13th August, 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 1,164

SATURDAY, 13 AUGUST, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Weekend Lagos

Lagosians groan as task force descends on car owners •Outrage over siezure of number plates

fear We live in constant ordeal after bloody attack —Ikorodu residents narrate

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Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

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Buhari orders review of Generals, others’ sack pg5

Fuel scarcity looms as forex crisis worsens

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Why I am not yet

married —John Dumelo

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FG set to concession railway infrastructurepg4 Ijaws give FG condition for peace in Niger Delta

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From left, Chief Investment Officer, Old Mutual Investment Group, Hywei George; Chief Executive Officer of the group, Diane Radley; Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Uche Orji, at the agreement-signing ceremony between the NSIA and Old Mutual Investment Group for $500m real estate and $200m agriculture vehicles in Abuja on Friday. PHOTO: NAN

N64.8bn UBE funds idle in CBN

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13 August, 2016

Why I am not yet

d e i r r a m —John Dumelo

Ghana’s super actor, John Dumelo, is also one of Nigeria’s favourite thespians. Handsome and gracious, Dumelo has become one of the most sought-after male actors in both Nollywood and Ghollywood.

He started acting at age seven and has been featured in prime movies in both industry. Recently, Dumelo was in Nigeria for a Ghandour Cosmetic launch. NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA and other journalists had a brief chat with him. Excerpt:

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ROWING as a kid actor I started very early. I did my first film when I was seven years old. It was a hit in Ghana then. My first movie is titled Baby Thief. After the movie, I started developing a strong film sense. God has a purpose for everybody. I think acting is what God chose for me. I naturally developed the passion for acting.

Breaking into the Nigerian market I think at that time (2007), it wasn’t that easy. You know, we had other Nigerian actors around. Accepting me was a bit challenging. I think later we accepted the fact that we could come to Nigeria and work and Nigerians could come to Ghana and work. Things became okay.

Personal views of Nollywood Nigeria does good films. It always keeps Ghana on its toes. Ghana does the same thing. I think it is a healthy rivalry – Ghana copying Nigeria and Nigeria, Ghana. In the end, it is a good marketing strategy. Ghana has a lot of fan base in Nigeria and Ghanaians love Nigerian movies.

Use of Nigerian languages I have worked in the East, so I picked up a lot of Igbo language there. And because I always come to Lagos before going to the East, I‘ve picked up some Yoruba language too. And yes, I have a lot of Yoruba and Igbo friends.

Challenges working in Nigeria and Ghana We all have similar challenges. We have challenges with financing, organisation and piracy. Piracy is also prevalent in Ghana to the extent that when people premiere films they are very care-ful about their CDs, because you can premiere a film today and find the film on the street the next morning

– and that is your money gone.

Marriage literature I have heard people talk about the beauty of marriage. I have seen a lot of people getting into marriage early, and divorcing early. I think people just love the idea of marriage but don’t know how to stay in marriage. They like the idea of love, but don’t have the idea of how to stay in love or be in love. Since I have some following, I decided to put what I have heard and seen in writing. It is to advise people not go into marriage in a hurry, or marry because your friends or cousins are getting married or because you want to have beautiful wedding pictures. Marriage is making it work and that is what is failing a lot of marriages these days.

These reasons are also why I am taking my time before getting married. I have plans of getting married soon.

Yvonne Nelson Yvonne is just my friend. We have enjoyed a beautiful relationship over a long period of time. We had a misunderstanding, but one thing I understand is that life is short. There was no need to prolong the fight. So we settled.

Personal views on fatherhood The father is an important factor in parenting. I have witnessed a situation where the father figure wasn’t identified in a home and I have also known how the children turned out. I am not saying that women are not good parents. They do their best. But when you have a father, it just makes everything wonderful.

It is the same thing about when you are growing up and you have a father and no mother. The children will turn out to be something different. I think both are very important. I was closer to my dad.

Continues on pg26

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13 August, 2016

Fuel scarcity looms as forex crisis deepens

Saturday Tribune

•Dollar scarcity threatens fuel importation •Ex-depot price jumps to N135 from N133:78

By Dare Adekanmbi

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XCEPT the Federal Government acts swiftly to address the forex crisis as it relates to the importation of refined petroleum products, the country may be thrown into another round of fuel scarcity, Saturday Tribune investigation has revealed.

Already, the ex-depot price which is the price at which marketers load fuel from tank farms in Lagos State, has increased from the regulated N133.78 kobo to between N134 and N135.

Of the private tank farms in Lagos, Saturday Tribune investigation revealed that only NIPCO is selling petrol to marketers at the regulated price of N133.78.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which is the industry regulator, is also dispensing fuel at N133.78.

By the close of work on Friday (yesterday), a dollar exchanged for N351 at the interbank market while it was at almost N400 at the parallel market.

A prominent player in the industry told Saturday Tribune that most of the private tank farm owners are finding it difficult to import fuel because of the continuous fall of the naira against the dollar.

Fuel importation business is denominated in dollar and scarcity of the currency has hit the country since the price of crude oil began to plummet in the international market.

“Unless the Federal Government intervenes and makes forex available to the private tank farm owners at affordable rate, prices of petroleum products may go up any moment from now.

“The Federal Government still regulates the price which is pegged at between N135 and N145 per litre, the range within which petrol currently sells across the country.

“But by the time people [fuel importers] reach their limit, most of them will stop importing the products because it is not going to be profitable again for them.

“Do you know what that means? That is another round of scarcity and pains for Nigerians. That is just the reality on the ground now.

“Since the liberalisation of the downstream sector, the NNPC has been telling the independent marketers not to rely on supply from the corporation. They have always asked the marketers to go and import,” the source said.

It was gathered that a lastditch effort by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to bring the first cargo

of fuel for its members failed on account of forex crisis.

IPMAN members own more than 70 per cent of the retail outlets (filling stations) across the country.

Saturday Tribune reliably gathered from another industry player that IPMAN’s consignment of fuel, which was due to arrive in the country last week, had to be shipped back to its country of origin when the marketers

State should not be repeated in any part of the region.

Giving the assurance that peace would return to the region within 24 hours should the government grant the moratorium, Harry said “I am a president who is a child of circumstance trying to fulfil the obligation of the eastern zone in tenure of four years.

“The Nigerian nation is at a crossroads and the Ijaw nation is playing an important role in that denouement. An Ijaw man is suffering from the yoke on his neck.

“The oil in our area has become a weapon of destruction and it is intolerable.

We suffer acid rain and our people still drink from the same water they defecate inside.

“I will want to use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government and the military to be moderate in their quest for peace in the Niger Delta.

“We will give our support to do everything to ensure peace but we will only do that if the Federal Government is willing to take a moratorium on all military actions in our land.

“We have had communities displaced and abductions in our land and we believe that if the Federal Government is sincere and wants dialogue it should dialogue with the

people of the Niger Delta.

“The problem of the Niger Delta goes beyond the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and even beyond the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND),” he said.

The INC president accused government at all levels of marginalising the Ijaw nation, adding that the Ijaw people had been reduced to a minority group in all states of the Niger Delta.

He said one of the ways to end the agitation among the Ijaw people was restructuring of the country, noting that the foundation of the country was erroneously laid by the colonial masters.

Harry called for the creation of three Ijaw states, stressing that all the Ijaw in all the states in the region ought to be grouped together.

He expressed worries over some laws which, he said, were made to denigrate the Ijaw people and warned that the “marginalisation” of the people of the area must stop.

“We are stretching out our hand of peace to Nigeria but we will not accept marginalisation. We urge the Federal Government to sign the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) which will benefit the oil-producing communities.

That will be one of the recipes

could not defray the costs because of dollar scarcity.

IPMAN, hitherto a two-faction body and only recently harmonised into one, is said to be exploring other options to overcome the problem of forex scarcity.

“We just pray that the dollar-to-naira rate will not get to the level that will make it impossible for anyone to bring in fuel into the country,” the source said.

THE Ijaw National Congress (INC) has indicated its willingness to stop militancy and ensure peace in the Niger Delta if the Federal Government is ready to declare a moratorium on all military actions within the next 30 days.

The body, which is representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the six Niger Delta states, made this known while addressing journalists on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on the state of the organisation and the region.

The new president of INC, Mr Charles Harry, said the forebears of the Ijaw nationality entered into the Nigerian union in error, adding that the region should be given the opportunity to state its terms for a continued relationship with the other parts of the country.

He threatened that the group would drag the government before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague should it use force to suppress the increasing agitation in the region.

He advised the Federal Government not to resort to war or use of force to attain peace in the oil-rich region, stressing that the incident in Odi community in Bayelsa

and other adjoining states for onward trucking to filling stations.

“The NNPC is claiming thart it can’t be pumping fuel through the pipelines only for vandals to continue to damage same and steal the fuel.

“NNPC says it can’t be losing money like that. No depot in the System 2B network run by the PPMC is loading fuel as we speak,” another source said.

FG set to concession railway infrastructure Leon Usigbe - Abuja THE Federal Government is taking steps to concession the railway infrastructure in the country.

Towards this, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday in the State House, Abuja, inaugurated a steering committee to implement the initiative.

Speaking at the ceremony, Osinbajo stated that the purpose of the committee was to create a one-stop shop for the concession, fast-track the process and beat the red-tape and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

He said the steering committee on the concession of the nation’s railway, headed by the Transportation Min-

ister, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, should be innovative, urging the members to remove whatever obstacles that stand in the way of a smooth concessioning process, hoping that the committee will meet its deadlines and end up “to be an example of how it should be done.”

Observing the challenges of bureacratic bottlenecks in the public service delivery system, he said the Buhari administration is determined to overcome it.

Explaining the importance of the committee, the vice-president added: “I think this steering committee is extremely important, because we have tried to bring together everybody that should be involved in

Militancy: Ijaws give FG condition for peace in Niger Delta Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

Investigation by Saturday Tribune further revealed that the NNPC has refused to pump fuel through the System 2B network owned by the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), an NNPC subsidiary, because of the activities of pipeline vandals.

System 2B network is the pipeline channel through which fuel is pumped to all the depots in the South-West

for a lasting peace.

“We don’t want blood to be shed again in the Niger Delta. We ask the Federal Government to give INC the opportunity to wade into the Niger Delta matters and there will be a ceasefire.

“Our people trust us because they know that we are not a political party or a set of people championing the interest of politicians, rather we are there for the welfare of our people. So, they will listen to us. If we are brought into the dialogue, we will ensure that the boys stop all attacks.

“We give the Federal Government 30 days for this moratorium to be entered for peace to return in the Niger Delta. If the right thing is done, peace can return to the Niger Delta within 24 hours.

“Our participation in the Nigeria project has been without our consent but we accept it and Nigeria must realise that our forefathers never had the discretion of choice in determining our participation in Nigeria.

“We call on Nigeria as a point of necessity to call for a union conference where a declaration of union will be put together by all the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Nigeria has to be restructured,” he said.

this (concessioning) project in order to see to it that we deliver quickly and efficiently in a manner that justifies Federal Government’s expense in the project.”

Continuing he said, “the whole idea of the steering committee raises the issue we are trying to address, to have a one-stop shop for all approvals, objections or problems so that we can realise our target.”

Speaking after the inauguration, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Amaechi, said that the committee was set up to ensure the concession of the nation’s railway and is expected to submit its report in six months time.

The 20-member committee is composed of officials and individuals from relevant public and private sector agencies and firms.

The terms of reference for the committee are as follows: To advise the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) on policy issues that impact on stakeholders interest; To advise the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on efforts at improving stakeholders relations; To advise BPE and the Federal Ministry of Transportation on planning, coordination and implemen-

tation of Nigeria Railway Corporation; To review existing legislations, reports, studies and any other relevant information on the railway sector and provide guidance on policy issues; To review economic and financial viability of the project and recommend the level of Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) investment; To review the concession framework developed by the Project Delivery Team; To review the technical, financial and legal framework for the successful preparation and concession of the project; To review the activities of the Project Delivery Team that would facilitate the concession, guide the project delivery team in the concession process, assist the concessionaire to obtain all clearances, approvals and permit as may be necessary; To assist in organisation of workshops, and public awareness campaigns on the concession process; To brief the NCP and Federal Executive Council (FEC) from time to time on the activities of the Steering Committee; and to carry out any other function that will facilitate the delivery.

Buhari greets Odigie-Oyegun at 77 Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun as he marked his 77th birthday anniversary on Friday.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in Abuja, Buhari joined Odigie-Oyegun’s family, friends and admirers in celebrating “another year of good health and strength for a man who has shown uncommon dedication to the peace, progress, stability and development of Nigeria.”

The President commend-

ed his patriotism, hardwork and leadership in managing the affairs of the governing party through the period and in the aftermath of the historic 2015 elections.

Buhari affirmed that Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s dedication to noble causes and democratic ideals has indeed endeared him to many Nigerians who will continue to draw inspiration from his legacies to offer their best for the country.

President Buhari prayed that God Almighty will grant him many more years of happiness and good health to see a better and prosperous Nigeria.

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Saturday Tribune

Niger to probe deadly military/civilian clash Adelowo Oladipo – Minna

Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi (left) signing an agreement for the completion of Warri-Aladja- Itapke-Ajaokuta- Eganyi-Jakura-Baro-Abuja (central) railway line between Nigeria and the Chinese Railway Construction Company (CRCC), in Abuja on Friday. With him, from second left, are the legal officer of the ministry, Ijeoma Uche; Director of Rail Transport, Mohammed Babkobi; Legal Officer for CRCC, Ziva Edegbe, and Vice President of the company, Chen Xiao Xing.PHOTO: NAN.

Buhari orders review of Generals, others’ sack

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has directed the setting up of a panel to look into the cases of the 38 officers compulsorily retired by the Nigerian Army two months ago, Saturday Tribune can report.

The army had announced the retirement of the officers in June, citing partisanship and corruption.

Nine Major Generals, 10 Brigadier Generals, seven Colonels, 11 Lieutenant Colonels and a Major, the Army said, make up the 38 affected officers.

However, indications emerged during the week that the presidency has directed the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, to institute the panel with the purpose of revisiting the retirement exercise.

Although the details of the terms of reference of the panel could not be ascertained by press time, a source close to the presidency told Saturday Tribune that the panel begun work this week.

Some of the affected officers had, in July, filed appeals asking President Muhammadu Buhari to review their cases and reinstate them because they were not given fair bearing.

Sources close to some of the officers had told Saturday Tribune that the officers premised their appeal on the provisions of the law which confers on compulsorily retired military officers the privilege of seeking the intervention of the President who is also the Commander-in-Chief.

“They are using the window of opportunity contained in Section 09.02e of the HTACOS Officers, 2012 which states that ‘an officer called upon to retire, resign or to relinquish his commission shall, if he so desires, appeal to the President and Commander-in-Chief, through the Chief of Defence Staff within 30 days to have his case reconsidered,” the source said.

The officers, despite counterclaim by the Army, have insisted that they were not given the opportunity of fair

hearing before the punitive action was taken.

Many of the officers specifically claim that they were

neither queried nor indicted by the authorities before they were suddenly retired for political reasons.

UBEC: N64.8bn UBE funds idle in CBN as states fail to access funds —Investigation Clement Idoko - Abuja IN spite of government’s dwindling revenue and poor funding of basic education by many states of the federation, a whopping sum of N64.8billion intervention fund by the Federal Government for implementation of the Universal Basic Education has not been accessed by states.

Investigation by Saturday Tribune revealed that many state governors have refused to pay the requisite counterpart fund in order to access their allocation from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This huge fund lies idle with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) while several states of the federation have been unable to pay salaries of their teachers with pupils in many schools still learning under trees and dilapidated infrastructure in some states.

A document obtained by Saturday Tribune from UBEC headquarters in Abuja, indicated that as of July 20, 2016, none of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja had accessed the 2016 allocated to them.

The document indicated that the matching grant from UBEC to each state under the 2016 intervention is N521 million, bringing it to a total of N19.2 billion for 2016 allocation to all the states and the FCT. The Public Relations Officer of UBEC, Mrs Helen Okoro, also confirmed that many states were yet to access the matching grant because of their inability to pay the mandatory counterpart fund.

She, however, noted that there has been remarkable

improvement in the access of the grants since the inception of this administration as a result of the sustained advocacy by the UBEC management, even though none of the states has yet to access the 2016 allocation going by the available record.

According to her, the former Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Dikko Suleiman, had worked relentlessly towards improvement of basic education in the country as well impressed it on the state governors the need to promptly access their intervention funds.

It was gathered from the document obtained that from 2005 to July 20, 2016, the Federal Government, through UBEC, disbursed about N325 billion to states with each state and FCT getting about N8.7 billion in the last 12 years.

The UBEC counterpart funds are targeted at the basic education sub-sector and to facilitate sucessful implementation of UBE that is primarily aimed at ensuring all Nigerian children receive basic education.

However, the document showed that Abia, Nasarawa and Oyo states top the list of states which performed poorly in accessing the matching grant with each of them having N4.2 billion un-accessed while basic education in the affected states suffers.

They are followed closely by Ekiti and Ondo. While Ekiti State has a total of N3.8 billion un-accessed fund, Ondo has N3.3 billion. Enugu State follows with N2.9 billion unaccessed fund.

Each of Bayelsa, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Plateau, Rivers, Zamfara and FCT, Abuja has N2.3 billion un-accessed

funds in the period under review.

Nonetheless, eight other states that appear to have performed impressively going by the record in terms of access to the matching grant are Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Gombe, Ebonyi, Benue, Bauchi and Anambra.

All the states in this category were able to access their grants up to 2015 leaving only the 2016 allocation to be accessed.

Also, each of Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Lagos, Osun, Taraba and Yobe, has N1.3 billion to be accessed as of July 20.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, who expressed his disgust at the inability of many states to access the matching grants, said a lot of improvement could have been achieved in existing schools, while new ones could also have been established.

Speaking recently while addressing the 15th quarterly meeting of UBEC management and chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), Anwukah said the Federal Government was greatly concerned about the capability of accessing and utilisation of UBE matching grant as well as non-conditional Special Education Fund for all the states and the FCT. He said: “The inability of some state governments to promptly access and utilise the matching grants is an issue that is worrisome when we realise that a lot of improvements could have been achieved in our existing schools or even in the establishment of new ones.”

THE Niger State government will set up a commission of inquiry into Thursday last week’s deadly clash between some military personnel and civilians in Bosso Local Government Area, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Nasara DanMalam, has said.

Several persons were killed in the clash between members of Kpaigna, Lagbe and Kopa communities and soldiers from 31 Field Artillery Brigade, Minna, during an operation to recover arms and ammunition alleged to have been stockpiled in parts of the communities.

DanMalam told journalists in Minna on Thursday that the decision was taken at the state executive council meeting on Wednesday to determine the immediate and remote causes of the clash.

The commissioner, who stated that the composition of the commission would soon be made public, expressed the commitment of the governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, to the restoration of peace and security in the affected communities and the state in general.

He said the governor was disturbed by the incident and had asked the commission to make recommendations as to how to prevent such a development from recurring.

Meanwhile, families of some of the victims of the clash wept on Wednesday as they removed the remains of their loved ones from the General Hospital, Minna.

As early as 7.00 a.m., sympathisers had besieged the hospital premises and watched as the decomposing bodies of the victims were being identified by their relations.

While no fewer than 10 bodies were removed from the mortuary section of the hospital, two others were said to have been recovered from a bush and buried on Wednesday.

One Mallam Tanko was said to remain missing as he was not among suspects released to the police by the Army on Wednesday.

The Nigerian Army had released 57 civilians to the police for further investigation. Fifteen of them were referred to the hospital to get treated for injuries they sustained during the clash.

PDP crisis nearing an end —Dankwambo Leon Usigbe - Abuja THE lingering leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be nearing its end going by the declaration of Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Speaking at the North East zonal caucus meeting of the party which took place in Abuja on Friday, he called for sacrifice of personal interests on the part of party leaders to enable it to move forward.

Dankwambo said the ongoing reconciliation effort has achieved milestones and was hopeful that the leadership crisis will be brought to a close within the next few days.

He said: “In the past, so many things have remained issues of great concern.

“Now is the time to make sacrifice for all of us on old or new things that come our ways as a duty to the party.

“Everybody is weeping and crying at the same time.

“If anybody expects any other person to carry him on his wing, we may not get to our destination, because the wing may not be too strong.

“It is the wing of sacrifice that is strong enough to take us to the right destination.”

The meeting was called to micro-zone the party positions allocated to the North East.

Dankwambo implored the caucus members to mindful of the decision they take in the allocation of the positions, warning that “We must avoid decisions that will further divide our members or bring more problems to our party.

“We should respect the views of our stakeholders and take a decision that will unite us.”

Also speaking, Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State said the post of the National Secretary of the party should go to the North East, arguing that having what he observed as the most important post after that of the national chairman in the North East geopolitical zone was a way of resolving the crisis rocking the PDP. He was, however, confident that the crisis will soon be a thing of the past as he called on members of the PDP from the geopolitical zone to be united.

In his remarks, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba Central), the Deputy Minority Leader, described PDP as a sleeping giant, noting that the opposition party does not deserve the crisis it was going through.

He therefore wanted all hands to be on deck to resolve the problem to enable the PDP to win back the love of Nigerians.

Voicing the position of the PDP National Assembly Caucus, he stated: “I particularly contributed that the resolution committee should meet the governors to ensure that Sheriff’s demands were met.”

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Renewed WAI should emphasise democratic principles —Osun lawmaker Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

From left, the chairman, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Mr. Jacobs Moyo Ajekigbe; Global Chief Executive Officer, FrieslandCampina, Netherlands, Mr. Roelof Joosten and Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, receiving the souvenir of a Peak Milk truck during a courtesy visit to Iga Iduganran palace of the Oba of Lagos by the FrieslandCampina team, recently.

Group plans protests over state of economy Akin Adewakun - Lagos

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IVIL society groups in the country have threatened to stage mass protests if the federal and state governments fail to address the dwindling state of the economy, both at the federal and state levels.

Making this declaration in Lagos recently in an interview with Saturday Tribune, the national coordinator of Coalition of Civil Societies and Movement for Good Governance, Comrade Ajibade Oyayeye, stated that though the incumbent government at the centre had made significant impact in the area of fighting corruption, it had become imperative for it to come up with policies that would bring smiles to the faces of the average Nigerian.

According to him, Nigerians expect more from the federal and state govern-

ments than they are currently getting, noting that plans are under way from the civil society to organise mass protests against the seeming nonperformance.

He described as “shameful” the situation, where, despite the failure of some states in the federation to pay their workers’ salaries, they still embarked on white elephants that were not of any significant value to their

citizenry.

“Our first plan now is to embark on protests in those states of the federation that have not been able to pay their workers’ salaries for months, as a way of sympathising with these people.

“This has become imperative because despite the failure of these states to pay those stipends for their workers, governors in these states have continued to

Osinbajo tasks lawyers on integrity, says they have lots to offer Nigeria Sunday Ejike - Abuja THE vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on Friday said the legal profession has a lot to offer in the efforts geared towards salvaging the country from its trying times.

Osinbajo, who spoke on Friday at the official commissioning of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House in

Abuja, said lawyers have the capacity to make meaningful inputs in the realisation of good governance in the country and added, however, that integrity and accountability were needed for lawyers to make the desired impact in the lives of the people.

He tasked legal practitioners in the country to imbibe the virtue of integrity in their professional dealings, saying

Doctors’ strike paralyses activities at UBTH THE industrial action embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has crippled medical activities in the hospital.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the hospital reported that the emergency ward is empty.

Similarly, the children and maternity wards had few patients as most of the patients had been discharged following the strike.

NAN also observed that some pregnant women who were in the hospital to access antenatal care were stranded as there were no doctors to attend to them.

draw their emoluments in form of security votes, allowances and even salaries, irrespective of the states of the economy of these states.

“We will also take to the streets to protest if the Federal Government fails to up its game; since it is obvious that majority of Nigerians are suffering from the harsh economic policies of the present government,” he stated.

However, the President of ARD in the hospital, Dr Omorogbe Owen, said that they would continue the strike unless management of the hospital met their demands.

“We are not only demanding our skipping remuneration, we are calling for proper running of the hospital and provision of basic facilities to enable us to care for patients.

“The strike is indefinite and we will only end it when our demands are met,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Michael Ibadin, had earlier told NAN that the resident doctors embarked

on the strike without consultation with management of the hospital.

Ibadin confirmed that the strike was hinged on the non-payment of their skipping remuneration, which was not part of the current budget of the hospital.

Reacting to the strike embarked upon by the resident doctors, a health worker at the hospital who spoke on condition of anonymity said that only few patients were being attended to by consultant doctors at the General Practice Clinic (GPC).

However, the patient said that only patients who arrived at the hospital early enough were attended to by the few consultants.

that integrity and accountability remain the hallmarks of the profession.

“I believe that our profession has a lot to offer our nation, especially in its most difficult times. The most important aspect of that is integrity; our profession must demonstrate that we are capable of teaching integrity in this land.

“We should be believed for what we say we are; we must bear in mind that everyone is looking at us and that we are the example, not just for our profession, but for the entire country,” Osinbajo said.

He commended the NBA leadership for its unity of purpose in ensuring that the Bar House was not abandoned by successive NBA administrations, urging the various tiers of government in the country to emulate the Bar by completing projects started by previous administrations.

“One of the important lessons we have seen in this edifice is the power of unity.

From Mr. Olisa Agbakoba to the presidency of Augustine Alegeh, we see the completion of the building which by every account is possibly one of the most important edifices in this city of Abuja.”

A lawmaker representing Obokun constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, on Friday described the relaunch of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) by the Federal Government as a welcome development that would address fundamental issues of attitude, character and manners of Nigerians.

The lawmaker, while expressing delight that the decision of the Federal Government was a response to his clamour on August 1, 2015 at a forum and that of other Nigerians, pointed out that the reawakening of the war should be done with high sense of caution, so that it would not be tainted with toga of military mentality.

While making the submission at the orientation camping exercise of the Sheriff Guard of Nigeria, Obokun Local Government branch in Ibokun, Oyintiloye said the war should be waged against indiscipline to restore civility that democratic settings place emphasis on.

He averred that the handlers, especially National Orientation Agency ( NOA), should be intellectual in its approach and be civil in its comportment, adding that “it must be done with consciousness of human rights, courtesy and community service. We must do it in a cultured way in line with African tradition.”

PDP national chairmanship race: I’m far ahead of others —Adedoja Jacob Segun Olatunji—Abuja ONE of the aspirants to the office of the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the national convention of the party slated for 17 August in PortHarcourt, Rivers State, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, has declared that he is far ahead of other aspirants and is sure of total victory at the convention.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday after he returned from the tour of some states in the North, he stated that he was overwhelmed with the level of his general acceptance by the delegates in the states he toured in the last few days.

According to him, “I’m far, far ahead of other contestants in this race, I’m sure of total victory. I’m a detrabilised Nigerian who spent the greater part of my life in the South-South and the northern part of the the country.

“Apart from this, I’m not a controversial politician,I have been a member of the party from the beginning and I have never been associated with any other political party.

“I’m for the unity of the party, I have all it will take to turn the fortunes of the party around ahead of the 2019 general election when our great party is expected to take over again at the centre. To turn PDP around is not a tea party, but a great task that needs tested, trusted and great experience like me to handle.

“With my interactions with the delegates from the various zones I visited , I discovered that they are yearning for my candidature, all the states wanted me and promised to deliver their votes to en masse to Professor Adedoja based on my experience.”

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Saturday Tribune

Glo-sponsored Ofala Festival kicks off today with Umato

From left, Chairman, PCRC Osun Command, Comrade Amitolu Shittu; AIG Abdulmajid Ali, AIG Zone 2; Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Ahmad Illiyasu and the chairman, PCRC Ogun State Command, Alhaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, at a reception organised by PCRC for AIG Abdulmajid Ali, in Abeokuta recently.

JAMB not imposing candidates on varsities for admission —Oloyede

T

HE Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, on Friday said it was untrue that the board was imposing candidates on universities for admission.

Oloyede told journalists in Benin, Edo State, during his visit to JAMB’s zonal office that the board had resolved all issues of admission into tertiary institutions after due consultation with all stakeholders.

“I know many of you are bothered and you want to hear from me about the admission.

“There is no stalemate; after due consultation with the Senate, House of Representatives, because they were worried and invited us, the matter was totally resolved,” he said.

He added that education and examination regulatory institutions “like NBTE, NCCE, NUC and JAMB itself were also dully consulted”.

According to him, there is no ambiguity on what will happen. As it has been announced by the Minister of Education, there will be no written examination, no written post-UTME exami-

nation by any institution.

“Apart from that, every other thing remains as it used to be, because the authority, autonomy and independence of the aca-

demic boards or the Senate of the respective institutions remain sacrosanct.

“They should determine their criteria, following the directives of the Federal

Council seeks govt priority in youth development As Tribune pledges support

By Dare Adekanmbi and Moses Alao THE National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Oyo State chapter, has called on government at all levels to prioritise youth empowerment and development to guarantee a prosperous future for the country.

President of the group, Mr Akeem Babalola, made the call on Friday, when he led other members of the executive body of the group on a visit to the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), publishers of the Tribune titles, in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of activities marking the 2016 International Youth Day—which theme is ‘The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Con-

sumption and Production’.

Babalola, who lamented the neglect of the youths despite their demographic advantage to the country, stressed that any country that fails to plan for its youths and empower them is already planning to fail.

“In Oyo state, because of the high level of sensitisation and enlightenment we have done, there has been no youth unrest.

“We do enlightenment programme on vocational training, entrepreneurship. We have to empower the youths, especially at this point. We are out to enlighten our people to be self-sustaining. They cannot continue to wait for the government.

“There are efforts we have

Bode George seeks N/East leaders’ backing as PDP chairman Bola Badmus - Lagos FORMER Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, on Thursday in Abuja met with leaders of the party from the North-East zone in continuation of consultations with stakeholders over his bid for the national chairmanship seat of the party.

Chief George held separate meetings first with the North East zonal executive led by Ambassador Emmanuel Njuwa, national vice chairman, North East zone, at Ibro Hotel, Abuja and thereafter, with the zonal

Executive Council to all Federal universities about what should be merit, catchment areas, educationally-disadvantaged states and other things.

caucus at Transcorp Hilton, with the two PDP governors from the zone, namely Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State and Darius Ishiaku of Taraba State in attendance.

Chief George, according to a release from his campaign office, sought the support of stakeholders from the zone for his ambition, promising to reposition and rebrand the PDP in line with the vision of its founding fathers in order to accommodate all interests and promote the common good above personal ambition.

The PDP chieftain praised the founding fathers such as Mallam Adamu Ciroma,

Chief Alex Ekwueme, the Late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi and the Late Chief Solomon Lar for their foresight in introducing the zoning system to give every part of the country a sense of belonging and also for their insistence that the party be guided by justice, equity and fairness.

George said he was the best candidate that could take the party to greater heights and ensure its return to the hearts of the people and to power in 2019 based on his vast knowledge of the affairs of the party, having occupied the post of national vice chairman and deputy national chairman.

been making as a set of voluntary youth organisations, but we need the assistance of media houses. Government is supposed to give us subventions, but we have not been getting it,” he said.

The Associate Editor, Saturday Tribune, Mr Adewale Emosu, who received the youth leaders on behalf of the management, charged them to fight intellectual poverty among youths and not limit the conception of poverty to material lack alone.

Mr Emosu lamented the poor quality of youths in the country, tasking the youth group to add the campaign on self-development through the resources of the Internet to its mandate.

The Associate Editor, who described Tribune titles as youth-oriented as evidenced from its editorial content, assured the visitors of further support in the area of publicity.

“Tribune will give you everything necessary to achieve success because our founder and the management love youth development. In November, we will be 67, yet we are not old-fashioned.

We know how to address the challenges of the youths.

“We have several pages dedicated to entrepreneurship; entertainment and these are youth-oriented.

We are here to serve the public and the future; I can assure you that we will not let you down,” he said.

THE Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, will today perform the traditional Umato festival to signify the beginning of this year’s Ofala Festival, which is the sixth to be sponsored by Globacom.

The Umato ceremony marks the end of the planting season and the beginning of the period of harvest by the people of the kingdom, according to Onitsha tradition.

The Obi will perform the traditional rite of declaring that the harvest season has started while the period of dryness has ended.

The Umato will be performed at the Ime Obi, where Igwe Achebe will personally serve the traditional corn meal to all the palace chiefs and those who came to witness the ceremony.

This denotes the beginning of a clement harvest season. The Umato will also be performed by key families of Onitsha in their private homes after this.

Onitsha people celebrate the Ofala festival yearly to commemorate their victory over the Yam crop known as Ofala. The feast is also known as the New Yam Festival.

Globacom has been major sponsor of the Ofala Festival since 2010.

Ibusa indigenes meet in Lagos AN interactive session and briefing on the positive developments in Igbuzo, Delta State, will take place tomorrow According to a statement signed by the President General, Worldwide, of Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU), Dr. Austin, the meeting, which kicks off at 2pm at the Cinema Hall 2 of the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos, will focus on the development of Ibusa.

Ologbodiyan joins PDP national publicity secretary race ACE journalist and former Deputy Editor of Thisday Newspapers, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan has joined the race for the National Publicity Secretary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Kogi-born Ologbondiyan, who has already picked his nomination was also Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to former Senate President David Mark and a strong stakeholder at the state and national levels of the party.

Ologbondiyan was Group Political Editor of Thisday Newspapers and as a correspondent, covered several high profile political beats, including the Presidency, National Assembly, State Government Houses and political parties.

A graduate of the University of Lagos and holder of a PGD in Journalism from the institute of Journalism, Lagos, Ologbondiyan is well-versed in Nigerian political evolution with strong institution memory of activities of the PDP.

Power of Resurrection Xtian Church holds anniversary THE eighth annual anniversary of Power of Resurrection Christian Church holds on Monday, August 15 to Tuesday August 16, 2016 between 5:00 – 7:00pm at the church auditorium at No 71/73 Olaleye Ogunsola Villa off Agbamu road, Power City, Sanyo, Ibadan.

The theme of the anniversary is entitled: who is like our God. Psalm 113: 5.

Praise night will take place on August 17 from 10:00pm till dawn and the grand finale of event holds on August 21 at 8:00am.

Ministering at event are Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale and other anointed men of God while events like singspiration, deliverance and breakthrough will also hold.

Pastor and Prophetess D. O. Adebowale

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Saturday Tribune

Choir Anniversary THE 57th Anniversary of the Saviour’s African Church Choir, Salvation Army Road, Ekotedo, Ibadan with the theme: “Glorious Choir”; will be held from Wednesday, August 17 to Sunday, August 21, with the theme at the church auditorium. The programme of events will feature musical training on Wednesday and Thursday (August 17 and 18) from 5:00pm- 6:30pm; Night of Praise on Friday, 19th from 10:00pm-6:00am; Hours of Hymns on Saturday, 20th from 12:00pm-2:00pm and anniversary thanksgiving, on Sunday 21 August 2016. Samson Bayegun is the choir warden while Venerable Oluwajinmi Dairo is the host.

el-Rufai dissolves vigilante groups Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

Venerable Oluwajimi Dairo (middle) with members of the Glorious Choir of Saviour’s African Church, Ibadan.

NDLEA discovers cocaine inside shoes at Lagos airport Shola Adekola -Lagos

O

FFICERS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos have detected parcels of cocaine hidden inside the soles of shoes.

The consignment of shoes where the cocaine was discovered was said to have originated from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The owner of the luggage has been arrested while two other suspected drug traffickers that tested positive and excreted narcotic are also being investigated.

A white powdery substance found to be cocaine with a total weight of 3.950kgs was seized from the suspects.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Ahmadu Garuba said that one of the suspects concealed the drugs inside shoe soles while the remaining two ingested wraps of cocaine.

According to Garuba, “three suspects have been arrested with a total of 3.950kgs of cocaine. They are Mbatugosi Paul Ifechukwu, 32 years old, caught with 1.950kgs of cocaine hidden inside shoe soles, Adugba Ugochukwu Godson, 34 years old who ingested 1.50kgs of cocaine on his way to Sydney, Australia and Onuoha Friday Dominic, 42 years old found to have ingested 850 grammes of cocaine from Brazil. The cases are under investigation and will be charged to court soon.”

Mbatugosi who used to sell shoes in Enugu said that he was introduced into drug trafficking by a friend he met in Brazil, saying, “after my graduation from Technical College in my home town, Ihiala, Anambra State, in 2002, I went to Enugu where I was selling shoes. In 2015, I travelled to

Brazil in search of better opportunities. However, while in Brazil, I worked as a barber to earn a living. After a year and three months in Brazil, I was disappointed because I had no savings, so I decided that I will get some money and be exporting shoes to Nigeria. It was in the process of looking for a start-up capital that a friend introduced me into drug trafficking. My friend

bought the shoes and prepared the drugs inside 13 pairs. This is my first time and I was caught”.

The second suspect, Adugba who ingested 1.150kgs of cocaine said that he wanted to visit his wife in Sydney, Australia, when he was caught.

In his reaction, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd) expressed satisfac-

tion with the arrests, saying, “Every arrest and seizure of drugs is a victory over drug syndicate. The NDLEA will continue to consolidate on the operational successes so far recorded by maintaining vigilance at all entry and exit points. This will be complimented with public awareness programmes on illegal drug production, trafficking and use aimed at reducing demand for drugs.”

MDGs: Fayose awards N59m contracts to local artisans THE Ekiti State government has awarded N59 million contracts for the production of 1,250 furniture items for primary schools in the state under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to local artisans in the state.

Speaking during the contract award in Ado Ekiti on Friday, the chairman, MDGs Implementation in the state, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, said awarding the contracts to local artisans in the project was a fulfillment of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s government’s policy thrust for promotion of local contents.

Anisulowo, who is the Chief of Staff to the gov-

ernor added that Fayose’s action was anchored on his experiences about the expertise of local artisans in Ekiti, whom the governor believed were better in handling projects than those from Lagos and other states of the federation.

He said the desks and chairs will be distributed to selected public primary schools in Ikole, Ado, Ikere, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/ Ifelodun and Ise-Orun local government areas, to boost education at the lowest rung of the ladder in the state for children to experience better learning, adding that the contract was awarded to Ibi-

jummy Investment Limited and would be prosecuted to uplift the local content policy of the state government.

His words: “Ekiti State being one of the participants in this programme, has always adhered strictly to due diligent procurement policy of the state and federal governments in the implementation and award process of MDGs projects and programmes.

“I therefore, want you to be rest assured that the procurement arrangements we are working out today between the state government, contractors , furniture and welder associations is being brokered.

From left, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Alhaji Kamardeen Ajisafe; leader of the defectors, Alhaji Bello Labankadi; chairman of the caretaker committee of the local government, Honourable Wahab Oladejo; a party chieftain, Mr Bamidele Gold and the chairman of the party in the local government, Mr S. P. Akintokun, during the formal defection of some former members of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the APC in Ido, last week.

GOVERNOR Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has dissolved various vigilante groups in the state and brought it under the Kaduna State Vigilante committee.

He made this known at the inauguration of chairmen, secretaries, Director General and members of boards of Parastatals at Government House on Friday. el-Rufai urged All Progressives Congress (APC), appointees to see the appointments as a service to the people and not a way to make money. el-Rufai said any other vigilante group operating outside the committee is illegal, “all vigilantes in Kaduna State stand dissolved, by the inauguration of this committee, All vigilantes are to be brought under one roof, under the leadership of the vigilance committee.”

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Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

style Their Excellencies’ uniquestyles

31

08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

with Kate Ani

Tinuola Ayanniyi tayanniyi@yahoo.com 08055069379

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

T

here is no gainsaying the fact that each of the state governors in Nigeria has his sense of style. Some of them manage to consistently look pulled together creative with their fashion choices. STYLE has singled out a couple of these style conscious-governors.

What you need: Any old bag

Governor Abiola Ajimobi

Governor Seriake Dickson

Governor Benedict Ayade

Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson can be spotted easily afar through his traditional Ijaw gear hat and walking stick.

Hardly would one see him in any style other than that.

Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade is one fashionable governor who displays style and confidence. With his designer headto-toe ensemble, he definitely pays attention to his appearance.

Governor Samuel Ortom Benue State governor, Chief Samuel Ortom really has fashion swag with his trademark multi-coloured stripped traditional cap.

THERE is a saying that the best fashion accessory anyone can wear is a smile and the governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has this as his fashion secret weapon.

With his toothy smile completing his classy wears, he definitely can’t go wrong with his stylish choices.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal Governor Akinwunmi Ambode Governing a state like Lagos is not a walk in the park. Notwithstanding, Akinwunmi Ambode is one governor who keeps up in the style department. He loves to keep it simple but savvy in his clean cut suits and Yoruba traditional attires.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s trademark is his unique cap worn over any cut of Yoruba traditional outfit. Amosun, is no doubt, ruling Ogun State with style.

Governor Ayodele Fayose The sense of style of the self-acclaimed stomach infrastructure governor of Ekiti State who refers to himself fondly as Osokomole is quite commendable. He can never be caught wearing suit. His favourite style is designer casuals and laidback cuts.

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is a conservative dresser who appears to adorn only white Babanriga with white caps to match while discharging his duties. He should also be given kudos for making clear statements with his dress sense.

Steps

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13 August, 2016

I

N the midst of serial lamentations about the fate of the Nigerian state and its economy, as well as greater lamentations still about the perceived complicit inaction of Nigerian runners of state, two pieces of news items sieved in recently. They are sickening in content and context. One was the inauguration of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade during the week by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the second, the news that government had subsidized the cost of pilgrimage to intending pilgrims to Mecca for the yearly hajj ritual. The two news items have provoked questions and angers across the board.

Let us address these issues one after the other.

On Monday this week, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Federal Government officially relaunched the WAI Brigade in Abuja. According to government, the need for the brigade was accentuated by the burgeoning cases of insecurity, violence, kidnapping, as well as other forms of social vices that have taken over the society. The brigade, government explained, is to perform the role of “civil intelligence gathering.”

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dr. Garba Abari, said that the Buhari government considered the need for the brigade because, “in this era of insecurity, violence, kidnapping and other forms of social vices, the role of the WAI Brigade in civil intelligence gathering cannot be over emphasized. It is in this regard that I call on you to encourage your members across the country to redouble their vigilance in the local governments, wards and their various villages, so that we can contribute our quota towards building a secure society.”

Worrisome as these crimes are, Nigerians are bothered that the present government is leaving, in the imperishable wisdom of Yoruba traditional thought, a more consuming ailment of leprosy and choosing to treat eczema instead. In their hierarchical positioning on the needs ladder, the slide in the Nigerian economy looks a far greater burden which should consume the thoughts of any sensible government than “intelligence gathering.” Apart from occasional rhetoric that comes from government officials, there is a timid address of the terrible economic fates of the people of the country. If there is any attempt to tackle the economic problem, such effort is either too feeble to be noticed or is not in the public domain as it is not communicated to the governed by either the signpost of the government – the president himself or any of his commissars. The result is that people are in the dark about their

Saturday Tribune

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Two steps backwards, four steps backwards

economic fates.

So, how did government’s hierarchical positioning of the needs of Nigerians come to be that war against indiscipline is first layer before economic redemption of the country?

Let us even acknowledge that the social vices spoken of by Abari are in need of a rigorous tackle, what is the job of the Directorate of Security Service (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)? Why duplicate efforts, manpower and thus incinerate scarce resources at this period of economic recession? More fundamentally, the wording of the modus operandi of the WAI Brigade bears similitude to that in a police state or the Kremlin.

Why do we need to dedicate a brigade to such extensive spying activities that percolate the 36 states of the federation and all the 774 local governments? This sounds suspicious and a bit incongruent with a free society that democracy gives to countries of its practice.

If one takes cognizance of the fact that President Buhari, as a military dictator, established this same WAI in 1984, ostensibly on the assumption that Nigerians were inherently undisciplined, a cover that was used to commit all manner of human rights atrocities and denial of fundamental rights, Nigeria needs to be suspicious about the ultimate aim of this WAI Brigade, lest it be a façade for a more sinister attempt to stomp on fundamental human rights of the people.

The second news item that invaded public consciousness during the week was the subsidy granted Muslim pilgrims

going to Mecca. We will recall that the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, had told Nigerians during the week at a town hall meeting held in Abuja that Nigeria’s consumption of foreign goods was ruining the economy, so much that on a weekly basis, there is a demand for foreign currency that is in the range of $2.5billion. Some other members of the government, chief among whom is the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, have also counselled that unless we reverse our gluttonous lust after foreign goods, our economy would be ruined as daily importations of goods that we could as well consume their local variants, have conspired to render the economy comatose. The dollar is heading for the rooftop and has today reached an embarrassing level, causing a jump in prices of local goods at an unbearable proportion. The groan is so intense that it is hard to imagine when last Nigerians felt such pains.

With the above in mind, why would a government that is trying to reorientate the people about the need for national conservation of foreign exchange through the elimination of spending on needless goods promote this idiotic move?

Pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem are touristic ventures dressed in the garb of religion. Its ulterior manifestation is to enrich the purses of governments of those tourist centres. Why then would government leave thousands of children studying abroad, many of whom have had to stop schooling for inability to meet forex requirements and spend such on religious tourists? Coming on the heels of allegations of the president’s ultra-attachment to the Islamic religion which invariably berthed the ludicrous three-day holiday for Muslims during their last festival, this is another governmental somersault that deserves our thumbs down.

In totality, the WAI Brigade and subsidisation of forex requirement for Muslim pilgrimage are two policies of this government that are profiling it in bad light. They make sane men want to puke.

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Saturday Tribune

13 August, 2016

ESTHER JULIUS When my parents saw my result, they were happy and my heart was also filled with joy because all their labour on me was not in vain. They took me out for shopping. I gave them a promise to put more efforts in the next term.

EMMANUEL ODUNAYO My parents prayed for me when I showed them my last term report card. I was happy I brought smiles to their faces again. They presented me with a pair of shoes, clothes and new schoolbag for my good performance. I was grateful and also prayed for them.

Our parents’ reactions to our

third term results

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Respondents are pupils of Royal Covenant School, Anfani, Ibadan, Oyo State.

ETIQUETTE CLASS

OMOLARA AWODE TAIWO

side. While entering he noticed the footprints of the lion leading into the cave, but could not find any footprint coming out.

He thought, “If a lion is indeed entered, I will be dead as soon as I enter. But, how can I be sure?

There is no reason for me to stay away from my home if there is no lion inside. I must find out a way to confirm if the lion is still inside.”

The jackal thought of a plan, and standing in front of the cave, began to shout, “Hello Cave!

Hello Cave! Can I come inside?”

For some moment, he silently waited and shouted again, “Hello Cave! Have you forgotten our understanding all these years?

I always wait for your reply be-

fore I enter. Why are you silent today? I shall then go to some other cave if you do not reply.”

On hearing this, the lion thought, “The cave must reply to the jackal when he returns at sunset. It is because I am inside that the cave is not replying today. I must reply on behalf of the cave, or the jackal will go away.”

So, the lion replied from inside the cave, “Hello Jackal, you may enter. It is safe inside.”

The reply was even more frightening due to the echo from the walls of the cave. The jackal at once knew that the lion was waiting for him to enter and make a meal out of him. He ran off, as fast as he could and saved himself.

Respect DEAR children, one of the gifts you can give to those that are older than you is respect. Some of the ways you can show this are: listening when they are talking to you. After they make their points, you can comment.

It’s also good not to talk back to an elder when you’re being corrected of a wrongdoing. He or she knows more than you do.

Also, when an adult is speaking to you, it is a sign of respect to bow your head. In addition to this, when you walk past an adult, greet him or her and perhaps he or she is carrying a piece of luggage, make a move to collect it.

The wise indeed say: Use your tactics to protect yourself from destruction.

C

J

a r t O O n

Little Johnny is on the playground having a disagreement with another boy. The teacher comes out and tells the boys the best way to solve problems is to be agreeable and also open to compromise.

Little Johnny replies, “OK, I’ll agree to let him compromise.”

Hurray!

OLUWASEMILORE OGUNYINKA clocked

3

ke

recently

Nine nice nieces never noticed nine nice nieces noticing nine nice nieces

K

HARANAKHARA was a lion who ruled over a certain part of a jungle.

One day, he could not prey upon a single animal after wandering around the jungle in search of food. It was almost sunset and the lion started returning in spite of being very hungry.

On his way, he saw a big cave, and thought to himself, “It is sure some animal must be living in this big cave. At sunset, whatever animal lives here is bound to return. I shall hide inside the cave and wait for my dinner to arrive.”

The cave was the home to a jackal, who arrived a while after the lion had hidden himself in-

TIMILEHIN ADEDAYO I was very happy when I collected my result and my mother was happy too, she took me out for shopping.

Tongue Twister

e v a c e h T d e k l a t t tha

WILLIAMS AJAYI I received a reward in form of gifts from my parents for my coming out in flying colours in the last term examinations. I was surprised with the scores I got. I didn’t expect. My parents however advised me to put in more efforts next term.

BI RT HD AY

Thank God I was able to collect my third term result in good health. Joy filled my heart because I performed well and I had excellent result. My parents were happy with my third term result and they bought drinks for me.

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Saturday Tribune

13 August, 2016

BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

food&drink

Bring your tastebuds alive with

W

HAT are some of the foods common to your place of origin?

I am from Delta State and some of our dishes are pepper soup, ogbolo soup, banga soup, egusi soup, oghwo soup, bitter leaf soup. Most of these soups are also prepared among other ethnic groups but the Delta way is different. For instance, oghwo soup and banga soup.

How is oghwo soup prepared in the native Delta way?

To prepare oghwo soup the Delta way, attention needs to be paid to the ingredients used because this would make all the difference. Special palm oil is used in preparing the soup. Potash is also used, but not the common potash. The one to be used is the variety that shines. This variety gives the required thickness to the soup. Starch should also be added to the soup while cooking.

These are tips that are not commonly known but bring out the native flavour and taste of oghwo soup.

Which was your favourite while growing?

I loved banga soup. I still enjoy it especially when it’s prepared the Delta way.

How does the Delta recipe differ from others?

The spices used make a big difference. We also don’t add onions to the soup. Onions

Banga soup

Reverend (Mrs) Esther Gold is a lover of native dishes prepared the traditional way. The Head Librarian at the Baptist Building, Ibadan, takes BLESSING EKUM on a journey through the aromatic and rich cuisines of the people of Delta may be used to season meat but it is not an ingredient for the soup.

Can you share the recipe for this?

The ingredients needed are fresh palm nuts, assorted dried fish, fresh fish, ponmo, crayfish, seasoning, salt, pepper, assorted meat, native spices such as beletete, aidan fruit, ataiko, irugege, oburunbebe.

Place palm nuts in pot, add water and leave to cook. When palm nuts are well cooked, remove from pot and place in a mortar.

Using a pestle, gently pound to separate the outer skin from the nut. Palm oil would be extracted this way. Decant to a clean bowl. Place pot on fire and cook meat.

Add decanted oil to pot of meat alongside meat stock. Allow to cook. Add spices, salt, ground crayfish, pepper. If you are making use of fresh fish, add this last so it doesn’t break. By now, the unique banga aroma should fill your kitchen. Leave to simmer.

Serve.

In the absence of a mortar, how else can palm oil be extracted at home?

Recently, my daughter showed me a method she came up with using a glass bottle and a plastic bowl. First place a nap-

kin beneath the bowl and then gently mash the nuts using the glass bottle. I tried it and it worked.

How does one choose the best palm nuts?

There are actually different kinds of palm nuts and they have different effects on the outcome of the soup. There is the agric palm nut and the native palm nut. With the native palm nut, you get palm oil that easily congeals, so you hear people say the oil is ‘sleeping.’ It is also doesn’t have distinct layers of oil. However, with agric palm nuts, you notice that the oil has two layers: a thinner level which floats and a thicker sediment that settles. From my experience, there is no difference in the taste. It’s just in the thickness, so I prefer to mix both varieties.

called oziza seeds. New mothers are usually served pepper soup and these spices (which are the main ingredients) help with contracting and flushing the uterus. She doesn’t need the hot water pressing which is allegedly supposed to do this.

What is banga soup best served with?

Starch. Other alternatives are eba and pounded yam.

Nowadays, there are lots of changes to the way native dishes are being prepared and in fact, some of these meals are gradually fading from menus. What’s your perception of this trend?

It is not something that should be encouraged and I hold mothers responsible.

Mothers ought to teach their children, both male and female, the art of proper cooking.

I have met young ladies who can’t cook any other dish besides noodles and I think that is a disappointment. Mothers need to take time out to teach their children how to prepare both native and foreign dishes. This should be done very early in their lives.

What is the must-add ingredient for dishes from Delta State?

Native spices. These have loads of health benefits. First, it reduces bad cholesterol.

Also, it is the best ingredient to add to a new mother’s meal, especially the one

What dish trends most in Delta State during the rainy season?

Pepper soup served with pounded yam.

The native spices in pepper soup not only provide aroma and flavour, but also keep you warm.

14

13 August, 2016

achievers

Saturday Tribune

With Ronke Sanya (Winner, NMMA Innovative Reporter of the Year 2015) 07036050161 | sanyaaderonke@gmail.com

Law was disaccredited at OOU after my 21/2 years there, same at Lead City after my 4 years there ; then I moved out of Nigeria —Omotola Matesun, Greenwich First Class Law graduate

Matesun with family members during her graduation ceremony at Greenwich, United Kingdom, recently.

Entry.

I proceeded to Lead City University, where I was admitted into 200 Level Law with my diploma from OOU, but again, in my final year, the university ran into problems with the NUC, which labelled the course ‘illegal’. What this meant was that we could not graduate from that department and were advised to switch to the course closest to Law. So I, like many others in the Law faculty, switched to Politics and International Relations. After graduating, I did my National Youth Service, and then came to the UK to pursue what I originally went to university for. That is just one out of many challenges.

Omotola Matesun, in this interview

by RONKE SANYA, shares her story of exceptional determination to study the course of her choice despite all odds.

W

HAT was growing up like?

Growing up was normal really, nothing out of the ordinary, except that I started secondary school, a boarding school, at age 8, and I finished at 14.

I am from Ogun State. I attended Bright Star Nursery and Primary School, Bajulaiye and then finished at Kabmaf International School, Fola Agoro, both in Lagos. Then, I came to the United Kingdom in 2013, to study Law. Life is full of challenges but the most important thing is how we overcame and made a success out of the challenges. Tell us about your unforgettable challenge and how you overcame.

Apart from graduating with First Class Honors, the fact that I actually got my LLB is the biggest achievement. I started out doing a diploma in Law for two and a half years in Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), AgoIwoye, with the aim of doing a Direct Entry crossover into the LLB course. Before the completion of my diploma, however, the university lost its accreditation and the condition on which it regained partial accreditation meant that there was no admission for the year I was to be admitted via Direct

So, you attended OOU and Lead City before you went to University of Greenwich. What differences did you identify in the method of teaching in Nigerian universities and in United Kingdom?

People who know me know that I have the love of Nigeria at heart, and I believe in us as a nation. However, with regard to this issue, both systems of education are worlds apart, and the difference is not in Nigeria’s favour. For one, in Nigeria, the teaching is very abstract, as opposed to the United Kingdom where you get the whole picture.

The topic, subject, and even the whole syllabus come alive, because the lecturers are very committed to the students’ success and progress, which is as a result of their passion for what they do.

Also, a lot of planning, research, and resources go into academics here. These, and more, are major key players lacking in the academic environment in Nigeria, we simply are not investing enough in education.

Also, a lot of opportunities are created for students to put theory into practice. The good results this produces lend credence to the saying that experience is the best teacher. I could not possibly tell you how much more I learnt about Law during my various legal work experience, than I did in class.

From working at my university’s Legal Advice Centre throughout my studies, to doing a placement at Lewisham London Borough Council (Legal services), helping litigantsin-person at the East London family court, shadowing a district judge, amongst others, I was able to match what I was being taught in class with reality, and it made so much more sense that way. Going into the real

world of work after university would not be as much of a shock to me as it is to many fresh graduates in Nigeria.

Your experience as a Nigerian Student in University of Greenwich.

University of Greenwich is a truly international institution made up of students from about 176 countries, so the spotlight was not on me as a foreign student or a Nigerian for that matter. There is a big community of Nigerian students at Greenwich.

Nigerian students excel and often top their class when they school abroad, what can you say is responsible for that, considering the fact that you also had a First Class when you relocated and not in Nigeria.

This can be attributed to what I said early on when I highlighted the differences between the educational sector in Nigeria and the UK. In addition, Nigerians are very determined and focused, especially when it is over three thousand miles from home, and an exorbitant amount of money is paid.

When you introduce yourself as a Nigerian, what kind of response do you get?

Nigerians are people of interest around the world now, especially here in the UK. People want to know more about us, our culture, parties and all. They want to discuss Lagos, our music, jollof rice, the progressing economy, and so on.

Someone once came to deliver a sort of guest lecture at the university and during my discussion with him, he commented on how Nigerians are so educated and well-spoken, especially the females, and he asked me why. I also remember being selected in my first year to have a meeting with the then Minister for Justice, Simon Hughes MP, and he mentioned how very strong and rapid the Nigerian economy is, of course that was after mentioning how Nigeria had one of the worst traffic in the world.

So in all, I mostly get good vibes when I introduce myself as a Nigerian.

At the point when you discovered you made a first class, how did you feel?

As soon as I got my last exam result, and I calculated my cumulative and I had made a First, I went on my knees and returned all the glory to God Almighty who saw me through all the challenges. I knew I had got-

My determination to study law stemmed from the fact that I believe I am well suited to the profession, and vice versa. ten a First since May, and the official confirmation from the university in June, but it still feels surreal.

Why were you so determined to study law even after studying another course and did NYSC? My determination to study law stemmed from the fact that I believe I am well suited to the profession, and vice versa. I am passionate about learning and gaining knowledge, and with law, you learn new things about yourself, other people, your environment (jurisdiction), and even other jurisdictions, everyday.

In addition, I love to help people, which again is a core aspect of being a lawyer; using your knowledge to help people. Also, my love for writing is one of the reasons why law has a pull for me. Working in a field where one of the essential skills is good communication skills (oral and written), which I possess and happen to love, appeals to me in no small measure. After my first degree, I did not feel like I had acquired a degree I wanted to work with. So naturally, the fit between me and law has left me with a feeling that nothing else will make me feel fulfilled every day of my working life.

You must be really fulfilled now that you eventually studied the course of your choice and then made a distinction.

I couldn’t be happier, and more fulfilled. It means a lot to me.

15

13 August, 2016

health&fitness

Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM

ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

By Blessing Ekum

F

OR quite a large number of people, paracetamol is usually the goto medication. The reason may not be farfetched. It is easily accessible as an overthe-counter pain killer and anti-pyretic; it is affordable and there is hardly any side effect such as irritation of the stomach, constipation, dizziness when used as prescribed.

Sadly, this makes it an easily abused medication.

Mrs Ebere is a businesswoman and for her paracetamol is one of the everpresent contents of her bag. According to her, “travelling by road can be very stressful, especially long distance. So, before we even take off, I take two tablets of paracetamol to prevent headaches and body pains because of the stress of the journey. I don’t think there is a day that passes that I don’t take it at least once a day.”

While there are those of the ilk of Mrs Ebere who take paracetamol as a prophylactic, there are others whose obsession with it borders on addiction. For this category of people, they take it for the slightest of aches and pains, even when it is not necessary. For instance, it is not unusual for this set of people to take paracetamol for a headache they know a few hours of sleep would alleviate. Others would rather take paracetamol for days to treat a pain rather than do the needful and see a doctor.

A study on “Paracetamol Toxicity: Epidemiology, Prevention and Cost to the Health Care System,” published in an international journal of medicine, QJM, in 2012, showed that “incidence of poisoning from paracetamol has increased over the past decades and paracetamol is now the most common drug in self-poisoning with a high rate of morbidity and mortality.”

Herbert A. Obu, of the Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State, also pointed out that “paracetamol was commonly given to children on “self-prescription” basis and the tablet formulation was most frequently used, with the possibility of misuse and overdose.” This was made known in a research article entitled “Paracetamol use (and/or misuse) in children in Enugu, South-East, Nigeria,” published in the journal, BMC Pediatrics, 2012 edition.

Though paracetamol is a relatively safe

Paracetamol: Self-treatment or self-poisoning? medication, taking it with impunity, especially for extended periods of time can be devastating and sometimes, fatal.

Speaking to Saturday Tribune, Mrs. Idowu Oyewale, a pharmacist and senior staff member at the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services, Oyo State Hospital Management Board said, “Self-medication is wrong, even when it is done with an over-the-counter painkiller like paracetamol. It is not an addictive drug, but it can be abused. The ideal dosage is two tablets three times daily for an adult and this should be as prescribed by a doctor. Taking the proper dosage without a prescription by a doctor is also a form of abuse. This is because the

individual may have an unknown disease and abusing paracetamol can complicate issues. For instance, someone with a history of hepatitis or liver disease that abuses paracetamol can aggravate the disease. Also, someone who fasts a lot would be doing his or her liver no good if he or she abuses paracetamol.

Sometimes, you hear of people taking paracetamol on a daily basis. This is also wrong. When someone takes as much as seven grammes of paracetamol (14 tablets) in a day, this can qualify to be called an overdose. As is written on the pack and recommended by doctors, once a fever or ache persists after three days of taking paracetamol, the person should

When someone takes as much as seven grammes of paracetamol (14 tablets) in a day, this can qualify to be called an overdose.

go back to the doctor, not continue with self-medication. Abuse of paracetamol can lead to liver cirrhosis which can cause death.”

Experts also add that paracetamol taken in combination with acute or chronic alcohol abuse can result in liver failure.

There have also been studies and reported cases of how long-term intake of paracetamol can pose a risk for renal failure, which is often irreversible, and might necessitate life-long dialysis or a kidney transplant. One study suggested that combining paracetamol and even light amounts of alcohol can more than double the risk of kidney disease.

According to these researchers, taking the recommended dose of paracetamol, combined with a small to moderate amount of alcohol, produces a 123 per cent increased risk of kidney disease. They recommended that in general, people who regularly consume one should not use the other. That is, if one takes paracetamol daily for chronic pain, they should avoid alcohol and if one drinks alcohol regularly, they should try another painkiller or avoid over-the-counter pain medications altogether.

16 healthandfitness

My period comes twice a month

I am a twenty-year-old student. I have been seeing my periods twice a month for the past four years. I need your help in knowing how to solve the problem Maggie (by SMS) Firstly, it is important to confirm if you are on any form of contraceptives as this could affect your menstruation. The other important point is

to know if you have ever had a D and C done for you before. If the answer

to the above questions are no, then it could be a good thing to do an ultrasound of your uterus to know if you have any fibroids. In addition to this, your doctor could do some blood tests for you to determine the level of the appropriate hormones in the body.

I have just one testicle WHEN I was 12 years old, I had an accident where I lost one of my testicles. Now that I am 28 and about to get married, I am worried if I can be a father with just one testicle.

Worried (by SMS) Yes, you can conveniently father many chil-

dren with one testicle just as it is possible for a woman to have babies with just one fallopian tube.

The important thing will be to calculate your wife’s likely date for ovulation and endeavor to have sex with her around this time in order to increase the chances of her getting pregnant.

It could be that you are overweight and as such, your feet are under a lot of stress from your body weight. If this is the case, you will need to urgently

lose some weight. It could also be that you are overdoing the jogging and so

Dr. Wale Okediran 08055069356 (sms only)

MY four-year-old son has been discharging from both ears for the past 4 months. I have taken him to two General Hospitals and have given him very strong antibiotics without any improvement. Kindly advise me on what next to do.

Silas (by SMS) four

months

of

treatment without any improvement, the best thing to do is take him to a doctor

How does breastfeeding help mom?

During pregnancy, a woman stores fat that it expects to release during lactation which is built up in the body as extra fat if mother doesn’t breastfeed the baby. The excess fat must be released, if not the burden is on the body with eventual deposition of the fat in the inner lining of the arteries that supply the heart and the brain (atherosclerosis).

“Fat was initially thought to be an inert material, but it’s very bio-active,” McNeal said. “It produces a plethora of bad hormones and inflammatory markers that influence blood pressure, lipids and the risk of diabetes.” It is then better to encourage any habit that will flush out fat from the body system. Breastfeeding is that important habit that helps to flush out fat from the body system. It is very important to try to breastfeed. “If you can breastfeed for three months after each pregnancy, your blood vessels are likely to be in better shape down the road.”

The longer you keep to breastfeeding the better. If you breastfeed for one or more months, you are less likely to have diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol. Better still, if you can stick to it for more than six months, you are less likely to have heart attack or stroke. The more pregnancies you have, the more risk of heart disease you have. But if you breastfeed longer in each pregnancy you come out healthier.

With adequate breastfeeding the abdominal obesity

discharge.

who will order a laboratory test of his ear discharge. It is the result of the examination that will determine the kind of drugs to be used to treat the ear

My grandma’s hiccups

the need to reduce the frequency. Meanwhile, you can take some regular pain killers which you can purchase from a reputable chemist. If, however there is no improvement after a week of treatment, you may have to do an X-ray of both feet to rule out any abnormality in the bones of the feet.

MY 75-year-old grandma has been having hiccups for the past three months. She has taken some drugs as prescribed by her doctors with little or no improvement. Kindly let us know what else to do as we are very worried about her condition.

Ibukun (by SMS) Hiccup is due to the irritation of the diaphragm and can be caused by many factors such as smoking or chewing gum. Any other practices that might irritate the diaphragm such as eating too much (especially fatty foods) or drinking

too much (alcohol or carbonated drinks) can make a person prone to having hiccups. In these instances, the stomach, which sits underneath and adjacent to the diaphragm, is distended or stretched. As they occur in relation to eating and drinking, hiccups are sometimes thought to be a reflex to protect a person from choking. Strokes or brain tumors involving the brain stem, and some chronic medical disorders (such as renal failure) are reported to cause hiccups; trauma to the brain, meningitis, and encephalitis also may cause hiccups.

N

ATURALLY one would expect there will not be any controversy about the benefits of breast milk but the economic recession may be affecting the compliant of nursing mothers to exclusive breastfeeding of their babies in the first six months of life. I listened to a radio programme where it was argued that it takes a well fed mother to exclusively breastfeed for six months which is no longer feasible.

While mother’s adequate nutrition is essential and may be difficult to achieve in the current economic state, I want to state that having a balanced diet requires simple dietary components that are well planned and may not necessarily be expensive. There is no alternative to exclusive breastfeeding. The benefits are enormous!

Breasts are an astounding and fascinating body part, not because of how they might look like, but because of what they produce and the nursing process they are involved in! Breast milk is water of life and has tremendous benefits to both mothers and their babies. This week let us just look at cardiovascular benefits of breast milk

waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

My son’s ear discharge

After

Pains in my feet AT 60 years of age, I still jog twice a week. Now I have pains in both feet but I don’t think I have any fracture. Please what is it and what can I do?

Saheed (by SMS)

Saturday Tribune

13 August, 2016

Damage to the vagus or phrenic nerve may cause hiccups to last a long time.

Problems with the liver, including swelling, infection, or masses can cause irritation of the diaphragm, which can cause hiccups.

Some medications that can cause acid reflux may also have hiccups as a side effect. Supportive care is administered as indicated by the causative pathology (eg, oxygen for the patient whose hiccups may be secondary to pneumonia). Therapy is directed first toward at the cause of the hiccups (if identified) and then toward the hiccups themselves (if necessary).

Dr. Abiodun Adeoye adeoyemoshood@yahoo.com

08056564360, 08072000017 (sms only)

The wonders of breast milk

that comes up with pregnancy is reduced thereby reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

How does breastfeeding help babies?

Immediately after delivery, the next challenge is breastfeeding. While some mothers cannot breastfeed for medical reasons, others may, out of tight work schedule, finds it almost impossible to breastfeed and they result to infant formula. Breast milk, in comparison with infant formula have many benefits among which are improved immune system by the first milk production (colostrum), easily digestible protein and fat , vitamins and mineral making breast fed babies stronger and healthy with good

senses of hearing and vision. Also breast fed babies are more intelligent than infants fed with formula.

Apart from all these, there are specific effects of breast milk on the heart of babies. Framingham Heart study revealed that breastfed babies are more likely as an adult to have fewer cardiovascular risk factors. Lower body mass index (BMI), a measure of obesity and higher HDL levels (or “good” cholesterol) in adults are associated with having being breastfed as an infants.

It is no longer fashionable to glory in infant formula as found in the early 60s. With the advent of baby-friendly initiative, we can see rather than having obese babies, we have healthy babies with better future cardiovascular state.

Weight at birth and in childhood is an important indicator for future cardiovascular risk. While Low birth weight is associated with future development of hypertension and diabetes, excess weight gain around infancy is not better.

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol, protects against particular cardiovascular disease, such as stroke and heart attacks. The higher it is in the blood the better the protection. Compared with infant formula-fed babies, Breastfed babies have increased HDL. In the cardiovascular disease terrain, our current status is a product of what we were at infancy. The fat contents in the breast milk are easily digestible and prevent overfeeding that can result in infant obesity. Breastfed babies are less likely going to develop hypertension or diabetes later in life.

From the forgoing, importance of breast milk is overwhelming. It should not be difficult to convince an African mother to breastfeed their babies. When next you are pregnant, plan well to breastfeed your baby exclusively for six months and do not wean him or her till 18 to 24 months. You can do it with the help of God and good maternal nutrition on simple diet plans. Enjoy a healthy heart.

17

13 August, 2016

Divorce

Court & Crime

He starved me of sex for three years —Wife

The curses she rains on me are unimaginable,man tells court He has not fulfilled his promise of caring for me —Wife Stories: NAN

A

N Ibadan-based man, Oluniyi Oladele, has asked a Mapo customary court, Ibadan, Oyo State to dissolve the 11 year-old- marriage between him and his wife, Ranti, on the grounds of `troublesomeness and raining of curses.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Oladele said that his wife, Ranti, had almost sniffed life out of him through ceaseless troubles and raining of serious curses on him.

“Ever since l married Ranti, she has been a torn in my flesh as she does not want to see me mingling with anybody of the opposite sex.

“As a popular person in the neighbourhood who render assistance to people by carrying them in my car, she wants me to stop rendering such assistance believing that I might be having something to do with women that I assist.

“If Ranti is not pleased with anything between us, rather than making us to tackle it amicably, she resorts to raining curses that can bring about catastrophic outcome.

“Before I married her, I told Ranti that I already had a wife who had problem conceiving, she agreed to still marry me, only to start fighting my first wife later.

“Worse still, her parents are poisioning her mind against me as she no longer perform any responsibility at home.

“My lord, her parents categorically told her to demand for her own share of my property, even while I am still alive, well and kicking. Though, we got married in 2005, Ranti left my house four years ago, living irresponsibly.

“She denied me access to my three children and I want to take them because I know that their mother has exposed them to suffering and pains.

“As a matter of fact, she on a particular occasion, angrily told me that I should not think that the children belonged to me.

“The bottom line is that, I want

inside

Saturday Tribune

the court to formally put an end to the union between us because we are not compatible,” Oladele stated.

However, Ranti opposed the divorce suit, citing poor economy and her love for Oladele as reasons.

“Just before Oladele married me from our church, I had a job where I was well-paid and I was dismissed after marrying him.

“He has not fulfilled his promise of catering for me, let alone the three children I had with him. In fact, he has abandoned us,” Ranti lamented.

In her testimony, a woman who identified herself as Mrs Ajani, however told the court that Oladele had in no way been a responsible husband and father.

She added that Ranti had endured agony, torture and deprivation due to lack of care.

President of the court, Mr Henric Agbaje, thanked Ajani for shedding light on the matter and advised the couple to go back home for peaceful resolution.

Agbaje adjourned the case till August 31, for judgement.

My wife demands money before lovemaking, husband tells court No, it’s not true —Wife

See pages 18 & 23

A 15-year-old marriage between a 45-year-old woman, Okome and her husband, Ese Obasa, hit the rock on grounds of the husband’s infidelity.

President of Igando customary court in Lagos State, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, officially pronounced the loveless marriage dissolved.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the court noted that the estranged couple was tired of the relationship and that all efforts to reconcile them had failed.

“Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice but to dissolve it.

“The court hereby pronounces the marriage between Okome Obasa and Ese Obasa dissolved today; both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“They are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance or molestation,” he ruled.

The petitioner, Okome, a sales manager, had approached the court, seeking the dissolution of her 15-yearold marriage over her husband’s infidelity.

She accused him of dating their church’s women leader.

She said:”My husband is dating our church’s women leader and he always brings her home for the night.

“Because of her, he chased me out of his house in 2013 and the woman packed in that very day.

“The woman is still living with him and my children up till now.”

The mother of three also accused her estranged husband of battering her all the time.

“I lost two pregnancies through constant beatings and all the scars on my body are as a result of the constant beatings.

“He stopped me from working and locked me in and would not allow me to go out, he beats me anytime he sees me outside or a visitor comes to visit me.”

Okome said her husband had starved her of sex for three years as he barred her from entering his room.

She pleaded with the court to end the marriage, saying, “I am no longer interested.”

However, Ese, 59, denied all the allegations, saying she did not lose any pregnancy.

“My wife did not lose any pregnancy; she always gives birth to her baby anytime she is pregnant.”

Ese said his wife had been flouting his orders and that he could not take it any longer as the head of the family.

“My wife always disobeys my orders, she is disrespectful, she goes out at will and comes in at will.

“I did not chase my wife out of the house; she left on her own when she could no longer cope.”

He urged the court to grant his wife’s request divorce, saying, “I am no longer interested in the union.”

18

13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

23

courtandcrime

My wife demands money before lovemaking, husband tells court

No, it’s not true —Wife Stories by Ayomide OwonibiOdekanyin with Agency reports

A

middle-aged man, Simon Akor, has told an Nyanya customary court, Abuja, that his wife, Patricia, demands money before allowing him to make love to her.

Simon said this when he testified in a divorce petition against his wife during the week.

“My wife always says I must give her money before I make love to her, sometimes when I have money, I give her.

“Whenever I become angry about it and talk to her about it, she would say that all her friends collect money from their husbands before their husbands can get into them,” she claimed.

According to him, Patricia also rubs juju in her private part before making love to him.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the petitioner said when he confronted her, Patricia said it was the native doctor that gave it to her.

“She told me that the native doctor instructed her to always rub it before making love to me, so that even if I drive her out of my house, I will not be able to perform with another woman.

“Whenever my wife rubs that oily substance in her private part and I make love to her, my manhood will become very weak. I will not be able to do anything again,” he said, He said that his wife invited the native doctor to live with them without his permission.

Simon said Patricia told him that the native doctor saw “darkness in our home” and had come to dispel it.

The petitioner also told the court that his wife was into human trafficking, adding that she used to bring girls to people in Abuja.

He told the court that his wife chased him out of the house, adding that he was no longer interested in the marriage.

Patricia, a businesswoman, denied the allegations, adding that both of them pooled resources to buy the house.

The presiding officer, Everyman Eleanya, advised the couple to reconcile.

“You can’t force the court to divorce you, this is a court of justice, we are going to give you room for reconciliation.

“This is not because of you or your wife but because of your children.

“You should consider your children before you take certain decisions in life,” Eleanya said.

He urged the petitioner’s sister, Mary Akor, who was also present in court to try and reconcile his brother and his wife.

He further advised her to “explore every possible means, including her church to bring peace and love between them.”

He adjourned the case till September 5 for the report of settlement.

She patronises too many herbalists, invited armed robbers to rob us —Husband His other wife’s actions attracted them, not me —Wife A businessman, Lateef Oteshile, has approached an Igando customary court in Lagos State to dissolve his 24-year-old marriage over his wife’s alleged fetish acts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Oteshile told the court that his wife, Ayoka, with whom he had four children, had been visiting different herbalists.

“There is no herbalist my wife does not know; she travels regularly and comes back with different charms.

“I always see salt, red oil, blood and other substances sprinkled in my compound.

“I fear for my life because I don’t know what she wants to achieve with her charms,” he said.

The petitioner also alleged that his wife invited armed robbers to rob his junior wife.

“Ayoka invited robbers to attack my junior wife when she just returned with goods from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. About N15million worth of jewellery and other goods were stolen.

“One of the jewellery that was stolen was later found on Ayoka’s neck few months after the robbery,” he said.

Oteshile said that his wife was even threatening his life.

“Ayoka hired assassins to kill me, but they failed; when she was confronted she said she only wanted them to beat me to teach me a lesson,” he said.

He begged the court to dissolve the 24-year-old marriage because his life was at risk and that he was no longer in love.

However, Ayoka, 47, a food vendor, denied the allegations.

She said that the actions of her husband’s wife attracted the armed robbers to their house.

“I don’t know anything about the robbery, my husband’s second wife is fond of talking loud on the phone about large sums of money. This must have attracted the robbers,” Ayoka said.

The mother of four said she did not know anything about the alleged assassination plot as her hands were clean.

“My husband is a contractor involved in all sorts of deals; there was never a time that I confessed to anything.

“They (robbers) entered my room first, I tried to call my husband to inform him, but he did not pick my calls, because since ten years he married another wife, we have not been on talking terms,” she said.

The respondent said that she was not fetish and was a dedicated Muslim.

“I am a practising Muslim, I don’t know any herbalist as he claims.

“I always see salt and other fetish materials in our compound but I am not responsible, I believe in God. “Besides, I am not the only one living in the house, my husband’s second wife is also staying in the compound, why is he accusing only me?” Ayoka said.

She said that she and her husband had a peaceful home until 10 years ago when he married another wife.

Ayoka begged the court not to grant her husband’s wish as she was still in love.

President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, adjourned the case till September 6 for judgement.

My wife is fond of tying only wrapper to watch TV in other people’s homes —Husband A 57-year-old cleric, Minkail Abdul-Hammed, has begged an Igando customary court, Lagos, to dissolve his marriage to his wife, Titilayo, for allegedly making him a ‘laughing stock’ in their neighbourhood.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Abdul-Hammed, who made this known during the week told the court that, “my wife’s naked body was seen by spectators free of charge.”

He further told the court that Titilayo, a mother of six in the 17-year-old marriage, was always disgracing him in public.

“My wife is fond of tying only wrapper to watch television in the neighbourhood.

“Yet, I bought televisions in all our rooms but she refuses to watch them.

“There was a day I came home from the mosque and was looking for my wife because she did not come for the Jumat prayer.

“I was told she was in the third house, so I went there and met her in front of the TV with residents of that house.

“I queried her for preferring TV to mosque and ordered her to follow me home.

“She refused and as I was trying to push her from the room, her wrapper dropped, and behold my wife was neither wearing a pant nor a brassier.

“The residents in the room saw my wife’s nakedness live and direct and were making jest of us. I was embarrassed and ashamed.”

The petitioner also accused his wife who was absent from court of being fetish.

“Of late, I noticed that my wife always locks her room and keeps the key to herself whenever she wants to take her bath or do anything within the premises.

“One day, she went to buy something and locked her room as usual. I searched for the duplicate key because I was curious and opened the door.

“I sighted a paper in which a long incantation was written on it and my name was mentioned.

“I was to search her closet when I heard her footsteps, I quickly locked the room, I took the paper to show her family members.”

Abdu-Hammed, who also described his wife as being wasteful with food, said she was in the habit of cooking far in excess of what they could consume.

“I have always told her to measure food before cooking and that she can always give out the remnant to the poor but she prefers throwing them away.

She has stopped cooking for me since 2012 and told me to be doing the cooking which I am still doing because of that.

The petitioner said that his wife was an ungrateful person that could not manage three businesses he set up for her.

The respondent was not in the court to defend the allegations levelled against her by her husband in the court.

‘He was sacked after it was discovered he slept with his students’ ‘No, I was asked to leave following her constant nuisance in the school’ A woman, Mrs. Deborah Asewa, has pleaded with a Lagos Island customary court to end her five-year-old marriage to her husband, Ekundayo over alleged battery and neglect.

The mother of two accused her husband of being irresponsible and uncaring to her needs and those of her children.

She told the court that her husband had failed to provide money for their feeding and the education of the children.

“When we got married, my husband was teaching in a secondary school in Ogba. But the school sacked him when he started having affairs with the senior secondary students. “ I even heard that he impregnated one of them. He refused to look for another job when he lost his job. I have been the one shouldering the responsibilities ever since then.

“To make matters worse, he would beat me and even steal my money to spend on his girlfriend. The lady in question even threatened to beat me and harm my children,” she added.

Her husband, however, denied the allegations, adding that

it was his wife that caused his downfall “She was always coming to the school where I was teaching to embarrass me. When the proprietor could not take it anymore, he asked me to leave. She publicly accused me of sleeping with an SS2 student to the extent that the family of the girl almost had me arrested.

“My wife so much believes in hearsay. She goes about looking for stories about me so that she could start an argument.

I have never gone to her shop to disturb her or even spy on her even though I hear all sorts of stories of how married men flock to her shop to have sex with her. She cannot deny it. I want the dissolution of this marriage and I also want the custody of our two daughters because she would be a bad influence on them,” he said.

President of the court, Chief Awos Awosola, adjourned the matter till September 18 for possible settlement, while asking them to bring two members of their families each.

He’s irresponsible, can’t afford to pay house rent —Wife ‘My wife paid the rent because I was not buoyant enough’ AN Igando customary court in Lagos State has dissolved the five-year-old marriage between Yetunde Bakare and her husband, Sunday, for infidelity.

President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, said he was convinced that the couple could no longer live together as husband and wife.

“The court has no choice but to dissolve the union in spite of the fact that the husband still claims he loves his wife.

“The court pronounces the marriage between Yetunde Bakare and Sunday Bakare dissolved, both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrances and molestation,” Omilola said.

Yetunde, 29, a trader, had urged the court to dissolve her marriage to Sunday for alleged infidelity.

“My husband is a ‘woman wrapper’, he comes home with

She has been causing serious disharmony in my house, man tells court ‘It’s a thing of joy for me to be free again from his unfaithfulness’ A Mapo customary court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved an 83-day-old marriage between Pa Owolabi Alowonle and his wife, Idia, for deception.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Alowonle, 70, a surveyor was a widower before he married Idia, who was a widow.

President of the court, Mr Henric Agbaje, held that both Alowonle and Idia based their rush into marriage on infatuation and the urge to satisfy their selfish ambitions.

“I don’t exactly understand why two elderly persons who are already widow and widower should carelessly rush into a marriage without proper knowledge of one another.

“Well, I only wish both of you good as you have both accepted dissolution of the union.

“Therefore, in the interest of peaceful coexistence, the 83-day-old union between Alowonle and Idia has ceased to be henceforth,” he said.

He, however, directed Alowonle to provide a cash of N12,000 for Idia’s accommodation and another N2,000 for the movement of her belongings within seven days.

Earlier, in his petition, Alowonle told the court that Idia was causing disharmony in his house as well as being a threat to his life.

“My lord, ever since Idia got to my home on May 18 this year, she has been doing everything possible to put an end to my life by not giving me rest of mind.

“She has been causing serious disharmony among my tenants who were peaceful before she married me.

President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, ordered the petitioner to summit affidavit of service to replace the respondent’s absence in court.

He adjourned the case till September 27 for judgement.

“She and her daughter from time to time fight and gossip around the house giving unfounded information about one tenant to the other.

“As if that is not enough, Idia incited her daughter against me to abuse and break the long existing regulations I imposed on the house for peaceful coexistence of the tenants and my family.

“I barred any form of singing of religious songs which I know could cause problems among Muslim and Christian tenants.

“However, the daughter she brought from her late husband deliberately started singing in the house.

“In fact, Idia and her daughter have no respect for me,” Alowonle explained.

Idia, who did not deny any of the allegations, welcomed the divorce suit.

“It will be a big relief for me to exit his house, the house of trouble.

“My lord, when he met me as a widow, Alowonle promised to take good care of me, assuring that he had no wife since he lost his last wife.

“However, just seven days after I moved into his home as a wife, he brought in another wife and started treating me like dustbin.

“Ever since then, he asked me to leave the shop he established for me with N25,000 and has even asked me to leave his house altogether.

“It is a thing of joy for me to be free again from his unfaithfulness,” Idia said.

his girlfriends and sometimes, they pass the night.

“There was a day I tried to stop one of his lovers from sleeping over, my husband and the lady beat hell out of me,” she said.

Yetunde said that her husband once beat up her father when he came to their house to settle their quarrel.

The mother of three said that she had been the one paying the house rent since the beginning of their marriage as well as the children’s school fees.

“My husband is irresponsible, when the rent of the two-bedroom flat I first rented was about to lapse, my husband disappeared from the house with all his belongings to an unknown destination and I was pregnant then.

“I was in the hospital for six days because I could not pay, I was released after my father came to pay the bill and I stayed with my father for nine months before he rented another flat for me.

“After my father rented the flat, my husband came back to the house,” she said.

Yetunde also told the court that her husband had threatened to kill her, having tied her nose and mouth with clothes once. She said it took the intervention of neigbhours to save her.

“He always beats me whenever he sees me talking with male customers or whenever he reads my chat with a male friend on phone,” she said.

The petitioner pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage, saying her life was at risk and she would love to live and cater for her children.

Sunday, 40, a self-employed, said that his father-in-law forced him out because he was unable to pay the house rent.

“My wife paid the rent because I was not buoyant enough, but the last rent was paid by my father-in-law who had been threatening me to vacate the house or commit suicide.

“On that fateful day, he came with a thug, beat me and threw my belongings out, arrested me. I passed a night in the cell before my father came to bail me,” he said.

The respondent said that his wife was having extramarital affair that he read her chats on her phone and he discovered she was having an affair.

“My wife has a man friend, when I confronted her with those chats, she could not give me a satisfactory answer,” Sunday said.

He urged the court not to grant his wife’s wish that he was still in love.

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Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos Editor Lanre Adewole m: 0811 695 4637

e: olanreade@yahoo.com

We live in constant fear —Ikorodu residents narrate ordeal after bloody attack

By Naza Okoli ODOKEKERE is a small community very close to Ikorodu in Lagos. From the popular Ikorodu Garage, a visitor would first board a bus to the border town of Odogunyan and then take a motorbike to Odokekere.

“It is technically part of Ogun State,” a resident who identified himself as Gabriel said. “But many people around here are not originally from here. Many of them live here because accommodation is cheap, or because they have built their own houses here.

Many of them go to work in Lagos from here every day.”

For several weeks now, many residents of Ogijo, Odokekere, Fakale, Igode, Odo Nla and Itapara, all in Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, have been in hiding, cowering in their rooms, not knowing when the next dose of horror would be fed to them.

According to residents, on July 7, 2016, a group of men stormed the villages wielding guns, machetes and other kinds of weapons. They came to mark what they called their “anniversary.” Residents said they were members of “Aiye” – a notorious cult group. As it was the seventh of the seventh month, the cult members called it “7-7”. However, to mark this occasion, they would kill seven people, a number which was eventually exceeded by at least four during the attacks.

“The cult people have been terrorising these communities,” a 28-year-old student whose parents live at Igode community, told Saturday Tribune via telephone on Wednesday. “We have been living in fear all the time. We are calling on the state government and the Federal Government to come to our aid, because nobody knows when this thing will happen again.”

Monthly anniversary It was not clear what the vision behind the “7-7” anniversary was. It was not even clear why it was called an anniversary.

A rumour began to do the rounds that yet another “anniversary” had been scheduled to take place on Monday, August 8. In the manner of the previous one, it would be called “8-8.”

Continues on pg22

Lagosians groan as task force descends on car owners •Outrage over siezure of number plates Lagos State government is known for its many laws. One of the most controversial is its traffic laws, which have over the years seen scores of vehicles towed and impounded, some confiscated outright from their owners. But in the last few days, motorists have faced the risk of having their number plates yanked off by officials of the government, even when their vehicles are perceived to be well parked. Lagosians see this as strange and have reacted. BOLA BADMUS, AKIN ADEWAKUN AND OLALEKAN OLABULO report.

O

VER the last few years, there has been widespread condemnation of the practice of removing vehicle parts such as wipers, side mirrors, chrome, among other vehicular parts by transport union members in order to compel commercial vehicle operators to pay their levies.

Some of the people who have condemned this practice are known to have always appealed to the Lagos State government to

A Reporter’s Diary

compel the leadership of the unions in question to warn their members to desist from the act.

It is, however, surprising that the state government, which hitherto concerned residents had cried to over the controversial act, seems to have also resorted to removing people’s vehicular parts, as a way of implementing the state’s traffic laws.

Recent developments, as observed by Saturday Tribune, show that officers of the

Eko Akete

state’s Task Force on the Environment and other Related Offences as well as officials of the state’s mobile court now remove number plates of vehicles whose drivers are deemed to have flouted the state’s traffic laws.

Many Lagosians were taken by surprise when the practice kicked off a fewweeks ago. What makes the whole issue intriguing and worrisome is the fact that on many occasions, perceived offenders had Continues on pgs20 & 21

The big escape Between pastors and Area Boys

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13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos

Lagosians groan as task force descends on car owners Continued from pg19

insisted that they had parked their vehicles at appropriate car parks provided by banks, shopping malls and other places of visit, yet the number plates of such vehicles were removed.

The style of operation of the task force officials and the swiftness with which they carry out the job of removing vehicles’ registration numbers have thus heightened belief by beleaguered motorists that the removal of number plates has been deliberately designed to extort money from law abiding residents of the state.

However, the state government has come out to defend the act, saying that it will not only save the government space where towed vehicles are be parked, but also ensure a cleaner environment and save cost.

Narrating how she lost her number plate to Saturday Tribune, Madam Mosun, a retired civil servant, said she parked her vehicle in front of a popular commercial bank on the Island with the full backing of the bank’s security personnel. She said though the car in question was not exactly parked within the bank’s car park, she and a few other customers, who like her, had also come to transact business in the bank, she (and others) had been given the nod by the security man on duty, to park her vehicles at spill-over very close to the bank’s frontage, especially since the spill-over was duly paid for by the bank with receipts collected.

She said seeing the presence of the bank’s security officials close by, she was very sure that her vehicle was in safe hands, and therefore, she could safely and assuredly make a quick dash into the bank to make some transactions.

According to her, there was no way she could even afford to waste time in the bank which was on the Island area of Lagos, and any attempt to spend more time than necessary would mean she would pay the price by being trapped in traffic for hours when eventually heading back to her home which was on the Mainland.

After spending about 30minutes in the hall, Madam Mosun stated that she headed back to her car, which she thought was still securely parked within the bank’s premises, only to be told that some task force officers from the Ministry of Transportation had, moments earlier, arrived, removed her car number plates alongside those of other vehicles, and vanished without a trace. They were all accused of “illegal parking.”

“I was shocked at the spectacle that confronted me,” the retired civil servant said.

Bewildered at the development, she promptly sought for explanation from one of the bank’s security personnel at the bank’s gate, only to be faced with an even more confused bank official, who could not offer a reason for the action of the unknown task force officials from Alausa who carried out the act. “’We paid for that space and the transaction was receipted,’ was the response she got from the bank official” Mosun said.

The matter was later resolved on getting to Alausa, with a strict warning for her not to park on that spot again. That was after she had been asked to go and produce her tax receipt and pay the sum of N30,000 as fine; others were not that lucky.

For instance, Mrs Odusanya, another affected resident, was even in her vehicle when her number plate was removed. She had been accosted by the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) and an argument had ensued. Unknown to her, while this was going on, very close to Iyana Ipaja roundabout, en route Egbeda, one of the officers had started removing her car number plate from the back, until she was alerted.

“Though I was able to collect my number plate back, that was not without some damage to my vehicle. I wanted to take it up with these officers, because what they had just done was synonymous with outright thuggery and irresponsibility, but I was prevailed upon and asked to let go,” she recounted.

Another resident simply identified as Innocent, who is a shop owner at the Computer Village, in Ikeja, told Saturday Tribune that those scenarios had become a common spectacle at the village.

“We have some boys who would even call the task force if you park your vehicle there without paying the parking fee to them. It’s that bad,” Innocent said.

While Innocent and others would still not know why the government would resort to ‘vandalising’ citizens’ properties, in the name of enforcing the law, the Ministry of Transportation had argued that it was adopting the new method as a cost-saving mechanism.

Another victim, who pleaded for anonymity , while speaking with the Saturday Tribune, said that he had gone to a branch of a new generation bank in Ogba area of the state, when the new reality dawned on her.

Kazeem Adeniji The victim narrated: “I went for an emergency banking operation and I parked my vehicle, where I had been directed by one of the security men at the bank. I was in the bank, when another security man came to announce that some government officials were towing away some of the vehicles outside.

“Curiously I dashed out to see if my vehicle was among those being towed away but to my surprise, they were not towing

Steve Ayorinde vehicles away, they were only removing the number plates.

“When I confronted them, I was told that I had contravened the traffic law and that I should count myself lucky not to be arraigned at the mobile court. A top official of the state’s Ministry of Justice was in one of the vehicles that they brought. I was told to come to Alausa.”

She expressed her displeasure at the new method, saying “the government should not

We have some boys who would even call the task force if you park your vehicle there without paying the parking fee to them. It’s that bad.

encourage its officials to behave like touts Some of these people will abuse this process. We often condemn ‘agberos’ for acts like this. Anybody can just go anywhere and remove someone else’ vehicle number plate in the name of implementing the Traffic Law.” It would be recalled that the state government had defended the enforcement method of its Special Offences Task Force which favours the removal of number plates of erring vehicles over clamping down and towing of vehicles.

According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, in a recent statement, it was within the purview of the traffic law enforcement officers to identify violators of traffic laws and have them booked and tried in line with the peculiarities of their offences without having to clamp their tyres or tow the vehicles.

This was just as the government denied allegations of high-handedness against officials of the Task Force and those of the Special Offences Tribunal (Mobile Court), describing the coterie of complainants on social media as hypocritical and manipulative.

In the statement, the duo said the new method being adopted by the Task Force, particularly for illegal parking of vehicles or obstruction of traffic, simply involves capturing the offence on video, removing the number-plates of the erring vehicles and putting a branded sticker on the windshield of the car to inform the owner/driver of such cars about their offence and invitation for trial at the Special Offences Mobile Court which may be sitting at any proximate Local Government office or at the Special Task office at Alausa in Ikeja.

“The technique that has been adopted by the Task Force is in line with international best practices which prefer issuance of tickets to erring offenders over clampdowns or towing of vehicles that do not only cost both the government and erring drivers money, but also clogs public spaces where such vehicles would have been kept,” the statement said.

It added that once the offender honours the invitation for trial, where a magistrate presides over the proceedings, the offender is usually presented with a video evidence of the offence before he or she is charged. A fine or a community service is then imposed if the offender pleads guilty. But if the offender chooses to put up a defence and is without a defence counsel, he or she will be entitled to the services of a lawyer from the Office of the Public Defender at no cost.

The statement stressed that the essence of this exercise was not to engage in unwholesome revenue drive as being erroneously peddled in certain quarters but to deter violations of the traffic laws.

“This is why community service is often preferred for the offenders so that they can become advocates of the laws which seek to bring sanity to Lagos State roads and instill a sense of respon-

sibility in drivers and car owners, particularly the elites who think they are above the law,” the statement said.

The statement added that while the state government would not relent in its vaunted method of adequately sensitising the public before embarking on enforcement, it added that ignorance was not an excuse in law and perceived inadequacies in car park provisions by frequently used establishments like banks, malls and eateries does not give car owners an excuse to park on the kerb or main roads thereby obstructing traffic.

For the avoidance of doubt, the statement said, parking on the kerb or walkways or outside the premises where the driver had come to transact business in a manner that either obstructs traffic or constitutes illegal use of public space was a violation of the law and could attract a fine of twenty thousand naira (N20,000) or a community service after a documentary evidence has been presented to the offender.

“Section One of the Special Offences Court Law Cap S8 Laws of Lagos State 2015 stipulates that the Court could sit at any convenient place close to the scene of the commission of any offence triable by the court. Section Two of the same law allows the Court to sit on Mondays to Saturday, whilst Section 3(1) same law states that the Court has jurisdiction over offences listed in Schedule 1 to this Law. “A cursory look at the offences listed in the said Schedule 1, reveals that Road Traffic Offences as contained in the Lagos State Road Traffic Law Cap R5, Laws of Lagos State 2015 and Environmental Offences as provided for in the Schedule to the Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency Law, Cap E5, Laws of Lagos State 2015 are under the jurisdiction of the Mobile Courts,” the statement stated.

Speaking further on parking spaces, the state government explained that, “It should be noted that most banks make provision for parking within their premises or designated car parks outside their premises where customers are expected to make use of same and not to cause obstruction to human or vehicular movement.

“There is no way a responsible and responsive government would sit idly by and watch citizens groan under the hardship of road congestion caused by infractions of a few recalcitrant drivers or those who simply think that they can blackmail the government into submission while being economical with the truth whenever government wields the big stick against such infractions.

“Parking on the road while using the ATM is a clear traffic transgression that is similar to parking on the yellow lines abroad. We wish to implore our law-abiding citizens to desist from such conducts that run foul of the law and which invariably attracts consequences and discomfort once the law is enforced.”

Speaking on the latest development where people have their number plates removed, without prior notice, a lawyer, Mrs. Olateju Bosun pointed out that the action would be right if it is enshrined within the tenets of the law.

“The moment the House of Assembly sanctions it, it has become legal. it also should be noted that it is part of the Lagos State traffic law. What could be questionable about the whole thing is how the law enforcement agencies like LASTMA go about their duties,” the lawyer said.

Truth be told, there have been numerous complaints about people parking within premises that have parking lots and they having their cars towed or their number plates removed. I so believe that this action is what is out of order,” he said.

21

Eko Akete

Between pastors and Area Boys Both should naturally never be grouped together for any reasons whatsoever. They should be worlds apart. At least, one is seen to be on the side of God and the other, offsprings of mammon. But Lagosians are often heard grouping together pastors and societal miscreants known as area boys.

Here is the usual argument. Many with no religious inclination believe the offering given in churches are meant for the maintenance of many pastors’ sartorial taste for the worldly. The argument is further driven by the premium these so-called pastors now place on “big” offerings even in a dwindling economy.

Faith-driven christians may not buy this argument even if it is obvious that pastors expend the offerings on behalf of the church. Whatever is offered is for God, the Rewarder of those who cheerfully give, they would counter.

But many Lagos pastors are not helping faithdriven congregants to have a say in their defence.

Eko Akete had heard many comparing such pastors with area boys, the extortionist miscreants that dot the landscape in the state.

The usual last-line in the yabis is that while pastors cajole with subtle scriptural threat to make their “victims” (congregants) part with the little they have, area boys simply resort to rough tactics of threat, intimidation and force.

Anytime such argument is rounded off with the line above in a compelling way, even faith-driven christians are always left bewildering. And it isn’t much about the argument but the conducts of their pastors!

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Saturday Tribune

We live in constant fear —Ikorodu residents Continued from pg21

When Saturday Tribune visited parts of these communities on Sunday evening and Monday morning, there was palpable fear in the air. Many of the shops were locked by their owners as most of the streets appeared deserted. Even though some members of the communities were seen in small groups discussing the developments, many of them were unwilling to share their thoughts with any strangers.

Among the few who spoke to Saturday Tribune anonymously was a pastor from a local church in one of the communities. Indeed, he lokked over his shoulders several times during the conversation to drive home the point that his identity must be protected.

“In view of what has happened in the past, it is not safe to talk about these things with anybody.” he said. “Any time anybody attempted to say anything about the cult members, or to mention their names or to talk about them either to the police or to the press, it would always blow back on the person. He may be lynched, and nobody would do anything about it. That is why I am speaking in this manner. That is why you mustn’t mention my name or the name of my church or where it is located.”

While narrating his experience during the July 7 attacks, he said the killings were part of a more complex problem, namely “spiritual darkness.”

“Wherever there is darkness… I

mean spiritual darkness… all these cannot but be seen,” he said.

“On the 7th of July, there was a lot of confusion; there was a lot of violence. They were killing people.

A lot of people fled. People stayed indoors for two or three days after.

It was really supposed to be their affair… I mean the cult members.

You know the normal conflict between two or three different cult groups. It was not an issue that concerned innocent people in the community. But for some reasons, they decided to attack innocent people. Well, we had to flee for safety after that unfortunate incident, and when we began to hear that they might strike again on August 8, we advised our members to take shelter in the homes of their relatives outside the community.”

Foiled Whether it was because many residents had fled their homes or because of the heavy presence of security operatives in the communities, or for both reasons, nobody knew. Whatever the case may be, the cult members did not surface for the planned 8-8 anniversary

The big escape

By OPEYEMI Owoaseye TUESDAY last week, this reporter went on a news hunt of Ogijo area of Ogun state.

There were reports of a tragic incident in the area and I felt the urge to talk with relevant, credible figures who could give a lead on what transpired and led to the widely reported deaths.

While on transit to the town, one could see some vehicles dangerously making U- turns.

The driver ignored the scene and continued to advance towards Ogijo. Sensing danger, I desperately informed the driver that I wanted to alight from the bus.

The driver laughed off my fear.

‘Oga, there is nothing to be afraid of,” he said.

‘I plied the route not too long ago.’

We had an intelligence report that the cult groups were planning to celebrate what they called “8-8 Anniversary,” he said. “And usually whenever they have this kind of anniversary or whatever they call it, they always carry out violent attack on the residents of the communities. on Monday evening. Saturday Tribune gathered that policemen from the Ogun State command were deployed to man the trouble spots throughout the local government area.

The acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State, ASP Abimbola Oyeyemi, told Saturday Tribune on Wednesday that several arrests were made during the surveillance.

“We had an intelligence report that the cult groups were planning to celebrate what they called “8-8 anniversary,” he said. “And usu-

ally whenever they have this kind of anniversary or whatever they call it, they always carry out violent attacks on the residents of the communities. And when we got the information, the Commissioner ordered 24-hour surveillance on the area, extending it to Sagamu and even Sango-Ota. The CP also deployed men of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and several highway patrol teams. All of them were deployed. All the attempts made by these cult groups to carry out their plans were foiled.

And as a result of these proac-

tive measures, a lot of them were arrested, and they have all been transferred to the command headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta.

“Just last week, about 10 cult members were arrested at Sango.

In fact, the CP has given all Area Commanders and DPOs marching orders that we don’t want to hear anything about cult clashes and activities anywhere in Ogun State.

Nobody is fleeing their houses anymore. We have assured the residents that they don’t have anything to fear.”

“Birthday” It would seem residents have now devised a way to “live through the fear.” Speaking with Saturday Tribune via telephone on Thursday, Gabriel, who lives at Odokekere, said the tension had eased off considerably once they found a way to joke about the situation.

“Now, whenever someone wants to go out, somebody else would ask him, ‘So, you want to go out, abi?

Don’t you know today is birthday?’”

Explaining the joke, he added: “Anniversary is the real name, but birthday is the joke.”

A Reporter’s Diary However, sighting the number of people running towards the direction of our vehicle, I insisted on jumping off the vehicle to avert impending danger.

He had no other option but to stop the vehicle so that I could take cover.

As if they were waiting for my reaction, other passengers also asked that the driver drop them off.

As I stepped on the street, I encountered a resident and asked him if he had any idea of what caused the melee. Before, he could give me a clue, there were sporadic shootings from all angles and people ran helter skelter. Meanwhile, the first safe place I could sight was a bank.

“It will be a nice idea to seek refuge in this bank and wait there until the uprising dies down,” I thought to myself. However, the bank’s security was not a willing host. Immediately, he sighted me and the onrushing crowd, he smartly shut

the gate against us.

“Sorry, I can’t take you in here, I am not ready to lose my job,” retorted the security man.

I am in a fix, where else can I run to?

Meanwhile, the more decisive of the crowd had fled into the bush and without the second thought I followed suit.

My bush experience was another episode in the dangerous drama.

While lying flat on the weeds, thorns and shrubs, I felt my chest hitting a metal object.

Painful but less lethal than stray bullet or accidental discharge. Praise heavens! I eventually jumped into the next available vehicle to keep my head safe from the turmoil.

We often hear of great feats accomplished by journalists at great personal risks. I am safe.

I am well. Finally, I get to feel like an accomplished reporter — the one who saw war and lived to recount it.

24

13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com

‘When a woman dares her husband, there’ll be crisis in the home’ She’s the wife of The Right Reverend Ayo Awosoga, Bishop of Ijebu Anglican Diocese and President, Ijebu Diocesan Women’s Organisation. Mrs Florence Awosoga, in this interview by TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE, speaks on her activities, marriage and the role of the church in upholding moral values, both at home and the society at large.

C

AN you tell us what you have in common with your husband?

My late father was an Anglican cleric. In our home, everyone was taught and nurtured in the way of the Lord. We were taught to know, serve, please and live for God. It’s said that behind every successful man is a woman. In what ways have you been helping your husband in carrying out his duties well?

Our marriage is a second one. I lost my husband who was also a clergyman in 2002 while my husband was also a widower. God brought us together in 2006 and we got married in 2007.

How did this happen?

God ministered to me that He was going to bring us together as husband and wife, but I didn’t like it.

Why? My late husband was very loving and I didn’t want to be maltreated by any man because many men are not caring.

How did you get convinced at the end of the day?

I set a fleece before God like Gideon did in the Bible. I told Him if it was Him, He should make the proposal come within a week. And He did. My husband proposed to me within that time limit. That gave me the conviction God was into it. From that point on, I saw my marriage as ordained

by God and a call to serve Him. Didn’t God speak to him also?

He also spoke to him about it. In fact he didn’t make the proposal by words. God woke Him up in the middle of a particular night and told him what to write. He wrote all these down and sent it to me.

How would you describe your relationship in the early years of your marriage?

by the church to encourage mothers to be virtuous and serve as role models, both in their homes and the society at large. We also have the ladies and girls’ guild where female youths are nurtured and molded in God’s ways to become godly wives and mothers. As a born-again Christian, it’s mandatory to obey and please God.

If mothers are really concerned about the kind of person their children turn out to be, they will daily strive to inculcate in them the right values It was very rough. He was 57 while I was 53. We were two old people freely formed.

What kept us together was that we were convinced that God meant us for each other and to carry on His work. I knew I wasn’t the only widow around when God chose me for him. I knew God had a purpose for our lives. As we got to know each other we let go some things and now we are friends.

What has changed about you since you got married?

I have learnt to be more patient.

How easy has it been carrying out your duties both at home and in the church?

I will say it has not been easy. As a born again Christian and leader in the body of Christ you are exposed to attack. And if you are not standing well in Christ, your family and all that pertain to you can be attacked. So I stand in the gap always for my husband, our family, his work, the diocese, among others so that the work of God will not suffer a setback. I also ensure that his mind is at rest at home so that he can always receive the word of God expressly and deliver this correctly to the congregation.

What are those things you have stopped doing?

I have reduced my going to the market.

Do you still cook?

I either prepare or supervise my husband’s meal. If I’m not cooking, I ensure whatever is made is satisfactory to him.

Is there something you miss doing?

Not really. I love to sing and I was a member of the choir but due to my tight schedule now it has been impossible to minister in songs.

Can you tell us one of those things you like about him?

He’s very humourous. He has a way of bringing humour into a situation or condition that is tense. You can’t have a dull moment with him.

In what ways have his ways rubbed off on you?

My husband has a large heart. He can give his last penny to support the needy, especially in the area of education. There is a relative of his who didn’t support his educational pursuit, even though he had the opportunity of doing so then. My husband overlooked all this and paid his son’s school fees. Again, people fetch water in our house as early as 5:00 am and as late as 11:00 pm. Since we have no gate I told my husband it was not safe having people fetching water that late. He replied, If it were to be Jesus,would He have stopped them from fetching?’ Among those who had been coming to fetch water was a boy who was in the tertiary institution. He was in need of money to pay his fees for the session. God gave us the grace to help him out.

It is observed that mothers no longer play the role of role models in the home and even in the church. What do you think is wrong and what is the church doing to address this?

We have brought the world into the church and the world is now dictating the pace. When a woman insists she can’t be under her husband’s authority, then there will be crisis in the home. A submissive woman will always gain her husband’s attention. He will also not fail to encourage and support her aspirations in attaining heights in her endeavours. The Mothers Union, a body in the Anglican Church is focused on maintaining stability in the home.

Many programmes are organised and run

The youths are mostly victims of the infiltration of the church by the things of the world,what are you doing to help this group?

Some of the problems faced by the youths are created by some mothers. For example, if a mother exposes some parts of her body which are meant to be covered, what then do we expect of her children? About two or three years ago we introduced in the diocese ‘War Against Nakedness.’ This was meant to curb the act of indecent dressing among Christians. The trend now on the fashion scene is to see brides in wedding gowns called tube. This leaves the shoulders and upper part of the body bare while the busts are also exposed. In other to guard against such embarrassing scene, we decided to inspect wedding gowns before the wedding day. The church also has plain materials which are given to brides to cover up themselves as they enter the church when they refuse to comply with the rule to dress decently. If mothers are really concerned about the kind of person their children turn out to be, they will daily strive to inculcate in them the right values.

This is essential because these children are leaders of tomorrow and it is expected that their lives should influence the world around them positively. Unfortunately in some homes once a child becomes a graduate he or she is seen as a little god who can’t be corrected. While we were growing up, our parents corrected not only their children, but others around them. Again, the word of God is scarce in some homes.

The book of Psalms chapter 119 verse 11 says ‘Thy words have I hid in my heart so that I may not sin against thee.’ When you learn, study and meditate on the word of God, you learn not to displease him. Quiet time, that is personal fellowship with God, should be emphasised on in the home. We have different programmes where youths are brought together. We share our experiences with them and take time to listen to them and counsel them. We also have different groups like the Anglican Youth Fellowship and Girls Guild. The Scripture Union is also very embracing. The Mothers Union cater for the girls. All these focus on the spiritual growth of the youths and other aspects of life.

How fashionable are you?

I don’t know, but I dress to please God. I believe you can dress nicely and not be in debt. According to the scriptures, your beauty should be from the inside and not outside, but that is not to say you should appear shabby in your looks.

How do you unwind?

We try to travel out of the country once a year.

You mentioned early on that you love to sing, do you have a favourite song?

‘Great is thy faithfulness, oh Lord my Father….’ That’s the testimony of my life.

The world came literally to an end when I lost my first husband. But God came in and turned my life around and gave me a new song.

25

13 August, 2016

ntertainment News

Society Gist

Saturday Tribune

J

with oan

Omionawele

jistwtjoan@yahoo.com Twitter:@joanbajojo 08054682201

Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

newtray2002@yahoo.com 08052271251

Celebrity Interviews

m o r f t n r a e l e v ’ I What

n i a g a n r o b g n x i x n e y b —L Nse Ikpe Etim turns entrepreneur

AMVCA 2017: Africa Magic,

MultiChoice call for entries

26

entertainment

13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

What being born-again has taught me-Lynxx Stories by Joan Omionawele and Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

P

OPULAR musician, Chukie Edozien, also known as Lynxx, took his fans by surprise when he announced late last year that he had dropped everything and given his life to Christ. He also revealed that he had given up worldly music for gospel music.

Although he was criticized by fans who believe it was a stunt, he has continued to preach the word and also announced that his gospel album will be released this year.

nce competition 5 winners emerge for Last Five Slot Da To perform alongside 2face, MI

AHEAD of the Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption concert that will2baba and MI Abaga, five dancers have emerged as winners for the Last Five Slots Dance competition.

Adegbite Ciara, Ubah Ebube, Okwara Stanley, Kemisola Olowu and Efe Prince were selected following two weeks of rigorous auditions in Lagos.

The winners were selected among fifty dancers who participated in the arduous competition which took place at the Bheerhugz Cafe, Ikeja City Mall, Surulere and Rumors Nite Club, Festac.

According to the twoman panel of judges (Michael Igbelabo and Tessy of DNMT), the winners were chosen based on their dexterous display of dance freestyles and their survival of the Spartan-patterned choreography challenge.

Subsequently, the winners will be put through vigorous rehearsals in preparation for their performance with the official

dance crew of the Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption concert, Dance Na D Main Thing ( DNMT), led

by Michael Igbelabo.

The winners will perform alongside music icon, 2baba and rap king,

MI Abaga, who are headlining this year’s concert.

The Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption concert will be held at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre on the 3rd of September, 2016.

Celebrating his first year as a born again Christian, he wrote on his Instagram page “so on this very day last year, I had an encounter that changed my thinking, my outlook, my stance on a lot of things and ultimately my life. It’s been an amazing year

cessful stars in the music industry, had not a small brush with extreme poverty.

Raised in a small slum in Lagos known as Ilaje and

THE Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Folorunso Folarin-Coker has rebuffed the call to situate a film village in Lagos State, but he said the state government would prefer the state becomes a media hub.

Speaking during the One Lagos fiesta, a three-day celebration of entertainment, arts and culture held

the oldest of five children, Patrick and his family lived in extreme poverty as his parents struggled to put food on the table.

‘What turns me off in women’ Continues from pg2

The meaning of Dumelo Dumelo means ‘town crocodile’ or ‘crocodile in town’. You know, crocodile are not normally in the town. They are supposed to be in the water. So, this one is the crocodile who made it out of the water.

Brand Ambassador I think I have been working for Ghandour Cosmetics for a couple of years now. I am the brand ambassador for Style Up, a hair gel for men. You know when you are working for a cosmetics company, you don’t work for one brand.

Though I work for Style Up, I still have deals with BO16 and other brands that Ghandour produces. That is the main reason I am here. I am here for BO16. I am here to support the company.

Hairstyle and women I use Style Up all the time and I think that’s one of the reasons why they chose me as the ambassador of Style Up, and maybe because I have a little fashion sense. I always keep my hair well trimmed and neat. Since I started using the product, I know a lot of men

who have always wanted to use the product too because it’s good for the hair. It straightens out the hair and it makes the hair look neat and it attracts the women as wel l. When I say it attracts ladies, what I’m saying is that your hair becomes nice and you know ladies like nice things. Some ladies are attracted to nice hair, so, obviously, that would attract some of the ladies.

Hair defects No. I don’t have any. It is just that with other products the waves and texture of my hair doesn’t last.

Personal views on earrings and tattoos I don’t wear earrings or have tattoos.

And I have nothing against those who wear tattoos or pierce their ears. It is a lifestyle choice. It is the same as those who drink and those who don’t. No one should judge.

Biggest turn off in a woman Hair in the armpit. You can be as pretty as Kim, but if you have hair in the armpit, it wouldn’t be easy to look pass that.

wishes and many messages (although I try to reply as much as I can) say a prayer for me on this very special day! All things are possible as long as you put God in the driving seat and & no I didn’t quit music. My album will be out soon.”

Film Village: We’ll rather make Lagos a media hub – Commissioner, LSMTAC

Patoranking puts God first in ‘God Over Everything’ NEW reggae and dance hall sensation, Patrick Nnaemeka popularly known as Patoranking, has revealed the reason behind his album titled. The Girlie o singer, who has been in the industry for a while, recently climaxed his musical dexterity with the launch of his first ever album, with the title “God over everything.”

Speaking to newsmen during the week at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Pato, as he fondly called by industry mates, said his strong belief in the power of God largely influenced the choice of his maiden album.

It will be recalled that Patrick, among other suc-

of self-discovery, truth and the beginning of an intimate relationship with God and living in purpose. I wish you all the same evolution and self-discovery through Christ when your time comes.

He added “God bless everyone for the support, well

recently at the Bar Beach, Victoria Island, the commissioner said that the state of the nation economy has warranted the need to explore other options of generating more revenue besides the allocation from the centre.

Enunciating the huge market potentialities of entertainment and tourism in the state, Folarin-Coker said that the Ambode-led government will be looking to turn Lagos into a media hub instead of siting a film village in a corner of the state.

The commissioner’s specifications for a Lagos media hub were not dissimilar to the components of the proposed world class Film Village in Kano State, however, he did insinuate a holistic approach to the project.

He said, “Instead of film village, I am in support of a media hub for Lagos. We would want a place where film schools, music schools, sound studios, an institute of hospitality will be sited and internet and power constantly available. That is what I am in support of.

And I think the government is trying to define Lagos

this way.

“Lagos has become one of the cities of the world recognised as a film capital. I think we are coming of age.

“We don’t have to wait on the Federal Government. We have to have an alternative source of income. And what do we have in Lagos? We have entertainment. Our film industry is number two in the world. The music industry is thriving. Lagos is a city of 22 million people. We will have to get our people to consume more of Lagos in order to grow our internal revenue rather than wait for oil price to rise?”

Speaking about the forthcoming Toronto Film Festival, Folarin-Coker also said that eight films, which are set in Lagos, have been selected for viewing in September, when the festival will kick off in the United States. He attributed the success of the movie industry to the hard work and determination of thespians and other movie stakeholders.

“Finally” he affirmed, “the hard work and determination of our actors, actresses and directors are paying off.”

27 entertainment

13 August, 2016

Nse Ikpe-Etim turns entrepreneur

Rose Odika set to ignite richness in culture through Ewa Asa

Stories By Joan Omionawele

N

Odika VETERAN Nollywood actress, Rose Odika, is set on another path to give back to the society, at a time when others only show off and engage in extravagance.

Revealing her intention to promote the Yoruba culture through the fourth edition of her pet project, Ewa- Asa which will be hosted by Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, she notes that the starstudded event “is an annual competition in which youths come together to showcase different talents and dance groups in undiluted Yoruba language, with the intention to promote integral talent development through holistic approach without any form of discrimination against any person or group.”

Speaking on what inspired her to pursue her Ewa Asa dream, she says: “The inspiration came when I was going through the culture of the Yoruba. I saw that in Yoruba culture, there is a lot to be celebrated. The Yoruba language is very rich and unique, but I noticed that most Yoruba folks do not allow their children to speak Yoruba, and it will be unfortunate if the language becomes extinct.

Thus, I thought about bringing forth an event which will bring out youths to speak in undiluted Yoruba for 15 minutes, and the first, second and third winners will be given handsome cash prizes, it is just my way of giving back to the society”.

Despite being Delta State-born, she says: “ I have lived here all my life. I am an actress who features in Yoruba films, thus, the Yoruba culture made me who I am, so I cannot teach what I don’t know.

The event is still open to sponsors who want to identify with the Ewa Asa brand and the culture in general.

“We also want people to celebrate the Yoruba culture, as different ethnic groups have different dance steps, foods and other peculiarities, which are unique to them Some children have never come in contact with masquerades. an average Yoruba person doesn’t know what gelede dance is and this is one of the things we want to showcase with the event which will be graced by many celebrities and eminent personalities.”

OLLYWOOD actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim has joined the league of business owners as she announced the launch of a brand new artisan beauty brand; ‘Eden’s Theory’. Nse, who is co-owner of the range will also act as brand ambassador and spokesperson for the UK-based company.

Opening up on her decision to co-own the beauty line, Nse said “People always ask about my skin and hair. Many of them assume that I use very expensive products, but I have actually always used natural oils and butters. “With Eden’s Theory, you get to retain the best bits of African butters while oozing some of your personality into a product of your choice.”

Nse Ikpe-Etim

MTN Project Fame: One contestant exits, another two go in THE first elimination show of the latest edition of the MTN Project Fame featured the exit of one contestant and the entrance of another two who got admitted into the Academy through the wildcard contest.

Benjamin and Blessing, who were part of the four contestants eliminated at the Opening Gala (Top 18), got a second shot at the competition for garnering enough views and likes on their performance videos. On the other hand, Kingsley, Amanda and Israel who walked the 5900 audio/video audition path to fame were also shortlisted because they got highest video views and likes.

To start the evening, wildcard hopefuls Benjamin, Blessing, Kingsley, Israel and Amanda battled it out on stage for the last two slots into the Project Fame Academy. In the end, the judges picked Blessing

and Benjamin.

The moment of truth also came for the contestants on probation Dapo, Favour, Oluchi, and Yusuph.

While the judges commended their improvement as they each performed the songs that got them into probation again, the fact remained that one person still had to leave.

The surest and easiest way out of probation is through the viewers’ votes Yusuph was the lucky one who took this way out. Oluchi on the hand was saved by the Faculty, while Dapo was given a second chance by the other contestants.

Sadly, it was the end of the road for the beautiful and talented Favour who performed one last time before she took a bow out of the competition.

While moving on from the emotional chapter of having to say goodbye to one of their fellow contestants Favour, the remaining

Project Fame contestants

15 contestants showcased their vocal prowess as they entertained everyone with some all-time best songs from the pop music genre.

Although the crowd cheered and danced during most of the performances, the Judges still faulted some of the contestants based on their lack of stage presence, emotions, and clear understanding of their materials/songs.

Saturday Tribune

Wangi

AMVCA 2017: Africa Magic, MultiChoice call for entries AFRICA Magic, in association with MultiChoice and sponsors Amstel Malta, have announced the call to entry for the 2017 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), a prestigious initiative that honours film and TV talent across the continent. Billed to hold the awards, which will be the fifth of such, will be held on March 3 and 4, 2017. The AMVCAs celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the previous four editions, preparations are in top gear for the 2017 edition. Entries for the AMVCAs opened on August 1 and will close on October 15, 2016.

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Director for M-Net West Africa, said: “We are pleased to announce the call to entry for the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The African movie and television industry is brimming with exciting talent, and at Africa Magic we contribute to the industry by not only giving these talents the platform to showcase their skills and passion, but by celebrating their achievement whilst also encouraging them to continue honing their craft.”

MI

African China, Raskimono, MI, others for ‘Senator Most Distinguished’ show LOVERS of great comedy shows will be treated to yet another night of uncontrollable laughter, music and live performances as popular comedian, Bethel Njoku, better known as Senator, is set to take the comedy business into yet another greater height as he unveils the first edition of his show tagged ‘Senator Most Distinguished’ Hosted by comedienne-cum-TV host Chigul, Senator disclosed that all hands are currently on deck towards making the coming show a success, as expected guests will be thrilled to a fun-filled night of

oldies melodies by UNDER PRESSURE crooner, “Raskimono”, ‘Mr President’ crooner, “African China” and ‘Ko Gbadun’ crooner, “Nigga Raw”.

On why the show is tagged ‘ ‘Senator Most Distinguished,’ he noted that he is the only senator of the comedy industry who has taken the brand to an enviable and international level making him a non-regular comic act with a distinguished brand name.

Packaged by Bunmi Davies, the event is billed to hold on Saturday September 10, 2016 at Muson Centre, Onikan.

28

13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018

Nnamdi Ezeigbo throws classy white gig T

he founder of leading device sales outlet, SLOT, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, staged a white gig a few days days ago to celebrate his 50th birthday.

An elated Ezeigbo was honoured by a large number of his friends who all came from far and near to honour him.

The celebrant didn’t disappoint as the birthday party had all the trappings of a celebration that are worth all the mention.

Top comedian, Julius Agwu led a delegation of his colleagues like Yaw, Funny Bone and Senator who took turns on the stage to crack jokes.

SLOT brand ambassador and entertainer, D’banj also took the guests, which included former deputy governor of Lagos State, Sarah Sosan, Jide George, Emeka Onwuka and many others on a musical experience with his hit songs that attracted a loud applause.

Efe Tommy launches uberstyle.org After a successful launch of his www.uberstyle.org in South Africa, media personalty, Efe Tommy, has introduced the

uberstyle experience to Nigeria with a press brunch and fashion party.

The Polo Avenue, Victoria Is-

land, Lagos witnessed a large assembly of fashion lovers and style enthusiasts who converged to celebrate the new beginning of the style website recently.

In attendance were actress, Dakore Akande, social commentator, Joro Olumofin, Polo Director, Jennifer Obayuwana, Thisday newspaper style editor, Azuka Ogujuiba and many

Kunle Enitilo is over the moon How best do you describe the mood of chairman of World Oil, Kunle Enitilo? The man is in his finest moment as he spread the news of a new addition into his nuclear family.

The businessman, in a special message to his friends and

family members, detailed the delivery of a baby girl by his wife, Folake, in a hospital in Canada.

There are words that the man is putting together a grand ceremony to celebrate the bundle of joy as soon as he returns with his family from Canada.

Jide Omokore steps out The chairman of Atlantic Energy, Jide Omokore, seems to have placed the odds behind him as he made his first public social outing a few days ago.

The man was among the many guests that stormed Iya Gbede, Kogi State over the weekend for the burial ceremony of the mother of General David Jemibewon (retd).

The oil magnate stole the show as he arrived at the venue in a convoy of luxury cars and armed security guards.

Those in the know said that the socialite is close to the Jemibewons thus explaining the reason he chose to attend the burial.

Omokore, who wore a white native attire to the party, he kept to himself throughout his stay.

Happy tunes from Ituah Ighodalo The General Overseer of the Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo recently achieved another feat with the spread of his ministry as he opened the London branch of his church.

The opening was witnessed by a large congregation made up of friends, families and associates of the man of God.

The opening featured praise songs, prayers and ministration.

Music Director, Tosin Alao, took the people on a voyage of gospel songs, while London Parish pastor, Tony Onyemaka joined Pastor Ighodalo in delivering a powerful message that detailed the reasons for the opening of the London Parish.

29

13 August, 2016

outofthisworld

Saturday Tribune WITH FEMI OSINUSI

People abroad now brush their teeth with

O

UR forebears used charcoal to whiten teeth, then civilization came and the act was considered archaic. Now, it seems Europeans and Americans have realised the efficacy of our ancestors’ wisdom. It is charcoal to the rescue for persons with coloured teeth.

They are increasingly using charcoal to brush their teeth, saying that it makes the teeth whiter.

According to odditycentral. com, they claim that one of the easiest, most effective ways to whiten teeth is to brush them with the pitch-black charcoal, adding that they are getting amazing results.

According to one of those who use charcoal to brush their teeth, ‘mix the charcoal with water, put the paste on a toothbrush and clean your teeth for a few minutes.

Though it’s a messy job, but I guess it’s worth it if it can make your teeth whiter.”

Talk of black power!

The charcoal paste.

charcoal to make them whiter

osfem2@yahoo.com 08055069292

30

13 August, 2016

weekend cartoons

Saturday Tribune

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

Just a Laffing Mata P r o t e c t i n g wo m e n

A newly married couple was taking a walk when a dog suddenly ran towards them and threatened to bite. They both knew it would bite them. Then the husband lifted the wife up to let the dog bite him instead. The dog stopped before them, barked and barked for a while and ran back, leaving them unhurt.

The husband put the wife down, expecting a kiss or a hug from her for being so protective of her. Instead, the wife shouted, “I have seen people throwing stones and sticks at dogs but this is the first time I am seeing someone trying to throw his wife at a dog!”

POLITICO

Mathematics examination

FUNOLOGY

Segeluulu scored 20% in his maths exam.

He was so disappointed and decided to take the matter up with his teacher.

He walked up to his maths teacher and said: “Ma, I think I deserve something higher than 20%.”

Teacher: “Why?” Segeluulu replied: “I’m sure I wrote well.”

“Will you get out of my office!” the teacher ordered.

Segeluulu went and reported the teacher at the school Senate.

The Senate filed the case and invited Segeluulu and the teacher to come with their evidences.

On the day of sitting, one of the judges turned to Segeluulu and said: “Why do you think you should have scored higher?”

Segeluulu replied: “That’s because the person I copied from got 80. And I’m sure I copied everything.”

Case closed, and Segeluulu was suspended for two years.

I AM TIRED OF JENIFA’S DIARY

CANDID SHOT

Brown roofs, green trees... PHOTO: ADEREMI DAVIES

32

13 August, 2016

The South-West Editor Wole Efunnuga | 08111813056

My wife was one of the students I thoroughly flogged —100-year-old Ekiti monarch The Alaaye of Oke Aiyedun in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Jacob Fatunase Ala, Okunoye II, is a man of many firsts. He was the first principal of Ado Grammar School, Ado Ekiti; the founder and life president of Inland Club, Ado Ekiti; the first chairman of Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation, the first Vice Principal of Offa Grammar School, among many others.

He bestrides his Oke Aiyedun town as the first truly educated monarch and has brought a lot of innovations to the community since he ascended the throne 27 years ago. He discussed some of his experiences in 100 years of life, with SAM NWAOKO in this interview. Excerpts:

H

OW does it feel to be this active, cheerful and obviously exceptionally energetic at a splendid 100 years of age?

What is the secret?

I don’t think I have enough words to describe exactly how happy I am to be in this position.

As a child, my mother told me that for a period of four months after I was born that I was neither here nor there. The face showed life but I was all skeleton. I survived it. I also had smallpox which killed very many people who were my age, younger and older in my community.

I survived it. Ups and downs of life as I live, I survive them. When I was coming on board as the traditional ruler, the fears expressed by very many was that I wasn’t going to last beyond three to four years on the throne. That was the main objection to my nomination, that I wasn’t likely to live long. God knows exactly how He plans His things. I’m already in my 27th year of my administration and 100th year of my life. Why should I not be cheerful and happy?

In July 1930, a group of us who were youngsters in the church came together and we were called the Egbé Omo Ogun Krístì. We were over 30 at that time. Today, I am the last surviving member of that group.

I was the foundation chairman of Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation, that was after my retirement. After I finished my contract there, I was still brought back by the then governor, Chief Michael Ajasin, as a commissioner in the Civil Service Commission. I’ve been all over these places, hale and hearty.

God granted me that. My only deformity is that I can’t hear with one of my ears. And in my family, it is said that it is normal, that as you grow old you lose your hearing. I don’t know how it happened, but in my own case, I’m not totally deaf. But for my cataract that was mishandled.

Your Christian faith seems so dear to your heart and in your thought?

I had the benefit of being baptised as a child because my father was a Christian. Therefore, I grew in the Methodist Church. When the time came for me to be on my own and work, when I was at Fourah Bay College I took a removal notice from Ibadan. As soon as I showed it to the reverend gentleman who was in charge of the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, he gave me a note to the reverend gentleman who was in charge of the oldest and the biggest Methodist Church in Freetown. I presented my certificate and he said you are free to take the pulpit anytime you feel so. I would have, but I was spending so much time on my study that I couldn’t avail myself of that opportunity.

When I came back, I went to Offa Grammar School, which was more Muslim than anything. I was the first vice principal of Offa Grammar School.

What was growing up like in Aiye-

dun, looking at the changes you’ve seen?

If likes continue to produce likes, there wouldn’t have been evolution. It was because there had been progress.

I remember that one of my teachers told me that the giraffe developed its long neck because it takes delight in eating the soft new leaves on top of the tree, therefore it continously stretches its neck. I read that a certain type of fish that had no eyes. They didn’t need it because they lived in the darkest past of the sea and everywhere was completely dark. What you don’t use becomes moribund. Because they live in the dark and it was Oba Jacob Fatunase Ala, Okunoye II completely dark, thereibund and you are packed and put by the side. fore they didn’t need any eyes. So what you need is what you develop as You must be active and calculative in whatyou grow along. That is progress. Every group ever you do. in the community, even up to Odo Aiyedun, As a strict, disciplined person, how including women and youth groups, now did your wife cope with you? keeps records. It brings to mind decisions Very, very, simple. She knew my rules. My taken at meetings and how such decisions rules are very simple. I bring up issues and we were reached. both agree. That’s what we are going to do.

As a Christian, how did you handle the It is the woman who takes care of the home. sacrifices and fetish actions required Don’t hide anything from your wife. If you hide anything from your wife, the day she of you as an oba in your community?

Yes, in those days, you cannot be a titular discovers that you’re hiding certain things, chief or any sort of thing like that without you get into trouble. Be very plain. I had being involved in some fetish things and the one or two children out of marriage. I didn’t like. But I easily managed the situation in my hide it from my wife. I let her understand own case because you have your sphere of that I fathered them. But since you came influence and I have my sphere of influence. on board, that’s the end. If anybody comes You are asking me to come along and sit on along when I pass on to say that he’s older the throne to administer. That has nothing to than the baby of the family, disown him. My do with religion. I have to face nothing more baby of the family is already 51 years. So, but my administration. What you are doing is if anybody younger than that comes along religion. If I am not interested, that’s all, keep claiming that I fathered him, tell him that me out. You cannot force me and say because he is a bastard. you’re so and so, you must come and join us.

So, polygamy was out of the quesLook, if it is that, I will go back the way I came. tion in your days...?

You know these days of having vigils and vigWhat do I want to do with polygamy? You ils and vigils, the question was put to me. The people who belong to the fetish sort of group want to play manhood and show her what? would want to come out anytime and disturb Where did you grow up? people because they must not be seen in the My beginning was here in Oke Aiyedun. dark. I said okay, let us work out a comproBetween 1926 and 1930, I was an ‘osomalo’ mise. with my father. We dealt in textile materiYou must have been a very active als and so on. What ‘osomalos’ did was that if I wanted my money from you, because young man... we normally sold on credit, and you tell me ...Am I not young now? you don’t have my money, you must find it.

I mean when you were much younger The day I set my eyes on you and I want my than 100, you must have been very ac- money, you must get it for me! How I played the trick, I wouldn’t know. I would play the tive?

If you don’t remain active, you become mor- trick that would make people say, look here, unless you give this man his money, he will

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kill himself... That’s why we say ‘osomalo’.

I’m going to squat, I will not even sit before I get my money. There were several episodes of that.

Which primary school did you attend?

The Methodist Primary School at Aiyedun here. After the primary school, I taught for a year as a junior teacher. It was a must for the Methodist. Then I went to Wesley College, Ibadan to train as a teacher. Then I came back to teach here, went to Kogi to teach in primary school. After three years in primary school, I went back to my alma mater to teach. A lot of people passed through my fingers between 1945 and 1948 and then again between 1975 when I finally retired from service and 1979 when Ajasin came on board. Teaching was my profession. When I was a pupil teacher in the primary school, I was a flogger. When I wanted to give you six strokes of the cane, I tell you to stretch out both hands because I couldn’t waste my time raising my hands six times. The two hands must be there and you must keep steady otherwise I begin again.

Which are some of your remarkable students you can still recall?

My wife was one of the many students I treated in that way. My own wife!

Did she come back telling you some of those things?

Oh! Yes... They are still living today, one of her friends had said to her: ‘Ha! You’re going to marry that man? Ha! You are going to receive a lot of whipping! But I confess to you that we were together all the time till she passed on, we never settled any quarrel with somebody coming in. If she had any disagreement or she felt bad about anything, we settle in bed.

Which other students do you recall, apart from your late wife?

I recall a few of them, and that is why they have all said they want to honour me with their presence at my 100th birthday celebration. Some of them who recall my attitude and the way I brought them up said they must honour me. I remember Matthew Adepoju who is a practising lawyer in Ibadan. Mr I. A. Babalola is also a lawyer, he was my first housemaster when I was at Ago Iwoye Secondary School. The way you relate to people will make them cling to you.

Looking at your nuclear family, didn’t your strict ways tend to make any of your children defiant if they find your strict ways difficult?

How can they find it difficult when I brought them up on point of discipline? You are growing up and from the child is brought into this world, this is how the child is going to be fed and when it is time to go to school, you let them go to school at the right time. Give them every opportunity that they want to go to school. They come back, you give them their meal. I don’t normally eat any evening meal. This is because when I complained to Mrs Solaru, a nurse, that I was having constipation, she recommended light meal in the morning, very heavy meal, if you like, in the afternoon and very light, if you have anything, in the evening. I kept to that, my children kept to that. I had a rule in the family, if your last meal for the day had not been completed and finished with by sunset, you would go to bed on an empty stomach.

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13 August, 2016

voxpop

Saturday Tribune

With Kate Ani

08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

What would you do if you discovered you were a product of rape?

KATE ANI asks some Nigerians how they will feel if eventually they discover that they are a result of rape.

M

UHAMMED Mukadam I would derape myself if I can! To be frank, what else can I do other than heal and console myself, so far I don come to this world by hook or by crook, abi?

Emmanuel Shobande The most important thing is for one to take a bold step, accept what life brings and continue the life journey without looking back. Be yourself’s comforter, first in order not to allow them to discourage or tell you what God has not destined for your life. At least you have a mother, what of those in orphanages? They have more joy and hope of tomorrow. They believe that life will take them to a greater height instead of them to be looking down on themselves. Must we have mum and dad before we succeed in life? No! Everybody has one or two things to contribute before their success comes.

Sometimes abortion, in cases of rape, can just add to the trauma of the physical abuse and abortion also protects rapists and pedophiles. A child conceived by rape is not different from a child conceived in love.

Doyin Atoki It really doesn’t matter how you were conceived, what counts only is what you’ve become.

Wale Bamigboye There are some children that are being subjected to mental and physical torture from their mum or family members for being products of rape cases that failed to be aborted.

Martins Akande Such an awful thing! I can’t even imagine what I would do if I was told such!

Sangodeyi Sade God forbid but if it does happen, I would disown the family and change my surname.

It would be a nightmare that would haunt me for the rest of my life!

Joel Akintunde I would do all I can to locate the rapistcum-father’s identity and cut off his manhood. He may be the reason I am in this world but such a beast does not deserve to be called a father, no matter how rich I find out he is!

Farouk Adebayo I would be sad but would at the same time love my mother even the more for not, out of shame, aborting me when she found out she was pregnant with her rapist’s child. I would hold such a secret dear to my heart and would never reveal it to my wife and children out of fear of being ridiculed.

Bolatitio Casper If my mum reveals to me or told me of her ordeal that led to my existence in this world,

I would not be happy. There are tendencies that I may inherit my father’s evil genes, hence, would give my life to Christ.

Niyi Lawal There is nothing I would do, it happened in the past. I am sure she would have forgiven him, so why shouldn’t I? A father will always be one’s father, even if he is the devil

Matins

Korede

in the flesh.

Korede Emmanuel I know a woman who was raped and as a result became pregnant. She kept the baby.

She received a lot of negative comments and backbiting. Every time she was feeling down or reliving the story of the abuse, her mother would place her beautiful baby in

Bolatito

her arms. She would look at that baby with pure love and joy. The baby actually helped heal this horrible scar that was inflicted on her. Sometimes abortion, in cases of rape, can just add to the trauma of the physical abuse. Abortion also protects rapists and pedophiles. A child conceived by rape is not different from a child conceived in love.

Doyin

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interview

13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

FG won’t dare to stop constituency projects —Senator Urhoghide

Senator Matthew Urhoghide, representing Edo South (Benin) in the Senate is the director-general of the campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu. In this interview by BANJI ALUKO, he speaks on the chances of the PDP in the September 10 election, the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the alleged cancellation of constituency projects by the Federal Government and some other issues.

H

OW would you describe the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?

The race for the Edo State governorship seat is a clear one between competence and incompetence. Nobody can deny the fact that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the best among the governorship candidates in Edo State. He has got knowledge and experience. He is intelligent. He belongs to two worlds – the physical world and the spiritual world. He has knowledge across the spectrums because of the positions he has held. He is also a party man. In Edo State today, the PDP is the only party that has leadership; no one man or woman owns the PDP. One cannot say that of the APC. This is the reason the PDP is in a better position to give the Edo people effective governance. I am not saying this because I am in the PDP. The PDP is in a hurry to tell Edo people that if the first outing they had between 1999 and 2007 and by extension 2008 was considered not good enough, the opportunity the Edo people will give them on September 10 will be properly utilised. One fact that cannot be denied is that [Governor Adams] Oshiomhole wants an extension of his administration through Godwin Obaseki. Obaseki is an innocent man who is only being railroaded into this contest.

He is an unwilling horse. I am sure Obaseki does not even know the names of the 18 local government areas in Edo State and the 192 wards. I am not even sure he knows the party leaders.

How would you rate the performance of the incumbent governor in some critical sectors?

As a senator who has spent only a little over one year in office, I have given out more than 120 scholarships to students in universities and secondary schools. I have used my own allowances to do this. Oshiomhole has not used the resources of the people even with his outrageous tax policies to the benefit of the people. What has he done about infrastructure in rural communities? Edo State will be in serious trouble if Oshiomhole’s government continues.

What do you think are the chances of the PDP in the forthcoming election?

Edo people have no option but to vote for the PDP. The party is in a hurry to prove its mettle. It is in a hurry to prove that if you (Edo people) were not satisfied with what we did before, we are going to beat your expectations. I want to say that I am not grandstanding. I have looked at these people (APC) and I am certain the PDP government will be better for the Edo people. We will excel. The PDP has two out of the three senators and five out of the nine House of Representatives members in the state. As I speak to you, there is no complementary role between those of us in the National Assembly in Edo State and the state government because of the ineptitude of the governor. There is no synergy even between him and members of his own party that are in the National Assembly.

You were quite vociferous in your condemnation of the planned removal of constituency fund on the floor of the Senate. What is the position of government on the matter and why were you that vocal on the matter?

The president, in the 2016 budget proposal, suggested social intervention projects. We said okay, we would share it to our constituencies while they (executive) would execute

the Federal Government. The capital budget in this year’s budget is over N1.5 trillion. How much is N60 billion out of N1.6 trillion? What the SGF said was a reflection of the relationship between the executive and the legislative arm of government. When he came to explain, I asked him if it was not as a result of the no love lost between the Presidency and the Senate over the election of Bukola Saraki as Senate President that the Presidency wanted to cancel constituency fund. We have, however, received assurance from concerned parties, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Budget and National Planning. We have summoned them and they have given assurances that it will not be removed.

the projects. How much is the project? In the whole of the Edo South, you have about N200 million. Every member of the House of Representatives has about N110 million.

N200 million distributed in 77 wards can only provide some basic things, a classroom here, a maternity here, a market there and so on. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation later said that constituency project was not important and that it could not be funded. How much is N60 billion in a budget of N6 trillion? Only N60 billion was allocated to the geopolitical zones, meaning N10 billion to the six states in the South-South zone.

What we, three senators and nine House of Representatives members, are going to use in the whole of Edo State is N1.6 billion. I have suggested that we use the money to build classrooms in Ihueniro, where pupils travel distances to get to schools, build markets in Urhokosa and maternity in Ehor, where women now travel to Irrua to deliver babies.

What he (SGF) said was anti-people and I needed to tell him. We brought him to come and defend the position of

For the very first time, we have seen that the legislative arm of government wants to be independent. Lawmakers want to come out of the stranglehold of the executive. The executive, since the advent of the Fourth Republic, has always decided the leadership of the National Assembly.

Are you saying it will not be removed at the end of the day?

It can never be removed because not executing constituency project is a violation of the Appropriation Act, which is an impeachable offence. The president stands to get the full consequences if he does not execute constituency projects. One can prioritise but why is it that it is this one that is less than 0.3 percent [of the budget] that will not get priority? The president cannot say no to constituency project. He has no right to say no. The issue of constituency project is clear and we are vehement about it. We are sure they will implement it. It is a stopgap thing and an interventionist effort.

What is the way out of the crisis in the National Assembly?

The war in the National Assembly is not that of PDP and APC, it is APC and APC. They have shown incompetence.

We have seen a lot of infractions in the style of the administration of the president we have in the country today, even though he is a former head of state.

The executive/legislative faceoff, where is it taking the country?

There is no faceoff as long as the executive is willing to leave the legislative arm of government alone. For the very first time, we have seen that the legislative arm of government wants to be independent. Lawmakers want to come out of the stranglehold of the executive. The executive, since the advent of the Fourth Republic, has always decided the leadership of the National Assembly. Did Tambuwal in the seventh National Assembly not revolt against his party, the PDP, and carry on for four years? At that time, it suited them. When Saraki led 17 senators out of the PDP in the Senate to join them, it suited them.

When we then decided that the same Saraki is the person we preferred to lead us, they said no. The executive must understand that Nigeria’s democracy is defined by the existence of the legislative arm of government otherwise our democracy will not be different from military dictatorship. For the legislative arm of government to free itself, we must go through this tortuous journey.

The journey has begun and it must arrive at a logical conclusion. The principal officers could be chosen by the parties but the choice of the presiding officers is an exclusive preserve of the lawmakers. Saraki can only be removed if 76 of us agree to remove him. The Presidency or the executive arm of government does not have the right or the competence to come near any of us to solicit support to remove Saraki. The people in the APC who are thinking of removing Saraki should think of doing other things that can be of service to Nigerians.

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13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Inconclusive elections: Political class should look inwards —Gbadegesin, Ekiti INEC spokesman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been under pressure following a number of inconclusive elections in some states. The commission, at a recent forum to sensitise the public on the commencement of distribution permanent voter cards (PVCs), reacted to the development and other issues. The spokesperson of the commission in Ekiti State, Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin, spoke to journalists after the event. SAM NWAOKO brings excerpts from the interview.

T

debacle. The people saying it was over-militarised should use the examples of what politicians are doing now in terms of violence to tell us why adequate security should not be provided at election venues. The members of the political class are not prepared to ensure free, fair and credible election.

If it would take the use of the military to have free and fair election in the country, we should use it.

he issue of inconclusive elections has become a kind of albatross for your commission. How do you react to this?

The truth, which is constant, is that INEC as a body wants elections to be concluded because it invests so much in elections. Inconclusive elections in parts of the country are not the making of INEC. In a bid to add value to whatever elections organised by the commission, it is pertinent for INEC to ensure fairness to all participants. INEC plans all elections to be concluded. It invests so much in terms of human and other resources. It is even to the disadvantage of the commission and the country that funds and sundry resources are sunk into conducting another election when violence and sundry unwholesome acts cause an election to be cancelled.

But still elections are declared invalid and therefore cancelled?

We all hear of ballot snatching and stuffing. We also hear reports of security agents causing chaos at election venues.

You can’t expect INEC staff members to snatch ballot boxes nor would you expect any legitimate security agent of the state to snatch ballot boxes or thumbprint ballots. It is the political class that sew police and army uniforms for their thugs and we in turn get the report of security agents misbehaving. Of what advantage is it for INEC to cancel an election? What will a corps member do with ballots or of what use will a ballot box be to a soldier or policeman simply monitoring an election? It is politicians that induce all the crime and we must beg them to help us and help this country.

How much of these do you tell the Ekiti politicians and how it has affected your commission?

We as a commission invited the political parties to the forum we held in Ado-Ekiti to announce to them the commencement of the distribution of permanent voter cards. At the gathering, they raised the issue of inconclusive elections and we told them that they are culpable in the issue of inconclusive elections. If they can give the election management body the opportunity to showcase its capability and build on our achievements, there would not be inconclusive elections in the country. The commission is spending fortunes on voter education, voter awareness and civic education. It also does a

What about the accusation that your commission used photochromic ballots for the election?

This was a strange accusation from one of the contestants in the election. When members of the political class lose an election, they come up with all sorts of excuses to cover their inadequacies. I dare to say that with ‘photochromic,’ Ekiti has given Nigeria another political word in our lexicon. What does that mean? They came here and we gave them the papers and other materials used in the election. They said when you thumbprint on A, it would go to B. We said ‘thumbprint here and let us see what you mean and how it happens.’ It was so unreasonable of them. It just didn’t make any sense at all.

lot on human development and training only to be ridiculed with instigated violence during elections. So, the commission is pleading with the political class to assist and cooperate with it to achieve the most desired free, fair, credible, transparent and acceptable election and consolidate our electoral process.

The governorship election in Ekiti State was so transparent that we were even given an award and commendation. The losers in the election came to do forensic tests and we were so relaxed because we knew we did our best to ensure the election had no unnecessary flaws. IPAC was also here and their chairman in the state cited the Ekiti governorship election as the fairest in the history of elections in Nigeria. Their reason for saying this was because we had suffered embarrassments in elections in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State and in Anambra State before the Ekiti 2014 election. The Ekiti governorship election was the only avenue to redeem the image of the commission following the Anambra State

What is your advice for the active players on the political turf?

They should please tell their followers to allow peace to reign. No security man worth his name can stake their career for an election. Any security agents fomenting trouble during an election must be fake. The political class has to educate themselves and their followers to stop causing trouble and allow the electoral process to thrive in a civilised country like Nigeria. If the IPAC should come here and be praising us for being so fair in the 2014 and 2015 elections, it means a lot.

In the 2015 general election, Ekiti was the first and the best state to submit results and this prompted our then chairman to promise us another cow after he had awarded us one earlier for the quality conduct of the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State. There was no violence of any kind in the elections of 2014 and 2015 and our results were excellent. How then can we say the same INEC cannot conduct elections? We have the credit of being transparent enough because we involve all stakeholders in the state and have always carried them along in our activities and sought their input and listened to their pieces of advice.

Insight: Nigeria riven by new battles over scarce fertile land Ulf Laessing - Reuters HERDSMEN fleeing Boko Haram jihadists and fast-spreading desertification in the north of Nigeria are clashing with Christian farmers in the south, adding a dangerous new dimension to the sectarian tensions and militancy plaguing the country.

Thousands of people from Fulani tribes have moved southwards this year, leading to a series of clashes over land that have killed more than 350 people, most of them Christian crop farmers, according to residents and rights activists.

The fighting threatens to fracture the country further by bolstering support for a Christian secessionist movement in the southeast, which has been lingering for decades but gained fresh momentum late last year when resentment over poverty and the arrest of one of its leaders spilled over into street protests.

The conflict is also exposing a growing problem that has attracted less international attention than Boko Haram and the militants threatening oil production in the Niger Delta region.

Fertile land is becoming scarcer across Africa’s most populous nation, and conflict over this dwindling resource is likely to intensify. The population of poverty-stricken Nigeria is expected to more than double to almost 400 million by 2050, according to the United Nations.

There are no signs that the secessionists will take up arms against the government like in the 1967-70 civil war that killed one million people. But the clashes and growing resentment at the arrival of herdsmen come at a time when many people in the southeast are complaining about widespread poverty.

In one of the deadliest clashes, about 50 people were killed in April when Fulanis attacked the village of Nimbo in the southeastern state of Enugu, according to residents, rights groups and lawmakers who visited Nimbo after the violence.

They said the attackers opened fire on villagers and torched a house where a priest and his family were sleeping, with the family only surviving by jumping out of a window.

“The Fulanis ... came in the town and shot at any man they saw and killed him,” said Joseph Obeta, another priest in Nimbo, which is now almost deserted after hundreds of villagers fled during or after the attack.

Obeta said if there was an independent state in the southeast of Nigeria, it would be easier to prevent such violence.

“It would make a difference if the southeast were on its own.”

He was echoing the sentiment of campaigners lobbying for an independent Biafra. They say they want to stop the north from dominating the south of the West African country, which is split fairly evenly between Muslims and Christians.

They say the influx of herdsmen from the north is part of a plan by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, a Fulani Muslim, to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation - an allegation vehemently denied by the government and Buhari.

Crises Fulani leaders say their communities have no choice but to migrate southwards.

The precise numbers involved are unclear, but thousands first moved to central Nigeria to seek new pastures and escape the violence and insecurity of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Growing desertification - where fertile land turns into desert for reasons including over-exploitation and drought - has forced many further south this year, to more than 1,000 km from their homeland.

The Fulani leaders say they are clamping down on members who commit crimes but added that they often were themselves victims of kidnapping, attacks or cattle rustling at the hands of residents of southern farming communities.

“When they suffer maltreatment (in southern areas they migrate to), they do not usually speak up or report to police

until when it becomes unbearable, then they will react,” said Alhaji Gidado, head of the Fulani cattle breeder association in the southeast.

Buhari said last week that he had ordered security forces to “deal decisively” with violence between herdsmen and farmers.

But he faces a host of other crises.

His security forces are battling the Boko Haram in the northeast - the president’s priority since taking office last year after making an election promise to defeat the jihadists.

Seven years into Boko Haram’s insurgency that spread from Nigeria into Chad, Niger and Cameroon, regional armies have retaken most of the territory that had been seized by the group, though it still stages suicide bombings.

The countries are in a final push to defeat the hardline Sunni Muslim group, which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State, but lingering divisions in their joint task force are complicating that mission.

Buhari has also promised to crush militants that have carried out pipeline bombings in the southern Delta region and are threatening to trigger a wider conflict that could cripple oil production in a country facing a growing economic crisis.

On the problems created by Fulanis migrating south, residents and rights activists said Buhari’s previous pledges to tackle the clashes between the herdsmen and crop farmers had not been backed up by any significant security action.

Human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe, invited by the U.S. House of Representatives to give testimony in May about Boko Haram and other crises facing Nigeria, said the Fulanis had been operating in “plain sight” to stage attacks that were more brutal than the jihadist group.

Police have said they had increased patrols in farming areas that have been affected by violence but local youth have nevertheless taken up arms against Fulanis since the Nimbo attack.

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views.com

JAMB: Oloyede on rescue mission

By Kunle Akogun

T

HE appointment of the immediate past vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede (OFR), as the new Registrar of the beleaguered Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is heartwarming as it is reassuring. Heartwarming because it is like a Daniel coming to justice and reassuring because it is an indication that at last the right physician has been found for this critically ailing parastatal!

An erudite professor of Arabic and the first ever Unilorin graduate to make a first class degree, Oloyede became a household name during his tenure as the vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, having largely succeeded in turning the second generation university into a world class institution. This, he achieved by dint of hard work, resilience, consistency, tenacity of purpose and unparalleled team spirit.

With the inconsistency and policy somersault that the central tertiary institutions admissions agency has begun to manifest in recent times, keen watchers and analytical commentators have begun to warn of dire consequences for the nation’s education sector if urgent action was not taken to stem the JAMB slide.

At first, it was the massive dwindling confidence in the entrance examination – the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) – conducted by the body.

Such was the waning popularity of JAMB that a consensus of opinions is gradually forming on the need to scrap the body and revert the power to admit candidates to the respective universities! But then this would have meant a big step backwards and a sad reversal of one of the lofty dreams of the founding fathers of this central admissions agency – the dream of forging national unity and cohesion through pluralistic admissions exercise.

Indeed, no government worth its name would allow such a sad slide. What then is the way out? Look for a credible personage to reverse the glide, of course! And that exactly was what President Muhammadu Buhari did on Monday, August 1 with the appointment of Oloyede, a tested and trusted hand, to head JAMB. A stickler for discipline and due process, Professor Oloyede will be bringing his well-known Spartan commitment to set goals to bear on an organisation that

critically needs to be salvaged for the benefit of the nation’s educational development. Indeed, this is one of the best appointments President Buhari has made so far! Professor Oloyede is a round peg in a round hole!

There is no doubt that in no time he will turn around the fortunes of JAMB and reinvent the organisation’s fast dwindling glory!

Since the announcement of the appointment, many commentators have commended the choice of Professor Oloyede, an erudite academic and astute administrator, whose administrative wizardry, during his tenure as vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, was largely responsible for the meteoric transformation of the second generation Nigerian university into a world class citadel of learning!

Professor Oloyede’s appointment is a plus for the University of Ilorin, with which he has been affiliated since the past 34 years – as a student, lecturer, deputy vice chancellor and, ultimately, vice chancellor! He is a Unilorite through and through, Acknowledged globally as “better by far”, the University of Ilorin has a unique spirit – the spirit of consistency; the spirit of excellence; the spirit of discipline and indeed, the team of collective responsibility – that has largely accounted for the university’s success in all aspects of the tripartite mandate of an archetypal institution of higher learning. And Professor Oloyede is one of the harbingers of this positive spirit and a major stakeholder in its blossoming to national and international acclaim.

His tenure at the university (2007-2012) catapulted it to an institutional model for the Nigerian university system.

During the period, Unilorin was ranked amongst the best in Africa. Also, during his tenure as Chairman of the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCU), public universities in the country regained their voice and

Taking and never giving back

By Olusola Ajiboye

TWO classes have held Nigeria captive since independence.

One is a class that takes so much from her but gives very little in return. The other is a classes that loots her heritage to enrich other nations.

Sadly, the two classes have grown very powerful, very influential and so malignant on the country’s capacity for development. More worrisome is that the two classes have dominated the larger period when Nigeria’s potential for greatness was globally sought after.

It is regrettable that the gains of the oil boom era were used by these two parasitic groups Nigerians to build white elephants with enormous resources which were either mismanaged or looted outright.

If Nigeria emerged as an independent nation full of hope, the first class that took over leadership was flush with all the indulgence that a silver spoon-fed child would have.

Jobs were there without being sought; generous allowances and sundry perquisites were available without being asked for; promotions were rapid for the few privileged educated career civil servants; free overseas training and scholarships were compulsory for those elite Nigerians as pioneer careerists in the civil service and public service.

It is not immodest to conclude that the first class of Nigerians were given so much by Nigeria but gave her very little in return. This writer wouldn’t know why the first class failed to realise that Nigeria gave them so much that could empower them to give more to her. So why did the

first class fail their country?

Many reasons are advanced for this. One of the reasons that usually commands attention is the penchant by the first class of Nigerians to think more British than Nigerian, even after the country had become sovereign.

Such colonial sentiments, such vestiges of colonialism, sheepishly embraced and exhibited by that class clearly marked them as ingrates who never sowed but reaped bountifully and still refused to give back to the land they never cultivated.

While the first class enjoyed the privileges and benefits offered by the country without corresponding returns, the expectations that greeted Nigeria’s independence in 1960 were largely unfulfilled, especially with the incursion of the military in the country’s political administration in 1966.

The first class of Nigerians who took so much but gave very little is different from the second class who looted their country to enrich other countries.

The first class is different because among them were a few dynamic, efficient integrity- driven political leaders and public administrators who provided model leadership.

The second class of Nigerians who are products of military dictatorship represent the sad chapter of the nation’s turbulent and uninspiring history. The military dictators who shot their ways into power and their by-products, made up of civil/public careerists and contractors cared less in giving to the nation while they suck the veins of her blood. As neo-colonialists, they gladly became fronts for the corrupt military dictators.

Today, Nigeria bleeds from the wounds inflicted on her by

institutional autonomy got a remarkable boost. Furthermore, Professor Oloyede championed and expanded the cause of inter-varsity synergy across the African continent when he became the President of the Association of African Universities (AAU).

So, Professor Peter Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), was right when he described the new JAMB helmsman as a colossus in the academia and the nation’s education sector. In his media reaction to Professor Oloyede’s appointment, Professor Okebukola noted that he “parades excellent credentials to lead a whole sector like education in Nigeria, hence asking him to head a parastatal in education is like asking a 5-star, battle-tested general to quell a fight between two area boys in Ajegunle!”

That is just putting it as bluntly as it could be. For, Professor Oloyede’s trajectory is a study in service excellence, administrative acumen, religious commitment to the achievement of set goals, and unapologetic insistence on fairness for all.

Such is the stuff that this Advisory Board member of the International Network for Higher Education in Africa (INHEA) is made of. His appointment is an opportunity to sanitise the nation’s education system, especially the often controversy-laden admission system of the tertiary sector. It is hoped that from now on, JAMB will not be the same again!

Another Unilorin don, an erudite Professor of Library Science, Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina, was also named, on the same day, the new Head of the National Library of Nigeria.

Professor Aina, who is the immediate past dean of the university’s Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, is another rare breed of an academic. He is another full-blooded Unilorite in deed and in truth!

Everybody who has worked with him can testify to Professor Aina’s erudition and expertise, especially when matters bibliographical are in discourse!

A quite unassuming personality, Professor Aina is bringing to the National Library of Nigeria over four decades of experience in librarianship. He is another round peg in a round hole. There is no doubt that he will make a positive mark in his new appointment.

We congratulate the duo on their well-deserved appointments and wish them all the best in their new positions.

Akogun is the Head, Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin.

these two parasitic corrupt classes who robbed their country blind and stashed the loot in the vaults of foreign banks.

Nigeria runs a 16-year democracy still largely determined by relics of the first class and hawks of the second class.

The character of most politicians who run the current democratic structure evidently puts them as agents and advocates of the undermining process to which Nigeria is unfortunately chained and still struggling in vain to let loose.

Corruption, now at its peak, clearly marks Nigeria as an island of pirates. The looting spree, which confers illegitimate corridors for political office holders to siphon and trillions of tax payers funds into foreign banks, now portray Nigeria as a country governed by satanists and madmen.

This is how the developed world sees Nigeria today.

Budget padding is now a cliché of parliamentary debates in Nigeria. While lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly throw bricks at one another over budget padding, moral controversies surround government business in Nigeria today. Budget padding is another moral fraud unleashed on this beleaguered nation by her elected representatives. The scope of corruption has grown so big that efforts to clean up the system are being resisted by powerful elements of the two classes of Nigerians.

When will all those who take so much from Nigeria and give very little become patriots? When will those who loot the country stop enriching other nations?

Ajiboye is Director, News and Current Affairs, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Osogbo.

37

13 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Rio Olympics: Ajagba

makes debut against T&Tobago boxer

•He must be careful —Obisia Nwankpa

By Ganiyu Salman

N

IGERIA’S sole flag bearer in boxing at the ongoing Rio Olympics, Efe Ajagba will today start his campaign for honours, as he takes on Trinidad and Tobago’s Nigel Paul, in a super heavyweight Round of 16 clash.

The bout is scheduled to begin at 6.30pm Nigeria time at the Riocentro-Pavilion 6.

Ajagba, clinched the Rio 2016 ticket during the AIBA Africa Olympic qualifiers in Yaounde, Cameroon, when he landed in the semi-final and also made it a golden finish through his victory over Moroccan Mohammed Arjaoui in the final, in a competition, where nine other Nigerian boxers failed.

This is the first time since Nigeria made its boxing debut at Rome 1960, that only a boxer had represented Nigeria at the Olympics, as the country had three boxers (Muiden Akanji, Lukman Lawal and Edith AguOgoke) at the last Games, London 2012.

Ajagba, boasts rich pedigree despite his five-year stint with the punching business having started his sporting career as a footballer.

He became a national material when he lost in the final of the 18th National Sports Festival, EKO 2012 to home boy, Segun Ibrahim 2-1, as he later proved his mettle in the national camp the following year.

He won the bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after losing in the semi-final to Joseph Goodall, but eventually announced his arrival when he won the gold at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville at the expense of Keddy Angnes of the Seychelles 3-0.

His victory in March this year in Cameroon, did not come as a surprise to many boxing buffs as he continues to enrich his pedigree in the sport.

Ajagba, tonight on paper

stands a good chance to overrun Paul, who is in his second year in boxing.

Nigel last year won the National Novice Championships in his country and finished seventh at the AMBC American Confederation Boxing Championships.

Unlike Ajagba, Nigel finished second at the American Qualification Event to qualify for the Rio 2016.

However, a veteran boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa says Ajagba must forget about the ring record of his opponent tonight.

“If Ajagba is a skillful boxer, he would easily have his way against Nigel who is a fresh boxer. Nigel does not care about the danger in boxing and will be fighting with great determination to make name for himself and his country.

“What would help Ajagba is experience since his opponent is just a year old in the game, but that is not to say the guy will not have something to offer. Any boxer who qualified for the Olympics must be respected and must not be underrated.

“I can’t advise Ajagba because I don’t know his strength and level of skill, but as a Nigerian, I believe he has what it takes to see off this Trinidad and Tobago guy. I support him with prayer that God will be with him on the ring. He only needs to be focused on the ring. His record so far is inspiring and I wish him the best of luck,” Obisia, a former Nigeria Boxing Federation head coach said.

The 1974 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, noted that seeing Ajagba in the medal zone would be thrilling.

“Once he wins tonight, I know that will give him more confidence to subdue any apponent and land in the semi-final which will guarantee automatic medal irrespective of the outcome of the bout. Since Duncan Dokiwari won the bronze at Atlanta ‘96 Olympics, no other Nigerian boxer has made it to the podium and that is why if Ajagba succeeds this time, it will be a

feat to celebrate by boxing stakeholders in this country,” said Obisia, who lost the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight belt in 1981 to Saoul Mamby in Lagos.

To the current national boxing coach, Tony Konyegwachie, his ward is capable of coming back with a medal in Rio. Though, the preparation of Ajagba after qualifying

Efe Ajagba, will he celebrate again tonight? for the Rio 2016 was nothing to write home about due as he was unable to go on a training tour where he will have access to better training facilities, but the coach said there is no cause for alarm.

“All I know is that Efe Ajagba is as good as a medal

here in the Olympics,” Konyegwachie said at the athletes Village in Rio. “The truth is that he got here by dint of hard work and discipline. Those are the core ingredients in boxing. I know the boxer I have and I’m confident of what he can do.”

Tony, a younger brother to the 1984 Olympics silver medallist, Peter Konyegwachie, believes Ajagba, who is rated fifth in his category is better as a boxer adding that “He has improved from what he used to be.

He’s good and focused”.

38

sport

13 August, 2016

Kano embraces cricket for youth development

K

ANO State government is committed to developing cricket and other sporting activities in the state, as a way of encouraging teeming youths to utilise their potentialities and contribute to nation’s building.

This was contained in a statement signed by the media officer of the Kano State Cricket Association, Mr Kola Oyelere.

He stated that the state chairman of the cricket Association, Mr Silva Kuma PROBATE PUBLIC NOTICE WE FABUNMI ADEYEMI & IFATUROTI OLUWAYEM C/O THEIR solicitor OLUWASEUN AJOBA Esq of OLUWASEUN AJOBA & CO ENIOBANKE CHAMBERS ADJACENT PRISON STAFF CLUB AYESO STREET ILESA, Osun State of Nigeria, have/has applied to the Probate Registry of the Customary Court of Appeal for letters of Administration to administer the Estate of LATE FABUNMI AKINTUNDE SOLOMON OF AX1, SURULERE STREET ISOKUN ILESA OSUN STATE who died intestate on the 30th day of MAY, 2016.

Any objection to the application is to be forwarded to the Probate Registry of Customary Court of Appeal within 14days of this notice.

PROBATE PUBLIC NOTICE I/WE AKINWARE GBENGA FELIX C/O THEIR solicitor OLUWASEUN AJOBA Esq of OLUWASEUN AJOBA & CO ENIOBANKE CHAMBERS ADJACENT PRISON STAFF CLUB AYESO STREET ILESA, Osun State of Nigeria, have/has applied to the Probate Registry of the Customary Court of Appeal for letters of Administration to administer the Estate of late MATTHEW PETER OLATONA OF NO 1 OKEOLA STREET MODAKEKE ILE IFE, who died intestate on the 11th day of MARCH, 2016.

Any objection to the application is to be forwarded to the Probate Registry of Customary Court of Appeal within 14days of this notice.

pledged to assist youths in the state to develop interest in the sport.

Speaking during the launching of Kano State cricket championship test at the Sani Abacha Stadium, the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Alhaji Danlami Garba, said the state government as part of its commitment to the development of youth and sports created the sports commission headed by Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima.

He noted that the launching of cricket in the state will open way for more youths to participate in the game add-

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Bosede Michael now MRS BOSEDE SONIBARE. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Police Force, EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

ing that “it is an indication that Kano will soon become the home of cricket in the country.”

Earlier, chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Galadima, said the commission will collaborate with the Nigeria Cricket Federation to develop the game in the state.

He noted that there is the need for the private sector to collaborate with relevant sporting organisations to promote and develop sports at all levels, as government alone can not shoulder the responsibility.

In his remarks, the president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Emeka Onyema said that the federation will create developmental competitions at U-15 level, primary school and U-17 females competitions to constantly discover hidden talents who can be groomed to attain stardom.

Saturday Tribune

39

sport

13 August, 2016 Phelps in action at Rio 2016.

Inset: Proudly displays his 22nd Olympic gold.

Rio Olympics:

NFF treats us like street kids —Siasia

N

IGERIA’S U-23 team coach, Samson Siasia has lashed out at how “disrespectful” the authorities have been to his team, saying he will now support the boys should they insist on boycotting today’s quarter-final clash with Denmark.

Siasia’s scathing comments on national radio on Friday confirmed AfricanFootball.com’s report of the previous day on the latest crisis that has engulfed his team in Brazil.

“We have been disrespected from all angles – the sports ministry, the Nigeria Football Federation. Is that how you will treat your own children? We are not street kids,” the former Super Eagles coach Siasia told Brila FM sports radio on Friday morning.

“We have only been paid allowances for 11 days. There is no match bonus. What of all the months we have been training in Nigeria and Atlanta? That’s not fair.

“I have not received my salary for the past five months.

“Everything is upside down and the boys don’t want to play anymore.

Whatever they want to do, I’m with them. They are right for fighting for their rights.”

Siasia continued: “The country already has a bad image, but through football it has got some good image, but still they won’t let us play.

“I have begged these boys, but I cannot do more than what I have done to get this team up to this point.

“I have done my best and now I am tired.”

Siasia also put a lie to an official statement by the NFF that there was no order for kits to be returned to Nigeria after the Rio Olympics.

As usual, the NFF were

quick to dismiss a media report that the NFF secretariat ordered that kits be returned to the office from Rio. “The NFF ordered that

Phelps makes history, wins 22nd Olympic gold MICHAEL Phelps won a 22nd Olympic gold and 26th medal in all with victory in the 200 metres individual medley on Thursday night in Rio. The 31-year-old American swimmer, who plans to retire after the Rio Olympics, broke a 2,168-year-old record for the most all-time individual Olympic titles with the victory.

The previous record was held by Leonidas of Rhoses, who is believed to have won more Olympic titles at the ancient games than anyone else.

It was Phelps’ fourth successive win in the 200 metres individual medley, and his 13th individual gold medal with one more possible - in Friday’s they bring back the jerseys (from Brazil). Siji Lagunju (of the NFF technical department) was directed to bring the jerseys back to the NFF,” Siasia told Brila FM.

... As Dream Team resumes training for Denmark THE Dream Team has returned to training after they skipped training and threatened to boycott today’s quarter-final of the Rio Olympics against Denmark over payments.

The match is billed to kick off at 8pm Nigeria time in Salvador.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung and NFF president, Amaju Pinnick moved quickly to douse discontentment in the team camp, an official statement from the

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), disclosed.

Pinnick said he has spoken with coach Samson Siasia and that the team would certainly be in high spirit for the clash with the Danes at the Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador tonight.

“I just finished a long telephone discussion with Siasia and I explained to him the situation the NFF is in and why he has not received his salary,” the NFF boss said.

“As I explained last week, we received some money from CAF and I directed that the money be used to offset the salaries of the U-23 team coaches and also for the Super Falcons’ coaches.

“The money has come into the NFF account, but it has to first go into our TSA (Treasury Single Account) before we can access it and then use it. The vouchers for the payment have already

been done.

“Siasia confirmed that before I spoke to him, the NFF general secretary had also called him to explain the situation to him.

“We are not unmindful of what our coaches are going through in this challenging period and we praise them for their patriotism and hard work despite all these.”

Pinnick also commended the Sports Minister for his concern for the team’s welfare.

“I want to specially appreciate the Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who had already dispatched accountants to the U-23 team hotel to pay the allowances of players and officials before I called the team,” he said.

“The minister instructed the accountants to also pay the four alternate players, who are not accredited for the Games. We commend him for his efforts.”

Egyptian judoka refuses to greet opponent after fight

Egyptian El Shehaby (right) refuses to shake hands with his opponent after their bout.

EGYPTIAN judoka, Islam El Shehaby created a mild drama at the ongoing Rio Olympics, as he refused to shake the hand of Israeli opponent, Or Sasson, in a major breach of judo etiquette.

Judo players typically bow or shake hands at the beginning and end of a match, as a sign of respect in the

Saturday Tribune

Japanese martial art.

When Sasson extended his hand, El Shehaby who lost the fight backed away, shaking his head. The Israeli then walked off in disgust.

Prior to the fight, El Shahaby had come under pressure from Islamist-leaning and nationalist voices in Egypt to withdraw entirely from the Games.

100m butterfly.

Phelps said: “I’ve been able to do everything I ever wanted. It all started just as a kid who wasn’t afraid.

“Things started hitting me this morning. I was like, ‘Wow, I only have to put on a racing suit two more times after tonight’ and, ‘I only have to warm down one more time after tonight’.

“Those little tiny things I’ve been saying to Bob (Bowman, his coach) every day.

“Today I was like, ‘Tonight’s my last 200 ever’ that’s a very exciting one.

“The biggest thing for me through the meet so far is I’ve been able to finish how I wanted to.

“I’ve been able to come back and accomplish things I’ve dreamt of.

“To be able to come back and win my fourth 200 IM in a row, I don’t even know how to put that into words.

“This has been a very, very special week so far, for me, closing out my career.”

Please don’t boycott game —Dogara

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, has appealed to the national U-23 team, the Dream Team V1, not to boycott its quarterfinal encounter against Denmark today in Salvador, at the ongoing Rio Olympics.

Dogara, made the appeal against the backdrop of complaints of the team’s Head Coach, Samson Siasia, that his players have refused to train and may boycott the game due to unpaid allowances and wages.

The federal lawmaker said the Dream Team should take patriotism as a fulcrum of their campaign, as he will personally do everything within his powers to intervene in the matter.

Dogara stated that the team with the likes of John Mikel Obi, Yakubu Umar, Oghenekaro Etebor and William Troost-Ekong has a very bright chance of repeating the feat of the Atlanta ’96 Dream Team led by the legendary Nwankwo Kanu and the team should be encouraged by all Nigerians.

“We will do all we can to ensure that all entitlements due to the team are paid, as we are already talking to relevant government agencies.

“We will stop at nothing to ensure that we get the team to excel in Brazil and for Nigeria to recreate the watershed of Atlanta ’96,” he stated.

Premiel League fixtures (Saturday, August 13)

SATURDAY, 13 AUGUST , 2016

NO 1,164

N150

Hull City vs Burnley vs Crystal Palace vs Everton vs Middlesbrough vs Southampton vs

Leicester City Swansea City West Brom Tottenham Stoke City Watford

Man City

vs Sunderland Sunday, August 14 Bournemouth vs Man United Arsenal vs Liverpool Monday, August 15 Chelsea vs West Ham

I’m surprised by claims that Mikel settled hotel bills —Dalung

By Olawale Olaniyan

MINISTER of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung on Friday expressed surprise about the claims that captain of the Dream Team, John Mikel Obi settled hotel bills of some of the club’s officials.

He also lamented that the country’s men football team is portraying the country in bad light at the ongoing Rio Olympics because the no board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is on the ground to coordinate.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that captain John Mikel Obi had to pay hotel bills accruing from the eight unaccredited players and officials in Rio with the National U-23 team.

Only two days ago, the players threatened a boycott of today’s quarter-final game against Denmark, citing unpaid entitlements.

“As we speak now, the Nigeria Football Federation is the only federation that does not have a single board member on ground,” said Dalung in a statement.

He added: “Not even the Secretary-Gener-

al is here. So, it is really unfortunate that this is happening. We have paid all players and other athletes their first 11 days in camp and the payment of the rest of the days will commence today ( Friday),” added Dalung.

He wondered why Mikel had to come in as the chief coach of the team, Samson Siasia in company of another official had come knocking on his door at about 4am Sao Paolo time.

“Siasia was in my room early this morning and said the hotel security had refused to allow the team leave the hotel due to unpaid hotel bills. I also lodged in the same

hotel with the Permanent Secretary and other members of the National Assembly who came to watch the match against Colombia.

“I told him to add the bill to the permanent Secretary’s bill so that he can clear it alongside other bills. The amount incurred by the excess officials and players is $4,600. When we checked out of the hotel, the money was added and the Permanent Secretary paid all outstanding bills. I am surprised to hear and read that Mikel Obi saved an embarrassing situation by paying the bills,” Dalung stated..

Team Nigeria laments over funding

THERE might be some confusions in the Nigerian camp at the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympic Games over the non-release of funds to athletes and officials.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) covering the event gathered that the Federal Government had already approved funds for the athletes and officials to meet certain obligations.

However, a reliable source told NAN there that the budget for each of the federations and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) had yet to be released by officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

NAN reports that some athletes had begun to complain of poor kitting, especially warm clothing.

“They said they would have used part of their funds to buy warm clothing and other necessities now that the weather had suddenly changed,” the source said.

“It had been cloudy in the last few days that many had to head off to purchase warm clothing, while those who had come with some had to dust them up.

“Why they are refusing to release the funds is defying every logic,” the source said.

It was also gathered that the main organising body allocated four vehicles to Team Nigeria.

But, one of the ministry officials had refused to pay the organisers so that drivers could be allocated to them, the By Oluwabunmi Ajayi source said.

RAZILIANS in Salvador have Also some federations that had some pledged to cheer Nigeria’s Dream of their equipment to clear had been Team against Denmark today in one facing uphill tasks in doing that, the of the quarter-final fixtures of the source said. men’s football event for the Rio Olympics.

The source said it was bad enough Nigeria was group B winner, while Denmark that the funds were not released in finished as runner up to Brazil in group A. good time.

“We will see Nigeria through, they deserve

GEARING UP: Captain Mikel Obi

Brazilians back Dream Team against Denmark

B

to play in the semi-final,” Hazaratus Lima dos Jairi, a bar tender said on Friday.

Jairi said he had hundreds of Nigeria’s flags he would be distributing to his customers.

Fernandes Edinson who teaches English language in Salvador Finishing School, said he was sure Nigeria would command the larger crowd at the Fonte Nova Arena, Salvador.

“They are just like some of us, the Nigeri-

ans. They can entertain, they can score and they are jolly fellows. I am here to talk people into believing in Nigeria.”

However, Danish Marc Helztork said he knew Nigeria would be widely supported but his side would win the game.

“We were beaten 4-0 by Brazil three days ago, it is a problem for Nigeria. We don’t lose two matches in a week. I am sure Nigeria will fall.”

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