rent and N3,000 for packing allowance. There should be no molestation whenever they meet on the way.”

He tortures me with slaps, blows and kicks —Wife She’s adulterous —Husband A Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State has dissolved a four-year-old marriage between a housewife, Riskat and her husband, Saheed Muritala, over consistent threats to her life.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the

He is highly irresponsible, beats me whenever I’m pregnant —wife It’s a lie, I still love her —Husband

A mother of three, Kudirat Ajoke, has pleaded with an Ilorin Area Court to in Kwara State to dissolve her marriage to Baba Mutairu over persistent battering and lack of care.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that according to the petitioner, her husband beats her every time she is pregnant.

“He beats me and forces me to travel whenever I’m pregnant; he also does not allow me to return home until I deliver.

“He is highly irresponsible and was never involved in the maintenance of the house,” she said.

Ajoke urged the court to grant her divorce in order to enable her begin a new life.

In his response, Mutairu objected to the relief being sought by the plaintiff, saying he was still in love with her.

He also denied the allegation of battery and irresponsibility levelled against him by his wife.

Mutairu urged the court to grant him an adjournment to seek settlement with the aggrieved wife.

The presiding judge, AbdulQuadir Ibrahim, adjourned the case till November 30 for report of settlement.

President of the Court, Mr Henry Agbaje, held that the court had fulfilled its obligation of ensuring a peaceful union between the couple, but the duo have resisted the move.

“In the interest of peace and tranquility, the union between Riskat and Saheed has ceased to be, henceforth.

“The custody of the two-and-half-year-old child produced by the union is awarded to the mother, while Saheed shall pay a monthly cost of N5, 000 as feeding allowance.

“He shall also be responsible for the child’s education and other welfare issues,” the arbitrator stated.

Earlier in her petition to the court, Riskat said that Saheed, her husband, had brought agony, sorrow and tribulations on her through constant battery and threatening her life.

“My lord, as a successful Chemist, I often record a large turn-out of customers and this is the basis of my husband’s annoyance.

“He challenges me that I commit adultery with my male customers and as a result, he tortures me with slaps, blows and even kicks.

“In fact, he has now ruined my business because he now sends my customers away. Besides, Saheed lacks the milk of human kindness as he does not even cater for our child, let alone I. “He is making life a thing of difficulty for me, please my lord, safe my life by putting an end to this union with him,” Riskat lamented.

Saheed who did not oppose the divorce suit, however, stated some points for the consideration of the court.

“My lord, Riskat is adulterous, I have caught her on a number of times with different men in positions unexpected of a housewife.

Worst still, her ex-husband is still romancing with her.

“In all these waywardness of hers, Riskat and her elder sister still rain a litany of curses on me for reasons yet unknown to me,” Saheed explained.

23

It is now clearer to me the type of beast he is —Wife Give me another chance to settle our differences —Husband A housewife, Rasheedat Mudashiru, has told an Ilorin Area Court in Kwara State that she eloped with her husband, Taiwo, when her family withheld their consent in the marriage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Rasheedat made this known when she testified in her divorce petition against Taiwo, whom she had cohabited with for seven years.

“My family was not in support of the union from the beginning but I eloped with him till I was pregnant,” she said.

Rasheedat told the court that her husband was fond of beating her despite the fact that he had not paid her bride price.

She said her family ordered her to file the divorce suit when it was evident that the situation was unbearable.

“It is now clearer to me who he is. He beats me at will and there is no rest of mind in the matrimony,” she said.

The petitioner urged the court to grant her divorce because she had been hypertensive.

But, Taiwo, in his response, denied the allegations and confirmed that he had not paid the bride price.

He pledged to do so if given a second chance and urged the court to save the marriage.

“I still love my wife, please grant me adjournment to make a reconciliatory move,” he urged the court.

The Area Court judge, AbdulQuadir Ibrahim, adjourned the case till December 19 for report of settlement or continuation of the case.

She consults spiritualists because of me —Husband He married me by deceit —wife

By Oyeyemi Okunlade A man, Kayode Olanrewaju, has approached an Oja’ba/Mapo Grade ‘C’ Customary Court, sitting at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, to end his 10-year-old marriage to his wife, Abiodun, accusing her of visiting spiritualists because of him and also of stubbornness.

According to Olanrewaju, he married his wife as a virgin and she gave birth to a son, who is now six years old and he’s in her custody.

“My wife is troublesome; she fights me. She is also proud, disrespectful and consults spiritualists because of me. These are the reasons I sent her to her parents since year 2010.

“I’ve been taking care of our child since year 2014 when I took a step to register my child with the Welfare Organisation in order to be taking care of him. I used to pay money for the child’s upkeep through Welfare. I want to take custody of the child in order to give him sound education because my wife doesn’t have time for him. More so, there is no more love between us. I can no longer cope with her. That is all I can say,” Olanrewaju told the court.

The respondent, Abiodun, said: “I admit the claim except that he cannot take custody of the child because he married me with deceit. He told me that he has separated from his wife. Shortly after that, he impregnated me before I discovered that he did not separate from the woman.

“He doesn’t love my family; He cannot have the child because he doesn’t have time. That is the only child I have. He left for London when the child was 41 days old and did not send anything to us. He was the one who took the matter to Welfare board. He told them that he wanted to have access to the child and they told him to be paying N30, 000 every month as he promised them. He sent seven cheques to me through a Welfare officer but I was unable to cash them because I was told there was no money in the account. He did not pay any money between 2013 and 2015.

“I have told them at Welfare that I can’t give him my child because I have no other child and not yet ready to marry another man. The matter is still in Welfare,” Abiodun said.

Having heard from the couple, the case was adjourned till November 7 but both parties were absent from the court. However, the president of the court, Chief Odunade Ademola, has fixed January 19, 2017 for further hearing.

19

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos Editor Lanre Adewole m: 0811 695 4637

Lagos is the proverbial land of milk and honey for countless greener pasture seekers. Diggers look for gold everywhere. Nothing, even blood, is commercially sacred any longer as revealed in this expose by TOLA ADENUBI and SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

T

HE practice of visiting hospitals to make inquiries about blood donation is not common in this clime.

Perhaps most people that have donated blood in the past had been compelled by the pressing need for the life-saving red liquid by a friend or relative.

For many who had engaged in blood donation, the motive had never been economic but charity and lending humanity a hand.

Many people have even made blood dona-

e: olanreade@yahoo.com

Blood banks as gold mines tion in the past without asking for compensation from the hospital or blood bank.

However, the harsh economic realities today in the country are forcing a particular age group of Lagosians to now see blood banks as cash points. For youths (mostly males) in early and mid-20’s, the practice of donating blood in exchange for cash is another way of surviving the ongoing recession.

Blood donation procedure When Saturday Tribune visited the

Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, the heart of Lagos State, it was gathered that the number of young donors had tripled in recent months.

According to a nurse in the hospital, who did not want her name mentioned, many of the youth that throng the hospital for blood donation are turned back because they are not qualified to do so.

“Blood donation here is not something that people just walk in and simply do in ex-

change for money. We don’t encourage such.

Aside from the fact that we don’t encourage such, in rare cases where we have to do it, there are serious tests that must be carried out on the would-be-donor to ascertain their qualification.

“Our worries are the blood banks scattered across the state. These blood banks were allowed to operate because of rare blood types.

Continues on pg22

Reporter’s Diary Katangua: policemen, area boys bleed An encounter with traffic robbers Where drivers through ‘tollgate’ pg22

pg21

20

It was a catch-in-the-act undercover assignment.

Saturday Tribune’s correspondent (names withheld) sneaked into the heart of an extortion ring being coordinated by policemen and street urchins.

L

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

AGOS State is considered by many to be no man’s land. This is because of the influx of ‘foreigners’ who go on to become major forces in the state’s political circle with representatives at both the federal and state assemblies and as well end up controlling the nerve of the state’s commerce.

Doing business, both legal and illegal, has also become an all-comers’ affair, with everyone with influence taking charge in areas where they have leverage and turn such into money-making ventures. Recently, Saturday Tribune discovered one of such locations where street urchins, popularly called area boys and policemen have erected ‘tollgates’ which make them smile to the bank daily.

People living around communities between Katangua at Super Bus Stop, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and Awori Bus Stop are still battling with the trauma of the demolition of their buildings as a result of the bridge being constructed by the state government in the area. However, the construction work has become a goldmine for a new set of ‘officers’ to do ‘business’.

Investigation by Saturday Tribune showed that the construction of the bridge has created an avenue for policemen, hoodlums and even construction workers to make quick money from drivers, both commercial and private.

Between Katangua and Awori, on both sides of the road, which is less than 200 metres, there are over 10 ‘tollgates’ created by the police, social miscreants and some personnel of the construction company working in the area.

A commercial driver who identified himself simply as Tony stated that: “It is a very bad situation. At times you pay twice within 20 metres. The government should dislodge these people from the road.”

He said further that “they take advantage of the constant heavy traffic on the Fagba-Ahmadiyya-Ekoro Road to extort money from drivers. The policemen collect money only from commercial drivers.

“Because of the fact that they collect money from commercial vehicle operators, they turn blind eyes to the activities of the area boys who mount roadblocks to extort money from both private and commercial vehicles”, Tony said.

At one of the checkpoints mounted by some policemen on one of the roads in the Katangua area, the following conversation ensued

Katangua:

Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos

Eko Akete

A klepto in the Assembly?

Where policemen, area boys bleed drivers through ‘tollgate’ What is even funny is that some security men at the construction site also open a portion of the road in the night and use that to collect N50 from drivers.

between a policeman and the driver of a bus carrying this reporter.

Policeman: Park! Park!! Park!!!

Driver: But I settled you when I was going.

Policeman: Me? Driver: No, not you, but I gave it (money) to your colleagues (pointing at three policemen who were standing about 10 metres away).

Policeman: That does not concern me. Park

this vehicle. It seems you want to delay yourself and your passengers.

The driver was only allowed to leave after paying the policeman another N100. Some passengers of the vehicle had prevailed on the driver to ‘settle’ the policemen after it became clear that he would not entertain any excuses.

But the driver was not done yet. He had to hand N50 to a gang of miscreants who blocked

21

the dilapidated road that leads to Super Bus Stop.

A commuter who identified himself simply as Baba Osupa stated that these illegal toll operators made a lot of money from this activity and nothing suggested any accruable revenue to the government from their daily collection.

“In some places like the U-turn at Awori Bus Stop, hoodlums operate only in the evening.

They collect N50 from every vehicle, private or commercial. Thousands of vehicles pass through these places every day.”

The commuter continued that “when you look at the number of places where they collect money and how much they are collecting, you can imagine what these people are making every day. One thing about the hoodlums is that whenever policemen from places other than the

local divisional station come, they run away and return after the policemen have left.”

Awoko, another commercial bus driver, shared a similar experience. He said: “There are different spots of toll collection.

The police collect N100, while the miscreants collect N50. What is even funny is that some security men at the construction site also open a portion of the road in the night

and use that to collect N50 from drivers.”

“The old Abule Egba Junction is where the majority of the construction work is taking place. There is no way a vehicle can be allowed through that path in the afternoon. They move heavy-duty equipment around the area in daytime.

But in the night, some workers at the company usually open some portions and allow vehicles to pass through a one-way route to link U-turn. It is only those who give them N50 that are allowed to pass.

“The pipeline road that links Abeokuta Expressway with Ekoro Road is another spot where policemen collect illegal toll – only in the night.

They allow vehicles coming from the Iyana Ipaja axis to drive through the one-way route as long as you can give them N100. If you refuse to give them money, your vehicle will be impounded for driving against traffic.”

The silent agony of motorists continues with no end in sight.

IT was like a dream during the daytime.

A few days ago, there was an unusual sight in the premises of the Assembly that prides itself as the number one state Assembly in Nigeria. At the security post, a young man driving a cool red car was seen being manhandled by a team of security personnel in broad daylight.

The man was slapped a couple of times and ordered to sit on the bare floor. In another instance, an apparently overzealous police officer was seen attempting to hit the young man with the butt of a rifle.

Eko Akete would later learn that the man had just been arrested for allegedly stealing a laptop which he hid under his car seat. But quite strangely, the laptop reportedly belonged to his friend whose office he just left.

The acclaimed thief, who also works in the Assembly, had acted as if he had come to spend some time with his friend (the laptop owner) whose office was just a stone’s throw away. Once in his friend’s office, the culprit expertly stole his friend’s car keys, took the laptop, hid it under his own car and quietly returned the keys.

However, while doing all this, little did he know that somebody was watching and had alerted the laptop owner who in turn alerted the security officers at the gate.

The thief had aroused suspicion because after his last visit to the same office, a phone was declared missing.

But one of the things that made the whole saga really bizarre is the fact that the guy in question is believed to be well off, able to buy the kind of laptop he stole many times over.

“As a matter of fact, he has a bar that is doing well and he just recently returned from abroad. So, why steal a laptop? I would strongly recommend him for deliverance in a church, because what he did does not look ordinary,” a man who claimed to know the thief well, was heard saying.

Eko Akete later gathered that the thief has “strong connection” in the Assembly. Perhaps this explains why, after being whisked away in police patrol car, he was “released” a few hours later.

22

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

...As youths now smile to the (blood) bank Continued from pg19

The question of whether these blood banks maintain standards in their blood donation process is something we cannot really confirm.

“For intending blood donors, the first test is physical assessment. The intending donor must have eaten breakfast or lunch and must weigh above 55 kilogramme. We also look at the recent drug history of such a person. This is very important because the drug history of the intending donor could make or mar the receiver of the blood.

“Again, we do what is called Packed Cell Volume test which must be greater than 36 percent. The Packed Cell Volume test is to determine if the intending donor has enough blood in his or her system.

“We also examine the body for things like tattoo and body piercing.

Intending donors with tattoo, body piercing, sores, ulcers and rashes are not allowed to donate blood.

“After an intending donor must has scaled these hurdles and donated blood, there are tests that are carried out on the blood. The blood is tested for group, HIV/AIDS, genotype, hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis C antibody and syphilis. There

is the need to conduct these tests because these are transfusion transmissible infections.

“Then, the patient is asked to rest for 15-30 minutes on a couch to avoid dizziness or fainting. I can’t confirm if these procedures are being followed at the blood banks but I know we have turned back many young people for failing to meet the criteria,” the nurse explained.

Blood for money The urge for financial gain has, however, turned many youths to potential blood donors. Many of them besiege blood banks requesting to donate blood for N6,000 or N7,000 a pint.

For Akeem Olayinka, it is another way of making easy money.

“A friend introduced me to this business of blood donation. All you need do is to take enough milk in the weeks preceding your visit to the blood bank,” he said.

Asked why he preferred private blood banks to hospitals, Olayinka said: “At blood banks which are privately managed, the stress and scrutiny are not as much as when you visit these so-

I donate sometimes twice in two weeks and get paid N5000 per pint, meaning I make N10,000 in two weeks. It’s a cheap way of making quick money with the way the economy is now. called big hospitals. Although the blood banks check to be sure that your blood is free of an infection, checks for marks on the body are not always carried out.

“These big hospitals with standard in-house laboratories won’t let you donate blood once they see that you have tattoo on your body. They won’t screen you if they notice body piercing on your body. But at some blood banks, they don’t do such. I really don’t see why tattoos or body piercing on the body should disqualify somebody from donating blood.

What has that got to do with the blood?

“Even though the blood banks don’t pay as high as the standard hospitals, I prefer going to them since their scrutiny is mild, compared to what I would face at the hospitals.”

On the amount paid and how often he goes to donate, he stated that: “I donate sometimes twice in two weeks and get paid N5,000 per pint, meaning I make N10,000 in two weeks. It is a cheap way of making quick money with the way the economy is now.

“I used to work at building sites, carry blocks and cement and get paid about N6,000 daily but since my friend told me about this cheap and easy way of making money, I have not regretted it. It is less demanding and taxing. I don’t have to sweat to make money. All I need to do is to eat and sleep well before going to donate blood.

“It is better to focus on this instead of stealing or engaging in acts that the society frowns at.

Although I hope to stop very soon if I get something better, for the

time being, donating blood is helping me out of financial difficulty.”

Dangerous game But not all quick-money stories run smoothly or end well like Olayinka’s. Some of his friends in the ‘business’ have not been lucky as they have at one time or another faced serious situations. “Some of my friends have fainted after donating blood. It is not as simple as you think. But we thank God it has not got to that extent for me,” he explained.

When asked to facilitate meetings with the ‘unfortunate ones’, Olayinka said they were not available at the moment but he knew enough to tell their stories. “They fainted because they didn’t eat well. You must eat well before going to donate blood. I have never fainted because I eat and rest well before I go for it. But, really, it is God that has been helping me”.

Although he claimed that no death had occurred around him as a result of this act, a commentator said that “only a timely intervention of relevant stakeholders and regulatory institutions could halt this imminent tragedy.”

Reporter’s Diary An encounter with traffic robbers

Tola Adenubi THE rate at which motorists get robbed at night these days while held in gridlocks is alarming.

I was robbed right inside my car. The episode played out in less than 15 minutes without any passers-by noticing what I was going through. The traffic which normally builds up around the tollgate between Lagos and Ogun states has become constant due to the bad state of the roads in that area.

The potholes ensure slow vehicular movement which becomes chaotic when too many cars try to move at the same time. These robbers would have studied this over time to know that they could attack an unsuspecting victim and disappear into thin air in a jiffy without being noticed.

That was my lot when I got trapped in the traffic at the tollgate axis just after Ajegunle Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. This was not my first time of experiencing traffic around this area. Maybe that was partly the reason I was in a relaxed mood without

suspecting something sinister was in the offing.

Four boys suddenly appeared from nowhere, two on either side of my car, with the one at my door side pointing a gun at me. While I was appealing to him not to pull the trigger, the one on the other side of my car had removed my phone from atop the passenger’s seat where I placed it.

The one with the gun demanded for my wallet, which I hurriedly gave to him. Then, they disappeared into thin air. It was around 8 p.m. I did not realise immediately that my phone had also gone with them.

24

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With Aunty Yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

For how long can you stay away from your parents?

2

C

a

r t O O n

1

3 Respondents are pupils of Oluwatoyosi Nursery and Primary school, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State.

4

5

6

7

1. Oluwasemilogo Alase, 8 yrs old, Pry 4 I hardly leave my parents. If I have cause to go away from home, we go together. Although I feel somehow when my friends are sharing their experiences when they go to visit friends or family members, I believe a time is coming when I will also have freedom to stay away from them.

2. Esther Shadrack, 10 yrs old, Pry 4 The only time I’ve been away from parents was in March this year when I travelled to Lagos for my uncle’s wedding. My parents barely give us chance to stay away from home for reasons best known to them. But if I have an opportunity, I can stay away from them up to three weeks.

3. Feyikemi Awe, 8 yrs old, Pry 4 I can’t stay away from my parents for too long because of the care I receive from them. Each time I go on a visit to another place, I usually miss my mum’s delicacies.

4. Oluwaseun Ojo, 9 yrs old, Pry 4 I go on holidays but with my parents who also plan their leave to the time school is on

STORY LESSON OF THE CAMEL A camel lived in a forest. He had a very bad habit of teasing or insulting other animals for their appearance. He would tease the elephant and say, “Oh! How fat and ugly you look. God has given two tails one in the back and one in the front.”

To the rhinoceros, he would comment, “All animals have two horns and you are queer-looking with just one horn on your nose.”

When he would meet the zebra, he would always comment, “Ah! Here you are with crooked black lines all over you. What

is the use of them anyway?”

All the animals felt bad at this.

One day, a frank monkey met the camel and said, “Oh! Mr. Camel! Where are you going with that ug ly hunch on your back?

Look at your long and crooked neck on such a small body. What do you do with such a long neck?”

The camel felt hurt at such words. He learnt a lesson. Now he knew how the others felt at his comments. So he stopped that bad habit from that day.

holiday. During the last vacation, we all travelled to Abuja for one month to visit my grandparents and cousins. I enjoyed tuwo, suya and toy games.

p o

e m

5. Peter Olalere, 7 yrs old, Pry 4 Whenever I feel like visiting friends, cousins and or my grandparents, I ask for my parents’ permission. I’m happy they have not for once denied me. So I stay away from them as long as I wish. However, I miss their pampering each time I’m not at home especially how they call my favourite name.

6. Omolola Olatunde, 9 yrs old, Pry 4 I can’t leave my parents for more than two days. If I do, I will fall ill. From the story my mum told me, it’s been happening since I was a baby. The time my younger brother and I went to stay with my grandparents for about ten days, she came to check on us every day.

7. Daniel Victor, 7 yrs old, Pry 3 I’m used to going out with my parents even to occasions so it’s not easy to stay away from them.

If I’m not around them, it means I went to visit my grandpa whose house is not far from ours.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

25

12 November, 2016

weekend cartoons

Saturday Tribune

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

Just a Laffing Mata

Sege l uu l u a n d t h e r o bbe rs

Segeluulu was on his way back home early one morning when he came across armed robbers.

The robbers got hold of him, but he struggled and struggled with them until he was finally overpowered. The robbers searched and found only N200 on him, and the following dialogue ensued.

Robbers: Is this the N200 you were struggling to keep from us?

Segeluulu: No o, I dey craze ni? I thought you were going to take the N5,000 in my shoe.

The robbers beat him up and quickly made away with the N5,000.

Don’t ask ladies that question

POLITICO

Little Segeluulu asks his mother her age.

She replies, “Segeluulu, don’t ask ladies that question.”

Segeluulu then asks his mother how much she weighs.

Again his mother replies, “Segeluulu, don’t ask ladies that question.”

Segeluulu then asks: “Why did daddy leave you?”

To this, the mother says, “You shouldn’t ask that,” and sends him to his room.

On the way, Segeluulu trips over his mother’s purse, and when he picks it up, her driver’s license falls out.

Segeluulu runs back into the room. “I know all about you now. You are 36 years old, weigh 127 pounds and daddy left you because you got an ‘F’ in sex!”

Th e r ob be r bo y

FUNOLOGY

Segeluulu went to rob a city bank. “Everybody down!”

Segeluulu shouted.

Everyone laid flat on the ground. “Where is the bank manager?” He asked. A young, scared man stood up and said: “Here I am.”

Segeluulu: Open the safe and bring out all the money.

Manager: (stammering) No, I can’t sir.

Segeluulu: What?! Are you crazy? You are lucky I’m with a toy gun, I would have blown your brains off!

Segeluulu is currently receiving treatment at the Kirikiri prison hospital.

At last, Omo Rapala settles his fuji brothers’ fight

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ...But, who’ll now settle the rift between the fight settler and the other king?

CANDID SHOT

Who is frying whom? PHOTO: ADEREMI DAVIES

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12 November, 2016

voxpop

Saturday Tribune

With Kate Ani

08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

Why do you think wayward ladies get married ahead of ‘good’ girls?

Getting married is like a game of chance. The seemingly-wayward strolls to the altar while the pristine is perpetually searching. KATE ANI asks Nigerians why they feel the ‘rotten’ ladies have an edge over their immaculate counterparts as far as marriage is concerned.

Teju Awosusi O be frank, all the wayward ladies I know are married and the good ones can’t even keep a serious relationship, let alone marry. A lady should be decent but add a little bit of rascality. She ought to be street wise and homely at the same time. Bad girls are real, straight forward and sensible, that is why men--even the most religious--wife them up.

T

Yanju Giwa A wayward lady has no type of ‘dream man’. She can marry a player, drunkard, weed smoker, clubber and so many other hard guys. They are the gang she moves with and finds exciting. While a “good” girl on the other hand, would not be compatible with the “jaye jaye” (sociable) type who enjoys his life to the fullest. Such a man would also not date people like her to begin with.

Ruben Kalaa For me, the combination of a good man and a good woman is a recipe for disaster. If I marry a good girl, it will mean no drinking, partying, clubbing, which will lead to an extremely boring life.

Dapo Sanni Wayward ladies are more open-minded and do not pretend. You will notice her true personality at first meeting but the good girls with their pretentious attitudes, will not want you to know their real personality, which, as a guy, you will eventually get to know when she lets her guard down. Going to church is not a guarantee for good attitudes and clubbing is not symbol of bad one too. My experience over time has made this very clear that a lot of persons in our churches are pretenders and deceivers.

Peter Adebola I will rather marry a good lady than a wayward one who has lost count of the number of men she knows.

To be frank, all the wayward ladies I know are married and the good ones can’t even keep a serious relationship, let alone marry.

Attracting a man goes beyond attending church regularly, being anti social, knowing how to cook or being a virgin.

Lade Maxwell It is so because most of these wayward ladies use juju to tie guys down. What guy in his right senses will want to settle down with a loose girl all in the name of sex?

Tochukwu Nnamdi Good ladies are bad in bed but are usually good cooks, while wayward ladies are good in bed but can’t cook decent meals. To make up for this, I want a retired bad girl.

Gboyega Oyeniran Bad ladies are only good for dating; it’s not advisable to bring them home to mama.

Dapo

Olayinka Gabriel It’s because wayward ladies tend to be sharper and are more experienced at getting a man and keeping him interested.

Reuben

Seye Obidipe The so-called wayward ladies are usually free-spirited and find it easy to blend with guys, hence it is easier for them to mix with guys and eventually get married. But most of these good girls are very uptight. They set for themselves unnecessary standards.

Lade

Tochuckwu

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12 November, 2016

The South-West Edited by Kehinde oyetimi | 08074626431

A decade after the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Salaudeen, ascended the throne of his forefathers, the Oke-Ogun community is relishing a peaceful reign. The monarch in a recent interview by TUNDE BUSARI reflects and speaks on why Iseyin is synonymous with Ofi fabrics. Excerpts:

Y

What is the historical connection?

Thank you. Ofi came to Iseyin through the old trans-Saharan trade between Muslims from Mali and Sudan and our forefathers. In other words, Ofi was brought down here by the Muslims and our forefathers embraced it and developed interest in weaving. The rest is history. Muslim dominated quarters like Agbegi, Oke-Ola, Oke-Oja and Ijemba are reputed for weaving. There is no house in these areas you won’t find weavers.

How did you emerge as the Aseyin after your predecessor had joined his ancestors?

My ascension followed natural process as you know in Yorubaland. All I can say is that God almighty chooses kings. My own is not an exception.

This year’s World Tourism Day was dedicated for Ofi fabrics by Oyo State Government. What is your comment on this?

We are very happy that Oyo State Government deemed it fit to bring that celebration to us here. I was particularly happy with what I witnessed. Government showed that our ofi fabrics are important to the economy and need to be further promoted. The exhibition and display of different fabrics were impressive. People came from different places to see what we do here. We want government to develop other sectors of economy to boost its Internally Generated Revenue. It is high time government at all levels diversified their economy to cope with the current distress in oil. We have ofi here, other towns also have one peculiar vocation or the other waiting for promotion and development. Ipapo is known for soap making industry. Okeho, pot; Oyo, dundun and shekere. China is great today because it does not abandon its local industries.

It rather developed them and made them the backbone of world economy.

What were you doing?

We were enjoying ourselves.

Was that in anticipation of the news?

Not really. But we knew God would handle the matter. God would not fail his favoured. I knew I had the favour of God because I had my strong faith in Him and in what He would do. Above all, as the meaning of my religion goes that human beings must submit themselves to the will of Allah. This has always been my guide. I had submitted myself to His will and His will eventually manifested. I will always have cause to glorify Him because He is my creator who created me to this world for a purpose.

When was your coronation day and how did it go?

That was November 27, 2006. The day went well. There was nothing special about the day because I was engrossed in how to make impact n the town. It was memorable but I was not carried away not to see the kind of future I wanted for my town. And I am happy we are moving forward. The town is growing.

Look at the dual carriageway government constructed. Is it not transforming the town?

I give kudos to the government.

More than any other Yoruba town, Iseyin seems to be strongly attached with the weaving of Ofi fabrics. How true or otherwise is my observation?

Your observation is very correct. You are right. There is no other town in Yorubaland that can rival Iseyin in Ofi fabric. It was and still is the mainstay of our economy here apart from farming. Ofi is our industry and we are very proud of it. We are very proud in the sense that people from different places come down here to buy our Ofi fabric to the extent that they call Iseyin the Ofi capital of Nigeria. It is our comparative advantage to borrow economics common phrase.

Can we discuss how Iseyin and Ofi fabric (Aso Oke) became interwoven?

CREW

sari Tunde 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 sout bune@ uthwesttri co.uk or so ail.com gm

I used proceeds from ofi business to finance my education—Aseyin

OU are 10 years on the throne. How has the journey been?

We are where we are today by the special grace of God. God has always been there for me, in terms of administering the town as the traditional ruler. Once one puts God first before one does anything, one should not expect a bad result. I can say that my faith in God has helped me to navigate the terrain.

Where were you when you were declared the new Aseyin?

Incidentally, I was in town hanging out with some family members and friends.

Saturday Tribune

What impact has the tourism day had in your people?

With what the government did for us this year, my people also know that all eyes are on them. They know that they have to double their efforts to meet demand because I am positive that they will start witnessing more patronage. I must tell you that many people have been successful in the trade. Big houses in town were built from proceeds realized from Ofi business. Apprentices come to Iseyin from different places. It is a business that deserves government encouragement to make it stable export product.

Like many Iseyin sons and daughters, did you also pass through ofi fabrics?

As a kid, I was fully involved in weaving. I weaved and sold. It may interest you to know that I trained myself in school from money I

China is great today because it does not abandon its local industries. It rather developed them and made them the backbone of world economy

Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Salaudeen realised from the business. It is not a shame here that we weave ofi to sponsor ourselves to school.

Which schools did you attend?

I started at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ebedi, Iseyin after which I attended Muslim Secondary Modern School.

Later I attended Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin. Before I entered Grammar school, I taught for some time at NUD Primary School as auxiliary teacher. Finally I attended the University of Ibadan where I studied Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1991.

that they have to take their destiny in their hands.

With your upbringing as ofi weaver, what lesson did you learn in those years?

My childhood as regards my involvement in ofi business taught me that I did not need to beg for job in future regardless of my certificate. And to God be the glory, that was what happened. I never applied for a job after I completed my degree. My childhood had taught me to be employer of labour instead of roaming the streets in search of an employer who would not be able to pay for my skill. This should be a lesson to the young ones to think on what to do instead of seeking employment where there is none.

The state of the nation in terms of the current recession is instructive enough to show

Don’t you think government still has the ace to correct this?

Government has the responsibility to reverse it and return sanity to our education system. Government, through the ministry of education should brainstorm and review policies to integrate vocational training in the curriculum. The crash three weeks vocational training at NYSC camp is not enough. It is very disappointing that we produce first class Chemical Engineers who cannot produce ordinary soap for domestic use. Even MBA holders cannot manage a business successfully. That is why they all want to work in a company where the system would shield their inadequacy. It is that bad.

Do you think this generation of students has the same spirit you had?

That exactly is my concern and that should also be government worry too. The generation of graduates we see around are unimpressive. Some of them don’t even know what to do to the extent that I imagine how they gained admission, wrote examinations, passed and graduated. They are empty. All they do is to mime the voice of the white.

Yet they speak very bad English.

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xquisite INTIMACY

O

NE of the greatest perks of getting married is the whole “till death do us part” clause. Having someone who’s always got your back, a partner who’s there to listen, and a friend and lover who will cherish you through sickness and in health — or so you had hoped.

Unfortunately, marriage isn’t that simple, and according to a recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison that was published in the Journal of Psychophysiology, marriage can be one of the largest sources of social stress. When expectations are not met within the union, it can lead to depression, resentment and loneliness.

The study found that feelings of isolation can even creep into marriages where the couples spend a lot of time together. But why?

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

STRICTLY FOR ADULTS

Are you married but lonely?

How marriages become lonely “Sometimes marriages fall into an autopilot pattern,” explains Wendy Walsh, Ph.D., relationship expert and author of The 30Day Love Detox. “Partners no longer court each other or exchange the care that they did in the early days and they become more concerned with selfish interests.”

Other times, one partner in the marriage may be unhappy but unable to communicate that effectively, which can lead to feelings of loneliness too, she said. Spouses who are also parents face an even greater risk of feelings of isolation or abandonment, especially when one parent is playing a role (worker or caregiver) that makes him or her unhappy.

“When children arrive, sometimes couples fall into traditional gender roles or battle about gender roles for the first time,” says Dr. Walsh. “One may feel a need to work more outside the home to provide for the family, another may feel a need to nurture more. This is definitely a time when the battle lines can be drawn. Children put a lot of

that needs to be addressed.

Ask yourself whether it’s about something that’s actually happening in the marriage, recommends Dr. Walsh. “Are you being abandoned or are you perceiving that you’re being abandoned?”

2. Avoid blaming your partner (or yourself).

Wallowing in your own sadness or allowing it to morph into anger won’t solve anything — and it could actually make you feel worse. If your spouse is acting in a way that bothers you, confront him or her with a positive tone and try to express that. Blaming a spouse for working too much, or not paying enough attention to you, or doing anything else that you perceive as “wrong” will only cause him or her to be walled off from you. Approach issues in a constructive, open way.

“It’s never anyone’s fault,” says Dr. Walsh. “It’s better to ask someone to help you process your feelings than to blame them for your feelings.”

stress onto a marriage.”

Tips to address feelings of isolation in your marriage For whatever reason you’re experiencing loneliness in your marriage, Dr. Walsh offers these 3 tips to help you start repairing your relationship.

1. Find the source.

Instead of automatically blaming the marriage or bottling up any negative feelings, take some time to figure out why you feel the way you do. Perhaps the real reason for the feelings of isolation stem from something internal

3. Don’t rely on your spouse for everything — spread your wings.

If you expect your spouse to fill all the roles of best friend, emotional confident, lover, domestic partner, co-parent and your primary intellectual stimulant, you might always feel a little disappointed. Instead of relying on your spouse to fulfill all these needs to the fullest, divide those tasks among a few platonic friends. “This is a way to take some of the pressure off of the marriage and improve self-confidence too,” says Dr. Walsh.

If you can start by identifying why you’re experiencing loneliness, you can move forward to the actions needed to feel better about yourself and your marriage.

Courtesy: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

CONVERSE WITH YEMISI

08055001741 (sms only) yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com

I have a challenge Dear Yemisi, have been reading your answers to questions and I am really impressed because I learn a lot, though I am not married.

I have a challenge as a young lady and I feel you are the best person to help me out.

I am 25 years old. I’m in my first relationship because I didn’t date anyone all through my secondary and university days.

I am a graduate now and working.

I am in a relationship, but I know I am too attached to the guy emotionally. Basically, I am not an emotional person, I handle things the way they come and I always come out strong.

But now, I am so emotionally attached to him that he says it’s too much. I am finding it hard to control my emotions with him and I tend to cry almost every day.

What do you advise I do?

Please, note that I haven’t had sex with him before, but we have done some things close to sex which I am not proud of.

Please, reply ma.

I

Regards.

Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous,

Your decision not to be attached to any man all through your school days is highly appreciated.

Being emotionally attached to a man after your heart is not a sin, but when you have even observed without any prompting from anybody that you are obsessed is the height of it all. There is a saying that too much of anything is bad.

It is natural to feel this way, but you must allow caution to be your watchword.

You cannot but feel this way because you are in the game for the first time. If the guy has even noticed this in you then you must be careful the way you display your emotions to your lover. Falling in love goes beyond explanation, but as a first timer you need not display any form of desperation in wanting to be around the guy all the time.

Give him the space to discover who you really are without much doting on him. If you give him the feeling that without him you are incomplete, he will teach the lesson of a lifetime.

Yes, you are blindly in love, but never close your eyes to what having a partner means in its entirety.

It is impossible to know each other in a jiffy, it takes time for the two of you to actually discover your likes and dislikes. Don’t rush into trouble, this guy might not be ‘he’ for you.

There is a wise saying that ‘what you don’t want to eat, you don’t smell it’. In essence, if you are not

For Him

prepared for sexual relationship, you don’t allow anything near it because before you know what is happening, you would have lost your value. Let integrity be your priority.

You don’t have to keep doing what makes you unhappy. Why must you keep injuring your emotions all in the name of expressing your feelings?

Please, for you not to continue to damage your sense of appreciation .

For Her

Bayode, 38, Ogun State based, likes to meet a decent, career lady for courtship.

Age is no barrier. Call 09028672548.

Jolade, 5.6 feet tall, single parent with a child, needs a serious working class man as husband. Call 09077448086.

Joe, 34, from Lagos State, needs a caring lady aged between 22 and 30 for a relationship. Contact 08184300483.

Eniola, 29, 5.6 feet tall, fair skinned, from Osun State, needs a God-fearing, good looking man aged between 37 and 47 for marriage. Call 08096767255.

Man, 45, evangelist/businessman, slim, needs a pretty, tall, graduate, Christian, working class lady aged 25 to 34 for a relationship. Call 07037749992.

Adeshina, 39, Muslim, single, Lagosbased, needs a lady aged between 24 and 30 for a relationship. Call 08135909085.

Tiwa, 44, single, dark-skinned, plump, Lagos-based, needs a responsible man aged between 50 and 55 for a relationship. Call 08092756967.

Aderemi, 33, needs a caring, working class, God-fearing man aged between 40 and 43 as husband. Call 09057115860.

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12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

You need family, friends to build career Continued from pg9

My journey to the top Indeed nothing good ever comes without a struggle, without difficult choices and without pain. I have had my share of tough calls.

I have had to balance the nurture of a young growing family with the needs of a growing career. I once had to go away for a whole year to refresh my education and reinforce my career prospects. Sometimes the choices were gut wrenching but I have been lucky to have a loving and supportive family. My husband has stepped in whenever I have had challenges and my children have been wonderful through it all. At the end of the day, it is only in interviews like this that the story can be told otherwise the best metaphor for a career is a duck moving across a pond. On the surface, the duck serenely glides along seemingly without a care in the world. Beneath the surface, you see the webbed feet frantically paddling away.

Challenges career women are facing and how can they overcome them As young women climb up the corporate ladder, they find it more and more difficult to overcome the tangible and intangible obstacles in their ways. Without any guidance and support, they become confused, begin to feel isolated and suffer a loss of confidence in their ability to meet those challenges successfully. This either causes them to give up completely or just struggle along sub-optimally in relation to their true ability and potential.

Access to strategic advice at those difficult moments could make a difference in maximising their unrealised potential and helping them progress their careers up the ladder on merit.

There is also a wider angle to the problem. In a developing country like Nigeria, the larger society itself is struggling to cope with enormous socio-economic challenges, which affect women more severely and reduce their ability to enjoy equal opportunities for advancement.

These include low levels of primary school enrolment, low levels of economic empowerment and low levels of political representation. These factors aggravate the gender problems and highlight the need for practical and effective solutions to be found. Against such a background, it is clear that providing strategic career advice and support locally through mentorship would be a way of contributing to national development. That is how the idea of strategic and unique WISCAR mentoring came about.

Most defining moment of my career so far There have been so many key moments both in terms of setbacks and achievements that it is almost impossible to identify one “most defining moment”. Down the years, whenever I have identified any challenges to be met, I have always unremittingly faced them. In most cases I have by God’s grace triumphed over such career and professional challenges.

With each triumph I have always felt uplifted and invigorated. For me, the essence of existence is growth and to grow you have to overcome obstacles in your path. Life is a journey and full of peaks and troughs that is what I find defining; the identification of challenges, the planning, the struggle and, finally, the con-

quest, the triumph and the achievement.

Combining the home front with my career The pursuit of career advancement and/or building and development of a business while managing a home is no mean feat. It is a herculean task indeed. No woman can hope to juggle career and family without carefully cultivating and appreciating her entire family and friends’ network. These would include both male and female. That support network group is the invaluable aid and comfort of every successful woman. Work and family are two core aspects of our lives and contrary to the general belief that they are different aspects of life; these domains are in reality, inter-related. The key is to develop a framework for effectively integrating your personal and professional life. There is however, no single formula for attaining an integrated or balanced life. It is a personal decision how one combines these domains and each woman must devise her own unique solutions and find an equilibrium that they can live with.

Secret of my success in the corporate world Hard work and analytical thinking. It was Socrates who was reported to have said that: “the unexamined life is not worth living”. So, in everything that I do and at every stage of my doing it, I examine my motives (reasons for doing it), whether I am doing it the optimal way, and, whether the end result will be what I set out to achieve. One more thing I always examine is what the impact of anything I do will be on all the people around me (my people). These are the practices that ensure coherence, teamwork and problem solving. I would sum it all up as smart, rational, compassionate, hard work. Trying to ensure the good in all interactions not just for myself but also for others.

The work ethics of the average Nigerian The average Nigerian is as ambitious, hard working and goal oriented as the populations of even the most supposedly hard working nations in the world. Most people would cite Germany and Japan as two countries with very hard working populations. What do those people have that Nigerians don’t? In brief, the answer is access to better education, better training and cutting edge equipment. The wards of the best hospitals in Europe, America and the Middle East are full of Nigerian doctors and nurses. Their services are highly valued and they have made astonishing achievements. The same thing goes for engineers, bankers, lawyers and all other professional or, indeed, vocational fields of endeavour. Many of the hospices and mortuaries of the UK have Nigerian staff and their work is highly valued.

All the foregoing show that Nigerians potentially have excellent work ethics and it is the environment in which they work that must be improved. They must be motivated not only by way of remuneration but also in the entire work-place experience that they are faced with.

Why I founded WISCAR The concept of WISCAR was borne out of a desire to solve a problem I identified in my interactions with numerous young women at various stages of their professional careers.

These encounters and discussions made it clear that most young career women in Nigeria and in Africa do not have access to proper guidance or support at critical points in their professional careers. This gap affects their professional growth and development and often resulted in women with considerable potential dropping out of careers and not releasing their full potential.

WISCAR was set up to assist professional career women achieve their full potential by the provision of a structured, practical mentoring program conducted by a group of successful and experienced professionals, selected using the strictest criteria. WISCAR thus provides a framework for strategic guidance to engender in women the essential elements of success, to make informed career choices and to tackle professional challenges in a constructive manner designed to add value to their organisations and society at large. Our aim is to close the gender gap by helping to build the next generation of women leaders in Nigeria

No woman can hope to juggle career and family without carefully cultivating and appreciating her entire family and friends’ network.

through intelligent planning and focused effort through mentoring to build a better nation.

WISCAR has made significant progress in the last seven years and has mentored ninety eight (98) young professional women who have gone through the intensive and unique 12 month structured WIN with WISCAR mentoring programme.

On women and politics I believe that the answer to that question lies in the nature of the political terrain in Nigeria. In the first place, politics requires the outlay of enormous amounts of money. We must never forget that, up till now, most of the wealth in the country is in male hands. Further, politics is a total immersion endeavour.

To participate, you will, most likely be called upon to totally forget family and children for very extended periods. Finally, those in politics are, by its essential nature, called upon to interact as members of an exclusive club with their close associates as members. They constantly eat, live and plan together for very extended periods. These are conditions that tend to keep women out. I am not advocating that women should remain out of the political mainstream. Clearly, however, adjustments have to be made; not only to the way politics is run now but also by the women who are interested in participating.

Advice to young women out there Growth and success come at a price and every woman who must walk that path must embrace and understand the value of continuous personal development regardless of their achievements, must nurture relationships, have emotional intelligence, be focused, committed, loyal, have a volunteering spirit, be open to new ideas, be prepared to make certain sacrifices and seize opportunities, be ready to work hard and make a unique contribution. Young women should remain committed, hardworking and continue to create value and enable organisations to improve their performance.

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12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune BLESSING GBARADA ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

FOOD

Ogbono soup with rolled eba

Sea food okra and eba

‘How I give local dishes a luxury look’

Funmi Adesoji is a food connoisseur with a knack for giving a western outlook to tasty, traditional dishes. She speaks with BLESSING GBARADA on her food journey and how to turn traditional dishes to appealing sights through plating. then compared to what you are now, in terms of knowledge or commitment?

In the beginning I was a bit intimidated and fearful of being judged for posting my food online. However, over time I have gained confidence in myself and my ability to provide my customers with homely and luxury meals. I have also learnt how to manage my workload, as I am now busier than I was when I first started.

W

HEN did you first begin to cook?

I would say I started around 10 years old. My mum owns a catering school; so, I have always been around her cooking. I started off baking and from there my love just developed.

Is there a moment in your life that you can identify as pivotal in deciding your choice of going fully into cooking?

I started off small just doing meat pie for my friends and family. I started mainly from boredom of just being at home while my first child was at school. I stopped for a while, as I didn’t take it too seriously, and also I nursed the fear of it not being successful. I then gave birth to my second child, and whilst being at home with her I became bored of my daily routine and went straight back to the kitchen and I have never looked back since.

How have you changed since you first started out in the kitchen? What were you

How do you stay creative day after day?

I do a lot of research. I am constantly reading cookbooks, magazines, but I must say a lot of my plating and designs are freestyle. I am quite a creative person so I just let my creative juices flow whilst I am plating.

Do you get to eat out a lot?

I do; I eat out quite regularly.

How do you pick the right restaurant from the get-go?

I love luxury food and I love seafood!! So most of my choices are based on that. I would say my favorite restaurants are Novikov and Hakkasan in London Mayfair.

If you’ve had a really bad day, what’s the negative trait of character that you might demonstrate in the kitchen?

Once I get in the kitchen, I block everything out. My kitchen is my happy place and cooking is like my therapy. Cooking is my passion and when I’m cooking, I am always happy.

What’s a word of advice you would give someone looking to get into professional cooking today?

My number one piece of advice would be “do not give up on your dream!” Do not be afraid

Gizdodo with spicy beans stew to try new things and experiment. Make sure you research and advertise yourself on social media.

What do you like most about what you do?

I know this sounds cliché, but I love everything about it.

How about what you like least?

I can’t say I have a least favourite thing, I honestly love it, but sometimes some people’s social media comments can be a bit mean.

What are your thoughts on new forms of technology in the kitchen?

We are in the 21st century and things are improving as the years and days go by.

An improved, or as they say, technology kitchen is a welcome development. The most important thing for me is to get the food cooked properly and taste perfect. To be honest, the major advantage is that it makes cooking a lot faster and easier but it’s expensive to set up.

How do you go about updating traditional dishes while remaining faithful to the culture, or about creating new dishes within the cul-

ture?

My dishes remain traditional in terms of ingredients. I would say it is the plating that gives it a modern twist.

Any memorable kitchen disasters?

I will never forget this day! It was quite early on in my journey. I had a big order of about 50l of Jollof rice. I used the wrong rice and the whole thing went soggy. I had to start all over again and was so stressed.

From now on, I have learnt my lesson and will never use that rice for Jollof again!

Where do you draw inspiration for the recipes you create?

My dishes are traditional. I serve typical Nigerian and Igbo meals. However, I westernise them when I serve them by minimising the usual large portion sizes and decorating the plate to give it the restaurant luxury feel.

What is the difference between you making a meal for a client versus making a meal at home?

There is no difference in what I serve to my family. The same food I would serve to my family and friends is the same I would serve to my customers.

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interview

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Buhari’s policy is not helping our economy

—Hon Yusuf, Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market

Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market and other Related Institutions, represents Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi State. In this interview, he speaks on a number of issues in the polity.

KOLAWOLE DANIEL brings excerpts:

W

hat is happening in your committee?

If you observed, we had a two-day technical-stakeholders’ forum where everybody that matters in the capital market came together to identify their challenges and solutions. If you follow financial reports of recent, you would realise that there have been improvements in the capital market.

There’s no nation anywhere in the world that attained sustainable height of development without a viable capital market. No nation depends on commodities such as oil and gas. You must take money from the capital market for investment and not a platform where it can be misappropriated. It helps corporate governance, it helps monitoring.

So, the Nigerian capital market can be said to be under construction and there’s calm in the capital market and we have master plan implementation committee, a 10-year master plan so that men of honour and integrity would drive it.

In recent time, we’ve entered into agreements with Debt Management Office (DMO) and other relevant bodies to be able to issue security bonds. The outcome is that the forum was able to identify that the drive which we had before now was too superficial; it was a reactionary drive. Banks have so much money after recapitalization and so were the ones driving the boom in the capital market. It was pseudo; it was not real and it was not deepened. So what we are having now is re-laying the blocks in perspective and making sure we have a viable capital market. The structures were dwindling and the House committee on capital market has come out with a robust procedure to begin to oversight those who are saddled with the responsibilities of making rules for the capital market. In a few days, we will come out with private bond placement. What is required is to have the confidence of our investors back.

Unfortunately, at the early days of this government, there was a policy somersault. When the government came out with the idea, I don’t know who gave them the advice of no forex transaction for about three, four months. It’s simple!

You are not a Nigerian, you invest in Nigeria and you are told no forex transaction. Is your investment secured? The first thing you think of as an investor is not profit. It’s how to get your money back. If you now get profit, fine. So, that became a challenge, but it has been reversed now. But the consequence of a policy somersault of just four months can last more than six years. Go to Apapa Wharf or Tincan Island now, you can drive up to 180km per hour. In those days, you spent four hours to get across, why? Our ports are no longer preferred ports of destination abinitio. Why? Because demurrage starts from the third day here in Nigeria, while in Ghana it is nine days, in Togo, it is 12 days and in Cotonou, it is 10 days. While our charges are high, you now say I can’t transact in forex and so everybody moved to those places.

So as at where we are, portfolio investors constitute the major drivers of our capital market and when that policy was introduced, they all withdrew their money. So what we are doing now is to build their confidence back. It’s a process. However, what we are doing ultimately is for retail investors for you and I to take over the capital market, not portfolio investors any more. Because we don’t have those who have the chunk of money in the market to dictate what happens in our economy. The capital market is growing.

There is tremendous improvement, there is better monitoring and there are things put in place to avoid the re-occurrence of what happened between 2008 and 2009.

What are the punitive measures put in place to check a re-occurrence?

I’m trying not to delve into some of the issues regarding what the committee is doing on this matter. We will be looking at the issue of private placement. One of the things that obtain in the world, in fact, the American parliament which is one of the democracies that we copy, is seen as one fierce policeman with an eagle eye that can see what goes on at the Wall Street. This is because naturally, human beings love to circumvent laws. It is the fear of being caught and the consequences that bar people. By His grace, under my watch, we will go into that. For those who took those monies and assume it is eldorado, too bad; we are coming after you.

What is the committee doing about unclaimed dividends as SEC had said there would be a time frame after which such funds can be accessed and

ty (PDP)?

It is so very unfortunate that those who benefited immensely from a reasonable plain field leading to an opposition becoming a ruling party are the ones causing problems now. The ruling party at that time made sure opposition was not stifled; they were given a voice and a platform and democracy itself ceases to be democracy when there is no virile opposition. What is happening in Ondo is a desperate attempt by the present government to find through whatever means a foothold in certain areas of the country they assume they might not be in control of in 2019.

Everybody knows that Jimoh Ibrahim was in the ANPP with President Muhammadu Buhari and as at the time he claimed to be in PDP, he was even a card-carrying member of the Accord Party. So how does INEC choose the court it obeys? Don’t forget there were two judgments regarding the Port Harcourt convention and the police choose the one to obey. One thing I know is that when you attempt to deny people a legitimate platform to express their views, you push them into seeking alternative means to do so. And unluckily for us, we as a nation have travelled this road before when we were under the military rule. And now, that is where we seem to be, because we are in a purely police state.

So what’s happening in Ondo is nothing other than the federal government through the INEC and Attorney General trying to subvert the process, but by conviction, I know that the people of Ondo are resolute; I’m convinced that those who think subverting PDP will make them win will be disappointed.

What is happening in Ondo is a desperate attempt by the present government to find through whatever means a foothold in certain areas of the country they assume they might not be in control of in 2019. ploughed back into the market as government bonds?

You are pre-empting the committee again. We intend to go into that to make sure that these monies actually go back to the companies. Two, they are held in trust because they do not belong to the companies; they are people’s money and we want to be sure that they are adequately and efficiently reinvested. Unfortunately, where we became a bit handicapped as a committee was that a lot of these unclaimed dividends were dividends for shares bought within the period of capitalisation. When banks recapitalised, they had excess money, they advertised shares, they would call and give you loan to buy their shares. So, in an attempt to go beyond your capacity because there’s a limit to what you can buy, people now used fictitious names to buy these shares and so the addresses changed over time and even the signatures used in signing the certificates couldn’t be remembered. So the truth of the matter is that a lot of these things cannot be claimed. But going forward, SEC has introduced e-dividends now. So you get it online straight. And there’s a fund now that’s being created to serve, at least, as a form of shock absorber for investors. So if anybody goes to the market now and gets his hand burnt, there’s a fund made available to, at least, make sure you don’t lose your whole investment.

What is your take on recent happening in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Par-

But the PDP itself is divided; there is the Ahmed Makarfi faction and there’s the Ali-Modu Sheriff faction. How then do you think it is the Federal Government and INEC that are the problems?

I disagree that PDP is divided. There’s somebody somewhere who claims to be in control of certain structures and I say it is purely the presidency that is orchestrating this; there is no doubt about it. After the aborted Port Harcourt convention, the staff of PDP wrote the Inspector General and said, ‘given the happening in Port Harcourt and the insistence by Sheriff that he remained the chairman, give us security to be sure of what is happening’. When the Makarfi’s committee was finally constituted, they wrote back to the police to say, ‘we no longer require their presence in our secretariat’. The police said they wanted to consult with the Attorney General, which is why the PDP national secretariat is still locked till today. I wrote you, give me policemen and I now wrote back to say I want my secretariat, you say there is a faction. Is there a division in the national exco? Sheriff was made chairman of PDP by NEC. He sat over NEC that now called for convention. By the PDP Constitution, when we are at the convention, nobody has powers that supersede that of the convention. If you are elected today, the convention can remove you tomorrow. If you like, be elected for 10 years, if the convention feels you should be removed after one day, you are out. But because there were court injunctions that said there shouldn’t be elections into the offices of chairman, secretary and treasurer, INEC wrote the party and it said, okay, we won’t have an elective convention.

INEC was part of what happened in Port Harcourt, just like in Ondo. The primary that produced Tayo Jegede was monitored by INEC. Jimoh Ibrahim went to a hotel in Ibadan and had a caricature meeting. INEC wasn’t there; in fact, by the Electoral Act, can you have an Ondo primary in Ibadan?

So there is nothing that gives that power to Sheriff. He can’t address the national caucus meeting; he can’t address the governors’ forum and so who is he chairing over? Yes, there are bound to be cleavages in any organisation, but this man is doing a hatchet job. And if you know him, if you follow his antecedents, you won’t be surprised. But one thing I want to assure you, we are not in any way oblivious of his antics and what have you. Let’s cross Ondo, the masquerade would be unveiled.

What is your take on talks about new party alliances, even among leaders of PDP? Politics is about talks and engagements, thesis, antithesis, and synthesis; it is normal to be certain interaction. But one thing I want to assure you is that there is more commitment on the part of those who know what it takes to have a virile democracy to free Nigeria from the despotic tendency that Continued on pg33

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interview

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

What PDP must do to be back in reckoning in Oyo —Olopoenia

Alhaji Adebisi Olopoenia, is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. In this interview by NURUDEEN ALIMI, he highlighted reasons all the aggrieved members of the party must return to form a formidable opposition in the state.

S

ome members of the PDP in Oyo State, last Friday, held a meeting in Ibadan and you were not part of it. Being one of the party leaders, can you tell us why?

I cannot be part of such meeting, though I learnt about it and of course I was not invited, so there was no basis for me to be there in the first instance since I got no invitation to such meeting. The reason I said I cannot be part of such meeting is that the set of people coming together for reasons best known to them are those that were responsible for the failure of the party in Oyo State during the 2015 general election. I think what is paramount now is for us to look for a way of bringing back those who left the party during the build up to the governorship election in 2015. As far as I am concerned, if we do not make move to lure back those who have left the party, all those meetings may not hold water.

It baffles me when I discover that people are not reasonable enough to know that there are certain things which cannot work. There are some set of people whom if we do not try as much as possible to ensure their return to the party, PDP in Oyo State cannot in any way achieve anything politically because those people we are talking about have unprecedented political values. But because of the selfish interests of a particular set of people, those that were capable of winning elections for us left in anger and pitched their tent with some other political parties. The best thing for us to do now is to unite in one voice and ensure the return of our prominent members. It is after this that I think we can form a formidable opposition in Oyo State and something tangible can come out of our party.

We must not allow what happened to us in the 2015 general election repeat itself. So, we will do everything humanly possible to ensure we do not fail the party and the people of Oyo State in general. The people of Oyo State had it rosy under the PDP administration and we are aware of what they are passing through now. So, there is the need for us to put our house in order so that we can give the people the dividend of democracy they deserved.

Are you saying those who attended the meeting have no political value at all?

I would not want to say that to a certain extent. But the issue I have with them is that of the judgment they got from the court which ordered the exco of the party in the state to continue in office till 2018. I wonder where it is done anywhere in the world that there will not be periodic congress to elect officers that will run the affairs of the party. It is this kind of judgment that was given to Jimoh Ibrahim in Ondo State that is causing confusion in the party. All of us know that Jimoh Ibrahim’s candidature will not give PDP a victory at the polls as, to the best of my knowledge, he is not a popular and preferred candidate. Only a candidate preferred by the people can win election. So, the issue of going to court to get all sorts of judgments due to selfish reason is something we need to put to an end if we have to move forward.

I must not forget to say this: I am so happy to hear that the likes of Honourable Mulikat Akande and Senator Hosea Agboola were not at the meeting. Though I am not surprised by their absence because they are people of proven integrity and they will not do anything that is capable of bringing their names and political CVs into disrepute. However, of all those who were at the meeting, the only person I was shocked by his attendance was Senator Ayo Adeseun. This is because he was the one who went to court to challenge the said judgment. So, I am still wondering why he is now hobnobbing with those he dragged to court for not doing the right thing. Why am I even expressing shock? I learnt that he is aspiring to be the governor of Oyo State in 2019. But to the best of my knowledge, he has not made his intention known to the appropriate quarters. I am not even sure it is true that Adeseun wants to contest as governor; it must be a rumour or better still, he is planning to do that on the platform of another political party. But if it is true that he wants to contest on the platform of PDP, I will advise him to drop such ambition because there are pools of better candidates to choose from and who can win such election for the party.

this government is gradually establishing. As a young boy, I risked my life, travelled round this country, under military rule, to deepen the desire of our people that no matter what, the worst civilian regime is better than the best military regime. I led my local union, I was NANS Secretary General.

I sat back and looked at how God has been able to keep me alive. Many of my friends died in the process and all we did was a minute silence for them; they became martyrs. For those who can think deeply, they would realise that we cannot allow ourselves to go back to such tendencies. We must understand that, as at today, there is no better form of governance than democracy where the opinions of the minority is expressed and the majority has its way while the minority goes back and plans how to do it next time.

It seems you are so much interested in the coming back of those that have left the party. Why and how do you think they can be convinced to rescind their earlier decision?

I have said it times without number that PDP as a party in Oyo State must come together under one umbrella. Engineer Seyi Makinde who contested the 2015 governorship election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is one of us and he actually left with his followers. Also, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and his running mate, Alhaji Sharafadeen Ali, who contested on the platform of Labour party as governor and deputy governor respectively. We need these people to come back so as to form a formidable opposition in Oyo State. In order to achieve this, I have, alongside some set of people begun the quest of bringing back our aggrieved members. We will ensure we get to all the geo-political zones of the state to plead for the comeback of these people.

Are you prepared for the brick walls you might come across in your quest of bringing back the aggrieved members of the party?

Definitely, we are not expecting it to be rosy all through. We envisage possible resistant on the part of some people. But we are determined and we will try as much as possible to convince them on the need for them to return to PDP. It is understandable that it is not their wish to leave the party at that point in time, but the circumstances at that time prompted their exit. With God on our side, I believe we are going to succeed.

FG behind Ondo PDP crisis —Yusuf Continued from pg32

What is your take on the $30billion loan being sought by the government?

I will support such moves. I’m not saying we don’t need loan, because Dubai which was a city of one lane in 1990, loan made it what it is now. But there must be a plan. Where’s our development plan? The loan will not be given to us today. It is going to be given in bits for 14 years, so have we, as a nation, come out with a development plan for let’s say, 10 years? Then, two, that quantum; Nigeria has never taken such before. Imagine where we were with the little we took before and you are now going to take N10trillion. The whole capital for 2016 is N1.2trillion and although they claimed to have implemented 75 per cent of it, I don’t know maybe it’s in the dream; I have not even seen it. What is the capital for 2017 or is the loan going to be a parallel budget? So, one of the first things I think we should have done is to have a development plan. We can now say going through the normal means, we have so and so funds for this. And why would you say you want to take $30billion at a go? What is the incoming government going to do? Can you finish the project in four years? So, I disagree.

And sincerely some of those things mentioned in the loan are already tied to an agreement with China. Some of them were what former President Goodluck Jonathan negotiated with China, which this government went back to China initially, claimed that it went to negotiate a fresh loan but when put on the scale now admitted re-negotiating Jonathan’s agreement with China. The agreement was the Lagos-Kano rail. The Abuja-Kaduna light rail is a sub-section of that project. The Itakpe-Warri rail is another component of it. So it was broken into different sections. But is it that the China agreement is not working again? Where is the new loan coming in? Like I said, I’m not opposed to taking of loan; I’m an economist and, for me, it’s what you do with the loan that matters. Naturally, such loans should reflate the economy. You don’t create wealth by holding back; you create it by spending.

The elementary knowledge of how bank makes money is by taking my one naira and giving it to you as loan. That one naira becomes ten naira.

The current government has been grappling with the issue of recession for so long. As an economist, what in your opinion are they not doing right?

One thing you must understand is that perception is reality. The first thing this government did wrong is that after they won election and came into power, they forgot that campaign was over. Our leader was still going round like a presidential candidate demarketing Nigeria and they said he was saying the truth. Show me any country in the world where frauds are not perpetrated. I am a Nigerian business man, you are an investor from China and my president comes to say we are a fraud and you had wanted to transact with me? The answer is No! I mentioned the issue of ill-advice about forex transaction. In 1984, President Buhari, then a military Head of State came in and it was alleged that politicians had stolen money in naira. Naira then was at per with the dollar, so they were stealing in naira. And they came up with an economic policy to change the colour of the naira to stop politicians who had stockpiled naira from spending the money.

Because of this, they denied legitimate businessmen because one had to queue as there was a limited amount of money one could change in a day. I was in secondary school then; my mother used to send me to the bank to go and queue. I remember that as a market woman, that affected my mother’s business. He now came in 2015 with the same ancient policy that because people had stolen money in dollars, there should be no forex trading anymore. Those who stole money in dollars keep such money in their houses. Do dollars kept at home complain of idleness? It is those who do legitimate business that you have denied. And what you have done is that, you have shut down manufacturing.

The man, who manufactured this table that requires maybe this formica from China, would need to pay three or four months before purchasing is done. Now Nigerians go to Ghana to pay for goods abroad; they go to Ghana to pay school fees. So what you have done is that you’ve denied the bit of in-flow that comes into Nigeria and then reflate the economies of other countries. So one, he de-marketed us.

Two, there’s so much propaganda going on. You don’t win anti-corruption war by doing media trial. In fact, you know one funny thing about it, it makes criminals have the justification that they are being victimised. And because you are doing media trial, you would have injured or defamed an innocent person. Take for instance, the issue of the PITAD woman. She didn’t steal a dime. You are not aware now but she is now back in Canada and she won’t come back again.

But there is this mob approach of let’s pull him down. I’m not a lawyer, but I know that in law, there are rules of proceedings. There are processes that you follow and you don’t have to be seen in everything you do. Stop those stories about corruption in Nigeria. I’m not saying stop the war on corruption, you can fight corruption without making noise.

So there is a lot of propaganda. Propaganda doesn’t bring economic solution. It is better to sit down and consciously reflate the economy.

34

news

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

APC chieftain lauds Ajimobi over LCDAs, LG poll

By Saheed Salawu

Minister of Communication, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu (fourth right) Head of Department, Psychology, University of Ibadan, Professor Benjamin Ekigie (third right) Professor H.O. Osinowo and other personalities during the 40th anniversary programme and conference abstract of Department of Psychology of University of Ibadan, on Friday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Minister tackles govs over true federalism

By Wale Akinselure

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INISTER of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu has urged state governors advocating for true federalism to set example in their states by conducting democratic local government elections just as he accused them of demanding for true federalism only for financial reasons.

Shittu made these remarks as guest speaker on “Psychology and The Change Agenda,” an event to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, on Friday.

“A lot of people have been talking of true federalism.

But it is always a problem when you ask them to define what true federalism is. The question I ask is, what is the definition of true federalism.

What are the expectations?

A lot of times, they talk about the fact that the federal government takes more money from the federation account.”

“I want to say, with due respect, to most of our state governors, particularly those who continue to agitate for true federalism. What better example would they have laid in their various states? It is unfortunate particularly if you look at the manipulation of the local government system in our land. You will discover that local governments are neither local nor are they government.”

“State governments refuse to conduct local government election which will make the local government councils really autonomous. But here you find out that they always appoint the so-called caretaker committees for cynical motives of strangulating the local government system. A lot of times, most resources of local governments are completely controlled by

state governments. They should first lay the example in their states before asking for more funds under the guise of what they call true federalism,” Shittu said.

Speaking on the theme of the event, he urged the Nigeria Psychological Association to bring up new ideas that would improve governance in the country, especially the implementation of the change agenda.

“Psychologists are well placed to explain behaviour, describe behaviour, predict behaviour and control behaviour. Therefore, psychologists can effectively work with other professionals, scientists and change agents to bring about the positive change that we all seriously yearn for in Nigeria today,”

Shittu added.

In his keynote address, Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Rotimi Adelola called for true federalism noting that there was too much money at the centre.

Calling for a change in the current structure of the nation, Adelola, especially, remarked that the federal government was holding the jugular of development across the country by taking the largest chunk of money from the federation account.

Furthermore, Adeola charged the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration to engage psychologists in the implementation of the change agenda noting that the change agenda which de-

manded a change in human behaviour was psychological.

Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, represented

by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Gbemisola Oke, charged psychologists to conduct research into the differing behaviour of Nigerians across climes for the nation to move forward.

The list of personalities at the event included, President, Nigerian Psychological Association, Professor Andrew Zamani; Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Professor Samuel Jegede; Head, Department of Psychology, Professor Benjamin Ehigie; and, Professor H. O. Osinowo.

Compulsory leave order not meant to sack workers —Aregbesola OSUN State government has debunked rumours making the rounds that it has concluded plans to retrench workers in the state through the compulsory leave order it gave recently.

The State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola debunked the rumours while addressing people during the official commissioning of a new secretariat complex of Iwo East Local Council Development Area, LCDA, built and donated for use by a prominent indigene of the new LCDA, Chief Abiola Ogundokun.

Aregbesola, who described workers in the state as the life-wire of socio-economic development, said on no account has his administration contemplated reducing the workforce.

He said the move was not meant to either hurt or dehumanize any worker but rather to strengthen the laid down civil service rules in a bid to enhance greater productivity and effectiveness.

Aregbesola reaffirmed that in spite of the effects of the current economic recession,

the state under his watch would not for any reason depopulate workforce in the state.

According to him, the decision was reached having been informed of the accumulated leave of some of the

top officials in the state civil service.

He said the state has been working round the clock to fix the economy through diversification so as to further ensure stability in governance.

A politician in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Sheu Oyekunle-Suara, has commended the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for removing all legal impediments against the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as well as paving the way for the conduct of the local government election in the state.

In an interview with Saturday Tribune, OyekunleSuara described the governor as an outstanding administrator with an impressive record of achievements.

“For the first time in recent history, Oyo State has a governor who knows what to do with the mandate of the people as he does everything possible to improve the standard of living of the masses and help the state to realise its full potential.

“The governor is not resting on his oars despite recording many enviable achievements in his first term.

“With the creation of new LCDAs and painstaking efforts being made to have democracy deeply rooted in the third tier of government, Oyo State is in for accelerated growth and development”, the politician said.

Speaking on his ambition, Oyekunle-Suara expressed optimism that the APC would carry the day in the February 2017 election in the 33 local government areas and 35 local council development areas across the state.

“I am more than ready to bridge the gap and ensure that the people of Egbeda/Ajorosun LCDA get the best from their elected servants,’’ he said.

35

businessnews

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

LAGOS TRADE FAIR... LAGOS TRADE FAIR... LAGOS TRADE FAIR... LAGOS TRADE FAIR... LAGOS TRADE FAIR...

Grand Oak showcases new offerings at Trade Fair Stories By Akin Adewakun and Qudus Kasali - Lagos

M

ARKETER of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, Grand Oak Limited, is gaining a new level of brand awareness at the on-going Lagos International Trade Fair, as consumers continue to visit its exhibition stand to experience its array of quality products.

Grand Oak has distinguished itself at the fair by its unique branding and consumer engagement strategy which leverages on the nation’s rich tradition and cultural diversity and history.

The company is using the opportunity of the Fair to sustain a lively connection between its brands and its teeming consumers by using

Nobel Carpets offers visitors more value for lesser price at Fair THE ongoing yearly Lagos Trade Fair event is no doubt a successful outing for interior floor covering manufacturer - Nobel Carpets and Rugs, as its presence and participation has created a stronger bond between the brand and its numerous customers that thronged its stand to see its product array and also interact with the brand.

Speaking on the brand’s participation and glaring success at the Fair, the General Manager, Lucky Fibres Ltd, Mr. Jitesh Pamnani, said that as a manufacturer of premium interior floor covering brand, the company had consistently sought avenues to reach, interact and engage with its teeming customers, noting that the trade fair provided that opportunity in a seamless manner.

“The trade Fair came at a strategic time for the brand; as it allowed our customers get more value for lesser price on all our products and also participate and win exciting prizes in the “Wow Super Deal Promo” which kicked-off in the month of October.

traditional dance and music for its brand activation at the on-going trade Fair.

Some of the visitors to the fair commended the compa-

ny for celebrating tradition and culture through its products and brand messages over the years.

A dealer in alcoholic prod-

ucts, Mrs. Onikoyi Tawa, who was attending the fair for the first time, said that the display of various traditions at the Grand Oak stand

From left: Head, Corporate Sales, Globacom, Kamaldeen Shonibare; President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Dr Nike Akande and Head, Public Sector, Globacom, Mansur Opakunle, during Globacom Special Day at the on-going 2016 Lagos International Trade Fair held on Friday, in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

the promotion of innovative products in the marketplace.

Similarly, Mrs. Banke Ajisafe, another visitor to Grand Oak stand, expressed delight at the free gifts presented to her, having bought goods worth some thousands of naira.

While thanking the team after receiving the reward accrued from the purchase of the products, she urged the company to do more in making some of its products more accessible on the shelf.

The Company’s Regional Business Manager, Lagos division, Mr. Gbenga Adeogun described the experience at the fair as exciting and rewarding for the company.

He described the turnout as impressive, adding that it was indicative of the huge mileage that GOL enjoys in the market place.

“As a leading company in the alcoholic segment, we cannot afford not to participate in the trade fair. We are here to create awareness and bring more consumers on board,” he said.

Elegushi launches land promo for N500 in Lekki

By Victor Ogunyinka

From left: General Manager, Monitoring and Compliance, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu; receiving a plaque from the Deputy President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Babatunde Runwase and Vice-President/Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, Sola Oyetayo, during Nigerian Port Authority Special Day, at the on-going 2016 Lagos International Trade Fair held on Thursday, in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

MFM, the cynosure of all eyes here!

YES, the Mountain of Fire and Ministries, popularly known as MFM, is fully on ground here, and even stealing the show. Participants at their stand seem to be the cynosure of all eyes. For instance, the stand of the prayer-inclined Ministry could easily be mistaken for a crusade ground, as members danced and sang to the music being played at the Ministry’s stand.

“This is not our first time of participating at the Fair, we are always here. We were fully here last year and the

aim is to continue where we stopped. We believe this is a very good opportunity for us to ‘spread’ the gospel, and we are unrelenting in doing

this,” explained Mrs. Toun, a member at the stand.

Besides being treated to scintillating gospel music, visitors to the stand were

scramble. Lagosians are doing everything humanly possible to be part of the Fair, as evident in the number of people participating in Fri-

also given some of the Ministry’s Newsletters, authored by the General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, free of charge.

Our mission is to give life to enterpreneurship —BOI BANK of Industry (BOI) has assured businesses in the country of financial support, insisting that its mission is to transform Nigeria’s financial space by supporting the large, the medium and small scale businesses.

Speaking at the bank’s

Special Day at the ongoing Fair, in Lagos, the bank’s Regional Head, Mr. Obaro Osa also expressed the desire of the bank to move its loan advances from $2.7 bn of 2014 to $5.4 bn by the year 2019.

“We want to move our loan advances from $2.7 bn

Impressive turn-out, as Lagosians try to beat Sunday deadline WITH this year’s edition of the Fair gradually coming to an end, Tafawa Balewa, one of the venues of the Fair, seems to be recording a

excited her to have a look at the products on offer.

She also commended the management of the company for its consistency in

day’s edition of the Fair.

While some would rather attribute the turn-out to the fact that the weekend is finally here, and workers now

had some time off to visit the Fair, others see it as in tandem with the last –minute rush culture of the average Lagosian.

in 2014 to $5.4 bn in 2019 in order to drive home our mission statement. It is imperative to know that BOI’s Non-Performing Loan Ratio is less than 4 percent”.

He also announced plans by the bank to expand its business frontiers from 15 state offices to 19 offices.

According to him, the bank had disbursed over N36billion in support of agro-allied businesses in the first few months of 2016, in tune with the federal government’s focus of diversifying the nation’s economy.

THE ancient Ikate Elegushi Kingdom has launched an Imperial City Promo project, which would give hard working Nigerians the chance to own a plot of land worth N42m in one of the eye brow areas of Lagos State.

The Imperial International Business City (IIBC), which is the first self-sustaining eco-friendly smart business city in Africa is the brainchild of Oba Saheed Elegushi and Channeldrill Resources Limited who are the joint developers of the product.

The promo is expected to produce seven land winners every week till December 29 and many other consolation prices in cash.

While explaining the objectives of the project, the CEO Channeldrill, Mr Femi Akioye, stated that the imperial City Promo “is a special Corporate Social Responsibility and awareness campaign, which is the first of its kind in Africa.”

Mr Akioye explained further that the promo is borne out of the “vision to make the IIBC an all inclusive project where those we refer to as the average Nigerian can aspire to and obtain a piece of land for the future.

36 specialtreat

12 November, 2016

When ginger, garlic, aloe vera can be deadly

Saturday Tribune

By Blessing Gbarada

T

HE use of herbs and spices for medicinal purposes has been in existence for as long as mankind has been. This practice, which involves the use of a plant’s seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers as medicine, is known as herbal medicine, botanical medicine or phytomedicine. Though this practice has served humans for centuries, with the surge in the use of herbal medicine, there are increasing evidence that suggest that caution be applied in the use of herbal medicine.

Common herbs like Aloe vera, ginger, garlic among others have been found to be dangerous when taken by persons with certain underlying health challenges.

Why the rise in herbal medicine?

According to Mr Martins Ekor, a pharmacologist, “the general perception that herbal remedies or drugs are very safe and devoid of adverse effects is not only untrue, but also misleading. Herbs have been shown to be capable of producing a wide range of undesirable or adverse reactions some of which are capable of causing serious injuries, lifethreatening conditions, and even death.

“The recent resurgence of public interest in herbal remedies has been attributed to several factors some of which include various claims on the efficacy or effectiveness of plant medicines; preference of consumers for natural therapies and a greater interest in alternative medicines; erroneous belief that herbal products are superior to manufactured products; dissatisfaction with the results from orthodox pharmaceuticals and the belief that herbal medicines might be effective in the treatment of certain diseases where conventional therapies and medicines have proven to be ineffective or inadequate; high cost and side effects of most modern drugs; improvements in the quality, efficacy, and safety of herbal medicines with the development of science and technology; patients’ belief that their physicians have a movement toward self-medication.

“The increasing utilisation of herbs for self-medication by patients or individuals is also attributed to a number of other reasons such as patients being uncomfortable about discussing their medical problems and fear lack of confidentiality in handling their health information; fear of possible misdiagnosis and wrong treatment by patients with non-specific symptoms or general malaise and lack of time to see a physician. Many also select herbal medicines from a deductive approach based on anecdotal information, that is, “it worked for my friend or relative.” So also, because of the influence of religion and greater level of spiritual consciousness, many individuals tend to be increasingly disposed to accepting therapeutic value of a treatment based on faith or intuition rather than scientific reasoning.”

The dangers inherent in herbal medicine in today’s world It is generally assumed that since herbs are free gifts of nature, there can be no harm in their use however, experts disagree. Despite the fact that plants can be medicine, according to researcher and botanist, Mr Paul Adebayo, “The reality is that “safety” and “natural” are not synonymous. The fact that something is natural doesn’t automatically mean it is safe in its entirety. It could have several adverse effects and reactions. These effects or reactions may be sudden or may be protracted without the victim even associating ill health to the use of certain herbs.

“In general, the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines have not been scientifically proven. As a result, there is limited understanding of plant and drug interactions, some of which have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal. Even though plants are natural and some have been used as medicine for centuries, certain factors can mitigate against getting the benefits that once were obtainable. Such factors include the species and variety of the plant, the plant’s habitat, how it was stored and processed, and whether or not there are contaminants (including heavy metals and pesticides).

All of these factors can be sources of concern in the safety and effectiveness of certain herbs and plants.

“Also, some herbs may cause allergic reactions or interact with conventional drugs, and some are toxic if used improperly or at high doses. Some herbs may also be inappropriate for people with certain medical conditions.”

Mr Ekor adds that “In most countries, herbal medicines and related products are introduced into the market without any mandatory safety or toxicological evaluation.”

Those at risk while using herbal medicine Professor of Phytomedicine, University of Benin, Professsor MacDonald Idu, in a paper entitled: The plant called medicine, stated, “In many cases the safe use of herbal medicines has not been established in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children and the elderly. Therefore, caution should be taken about use of herbal medicine in pregnancy, when breast feed-

ing or in children/ elderly.

“If you are due to have a surgical operation always remember to tell your doctor about any herbal medicines you are taking. Some herbal medicines could alter the effects of anaesthetics or other medicines during surgery.

“Anyone with a history of liver complaints or any other serious health condition is advised not to take any herbal medicine without speaking to their doctor first.”

Pros and cons in the use of some herbs Turmeric: This has been used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation.

Turmeric has also been applied directly to the skin for eczema and wound healing. Today, turmeric is used for conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gallstones. It is also used to reduce inflammation, as well as to prevent and treat cancer.

Adverse effects: Professor Idu stated, “High doses or longterm use of turmeric may cause indigestion. In animals, high doses of turmeric have caused liver problems. No cases of liver problems have been reported in humans. People with gallbladder disease should avoid using turmeric as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition.”

Garlic: Besides its use as a food or food additive, garlic has found relevance for properties such as antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-allergy, aphrodisiac, anti-amoebic, anticoagulant, detoxifier and stimulant; may protect the heart and nervous system, enhance the body’s immune system, decrease the side effects of drug therapies for cancer.

Adverse effects associated with garlic extract include burning sensation in the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, diaphoresis, and light-headedness. It has also been discovered to react with certain drugs for instance, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; aspirin, ASA; clopidogrel; cilostazol; dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin or other injectable blood thinners; dipyridamole; saquinavir; ticlopidine; warfarin. A study by the National Institute of Health found that garlic can decrease the effectiveness of a variety of prescription medications used to treat AIDS, some cancers, heart disease and organ-transplant patients.

Aloe vera juice: The juice from Aloe vera leaves applied directly to a wound, burn or ulcer, has been said to greatly speed up the healing process. It is sometimes ingested to treat gastrointestinal problems.

Adverse effects recorded in its use include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, potentially carcinogenic, with others can potentiate cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic agents. This was published in a study by Elvin-Lewis, M. entitled “Should we be concerned about herbal remedies” in the 2001 edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Ginger: This herb has been discovered to be anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, circulatory stimulant, antiseptic, control nausea.

Adverse effects stem from its circulatory functions as it may

alter bleeding time/increase the risk of bleeding and can cause problems with blood clotting, heart rhythms, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Experts advise that if one has gallstones or takes blood thinners, ginger should be avoided.

Bitters: In a study entitled “The growing use of herbal medicines: Issues relating to adverse reactions and challenges in monitoring safety” published in the journal Frontiers In Pharmacology (2013; 4: 177), the researchers stated that “the toxicity evaluation of a polyherbal formula, conducted recently in our laboratory (Ekor et al., 2010), was prompted by an unpublished case report of a young male adult who had been on self-medication with this herbal product and was subsequently admitted to the hospital on account of liver failure. This herbal product is one of the herbal remedies that is widely advertised in the various Nigerian media and as such has gained so much public acceptance over time and continues to enjoy increased patronage among consumers, especially in the Southwestern part of the country. Our study revealed that this herbal formula was capable of elevating plasma levels of liver enzymes and inducing hypokalemia following 30 days administration in rats. From our observation, the potassium loss (which is capable of predisposing to dangerous arrhythmias) was a greater risk associated with this herb during this sub-acute exposure or toxicity study.”

Guava: This plant has been used for centuries for cleaning wounds and as mouth wash for mouth infection and sore gums and tooth decay. Crushed leaves are applied on wounds, ulcers and rheumatic places,and leaves are chewed to relieve toothache. The leaf decoction is taken as a remedy for coughs, throat and chest ailments, gargled to relieve oral ulcers and inflamed gums.

Adverse effect according to Professor Idu is the fact that guava has recently demonstrated cardiac depressant activity and should be used with caution by those on heart medications.

Guava fruit has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels and should be avoided by people with hypoglycemia.

General advice for the use of herbal medicine Professor Idu suggests the following: • Remember that herbal remedies are medicines. As with any other medicine they should be used with care.

• Any medicine – herbal or otherwise – has the potential to have adverse effects.

• Before you take any herbal medicine you need to be sure it is the correct product for you.

• Remember that natural does not mean safe. Many plants can be poisonous to humans. Many pharmaceutical medicines have been developed from plants because of the powerful compounds they contain.

• Herbal remedies can interact with other medicines. This could result in the other medicines having reduced or enhanced effects, including side-effects. When consulting your doctor or pharmacist about your health always tell them about any herbal medicines you are taking.

• As with all medicines, keep herbal medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

37 tribunesport

12 November, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Editor: Wale Emosu tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08111813054

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA:

Rohr has improved Eagles —Mikel S

UPER Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi says much has changed with the Nigeria national team since Gernot Rohr replaced Sunday Oliseh as the head of coaching duties.

The Chelsea midfielder says the team now plays with ‘energy’ with the young players ‘always calling for the ball’.

He reckons these and other factors will propel the Super Eagles to victory in today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

“We have a very good and young team. The manager [Gernot Rohr] has come in and he has made a lot of changes to the team.

“He has brought in a lot of new players and I think it is quite clear to see from the way we play these days.

“There’s a lot more energy to our game and players like Kelechi [Iheanacho], [Alex] Iwobi and the others are always calling for the ball because we generally want to express ourselves a lot more.

“That is something we have improved on lately,” Mikel said at a press conference in Uyo on Friday.

Mikel also revealed that Rohr consistently insists that the players win back possession as soon as possible whenever the team loses the ball.

He said the tactic will remain unchanged when they face the dangerous Algerians today.

“One thing the manager always likes us to do is to win back possession quickly whenever we lose the ball.

“What this translates into is that we always have possession of the ball.

“We have done that very well in the last two games [versus Tanzania and Zambia] we have played and hopefully, against Algeria on Saturday, we will carry it over from the Zambia game and play a good game,” he said.

Eagles must stay focused —David, ex NFF chief Adelowo Oladipo - Minna FORMER chairman, technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mallam Suleman David has advised the Super Eagles not to let the issue of money distract them and ensure they beat the Fennecs of Algeria when both sides clash today in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo .

David said in Minna that winning the match should be paramount in the minds of the Eagles.

Suleiman appealed to the players to show understanding with the NFF on the issue of money in view of the present economic hardship in the country.

He noted that Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the World Cup is bright given the assemblage of youthful players in the current Eagles squad.

“Nigerians have confidence in this team to qualify for Russia 2018.

Now, we have what it takes not only to qualify for the World Cup but to even make history at the World Cup proper,” said the former chairman of Niger Tornadoes.

He urged the NFF not to allow itself to be distracted, adding that “they should do everything humanly possible to ensure that the country’s flag is hoisted at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.”

Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho (right) on international duty against Egypt. He is set for today’s match in Uyo.

Eagles can fly without Ikeme —Rohr THE absence of first choice goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme for today’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Algeria will not affect the Super Eagles.

This is the view of the Nigeria Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr.

Rohr is currently working with three goalkeepers, Daniel Akpeyi, Dele Alampasu and Ikechukwu Ezenwa for today’s game against Algeria and the trainer is adamant the trio are in fine fettle to face the Fennec Foxes.

“I am confident [in the ability] of all the players who are here [in Uyo]; it is not just the goal keepers.

“I have been monitoring all the players and what they have been doing at their clubs.

“Daniel [Akpeyi] for instance has played seven games in the last three weeks for his club (Chippa United).

“He was substituted just before the end of the last game he played for his club but it was only done as [a precautionary measure] so there is really nothing to worry about as far as fitness is concerned for him.

“He has big experience; he played in Egypt (for Nigeria) with about sixty or seventy thousand people present in the stadium and did very well.

“He has also been producing

good performances for his club [Chippa United],” Rohr said.

The experienced tactician then discussed the prospects of Alampasu who he described as one ‘for the future’

“I am also confident in the young Dele Alampasu. He is playing now in the second division having been loaned to Cesarense (a Potuguese side that campaigns in the Terceira Divisão Série B).”

Players protest at Taraba Govt House over non-payment of salaries Callistus Agwaza-Taraba PLAYERS of FC Taraba and their female counterparts, the Tara Queens on Thursday besieged the Taraba State Government House in protest against non-payment of their 11 months salary and allowances.

The captain of the male team, Kamil Sali said the protest was a last resort as all other efforts to get the government to pay their entitlements over the past 11 months had failed.

Sali stated that almost two months after the end of the season, most players were already with their families, but they were stuck and could not travel to be with their loved ones as their employers failed to pay their entitlements.

Sali said the team had explored all diplomatic ways to resolve the issue by meeting religious and political leaders and other leaders of thought in the

state to seek their interventions in vain and now had resolved to take residence at the Government House until their demands are met.

The captain regretted that rather than addressing their plight with fatherly concern, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Anthony Jellason came and threatened that if they failed to leave the Government House, the government would not be responsible for whatever happened to them.

One of the players, Linus Adams, said the government was just playing games with them and taking them for a ride.

According to Adams, “the government is not taking us seriously.

After the last season, most of us refused to come back because of the last experience but the governor begged us to come back only for them to be treating us as if we are beggars now”.

38

sport

12 November, 2016

Nominees for BBC African Footballer award emerge today

A

list of five nominees for the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2016 award will be unveiled today.

According to the BBC, the unveiling will be heralded by a live launch show from the BBC’s Radio Theatre in London.

The live show will be anchored by the BBC’s Peter Okwoche, who will be joined by a panel of experts featuring Sunderland player and former South Africa captain, Steven Piennar, Tresor Lualua, former DR Congo international and Nigeria-born Chelsea Ladies FC player and England international, Eniola Aluko.

Following the unveiling, fans will vote for two weeks to decide the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2016. Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure was the winner of the award in 2015.

Voting will end on November 28 and the winner will be announced on Focus on Africa TV and radio on Monday, December 12.

Among the Nigerian players being touted for this year’s award is Kelechi Iheanacho who plays for English Premiership side Manchester City. The forward is on the list of 30 players already released for the 2016 GLO-CAF

African Footballer of the Year award. The initial list which will soon be pruned down has two other Nige-

THE 10th edition of the Nigerian Breweries-sponsored tennis tournament has commenced with preliminary games at the Ibadan Recreation Club (IRC), Ibadan.

Speaking with Tribunesport, vice chairman of the Tennis Section of IRC, Bolaji Salami, said logistics have been put in place to make the tournament, scheduled to end on November 19, a huge success.

He said the uniqueness of this year’s championship is the Super Veteran category which will be played for the first time since the inception of the championship in 2007.

“We will be playing singles which is open to any player within the Ibadan metropolis.

The veterans doubles is open to the people between the ages of 50 years and 65 years old while the super veterans doubles is for the participants from 65 years old and above.”

According to Salami, the prize money for the singles

BBC award in 2004. The former Super Eagles player was also the winner of the award in 2003.

Tiger Golf Club Ladies Open tees off today

By Olawale Olaniyan LADY golfers across the country have converged on Ibadan for the sixth edition of Tiger Golf Club (TGC) Ladies Open Championship.

According to the Lady Captain of Tiger Club, Mrs Oyinlola Omajuwa, the Open will be a unique one

in terms of the prizes at stake.

The Open Championship which began on Friday with a cocktail party would attract many golfers across the country to battle for honours.

She said no fewer than 150 golfers have shown their intention of participating in the three-day tournament.

Mrs Omajuwa said arrangements are in place towards having a hitch-free championship as the main

tournament begins today with the teeoff slated for this morning while the closing ceremony is billed for Sunday evening.

Participants are expected from Jaji, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Ilorin Golf Clubs.

Other are Ekiti Golf Club, Benin Golf Club, Ogbomoso Golf Club, Ewekoro Golf Club, IBB Golf Club, MIC COM and Country Golf Club, Ada, Osun State, Smoking Hill Golf Club, Tiger Golf Club, Ikeja Golf Club, among others.

Family plans to move Ogbein Fawole’s corpse to his hometown

By Olawale Olaniyan THE corpse of former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan player, Ogbein Fawole, will soon be taken to his hometown in Bayelsa State, according to his brother, Harry Fawole.

The former defender died on Monday in Lagos following a heart attack and Harry, while speaking to Tribunesport on Friday said the corpse of his elder brother would be taken to their hometown, Tiosani in Bayelsa State, probably next week, as the bill his corpse was incurring from embalment in Lagos was on the high side.

Harry added that the date of the burial will soon will announced.

“The body of Ogbein is in the mortuary and we are thinking of taking his corpse to Bayelsa by next week as the corpse is presently at a private mortuary,” Harry told Tribunesport by phone.

“The expenses are on the

high side and we are moving the body to Tiosani, our hometown in Bayelsa and after that the family will deliberate on the date of his burial. For now we are making necessary preparation to take his body to Bayelsa,” he added.

Speaking on the former footballer’s state of health before his death, Harry said: “Ogbein never complained of heart problem when he was in the United Kingdom and even when he came down to the country but we were surprised by the attack. He was not falling sick, it was just a sudden attack.

“He gave up between 2 and 3pm on our way to the hospital that day, in fact since I knew him, there was never a time he was admitted to hospital.

“He was such a loving and caring person during his lifetime and very accommodating. It was always fun to be with him, it is just a sad thing to love a caring brother.”

voxpop

How would you react if you see the CV you submitted for a job recently being used to wrap Suya?

Omajuwa

10th NBL Plc tennis tourney begins in Ibadan

By Olawale Olaniyan

rians - John Obi Mikel and Ahmed Musa.

Austin Okocha is the last Nigerian player to win the

Saturday Tribune

event is N210,000 as winners of the veterans doubles will get N100,000 while the super veteran doubles winners will be rewarded with N100,000.

The president of the IRC, Otunba Gboyega Fisher said no fewer than 120 players have shown interest to participate in the tournament.

Meanwhile, a member of the organising committee, coach Kayode Alabi has disclosed that the tournament will also feature the women’s singles this time.

He stated that the draw for the main tournament will be held today.

In the preliminary games to be decided today, E. Adeleye faces O. Anthony as A. Emmanuel tackles A. Asaleye, while A. Abiodun confronts O. Osunbote.

A. Adedayo faces G. Erinwusi as I. Adegbola battles with D. Odebiyi, while B. Olatunji tackles O. Odebiyi.

S. Mesagbor will slug it out with D. Tunji as M. Abdullahi battles with A. Olanrewaju to vie for tickets into the main draw of the competition.

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Van Persie looks good again

ROBIN van Persie is on the road to recovery following a gruesome eye injury recently sustained while playing for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

The former Manchester United star had been enjoying a solid performance against Akhisar, opening the scoring with a fine effort, but was then later involved in a nasty incident.

The Dutchman was involved in a penalty area collision with his counterpart Abdulwahid Sissoko.

But the Dutchman has since made a solid recovery, and was pictured relaxing in the sun with his wife Bouchra.

While relieved to have her husband back well again, she admitted Van Persie’s injuries in the aftermath of the collision were like that of a boxer.

Posting on social

Terry and wife

Van Persie (right) and Bouchra

media platform Instagram Bouchra said: ‘looking good again. He looked like a boxer.’

The image comes after Van Persie himself sought to reassure concerned fans that his eye injury was not as serious as it initially

looked.

The 33-year-old had taken to his Twitter account in the aftermath of the incident to thank the sporting world for their well wishing and let them know he was ‘all good’ following hospital tests.

McGregor

o t e f i w s e k a t y r r Te t n e v e charity McGregor shows off Rolls Royce

C

HELSEA captain John Terry and his wife Toni dressed up for the occasion when they attended a charity event supporting Centrepoint and Reuben Foundation.

The pair were pictured on Instagram posing for a photo at the charity event at Kensington Palace, central London, on Thursday.

Terry and his wife joined a glittering array of stars at the event to help raise £1.5m for one of the late Princess Diana’s favourite charities.

Prince William, who followed his late mother by becoming patron of youth homeless charity Centrepoint, joined 420 guests to watch performances by the likes of Ellie Goulding and Craig David in a show hosted by Jonathan Ross.

Other guests to join Terry and his wife, included Jamie and Louise Redknapp,

Joan Collins and Princess Beatrice.

With Terry no longer required for international duty, he can enjoy some downtime with his family and the former England captain also just returned

from a hot break in Dubai.

The 35-year-old has found himself on the bench in recent times under manager Antonio Conte at Chelsea since returning from an ankle injury picked up against Swansea in September.

MCGREGOR shows off Rolls Royce Notorious was true to form once again as he took to social media to brand himself ‘the King of everything’ and pose

next to his stunning Rolls Royce.

McGregor also spoke of his penchant for ‘sleeping fools and shopping jewels’ as he posted

Lucas, wife in Milan tourist centre

Lucas (left) and wife

LUCAS has celebrated Liverpool’s rise to the top of the Premier League table by whisking his wife Ariana Lima away for a city trip in Milan during the international break.

While the majority of his team-mates were reporting for duty with their countries ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the Brazilian was afforded the time off to take in the sights in one of Italy’s top tourist spots.

The 29-year-old took a selfie of him and Ariana standing in the Piazza del Duomo in front of the Milan Cathedral, alongside pictures of them out sam-

pling some of the finest Italian cuisine.

Lucas has only appeared six times for Liverpool this season - with manager Jurgen Klopp opting to deploy him in an unfamiliar role at centre back.

The German partnered Lucas alongside Joel Matip in the heart of the defence last Sunday but it was at the other end of the field where Liverpool impressed as they thrashed Watford 6-1, and captain Jordan Henderson praised the work rate of front trio Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

another photo of him browsing a jewellery store.

The 28-year-old’s coach John Kavanagh also joined in on the Instagram antics by posting a video of the featherweight champion preparing for his huge fight with Eddie Alvarez on Saturday.

McGregor’s bout with lightweight champion Alvarez is the headline attraction of arguably the biggest UFC event of all time at New York’s Madison Square Garden, and the Irishman is looking to make history of his own by becoming the first man to hold two UFC titles at the same time.

But McGregor has faced criticism from the featherweight division, with some accusing him of getting to a position where he would no longer be able to fight those in the weight class below him.

Today’s World Cup qualifiers

NO 1,177

N150

SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER, 2016

Cameroon Nigeria Mali Morocco S/Africa C/Verde Uganda

vs vs vs vs vs vs vs

Zambia Algeria Gabon Ivory Coast Senegal Burkina Faso Congo

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA

It’s a big game, we count on you

•Rohr pleads for massive support for Eagles Mikel Obi, Nigeria captain

Niyi Alebiosu -in Uyo

S

UPER Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr says neither he nor the Super Eagles are afraid of the Desert Warriors ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier in Uyo, adding that the overwhelming home support could do the magic in favour of the Nigerian team.

Nigeria host Algeria in an African Group B qualifier for the 2018 mundial in Russia and the Franco-German says they nurse no fear of any sort.

Rohr, while speaking with Tribunesport after the Super Eagles training on Friday evening at the training pitch of Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo said he and the players are calm and ready for the all-important match.

He added that “there were some lapses in the match against Zambia and this we have improved upon. We are more efficient than before. I expect a good match today and want support from everybody.”

A win at home will consolidate Nigeria’s leadership of their World Cup qualifying group after they won 2-1 in Zambia last month and Algeria and Cameroon cancelled each other in Blida.

“The fans should help us to win this game,” urged Rohr.

“What I can assure everyone is that the team will fight on the pitch, they will give everything.

“We will have a big game.”

He also disclosed that all 23 players are fit and available for selection.

Rohr also ruled out FC IfeanyiUbah’s goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa due to his limited playing time.

“I am confident in all three goalkeepers in camp. Akpeyi is playing regularly and so too is Alampasu. I attended the Federation Cup final to see Ezenwa play, but was disappointed he was not played.

I’ve never seen him play a game live,” Rohr told the media.

“I maintain I cannot feature players who have stayed six weeks without action. It’s un-

This will be tougher than win over Zambia —Mikel NIGERIA captain Mikel Obi has said they hope to be at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and so will give everything to extend their fine run in the qualifiers after a 2-1 win in Zambia last month.

The Super Eagles will take on Algeria in continuation of the World Cup qualifiers inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in today.

Mikel said the team appreciate the importance of this particular game and its ramifications for Nigeria’s march to a sixth FIFA World Cup finals.

“We all know what this match means, why we have to give everything,” said the 29-year-old midfielder.

“Yes, we started the race well by winning in Zambia, but we have to approach this match even more seriously.

“The Algerians will come with determination and they will play hard, but we will play harder.

“The World Cup is the biggest stage; every player wants to be there. I am happy we have such a young and energetic team.

“I played at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 but there are many of these players who have never been to the World Cup. They want to be there.”

Nigeria represented Africa at the 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, reaching the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998 and 2014.

Nigeria and Algeria were Africa’s best teams at the last World Cup finals, in Brazil, each eliminated in the Round of 16 on the same day: Nigeria fell to France and Algeria were pipped

by Germany.

The rivalry between Nigeria and Algeria at senior level is one of the fiercest in African football.

Nigeria beat Algeria to win their first Africa Cup of Nations in 1980; 10 years later, Algeria beat Nigeria to win their first Cup of Nations.

Algeria beat Nigeria to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup - Spain 1982; Nigeria beat Algeria to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup – USA 1994.

The first meeting between both teams, at the All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted in 1973, ended 2-2.

Algeria enjoyed a three –match winning streak against Nigeria between October 1981 and March 1982, but Nigeria have won the last four confrontations between both nations.

Carl Medjani, Algeria captain

Draw enough for Algeria —Leekens ALGERIA head coach Georges Leekens is focused on getting at least a point in today’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Leekens, who is set to lead the Greens for their first competitive game under his watch, in his second stint believes that his ambitious team can get the job done in Uyo but still opines that a draw against the Super Eagles will be a better result for an away fixture.

“We’ve not been too pleased with the last performance. The team is desperate to catch up and make up ground, ” Leekens told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“This game is a chance to get our qualification hope on track. I have got a lot of good characters about the place - don’t worry about that.

“This is a great group of lads to work with. I never go to bed thinking someone is going to let me down and someone isn’t going to give me 100 percent.

“My players are intelligent enough to understand the fixture. The importance of the game is understood.

“It’s a massive game in terms of our impact on the group. We’re still involved, it is still quite tight. It’s a must-win.

“The group is still all to play for and a point would be a decent result for us, especially with games to come at home.

“We’ve come with a game plan to try and win and if we can get a result we’re still involved with big games coming up in 2017.”

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. 12/11/2016.

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