14th May 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 1,151

SATURDAY, 14 MAY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

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Nigerian Tribune

Again, militants bomb Chevron pipeline

pg5

Petrol may sell above N145/litre pg5

As PPMC raises ex-depot price from N76.50 to N133.28 Marketers kick over N5.72 profit margin NUPENG, PENGASSAN back price hike pg4

I got my first movie role by chance pg2

—Daniel K Daniel

Confusion over PDP S/West zonal congress

Court halts exercise, National pg4 Secretary receives order Sheriff insists congress must hold

Okupe prostrates for OBJ, begs for forgiveness pg8

Division among Lagos indigenes:

Those against Ambode are on their own —New group Lagos traders cry out over market demolition plan

pgs19,20,21&22

2 entertainment

Y

ou recently got the AMVCA award as the best actor, how did it feel knowing that you beat other top actors to it?

First and foremost, I’ll say I have utmost respect for everyone that was nominated in this same category. Being nominated as one of the best actors in Africa is not an easy feat and being nominated was a huge feather on the cap, it was a huge surprise, I’m sure not everyone knew that after my name was called out, I couldn’t even stand for about three seconds, people had to push me up. It was a great moment, I can’t describe completely how it felt, it was unexpected and I’m very grateful.

But a lot of people felt you didn’t deserve it.

Well, a lot of people also felt I deserved it too, if someone else had won it, I’m sure my fans who spent their money, time and energy voting to make sure I won the award wouldn’t have agreed themselves. If you have six nominees, of course there will be six different camps, if someone from the other camp wins, of course you will not agree with the results, if people believe otherwise it is their cup of tea and their opinion. This is Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award and the viewers nominated me to win the award, so if the viewers think that I deserved the award, I’ll take it with both hands and our detractors will continue to be detractors and when they see the movies which won me the award, I’m sure they will accept the verdict.

How has life been as an actor?

I have been an actor for about six years now and I’d say it’s been tough, difficult and exiting in some ways because people only see the final product of all the hardwork, they don’t see all the behind the scenes and how a scene which is supposed to take five minutes can be repeated directly and can take one hour or how we film in the rain or till late into the night.

But we bless God. I started in Abuja but people don’t really do movies there, so I moved to Lagos in 2014 and I won the award for the Best new actor at the City People award that same year and year after year, I work harder, attend auditions and get on with my career.

How did you get into acting?

It’s a long story. When I was in school, I started modelling, I did a lot of adverts and people started saying I could actually act as I was doing short movies for TV adverts.

At a very early age, I used to have a lot of actors come to use our house in Enugu to film, I used to see Chiege Alisigwe, Kanayo O Kanayo, Nkiru Sylvanus, but at that point I didn’t really like it because I felt I needed my personal space to watch cartoon and play, so I didn’t have any inclination that I will become one, and I wasn’t someone that used to watch Nigerian movies a lot, because I was always terrified of the horror parts, and so my mum told me that if I was going to keep getting terrified, I should stop watching them, so I was banned from watching Nigerian movies.

So during my youth service, I met an old friend who begged me to follow her somewhere. Unknown to me, it was the set of a movie audition, so we were arguing about why she brought me there when one of the guys beckoned to me to come forward, he told me he liked my hair cut and how I dressed, saying it fitted the character’s profile and I told them I wasn’t there for the audition, but he didn’t listen, he gave me a script to read and I read it. He was impressed and told me to act what I just read, I told him I couldn’t do it and he said I should do the same thing I was doing but I should do it with emotions, so I did it and people clapped. The woman in charge came out and asked for my name and I said my name was Daniel K. Daniel and she thought it was a fake entertainment name, but I told her it was my real name and that was what my parents named me.

So when I got home, I read the script that was given to me, coupled with the fact that my friend called to encourage me, I felt it would be nice to bring the character to life and that was it.

My mum actually asked if I was ready to become an actor and I told her I was and she promised to support me by coming for my first recording and she whispered in my ear that I was good at it and I should keep it up.

Why did your parents name you Daniel, when your

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

I got my first movie role by chance — Daniel K Daniel

Popular Nollywood actor, Daniel Kanayo Daniel, aka DKD, recently got the award for the best actor at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). In this interview by JOAN OMIONAWELE, he opens up on his childhood, life as an actor, personal life, among other things. Excerpts

surname is also Daniel?

I don’t know, my dad is late, I would have asked you to ask him that.

But your mum is alive.

(Laughs) I can’t question her.

What project are you currently into?

I just did ‘Permanent Resident’, a movie that stars Annie Idibia and Melvin Oduah. I try not to do two projects at the same time, but I have about four projects lined up for me.

What’s your greatest fear?

Well, death is not my greatest fear because we will all die eventually, but I don’t think it will come anytime soon. I think it will be losing my loved ones, I mean the real ones, and not those who come when money and fame come. I hate to think that my mum is getting older, I’m a grown man but I’m very close to my mum. I have not seen her for sometime but we are very close. I’m not afraid of fading out because I am me, not anyone else and I’m working hard and I plan to do this till I breathe my last.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

I don’t really have one, but there was this day I was at the airport and an older lady came to meet me and she started by telling me ‘well done’, I felt happy and thanked her and then she went on to say “God dey try for your life sha, if na that time wey you wowo (ugly)...’ I was confused, then she continued “chai, you wowo o, that time wey you dey do film for North (Abuja) that time you black well well, but you don dey okay now, I happy for you.” I did not know whether to say thank you, everyone around me just started laughing.” I didn’t know what to say.

What kind of woman attracts you?

Of course, beauty and everything come to play, but the first thing I look at in a woman is her cleanliness because I am obsessively clean, everything must be put in place, if you visit me, you have to sit down neatly on the bed or couch or when you use a cup, you rinse it and put it back in its place. I like to be able to have an intelligent conversation regardless of where you are, I could also do with some humour. Also, she must be God fearing.

Are you God-fearing yourself?

Yes, I am, God-fearing.

Continues on pg26

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

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news

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Confusion over PDP South-West zonal congress As court halts exercise, National Secretary receives order Sheriff, Congress committee insist Congress must hold Jacob Segun Olatunji, Leon Usigbe, Sam Nwaoko, Dapo falade, Hakeem Gbadamosi and Sylvanus Viashima

C

ONFUSION prevailed on Friday over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South West zonal congress of the party scheduled for Ondo State today over the order of a Federal High Court in Lagos which stopped the exercise.

The National Secretary of the party, Professor Adewale Oladipo along with the National Auditor, Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju, had told newsmen in Abuja that the exercise had been suspended shortly after receiving the court order.

Professor Oladipo stated that the South West re-elected Zonal Secretary of the PDP, Chief Gbenga Otemolu, had approached the court urging it to stop the congress, as the current executives in the zone were yet to complete their tenure.

He said that Otemolu went to court on behalf of his colleagues that they were elected in 2014 and that their four years tenure, as specified in the party’s constitution, would only expire in 2018.

According to him, “We are in receipt of an order from the Federal High Court in Lagos which had ordered us to put a stop to the exercise pending when the case filed is heard and resolved.

“As a law abiding political party, we have been served this order and I, as the National Secretary of the party, and Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju, the National Auditor, who are the two representatives of the zone, want to tell you that the party has decided to abide by the order,” he declared.

He said that in line with the decision, the party would recall to Abuja, the already despatched committee sent to conduct the zonal congress and apologised for any incontinence this might have caused them.

He pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also a defendant in the suit, as the commission was empowered by the law to supervise such congress.

On whether the order would affect the party’s national convention scheduled for May 21, Oladipo said that it would not in any way affect the congress.

He said that national delegates for the national convention were already elected during the party ward, local government and state congresses already concluded in most states.

However, the secretary of the zonal congress appointed by the national secretariat of

the party, Mr Henry Ikoh, later told newsmen that the congress would go ahead as scheduled, saying that no court order had been served on the committee.

According to Iko, “most of our committee members are already in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the venue of the congress, immediately after here, I am going to join them ahead of the Zonal Congress” “We have no court order to stop the zonal congress, we cannot act on what we don’t have, we are ready for the zonal congress as directed by the national secretariat which appointed us a committee,” he stated.

This came just as the National Chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, reacted same Friday, insisting that the exercise would hold as planned despite court order directing the cancellation of the exercise.

Speaking on phone from Taraba State where he was preparing for the North East zonal congress, he said he had not received any court order asking for the cancellation of the congress.

He said before he left his office in Abuja on Thursday, he had already given directives that the South West zonal congress should hold, adding had unless he got a court order stopping it, the congress would hold.

When reminded that the national secretary of the party, Prof. Oladipo, was in possession of the court order, Sheriff pointed out that he had neither spoken with nor seen the party’s scribe since he was supposed to be in Osun Stae for an engagement.

“I have not received any court order. I am in Taraba preparing for my congress.

As of the time I left the office yesterday, I did not received a court order. If I receive a court order, I will not conduct the congress. I have not seen the national secretary.

He was meant to be in Osun.

I have not received any court order,” Modu Sheriff said.

Also reacting to the development, the Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party in the South West, Mr Dare Omotosho, said “nothing so far is standing in the way of the congress because from all indications, we are set for the congress and we are going ahead.”

Omotosho, who spoke with Saturday Tribune on telephone, said “I’m not sure that the so-called court order has been properly served on the zonal office of the party and we do not have a counter-directive from the national secretariat of our party on the planned congress.”

Also speaking on the devel-

opment, Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ekiti State, Mr Jackson Adebayo, insisted that the congress in Akure would go ahead “despite the press conference addressed by the national secretary.”

According to Adebayo, “we are going ahead with the zonal congress because the national chairman of our party overruled the directive by the secretary and the directive by the national chairman supersedes that of the secretary.”

Similarly, the chairman of the party in the state, Mr Clement Faboyede, said the congress would hold as scheduled, saying the party had not received any order restraining it from conducting the congress.

Delegates across the six states in the region, he said, had arrived for the congress which will be held today at the International Events Centre, The Dome, in Akure, starting at 10.00 a.m.

However, a source within the party informed Saturday Tribune that some leaders of the party had started recalling their delegates back home because of the court order retraining the party from holding the

congress.

He said, “Honourable Wale Oladipo has ordered all Osun State delegates back home in order to abide by the order of the court and most of the delegates from Osun are on their way home.”

party also for the first time.

“The level of preparation is heartwarming and expectations are quite high from the members,” Bakare said.

Meanwhile, the Taraba State chapter of the PDP says it is fully prepared and excited to host the zonal congress of the party, scheduled to hold today in Jalingo, the state capital.

The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Inuwa Bakare, who stated this on Friday in an interview with Saturday Tribune, noted that this is the first time the state is hosting the zonal congress of the party and is particularly excited in anticipation of winning the zonal chairmanship of the party.

“There is an unprecedented euphoria mong the party faithful in the state ahead of tomorrow’s (today’s) congress, not just because Taraba is hosting the zonal congress for the first time but more so because we are optimistic that we will produce the next zonal leader of the

A total of 504 delegates are expected to participate in the South-South zonal exercise holding today in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to Saturday Tribune’s findings, the list of delegates included the governors of the five states controlled by the party in the zone, as well as their deputies and who were all automatic delegates.

Other automatic delegates to the PDP zonal congress included the elected state chairmen of the party, the secretary, women leader and the youth leader.

Also on the list were the PDP local government chairmen, elected local council chairmen, members of the House of Assembly in the various states, members of the National Assembly and the national delegates.

Meanwhile, a member of the South-South Zonal Congress Committee, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko, has given

the assurance that the congress would be hitch-free.

Aluko, a former council chairman in Ekiti State and also the deputy chairman, PDP National Convention Committee on Accreditation, said adequate preparation had been made for the exercise.

“The committee has been around in the state for a while putting all things together to ensure a hitch-free exercise. The chairman, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, will be at the venue with the materials.

“This exercise is about politics but I will advise all contestants not to see it as a do-or-die affair. If you are contesting for any position, it is either you win or lose; a winner must eventually emerge.

“In that case, the loser should accept defeat and congratulate the eventual winner. In the same vein, the winner should be magnanimous enough to embrace the loser.

“The contest should not be limited to party positions, rather, we should work together to ensure success for the party. All these are parts of the effort to reposition the party ahead the 2019 elections,” she said.

sitions were unwilling characters. Now, willing characters are coming out. That is why you see the struggle that much.

“As a result, a lot of people will be displaced or feel displaced. A lot of people are feeling displaced but it is not displacement as it were.”

The governor advised party elders to step aside to pave way for the younger generation to preside over its affairs.

He said: “As I have always said, elders are wonderful people but they should take the back seat. We won’t say they should go. They should take a back seat.

“I have no apology over that statement. And I am saying it again that if I am struggling for a position with my father, it is ridiculous. New

generation should take over this party and build it.

“Anything you are doing and your children do not have insight into it will perish.

“Since this party started, we have always deferred to them. But are we saying that we should continue to say the younger generation should go to blazes?

“The question to ask our elders with all due respect to them is that, at some times, if you are the one eating the food, you will pack the plates yourself.

“We will have differences. It is normal in politics but washing your dirty linen in public is bad. Let the young men take over in Nigeria.”

He further said: “If you are leading as elders and we lost election; most of the people who were Jonathan’s adviser

were elders and we lost election.

“In most of the advanced democracy, if you lose election, it is just decent for you to allow other people to try, especially young people.

“I was governor at 42. You need a lot of energy to be a leader, not when they are giving you panadol to be strong.

Age is a disease on its own,” he said.

On the conduct of party national convention, the governor frowned at the tendency for party members to seek court injunctions against the conduct of congresses of national convention, saying that no one could change the will of God. “You can wish anything but God’s plan for the PDP is that the 21st May convention cannot be stopped,” he said.

Taraba ready for N/East zoanl congress

504 delegates to attend South-South zonal congress

Infighting in PDP sign of strength —Fayose Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has observed that the current infighting in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a sign that the party remains strong despite losing power at the centre.

He told journalists in Abuja on Friday that the seeming crisis notwithstanding, there was no threat of disintegration of the opposition party.

According to him, “the fact that there is so much infighting shows that the party is strong. The fact that everybody wants to be relevant in the party shows that the party is strong. If there is no future for PDP, there would be no such struggle.”

He said what was going on in the party was not a crisis in the real sense of it but members struggling for relevance.

Explaining the situation in the PDP, he said: “Politics and governance is crisis management. Have you seen a party that is not in crisis when it comes to interest and leveraging of interests?

“Politics is about interests.

Are you saying that you will call somebody in the village to come and take a position?

That era is gone. You have to struggle, you have to make efforts and show that you actually need that position.

“Before now, a lot of the people that were in party po-

NUPENG, PENGASSAN hail removal of fuel subsidy Ubong Anthony - Calabar

THE National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have expressed support for the Federal Government’s decision to stop the payment of petrol subsidy.

Chairmen of NUPENG and PENGASSAN, Comrade Igwe Achese and Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson, on Friday, in Calabar, Cross

River State, declared their solidarity with the Federal Government while briefing journalists after a joint National Executive Council meeting.

In a communique at the end of the meeting, they commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his fight against corruption and insecurity in the country.

“The NEC-in-session had an extensive discussion on the recent price modulation.

The NEC-in- session is of the

view that price deregulation has its benefits in the immediate and near future,” the communique read in part.

Meanwhile, they asked the Federal Government to approve the new minimum wage of N56,000 monthly to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy on the common man.

They called on the government to put in place the mechanism to start negotiation immediately on the minimum wage.

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Petrol: TUC issues FG 5-day ultimatum to revert to old price Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos

From left, Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi; President, Advertising Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mr David Okeme, presenting a plaque to the Minister for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the General Manager, Marketing, UAC, Mrs. Johan Ihekwaba, at the 2016 ADVAN Marketers Conference, held at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on Friday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Petrol may sell above N145 per litre

By Dare Adekanmbi

E

XCEPT the Federal Government looks into how one of its agencies, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), arrived at the new ex-depot pricing for petrol, the commodity may sell for above the N145 regulated price, Saturday Tribune has gathered.

The ex-depot price of petrol is the amount independent marketers pay the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to lift petrol at its depots and tank farms in Lagos State.

Before the withdrawal of subsidy three days ago, the ex-depot price for petrol was N76.50, excluding transportation and sundry depot charges.

Saturday Tribune’s investigation revealed that shortly after the removal of subsidy was announced on Wednesday, the PPMC issued a memorandum to all marketers informing them of the change of ex-depot price from N76 to N126.64.

The memo, dated May 12 and issued from the office of the Supervising Accountant, urged the marketers to “be guided accordingly.”

But less than 24 hours after the memo, the PPMC issued another in which the price was upped from N126.64 to N133.28.

When the N6 transportation and other depot charges are added, the price comes to N139.28, leaving N5.72 profit margin for the marketers.

One of the marketers, who spoke to Saturday Tribune on condition of anonymity, from Lagos, decried the N133.28 charged, saying “they want to kill our business.”

“It is unfair to say we will make N5.72 profit margin.

After getting the fuel to our stations, we will still incur further expenses, including staff salaries, powering generators to sell the product, pay bank charges, among others.

“As it is now, if we do business with about N5 million, we will make less than N150 thousand as profit. From this, we will settle staff salaries,

pay bank charges and incur other costs. It is obvious they want to kill our business.

“The private tank farm owners have already adjust-

ed their prices to between N133.64 to N140. I don’t want to mention their names. So, how will someone who buys from such outlet sell at N145?

Saturday Tribune learnt that the independent marketers own about 70 per cent of petrol retail outlet across the country.

Militants blow up Chevron oil pipeline in Warri AN explosion rocked a Chevron oil pipeline in Warri, Delta State, on Friday, a security source told Reuters, the second blast at a facility of the United States oil major within a week, feeding concern over a revived militant campaign in the area.

The swamps of the southern

Delta have been hit by a series of militant attacks on pipelines and other oil and gas facilities that have reduced Nigeria’s output by 300,000 barrels a day and closed a major export port and two refineries.

On Friday, a new blast occurred at a Chevron oil well

at the Marakaba pipeline in Warri, a security source said.

No more details were immediately known.

Chevron had no immediate comment, while Nigeria’s army, which has stepped up its presence in the region, could not immediately be reached for comment.

State governors squandering riches —Orji Kalu Leon Usigbe - Abuja FORMER governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has alleged that the present set of state governors are squandering the resources of their states on personal luxury.

Speaking to State House corespondents after a private meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinabjo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, he observed that such wasteful spending accounted for their inability to pay workers salaries.

He noted that the demand by the state governors for more funds from the Federal Government was unnecesssry as he believed that they already has enough funds to meet up with their statutory obligations.

Observing that there were some governors who were doing the right thing for their states, the former governor alleged that others spent as much as N35 million on travelling allowance per trip, noting that they needed to refrain from using security votes for personal expenses.

“I think most of these governors are doing very well and some of them also are living in the euphoria of the office.

You can see most of them who are very active. I don’t need to count them for you.

“The issue of crying for fund, honestly, in my opinion, these governors have enough fund to work for their people because if you check, the money drawn as security

vote is excessive. They should stop that.

“Unless they stop drawing on security vote, they will not have enough fund to work with and most of them are living in absolute luxury, which is not their money that they worked for. So, it is impossible to continue living in this manner.

“Most of the governors are even living in Abuja now.

They don’t even live in their states. Honestly. If you look at the books very well, in each trip they make, they will take traveling allowance of N35 million, which is unheard of.

“What are you going to do with that? So, how are we going to progress? Not all the governors. I have gone through Rivers, I see that Rivers is hitting the ground. I have gone through Adamawa and I see Adamawa is hitting the ground.

“I have gone through a few more states, they are hitting the ground, they are working. I don’t speak with sentiments. I don’t speak for anybody. You can see those who are working and those who are not working. Let them sit down and do the job they are elected for,” he said.

THE Trade Union Congress (TUC) has given five-day ultimatum to the Federal Govenment to revert to the old price regime of N86.50 per litre for premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol.

Rising from an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council, on Friday in Lagos, the union rejected the “astronomical” increase in the price of the product from N86.50 to N145 per litre.

At the end of the meeting, the NEC gave the Federal Government up till Wednesday, 18 May, to invite the leadership of the union on the way forward.

According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and acting Secretary General, Comrade Simeso Amachree, the NEC directed its leadership to interface with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the civil society allies to work out action plans that would be put in place to protest the “insensitive fuel price hike should the Federal Government fail to meet the Wednesday deadline.”

Speaking with Saturday Tribune on the sideline of the meeting, the first Vice President, TUC, Comrade Sunday Salako, said the Nigerian masses were already feeling the brunt of the hike in pump price of the commodity.

“Imagine, the price of food commodities has gone up, transport fares have risen and it will soon affect every aspect of our economy,” he said.

When asked about the claims by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, that the decision to arrive at N145 per litre was reached in conjunction with the labour unions, he disagreed and stated that “there was no meeting at all. When you were invited and someone read out the speech he had already prepared without your inputs, would you have called that a meeting?

“We give them till Wednesday and if nothing is done, we will react.”

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, announced that it had deregulated the downstream sector and gave the new pump price of petrol as N145 per litre.

The decision is attracting lots of criticisms from labour unions, civil society groups and Nigerians generally.

Many have also accused the labour unions of insensitivity to the plights of the common man, considering their silence when electricity tariffs were increased.

...APC begs Nigerians Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Friday, begged Nigerians to bear with the Federal Government over the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking with newsmen at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Chief Oyegun said that “I invited you because of the fundamental announcement made within the last 24 hours because I wanted to join my voice to that of the minister to appeal to the Nigerian public to the unions and the other civil society groups for understanding of the situation that has led to the partial deregulation of fuel prices.”

According to him, “Nigerians have a right to subsidy of natural resources that the good Lord has endowed us with but the subsidy regime has become so intensely manipulated, so abused that it really was no longer operating in the interest of the Nigerian public.”

Hausa woman beheaded in Delta

‘Robbers, herdsmen killed 6 cops, 30 civilians’ Alphonsus Agborh -Asaba A housewife was, on Thursday, beheaded while two other women were injured at a fishing camp in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Reports from the area said that a masked assailant had attempted to rape the deceased, Shefaratu Garba, who was of the northern extraction, before the two other women foiled the act.

The two were reportedly injured in the process by the assailant suspected to be a herdsman.

The man was said to have fled the scene after succeeding in killing Shefaratu and harming her two helpers.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue in Ebu, while the injured are receiving treatment in a hospital in Asaba.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the story on Friday but debunked the claim that the assailant attempted to rape the deceased.

According to the police spokesperson, investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the police in the state have said that more than six officers were killed by bandits in three months, just as 30 persons were said to have been killed by herdsmen in the past three years in Ughelli North Local Govern-

ment Area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Alkali Usman announced at a town hall meeting in Ughelli that the six officers were killed in gun battles with the hoodlums at various locations across the state.

Usman, who bemoaned lack of adequate manpower and logistics in his command, said that the “hoodlums are going about with sophisticated weapons with which they ambushed my men, who took delight in serving members of the public.”

On the activities of herdsmen, the commissioner said that the police had no constitutional power to evacuate the cattle rearers as demand-

ed by the people but assured them that those found wanting among them would be arrested and prosecuted.

The secretary to Uwheru Traditional Council, Chief Benjamin Ohworeko, told the police commissioner that Uwheru kingdom had lost no fewer than 30 persons to attacks by the herdsmen in the past three years.

“Some of those killed were not even found let alone being given a befitting burial,” he added.

According to him, the havocs being wreaked by the cattle rearers in the area such as killing, maiming and raping are discouraging many residents from going to farms.

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14 May, 2016

Osun SDP berates APC on oil subsidy removal

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SUN State chapter of the Social Democratic rty, SDP has described the recent fuel hike as “a thorn in the flesh of the citizens,” following its effect on commercial activities across the country which has become paralysed.

The party lamented that the APC-led government has cut short the expectations of the masses whose present experience is a far cry from their dreams.

The party chairman, Chief Ademola Ishola, in a statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity of the party, Mr Taofik Alabi, said “You can imagine a government that promised heaven and earth and which based its electioneering on better living now aggravating the pains of the masses under less than a year. If it completes its four year in this manner, the country will be in chaos.”

“Things were not this bad during the struggle of late MKO Abiola in 1993 when the nation’s economy was almost nearly bankrupt,” the

SDP boss stated.

Ademola again noted that the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan was able to reduce fuel price from N97 to N87 per litre in February 2015, adding that the fuel crisis did not last up to three weeks before a solution was proffered.

“Indeed, the Buhari gov-

ernment has totally failed in meeting the expectations of the masses in reducing foreign exchange rates and fuel hike among others.

“As a party that believes in true governance, we say ‘no’ to Draconian rule of the APC and call it to order.

“APC should wake up from its slumber and do the need-

ful in restoring hope to the masses,” he said.

Ademola futher advised the Buhari-led administration to stop testing the patience of the masses, while he also sympathised with the suffering masses for the hardship they are facing at the hands of APC-led government.

JAF protests fuel hike in Ibadan

By Tunde Ogunesan THE Joint Action Front (JAF) on Friday morning in Ibadan led a peaceful protest around the metropolis calling for mass protest against the hike in the fuel pump price by the Federal Government.

The protest, which took off at the University of Ibadan, was led by the JAF State Coordinator for the state and immediate past National Treasurer of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Demola Aremu.

The group during the rally called for the reversal of the pump price to N86 and

full prosecution of subsidy fraudsters who are “friends of government.”

The protest which was flagged off by the union representatives on University of Ibadan campus and piloted by the police, moved to Bodija market where they were joined by market men and women who complained about exorbitant cost of living and hike in the prices of food products.

Addressing the crowd at Bodija market, Dr Aremu said the rally was to sensitise Nigerians ahead of the mother of all protest next week.

He noted that what the

Buharigovernment has given to Nigerians have been negative changes in the area of salary payment, power supply, food and roads.

Aremu added that a “government that could encourage marketers to source for money from the secondary market is unserious and fraudulent.”

The speakers at the rally wondered why all those who described the removal of oil subsidy in 2012 under Goodluck Jonathan administration as fraudulent are now the ones in support of it as the best solution for the nation.

Saturday Tribune

Gov Amosun charges Ogun West on unity

By Tunde Busari GOVERNOR of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has urged the people of Ogun West to embrace unity and peace in pursuit of their political aspirations in the state.

Speaking on Thursday at a book presentation in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Amosun called on the politicians and traditional rulers in the senatorial district to work in unison with a view to effectively articulating the interest of their people.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jide Ojuko, the governor pointed out that failure to work together is antithesis to progress in any society.

The book titled OGUN WEST: The Dawn of a New Political Era, was written by a former Commissioner of Housing, Hon Daniel Adejobi.

In his speech, Adejobi assured other senatorial districts of Ogun West of his readiness to work hard and in harmony to realise his aim in 2019.

“I know the position of an executive governor cannot be given away on a platter of silver; it has to be keenly contested for among many political parties, but with God, all things are possible,” he said.

Political stalwarts in the state, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi and other members of the House were at the presentation, while Professor Biyi Afonja chaired the occasion.

Common Entrance: AMIS organises mock exam for pupils in Oyo

By Oyeyemi Okunlade THE Association of Model Islamic Schools, Nigeria (AMIS), Oyo State chapter, has organised mock examination for primary school pupils across the 33 local government areas of the state ahead of the forthcoming Common Entrance examination.

The mock examination, which is conducted yearly by the association, is meant to expose the candidates to the areas of their studies where they are lacking and then boost their confidence and prepare them for the entrance examination.

The state chairman of the association, Alhaji Lawal Abbas, while supervising the examination in one of the centres in Saki last Saturday, disclosed that 99 per cent of the member schools participated in the examination which took place in 38 centres.

According to him, while 82 schools participated, a total of 9,500 candidates sat for the examination this year as against the 8,000 that did last year.

Alhaji Lawal said that the result was expected to be out two weeks from the date of the examination.

The new Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Asiwaju Ismail Akinade-Fijabi (middle) flanked by his sons, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, a member of the House of Representatives (right) and Usman Akinade-Fijabi after the conferment of the title on their father at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Popoyemoja, Ibadan, on Friday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

Police arrest 10 Fulani men in Taraba, recover arms, ammunition Sylvanus ViashimaJalingo IN its continued efforts to stem the tide of violent attacks by the Fulani terror group in Taraba State, the state police command recently arrested ten suspected criminals and recovered a large number of arms and ammunition in three separate operations.

The state Commissioner of Police, Shaba Alkali stated this on Friday at a press briefing in Jalingo where the suspects were paraded

and the recovered arms displayed.

According to the police chief, the operations carried out in Bali, Donga and Takum Local Government Areas by the SARS in conjunction with the members of the communities and vigilante groups led to the recovery of five AK47s guns, two assault rifles,four single barrel guns, some locally made pistols, dane guns, several rounds of different calibers of ammunition, and a red Toyota Corolla car.

“A joint operation of SARS, the local communities and vigilante groups has led to the arrest of criminals and the recovery of firearms. This has also reduced the high rate of cattle rustling and kidnapping. in these areas.

“The suspects in custody are giving relevant information to help the ongoing investigation and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed,” Alkali sated.

Alkali further warned criminals who are bent

on disturbing the peace of the state to either quit the state or face the wrath of the force.

He also called on the people to be vigilant and share useful information with the police for their own safety.

The suspects in police custody were identified as Vereshe Mbashinya, Musa Arbubakar, Ibrahim Baushe, Ayuba Iliya, Abubakar Umar, Yunusa Buba, Kole Abdu, Dan-Mallam Bawa, Yahaya Adamu and Isa Mahamadu.

One of the centres of the the mock examination organised by the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Model Islamic Schools, Nigeria (AMIS), last week, in Saki.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs. Monsurat Iyabo Balogun now MRS. MONSURAT IYABO OBISESAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly MRS ESAN BOSEDE ARINOLA now MISS ADEGOKE BOSEDE ARINOLA. Also note that MISS ADEGOKE GLORIA TEMI and MISS ADEGOKE BOSEDE ARINOLA is one and the same person.

Now I wish to be known as MISS ADEGOKE GLORIA ARINOLATEMI BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should take note.

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Saturday Tribune

Alleged lover of slain wife not yet invited —Police Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos THE police in Lagos State have denied inviting Kayode Oluokun, the alleged lover of Ronke Shonde, who was allegedly killed by her husband, Lekan, at the Egbeda Lagos State home, last week This is just as the police in the state were as of Friday evening yet to get the result of the autopsy test conducted on the deceased woman.

The police in the state, however, pointed out that the alleged lover would only be invited “if there is any reason to do so” after the result of the autopsy.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmus, while speaking with Saturday Tribune, denied that the alleged lover had been invited by the police.

“It is not true that we have invited him (Oluokun),” Badmus said, adding, “We have not received the autopsy report yet.”

The ultramodern market building under construction that caved in on Friday morning in Itoku, Abeokuta. Inset: Crowd at the scene of the incident. PHOTOS: OLAYINKA OLUKOYA.

Alleged molestation: FG panel exonerates Queen’s College Yaba teacher Clement Idoko - Abuja

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HE Federal Government has exonerated Mr. Olaseni Osifala, a teacher from allegation of sexual molestation of a junior secondary school II student of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, briefed newsmen on Friday in Abuja, on the outcome of the investigation panel into the allegation of molestation and cover up by the management of the college.

He said the investigation committee did not establish any credible evidence against the accused teacher, considering the fact that Mrs. Chinenye Okoye remained unidentified, faceless and inaccessible despite the committee’s best efforts and assurances to protect her identity and that of her daughter.

Consequently, the investigation committee found it difficult to recommend

disciplinary action against the accused teacher as the complainant failed to come forward to prove the weighty accusation.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government on March 22, 2016, set up a seven-man investigation committee to look into the allegation of sexual molestation of a junior secondary

school II student of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.

Anwukah said this step became necessary following several reports from the conventional and social media networks, alleging that a teacher of the college, Mr. Olaseni Osifala, had molested one Miss Okoye, a student of the college.

The allegation was suppos-

Rivers rerun election: INEC schemes to ‘award’ APC 30,000 votes —PDP I’m not aware of such a plan —Rivers REC Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of cooking up a fake result of the inconclusive legislative rerun election suspended in one local government area of the state in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It will be recalled that the rerun election, held across the state on March 19, 2016,

was suspended in eight local government areas as INEC said the exercise was marred by violence and killings in the affected local councils.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, subsequently, in a statement issued on March 20, 2016, announced the suspension of the election in the affected local councils, including Tai, following reports of violence, kidnap of INEC staff and diversion of election

One dies, 5 injured in Abeokuta building collapse I take full responsibility —Gov Amosun Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta IT was a black Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as a four-storey building under construction collapsed leaving one dead, and five others injured.

An eyewitness told the Saturday Tribune that the incident happened at about 9.15am at the popular Itoku market, in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the building just caved in following a loud bang, and caught some people suspected to be workers at the site unawares.

edly made by the girl’s mother, one Mrs. Chinenye Okoye.

The minister said when the panel was set up government deliberately kept the identity of the committee members confidential, as a result of the sensitive nature of the assignment, as well as the need to avoid undue pressure and interference on the committee members.

The building is one of the market structures being built by the Ogun State government under the supervision of the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The construction firms handling the project were Validus Construction Services Limited, James Town Development and Hakmode Ventures.

Tension, however, rose when the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, arrived at the scene of the incident, as angry crowd who could not control their emotions threw caution into the wind.

The angry crowd threw

stones and missiles indiscriminately which forced policemen to shoot into the air so as to disperse the mob for rescue operation to take place.

Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Dayo Adeneye, confirmed the development.

However, the governor, while addressing newsmen at the scene of the incident, said, “I take full responsibility of what happened here, not even the Commissioner for Works can take the responsibility because when the glory comes, we share it together.”

materials.

However addressing a press briefing, late Thursday evening, Rivers PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Samuel Nwanosike, alleged that INEC was planning to announce a fake result for Tai Local Government Area.

According to him, a national commissioner of the electoral body, Mrs Amina Zakari, had concluded arrangement to submit what he called “fake 30,000 votes” recorded for the local government area before the Professor Simbine-led committee.

Nwanosike said, as the party’s representative in Rivers INEC, he was privileged to see where some documents containing the alleged fake votes were being photocopied on Thursday afternoon, adding that the documents were taken to Abuja same day, to be submitted to the committee.

Reacting to the allegation, however, Rivers REC, Mr Ikoiwak, denied having having a knowledge of such a thing happening in his office, as he also disclosed that the INEC national commissioner, Mrs Zakari Amina, was not in the country, at the moment.

Fire guts FCE, Kontagora’s premises Adelowo Oladipo - Minna ASSETS worth several millions of naira at the Home Economics Department, Federal College of Education,(FCE) Kontagora, Niger State were razed on Thursday. An inferno had occurred following a power surge at the department within the campus of the College.

Saturday Tribune gathered that the incident occurred shortly after the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) restored power to the college at about 8 pm.

Insider sources at the college on Friday said the inferno which lasted for almost one hour destroyed equipment valued at well over N500 million.

Also, the Provost of the College, Dr. Nathaniel Olaitan Odediran confirmed the incident to Saturday Tribune on Friday in Minna, the state capital, via the telephone.

Dr. Odediran who described the incident as very unfortunate, however, appealed to stakeholders, Niger State government and the Federal Government to come to the aid of the college in an effort to fix the facilities destroyed by the fire as well as replacing the equipment consumed by the inferno.

Diamond Bank rewards 41 customers in South-West regional draws DIAMOND Bank Plc has rewarded 41 customers at the DiamondXtra Savings South-West regional draw held at the UCH branch in Ibadan during the week.

A breakdown of the awards showed that an Ibadan–based customer of the bank, Mr. Oladayo Oduwole, won the grand prize of brand SUV car, 11 customers emerged winners of N1m (one million naira) each while 30 customers won N500,000 (five hundred thousand naira) each.

In her address of welcome, Mrs. Aisha Ahmmad, Head Consumer & Privilege Banking, Diamond Bank, stated that the bank was committed to the saving culture of Nigerians and would always encourage and reward savings.

Also speaking at the event, the state Co-ordinator National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Fasuhanmi Omotayo, commended the bank for helping in changing the fortunes of Nigerians through the Diamondxtra savings scheme and said that he was present to monitor the draw and ensure it was done transparently.

‘Oyo pensioners not screened since 2010’ NIGERIA Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State chapter, has debunked the recent pronouncement made by the Oyo State government over allegation of financial irregularities among pensioners.

The union said that it was on record that Oyo State retirees had not been verified since 2010 in spite of several calls made by the retirees to be screened, adding that they were miffed that some 196 pensioners were involved in the recent allegation of financial improriety.

This is contained in a press statement signed and made available to Saturday Tribune by the acting chairman, Pa Gbadegesin Akande and the Secretary Mr. Olusegun Abatan respectively.

The association appealed to the state government to be thorough in its investigation so that the innocent would not be punished injustly, while urging the government to pay pensioners their December 2015 pension without delay.

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Court nullifies arrest warrant against Aluko AN Ekiti State high court sitting in Ado Ekiti, has nullified a warrant of arrest issued against the former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Temitope Aluko.

The state government, through the Office of the Attorney General, on February 3, secured the bench warrant seeking Aluko’s arrest at an Ado Ekiti chief magistrate’s court presided over by Mr. Adesoji Adegboye.

The government approached the magistrate’s court to compel the police to arrest Aluko for alleged perjury after claiming that the election which brought Governor Ayodele Fayose to power was rigged.

The Fayose administration stated that Aluko had committed perjury having earlier testified before the Governorship Election Tribunal that the election was free and fair.

Ex-Rep, Salvador, emerges Lagos PDP chairman Bola Badmus -Lagos Dr Doyin Okupe prostrates for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at the former president’s residence in Abeokuta, last Sunday. PHOTO: PREMIUM TIMES.

Okupe visits OBJ, prostrates, begs for forgiveness

A

former presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, prostrated repeatedly before former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, begging the former head of state to forgive him over insults he hurled at him while he (Okupe) served as spokesperson for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dr. Okupe visited Obasanjo last Sunday, at his Hilltop G.R.A. residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, those familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES. The former presidential aide made the surprise visit to the former president to seek forgiveness, after remaining estranged from the former leader for years.

One source said security operatives at Obasanjo’s residence initially blocked Dr. Okupe from accessing the former president’s home but that he was allowed in after: “Baba came downstairs and told the boys to let him in.”

Photographs of the visit obtained by PREMIUM TIMES showed Dr. Okupe prostrating repeatedly and pleading for forgiveness.

Sources said Chief Obasanjo initially rejected Okupe’s plea, saying “you cannot abuse me in the papers, on TV, on radio and on the streets and then come here to privately apologise.”

“Why don’t you mount the same platforms you used in abusing me to apologise to me,?” a witness quoted Obasanjo as saying.

“Baba said he was baffled to see Okupe verbally assaulting him in the media, just because he was given appointment by Jonathan,” the source said.

“If he were a true son of Yorubaland, he would not have gone to that extent because Baba was the first to appoint him as media aide over 16 years ago.

“Baba appointed him as one of his first aides when he became the first president after democracy returned to Nigeria in 1999, only for him to turn his back against Baba, when he got a similar appointment from Jonathan many years later.

“Now that he has bitten more than he could chew, he’s desperate for Baba’s forgiveness.”

After a brief intervention by those present at the meeting, sources said Chief Obasanjo agreed to forgive Okupe because he (Obasanjo) was an elder statesman and father

to many.

“Baba said he had forgiven him because of his respected position as an elder statesman, but that might not stop him (Dr. Okupe) from committing the same offence in future,” the source said.

Okupe wrote on his Facebook wall on Friday: “Last Sunday, in the company of some friends, I met with Baba Obasanjo principally to try and settle and resolve the misunderstanding that has existed between Baba and me, since I joined the Jonathan’s administration.

“Vintage Baba, he de-

scended on me heavily and vented his anger copiously.

“I prostrated and held his feet as a well-trained Yoruba man and pleaded earnestly for his forgiveness, occasionally giving short explanations for areas where I considered my actions were misunderstood.

“Also, typical of Baba, ever willing to forgive a repentant son, we embraced, I even kissed him as a loving son.

“Politics sometimes is such a bad business, you hurt your friends and even benefactors, but it is all that is well that ends well.”

Crisis looms in Ekiti tertiary institutions over govt’s new tax regime Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti THE amalgamation of the staff of various tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, has condemned the 100 per cent tax deduction being prac-

ticed by the administration of Governor Ayodele Fayose, calling for immediate reversal to forestall industrial disharmony in the state.

At a press conference at the Federal Polytechnic,

Lagos remains most attractive investment destination in Africa —Ambode Bola Badmus -Lagos LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has emphasised the leadership status of the state as the most attractive location financially and socially for investment in Africa.

The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration towards putting in place, policies to attract investment and facilitate conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.

Ambode spoke in Lagos, at the grand opening of CFAO Yamaha Showroom and Assembly Plant with production capacity of 70,000 motorbikes annually, saying with a population in excess of 21 million, a significant proportion of which comprises the middle

class with strong purchasing powers, he was convinced that the state had what every investor desired in investing in any city.

He said aside the fact that Lagos accounts for 60 per cent of Nigeria’s industrial capacity, the state also attracts between 70 and 80 per cent of $6bn annual Foreign Direct Investment (DFI) into Nigeria, adding that measures were being taken to increase the figure by 50 per cent.

Governor Ambode lauded the collaboration between CFAO of France and Yamaha of Japan to bring about the joint venture in Lagos, Nigeria, saying the partnership was good news for Lagos economy and a boost to the efforts of his administration in bringing investment to the state.

Ado Ekiti , on Friday, the union leaders of all tertiary institutions domiciled in Ekiti, described the new tax regime as ‘burdensome, oppressive, obnoxious and draconian’, while also constituting serious impediment to the well-being of their members.

The workers were drawn from The Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, The Crown Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti and College of Science and Health Technology, Ijero Ekiti.

A communiqué signed by 22 members Joint Action Committee of the unions of tertiary institutions in the state , read by the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, EKSU chapter, Professor Olu Olu, described the 100 percent deduction as totally unacceptable.

The workers recommended the creation of a standing committee, comprising government’s and unions’ representatives , as well as heads of tertiary institutions , to discuss modality for possible reduction and ensure uniformity across board.

FORMER member, House of Representatives, Honourable Moshood Salvador, on Friday, emerged as the chairman, Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Salvador, alongside other aspirants for various offices, was unanimously elected at the state congress of the party held in Ikeja and witnessed by prominent PDP leaders, including former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe; immediate past chairman, Capt. Tunji Selle; Chief Remi Akintoye, among others.

Those who emerged at the congress alongside Salvador include Prince Muiz Shodipe (Secretary), Chief Ola Apena (Deputy chairman), Mr. Taofik Gani (Publicity Secretary), Taiwo Kuye (Organising Secretary), and Princess Olateru Olagbegi (Woman Leader).

Police Service Commission promotes 2, 058 officers Chris Agbambu -Abuja THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 2,058 senior police officers to their next rank in line with its resolve to ensure prompt promotion of deserving police officers.

One Commissioner of Police, CP Kaumi Ahmadu (CP Medical) was promoted to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), while 99 Superintendents (SPs) of police including SP Babagana Bukar, were elevated to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

The Commission also approved the promotion of 754 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP).

The promoted DSPs include DSP Shehu Usman.

Also, one thousand two hundred and three (1,203) Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) were also promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police while one Inspector was elevated to the next rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP11).

The chairman of the commission, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, in a statement, said the promotions were based on merit, seniority and availability of vacancies.

‘INEC inconclusive election was due to inadequate preparation’ Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja WORRIED by the recent attitude of inconclusiveness in the re-run elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the country, a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Sunday Karimi, has stated that lack of inadequate preparation was responsible for this.

Karimi, who is representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State at the National Assembly, called on INEC to be sure that all materials and other logistics are ready and available before going for elections.

To avoid any re-run election which according to him would require another huge financial resources to conduct, Karimi had sponsored a “bill for an act to amend the electoral act 2010,” which would empower the eection petition tribunals and courts to declare candidates who scored the second highest votes as a winner of elections when the initial winner is declared unqualified to contest such election.

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New fuel price:

This is rip-off —celebrities

•Demand accountability from goverment

Four days ago, precisely on 11 May 2016, Nigerians suffered a rude shock when the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu announced the new official pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol. Nigerians will henceforth pay N145 for a litre of PMS and no longer N86.50. Many Nigerians, opposition politicians, social crusaders are crying foul. Saturday Tribune’s KATE ANI takes a peep into how some Nigerian celebrities reacted on the social media.

Seun Kuti

Emma Nyra

J Martins

Daddy Freeze

Chidi Mokeme Georgina Onuoha ollywood thespian actress, Georgina Onuoha alleges that President Muhammadu Buhari has no genuine interest in the welfare of the masses, as can be seen by the decision to remove subsidy on petrol.

On her instagram page, she wrote: “Nigeria deregulates downstream oil sector, petrol to sell for about N145 a litre from N87 . #change you voted for, #change you believed in. #Civil servants not paid in months #Inflation rising #No wage increase #No electricity, #No fuel/gas in an oil producing country # And the youths are silent. #My Frozen generation #my tribalist country, #Innocent citizens dying in North-East #When do we begin to tell ourselves the honest truth?”

Apart from being vocal, Onuoha also shared her belief in the power of prayer, stating that she would play her part by praying for the na-

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Saturday Tribune

tion.

Her outburst met encouragement from her followers, who also noted that the Nigerian president has not been able to deliver on his promises for change.

Kate Henshaw Screen goddess, Kate Henshaw, on her Twitter page reacted to the Minister of state for PetroleumIbe Kashikwu’s claim that the price would go back in six month. “Once prices go up in Nigeria, they never come down! Do we have an exact date in the 6months timeline, when N145 for petrol will come down?

No increment in salaries but we have an increase in electricity tariff, we also have N50 stamp duty and now increase in pump price.

No increment in salaries.

“Of course, e go reach N200 sef and nothing will happen. Capped at N145 or not.

Black market is now inside the station. six months times 3 na 18 months, so effectively it’s in 2yrs time the price WILL come down.”

When a follower responded that he was eagerly waiting for another #occupyNigeria# to take place, she reacted by writing “Occupy gini?? So that NLC will leave you midway, high n dry on your own? OYO. “Tomatoes nkor? Even ponmo dey flex for market. We will just drink water and air...at least we go lose weight...” she wrote.

Daddy Freeze Cool FM On-Air Personality, Daddy Freeze on his instagram handle came up with the headline: A TORTOISE WITH RIGOR MORTIS ! ! !

“The pain of the poor Nigerian at such a time as this is beyond unbearable. I have always supported this government so I took the slow ‘tortoise’ pace of its ruling strategy though unnerving, with optimism, believing that the future is going to be propitious if we can eventually get out of this ‘alley’..... However, with the latest hike in petrol prices, the slow-paced tortoise has developed rigor mortis, which by definition is ‘the stiffness of death’. This fuel increase will only serve to highlight our harrowing plight, in a country where life prior to this act, was already intolerable.

“It’s like serving a quit notice to a man whose car was stolen the previous day, after he lost his kids in a fire earlier that week. He had also lost his job a month back, due to depression caused by the discovery that his wife was HIV positive during her autopsy.

“There is nothing wrong with removing a sub-

sidy that has been the foundation of the most elaborate corruption scheme in the history of this country. However, is now the best time to do it?

“I’m of the humble opinion that when the economic rigor mortis resulting from this fuel hike sets in, and many are faced with the dilemma of choosing between corruption and suffering, a vast majority won’t be choosing suffering. A word like they say, is enough for the wis,” he wrote.

Seun Kuti Afro-pop musician, Seun Kuti on his Instagram page; @shotsdboss wrote” “NNPC gets its dollars directly from crude sales, so it doesn’t have to source from secondary sources. NNPC refines its petrol locally, so why are they increasing their pump price if this is just deregulation and subsidy removal? This is a price hike or NNPC has been getting subsidy also? #saynotoimportedpetrol. How much will NNPC sell petroleum since they source locally? “ It has to be at the old prices right. Dear Nigerians this is our chance to fight back without the NLC or any trade union. It’s simple. #saynotoimportedpetrol. Let’s all only buy from NNPC stations. We have already been queuing for months. This sacrifice will hurt them more than us. Anyone that wants to sell fuel in Nigeria should refine it in Nigeria. This will boost the economy and provide plenty jobs and also plenty petrol. #saynotoimportedpetrol. Let’s shut them down.

“In 11 years not a single diesel refinery has been invested in with all the stupendous profits they have made. Don’t fall for the okie doke. #saynotoimportedpetrol”, he wrote.

Emma Nyra Award-winning songtress, Emma Nyra, on her Twitter handle @EmmaNyra wrote: Welcome to Lagos where everyone is suffering and smiling. No fuel. No light. No love. Chai J Martins Rapper, J Martins, on his Twitter handle @ OfficialJmartins wrote “My advice to Nigerians, accept removal of subsidy, it’s in our favour in the long run. But reject government high handedness. Demand accountability every step of the way. Accountability is a MUST. We MUST ensure we get a report on how every kobo that has been recovered is being spent, and that every public project is completed to standard. Say NO to frivolities by the political class and business as usual by the civil service. We must all also look at

Georgina Onuoha

Kate Henshaw

Uche Jumbo the man in the mirror; accountability starts from each and every one of us.”

Chidi Mokeme The hunky actor wrote on his Twitter page “So I just did my first fill up since partial deregulation. The thing pain me well well sha! But I will endure for now hoping that we will finally get to full deregulation. ....* # ItWontBeEasy, * # BraceUp, * # TightenUp, The Ride to * # RealChange, will be a little rough and bumpy, but we must make this journey”.

Uche Jumbo The A-list nollywood actress took to her In her twitter page and wrote “ Fuel at N145. Fuel Subsidy NOW removed from 2016 budget?

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style with Kate Ani

Pleats please! Create a lady-like silhouette in a pleated skirt

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HERE are wide ranges of pleated skirt designs to suit everyone.

These range from knife pleats to petite folds. For those with a more ladylike sensibility, you can also go for the chiffon or silk pleats.

Pleats flatter — when it is rightly combined. Once you find the pleated skirt that best suits you – be it tiny pleats or larger ones sewn into a midi length or a mini length with either bright colour or something more subtle, you can do a lot with it to make you look extremely cool and fashion forward.

Due to the edgy look of the skirt, team it with something uncluttered like a plain coloures top or a simple T-shirt For a slim look, it is important to show off the waist band of the skirt by tucking your blouse in, otherwise, you may appear shapeless due to its fullness.

Note: Neatly hang pleated pieces immediately after taking them off. Use a nice skirt hanger or a dress hanger that keeps the pleats in straight lines. If you don’t hang them properly, the pleats will go off-kilter over time.”

I can’t stand it when my nails aren’t done —Serena Williams US Open Champion and tennis ace, Serena Williams, in this interview with PeoplesStyle.com, reveals her beauty and work out secrets.

WHAT do you think makes someone beautiful?

This is answer is definitely cliché, but true… beauty is skin deep. I think a person’s character, confidence and integrity are some of the most beautiful traits one can possess.

How do you deal with the pressure for body perfection in our culture?

There is no such thing as perfection. It’s very important to love your body and be confident with who you are.

If you could give your younger self advice about beauty, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to get enough sleep and drink more water!

What’s your one beauty fetish that you can’t live without?

Nail polish. I can’t stand it when my nails aren’t done. I actually carry a small nail kit in my purse that has nail polish remover pads, cuticle oil, a file and nail polish. It’s perfect when I’m on the go.

Tell us about your workouts: How do you stay motivated?

For me it’s so important to mix it up. I ran, and then I biked. Then I did elliptical. That didn’t work out so well, because it was boring, so I tried yoga. I started dancing because I couldn’t train when I was sick.

We started making up moves, and it was fun. Now I run for 10 minutes, and then I dance.

What do you eat once you win?

Celebration food is always my mom’s chicken. I request it every time, along with her biscuits.

Saturday Tribune

31

08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

11 commentary

14 May, 2016

Saturday With

ayinla mukaiba

Fantasy and phantasm of fantastic corruption

ayinlamukaiba@yahoo.com

B

RITISH Prime Minister, David Cameron, has become a subject of intense and variegated analyses right here in Nigeria and across the commonwealth in the last couple of days. His snide off-the-cuff comments at an informal parley with Queen Elizabeth on Tuesday has brought into fresh discourse the whole issue of the corruption pandemic in Nigeria. Should Nigeria celebrate Cameron for bringing out the mote in her eyes or excoriate him for his escapist hypocrisy of holding Nigeria’s shortcoming aloft and ridiculing her via the receding laughter of a bantering combine? Is President Muhammadu Buhari’s diplomatic riposte of trouncing Cameron and Britain for their vicarious liability in the Nigerian corruption miasma, while playing the ostrich, the ideal route to follow? Or the incendiary comments back at home which plot Nigeria’s underdevelopment graph and locate Britain’s huge complicity in the tragic geography? Or even the self-appraisal of national guilt at home which reckons that rather than excoriate Cameron, we should take a shuttle down into our polity and see that the British PM merely helped us to hold the mirror of ourselves aloft for us to see?

Let’s begin from the last. As the Yoruba say, even if you are as unfeeling and un-shock-able, enough as to be able to grill and barbecue the ugly-looking head of a tortoise for dinner, you cannot but be sober when you hear the slimy grime stories of corruption that fill the air space about Nigeria’s recent history. The socalled big men and women whom we wrongly called honourable are daily shown to be of a worthless than the pig sun-tanning after a swim in the sewage. The military that bred evergreen patriots like Kaduna Nzeogwu, Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Samuel Ademulegun, Zakariya Maimalari is being daily deconstructed as a conundrum of leeches, rodents and carnivorous animals who prey on the blood and flesh of their countrymen. The question which readily slides unto the tip of your tongue is, when really is enough really enough for these bugs who suck the blood of

Saturday Tribune

the nation? I mean, at what point of this foolish amassment should a bug show satisfaction, like that foolish rich man in the Bible who congratulated his soul for enough amassment, encouraging it to eat, wine and dine ad infinitum? At what point should the palate of a corrupt demonstrate satiety? If indeed Alex Badeh, I guess, of about 60 years, had no compunction about stashing away billions of naira, at what point of his life would he spend the money? Was he foolish enough as to think it would be of value, or bring eternal happiness to his offspring?

And now the first school of thought. I think Buhari scored a hat-trick with his riposte to Cameron. It would have been foolhardy to deny that Nigeria was a corrupt country as, being a global village, the flakes of our corruption narratives is, every morning, on the breakfast menu of the world. The world would have provided a-thousand-and-one justifications for Cameron’s excoriation which comprise basically our dirty linen hung on the open sun drier. Buhari’s retort deserves a Nobel and this really is as tragic as it is phenomenal. Tragic in the sense that, for a man who has been president for almost one year now, that was the first profound and memorable sound bite that we can remember him by.

It is phenomenal because it combines African native intelligence with a singeing grit and wit. Buhari was apparently indicting Cameron by insinuating that yes, my people are corrupt but you are guiltier, like the proverbial receiver of the stolen palm oil in ancient Yoruba proverb. You can write a thousand-page thesis on that terse riposte, presaging it with the historical fraudulence of colonialism, amalgamation, census, fraudulent connivance with Northern rulers to foist inept leadership on Nigeria, recruitment of barely literate rookies into the army, whose mental limitations eventually became Nigeria’s limitations when they got unfairly catapulted to the pinnacle of epaulettes in the military, etc. The most outstanding is Britain being the recipient of stolen wealth in real estate and lending self as vaults for illicit heists and safe tax haven as revealed in the Panama Papers.

The world has applauded Buhari’s riposte ever since.

Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland said this much.

Even though I am not a fan of this gale of public trials of allegedly corrupt people which scintillate and titivate the general public because of its salacious details, one tends to think that it may be the superstructure upon which to build further. We apparently didn’t before now have a whiff of the rapacious details of the tamper with our national tills. Yes, we are aware that it is no phantasm that corruption goes on in the public sphere, abetted by us as the following because we deify the corrupt, no one in their faintest imagination expected the details to be this lurid and capable of instigating vomit.

Having dealt collectively with the hypocrisy of Cameron and his people, it is time to come back home.

Cameron is a representation of what world leaders think of us, from Barack Obama, our mulatto son – apology to Muammar Ghadaffi – to even our next door neighbour in Ghana. Aware that, if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us, let us obliterate the PDP/APC, North/South, Christian/Muslim divide and face this incubus as we are doing to Boko Haram. Let’s spite Cameron and the gang.

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12

Saturday Tribune

14 May, 2016

right attitude to work.

Fellow students, for those who have not been dragged into this bad act, let us maintain our integrity and good name and for those who are involved in the act, as you are reading this article, please have a change of heart. Bear this in mind: people have passed examinations without cheating. I have, so, you can also. Examination malpractice is bad. Change!

By Mercy Olumuyiwa, SSS 2, Excellence City College, Idi Ape, Ibadan.

If you are born poor it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor it’s your mistake —Bill Gate

PUZ-

AS common as examination malpractice is among students, it doesn’t mean every student is involved. Although this ungodly act is caused by a number of factors, my friends, we can do without being part of it.

In a way, government should pay less emphasis on certificate but pay attention to what students are made of when they get to the field. Many welltrained children find themselves involved in examination malpractice so as to acquire a certificate, not knowledge, skills, competence and the

Tongue Twister

Examination malpractice

get inspired

with aunty yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

Addicted to what?

CARTOON

BE careful of what you are addicted to, my friend.

Some addictions are good because they help one increase in value while some are bad. As a young boy or girl, do not get used to habits such as use of unlawful drugs like heroin, cocaine and marijuana. They destroy lives in the long run. I have never seen individuals

addicted to such drugs who are balanced mentally. Let us protect our bodies, future and generations coming after us. When you see a fellow mate taking such drugs mentioned, cry out to those who can be of help. We are the future of Nigeria.

By Omopariola Olaoluwa

Excellence City College, Idi Ape, Ibadan.

S T OR Y The lion’s wedding

O

NCE upon a time, there was a young lion. He lived in the forests of Vrindavan. All the animals of Vrindavan were afraid of the lion as he was a fierce beast.

Nobody dared go near the lion. “Never get in the way of that lion,” the monkeys would instruct their young ones. “Get inside the cave, children, it’s time for the lion to go for his evening stroll,” the bears would warn their cubs. Actually, the lion only looked fierce, in reality he was very gentle.

When the lion reached a marriageable age, he decided to look for a suitable match. Within a few days, he arranged his marriage to a beautiful lioness. After consulting the priests, an auspicious date was set.

The lion wanted to invite all the animals of Vrindavan. “Maybe this way I can make them realise that I am not all that bad,” thought the lion.

So, the lion went through the forest, inviting all the animals he met. “You must come to my wedding, dear

elephant,” said the lion, “to blow the trumpet!” “Y... Ye... sassier! D....D....definitely!” said the elephant. Then lion said to the monkey,” You are a good dancer, dear friend!

You must come to my weeding to entertain the gathering!” The monkey nodded and leapt away.

“Please collect some fresh honey for the rituals,

dear bear!” said the lion.

“Sure....” said the bear, avoiding the lion’s gaze. In this way, the lion invited the crow, the cat, the elephant, the fox, the jackal, the monkey, the bear, the camel and the giraffe. But on the day of the wedding, none of the guests arrived at the venue. The lion was very sad.

Later one day, the bear asked the elephant,” Why didn’t you go to the lion’s wedding?” The elephant replied, “I am strong, but I still fear the lion.” Then he asked the bear, “Why didn’t you go there, friend?” “I couldn’t collect sufficient honey. The lion would have been upset and may have even killed me,” replied the bear. The monkey said that,” I am so afraid of the lion that I may not have been able to dance.” “True it is, friends!” said the wise crow, “We can’t share our happiness with someone we are afraid of.” Thus, all because of the needless fear the animals felt, no one attended the gentle lion’s wedding. If only they knew don’t judge a book by its cover.

Courtesy: www.kidsgen.com

Indiscipline THERE are cases of indiscipline in our society, but in my view, indiscipline starts from the home. I sat down and had a deep thought. My conclusion is that in the conscious effort to provide our needs, parents

spend more time outside the home, hence they don’t know.

Also, what children see their parents do sticks very easily.

I implore our parents to be careful of their attitudes. Parents, live a life worthy of emula-

tion so that our generation will be better by producing goodmannered children.

By Kingsley Igboduanya, SS 2 Excellence City College, Idi Ape, Ibadan.

13

14 May, 2016

BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

food&drink

What piqued your interest in cooking? hough I have four elder sisters, I have always been fascinated by cooking and right from my childhood, I enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. I discovered I had a passion for cooking and serving delicious dishes and that’s how the journey started.

T

With four sisters, one would have expected the hands in the kitchen were more than enough. Were you given the chance to actually cook?

They knew I was passionate about it and it wasn’t as if I was forced to do it.

My mum never insisted on my being in kitchen. So, I was given the opportunity to develop my interest in this regard.

Can you recall the first dish you prepared unsupervised?

That was beans and rice.

What was the experience like?

I was in Primary Six then. I wasn’t too sure of how to prepare it, so I just added both rice and beans at the same time to cook. It was horrible. But my family was supportive. I was only corrected on the right way to prepare it.

What aspect of catering are you involved in?

I do all. I cook, bake cakes, prepare cocktails and confectioneries.

Do you have any formal catering training?

I am self-taught. I acquired the skill out of practice, patience and passion. I improvise when necessary and learn from mistakes. The idea is to improve and make something unique.

How do people react when they

Saturday Tribune

‘Preparing tasty noodles is science’

A graduate of the Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, Mr Taiwo Owonibi, Chief Executive Officer, Dogos Kitchen, is a foodie who derives pleasure from flavours, spices and creating tasty dishes. Speaking with BLESSING EKUM, he shares his foray into the gourmet world and how noodles can be turned into a super-sumptuous dish.

meet you as a cook?

Most are initially surprised. But when they taste my food, I get commendations, even from ladies. When I was at the university, I was the cook for my roommates.

I enjoyed doing it and they enjoyed eating my cooking.

It is believed that men that are good cooks may have issues with their wives cooking. What’s your reaction to this?

I’m not yet married, but I have heard people say this. Sometimes when some ladies prepare dishes, I feel I would have done it better, but I don’t criticise their cooking. When I get married, I would have to adjust to my wife’s cooking. I don’t see it as an issue.

What’s your signature dish?

It’s currently noodles.

Why this choice?

Noodles is perceived as a bland dish but it’s so versatile that it can be prepared in many different delicious ways. It’s also a very light dish but can also be filling depending on how it is prepared. People believe since it’s instant, it should be prepared in three minutes and that’s all. But there is more to it. It takes more than three

minutes to prepare delicious noodles because preparing noodles is a science; you need to get the correct measurements and timing of whatever ingredients you choose to use for you to get the best.

If you had to give yourself a treat, what would you prepare?

I love all kinds of foods but I particularly

enjoy white rice and spicy stew.

What advice would you give closet male foodies?

I’d say if a man has passion for cooking, he should go for it. He shouldn’t be limited by gender and societal expectations.

With patience and persistence, he would make a name for himself.

Watermelon slushy You will need:

•4 cups cubed, seedless watermelon •10 ice cubes •1/3 cup fresh lime juice •1/4 cup white sugar •1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:

•Place watermelon and ice in a blender.

•Pour in lime juice, sugar, and salt.

•Blend until smooth.

•Serve.

14

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With Bosede Ola-Samuel 08112658560 bosedeola_samuel@yahoo.com

intimacy STRICTLY FOR ADULTS

How to protect your marriage from affairs

I

nfidelity is a common occurrence among married couples these days.

They engage in it with and without impunity. It has become a worrisome situation because of the danger it portends for the marriage institution. This becomes more worrisome since more wives, who hitherto were seemingly immune against infidelity, now engage in it.

One antidote I see as a way of curbing infidelity among the married is spousal protection. That is, each partner puts in place measures that will make infidelity unattractive to the other partner. I believe there is a way couples can act towards each other that will make infidelity unattractive to their partners. Such things as listed below are for consideration today in this column.

•Make your spouse your accountability partner. Agree you are accountable to each other, and are expected to give an account of your conduct with people, especially of the opposite sex. Doing so acts as a check on our flair or fall for extramarital affairs.

•Sexual advances/temptation should be brought to your spouse’s notice. When this is done, it helps one to overcome the advances/temptation. When it is hidden

from our partners, we make allowance for it to grow into full blown affairs.

•Be sensitive to strange behaviour of your spouse.

When your spouse begins to act in strange manners such as keeping late nights, hiding or coding cell phones, picking calls inside the car or secluded places away from the spouse, these are strong indications that all may no longer be well in the marriage. You should draw your spouse’s attention to such observations. Don’t pick quarrels about it, but letting him know you are watching may be the saving grace for him or her to stay out of troubled waters.

•Maintain a good relationship with each other. Express your love constantly to each other, rather than assuming that you know you love each other. Let your spouse know that he/she is ever attractive to you.

Act in loving manners towards each other.

Above all, never take your emotional happiness for granted. An emotionally hurt

partner will seek for succor elsewhere, especially wives who are generally more emotional than the husband.

•Maintain an attractive posture for your spouse. Flaunt your features regularly, especially those appreciated by your spouse.

Dress well, look good, wear what your spouse appreciates in others and keep fit for each other.

•Lastly, give sexual fulfillment a prime place in your marriage. Sex should not only be available, but should be readily available, enjoyable and inexpensive in your marriage.

conversewithyemisi Can I call him by his name?

Dear Yemisi, I am an 18-year-old girl.

I have a boyfriend who, before we started dating, I felt was older than I am. I was relating with him as my uncle, but I have now discovered that we are age mates.

My question now is, can I call him by his name?

Habi, 08********3.

Dear Habi, What is so special in calling a boyfriend by his name? It was even absurd in the first instance to be calling your boyfriend ‘uncle’. What has qualified him to be your uncle?

It means you were intimidated by his physique or achievement! If you don’t stop that habit, before you know what is happening he would have been ordering you about as if he is your boss.

In any relationship there must be mutual respect by the actors, but not to the extent of becoming a servant of love! Calling him an uncle would have created a gap between the two of you as you would not be free to express how you feel on certain issues without feeling guilty that you have offended your big brother!

A relationship should be the coming together of partners; it should not be a servant—boss issue.

Now that you have discovered that you are contemporaries, nothing stops you from addressing him by his name. After all, you are not yet married, and even if you are, you agree on a pet name for the union.

If you address him by his first name and he frowns upon it, let him take a walk please. You are not his slave.

The time to assert yourself is now that you are partners in progress.

He is too mean

Dear Yemisi, I am a 23-year-old lady dating a man aged 32 years. I love him so much but he is too mean. For three weeks, a lady has been calling to tell me that I should leave him.

When I told him about this lady’s call, he denied having anything to do with such a lady.

I am so confused. What should I do?

Omolara, Lagos.

Dear Omolara, Inasmuch as your boyfriend has denied knowledge of this other lady, I will only counsel you to be wary of

I know that whatever one does, those partners who will stray will still stray, but acting as stated above among other things reduces the chances for most partners. After all, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. That is, what one may be looking for outside the marriage is already available in the marriage. So, no need to trouble yourself going outside.

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

08055001741 (sms only) yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com

For Him

For Her

Wilberforce Joel, needs a responsible, reliable Christian lady aged between 22 and 32 for a relationship. Call 08182902927.

Stella, 43, from Delta State, needs a Godfearing, responsible man aged between 48 and 50 for a relationship. Call 09084916946.

Oladele, 32, graduate, from Lagos, working class, needs a Muslim lady aged between 23 and 31 for a relationship. Call 08025863746.

Olayemi, 29, 5.5 feet tall, Christian, from Ondo State, needs a God-fearing man aged between 35 and 47 for a relationship. Call 08134746173.

Lekan, 27, from Ibadan, needs a lady aged between 22 and 25 for an affair. Call 09086355689.

Temitope, 24, fat, Muslim, from Osun State, needs a loving, honest, caring, Muslim guy aged between 30 and 35 for a relationship. Call 08109738955.

such denial. He is likely to be deceiving you by feigning ignorance of the knowledge of the other lady.

Have you been able to establish how the other lady got your number and for her to have had the courage to call you to leave her lover. If you take your time to understand the unfolding drama your allegedly mean boyfriend has a hand in what is going on.

Omolara, do you say your boyfriend is mean? Whatever the word ‘mean’ means to you is better understood by you.

If the guy has demonstrated this attitude to you on a number of occasions, then you ought to do the needful without any prompting from a

third party. This affair is between you and the mean guy and I doubt if any other human can force you to stay in a relationship that you are not wanted.

This is about your life. Nobody can and should live it for you. If the feeling of being unwanted keeps coming, why not take a break from him to get himself sorted out between you and the other lady who has asked you to leave him?

A relationship should not be a door-die issue. You need not lose your sleep and sanity on such a triviality.

If the two of you are destined to be one in the long run, nature has its natural way of getting such a being out of your way.

15

14 May, 2016

health&fitness

Saturday Tribune Blessing Ekum

ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

How to get your body back after pregnancy

By Blessing Ekum

M

rs Ojo (not real name) had just given birth to her first baby and like many mothers, was ecstatic. However after about three months of her journey to motherhood, she has begun to nurse some misgivings. “I love my baby more than anything in the world and won’t trade the experience for anything. But whenever I look in the mirror, I’m a bit discouraged at how fat I have gotten and bulgy my stomach has become.

I used to pride myself of a relatively flat tummy and I know with pregnancy would come a bigger tummy but it’s taking too long for my body to return to shape. It gets worse when I visit the social media. I see pictures of celebrity mums who say they got their bodies and tummies back after few weeks of putting to bed. I remember seeing dancer Kaffy’s picture few weeks after she gave birth to her second baby. She was so toned with no single fat. Even Annie Idibia didn’t have such a huge bulge after some weeks of putting to bed. I saw Toyin Lawani’s picture and was just amazed. I don’t even want to go into foreign celebrity mums. Even my sister in-law that has three kids still looks like she has not had one. Looking in the mirror makes me feel lazy and insecure. I’m beginning to worry that my husband may not find me attractive anymore.”

Unfortunately, Mrs Ojo is not alone. For many women, the realisation that they are nursing a life inside of them comes with joy and a bit of nervousness but after nine months of morning sickness, strong cravings, weight gain, mood swings, sore breasts and fatigue, and they hold their baby for the first time, the sense of relief and accomplishment makes it worth it. After the birth comes the adjustment, both physically and psychologically. And although new mums have intense love for their babies, the same may not be said of their bodies which sometimes go through drastic changes. As if the adjustment to motherhood is not pressure enough, in today’s world, new mums are hassled to speedily lose baby weight and gain their pre-pregnancy bodies back in as short a time as possible. With celebrity mums splashing “post natal swag” pictures all over social media of how they regained their pre-pregnancy bodies barely a month after birth, the already existing pressure on women about their bodies and the presumed ideal body size becomes worse for the post natal mum of whom demands are made by her partner, society and sometimes herself to have the same body as she did before birth. Although some women may choose to ignore such expectations, but the judgements and snide comments about her weight and belly (such as asking if she has again taken in owing to a bulgy belly months after putting to bed) sometimes push the new mum to the point of anxiety. Hence, a period where she should bask in the post pregnancy experience and allow her body transit naturally is spent worrying about getting back her body, especially her belly.

It used to be six weeks needed for the body to heal but recent discoveries show that women might need up to a year to heal and recover from pregnancy However, experts say this should not be so. Dr Steven Adegoke, a gynaecologist/obstetrician, said: “There are lots of changes that occur during pregnancy and these include hormonal changes and physical changes, especially with the skin and the muscles. Although these changes generally occur in every pregnant woman, the fact remains that each woman is different and the extent of each change is peculiar to her body system. It takes a nine-month period for the changes to occur so it is only natural that it would take some time for the body to heal and try to get back to its former state. It used to be six weeks needed for the body to heal but recent discoveries show that women might need up to a year to heal and recover from pregnancy.”

For women who are in a hurry to get back their bodies, intense exercises and diet modification are usually adopted. In fact, celebrity new-mums on the social media attribute their trim, tone bodies to this. While exercises and diet changes are welcome, Dr Adegoke calls for caution.

He said: “For each week post partum, there are required exercises that are needed and this is different for every woman. So, it is wrong to throw a blanket statement saying this particular exercise is what every new mum must do to get her body back. However, light exercises are recommended at the initial weeks after putting to bed. These include stretching and even sex. As early as four weeks, a woman can resume sexual activities. They should stay away from strenuous physical activities and exercises all in a bid to get their bodies back. In fact, in some women no exercise is even needed, yet their bodies return to normal after the required time. However, that depends on the woman’s body makeup.”

Head of the Ante-Natal Clinic, State Hospital, Adeoyo Ring Road, Ibadan, Dr Adekunle Aremu, added that “there

is usually, on the average, a 12.5kg increase in weight during pregnancy. It is not likely that a woman would lose the entire additional weight after pregnancy. However, it is expected that there be an appreciable change in her weight. If she follows dietary and exercise advice as prescribed by her doctor, she would be on her way to getting her body back. It is important for women to realise that no two pregnancies are the same. That one dietary/exercise routine worked for woman A doesn’t mean it would work for woman B. In fact, that a routine worked for a first pregnancy doesn’t mean it would work for a second pregnancy in the same woman.

“As a result of innovations in terms of drugs, machinery and physical therapy, so many factors have come to play such that there is an adjustment in the six weeks recovery period. But this calls for caution. It is not advisable to rush an incident, that should under normal circumstances take six weeks, to less. We encourage light exercises and diet to get back to the original pre-pregnancy state on time but this should be at the body’s natural pace. When women come out to say they got their bodies back in two weeks, it is more of an exaggeration just to create an impression; the body needs longer than that to recover.”

Besides exercise and diet, it has also been discovered that breastfeeding is a potent way to reduce pregnancy weight and get the tummy back in shape as adequate breastfeeding encourages involution (shrinking of the uterus).

Experts advise women to not be misled by social media.

“The fact that a celebrity put to bed and is flaunting a flat abdomen few weeks after may be as a result of accessories she’s wearing in the said picture such as corsets and girdles. These can help to an extent but women should not be deceived into going through strenuous exercises shortly after childbirth just because of the pressure to have a flat abdomen. The body should be given time,” Dr Irene Bassey, a medical practitioner said.

In some cultures, it is believed that using a towel soaked in hot water to press on the post-natal tummy would flush clotted blood and enable the uterus to shrink so as to get back a flat abdomen. Certain spicy and hot foods are also said to help shrink the uterus. However, experts say this is neither practical nor necessary. “If hot water compress is the only way to remove blood clots what happens to women who undergo caesarean section and can’t be pressed? One can even suffer scalding and burns from such a practice.

The body will naturally and gradually return to a normal state after the baby is born,” Dr Aremu said.

16 healthandfitness

14 May, 2016

Milk from my breast

Dr. Wale Okediran

MY boyfriend used to complain that my breast is bringing out milk anytime we are playing and I have never given birth or had an abortion before.

Please tell me what to do Amaka (by SMS)

When the breast is stimulated by touching or sucking (especially by babies) it will release milk. The only way to avoid the milk from coming is not to stimulate the breast. Once you are sure you are not pregnant, you have nothing to worry about.

I usually get easily aroused by some things I see around me so much that I end up masturbating. I want to have normal sex and not ruin my life masturbating. Please help me.

Greg (by SMS)

waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

08055069356 (sms only)

No more periods at 45

How do I stop masturbating?

Although you did not indicate your age, it is not unusual for young people, especially adolescents to get easily aroused by the sight of the opposite sex as well as graphic sexual pictures and films. My advice will be for you to try and mix freely with your agemates of both sexes and through this, develop a healthy relationship with them. In addition, you should avoid the consumption of graphic sexual material that may end up arousing you.

Saturday Tribune

I am a 45-year-old trader.

My problem is that my menstrual period has stopped. Kindly help me.

Ranti (by SMS) Menopause (the age of cessation of the monthly

menses) usually varies from early 40s to the late 40s. In some cases, the onset can even be earlier while in some others, very late. In your case, it is quite obvious that you are already in menopause and

should accept it as a normal ageing process. However, if you still want to be sure, you can conduct some laboratory studies that will confirm evidence of your declining hormonal levels.

No menses at 14 I am a 14-year-old student.

All my friends of the same age have started having their monthly menses except me. Kindly help me.

Feyi (by SMS) Even though the age of onset of the monthly menstrual flow (menarche)

My small penis MY name is Saheed. I am 24 years old. Unfortunately, my penis is as small as a baby’s. Please tell me what to use to make it big.

Saheed (by SMS)

We have gone over this issue of ‘small penis’ several times in this column and the explanation remains that there are no scientifically proven remedies

for small penis. It has also been confirmed that rather than worrying over the size of one’s penis, what is important is to work at using the organ in the best way possible.

varies from as low as nine years to about 12 years, it is not unusual to have cases that don’t commence until later age. The reason for the delay is sometimes unknown, while in other cases, it can range from poor nutrition to other underlying causes. My advice will be for you to wait for another year after which if your menses are still absent, your doctor can arrange for you to be properly examined.

Dr. Abiodun Adeoye adeoyemoshood@yahoo.com

World Hypertension Day 2016 (2)

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S we were informed last week, come Tuesday, 17 May 2016, the whole world will stand agog to celebrate World Hypertension Day with a theme “know your numbers”. The essence of this all important day is to sensitise the public on the danger of hypertension in the entire universe. I believe by now you know your blood pressure numbers.

Increased blood pressure (hypertension) has been found to be the leading risk factor for death and for disability globally according to the World Health Organization Global Burden of Disease Study. Increased blood pressure was the cause of an estimated 9.4 million deaths and 162 million years of life lost in 2010 and the cause of 50% of heart disease, stroke and heart failure. It accounts for 13 deaths out of 100 overall death and over 40% of deaths in people with diabetes. Our focus this week is to review how hypertension affects various organs in the body and lead to disability or outright death.

How does high blood pressure damage kidneys?

There are two kidneys in the body and when hypertension fights kidneys, the two are damaged at the same and rate. When kidneys are damaged all the toxic wastes that should be eliminated from the system accumulate and cause disability or death 1. High blood pressure (hypertension) makes your heart work harder against force of resistance and, overtime, can damage blood vessels throughout the body through arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The walls of normal blood vessels have a layer of smooth muscle and elastic tissue that makes them flexible and able to dilate and constrict as blood flow through them. These

08056564360, 08072000017 (sms only)

functions are lost when there is arteriosclerosis and when it involves the vessels that supply the kidneys, its function of wastes removal is impaired and fluid and waste products are retained leading to swelling of body and legs (edema).

2. The nephrons (filtering apparatus) which is smaller in number among black people like us compared with whites gets damaged by hypertension. At the point of filtration (glomerulus), membrane becomes sclerosed (hardened) leading to leakages of large molecule substances like protein which should not ordinarily pass through the ‘filter’ and then found in urine (proteinuria).

The first sign of this sign of damage is the presence of protein in the urine which makes it foam like soap. If there is protein in your urine please consult your doctor for immediate advice because it is not all protein in the urine that is from kidney damage. But if hypertension is established as the cause, blood pressure must be reduced to prevent further damage and eventual kidney failure. People with kidney failure must either receive a kidney transplant or go on dialysis (using a special machine to function as kidney). This may be too expensive in the long run. In the United States, hypertension causes 25,000 new cases of kidney failure every year. The story can only be higher in black Africans, Nigeria inclusive, because they have six folds higher risk of hypertensive kidney failure.

How does hypertension lead to blindness?

Hypertension attacks both eyes from inside at same rate. Naturally it’s being programmed for the eyelids to protect your eyes from external injury but eyelid is lim-

ited when the injury is from inside of the eyes. Hypertension unfortunately attacks the eyes from inside and it is silent, it can only be detected by regular eye checks. Visit your ophthalmologist today to prevent permanent damage to your eyes.

The effect of hypertension on the eyes is a complex subject because blood vessels in the eyes are different from other blood vessels. However, one doesn’t have to be an optometrist or ophthalmologist to appreciate the devastating effect of high blood pressure on the eyes. The retina, or the membrane lining the back and sides of the eyeball, is particularly susceptible to damage from hypertension, a condition called hypertensive retinopathy. Retina is like a screen board where all the images we see are projected before being transferred to the brain for interpretation. Irrespective of outward beauty of the eyes, once retina is damaged there is no vision. This important component of the eyes is what is damaged in poorly controlled blood pressure.

The damage to the eyes is silent as there is no clear-cut symptom until when extensive damage is done to the retina. The best way is to get your eyes examined by eye specialist who will be able to stage the level of the eyes.

However, symptoms might include headaches and vision problems. Blindness is better appreciated by those using eye glasses. It is not a good experience, once you have high blood pressure that is difficult to control please visit your eye specialist. Avoid this preventable cause of blindness.

Our esteemed readers, on the World Hypertension Day, I want you to check your blood pressure numbers and communicate with me on either e mail or phone numbers for advice if they are high. Till then maintain a healthy heart.

17

14 May, 2016

Divorce

Court & Crime

He is not the biological father of my son —Hairdresser I told him I was 4 months pregnant before I married him I buried the child’s placenta and named him —Husband

Stories by Ayomide Owonibi-Odekanyin and Oyeyemi Okunlade with Agency reports

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customary court sitting in Inalende, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved the marriage between Teslim Busari and Fatimoh Busari over irreconciliable differences arising from paternity squabbles.

The plaintiff, Teslim Busari, a 35-year-old trader, told the court that he married Fatimoh about eight years ago and the marriage is blessed with a child named Hammed Busari, who is seven years, nine months old and is in the custody of the defendant.

Teslim said he wanted to divorce the defendant and take the custody of Hammed.

“I’m a traveller and anytime I returned home, I would not meet her at home. I complained about this several times but she did not change and never gave me a genuine reason for her outings. There was a day I came back from a business trip and discovered she had packed out of the house even when we had no quarrel. I went to her parents for a settlement but nothing came out of it all . My father also tried but to no avail.”

Teslim said that when he heard that Fatimoh had married another man for whom she is carrying a new baby, he thus approached the court to take custody of Hameed so that he would take full responsibilities of the boy’s education, health, moral and financial welfare.

When the court asked Teslim if he reported Fatimoh’s actions to her parents, he replied: “Yes, I went to meet her mother but it seems her

mother was in support of her action.” The plaintiff was also asked by the court on the ownership of the baby the defendant is carrying, to which he replied firmly “Another man.”

The defendant, Fatimoh, 34 years old hairdresser, told the court that she agreed to a divorce but shocked the court when she said Teslim was not the biological father of Hameed.

Fatimoh said “I told him that I was carrying a four-month-pregnancy before I got married to him but he raised no objection.”

At this point however, the following conversation ensued Teslim: Is it possible that you told me you were four months old pregnant and I would still go ahead to marry you?

Fatimoh: I told you.

Teslim: Does your mother recognise me as your husband and that my parents came to your house for introduction?

Fatimoh: I’m not denying you but I am telling the court that you are just my former husband.

Teslim: Who buried the Hammed’s placenta and also did the naming ceremony?

Fatimoh: You did both.

Court President: Is the man you are claiming to own the child aware that it was Teslim who buried the placenta and also responsible for the naming ceremony?

Fatimoh: The man is not aware.

Court President: You later decided to hand over the child to him?

Saturday Tribune

Fatimoh: “Yes, since I was four months pregnant for him before marrying Teslim.

Court President: After those four months, you moved to the plaintiff’s house, was there any sexual intercourse between both of you?

Fatimoh: There was sexual intercourse even till the day of delivery (of Hammed).

The court adjourned the case so that Fatimoh would be able to produce the man whom she claimed be the father of the said child before the court.

However, when Teslim and Fatimoh’s case was reopened, the court asked for the man the defendant claimed to own the child but Fatimoh said the man was not in court because she could not locate him but brought Hammed to court.

Since Fatimoh could not deny the plaintiff was recognised by her parents, the court ruled thus: “As a customary court of law created by law of the land, this court sees that the man who buried the placenta as a father, he is the father of the child. The defendant cannot produce the man she claimed to be the father before the court. This court cannot do otherwise but to grant the request of the plaintiff while the court rules thus: The marriage between both parties is hereby dissolved henceforth.”

The presiding judge, Mr Ramon Lafenwa, ordered that the only child of their marriage should be under the custody of Teslim, while he takes care of him on education, health, moral and financial ground. Aggrieved party, Lafenwa said could however appeal to the court.

‘I can no longer take my husband’s beatings’

A 27-year-old woman, Khadijat Olaide Makinde has pleaded with a Grade ‘C’ customary court sitting at Inalende, Ibadan, Oyo State, to dissolve the nine-yearold marriage to her husband Kehinde Makinde.

Khadijat, a hairdresser by profession said before the court: “I want to divorce my husband because of his several beatings I’m tired of him. Hence, the court action.”

The plaintiff who swore to an oath by Quran said before the court that she had a previous marriage before she met the defendant, alleging that Kehinde actually seduced her into marriage.

The nine-year-old marriage is blessed with two children, namely Aliyat Makinde, six years and Alimot Makinde, five years old; both of whom are in Kehinde’s custody.

Khadijat informed the court that she reported the incidence of several beatings to her husband’s parents, saying, “His mother knows he beats me often.

Whenever he beat me and I reported, the mother would beg me and I would forgive him, hoping that he would not do it again. But after a while, he would beat me again.”

Having gone through the evidence of the plaintiff, the court sees that there is no more love between both parties, more so that the defendant has been absent from the court in spite of court summons.

The presiding judge, Mr Ramon Lafenwa, ordered that the two children from the marriage should remain in the custody of Kehinde since Khadijat did not plead with the court to have custody of the children. “Kehinde should henceforth take care of the children on financial, moral, education and health grounds, while both parties should live peaceably henceforth.

The marriage is hereby dissolved henceforth,” Lafenwa ruled.

inside

He forced me to take oath naked in front of his priest —Mother of 4 He steals my money to pamper his mistresses —Thrift collector

He stole my bra and claimed he wanted to take it to church for prayers —Wife

My drunken husband is a bed-wetter —Wife See pages 18 & 23

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

courtandcrime

He forced me to take oath naked in front of his priest —Mother of 4

She bathed me with kerosene in an attempt to burn me —Husband Court can’t disolve marriage until covenant is broken —Judge Stories by Ayomide Owonibi-Odekanyin and Oyeyemi Okunlade, with Agency reports

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44-year-old woman, Susan Lijadu, has told a Lagos Island customary court, Lagos, that her husband, Folarin, forced her to make a covenant with him.

Folarin, 47, had in April urged the court to dissolve his 20-year-old marriage for alleged lack of trust and love.

Susan, a mother of four, told the court that their marital problem started in year 2000 when her husband became blind as a result of a road accident.

She said that he became suicidal, aggressive and very jealous and in 2013 he forced her into making a covenant with him.

“Since he became blind everything about him has changed. He once tried to kill himself but I pleaded with him and assured him that everything will be well.

“He also became aggressive towards me and one day he nearly strangled me to death. If not for our neighbours who came to my rescue I would have been dead.

“Three years ago he ordered me to buy a cockerel, three kolanuts, bitter kola and alligator pepper. I was stripped naked in the presence of one priest from Ondo State.

“I was told to swear that no other man will ever see my nakedness or have any sexual intercourse with me except my husband.

“All the items were buried in a hole dug in front of our room,’’ she said.

Susan told the court that her husband, who did not make the same covenant with her, has now impregnated one of their tenants and wants to divorce her.

“My husband wants to dump me after imposing an embargo on me,’’ she said.

Folarin denied forcing his wife to swear an oath, adding that she was the one who urged him to make her take the oath and that he did not swear with her.

He said that he filed for the dissolution of their marriage when he could not control her.

“When I became incapacitated, I sent my wife to computer school and opened a shop for her to enable her to take care of the home financially.

“She stopped going to shop and started selling petrol at the junction of our house which I did not support.

“During one of our arguments in December 2015, she bathed me with kerosene and threatened to set me ablaze.

“I did not impregnate our tenant, I am not interested in the marriage again. I want a divorce,’’ Folarin said.

The court president, Mr Awos Awoshola, reprimanded them on the oath taking.

“No one can predict what will happen tomorrow, we humans are always changing. We want something today, that thing might become what we detest tomorrow,” Awoshola said.

Awoshola added that before the court could dissolve the marriage, the covenant must be broken and that the two parties must provide evidence that the oath has been revoked.

He ordered both parties to maintain the peace and adjourned the case till May 24 for further hearing.

A textile dealer, 36-year-old Tawakalitu, has lost her three-year-old marriage to her husband, Mr Lateef Lawal, a property developer, to adultery.

An Igando customary court severed the relationship following allegations of infidelity brought against the wife by her husband.

The court’s president, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, noted that the couple was tired of the marriage, saying “all efforts to reconcile both parties had failed.’’

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

“This court hereby pronounces the marriage between Lateef Lawal and Tawakalitu Lawal dissolved today; you henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Lawal, 50, had filed a suit seeking the dissolution of the three-year-old marriage on grounds of infidelity and defamation of character.

The petitioner said that Tawakalitu, who had a daughter for him, was adulterous.

“I caught my wife making love with another man at a corner when we went for a Christmas party.

“Anyway, I do not blame her for the infidelity because I met her at a club,” the former husband said.

He said his wife accused him of having sex with his

Salesboy on trial for stabbing girlfriend A 26-year-old salesboy, Kingsley Njuzie was on Thursday arraigned at a Gudu Upper Area Court for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, Charity Ene, with a knife.

The prosecutor, told the court that Urom Otu Njuzie, who resides at Lagos St., Garki 2, was on trial on a twocount charge of criminal force and assault and voluntarily causing hurt.

Otu alleged that the complainant, Ene of Wunba village, Apo, FCT had reported the matter at the Garki police station on May 8.

Otu told the court that the defendant allegedly dragged the complainant from a moving tricycle and assaulted her.

He alleged that the defendant punched the defendant on her face, beat her up and used a knife to inflict injuries on her body for no justifiable reason.

He said the offence contravened Sections 265 and 246 of the Penal Code.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The presiding officer, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum.

Kagarko said that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the case till July 27 for hearing.

He steals my money to pamper his mistresses —Thrift collector ‘She sleeps around with men and has no time for our kids’ A woman has dragged her husband of four years before an Agege customary court over allegations of cheating and stealing.

Ajimo Nafiu, a thrift collector, had told the court that her husband was in the habit of stealing the daily contributions entrusted in her care.

She also complained bitterly about her husband’s philandering ways and how he sleeps around to the extent that he once impregnated a neighbour’s sister.

“I am honestly tired of this marriage. My husband has left all the responsibility of the house to me on the pretext that i make money on a daily basis. We have two children and i can boldly said that he has never bought anything tangible for either one

of them. “ He is so promiscuous that he sleeps with anything in skirt.

He steals my money to fund his habit. How can he be using my money to support other women. “ I have run into huge debt all because of this man I call my husband. I am no longer interested in this marriage. All I want is for him to pack out of the house because I rented the apartment we currently stay in with my hard-earned money. I also want this court to grant me custody of our children because he is incapable of taking care of them,” she said.

Her estranged husband, Adeleke, however denied all the allegations telling the court that it was his wife that was promiscuous.

“She is the one that is loose. I have caught her red-handed with several men. I have never stolen her money but merely borrowed it and promised to return it when I get it. She goes out at will and does not return home early to take care of the children. I bathe them and ensure that they have something to eat. How can a woman who sleeps around and does not have time for her own children demand for custody.”

He, however, asked the court not to dissolve the union as he was still in love with his wife. “I love her and I am ready to accept her back into the house if she is ready to change her ways,” he said.

The president of the court Joseph Adewusi adjourned the matter till May 26 for continuation of the case.

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‘I caught her making love at Xmas party we both attended’

I am not adulterous, he is the one who is fetish —Wife

It’s no surprise she is wayward, I wooed her at a club —Husband daughter and invited the presenter of a Lagos Television programme — “Labe Orun” to expose it.

“They came to my house to interview me to know if I actually slept with my daughter or [whether I was] involved in ritual activities.

“My wife is fetish … I discovered a snail, a cow horn and other charms in her wardrobe.

“She goes out at will and I can count the number of days she stayed at home throughout our three-year marriage.’’

He told the court that he disowned the only child of the marriage because he did not want anything that would bring him and Tawakalitu together again.

Tawakalitu, 36, however, denied the allegations:“I am not fetish, it is my husband that is fetish.

My drunken husband is a bed-wetter —Businesswoman It’s occasional —Husband

A businesswoman, Juliana Okoli has told a Jikoyi customary court in Abuja that she was tired of living with her husband because “he wets the bed’’.

Juliana made this known when she testified in a divorce petition before the court.

“I am tired of living in the same house with him because he always wets the bed.

“When he wakes up in the middle of the night and is feeling cold because of the urine on the bed, he places my clothes on the urine to protect himself from the cold,’’ she said.

She also said that her husband was a drunk.

“My husband is also a drunk; whenever he drinks, he wets the bed even many more times before morning and when I talk to him about it, he starts beating me.

“He sometimes chases me and our children out of the house in the middle of the night.’’

She also said: “my husband has left all the financial responsibility of the family to me; he does not even know how much the children are paying as school fees.

“Even the house we are living in, I built it with my money.

“Whenever he wants to drink and has no money, he would just walk into my shop, beat me up, destroy my show glass, take my money and run away.’’

The complainant prayed the court to grant the divorce and give her custody of her children.

Okoli, an electrician, denied most of the allegations, but admitted that “I don’t urinate on the bed all the time, only sometimes.

“I also give my children money sometimes; just yesterday, I gave them N2,000 for their school fees.’’

The president of the court, Labaran Gusau, advised Okoli to settle with his wife, and adjourned report of settlement or hearing in the case till May 16.

He stole my bra and claimed he wanted to take it to church for prayers —Wife

I dashed back home someday only to catch her and lover —Man

A customary court at Igando, near Lagos has dissolved the marriage of one Ganiyat Falana, 37, because of adultery.

Ganiyat and Dare Falana were until the dissolution of the union, married for 15 years.

Delivering judgment, the president of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, said he was convinced that the couple could no longer live together as the petitioner had insisted on divorce after several interventions.

“The court has no other choice but to dissolve the union; in spite of the fact that the wife still claims she loves her husband.

“The court pronounces the marriage between Dare Falana and Ganiyat Falana dissolved today, both parties, henceforth; cease to be husband and wife,” Omilola ruled.

Dare, 40, a businessman, had approached the court, seeking the dissolution of the marriage because of infidelity and threats to his life.

The estranged man, who described his wife as adulterous, claimed to have caught her with a man friend in his room chatting and eating.

“I came back home to pick something in the morning and I met my wife with her lover inside our room eating food bought at an eatery.

“My wife is always threatening my life with dangerous weapons as she chased me with knife in our street to stab me.

“She is a good fighter. Her hobby is fighting. I have on at least five occasions bailed her at the police station.

“She fights with friends, neighbours, even in the church and I had to leave that church for her because of this shameful act,” said Dare.

Ganiyat, however, described Dare as fetish, claiming that he had killed the foetus in her womb.

“He gave me suya to eat when I was eight months pregnant and the baby in my womb started to breath faster, I rushed to the hospital but delivered a still birth,” she said.

Ganiyat, a mother of three, did not object to the dissolution.

“I saw my bra inside my husband’s brief case, I queried him but he said he wanted to take it to his church for prayers.

“He also brought a handkerchief home and gave it to me to clean my private part with it and return to him but I refused.

“He has been bringing home different types of soup and other liquids for me to drink which I also refused because I do not trust him.”

“Apart from his fetish nature, he has also turned me into a punching bag.’’

She said that her husband had always blamed her for his predicaments.

Man remanded in court for allegedly defiling daughter A Gudu Upper Area Court in the Federal Capital Territory has remanded, Uche Uzogora, for allegedly defiling his 11-yearold daughter.

The presiding officer, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, remanded the defendant in police custody, and adjourned the case till July 25 for hearing.

Earlier, Blessing Akarayere, wife of the defendant, had told the court that her husband defiled their 11-year-old daughter.

Uzogora, who resides in Kabusa village, Apo, FCT, however, pleaded not guilty to a count charge of defiling a minor.

The prosecutor, Urom Otu, told the court that the complainant reported her husband of defiling their daughter at the Apo Police Station on May 2.

Otu said the complainant told the police that she left the victim in the care of her husband when she travelled to her village in December 2015 to write an examination.

He added that the defendant allegedly had sexual intercourse with the minor and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

The prosecutor further said that the defendant made confessional statement during police investigation.

Otu said the offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code.

Crime File:

19

14 May, 2016

Rapid Response Squad Lagos State

(Last one week )

Saturday Tribune

One chance robbery suspect (7), Pick pocket (16), Impersonation (1), Obtaining under false pretence (1), Cultistm (3), Raiding (25)

Weekend Lagos

Editor

Lanre Adewole

m: 0811 695 4637 e: lanreadewole@tribuneonlineng.com

Eko Akete Strange butterflies visit lawmakers The battle of tomatoes 21

Division among Lagos indigenes:

Those against Ambode are on their own —New group

BOLA BADMUS sits with Mr. Adekunle Ahmed Balogun, Secretary, Congress of Lagos Indigenes (CLI), to share his thoughts on the push and shove ongoing between Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and senior indigenes of the state.

WHAT is the situation now concerning the indigenes and the state government?

I believe the indigenes of the state have no problem with the government of the state, although there might be some individuals that have some personal interests in the governance of the day. Although those individuals might have been part of the government in years past, probably because they are no longer in the system, they are creating some problems due to fear of the unknown. So, there is no issue between the state government and the indigenes of the state. We are happy with the government.

We are well represented in the government, so why should we be having issues with the state government?

There are lots of groups championing the cause of the indigenes in the state, of which your group is one. Why was your group formed initially?

I have said it earlier that I am from Congress of Lagos Indigenes. When we say ‘congress,’ there are other indigenous Continues on pgs20 & 21

Will Olorunsogo market fall to the strongman?

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CHUKWUMA OKPARAOCHA goes into a conflict-ridden market and comes out with worrying wares.

HOUGH they all still go about their daily activities like before, there is an unmistakable air of uncertainty and apprehension among traders of the popular Olorunsogo Ultramodern Market in the Oshodi area of Lagos.

The sword of Damocles seems to be dangling over the market, as the Lagos State government has yet again issued notice of an impending demolition of the market, where hundreds of traders ply their trades

on a daily basis.

Demolition of markets is not new in Lagos, even before the coming of the present administration. As a matter of fact, the immediate past governor of the state, Mr Babatunde Fashola, was at a time branded in some quarters as the “Demolition man” due to what was perceived by some as ruthless penchant for bringing down structures he deemed to have contravened the state’s master plan.

But, in the last few months, quite a number of demolition exercises, particularly of markets, or market-like structures, have been carried out in the state, which have thrown a lot of shop and stall owners into a state of perplexity, confusion and uncertainty. Oshodi has been at the receiving end of this development, as this popular region of Lagos has witnessed a spate of three demolitions, in a matter of months.

Continues on pg21

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos

‘Indigene need not chair Lagos at 50 anniversary’ Continued from pg19

groups that belong to the group. I came from a group before being a secretary of CLI. I came from Biriakari Youth Movement. Biriakari is an indigenous group from Agbowa-Ikosi. We have other groups as well. We have Agege Indigenous Youths. We have Lagos East Indigenous Union. So, there are groups. It was a conglomerate of different groups of indigenous groups in the state that formed the body and the body has been in existence as far back as 2003.

And the reasons the group was formed was just to demand that the indigenes be part of governance and development in the state.

These are the major reasons we came together to form CLI. We want buoyant development in our state that would cut across and not limited to one senatorial district, so that all local government areas would be involved.

Since the group was created, would you say its aims and objectives have been achieved?

There is no government that is perfect. Let me recap from 1999 to date. Lagos State has been central to the politics of the country and all other states refer to it in terms of development. During the time of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there was substantial development in the state. When [Babatunde] Fashola came in, people agreed that there was tremendous development in the state. Under the new government, within a year, he (Ambode) has achieved a lot. There have been various constructions across the board. We are even happier now. It shows that this government is a government of the people. We can see that this government has been targeting the Mainland in terms of development. Go across the Mainland, it is quite different from the government of the elite.

Last month, the governor was at a town hall meeting in Ikorodu where people raised issues affecting them and he made a promise. Under one week, they have started resurfacing the road between Ikorodu and Ijebu-Ode. Is that not development?

Go to Alimoso now and in Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA alone, the state government is doing about eight roads, not just patching them, but constructing them to two-lane with bus stops and streetlights.

When you talk of all these developments in Lagos, would you say the real indigenes have been part and parcel of these developments?

It is very simple. When we say real indigenes in the state, though we might say we are in minority, we have been beneficiaries of this government. Indigenes have been commissioners, they are heads of parastatals and boards, but the real development is about the people that reside in that state. I have just told you about the developments that are being witnessed

OUR ERROR We apologise for the error in Professor Wole Smith’s interview. His full name is Professor Imran Oluwole Smith. We regret any inconveniences.

—Editor

there, physically fit.

I am not part of the government, but I believe it will not augur well for the state governor to say that because Chief Gbadamosi is sick, he will remove him as co-chairman.

Are we praying that he should not be around for the celebration? Are we praying that he should not recover from his sickness? No. They are also saying that if the governor is looking for somebody with international repute, there are lots of them among the indigenes.

Are we limiting everything to Lagos State?

Though we are celebrating Lagos at 50, there are indigenes and non-indigenes that are doing businesses. From the business angle, the government might be looking towards that, but is it compulsory that a Lagos State indigene must be chairman? We should not indigenise Lagos State. If we do that, it is going to send wrong signals to the outside world.

Let everybody’s interest be covered. I believe some people are hiding something. They should come out from their shell.

across the state. Once you are a resident of a state and you reside in a local government area, once there is development in that local government, are we not all beneficiaries of these developments — indigenes and non -indigenes? We are going to go to the same general hospital, we are going to go to the same schools, so those are the developments we are talking about, not about some individuals coming together to say indigenes are not benefiting. We are not fools. We get wiser day by day.

At a recent forum of Eko Foundation, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire said the indigenes are being marginalised and he also raised the issue of Professor Wole Soyinka, a non-indigene, who was made the chairman of Lagos at 50 celebration, can you react to this?

I believe that is not an issue except people are not trying to be sincere about what they are saying. Why now? Muiz Banire is our leader in the party. He is also an indigene of the state, so to say, but I am not going into that. But why raise that issue now? Why did he not raise the issue when he was part and parcel of government? From 1999 to 2011, he was in government, why did he not raise the issue then that the indigenes were marginalised?

You see, people want to be controlling agencies, they want to be in charge of what happens in these agencies, they want to be in control of whatever happens in the local governments and the state in general. When they were in charge, they were not raising the issue of indigeneship, why are they raising it now?

But he was talking about the appointment of Professor Wole Soyinka as chairman of Lagos at 50 and Soyinka not being an indigene.

Wole Soyinka is a co-chairman, there is another co-chairman, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi. You see, Lagos is more of a cosmopolitan state, it should not be made sacrosanct that indigenes alone should be the chairman of that committee. So, somebody has represented the indigenes’ interest. We are celebrating Lagos at 50. It is expected to have a touch of international presence. Are we not expected to have a touch of Yoruba culture that Wole Soyinka represents? You see, when you are limiting Lagos State to the issue of indigenes alone, I am an indigene, I am from Agbowa-Ikosi, my father and mother are from Agbowa-Ikosi, so, I understand what is happening here.

So, the issue goes beyond Wole Soyinka being the chairman of Lagos @ 50, there are other issues people should be bold enough to come out and raise instead of hiding behind the issue of indigenes to play their game.

They should leave us indigenes alone.

On this issue of my father, Rasheed Gbadamosi, you see, people are just politicizing issues. Though he is sick now, we are all aware he is sick, he was made co-chairman before now and he was not sick then. When they were doing the inauguration, he was

Don’t you think the problem is actually about government not consulting enough?

I am not part of government, I believe that in celebrating ‘Lagos at 50’, and planning for such a programme, there is no government in the world that would not make appropriate consultations. If there had not been appropriate consultations, the government would not have appointed Professor Soyinka to chair the committee. It showed that there were appropriate consultations.

Balogun

What the Eko Foundation, through its president, Professor Imran Smith, is saying is that Governor Ambode did not consult the indigenes and ever since the appointment was made, they have been trying to reach him without success.

Thank God they are saying that, I told you there is something hidden somewhere. If the governor has not consulted Eko Foundation, it does not mean the governor has not consulted across the board. You get my point? We have to separate it. Eko Foundation is just a group of some individuals.

Is it not an umbrella body of all the groups of indigenes in the state, including your own?

Who made Eko Foundation an umbrella body of any group? When did Eko Foundation come on board? What is the motive behind Eko Foundation? That is why I said earlier that we are not fools. We understand what is happening. Eko Foundation needs something, let them negotiate one-on-one; they should not use indigenes to negotiate.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

Professor Wole Soyinka

Muiz Banire is our leader in the party, he is also an indigene of the state, so to say, but I am not going into that... I would not say he is an indigene or not...There are rumours everywhere, which you yourself know. We heard that he is contesting in Osun State.

What do you think they need?

It is left to them. Whatever they need, let them get in touch with the government. Of course, they need political patronage, they need political offices, here and there, but they should not use us as indigenes of the state to negotiate. They should leave us alone. They are only being selfish by saying the governor has not consulted them and trying to railroad us into it.

You seem to suggest that Dr Banire isn’t a Lagos indigene.

Well, I am not his father, neither am I his mother. I am not part of his family, I would not Continues on pg22

21

Eko Akete

Strange butterflies visit lawmakers

Will Olorunsogo market fall to the strongman?

Continued from pg19

Recently, the worried traders, including men and women of diverse age groups, some with tears streaming down their faces, insisted that their shops were legally acquired and the activities being carried out there on a daily basis had helped to profitably mop up the streets of Oshodi, youths who could have otherwise been engaged in all sorts of criminal activities.

Unmasking strongman

the Steve Ayorinde

“The CLO holds, without mincing words, that a powerful political interest in the state is behind the proposed demolition. If ever the market gets demolished, Lagosians will prove the CLO right as they would eventually come to see that the ownership would revert to one man.

And, it is for this reason that all these theatrics are now been enacted.”

This was the view of civil rights activist and head of Campaigns and Strategy, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), a group that claims it is fighting for the rights of the traders, Mr Chijioke Odom, when taking a critical look at the development recently.

But the management of the market, it was gathered, had earlier taken step to forestall the demolition, by quickly making moves to see the Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, with a view to getting her backing.

But all these moves were said to have been unsuccessful as a few weeks ago, officers from the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development stormed the market with eviction notices which were issued to traders. The notices were allegedly said to even be too short.

“This market was duly constructed by the Oshodi/Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under specifications as contained in the approved plan. The market

has various designated facilities like lavatories, adequate parking space, so where does the government’s idea of wanting to build a modern market in place of the existing one come from? This market has everything any modern market can have,” he said.

While calling on the government to have a rethink, a tearful elderly woman, who claimed to have been sustaining her family with the little income that comes from her stalls in the market said, “If they demolish this market, then it is as good as sounding the death knell of many families, including mine. I have been catering for my family for years with the proceeds from my shops, where do they want me to go?” she asked.

Chairman of the market union, Mr Victor Dibor, was as conciliatory and tough-talking, saying there was no justification for the government to even nurse the idea of tampering with the structure of market let alone demolishing it, adding that traders at the market were not only law-abiding, but were also fulfilling the financial obligations expected of them by the government.

“We plead with the strong man and those who are bent on taking over our market to please have a rethink. This is where we make a living; we don’t have any other place to go to eke out a living. They should take pity on us and leave this market alone for us,” he said.

Speaking further, the leader of the market union, said, “Against all expectations, this market has never experienced any form of criminal activities, neither does it harbour criminals; it has all necessary infrastructure needed in a standard market, so why demolish it?” he queried.

If carried out, the demolition of the Olorunsogo Market would make it at least the third time the government would swoop on traders

If ever the market gets demolished, Lagosians will prove the CLO right as they would eventually come to see that the ownership would revert to one man.

Continues on pg22

IN what appears like a replay of the biblical story of Moses and the 10 plagues in Egypt, with emphasis on the bombardment of Pharaoh’s land by insects, the premises of the Lagos House of Assembly have been bombarded by strange-looking moths.

So huge is the number of the butterfly-like insects that they have covered windows, walls, offices, walkways, bushes, shrubs, and even the car parks.

No place appears too sacred for the moths, as some have even found their ways into the offices of some of the lawmakers, and on a number of occasions a few have even found their way inside the elevators and would join staffers, visitors and even lawmakers to ‘travel’ from floor to floor. Perhaps, if they had the power to, they would be pushing the elevators’ buttons by themselves.

It is not certain what has led to the influx of this species of insects into the Assembly premises, and it becomes even stranger when one notices that they can hardly be found in other parts of Alausa apart from the Assembly grounds.

Some say the rains brought them, and would also take them away, while others have jokingly remarked that perhaps their coming is a message from God on the work of legislation done so far.

The battle of tomatoes WITH the hike in the price of fresh tomatoes, distributors and retailers of sachet and tinned tomatoes are having every cause to smile to the bank.

Checks by Eko Akete revealed that though the price has not relatively increased, many Lagosians are buying the products in large quantities.

A roll of sachet tomato which used to sell for N150, now sells for N200 or even higher, depending on the brand.

But some people who spoke with Eko Akete, said it is now better to mix large amounts of sachet or tinned tomato to make stew than buying fresh tomatoes.

“Now I buy N200 worth of tinned tomato, add tatashe and onions and I am good to go,” a housewife who craved anonymity said.

Another housewife also said that she buys the pure tomato variant to tinned tomato and mixes it with the onion and pepper variant. She also added that she soaks dried tomato and tatashe in water and blends it.

Until fresh tomato becomes less expensive, tinned and sachet tomato sellers would continue to smile to the bank.

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Will Olorunsogo market fall to the strongman?

Continued from pg21

Market to be converted into shopping mall?

The traders, led by their civil rights fighters, CLO, have alleged that the grand plan was to convert the market, when eventually demolished, into either the standard similar to the new Tejuosho UltraModern Market, Yaba, or a mega shopping mall, in the mould of Shoprite, found in different parts of the state.

They claim that the usual style of operation of those they described as “the market-grabbing powers in Lagos”, as already demonstrated in past cases, is to bring up ‘spurious’ allegations against the structure of a market, with a view to giving such market a bad name so as to eventually demolish it.

This same style, they claim, is currently being adopted in the Olorunsogo case, as the State Government, according to them, has already come out with allegations that the Olorunsogo Market was never given the necessary approval.

“The style they usually adopt is to throw up spurious allegations that such markets were not duly approved. If this fails to work, traders would just come to their market on a morning to find the shops razed by a ‘mysterious fire,’ as in the case of the old Tejuosho Market. In any case, the demolished or razed market will eventually be taken from the poor, rebuilt and given out to the rich for millions of naira.

The former style is the style they are trying to adopt in the case of Olorunsogo Market,” Odom said.

To substantiate his claim, Mr Chijioke Odom subsequently brandished several

MODEL: The Tejuosho Ultramodern market photocopies of documents which he said bore proof to the fact that the market was duly approved by the administration of former Governor Bola Tinubu in 2006, which he said gave the approval through the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

No hidden agenda —Govt

For the state government, there is no monkey business anywhere. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, debunked claims that

the government was planning to take over the market for the any unlawful purpose. “The Akinwunmi Ambode government is committed to the development of Lagos State. Everything he does is in the best interest of Lagosians. He will never get involved in anything that will bring undue sufferings on Lagosians,” he defended.

It appears only time will prove claims right or wrong in the ongoing ding-dong between the traders and government. Lagosians wait.

‘Eko Foundation can’t hold Lagos to ransom’ Continued from pg21

say he is an indigene or not. He should be able to say it himself. There are rumours everywhere, which you yourself know. We heard that he is contesting in Osun State.

Do you believe it?

I don’t know. It is none of my business. It is his business. We know Muiz Banire has been our party leader from AD, to AC to ACN and now to APC. He has been playing an active role in the past in determining what happened in the state. So maybe because power is no more at his disposal he is now doing what he is doing. That is why I asked why now? Why are they saying Lagos indigenes are being marginalised?

Now we should ask him to tell us how

many indigenes are there in his Law Chamber working for him. How many indigenes did he employ? I know what I am saying I have the figure. In the state, we have indigenes who are lawyers. How many did he employ in his chamber? And that is a leader, a leader of repute, a leader that claims to be fighting for the interest of the indigenes.

Would you advise the governor to embrace dialogue?

The governor is a father to all, but it will not augur well for the government to be exchanging brickbats with Eko Foundation. It would make them more popular.

If they want to be part of the celebration of ‘Lagos at 50’, I believe it is an open invitation. There are ways and processes and

manner they can get in touch if they want to contribute to the planning and success of celebrating ‘Lagos at 50’. It is a matter of communication; take your paper and pen and write to the committee that is in charge of ‘Lagos at 50.’ Ideas and suggestions are welcome, I can see that a lot of groups have been writing to them. I have written on behalf of my organisation, not even CLI now, but my local organisation, Biriakari Youth Movement on the culture of our people in Agbowa-Ikosi, where Agboremireke would be on the ground to be showcased in a motorcade. If they (Eko Foundation) truly have interest in the celebration, it is a matter of writing to the committee on their suggestion. I believe it would be welcomed.

Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo

There is a suggestion that if a truce is not brokered at the end of the day, there could be a parallel celebration?

What truce? What is parallel celebration? On a daily basis, people celebrate.

Even the ‘Lagos at 50’ that the government is planning, a lot of people, that is, our fathers in the villages would not come out, but would be in front of their houses celebrating. So if people say they are organising parallel celebration, maybe they would do it in front of their houses, or maybe with their friends drinking somewhere. They cannot do any coordinated celebration. The state government represents the people, let’s forget about truce.

A Reporter’s Diary

Every dog has its day, even a reporter

By Naza Okoli THE meeting ended around 2.00 p.m. It was not an editorial meeting. It was a meeting of reporters from different media organisations in Lagos.

One of the reporters was visually impaired and he needed to be driven to his office at Ikeja GRA by a Good Samaritan. There aren’t many Samaritans around these days, particularly in Lagos. But in this particular case, there were many who were willing to do it. A Toyota Camry, four occupants and the task was easily done.

“Thank you very much,” the jolly old fellow said, as a security man from his office quickly came to the car and led him towards the gate.

Now, how to return to the expressway was unclear but the road ahead seemed okay and so it was chosen. But just right there at the junction, three policemen appeared. Perhaps they were hiding behind the kiosk. It seemed so.

One of them got into the car through the rear door and said something about “one-way road” and “head office.” No amount of pleading seemed adequate. Not even when he was informed of the charity work that was just executed.

It was at this point that the man behind the wheel dropped the magic word - “journalist.” The policeman frowned: “And so what? If you are journalists, does it mean you are free to do whatever you like?”

Not discouraged, the man behind the wheel continued. He talked about his friends at the Government House, Alausa; about a recent trip to Brazil where he discussed issues that had to do with welfare of security operatives; about his position as an FRSC Road Marshal; about a birthday package he recently received from the police PRO; about his passion for fairness and equity; about the sacrifice and labour that define the everyday work of a journalist… He went on and on until the policemen – a fine gentleman – smiled and quietly got out of the car.

He waved as the Camry zoomed away.

It was one of those moments when one feels eminently privileged to be a journalist – even in Lagos.

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com

‘A good marriage doesn’t come on a silver platter’

Olutoyin Jaiye Daramola worked as a studio manager in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), a broadcaster at Radio Lagos and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Abeokuta, before quitting and relocating to the United Kingdom. TAYO GESINDE caught up with her at the Nigerian Drum Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State and she spoke on her experience as a broadcaster and why she relocated abroad.

H

ow did you get into broadcasting?

I started my broadcasting career in 1975 at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) now Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). However in 1977, Radio Lagos started and I was transferred there as one of the pioneers of the station. I had a brief stay there and later moved to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abeokuta. I was the first announcer to be recruited by the station in 1979 and was there for a while before I pulled out.

things. I called the police station after they left and they told me they had no vehicle to convey them to my place. I was in my bedroom thinking of what to do when the robbers came back and took everything I had and I was left with only my nightgown. It was my neighbour who gave me her dress to wear the following morning. I went to the police station to report but nothing came out of it. For almost a year after the incident, I couldn’t sleep. I was having nightmare. So I decided on a change of environment after the second incident and that was how I left Nigeria.

What were the challenges you faced at the beginning of your career?

When I joined NBC as a studio manager, I had to manage the studio; it was a big title with small money. It was a lovely experience watching what was happening in the studio and I think that experience prepared me for broadcasting. I am sorry to say, but there is nothing to write home about in broadcasting these days.

The training we got then was thorough. As an announcer, you can’t afford to mispronounce any word. It won’t happen. The man in charge then was Christopher Kolade (now Dr Kolade).

If any announcer missed a word, she would be scared to pass by his office on her way out. In fact, he would even send for the person. So, the monitoring was there, the standard then was high. There were a lot of trainings you had to pass through then. After the training, you would still have to sit in with a current announcer for six months before you could be allowed to go behind a camera or microphone.

When my General Manager in Radio Lagos then, Bisi Lawrence asked me to go behind the microphone to say “This is Radio Lagos” it was a wonderful experience. Now there is no proper training. I don’t listen to radio these days not because of pride but in order not to feel bad that the profession I treasure is being dragged in the mud by some people. The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission should do something about it.

How did you meet your hubby and what was the attraction?

He was such a nice man. His voice was the attraction. He used to work in a telecommunication company in Nigeria before he travelled abroad as well. I had to speak with him on phone and I thought what a nice voice but we didn’t meet until years later. I didn’t know him but he knew me because I was on television.

When we met, he introduced himself, I now saw that he was a handsome man, one thing led to the other and that was it.

What is your educational background?

While working at NTA, I went back to school.

I studied Dramatic Arts at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. I also did Public Relations at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) as well as the Television College, Jos. Right now, I am studying Law at a university in the UK. Why did you relocate abroad?

I decided to leave Nigeria after my house was burgled. Thieves came to my house and went away with my electronics and some other

How were you able to combine your career with the home front?

It is not as easy as we think but a woman can have a home and a career if she knows how to put both first. Luckily for me, the kind of background I had, where we had to wake up early to do house chores and hawk before going to school helped me in managing my home. If you are happy at home, you will be happy anywhere else. If you are not happy at home, even if you have a fantastic job, the moment you are through at work and think of home, you will feel unhappy because the home front is unsettled. So, I don’t allow my work to affect my home. No matter how busy I was at work, I would still cook for my husband whenever I got home. I am not the London wife type that will tell her husband, I am tired, go and get food from the fridge, warm it and eat. I am an old-school; I look after my husband properly. And when we finish eating I pack his plates. That is why I am happy in my marriage. My husband is my lord. He is my crown and I don’t want anybody to remove my crown. I am happy I have a fantastic marriage and I thank God for it. But a fantastic marriage doesn’t just come on a silver platter, you have to work for it.

Some women are of the opinion that

if you want a successful career, it is better to remain single. What is your view on this?

You can’t have your career for life. At a certain age, if you don’t retire, you will be retired, so marriage is more important because that is what you can have till death do you part. We still have women of 60, 70 years looking for husbands. If they are not missing something, they won’t say that. Marriage is not even for when one is young, you enjoy marriage more when you are older, when the children are gone. I know that some marriages are bad and people really want to get out of them, but marriage is beautiful when you have a good home. I treasure the marriage institution.

What do you have to say about women who are not enjoying their marriages and are victims of domestic violence?

Abusive marriage is bad and we need to know what is causing it because it takes two to tango. If you treat your husband like a king, he will treat you like a queen. If you rubbish your husband, he will rubbish you. I know that even if you treat some men like kings they will rubbish you, probably because of the

way they were brought up. Women too have their own fault at times. As a woman, you need to understand the kind of man you are married to. And that is where the problem lies at times. Many women marry men they don’t know. They prefer to get married and start discovering the person they are married to later. Another mistake women make is that we think we can change our husbands, we can’t. Most women from the first day they enter into the house want to change the man. They want to stop being the wife and start being the mother. We should not forget our roles. Those are the little things we need to watch. And don’t compare your relationship with others. Don’t discuss your husband with anyone or report him to your friends.

If you have any complaint about your husband, report him to your God, not your pastor. I don’t support violence or abuse in marriage. I know some men are natural wife beaters. It is bad.

If you love anything, you don’t hurt that thing.

What made you decide to attend the Nigeria Drums Festival?

I was invited as one of the comperes of the festival. I am in the country just for a few days and will be going back. I love culture, we have beautiful culture, the way we dress and so on. I have not seen any culture in the world that will compete with our culture.

Our culture is very rich. That is why I laugh when I see Nigerians trying to copy foreign cultures. When they see me tying my headgear at parties in London, they call me and ask me how I do it and even ask me to teach them. They love our culture.

What do you think can be done about the moral decadence in our society today?

I think parents have a lot of work to do on that. As youths, our parents used to monitor us properly. We need to do the same. Don’t give your children too much money. And if you find out he has more than you gave him find out where he got it from. Ask them questions. Don’t be afraid to talk to them. If we really want to have peace, we need to monitor what they are doing. We shouldn’t say because they are in higher institutions we can’t monitor them again. We should because they are still our children.

We should train our children and not leave everything for the teachers to do.

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14 May, 2016

ntertainment

Saturday Tribune with Joan Omionawele and

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

History will be made with The CEO —Kunle Afolayan

p26

Burna Boy croons for NYSC members in Lagos

p27

Kenneth Okonkwo welcomes first baby after 9years of marriage

p26

I don’t ever want to

get married

—Halima Abubakar

26 entertainment

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

History is about to be made with ‘The CEO’—Kunle Afolayan

Kenneth Okonkwo welcomes first baby after 9 years of marriage NOLLYWOOD actor, Kenneth Okonkwo is in the highest of spirits in this past few days.

This is following the good news that the top Nollywood actor and his wife, Ifeoma, were delivered of a bouncing baby boy on Saturday, May 7, at St. Joseph Medical Centre, Baltimore, USA. The actor who took to Instagram to announce the news said that both the mother and child are doing well.

Christening the child after himself, he wrote: “God has been faithful. To him be the glory for giving us another Ken.”

‘Wives on Strike’ soars in profile AFTER ‘Wives on Strike’ garnered 51 million naira in 17 days of its cinematic debut, with views by over 50 000 people across cinema houses in different states of the federation, there are speculations on whether this record breaking movie would still be able to hold up in cinemas. With its fourth week running, all doubts have been cleared as viewers still troop into cinemas across the country to watch and have a feel of the movie people cannot stop talking about.

Reports emerged over the weekend at Filmhouse Cinemas, Surulere, Silverbird Cinema, Ikeja City Mall, Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Lekki, and Silverbird Cinema, Abuja, that ‘Wives on Strike’ kept selling, even with the presence of latest Hollywood releases like ‘The Barber’s Shop’, ‘The Huntsman’ and ‘Jungle Book’.

The movie which stars Omoni Oboli, Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, Ufuoma Mcdermoth, Kehinde Bankole, Julius Agwu and Kenneth Okonkwo, sold 15 million in three days in its first weekend at the cinema, making it the first ever Nollywood movie to do so in the history of box office records in Nigeria.

‘Wives On Strike’ is produced and directed

by Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli, who in time past, had garnered commendations for her two earlier movies, ‘Being Mrs Elliot’ and ‘The First Lady’ as executive producer. The two movies made best box office movies of 2014 and 2015 respectively with excellent showing at the cinemas.

It was announced two weeks ago, through figures from Omoni Oboli and FilmOne, the distribution company, that the movie has garnered over 51 million in 17 days. That is a record by all standards in history of box office in Nigeria.

The movie is a hilarious comedy about a group of market women who decided to take matters into their own hands against their husbands in a bid to stir them into standing up for a young girl whom they wanted to protect from the wishes of her own father.

The women, who hilariously interpret their roles, set a series of events in motion to give the movie many moments of laughter without missing a beat on the reason for everyone to know why they are on strike.

From left, Nollywood fillmaker, Kunle Afolayan, Wangi Mba Uzokwu, Regional Director, MNET Africa Magic, Shepuya Icha, Head, Marketing for Peugeut Automobile Nigeria and Cynthia Nwuka, Head of Creative Desk at Bank of Industry, at the press screening of ‘THE CEO’ at Silverbird galleria, Ikeja, during the week.

Stories By Joan Omionawele and Newton-Ray Ukwuoma IGERIANS have been assured of another episode of pleasure as notable filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan held a 45-minute screening of his new movie, ‘The CEO,’ to the press, testimonies abound of another blockbuster to have come out of Nigeria.

With so much expectation for every work by the filmmaker, fans, friends and sponsors also stormed the press screening of the movie which was held at the Silverbird Cinema, City Mall, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, cheering every moment as the tape rolled.

Incidentally, the film bellies a pan-African marketing prospect, having pooled its cast from countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, Morocco, among others.

Speaking after the press screening, Afolayan revealed details of the much anticipated in-flight premiere of The CEO aboard an Air-France trip to Paris, where the film will headline the prestigious NollywoodWeek Paris, a film festival organised by the French-based association Okada Media, headed by Serge Noukoué and Nadira Shakur.

According to Afolayan,“Come June 1, 2016, we shall be having the first-of-itskind premiere of The CEO aboard Air France to Paris, France. This special premiere will begin with a red carpet show at the check-in counter at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. There shall be the best of media coverage from partners such as Africa Magic, Silverbird Television and other broadcast and print media who have shown us tremendous support from the past.

For our sponsors, partners, the cast and crew of ‘The CEO’ and those accredited to attend NollywoodWeek Paris, the fun continues with a cocktail party at the boarding gate. We will run a red carpet into the plane. Thereafter, the movie will be screened onboard the plane where other passengers will partake in the show. It is going to be a complete event show with the usual razzmatazz. Just imagine an after party happening 35,000ft to 40,000ft

N

above the sea level. It is sure going to be a unique experience. It is also good to know that our fans will be waiting for us in Paris where the film has been slated for a special premiere at the NollywoodWeek Paris, taking place from June 2 to 5 at the popular Cinema l’Arlequin.”

Corroborating Afolayan’s disclosure on the premiere, Commercial Manager, Air France/KLM, Arthur Dieffenthaler, noted that there had never been an in-flight premiere of such, even in Hollywood or Bollywood. The initiative, according to him, represents some of the big ideas that Air France/KLM and Afolayan’s Golden Effects company stand for. He disclosed that this is the first time a Nigerian film will be shot at the Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, expressing optimism that

the partnership will go on for a long time.

Some of the top dignitaries expected as part of the in-flight premiere are the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, Commercial Manager, Air France/KLM Arthur Dieffenthaler and the Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju.

Others include officials of DStv, Peugeot Automobile, Adron Homes and Properties, Inagbe Grand Resorts and Leisure as well as several notable filmmakers and actors in Nollywood.

The impressive cast of The CEO who will also be joining the flight in Lagos include, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and entertainer from Benin Republic, Angélique Kidjo; Haitan actor and model Jimmy Jean-Louis; consummate actor, Wale Ojo; French-Ivorian actress and model, Aurelie Eliam; South African actor and presenter, Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos; Nigerian actress, Kemi Lala Akindoju; Moroccan star, Fatim Layachi; Kenyan actor Peter King, Nigerian actress, Hilda Dokubo as well as Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold and Moroccan Afrobian artiste, Ahmed Soultan, who made cameo appearances in the film.

Afolayan described ‘The CEO’ as “an experiment to develop value for Africa cinema,” saying, “this is something that I am very passionate about. This all started as a kid, every time I see the pictures of my father and his contemporaries at film festivals.

“It became a concern as I have not seen any film from neighbouring African countries brought to Nigeria for screening; hence there is a gap between pan-African countries. The CEO is an experiment that I hope will do the magic. The original cast was Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and one Francophone cast. But after my trip to Egypt, it became an eye opener after meeting with colleagues, where we had a co-production meeting,” he added.

2Baba to reward fans with Kenya trip

MUSIC icon, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has announced that he will take some fans to Nairobi, Kenya, on an all expenses paid, week-long trip. He will select the fans via a dance competition tagged “Trip and Treat Trip 2016.”

He announced this through a video posted on his Instagram page. He is doing something away from the norm with this competition. Instead of the usual ‘pick the winner based on likes accrued’, he wants to give every fan an opportunity, whether the

person has a huge social media following or not, fans with the best dance videos will be selected as winners. He also stated that there would be multiple entry platforms for the competition to cater of a wider range of fans.

2Baba first hinted at the competition last week when he asked fans to suggest the number of people to take to Kenya with him. The responses were overwhelming, as he stated in the video, with some saying he should take as many as a thousand people.

2Baba has been on an incredible run this year releasing three singles and bagging several endorsements. Earlier in the week, he announced that he will be headlining the Lagos leg of “Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption” this year. His latest single titled ‘Oya Come Make We Go’ features fellow Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless headliners, Sauti Sol, and was released last month.

During the week, Idibia was also conferred with an honorary Master of Arts degree in Music at the Igbnedion University Okada, Edo State, becoming the first Nigerian artiste to be so honoured.

27 entertainment

16 April, 2016

I don’t ever want to get married

Saturday Tribune

Comedian Yaw set for 8th edition of Yaw live on stage ENTERTAINMENT stakeholders and fun lovers have been told to prepare for excitement as the eighth edition of “Yaw Live On Stage,” an annual show of media personality and comedian Steve “Yaw” Onu, featuring the talents of several musicians and comedians, including AY, Phyno, Burna Boy, Korede Bello and Solidstar, is set to hold on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The centerpiece of the show is a humorous new stage play written and directed by Femi Branch titled ‘Shalanga’, which features the acting talents of Yaw and AY in a satirical take on the past and present of Nigeria in the last one year.

Other performances expected at the show include sets from Phyno, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Naomi Mac, Koker, SolidStar, Burna Boy, Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, CDQ, Splash, Immaculate, Tjan, Vintage Band, Reminisce, Ycee, comedians of the federal republic, amongst others.

The show, which kicks off at 6pm on the day will be preceded by the red carpet which begins at 4pm.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Yaw remarked, “A lot of people do not know that I come from a theatre arts background and as such, I have a very keen interest in the complete spectrum of entertainment. This is what I have tried to achieve over the past seven editions of Yaw Live On stage, and I believe this year’s event is set to be the best ever, incorporating a hilarious stage play, music, dance and comedy into a 360-degree entertainment experience for the audience. I want everyone to come out and have fun with me on the 29th. It is going to be spectacular.”

—Halima Abubakar Stories By Joan Omionawele and Newton Ray Ukwuoma

W

ITH the news of celebrity marriage break-ups in the entertainment industry on the increase, Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar is developing cold feet whenever the issue of marriage comes up.

This she confirmed in a post on her Instagram page recently “I don’t ever want to get married, those in it are miserable, forget the smiling, I did not ask you not to get married,” the actress wrote on her Instagram page.

Although she didn’t mention who she was referring to, she warned her fans that she did not want to discourage anyone from getting married.

Some of her fans who weren’t pleased with the statement, however, advised her not to give up on the issue, stating that marriage is a sweet or bitter experience, which depends on two people who understand, love and respect each other.

‘Nigerian models shouldn’t Burna Boy be treated as prostitutes’ DISTURBED about the public’s industry like actors or musicians. croons perception of models, the organisers All the commercials you see here of Models On The Island (MOTI), and there are meant for models but for NYSC Twin Image Concept, have initiated since models don’t have that face Jane Michael gives back to alma a campaign tagged, ‘Models Are Not they don’t get these jobs. We only get peanuts like ushering in parties or mater, adopts student members Prostitutes.”

Speaking recently at a press confer- featuring in videos, which is very bad to unveil the winners of the just for the profession. Our main concern TO celebrate her birthday, to encourage the girls that in Lagos ence concluded MOTI, a five-day camping now is to make models have a face so fashion entrepreneur Jane they can achieve their dreams NATIONAL Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members currently in the Lagos orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja were serenaded with the performance of self-styled artiste, Burna Boy on Friday last week.

The corps members really enjoyed the music and engaging style of the original Nigerian Don Gorgon, Burna Boy. Organised by The Beat 99.9 FM and Naija FM 102.7 radio stations. the gig was an initiative to give back to community.

Burna Boy, who is well-known for his exhilarating performances, was at it again. He stepped on stage in classic Burna style and the energy he brought infected all in attendance very fast.

There were cheers and screams as Burna began with the excited crowd singing along at the top of their voices. His performances of monster hits “Soke” and “Like to Party” made the crowd go bonkers. He also performed songs from his latest album, including Rizzla as well as his other hits such as Won Da Mo, Gba Gbe, Yawa Dey and Check & Balance.

By the time Burna Boy was done, everyone in attendance was exhausted from jumping, dancing and singing out loud during his performance. It was further proof of Burna’s ability to get a crowd going and a testament to his immense talent.

Meanwhile the ‘Yawa Dey’ crooner who won the One Africa Award among others in South Africa, paid tribute to his famous grandfather, Benson Idonije, at the Lagos Jazz Festival which ended a fortnight. The ace broadcaster, regarded as Nigeria’s most revered music critic and first manager to legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has been credited many times

by Burna as the man who influenced his music the most.

experience, Joseph Etim, said that they were worried about the position of models in Nigeria.

“Twin Image Concept is running a campaign tagged ‘Models Are Not Prostitutes’ and over 5, 000 models will be involved. We want all the winners in our camping exercises to come together to push this particular project. Though modelling agencies make it look like the profession is meant for prostitutes, we want to enlighten our parents that there is dignity and reward in modelling. It is a profession one can earn a living from, but most agencies ask for sex before they give out jobs. It is wrong to sell your body to get a job,” he narrated.

The co-founder of Twin Image explained that MOTI was a camping exercise for models to empower them on acting, television commercials, photography, modelling and other areas of entertainment.

“We had the first edition last year.

This year we camped 80 models at the Tarkwa Bay Beach in Lagos and the grand finale was held on Easter Monday. We have our king, queen and the face of Ghana. This edition was open to contestants in and outside Nigeria.”

Emmanuel Etim, Joseph’s twin, stressed that they were determined to bring back the pride of models in Africa.

He reacted: “Models are treated badly, they are not respected in the

that they would not be looked down upon. In our camping exercises, we bring companies who can offer jobs and opportunities to models.”

MOTI’s new queen, Tracy Solomon, admitted that it was hard to emerge winner as she competed with 80 ladies.

“We were given lots of tasks with little time. It was not easy. I am embarking on my pet project very soon as a way of giving back to the society.

It would be on malaria because it kills people every day, especially children.

I would be organising seminars to educate people on the causes, effects and treatments of malaria.

Co-founder of MOTI, Joseph Etim, face of MOTI, Jessy Baboshia Jonah, MOTI’s King, Amazing Francis, MOTI’s Queen, Tracy Solomon and Emmanuel Etim(co-founderof MOTI)

Michael visited her alma mater, Girls Academy in Lagos Island. From a poor background, the celebrated stylist has grown to carve a niche for herself as one of Nigeria’s most respected stylists.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to these amazing, selfless people that helped shape parts of my life,” Jane Michael said.

I would not be who I am without the discipline, hardwork and encouragement the staff provided. I am here to say express my gratitude and

with hardwork,” She added.

During her visit, she was welcomed by the principal, teachers and students from the school and presented with a cake to celebrate her birthday. The highlight of the event was when she shared a touching speech ‘Becoming greater women for the next generation,’ a short story of her time in the school and how it shaped her to become who she was. The stylist also adopted an indigent student from her alma mater, an SS2 student experiencing severe financial hardship.

She will be paying the student’s tuition and higher education examination fees for the student through till SS3.

The school officials thanked her for attending the event and supporting the students of the school.

28

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018

When high society stormed Lagos for Rafiu Jafojo THE shocking exit of the first executive deputy-governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Rafiu Adeyefa Jafojo is still what many cannot stop talking about.

The top politician, whose 80th birthday some months ago was well celebrated left a vacuum in the political space with his exit.

The love and respect he enjoyed during his lifetime echoed at his eighth day fidau, when top politicians, government officials, friends and well wishers stormed the Ha-

Shina Peller

ven Event Centre for the fidau prayer which was organised by the family.

The likes of Senator Ganiyu Solomon, James Abiodun Faleke, Wasiu EshinlokunSanni and some other prominent people in government were all present.

The deceased’s son, Wale, who is the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly played the role of a good host, as he ensured that the guests were all satisfied.

celebrates 40 in style

W

ITH the theme, Celebration of The King of Night Life, the CEO of Quilox Club and Aquila Oil and Gas is set to shut down the Lagos party scene tonight, as he celebrates his 40th birthday.

Shina, whose Quilox nightclub is rated the best in Nigeria and has in recent time, enjoyed the patronage of bigwigs like the governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, Kola Abiola and other successful businessmen, politicians and a horde of Nigerian celebrities who throng the hangout on a weekly basis, is a proof of Shina’s success on the entertainment turf.

The son of the late popular magician, Professor Peller, Shina is celebrating his fourth decade with lots of gratitude, as he collaborates with his closest family

and friends from all parts of the world to plan a high octane party in Lagos and another glamorous celebration in the United Kingdom where he also has many friends.

His Quilox night club on

Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos has already set the pace for the celebration with unusual raves in the week where different entertainers were contracted to contribute to the ceremony.

At Golden Chance Lotto’s reward forum THE Idowu Obasa-led lotto company, Golden Chance, is proving its worth in the business with innovative ideas and attitude to the welfare of its agents all over the country.

To demonstrate this, the lotto company organised a sub-agent reward forum some days ago, in Ibadan, where an interactive dinner session took place with the sub-agents and the management of the company.

The event was held at the Goshen Event Centre, Ibadan, where the Golden Chance director, Kayode Obasa, re-affirmed the company’s commitment to the sub- agents.

Highlighting the session was the presentation of gifts like deep freezers, tricycles, television and cash reward by the lotto company.

Doyin Adeyinka bounces back JUST like proverbial cat with nine lives, the Managing Director of Acorn Petroleum, Doyin Adeyinka, has put his travails behind and placed his feet on the familiar terrain in the oil business.

His company which battled different challenges in the past is back on track and ready for business.

Those in the know claimed that Adeyinka’s company will now focus its expansion on the core downstream activities of distribution of petroleum products, construction of storage depots in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja, construction of a lubricant blending plant, expansion of its retail outlets chain and other activities to signal its comeback.

The Acorn boss is spreading the good news around with a promise to place the company where it belongs within months of its operation.

Fela and Tara Durotoye celebrate 14th wedding anniversary in Italy TARA Durotoye, founder, House of Tara and her husband and motivational speaker, Fela Durotoye, celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on Thursday The day was also Fela’s birthday, which marked a double celebration for the high-profile couple.

They are currently on a getaway in Venice, Italy. Tara is the managing director and creative director of House of Tara International, a Nigerian makeup company she started in 1998 while studying law at the Lagos State University. Fela, a business strategist and corporate activator, is the chief executive officer of Visible Impact. The couple has three sons.

29

14 May, 2016

outofthisworld

Saturday Tribune WITH FEMI OSINUSI

osfem2@yahoo.com 08055069292

Fresh methods students use in cheating during examinations revealed

I

T has been found out that students have devised more ingenious ways to cheat during examinations in order to score good marks by all means.

According to skymag.net, students are using not only modern technology, but also other unusual means to beat their teachers’ watchful eyes when writing their examinations.

Many of the teachers who spoke with skymag. net both in the United Kingdom and United States disclosed that it had become worrisome the very sophisticated ways students cheat during exams.

In fact, in Thailand, for example, about 3,000 students were reportedly asked to rewrite an examination after their teachers discovered sophisticated cheating devices.

Writing answers at the back of calculator with invisible ink

Student wrote maths answers on thumbnail

Faking injury and writing answers inside plasters or bandages

Using calculator with memory functions to cheat

Putting maths answers inside smartwatch

Writing answers at the back of water bottle label and taping it back

30

14 May, 2016

weekend cartoons

Saturday Tribune

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

Just a Laffing Mata

The most stupid man on earth

There was a flood in a village.

One man said to everyone, “I’ll stay! God will save me!”

The flood got higher and a boat came and the man in it said “Come on mate, get in!”

“No” replied the man. God will save me!

The flood got very high now and the man had to stand on the roof of his house.

A helicopter soon came and the man offered him help.

“No, God will save me!” he said Eventually, he died by drowning.

He got to the gates of Heaven and he said to God “Why didn’t you save me?”

God replied, “For goodness sake! I sent a boat and a helicopter. What more do you want!”

POLITICO

La zaru s’ s urname

Segeluulu was in a Bible study class one day when this conversation ensued: Teacher: What is the surname of Lazarus that Jesus brought back from the dead?

Segeluulu: Comfort.

Teacher: Why did you say so?

Segeluulu: Read your Bible carefully sir; When Jesus called Lazarus, he included his surname.

Teacher: How? Segeluulu: Jesus called with a loud voice saying: ‘Lazarus Comfort.’

FUNOLOGY

Testimonyof a Nigerian teacher

As a teacher in Nigeria, I worked my transfer to China to continue teaching there because I heard they pay teachers well there. The first day I entered class, I began by calling register. I said, Sheng! A student answered, Present!

I called the second name, Chu Muon. Another student answered, Present! Suddenly, I sneezed, Hatchia! One student seated at the corner stood up and answered, Present!

I exclaimed, Hmmmm…! All the student shouted, Absent!

I got confused and yelled at them, Shaa… Three students stood up and asked, Who among the three of us? I got more confused and asked, What is wrong? A student stood up and said, sir, I’m not Wrong, I’m called Wong. I laughed, Hahahaha! A girl said, Present sir! (I came closer to find out what was happening). As I moved, my pen fell on the table and made a sound, Ping chung chong! One boy got up and answered, Present sir! I got more confused, frustrated, and ran back to Nigeria!!!

OBO says he’s tired of beggars invading his house in Lekki

32

14 May, 2016

achievers

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

& Oyeyemi Okunlade | 08056834515 | ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

not patronising made in Nigeria products.

The present campaign by the Federal Government called BUYNAIJA is a good idea. But for it to work, the government has to continue to sensitise the public on the importance of patronising made in Nigeria products for our economy. On whether Nigerians will buy my solar-powered car, I believe that after we are done with the present upgrading which the model car is going through, and after satisfying the required standard to build the cars, Nigerians will buy them.

Soon, my solar-powered cars ’ll sell in Nigerian market

What are the new innovations in the offing?

I am an engineer that is passionate about generating power in a dynamic way. What I am working on presently, although I won’t like to disclose the concept entirely, is on power generation. I am presently working on a power project that will benefit farmers and those in agricultural work.

—Segun Oyeyiola Segun Oyeyiola’s brave innovation and sheer hard work made him famous as ‘that guy that made a solar-powered car.’ RONKE SANYA speaks with him on the present state of the solarpowered car which he invented in 2014 and the new projects he is presently working on.

Y

ou made headlines in 2014 when you converted a Volkswagen Beetle car, using mainly scrap, into a solarpowered car which you drove around Ile-Ife town, where is that car now?

The solar car which I made in 2014 is presently undergoing some upgrading process. I describe the solar car as ‘model one’ and it is presently in my workshop. Right now, we are upgrading. We are upgrading it, both in the chassis and its main electronics components.

After we are done with the upgrading, it will be called the ‘model two.’ It is a form of upgrading whereby we will not use scrap as materials but materials that are much better.

Owing to your innovation, you made headlines in the media, what has the experience been like?

I felt really excited and fulfilled that my work was celebrated by a lot of people. And, yes, different people have contacted me and shown interest in partnering with me. The interesting part is that some of them are ready and willing to work with me. Some are ready to supply some key parts for the car like the high quality batteries, solar module, and so on. I feel good and strongly believe in teamwork which can come in any form.

Many people are of the opinion that the car would not last long because of the popular notion that made in Nigeria products are of low quality. Is your solar car still functioning?

People’s opinion and their beliefs sometimes

may be wrong. Let me give you an example.

While I was still an undergraduate of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, I was able to study few electronic devices that are products from other countries. After a close study of these products which many Nigerians believe will last longer than Nigerian made ones, I noticed that the products were inferior.

I discovered that, if used, these devices will not perform as effectively as they are supposed to, and will not last long too. I was able to notice this because of my expertise in the field of engineering. Therefore, my opinion is that, not all made in Nigeria products are substandard; also, not all foreign products are of good quality. The solar car I made is presently in good condition and functioning well. I am currently upgrading it using better technology and, yes, it will last long because we keep improving on it and we are bringing in novel technology.

What is your plan towards making more of that prototype of solar powered car, in view of the clamour for cars that maximise fuel consumption?

My model cars are a future project. Our plan is to make more prototypes available to whoever desires to have one. Our plan is for the future where you will be able to decide which car you want to buy whether the one that runs on our traditional fuel or the one that runs on pure renewable energy. So, it’s a project for the future and will be optional for those interested to choose.

Why did you choose to upgrade the

Saturday Tribune

car?

The upgrading was necessary due to the fact that the ‘model one’, that is, the solar car, was made from what I can call ‘crude implements.’

The Volkswagen Beetle was an abandoned car and the other metals I used were from scrap. I also had to upgrade in order to come into commercialising my idea into something that the public can benefit from. Although, it might appear like a long term project but I believe, with time, we will ride solar cars on the streets of Nigeria. A day will come when our traditional cars will become things of the past while our cars will run on renewable energy.

Do you think if you make more of your solar-powered car, Nigerians will buy them?

The Federal Government has a great role to play in encouraging Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products. This is because there are many Nigerians who make good products but do not enjoy good patronage. Nigerians are

The solar car I made is presently in good condition and functioning well. I am currently upgrading it using better technology and, yes, it will last long because we keep improving on it and we are bringing in novel technology.

What can you say is the reason behind your creativity? Did your parents nurture the interest in you from when you were young or you just took interest in engineering?

The fact is that once creativity becomes part of one’s nature, it reflects in all that one does.

Of course, my parents did a lot by nurturing me when I was a kid but I naturally took interest in engineering. Throughout my study, nurturing the interest and maintaining it has been the most important thing to me.

Also, during my first year, when I met my part adviser Mr Kola Ogunba of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, OAU, he looked at me and said, “the beauty of you studying this engineering course is to be able to solve the problem of your people.”

I have never forgotten that statement. It has kept me going and made me to keep trying to proffer solution to problems of many through engineering.

Also, I can’t easily forget my experience during my third year at the university. Our first lecture then was EE309 (Sound and Acoustics). Our lecturer then, Professor Osansoan introduced the course to us and at the end of the lecture, he said, “you guys should be able to build a device that can determine the speed of a car while moving on the road at a close distance to it.” We all laughed then, because we did not understand what he was saying.

The class ended that day but when I got to my closet I thought deeply about what he said.

For this man to say this, it means it is possible.

Eventually, I built it, I was able to build a car that I can determine its speed.

Finally, my final year project was another swell experience. I designed and constructed 5KVA power inverter. After the defence, my supervisor, Dr Adeniran said, “let me advise you, don’t go home and start playing around because you are now a graduate. Keep reading textbooks and if you can’t find one; come, I will lend you.” Then, I really didn’t value those words, but now I can say confidently that those words of advice brought me this far.

What are your words of advice for young inventors who look up to you?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step and there is no short cut to it. Take your time to learn all that is required of you in your chosen field. Also note that in this 21st century, illiterates are not only the people who can’t read and write anymore; it also includes people who can’t unlearn to relearn. No matter what you do, make sure it does not affect the safety and peace of our society.

33

14 May, 2016

interview

Saturday Tribune With Saheed Salawu

0811 695 4643

yinkadejavu@yahoo.com

Why I will support Akure indigene for Ondo governorship —Deji

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, in this interview by HAKEEM GBADAMOSI, speaks on his efforts at fostering unity and development in the town, his position on the clamour for an Akure indigene as the next governor of the state and other issues. Excerpts:

Y

OU have been on the throne for about one year now, how is the journey so far?

It has been hectic and at the same time interesting.

It is interesting because I am enjoying the new role of uniting my people, working towards the development of this ancient town. I can’t ask for a better experience on this throne than this. The people have been very supportive. My chiefs are always ready to give me maximum cooperation. And I must tell you that Akure has been experiencing peace which is a harbinger of development for any community, state or nation.

I have been working round the clock to make sure that the traditional institution in the old Akure division becomes more relevant and unite other kingdoms to usher in the expected development in our land. I have been visiting all the obas in the Akure division so that we can come together and have one voice in the coming administration. The way traditional rulers are being treated in the country is because of our constitution.

If I want to travel out of Akure today, I must inform the chairman of my local government. The chairman must give me permission, which is not supposed to be. We are proposing that in pursuit of any amendment to the constitution, all the traditional rulers should come together and ensure that we are part of governance. There are no substantial provisions for us in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

However, the work has been tedious and time- consuming but I am enjoying working for my people to make them happy and united.

How would you rate the development in the old Akure division with what we have now in the modern Ondo State?

There is no doubt about our tremendous development. I have to commend the present administration in the state led by Dr Olusegun Mimiko. His administration has transformed Akure into a quintessential capital city.

I must commend Governor Mimiko for this. Akure has been turned into a mega city, so to speak. The transformation has been great but like Oliver Twist, we believe he can still do better for the people of Akure kingdom.

If an Akure indigene had been governor, do you think he would have done better?

He might not even do as much Mimiko has done and can even do better. If he had done what this present government has done, we would commend him as an Akure man.

What is your assessment of Governor Mimiko’s administration?

As I have said many times, I was agitating for an Akure person to become the next governor but when I realised the development the governor and his team have brought to Akure, I have to change my stance that anybody that will continue with the good work of this administration should be brought in. Anybody from any part of the state can succeed Mimiko as long as there is continuity of his policies and programmes. So, because of the way he has transformed Akure, I have de-

cided to support anybody that will keep on with the work of the present administration. This does not mean that if an Akure indigene shows interest, I will not support him or her, because we have sons and daughters who can be governors and follow in the footsteps of the incumbent governor. I have no doubt that the present administration has been fair to Akure in all ramifications. In the area of infrastructural development, there has been massive turnaround in Akure, which is now making it compete favourably with other state capitals across the country.

Are you saying you are withdrawing your support for the old Akure division to produce the next governor?

No, don’t get me wrong. I said that when I considered that Governor Mimiko is not from Akure and has performed wonders in the state, I came to a conclusion that the governor can come from any of the three zones in the state if the good works will continue but I am also looking forward to seeing somebody who will not derail from his programmes. But I still prefer an Akure son or daughter as the next governor and we will always be ready to support the person. My position on the clamour for an Akure man to be governor is borne out of the need for fairness, equity and spirit of oneness in the state. We are not hell-bent on the issue of Akure division for governor but I also believe that it is not out of place for the Akure division to aspire to the number one position in the state, just as every other zone has equal right to contest. We are not saying we should get this on a silver platter; we will work for it, we will consult, we will reach out and dialogue with other zones on the need to support us in this quest.

Akure was chosen out of the 18 local government areas to be the capital of the state. Do you feel the Akure people are still marginalised?

So, all we should have now is the state capital? Everybody enjoys the state capital. All over the state, they all come here to enjoy the amenities. If you go to Ijapo, Alagbaka, there are non-indigenes. What I am saying is, if Akure produces the next governor, there will be impacts in the communities and divisions. To produce the next governor will be a pride to Akure and its people because we have been neglected for so long. Idanre, Ifedore a n d

Akure North are not in the capital, but the state capital belongs to everybody. Nevertheless, if we have our man there, we will experience some impacts. He will give us pride and bring some more development to the state.

What does Akure lack apart from the occupation of the position of the governor?

What about the traditional rulers being upgraded? Since the state was created in 1976, we have had four first-class obas in the state - two from this division, one from Ondo Division and the other from Owo Division. But now, we still have two Class A obas in the Akure Division whereas if you go to Akoko Division, they have about 10 first-class traditional rulers and in Ondo South, they have about 13 Class A obas. All these things bring development. If they want to distribute wealth to traditional rulers, 10 will go to Akoko, 13 will go to the south but only two will come here. We have always had two since 1976 while the north and the south that had one each then have had tremendous increases. It is because we never had a governor.

Will you support an Akure person as governorship candidate not minding the platform on which he or she is contesting?

If any of the major political party picks an Akure man, I am duty-bound to support him. I have a strong conviction that there are qualified sons and daughters of Akure who can continue the good work of this present administration and bring their experiences to bear in even making the state better than the present administration is going to leave it. But if an Akure man does not emerge, we will still support the candidate who has the will to uplift the state and continue with the good works that we have witnessed in recent times.

What efforts are you making in getting all the monarchs in this division promoted?

We have been going around, holding meetings so that the next governor, whether Akure man or Akoko man or whosoever, if we have one voice, can look into this. We will go to him, tell him our problems and if we speak with one voice, we might be considered. Even if the governor is from Akure, we are still going to press home our demands. The traditional rulers have been lacking and they have to be upgraded. I have been moving round the Akure division with the intention of bringing together all the obas so that we can be stronger and more united in purpose and action. As I speak with you, there are just two first-class obas in the division and three in the entire central senatorial district. You can’t find a first-class oba in any of the towns in Ifedore and Akure North local government areas. This shows a high level of imbalance in the system. Don’t forget that there have been three first-class obas in the central since the creation of the state in 1976. Many obas have been upgraded in the northern and southern senatorial districts while that of the central has remained stagnant. I believe there is an urgent need to review this.

What are your visions for Akure kingdom and where do you expect the kingdom to be in the next 10 years?

I want to see the kingdom transform to one of the best state capitals in the country, a place of pride. I hope to see Akure kingdom become the most peaceful place where investors can come freely to build the economy of the state. I want to see Akure with all infrastructural facilities, where industries will spring up and unemployment will be a thing of the past. With industries in the land, our youths will be busy and gainfully employed. If you look round Akure, there is not a single industry and that is why majority of our brothers and sisters are jobless. That is one of the reasons we are calling on captains of industry to come and set up industries here whether small scale, medium or large scale. We will give them free land. We are working towards creating an industrial estate. We are working with the state government to achieve this.

interview

34

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Why we won’t back down on preaching bill

—Musa, DG, Kaduna Interfaith Bureau

The Director General of Kaduna State Interfaith Bureau, Alhaji Namadi Musa, is saddled with the responsibility of handling all religious matters as well as coordinating religious groups in the state. He speaks with MUHAMMAD SABIU on some salient issues.

T

HE preaching bill has generated divergent reactions from the religious circle. What informed the decision to introduce the

bill?

The whole thing started from a series of complaints from Christians and Muslims as well as individuals about infringement on rights.

These issues were discussed at the meetings of the state security council. The case of a pastor within the Kaduna metropolis comes to mind.

This pastor, who lives in the Mando area, had been running a church for the past 20 years in the area. The street on which he lives was named after him. But recently, an air force officer, who bought a house on the street, complained that the pastor’s activities constituted a nuisance.

According to the air force officer, the church had unregulated times for its activities, just as loud drumbeats were the order for the most parts of every day. The complainant threatened to take action against the pastor if he did not stop.

The district head and the police were invited but they could not resolve the issue. Then, our bureau received a formal report and we decided to invite those involved in the matter, including their community leaders. We told the pastor to reduce his activities. We said if he thought he had rights, his neighbours, too, did have their rights. In short, we controlled the situation and crisis was averted.

Similarly, in Zaria, in Gyallesu, to be precise, there was this assistant Imam in a new mosque who would play a cassette so loudly from 12 midnight and leave it to run till dawn. A lecturer who moved to the area saw that the assistant Imam was infringing on his rights. He challenged him on the reason he would leave his own house (about one kilometre) away and come to play a cassette. He said the man should be playing the cassette in his house and not in a public facility. The complainant, who is a Christian, also reported the Imam. Others, however, felt he had gone too far, as he just moved to the area. We, again, intervened and settled the dispute.

So, when we met Governor Nasir el-rufai and intimated him of these incidents, he said we should have a law to regulate these axcesses.

He said the law was necessary because the essence of the government is to protect the lives and properties of its citizenry, including their rights to worship whom or what they like. You see, in the bureau, we are open to christians and to muslims and even those who do not believe in the two religions.

Even if you worship water, stone or sun and you come to us, we listen to you. So, to return to my statement early on, I told the governor that there was an existing law and he said ‘good, let’s go ahead and implement it.’ But I told the governor that the law was Draconian as it was introduced in the military era. He then asked how and I told him the l984 law says you can imprison someone without option of fine. He laughed. The governor then advised me to send the law to the Ministry of Justice for advice, which we did. The ministry studied it and amended it to suit the present realities. Do not forget that we did not act alone because we believe that we don’t have a monopoly of knowledge. We have called on muslim and christian clerics to help us study the law and make their own inputs. We expect them to give advice where necessary. We are very much cautious of our action because we don’t want to be seen as presenting an APC bill or el-Rufai bill. What we want is for the

ery preacher should register with CAN or JNI. Some churches give licence to their preachers.

We also learnt that some Muslim preachers have been given licence by JNI since 42 years ago. So, what are we saying here? The issue of licence is not something new. Let both CAN and JNI know those who were given licence and then we as government have to know the number of those that have licence. In essence, how many preachers do we have in the state shall we know and where are they?

What is the need for the involvement of security agencies on the committee?

Yes, we want to ensure that the law covers even those at the grass roots. We want to see that those who were given licence at the grass roots have no criminal records and how do we go about that if we do not involve the security agencies? It is our duty to see that those who have licence to preach have no criminal records. So, the security personnel are not going to be supervising these religious bodies but rather, they are only going to be attending meetings, no more, no less. They have business in the discussion of the day.

people to see that we are presenting what we call the people’s bill.

Why do you think there have been strong reactions against the proposed bill?

This is human nature. People will always resist change even if it is good for them. So, we are not surprised at all. Don’t forget that the bill is still a draft, a proposal; it is not yet a law. We are happy about this hue and cry because it is making the people understand that we are not introducing something new.

If it were something new, we could have organised town hall meetings across the zones.

But the law has been there for almost 30 years and had undergone amendments in 1987 and 1996 and now in 2016. When we sent the bill to the House of Assembly, the governor said that every lawmaker should go back to their constituencies and discuss with the people who elected him. So, we expect the lawmakers to have done that. The people should be able to make inputs. This is why we said the bill is a people’s bill. We are not stopping anyone from making an input; everything is transparent.

We know Kaduna well enough we can’t take the people for a ride.

What is your take on the claim that the whole idea is to Islamise the state?

That is another gimmick. There is no iota of truth in this claim. How do you think this is possible? Is the state a federation on its own?

We are operating with the constitution of the country. I think it is the handiwork of mischief makers who do not wish the state well. You see, some people have politicised the whole thing and that is rather unfortunate but we will not be deterred by the antics of our detractors. People forget that the state governor is the chief security officer of the state and everything stops at his table. He knows what we do not know. The good thing about preparing the proposal is that we did not leave the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) out of this.

We believe that these bodies are the only ones recognised by their followers to coordinate

Some people have politicised the whole thing and that is rather unfortunate but we will not be deterred by the antics of our detractors. People forget that the state governor is the chief security officer of the state and everything stops at his table. He knows what we do not know. The good thing about preparing the proposal is that we did not leave the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) out of this.

their affairs. Apart from that, we went ahead to register about 280 religious groups. So, I don’t know where they got the idea that we want to Islamise the state. This is entirely a cock and bull story. Apart from the claim that we want to make Kaduna an Islamic state, the Izala are saying that the law is targeted at them because they organise da’wah (preaching sessions).

Yet, Tarika followers are saying that they are the main target because they organise maulud and the Shiite are saying the law is meant for them because of the recent skirmishes involving the sect and the army. So, you can see now that everybody is complaining. Therefore, claiming that we want to make Kaduna an Islamic state is a non-issue.

The major concern among clerics is the issue of licence, what is your view on this?

It is not our business to issue licence to preachers. Let me be categorical, the Kaduna State government has no business in the issuance of licence. What we are saying is that ev-

Do you think this measure will arrest religious bigotry?

Why not? I don’t know why some of these clerics are sceptical. If you don’t have any skeleton in the cupboard, what is the big deal if the government says it wants to regulate preaching? It is the responsibility of the government to see what is good for its people. People should not be allowed to mount podium and say what they like. The fact that I have a degree in Islamic Studies or Arabic does not make me a preacher. Preaching is not only about having the knowledge but you must have the wisdom and the ability to talk in a language that will not be termed as offensive but unfortunately, majority of these preachers do not possess these qualities. We believe that the issuance of the licences will regulate this anomaly.

It appears that the House of Assembly is not interested in the quick passage of the bill...

I don’t think so. On Wednesday [four days’ time], we are going to the House of Assembly to submit our inputs. Both Christian and Muslim groups will also converge on the House to submit their inputs. Suggestions on areas they feel should be deleted or amended will be collected. Thereafter, the assembly will organise a public hearing. I think they don’t want to rush; they want people to discuss it exhaustively and extensively. We are in a democracy.

But do you think it is proper for the government to get involved in religion?

The government must be involved in religious matters. The government must protect people’s religions. It is the duty of the government to ensure that every worshipper goes to their place of worship without harassment or intimidation from anybody. So, it is not even a question of whether the government should be involved; the government must be involved. That is why the governor decided to establish the Interfaith Bureau. This is the first of its kind in the country. The idea is to foster unity among the different faiths. You see, the governor is not happy when he discovers that muslims and christians are living in separate areas in the state. He insists that both muslims and christians must live together as anything short of that will not augur well for the socioeconomic development of the state.

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interview

Most governors treat politicians who helped them like lepers —Bode Mustapha

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

The Bobagunwa of Egbaland, High Chief Bode Mustapha, is a former member of the House of Representatives and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. He shares his views on a number of issues in this interview by KATE ANI.

C

AN we take a quick look at your background?

I was born in Ibadan on the 12th of March, 1950. I went to Methodist Primary School II, Oke Ado, Ibadan and then Ibadan Grammar School. After my secondary education, I worked briefly as a clerk at a firm in Apapa, Lagos before travelling to Germany for my university degree and master’s. I came back in 1976 and went into business. I bagged the most prominent and highest chieftaincy title in Egbaland, which is the Bobagunwa of Egbaland. Chief MKO Abiola, of blessed memory, was the first Bobagunwa of Egbaland. I am the second.

You were a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003. At what point did you go into politics?

It was very accidental. I never thought I was ever going to venture into politics. When UPN was formed in 1978, I was a manager at UTC Department Store in Ibadan and because I was a beneficiary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education programme, I took my small money to Chief Awolowo’s house in Ibadan and told him I wanted to join UPN, not as a card-carrying member but just as a way of giving back to the sage, a part of what I benefitted from him. By 1981, I got sucked into it [politics] through the late Chief S. M. Afolabi, who was the former deputy governor of Oyo State. The person who got me fully actively involved in politics was Senator Lekan Balogun. He was my friend, a PRP member. I bought into their philosophy, which was doing things for the downtrodden.

He played a role in drawing me into active politics and I got fully involved when I came flat out to support Chief S. M. Afolabi in his governorship bid in 1982. By 1983, I became the publicity coordinator of former President Shehu Shagari’s presidential campaign in the South West and I became very close to him. I was also one of the advisers to Chief Omololu Olunloyo before he became governor. The reason I left Oyo politics was because when Olunloyo won the election, I was to be appointed his official adviser in government.

People said I was not an indigene of Ibadan but Abeokuta. But, you see, during that time that I worked tirelessly for the governorship election, they didn’t remember that I wasn’t an Ibadan indigene. I believe that if somebody is from the north, east or anywhere, and participates fully in a process, he or she must be a beneficiary of that process.

Why did you leave the Alliance for Democracy (AD), on which platform you became a House of Representatives member for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of which you later became the national auditor, and now APC? In 2003, when I was to run for the Senate, I believe that I was not properly treated…

How? What I am telling you is just in retrospect because Chief Olusegun Osoba and I gave the

matter a thought and put it behind us. I think what happened was that former Governor Osoba was under a lot of pressure from Ijebu Igbo to support Senator [Femi] Okurounmu but I knew that in a free and fair contest in the primary of AD, I would defeat him. I told Chief Osoba that he should not support any candidate, that if I should lose to Senator Okurounmu in a free and fair contest, I would take it in good faith but if he supported Senator Okurounmu, I would fight back and leave the party. Fortunately, he was put under a lot of pressure from the so-called Afenifere people from Ijebu Igbo to do otherwise. Surprisingly, I won about 42 percent of the vote, which was unbelievable against the candidate of a sitting governor. Thereafter, I said I was done and I left the party. It was not because I was desperate to run, it was about principle.

One good thing about Osoba’s administration was that with him, you could say what you liked. He ran the party democratically. He paid back politicians who helped him. When we won the election in 1999, Chief Osoba called a meeting of the leadership and said to us that as the people who worked for him and the party to win election, we should submit names of nine candidates as commissioners, while he nominated two. All the nine people we chose as commissioners were those he appointed. Unfortunately, that has not been the trend for successive governors in Ogun State. Governors now dump politicians who helped them to get to power and appoint technocrats - as if it is a sin to be a politician or as if politicians are lepers. There are people in government today who did not know how they won the election, people who did not contribute anything and were given slots. If you say you can only work with technocrats, mind you, among politicians, there are lawyers, accountants, engineers, etc.

For being the director-general of Governor Amosun’s campaign in the build-up to the 2015 general election, it was learnt that former President

You can run any ministry if you have the gravitas except for the position of the attorney-general due to the issue of law and its interpretations. Any other intelligent person who has gravitas can run any ministry. For crying out loud, what is the big deal?

Olusegun Obasanjo penciled your name in for a ministerial appointment but the governor went ahead to pick Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who was eventually appointed. Did you feel betrayed?

I felt sidelined and betrayed because the governor personally gave me the assurance of a ministerial nomination when he appealed to me to step down in running for the Senate against his preferred candidate, Senator Tejuoso. Governor Amosun also went to appeal to Chief Obasanjo and Chief Obasanjo pleaded with me to step down which I did. On the 29th of January, last year, at a campaign rally in Ifo, at 3.00 a.m., I was attacked. I made that sacrifice for the governorship campaign. But I have learnt so many things from Chief Obasanjo and one of them is, let politics not be your sole occupation.

Don’t you think governors prefer technocrats to politicians in order to prevent the latter from turning around and playing power struggle with them?

But excuse me, why didn’t they invite the socalled technocrats to campaign and canvass for votes for them? Now, at the risk of being immodest, if you talk of politics, you can’t compare me with the minister of finance and you don’t have to be an accountant to be minister of finance.

Maybe she was chosen because of her experience as a former commissioner for finance in Ogun State….

So what? Excuse me, please, give me a break! You see, you can run any ministry if you have the gravitas except for the position of the attorney-general due to the issue of law and its interpretations. Any other intelligent person who has gravitas can run any ministry. For crying out loud, what is the big deal? Even in a governor’s job, it is about the ability to manage people, bring them together and coordinate activities. But as far as I am concerned, it is not a big deal to me. I am not bitter about it. I have my first address, which is my business empire but then this has taught a lot of politicians, including myself, a lesson: people who worked tirelessly during electoral campaigns and elections are not fairly treated.

Are you in talking terms with Governor Amosun?

I have nothing against him. I sent him a very strongly worded text on the first anniversary of the accident I had being the director general of his governorship campaign. I copied both Baba Obasanjo and Chief (Mrs) Labo Ogunsan when I sent the text to Governor Amosun because they were present when he gave me that ministerial appointment promise. I ended it by writing that I had no hard feelings against him but that if he had forgotten, I hadn’t. By next year, we will start politics and surely by that time, they will see where we are in the political terrain.

Are you going to be part of the speculated new party ahead the 2019 polls?

I will never leave the APC. And let me tell you something, my defection to the PDP was accidental but it had a purpose. In my system, I am a progressive. If I leave the progressive clan today, I will quit politics. I am not desperate for an office; I am not desperate as a politician that I have to be jumping all over the place.

As an Egba High Chief, what do you make of the recent supremacy battle between the Alake of Egbaland and the Awujale of Ijebuland?

I would not want to comment on it because it has been taken care of. It will not be right for me to comment on it. It is like opening up old wounds. Because of my position as High Chief of Egbaland, I have a lot of respect for those paramount rulers. So, I wouldn’t want to dabble into it.

You are said to be a ladies’ man, a playboy of sort…

(Laughs…) There are two things: it is either you are attracted to women or men and as a man, I would rather be attracted to women.

If you say I am a playboy, well, it is fun once in a while to play, why not? Maybe that is what keeps me going. I don’t smoke or drink.

First of all, I am not a polygamist by nature.

If I am neck deep in being a player, I would have got myself another wife because my wife relocated to England 20 years ago to take care of our children there. I live alone but I always enjoy the comfort of my privacy.

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

views.com

Soun of Ogbomoso at 90

By Dotun Oyelade

I

wrote the first book on Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, CON, CFR, the Soun of Ogbomosoland in 1995– 21 years ago – and in spite of the age difference of 27 years and the staggering difference in our social status, Kabiyesi treated me like an equal when it came to giving me my dues. He realised that I wanted to kill two birds with a stone; I wanted to make history as a professional journalist and at the same time make money from my trade through him.

He asked me to contact his lawyer, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN) who signed the contract agreement for the biography with my lawyer Kunle Adeigbe, now a judge in Osun State.

After the successful launching of the book on December 26, 1995, he invited me to the palace where the whole financial proceeding was transparently discussed and he instructed that the cost of production of the book and every other expenses I might have incurred be given to me before we move any further.

This open-handed gesture ensured that I had the financial muscle to procure state-of-the-art equipment for the broadcast studio which had been my dream since I voluntarily withdrew my services as a management staff of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State in March 1988 The experience also explained vividly why Kabiyesi was such a phenomenal success as a businessman at such a young age well before he came to the throne of his forebearers. He dispensed of my worries and made me feel comfortable in his presence. He was more concerned with the quality of the job and what I was going to do with the proceeds from the launch.

When I was planning to write his biography I never told my father because I was aware that he was not a big fan of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111 and he did not make a secret of it. However, It was to Kabiyesi’s credit that till this day, he never raised the issue with me. Rather, I benefited from his immense wealth of experience and counselling. He insisted for instance, that I must procure my broadcast equipment from abroad and wondered why people cannot go for the best in life.

He loves to surround himself with quality; from his wardrobe to the ambience of his environment and the type of friends he kept, particularly when he was the outgoing socialite. Safe the mellowing of age, he is an Aristocrat to boot!

The manner of his ascendancy to the throne and the events that surrounded his enthronement suggested clearly that as

fair-minded as he tried to be, Kabiyesi never shied away from a fight for whatever he believes in.

Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi, who was the Military Governor in 1973 when Ajagungbade ascended the throne told me: “It was obvious at the time, that even if you do not love him, you learn to respect him.’’ Rotimi was making allusion to the bruising battle he had with the Soun when, against all entreaties and corporate threats, he insisted on wearing the beaded crown of his forefathers.

The battle to stop him from wearing the beaded crown came from two formidable groups. The state military administration and some eminent Yoruba Obas, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi. Though the Soun was livid at the stance of the traditional rulers, he was willing to behave like a statesman and tried to convince them to see reason.

He chose to visit two of them. Oba Aderemi and Oba William Ayeni Ariwajoye, the Orangun of Ila. He told them the parable of the antelope that took ill and the lion and elephant wouldn’t care less if he died. The antelope appealed to them to save his life and warned that if they did not, the hunter would use his skin to prop the arrow that will kill them both.

The parable by the 47-year-old prince impacted more on the revered Oba Adesoji Aderemi because in 1930 when there was tussle for the Ife stool, Oba Afolabi Bello, the father of the present Soun sent emissary to Ife in support of Oba Adesoji Aderemi who was vying for the stool with his brother, Adewuyi, and being a prominent member of Ogboni, the support was weighty.

Dr Laogun Adeoye, a childhood friend of Oba Oyewumi who was also a commissioner under Brigadier Rotimi, was approached by the Ooni to pacify his boss not to take any Draconian measure against the Soun. The only trouble was that Dr Adeoye himself was not favourably disposed to the candidature of the Soun but he did as he was told.

Dr Adeoye, the first medical doctor from Ogbomosoland and staunch Action Group member confessed to me in 1995: “Ironically I did not support his candidature in 1973, but with hindsight I can now say that his installation is a blessing for Ogbomosoland.’’

The machinery to stop the wearing of the crown went on unabated on the side of government which deployed the state Commissioner for Local Government, Rev. Canon Akinyemi and Justice Kayode Eso, who was then a Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal, Chief LAD Oyewo and Chief ST Ojo, both

prominent Ogbomoso citizens to visit and convince the Soun not to wear the beaded crown.

They met Kabiyesi late on December 13, 1973, the eve of the installation. The discussion virtually came to a halt when the delegation said that government feared that there would be bloodshed if the Soun wears the crown on installation day.

The Soun calmly stood up, went to the window, beckoned his visitors to come, pointed at the over one dozen cows under the tree and said “The only blood to be spilled tomorrow is that of these cows and my people will devour them.’’

The contingent went back to Ibadan empty-handed but with a fait accompli which is that the Soun had gone for broke and ready for a face-off with the military administration barely three years after the end of the famed Nigerian civil war.

After they left, Oba Oyewumi walked down the garden with a swagger to inspect the glittering black Mercedes Benz 280s which Leventis Motors just shipped from Germany for the installation. He paid N17,000 then for it. This monarch loves limousines!.

With a wry smile, he went back to his bedroom and slept soundly.

The delegation got to Ibadan before dawn and as they meandered the corners towards Moniya, Justice Kayode Eso went into a reverie. In January 1955, a young smartly dressed man walked into his chambers in Jos for a legal matter for which he was charged five pounds, five shillings (five guineas). He paid instantly and was about to walk out when Eso asked for his name. “I am Prince Oladunni Oyewumi’’. They became friends instantly and the toast of the privileged Jos inner social circle.

Justice Eso felt uncomfortable about the prospect of the installation and was jerked back to life by a question from someone in the car about whether the Soun would dare government. He answered resignedly ‘’I know him so well, he will wear the beaded crown this morning.’’

And that was what happened. Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111 CON, CFR donned his ancestors’ beaded crown on December 14, 1973 to the admiration of the largest crowd that ever gathered for a single event in the annals of the community’s history.

Soun Ajagungbade 111 is the longest reigning traditional ruler in Ogbomosoland having spent 43 years on the throne so far.

Kabiyesi, we are proud of you.

•Prince Dotun Oyelade, an author, sent this piece from Ibadan.

interview

‘We need government’s encouragement to stay afloat’

Dhiman Anurag is the Managing Director of Allied Atlantic Distilleries Ltd (AADL), the first and only company that produces Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) through cassava tubers in Africa. In a chat with newsmen during a tour of AADL, Anurag reveals the plight of a pioneer company.

WHEN did you commence operations in Nigeria and how has the journey been so far?

It’s a long story for AADL, coming to this stage. We started thinking of this project in 1999. Something happened during that time; people started producing fuel ethanol to mix with petrol. Sadly, 100 percent of the country’s ethanol was imported.

The major source of producing ethanol is Molasses, a byproduct of sugar, and since it is only a by-product, we anticipated a time when there will be limitations of producing sugar and so on the availability of molasses for ethanol production.

We then identified that ethanol scarcity was imminent, if the trend continued. Stemming from this, we recognised the business opportunity the situation presented us. We started thinking of doing a backward integration to start producing ethanol locally. So, we made the decision to set up our own Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) plant and that was how it all started.

All over the world, molasses, a by-product of sugar mills, is the major raw material for ethanol production. Hence, our first option was sugar but there were no sugar factories in Nigeria at the time. Then we thought of a starch based plant which is the second source for producing ethanol in the world but we soon discovered the challenge of inadequate quantities of starch based raw materials like corn, rice, wheat etc. If the United States uses corn, other countries use wheat, rice or sorghum; we decided to look at other “non-conventional” raw materials. At the time, we came to understand that it may take us a very long time to get the right raw material for ethanol production.

We inaugurated our first redistillation plant in 2002. After that, we started searching for best available raw materials in Nigeria to produce ethanol. We looked at sorghum but there was a lot of competition for sorghum at the time because the breweries were also using sorghum. Then suddenly, the gov-

We have succeeded in getting the quantity needed. In 2014, we achieved a good capacity utilisation of 60 percent. In 2015, we attained 70 percent of utilisation, and this year, our target is between 80 and 90 percent. Quality wise, we provide the best quality of ENA. Our customers have attested to our high quality, making it effortless to retain them. So, as far as we are concerned, we have been successful over the years.

ernment banned importation of sorghum to promote locally sourced sorghum. All these made the sorghum not ideal for us. We continued our search, and finally we found cassava which has high starch content. There was nobody in the world using cassava as a raw material for ethanol. We started our agric division in 2005 and started educating the farmers on how to increase their yields. We taught them the best practices to be done to boost their productivity.

Reviewing your short and long term goals, what is your assessment of AADL currently?

Since the concept we use is a new and being the first and only distillery using cassava tubers for producing ethanol in Africa, we started with a small capacity. We started very small, so, we don’t face the challenge of large quantity of cassava requirement. We were also particular about sustaining a high quality of ethanol. In the last three years, we have been consistent.

Who are your customers in Nigeria and do you have challenges in meeting demand?

Our consumers are mainly alcoholic beverages and pharmaceutical companies. We are only producing nine million litres from this plant, which is too small compared to the Nigerian market. In fact, we need to expand very quickly to meet some demand. Going by the recent happenings in Nigeria, we know that importing ethanol will become difficult with time and the cost will keep soaring, especially as a result of the exchange rate increase.

Going by the government’s economic diversification drive away from oil to stimulate other sectors to serve as buffers to the strained cash inflow into state coffers, what can be done to encourage AADL in playing this role?

For this type of project to be successful, the basic thing you need is the agricultural commodity as well as land. So, we need the government to help us in developing cassava farm land in terms of clearing allocated lands. We also need the government to provide financial support for farmers by launching various short-term agric funding schemes for the farmers.

Industries like ours also need a lot of government encouragement in the areas of tax relief and low interest rates. In advanced countries, when you have a pioneer status like we do, you are very well encouraged by the government. This is because you play a key role in forex earnings and job creation. In China, for instance, you don’t pay tax as a pioneer company.

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14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF VICTORYLAND BAPTIST CHURCH, IBADAN FORMALLY KNOWN AS MOKOLA BAPTIST CHURCH

Revd. (Dr). Supo Ayokunle, President, Nigerian Baptist Convention delivering a sermon during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Victoryland Baptist Church Ibadan recently.

From left, Oba Stephen Oluwafemi Oparinde 11, Ilufemiloye 1, Akibio of Ilora and his chiefs at the occasion.

Revd. Wale Okekunle ministering‌.

From left, Deacon Segun Lakunle; Revd.Wale Okekunle; Revd. Ayokunle and his wife Pastor. Toyin Ayokunle.

Revd. Wale Okekunle, his wife and others cutting the 50th Anniversary Cake.

Victoryland Baptist church mass choir ministering at the event.

Oba Stephen Oluwafemi Oparinde 11, Ilufemiloye 1, Akibio of Ilora with members of the congregation.

Presentation of gifts by Mrs. Victoria Adegbola, W.M.V. President, to Revd. Okekunle and his wife.

38

14 May, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Osimhen shields the ball from a Brazilian opponent.

John Ogu nominated for 2 awards in Israel

AYC qualifier:

Osimhen’s injury worries Amuneke

N

IGERIA’S U-20 head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, is a worried man after star striker, Victor Osimhen, suffered a shoulder injury in Thursday’s warm-up game with the U-23s in Abuja.

Amuneke has said that the Wolfsburg player is going to be assessed to determine the extent of the injury.

However, the Flying Eagles gaffer is holding hope that the teenage striker will not be ruled out of the 2017 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifying match in Burundi on May 21 yet.

“I am not a doctor but hopefully he will be ready.

The doctors are in a position to assess him and when they do that, we wil know the level of the injury. But we hope that it is not a serious injury and we hope from now till our

game against Burundi, he will be available,” said Amuneke.

Osimhen, reigning FIFA U-17 World Cup adidas Golden Shoe winner

scored the Flying Eagles’ winner against Nigeria’s Dream Team on Thursday in a friendly.

Daniel Etor had given Samson Siasia’s men the lead be-

fore Funsho Bamgboye drew parity for the Flying Eagles in the tune-up game.

Osimhen is currently the holder of the African Youth Player of the Year

award following his superb outing for Nigeria at last year’s edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored record 10 goals in seven matches.

Ighalo shocked over coach’s sack WATFORD manager, Quique Sanchez Flores will leave the club after their final match of the season tomorrow at Vicarage Road against Sunderland, just as one of his players, Nigerian Odion Ighalo, has expressed shock over the development.

The Spaniard, 51, was appointed in June 2015 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

The Hornets are 13th on the Premier League table, but have won just two of their past 11 top-flight games.

“The club and I don’t have the same point of view about the season,” said

Sanchez, who also guided Watford to the FA Cup semi-finals, where he also dismissed title holders, Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

“We don’t have the necessary conditions to activate the clause to renew my contract, so I will leave Watford as a consequence.

“I felt completely happy with this year and I have enjoyed this experience. We would like to thank Quique,” said a club statement.

“He and the team achieved the target set at the start of the season of staying in the Premier League for a second year.

“Quique leaves with all

our best wishes for the future and the knowledge he is always welcome at Vicarage Road.”

Meanwhile, Ighalo has said the sack of his coach ahead of tomorrow’s game came as a shock to him.

“I will say I am shocked the coach is leaving,” Ighalo who remains the Hornets leading scorer this season with 15 goals said on a television programme.

“When we won promotion to the Premier League, the target was for us to achieve 40 points so as to remain in the top league and we did that, and also reached the semi-finals of the FA. He has done a great job.”

The Edo State-born player acknowledged that amid high expectations, Watford struggled in the second round of the season.

NIGERIAN international, John Ogu has been nominated for two awards in the Israeli Premier League – player of the season and foreign player of the season.

Also, his team-mate and compatriot, Anthony Nwakaeme is alo gunning for an award.

Ogu has scored four goals in 32 matches so far as Hapoel Be’er Sheva remains in pole position in the championship playoffs.

In the Player of the Season category, Ogu has been nominated alongside his team-mates Elyaniv Barda (14 goals) and midfielder Maor Melikson. The other nominees are Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielders, Eran Zahavi (31 goals) and Gal Abertman.

Zahavi has won the award in the last two years.

Ogu also leads the Best Foreign Player category which includes compatriot Nwakaeme, Zambian striker, Evans Kangwa (Hapoel Raanana), Argentinean midfielder Pedro Galvan (Bnei Yehuda), and Australian forward Nikita Rukavytsya (Beitar Jerusalem).

The former Academica midfielder expressed his appreciation for the honour on Friday, as he tweeted “It feels great to be nominated for the player of the season and as one of the best foreign players in Israel League.”

Ogu played in Nigeria’s team at the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2014 and is set to follow in the footsteps of former goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama who won the Israeli Player of the Year title in 2009.

Meanwhile, Nwakaeme, also nominated for the Best Foreign Player award, has played in 28 matches this season with eight goals and three assists to show.

Siasia laments loss to Flying Eagles NIGERIA’S U-23 team coach, Samson Siasia has admitted his team were “poor” against the Flying Eagles in a test game in Abuja on Thursday.

The Olympic team, who paraded the likes of goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, Segun Oduduwa, Sincere Seth, Daniel Etor and Stanley Dimgba, lost 1-2 to the U-20s.

“This is what I have been saying – that I don’t have a team because most of the

players are being held back by their league clubs,” said Siasia.

“I had only about three regular players in this game and overall we were poor.

“We need to do more before our trip to Korea for the invitational tournament,” he said.

The African champions are preparing for the Rio Olympics in August, as Nigeria is drawn in the same group alongside Japan, Sweden and Colombia.

39

sport

14 May, 2016

Mourinho agrees Man U deal

Chelsea offers Terry fresh deal CHELSEA has confirmed club captain, John Terry has been offered a new one-year contract, though no agreement has been reached.

And interim coach, Guus Hiddink, who said this week that Terry is good enough to remain at the club, says he believes the decision to offer him a new deal is the right one.

“Ex-players are having a lot of say in the culture of a club,” the Dutchman said.

“They like to come back in whatever task they can do - I am in favour of that.

“It is nice to have players who are big personalities.

When things are clear, you will see.”

no formal approach.

Mourinho is keen to return to management this summer, recently telling reporters that he wants to be in his new job by June 30 at the latest.

According to a report by Sky Italia, the former Internazionale and Real Madrid head coach has now reached an agreement with United’s hierarchy and a deal could be completed in “a matter of time”.

“Jose Mourinho will be the next manager of Manchester United,” the story reads, published on the website of Sky Sports’ Italian arm.

“The Special One, back from his second (unsuccessful) spell with Chelsea, will be the successor to Louis van Gaal on the bench at Old Trafford.”

“At the moment there is no official agreement, but it would seem only a matter of hours,” the report, published on Wednesday night, adds. ‘Una questione di ore’, which translates literally as ‘a matter of hours’, can be understood as an equivalent to ‘a matter of time”.

For copies of Dipo: Bisi: Musa: Morisson:

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JOSE Mourinho has agreed to replace Louis van Gaal and become the next manager of Manchester United, according to reports in Italy.

The Portuguese coach has been linked with Old Trafford ever since his departure from Chelsea last December, despite club officials insisting that they have made

list.

AM MetroSports producer, Patrick Ibeh won the best journalist award for the coverage of the tourney.

The One-day All Stars game that preceded the final was won by team A which was handled by coach Peter Ahmedu of First Bank. His player, Magdalene Ukato emerged the All Stars Most Valuable Player.

Special Award was also given to former coach of FirstBank, Aderemi Adewunmi as Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball most outstanding coach having won the trophy for six consecutive years. Aderemi now handles Kwara Falcons that are competing in the Atlantic conference of the ongoing DStv Men’s Basketball Premier League.

Meanwhile, president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Tijjani Umar, said the Elephant Girls were worthy champions of the nation’s league.

“I commend the First Bank players for their victory, they deserve to be champions and the federation is proud of them. They are back to where they belong and this is the beginning of better things ahead of us in basketball in this country.”

08078892049 08078892199 08078892268 08076690014

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FirstBank reclaims Zenith Bank Women’s basketball league title FIRSTBANK on Thursday dethroned defending champions, Dolphins also of Lagos to win the 2016 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League title.

The Elephant Girls recorded a 71-60 scoreline in the final of the 2016 edition at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, to reclaim the title they lost last year.

Nigeria Customs team outdunked IGP queens 61-30 to win the third place game.

The fair play award went to Plateau Rocks of Jos even as their player, Ene Edem emerged the highest rebounder of the entire championship.

Former four-time Most Valuable Player award winner, Nkechi Akashili of First Bank, bounced back to reckoning as she reclaimed the award for the 2016 edition, while Juliet Currency of Dolphins won the best 3-point shooter’s award.

The reigning champions, First Bank dominated the list of the best five players of the tournament with four winners, Chioma Udeaja, Madgalene Ukato, Nkechi Akashili and Upe Atosu, while Patience Okpe of Dolphins completes the

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Rio 2016: Dream Team fears no foe —Awoniyi NIGERIA’S U-23 striker, Taiwo Awoniyi believes the Dream Team VI is capable of impressive feats at the Rio 2016 Olympics under the tutelage of coach Samson Siasia.

The African U-23 champions have been drawn in the same group with Sweden, Japan and Colombia at Rio 2016 but the FSV Frankfurt forward is confident that the coach would fashion out a victorious plan.

“I am not sing-praising anybody, I am just being realistic. I have played under coach Siasia for some time now and he has this great quality of pushing players to do what such player never believed they can do in their life,” Awoniyi told Goal.

“People won’t know what happened in Senegal where we not only qualified for the Olympics but also emerged African U-23 Cup of Nations champions.

“We won that competition because of coach Siasia and he made sure we forgot our problems and faced the task before us.

“So I don’t think there is anything to fear at the Olympics since he is in charge. I can as well call him a magician,” he said.

The striker has been included in the team that will play in a four-nation tournament in South Korea later this month against the hosts, Denmark and Honduras, all teams that will play at the Olympics.

FIFA names African woman as scribe

Awoniyi shows skill

Militants slaughter 14 Real Madrid fans

I

SIS have slaughtered at least 14 Real Madrid fans at a supporters club in northern Iraq.

Three gunmen opened fire with machine guns around midnight at the cafe in the predominately Shi’ite Muslim town of Balad.

Horrific pictures from the scene show the floor covered in broken glass and soaked in blood in the cafe where up to 50

Real fans had gathered.

Posters of the club’s players and coach Zinedine Zidane can be seen hanging on the walls.

President of the Madrid supporters club, Ziad Subhan, said: “A group of Islamic terrorists, from ISIS, came into the café, armed with AK-47s, shooting at random at everyone who was inside”.

When asked about the motive for the attack, the president replied: “They don’t like football, they think it’s anti-Muslim. They just carry out attacks like this. This is a terrible tragedy”.

At least 14 people are dead and a further 20 injured.

The assailants fled and hours later one of them set off hisexplosive vest at a nearby vegetable mar-

ket after police andShi’ite militia members cornered him in a disused building and exchanged gunfire, security sources said.

Four were killed and two were critically wounded, medical sources also said.

ISIS said in a statement that three suicide attackers had detonated their explosives, though security sources said they had only identified one of the gunmen.

SENEGAL’S Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura has been appointed as FIFA’s first female secretary general.

She succeeds former secretary general, Jerome Valcke, who was banned from football-related activity for 12 years.

Samoura, 54, spent 21 years working for the United Nations and will start at football’s governing body in June.

“It is essential FIFA incorporates fresh perspectives as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation,” said FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.

“She has a proven ability to build and lead teams, and improve the way organisations perform. Importantly for FIFA, she also understands that transparency and accountability are at the heart of any well-run and responsible organisation.”

Samoura’s appointment, announced on Friday at FIFA’s congress in Mexico City, completes a new-look to an organisation which has been dogged by corruption allegations under Valcke and previous president, Sepp Blatter.

Blatter, who had led FIFA since 1998, stood down last

year and was later suspended from football for six years for breach of ethics guidelines.

On his appointment in February, Infantino said he would “work tirelessly to bring football back to FIFA and FIFA back to football”.

Samoura, who will undergo an eligibility check before her role is ratified, currently works for the UN in Nigeria, and speaks four languages.

Samoura who speaks French (her mother tongue), English, Spanish and Italian, earned her Master’s degree in English and Spanish at the University of Lyon; and a Post-Master’s degree in international relations/international.

“Today is a wonderful day for me, and I am honoured to take on the role of FIFA’s Secretary General. I believe this role is a perfect fit for my skills and experience – strategic, high impact team building in international settings – which I will use to help grow the game of football all over the world. I also look forward to bringing my experience in governance and compliance to bear on the important reform work that is already underway at FIFA,” she stated.

Samoura

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: saturdaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: LASISI OLAGUNJU. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation.14/5/2016.