20th August 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

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SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST, 2016

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Lagos’ homes of infections

•Pay N50, get diseases •Inside Oshodi, Ikeja, Ebute Metta public toiletspgs19,20,21 &22

110,469 shortlisted for police job

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Man who named dog ‘Buhari’ to appear in court pg5 Monday —Police

APC, PDP chieftains plot third force New mega party likely next year pg5

Rita Dominic meets

ex-president

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No plan to Islamise Nigeria —Sultan pg8 It’s bye forever to PDP —Obasanjo pg6

Lauds Buhari, Adamawa gov over North East

A cross section of Osun worshipers at the shrine during the 2016 Osun Osogbo festival in Osogbo, on Friday. PHOTO: OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT

FG to reduce duties on Tokunbo cars5 Seized jewellery costly enough to buy a house —Minister

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Queeneth Agbor is a fast-rising actress who debuted in Nollywood in 2008. In this interview by JOAN OMIONAWELE, she talks about her journey into stardom, her personal life, among other issues.

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hy, of all careers, did you feel acting is the choice for you?

I have been an actor from birth, I smuggled my way through everything and I can feign sickness and it would look very real, I can just start crying now just to get attention. Back then in school and church, there was no drama without me, although I never thought of the big screen, because where I grew up, there was less of camera shooting, and then, I also hated arts courses, so I studied sciences.

As an actress, you should have been more interested in the arts courses.

Well, I preferred biology and chemistry to government, so I decided to focus on the sciences more than the arts, although my teachers kept telling me that was not where I was meant to be, so someone volunteered to register me in AGN and someone picked a form for me, and that was how I found myself in the industry.

You started out in 2008, how would you describe your journey in Nollywood, so far?

Well, I thank God, because the journey has been smooth.

I have never been rejected from an audition. It has been God all the way.

Who are your role models in the industry?

I love Mercy Johnson, Nse Ikpe-Etim and I love Joke Silva.

You grew up with your grandma and there was really no mention of your father while growing up, where was he?

I grew up without my dad, he is late and my mum was a busy person, so I had to stay with my grandmother.

What project have you been up to lately?

I just finished from a set, my first movie which I had to play my first twin role. It was another experience, switching from Sarah to Sandra was a whole different ball game. This moment, we are shooting Sarah’s scene and the next moment, we are switching to Sandra, I had to make a conscious effort to make it real.

Some actresses these days resort to bleaching their skin, what’s your take on that?

I cannot say it’s cool or not, but some people feel bleaching will help build their confidence.

People, however, should be comfortable in their skin, some people have inferiority complex which makes them feel it’s only the fair people who are doing well. What rocks one’s boat might sink mine, so it’s up to people to do what they want, at the end of the day, you will suffer the complications alone.

How do you handle male admirers?

Even a little girl on the street has male admirers who are all over her. but in the case of acting, it is different, because fans feel entitled, as a normal person, you call their bluff and move on, but if you do that as an actress, they will say Continues on pg26

Some a c t re s s e s b l ea c h to b u i l d s e l fconfidence —Queeneth Agbor

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APC, PDP chieftains plan to form third force

Saturday Tribune

New mega party likely next year Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

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OLITICAL bigwigs in both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are intensifying plans to form a broad based political platform to displace the two big parties in the country.

Talks to form what is called a “third force” in political circles, according to findings, centre around whittling down the influence of the ruling APC and the opposition PDP. The plan is expected to fully mature next year.

Moves towards that goal were said to have intensified during the disputed National Convention of the PDP which just ended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, this week.

Sources close to the PDP told Saturday Tribune on Friday that the discussions that certain leaders of the party had expressed the

sentiment that they should move out en masse from the PDP and go ahead to form the ‘third force’ with others in the ruling party a move which they reasoned, would ensure that the PDP is left to the Ali Modu Sheriff faction.

Some of those who spoke at a closed doors session in the Government House, Port Harcourt, were said to have declared that “in view of the continuous troubles emanating from the Sheriffled faction and in view of the official backing now being enjoyed by the faction, the time has come for the soul of the party to move out en masse and ensure the formation of another strong political party.”

One of the speakers at the meeting was quoted as saying that those behind Sheriff are “not up to the size of a local government” and that if the PDP is abandoned for them it would become a hollow structure.

“With a united front at the National Assembly and the

polity generally, it shouldn’t be a difficult thing growing another party,” a source quoted one of the party leaders as saying.

But it was learnt that some other speakers believed that the time was not ripe for the soul of the PDP to abandon the party and that things could still be salvaged.

It was, however, learnt that an understanding had been reached at the closed parley that efforts aimed at forming another party with likeminded politicians from within the PDP and the APC should intensify quietly.

A source close to the two parties indicated that “a working agreement is already in place to ensure that the aggrieved members of the APC and the PDP are brought together in a way that would decimate the ruling party and supplant it in 2019.”

Sources confirmed to Saturday Tribune that some political bigwigs within the APC are already getting ex-

cited at the prospect of joining up with like minds to form a party in which they would have equal stakes.

Some of such bigwigs are said to be uncomfortable with the lopsided nature of federal appointments in the current setting, where it is alleged that loyalists of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), founded

by President Muhammadu Buhari, have taken over key positions in the government.

“There are two views on

MAJORITY Leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday disclosed that he has submitted himself to Nigeria Police authorities for proper investigation in the allegation of budget padding levelled against some principal officers of the House as well as some committee chairmen.

The Majority Leader in a statement, said that he had to submit himself to police for investigation after it was

alleged that he was the one sponsoring Honourable Jibrin against the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers.

Explaining, Honourable Gbajabiamila said, “I returned from the United States just yesterday [Thursday] after a three-week break. I called the Speaker a day before my return to urgently fix a principal officers meeting so we could address the several allegations made

by Hon Jibrin.”

The statement reads in part: “At the meeting, Speaker Dogara, Deputy Speaker

Lasun , Chief Whip, Hon Ado Dogwa and Minority Leader, Hon Leo Ogor passionately and vigorously clearly stated their innocence.

“A prepared text was read and we all agreed to sign. For me as the Leader of the House, I felt it was important to give them the benefit of the doubt, which in any case, is what our constitution says. The decision to relieve Hon Jibrin was indeed a collective decision of which I was a part of.

“However, I gave a caveat before the press release was signed, I made it clear to my colleagues in the leadership

Navy rescues 13 foreigners from pirates off Rivers coast

Destroys 70,000 litres of stolen diesel Dapo Fakade - Port Harcourt THE Nigerian Navy has rescued thirteen foreign nationals who were abducted in an attempt by some suspected sea pirates to hijack a merchant ship leaving the country for Cameroon.

The rescued foreigners, who were all crew members of the ship, were of mixed nationalities, consisting of seven Philippines, two Romanians, one Russian, one Polish, one Indian and one Croatian.

Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Shop (NNS) Nwamba, Captain Mustapha Hassan, made this known while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, on Friday, adding that the hijack attempt was foiled by the Navy Special Forces.

Hassan, who led the rescue operation, said the 13 foreigners were rescued unharmed, even as he disclosed that the

merchant ship, (MT Vectis Osprey) registered in Britai, came into Nigeria from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on August 10, 2016, transporting general cargo.

He said the ship, after discharging its cargo, set sail for Douala, Cameroon, on August 17 but was attacked by nine heavily-armed sea pirates who boarded the vessel with intent to taking the 13 crew members hostage.

“On August 17, 2016, MT Vectis Osprey, a British ship, was attacked by sea pirates about 20 nautical miles off the coast of Bonny Island Fairway Bouy in Rivers.

“We got a distress alert from the operations centre at the naval headquarters which dispatched NNS Nwamba with NNS Okpabana to shadow the operation. On getting the ‘may-day’ distress call, we immediately set course to intercept and rescue the

merchant ship from hijack by sea pirates.

“On arrival, Special Forces attacked the nine heavily armed pirates who jumped into the sea and escaped, apparently due to superior gunfire and tactical awareness of troops.

“The operation was largely successful as all the 13 foreign crew members, including the captain, are safe and unhurt, while cargo onboard the ship is intact”, he said.

Captain Hassan, however, said the naval troops were unable to apprehend the pirates due to poor visibility, partly caused by torrential rainstorm which fell on the day of the rescue.

He added that the rescue was successful due to ongoing operation code-named “Tsare Teku II”, set up to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and pirate attacks on the nation’s waterways.

on the ground is that both views continue to prepare the way for the eventual decision which should be ratified early next year,” a source close to the plan said.

All efforts made to get gladiators in both the PDP and the APC said to be involved in the moves to speak with Saturday Tribune on the plans were not successful. They all begged to be excused, saying it was too early to make any statement and draw attention to themselves.

Seized jewellery can buy a house —Minister

Says Duties on Tokunbo cars to be reduced Sanya Adejokun - Abuja AS the Federal Government commences the disposal of assets confiscated from past government officials, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has disclosed that the price of just a single piece of seized jewellery is enough to buy a house.

She also disclosed that the

Budget padding: I’ve submitted myself to police for investigation —Gbajabiamila Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

the line right now. There are those who believe that the crisis in the PDP could be managed. And that the party could still be hijacked from Sheriff. If that happens, the PDP would still remain the point of convergence. But there are others who are of the view that the APC would soon experience its own version of crisis and that either way, the formation of another strong platform would ensure a united front against the ruling party. The decision

that because somehow my name had been sullied in all of this and fake documents and publications had been put out there in traditional and social media which stated I was also involved in the so-called padding of the budget, that I would need to clear my name and that even though no petition was filed against me by Hon Jibrin and no invitation was extended to me by the police, I would be submitting myself on my own volition to the police for investigation.

“This is important to me as insinuations have been made from many quarters that, I along with others, were sponsoring Honourable Jibrin. I have just this afternoon met with the police authorities for a proper and thorough investigation of my role if any in this whole bizzare episode,” the statement concluded.

Federal Government would reduce import duties on used vehicles that come in from neighbouring countries.

Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Adeosun, who declined to give details about the identities of those who forfeited the jewellery, however, said her ministry had now been given the mandate to manage the recovered assets.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) some time ago disclosed that its operatives seized jewellery worth billions from the home of a former minister in Abuja.

She said that so far, she has released over N400 billion for capital projects since May when the 2016 budget became operative and another N60 billion was going to be released by Friday evening.

According to her, the present administration was taking giant steps towards expanding the economy but that there is always a delay between policy formulation stage and the time that its effect would be felt in an economy.

For instance, Adeosun disclosed that work on the international wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport which was suspended due to paucity of funds, N4.5 billion counterpart funding has been paid to the contractors.

Speaking on revenue and

expenditure, the minister explained that of the N1.5 trillion projected independent revenue for the Federal Government in 2016, about N200 billion has been collected but gave the assurance that innovative methods are being deployed to meet the target before the end of the year.

This, she said, would include reduction in import tariff on used vehicles (Tokunbo) being imported into neighbouring countries but smuggled into Nigeria.

Government discovered that import duty in one of those countries was just 10 percent while it is 30 percent in Nigeria and this has encouraged smuggling with the attendant loss of revenue.

Presently, Adeosun said a committee was working to review this high tariff as a way of discouraging smuggling and consequently improving revenue.

But, some other taxes, which she described as colonial rates, will be jerked up to reflect present realities.

She lamented that over that over the years, successive governments neglected to invest in massive infrastructure but concentrated on recurrent expenditure such that the monthly wage bill of the Federal Government is currently N165 billion per month, which is sufficient to fix the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Man who names dog ‘Buhari’ to appear in court Monday Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta ONE Joe Chinakwe, who was alleged to have named his pet dog ‘Buhari’ will be arraigned before a competent court in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Monday.

This was disclosed to Saturday Tribune on Friday by the State acting Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi. He said, that Chinakwe’s action could lead to ethnic crisis if

not properly handled.

The acting PPRO said that the suspect who is a trader in Sango area confessed to have named his dog ‘Buhari’ and that the name was boldly written on both sides of the dog.

“The man is here with us, he is at the Criminal Investigation Department.

The charge will be prepared here and he will be arraigned at Sango Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

“He is going to court on Monday because what he did was highly provocative.

It can cause ethnic and religious crisis.

“We have to be proactive, we cannot fold our arms and allow the state to be plunged into crisis.”

The suspect was arrested Saturday last week when one of his neighbours reported him to the police that he named the dog after his father, Alhaji Buhari.

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My exit from PDP is final —Obasanjo Commends Buhari, Adamawa gov for peace in North East

Sylvanus Viashima - Jalingo and Kabeer Gwangwazo - Yola

Youths protesting against their alleged being hired in 2014, trained and dumped by the Nigeria Immigration Service, at the front of the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, on Friday. PHOTO: NAN.

Customs impound 31 under-declared containers from China Tola Adenubi - Lagos

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HE Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has impounded 31 containers laden with rice from China.

Speaking to newsmen on Friday in Lagos, the Comptroller General of the NCS, Colonel Hamid Alli (retd) stated that the service intercepted 31 rice laden containers falsely declared as con-

taining yeast by an importer at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos.

Colonel Ali, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Customs in charge of Enforcement Investigation and Inspection, Dan Ugo, explained that, “an importer, by the name Destiny Limited, brought in 31 containers of rice and declared them

to be yeast.

“Yeast is supposed to be 5 percent of duty while rice attracts 10 percent plus 60 percent levy. So the implication of this is that if it had scaled through, it would have been about N74 million loss to the Federal Government.

“The 31 containers of rice would have shortchanged the Nigerian government about N74m. We are talk-

Dogara, Bakare meet Buhari in Aso Rock Leon Usigbe - Abuja SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and former running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, met separately with the president at the presidential villa, Abuja on Friday.

At the end of his meeting, Dogara who was accompanied by a few members of the National Assembly, declined to speak to State House correspondents when approached for interview.

He only appealed that he

should be allowed to enjoy his recess in peace.

However, the Speaker dismissed suggestions that their presence in the Villa was in pursuance of a more cordial relationship with the president as claimed recently by Senate Leader, Mohammed Ndume.

Ndume had during a recent visit to the Villa, told corespondents that some Muslim members of the National Assembly would, on a regular basis, worship with the president at the Villa mosques as a way to smoothen relations between the two branches of government.

Budget padding: Dogara in secret meeting with Oyegun Kolawole Daniel - Abuja SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara on Friday met behind closed doors with the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

The closed door meeting, it was learnt, centred on the allegation of budget padding rocking the House.

The former chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, had alleged that the Speaker and some other principal officers of the House padded the budget to the tune of billions

of naira.

The APC leadership, through its Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu, had earlier met with Hon. Jibrin with instructions that there should not be any further comments from all the parties on the budget padding issue.

But after the meeting all the parties involved failed to yield to the instruction of the party, though Senator Shuaibu said that the party had earlier met with Speaker Dogara before meeting the former appropriation chairman.

The closed doors meeting was still going on at press time.

But according to Dogara, the visit was not related to such thing because “there’s no fight.”

ing about over 14,000 bags of Thailand rice brought in from China. However, through our eagle-eyed security operatives, this anomaly was intercepted.

“The era of somebody having false declaration, and then thinking Customs will ignore it and just ask him to go and pay the correct duty is over. Anybody caught will be prosecuted according to the laws of the land.

“The manifest of the containers stated right from the port of origin that the containers contained yeast. It shows the criminal mindset of the importer who is now at large.”

FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday declared that his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about two years ago was final.

He was answering questions from reporters during a visit to Jalingo, Taraba State.

When asked his suggested solution to the current crisis rocking the PDP, as a top beneficiary of the party, Obasanjo said that he had bad goodnight to the party and had no intention of delving into the party’s issues again.

“We have a say in my part of the world that you can’t say goodnight to a people and return that same night to say good evening to them. I have said goodnight to PDP and that is it,” he said.

Obasanjo described Taraba state as a great resource to the nation with the potentials to spearhead the economic diversification of the nation in the face of dwindling oil prices.

Obasanjo, who is currently in Taraba to assess some of the projects he started in the state during his time as the President so as to advise the current government appropriately, and to supervise his farm in Gyembu on the Mambila Plateau, said the state has great potential for the nation.

The former president also said that his administration initiated Mambila Hydro Power Project not out of sentiment but out the potentials of the projects to the nation.

Obasanjo said the earlier the completion of the Mambila Hydro Power Project the lesser the financial cost of the project to the government.

Obasanjo has also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the restoration of peace to the northeastern part of the country.

Obasanjo made this known on Friday at the Government House in Yola during his visit to Adamawa state.

The former president said that the situation in the North East was an issue of constant concern to him. He commended President Buhari for showing understanding to the security situation in the region.

“I will commend the President for showing understanding to the situation of the North East.

“To us, the issue of the North East is special even when Mr President and I discuss, it is always central to our discussions,” he said.

He commended the Adamawa State governor, Bindo Jibril for not being subdued by the myriad of challenges confronting the state.

He also commended the governor for not limiting his vision to the state alone but to the entire North East.

N/Delta stakeholders call for unified voice to tackle FG •Clark demands restructuring of Nigeria •Calls on N/Delta militants to cease fire •Asks on Buhari to initiate dialogue with real “militants” Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri STAKEHOLDERS from the Niger Delta have called for a unified voice to speak and agitate for the region as obtainable in the South West and the North in order to tackle the Federal Government.

The suggestion was made at a one-day Stakeholders Consultative Meeting of Niger Delta Coastal States, held on Friday in Warri, Delta State.

The meeting was at the instance of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, to address the current security logjam bedevilling the South South region due to the heinous activities of militants.

Leading the call for a unified voice in the region, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State called on elders of the region to search their consciences and ascertain if they are really representing the people or their pockets.

He suggested that if the elders have a coordinated voice, the Federal Government would have no choice but listen to whatever they

present on the table to engender peace in the region.

He decried a situation where the entire region looks uncoordinated in its demands and agitations.

Speaking in the same vein, Professor G. G. Darah called on all interest groups in the South South region to have a common platform to tackle the Federal Government.

Darah strongly called for the restructuring of the country along political and economic lines in order for each zone to develop at its own pace.

He admonished the Federal Government to appropriate the suggestions contained in the 2014 Constitutional Conference as regards restructuring of the country.

The stakeholders also called for the immediate relocation of the headquarters of oil multinationals to the region and the immediate reinstatement of the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to pay a visit to the creeks of the Niger Delta region.

Spokesperson for the group, Frank Omare, while speaking at the forum, urged the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity, adding that until militants are presented with concrete terms, pleas to lay down arms may not be achieved.

Also, Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark has restated that the only way out of the present security, economic and political logjam in the country is restructuring.

Clark made this known at the Stakeholders Consultative Meeting of Niger Delta Coastal States in Warri, Delta State.

The former minister of information stated that restructuring the country as being presently agitated for by various associations and individuals would not break the country as being misconstrued.

He said restructuring

would rather strengthen the country and move it forward, adding that it would enable each region to grow at its pace.

Clark warned that the people of the region will never be subservient to other parts of the country.

The elder statesman, who urged President Buhari to initiate dialogue with real militants, admonished youths in the region to embrace ceasefire and refrain from destructive tendencies.

He called on the Federal Government to implement the contents of the 2014 national conference, especially the area of restructuring and regionalism.

He lauded former head of state, Yakubu Gowon, former vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar and Alex Ekwueme for speaking in support of restructuring of the country.

At the meeting are Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and representatives of governors from other states in the Niger Delta region as well as traditional leaders and youths.

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From left, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Senator Teslim Folarin and Alhaji Nureni Akanbi, discussing at the 8th day fidau for Alhaja Sidikat Folarin, at her residence in, Elewura Area, Challenge, Ibadan, on Friday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU.

Police arraign 50 FUNNAB students over protest Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

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IFTY students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB),were on Friday, arraigned by Police before a Magistrates’ Court 1, in Abeokuta.

The students were arrested in connection with a peaceful protest that turned violent, over incessant armed robbery attacks on some hostels within the university’s host communities.

The students who were conveyed to the court in many vehicles, were arraigned on a six-count charge ranging from arson, riot, malicious damage of property and taking part in unlawful assembly.

The protest, Saturday Tribune recalls, resulted in the of several vehicles, including that of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Ariyo Adejuwon.

Four vehicles were also burnt while a police post was equally set ablaze by the students.

Forty-three of the suspects were charged in a Suit No. MA/429c/2016 while the remaining were charged in Suit No. MA/430c/2016.

They were all charged with the same offences.

Police prosecutors Sunday Eigbejiale and Emmanuel Kayode said that the students committed the offences at Camp Area of the state capital.

The prosecutors told the court that the offences are punishable under section 516(a), 443(a), 70, 71 and 451 of Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

The suspects, represented before the court by different counsel, all pleaded not guilty to the offences.

A counsel, Bunmi Adelabu, on behalf of others presented bail applications

Ondo 2016: Abraham endorsed, not imposed by Tinubu —Akoko elders Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure AHEAD of the governorship primary of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, the Akoko Elders Assembly (AEA) on Friday said the party’s national leader, Senator Ahmed Tinubu did not imposed one of the aspirants, Olusegun Abraham.

Rather, they said Abraham was endorsed by them.

The leaders who stated this during a press conference

at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, said Tinubu had not done anything wrong or contrary to the constitution of the party.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the chairman of the Assembly, Chief Felix Ayegbusi, said that the action could not be described as an imposition as every aspirant in the party would still have an opportunity to participate in the primary.

He explained that there

APC colluding with INEC over Oyo bye-election —LP Allegation impossible, spurious —INEC, APC

By Dare Adekanmbi and Ayoade Aderinto THE Labour Party Oyo State chapter has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in league with some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is planning to bring in voters for Ogbomosho area to vote in today’s bye election in Oorelope State Constituency.

Chairman of the party, Mr Gbenga Olayemi, who made the allegation while speaking with the Saturday Tribune, said part of the plan was to allow the ‘imported voters’ bypass accreditation through the smart card read-

before Magistrate Sofowora Oriyomi.

Oriyomi told the court that the accused person were presumed innocent until otherwise proven by the court.

However, the police prosecutors opposed to the bail applications.

Sofowora admitted the accused persons to bail with N100, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.

ers to rig the election for APC. Olayemi explained that the APC came up with “the game plan” after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by INEC earlier in the week agreed that Oorelope Local Government Area of the state be excluded from the planned distribution of new permanent voter cards (PVCs) until after the election.

But INEC’s head of department, Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), Mr Ariyo Ayoola, said there was no way anybody could bring PVCs from other places to be used for today’s election.

“For those who know the way our system works, they will know that is not possible. The card readers have

been configured. Whoever is saying that is just raising unnecessary alarm.

“We had a stake holders’ meeting earlier in the week where decision was taken unanimously that distribution of PVCs should not hold in Oorelope after the election,” he said.

APC, reacting through its director of media and strategy, Wale Sadare, said the allegation was not only spurious but also laughable.

“We challenge them to come up with facts to prove their allegations. Or else, they should begin to work towards 2019 and that is even if some of them will be relevant as opposition parties,” he said.

was a clear difference between endorsement and imposition in politics and every aspirant reserves a right to seek the endorsement of APC leaders because it was in tandem with the moves they made earlier to produce a viable candidate from Akokoland.

‘Ojulowo Eye Clinic not sealed off by Oyo govt’ THE Medical Director of Ojulowo Eye Clinic, Ibadan, Dr Benedictus Gboyega Ajayi, has said that his clinic was not closed down by the Oyo state government over tax issues.

Speaking with Saturday Tribune on Friday, Dr Ajayi described as false a report in a national newspaper (not the Nigerian Tribune) that the enforcers who sealed off some businesses in Ibadan, the state capital, also closed down his clinic.

According to Dr Ajayi, the tax officials visited his clinic on Thursday and left after they were shown evidence of tax payments by the clinic.

He urged members of the public to disregard the report which he described as false and misleading.

Power of Resurrection Christian Church celebrates eighth anniversary THE eighth annual anniversary of Power of Resurrection Christian Church continues at the church auditorium, No 71/73 Olaleye Ogunsola Villa, off Agbamu road, Power City, Sanyo, Ibadan.

The theme of the ongoing anniversary is entitled: Who is Like Our God, Psalm 113: 5.

Praise night had held on Wednesday, from 10:00pm till dawn and the grand finale of event holds tomorrow, August 21, 2016, at 8:00am.

Ministering at the event are Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale and other anointed men of God as events like Singspiration, deliverance and breakthrough will cap the programme.

Pastor and Prophetess D. O. Adebowale

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ASUP puts strike on hold as FG opens negotiation Yinka Oladoyinbo Lokoja

THE Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) on Friday withdrew the strike notice issued to its members nationwide to commence industrial on Monday.

The union said it put the commencement of the strike action on hold because of the decision of the Federal Government to engage its leadership over the demands that led to the issuance of the strike notice.

The zonal coordinator of the union in Zone B, Abdullahi Yalwa, who made the disclosure in Lokoja, Kogi State, however, said the next line of action would depend on the outcome of the deliberations between the government and the national president of ASUP, Usman Dutse.

According to him, it was unfortunate that government decided not to dialogue with the union since July 2015 when it presented its demands.

From left, Head, Brand Marketing Communication, Wema Bank Plc, Onome Odili; Creative Director, Classy Clothings, Gbaluwe Ayodele; Creative Director, Ini Taj Fashon, Pamela Keku and Founder, Nigerian Students Fashion and Design Week (NSFDW), Orimolade Abiola during the 2016 NSFDW at the University of Lagos, recently.

No plan to Islamise Nigeria —Sultan Muhammad Sabiu, Kaduna

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HE Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has cleared the air over suspicion of a grand plan to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state.

The Sultan stated categorically that it is not possible for a multi-religious nation like Nigeria to either be Islamised or Christianised.

He stated this on Friday in Kaduna at the inauguration of the office of the International Centre for Inter-Faith Peace and Harmony.

According to Sultan Abubakar, who is also a cochairman of the centre, no country survives religious war, hence, Christians and Muslims in Nigeria must imbibe the culture of peaceful co-existence.

He said ethnic and religious crises in the country should become a thing of the past, adding that “no country survives war or war stimulated by religious intolerance.”

Noting that the practice of religion should be voluntary and not by force, he said: “We have seen countries where people are killing one another, obviously, there can be no peace in such countries. Killing is not part of the teachings of the holy book.”

He called on Christians and Muslims across the world to desist from making comments that anybody is out to islamise Nigeria.

“Nigeria has a Muslim

president and before him was a Christian president.

We must see ourselves as one big family. Without that, we cannot have peace. It is not possible to islamise Nigeria; if God had wanted, He would have created all Christians or all Muslims. We are not secular but a multireligious state because the people are so religious. We must respect one another and understand the tenets of the two religions,” he stressed.

Lawyer drags Aregbesola to court over new tax law •Says law promulgated under “State of Osun” cannot stand A rights activist, Barrister Kanmi Ajibola has dragged the governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola to court over the recently introduced land use tax in the state, asking the court to declare the law backing it up and which was signed in March this year by the governor as null and void.

The lawyer notes that no one can sign into effect any new tax regime apart from the state Commissioner for Finance, saying Aregbe-

sola’s refusal to inaugurate new state executive council for over one year and nine months further makes the introduction of the said tax unacceptable.

Barrister Ajibola who joined the State House of Assembly in his suit filed at the State High Court, Ilesa stated that the law by that its name, ‘the State of Osun Land use Charge Law 2016’ and its maker, ‘State of Osun House of Assembly’ are unlawful and unconsti-

Police recruitment: 110,469 applicants shortlisted Chris Agbambu - Abuja

A total of 110,469 applicants out of the 338,250 applicants invited for screening for police recruitment have been invited for the next stage.

Aptitude tests for the successful candidates have been scheduled to commence on August 22 across the 36 states and Abuja.

The results stated that 911,438 applications comprising 262, 462 for Cadet ASPs, and 211,832 for Cadet Inspectors and 437,144 for Police Constables while 338,250 were shortlisted for the screening.

Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr Mike Okiro disclosed

Similarly, the governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, decried the series of crises that had erupted in the state, lamenting that the state had been divided along religious line.

He stated that religion was no longer a matter of life after death but business; adding that those who operate the religious business make money by promoting division.

“We must de-emphasise our differences and promote peace,” he stated.

this in Abuja on Friday and said that out of the 110, 469 applicants, 22,454 were shortlisted for Cadet ASPs, 24,456 for Cadet Inspectors and 63,559 for Police Constables.

According to him, aptitude test for cadet ASPs for both general duty and specialists will commence on August 22, while that of Cadet Inspectors for both general duty and specialists will hold on August 23.

Okiro said that the test for police constables for both cadres would take place on August 24.

The PSC boss said that document and physical screening of specialists is scheduled for August 29 af-

ter they would have taken the aptitude tests.

The chairman said that some of the overaged applicants were screened out, including those with alteration and falsification of documents.

He said that over 115 applicants who were arrested during the screening for forgery and impersonation were handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution and restated the commission’s desire to sustain the integrity of the exercise.

Okiro warned that any candidate caught undermining the integrity of the exercise would be prosecuted in line with extant laws.

tutional.

According to the legal practitioner in a 53-paragraph affidavit he deposed to, all actions taken by either the governor or the state lawmakers with the name “State of Osun” cannot stand in the face of the law.

He said: “Osun State is the creation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Expressly and impliedly, what the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria created is Osun State not “State of Osun” “I believe that ‘State of Osun’ is an impish coinage and unknown to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The first defendant, that is the governor of Osun State, took his oath of office as the governor of Osun State.

“I believe there is a difference between ‘Osun State Government’ and ‘State of Osun Government’. I believe ‘Osun State’ does not mean the same thing as the ‘State of Osun’”.

“I believe that ‘Osun State House of Assembly’ does not mean the same as ‘State of Osun House of Assembly’.

I strongly believe that the ‘State of Osun Land Use Charge law, 2016’ is made for another state unknown to the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

NDDC MD: Oro youth group backs Ekere’s nomination

ESU Nlap Oro, the apex youth organisation of the Oro, Akwa Ibom State’s third largest ethnic group, has thrown its weight behind the nomination of Mr. Nsima Ekere as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Council of Oro Traditional Rulers (COTR), the supreme traditional institution of the Oro, had earlier written to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating Mr. Ekere.

In a message of felicitations to the incoming NDDC Chief Executive and the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the commission, Mr. Samuel Frank, on what it called their meritorious appointment, Esu Nlap Oro reasoned that Mr. Ekere’s nomination was as a result of his sense of duty and integrity as well as the confidence reposed in him by President Buhari.

Ajimobi declares agric plans at OYSCATECH graduation

By Saheed Salawu and Adewuyi Onigbinde THE governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has reiterated his promise to hand down the state to future generations as the food basket of southern Nigeria.

Ajimobi made the remark on Thursday at the maiden convocation and 10th anniversary of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, where he, alongside former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by the Executive Director, Obasanjo Farms, Dr Jamiu Akinyemi; Chief Executive Officer of BOVAS Petroleum, Mrs B. A. Samson; Chief Executive Officer of Owotutu Petroleum, Alhaji Fasasi Adesope and Alhaji Rahman Alayande of Dangote Sugar Company, received the institution’s Distinguished Fellowship Award.

Governor Ajimobi, represented by his Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, said although the state was being daunted by the current economic challenges in the country, he believed that with the support of all stakeholders, things would get better.

He urged the graduating students to participate in the state’s agricultural initiative and deploy the vocational and entrepreneurial skills they acquired in college to assist the government in creating jobs.

US Secretary of State to hold fresh discussion with Buhari on terrorism, economy From Christian Okeke - Abuja

UNITED States Secretary of State, John Kerry, is billed to travel to Sokoto and Abuja, from August 23 to 24.

While in the country, the Secretary will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss counterterrorism efforts.

Other discussions are also to centre on the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption, and human rights issues.

The US Embassy in Abuja confirmed this via an email.

It also revealed that while in Sokoto, Kerry will deliver speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.

In Abuja, the US Secretary will meet with a group of adolescent girls working to change community perceptions that devalue the role of girls in society.

According to the statement, Kerry will also meet with northern governors and religious leaders.

9 crossfire Why we sacked Kekemeke as Ondo APC chairman —Ogunleye

Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye is an ex-officio of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, who ‘replaced’ the party chairman, Isaacs Kekemeke, purportedly sacked by a group within the party on Tuesday. He speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI on the reasons for the ‘sack’ and the way forward for the party.

H

ow did you find yourself in this shoes and what led to this crisis?

I am the new acting chairman of the APC in Ondo State. It is unfortunate that we are in this situation but I want to assure you that we will come out stronger. The then chairman of the party who was supposed to be the leader of the party and provide a level play ground for all governorship aspirants under our great party ended up as the campaign manager of one of the aspirants. Twenty five of the aspirants obtained the N2 million form from the party here in Ondo State as development levy and they paid N5.5 million each to the national secretariat of the party and obtained nomination forms. These aspirants were assured that the primary would be free, fair, transparent and credible.

But just last week the chairman, in his wisdom, called an emergency meeting and informed us that he had been called to Lagos and that out of the 25 aspirants, Asiwaju had decided to endorse one as the candidate of the party. Before that time, all the aspirants were screened in Abuja and were assured of free and fair contest. The sacked chairman did not even allow us to contribute to the matter before he stormed out of the secretariat. We now decided that since the chairman, who was supposed to be a referee, decided to shift the goal post in the middle of the game, he cannot provide a level play ground for all the aspirants. One of the aspirants has left for another party because of this.

We decided not go the way we did in 2012 when a candidate was handpicked and the rest left the party and Mimiko was allowed to come to power.

We concluded that the chairman cannot lead us to victory and in accordance with the constitution of our party, the congress met and decided that the chairman be removed to give room for a new leadership capable of standing the party in a good stead ahead of August 27 and destiny has put that leadership on me, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye.

What were the steps taken before sacking the chairman? Did you inform the national leadership of the party?

APC promised the people of Nigeria change and we had that change and what brought about that change is because Nigerians were tired of doing things in the old order. Our party has a constitution and we are guided by that constitution. We have taken a decision and we have informed the national leadership of our position. Once the executive committee of the party is out of order, we can remove them. There is a provision for this in Article 7 of our party’s constitution.

Your party primary is slated for next weekend. Will this crisis not affect the primary and the chances of the party in the actual election?

No. What we have done is to reposition the party. The state chairman, unknown to members of the party, doctored the list of the delegates for the primary election and took it to Abuja. This was done to pave the way for his anointed candidate and rigging of the primary.

Once the list of delegates has been tampered with, you cannot have a credible primary and when the primary is not free and fair, there will be chaos. We must ensure that the primary is free of manipulation from any quarters. So, what we have done so far is to put our house in order. It is internal democracy that will help

us to go into that primary united and have a candidate not imposed on us from Lagos or by anybody.

But do you see the endorsement of a candidate by the leadership as an imposition? And if at the end of the day, the allegedly imposed aspirant emerged through a free and fair primary, will you accept him?

If free, fair and open primary is conducted without making use of doctored delegate list and such an aspirant wins the contest, we will accept the result but the man cannot come out as the acceptable candidate of the party.

A pronouncement has been made because the chairman had been deploying the party’s machinery to campaign for the aspirant. Last Friday, he invited party chairmen from all local governments and told them that Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande had unanimously endorsed the aspirant. I am sure you know the implication of this. What the chairman was doing was to use his position to mislead the people of the state and try to help his candidate. Anybody can endorse an aspirant, it is personal, but the chairman has turned the endorsement into adoption and it is turning into imposition.

Did you get in touch with the leaders before sacking the chairman?

One of the aspirants wrote a letter to Senator Tinubu and he replied that he would ensure that there was free and fair primary as a leader of the party with a clause that as a party member, he reserved the right to support any aspirant but we said no to this. He is not an ordinary member of the party but the national leader.

Don’t you think this crisis will affect the fortune of the APC in the governorship election?

There is no crisis. We did not take the law into our hands. What we are trying to do is to allow internal democracy in our party. What we are saying is that the chairman has shown bias. If he shows remorse, we may change our stand but we don’t want him to create problems for us at the governorship election by imposing a candidate at the primary election.

Do you have the support of the local government chairmen of your party?

Yes, we have met and they all agreed that we must take a bold step. The ward chairmen and the state executive members were part of the meeting. What else do we want? Kekemeke is not the party but a symbol of the party, being the chairman, but he is no longer in control. He has been rejected by this party.

If a meeting is called to resolve this crisis, will you embrace peace?

Yes, we will embrace any peace move. We will do everything to show that we are not out to create problems in the party. But I can assure you that it is an internal issue.

We remain members of a family. Despite removing Kekemeke, he remains a member of the APC. We did not suspend or expel him from the party.

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

It’s a drama from social media section of the party —Kekemeke

Honourable Isaccs Kekemeke, the Ondo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI on his purported sack by a group within the party. Excerpts:

H

ow would you react to your ‘sack’ by some party members on Tuesday?

It is such an uninteresting joke but don’t forget that we are in a season of drama and it is part of the entire process. The APC is a vibrant party, made of a number of people, activists, non-activists, great politicians, not very great ones and all manner of people in the spirit of progressivism. I think it is just some elements in the social media section of the party that have chosen to dramatise and I think it is their legitimate right to so do.

The ‘new chairman’ accused you of doing the bidding of the national leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu, against the wish of party members, imposing an aspirant on the party?

First and foremost, nobody is imposing a candidate and I do not know of any new chairman in our party because this is not a banana republic and neither is it NURTW where you carry cutlasses to take over the secretariat.

This is a party created by law but anybody has the right to call themselves what they wish. That is one of the benefits of democracy. There are people who do not go to school and call themselves professor, doctor, barrister and nobody fights them over it. So, if you wake up one morning and call yourself chairman, you are perfectly entitled to it. All you need to do is to wait until you are called to the National Executive Council meeting of the party or people take order from you as the chairman.

The person laying claim to the chairmanship of our party in Ondo State is just an ex-officio member of the executive committee and his name is number 36 on the list of officers and cannot be the party chairman. I was duly elected through a congress and votes were cast for me. Of course, this is not the first time this would happen. Even after the congress, people claimed to be chairman and they are still chairman in their imagination in their rooms. So, that is not an issue at all.

On the allegation that Asiwaju is imposing, he is not imposing. If people read the reply of Asiwaju to Dr Tunji Abayomi, I think that should settle the issue and be a lesson in democratic practice and that there is a difference between imposition and endorsement.

An endorsement is merely signifying support or preference for a particular aspirant and that is what people do when they canvass for votes and the result is either endorsement or support. I insist, and Asiwaju and the national leadership of the party also insist, that there will be free, fair and transparent primary and that can only be evident through the ballot and for those who may not know, it happens the world over. But as to whether I refused to take a position against Asiwaju, the national leader of the party, let me say that I owe no one apology. I am proud by upbringing, by training and by experience, so I should know that I am a man of authority under a higher authority and that I should ordinarily be obedient to those who have authority over me. If Asiwaju gives instructions and the instructions are not patently unlawful, patently illegal, I should use all that is within my office to carry out such instructions. So, I have no apology for those who say I obey Asiwaju. And why won’t I obey

him once the instructions are not unlawful, patently immoral or illegal?

So, there was never an imposition of any aspirant?

In this party, it is not possible to impose.

Imposition has no place. It can’t happen because our constitution provides for either direct or indirect primary for choosing the standard-bearer. Now that we have chosen indirect primary, as it were, that election must take place. I want to assure you that everything that is required is being put in place by the national committee to ensure that we have a free and fair primary.

You were also accused of doctoring the delegates list for the primary.

When the party was newly formed, a lot of people tried to take advantage of one another. There were lots of hiccups. After the congress, a committee was set up which looked into all appeals brought to it and my position which was approved by everybody was that the list to be used for this election is the list produced by the Femi Pedro congress, subject, however, to changes approved by the Dr Lambo congress appeal committee report. So, everything is as amended by the committee report where applicable, but where there is no appeal, the list of congress, no matter how imperfect, is going to be used.

The primary is about a week away, will this situation not affect the exercise and November’s governorship election?

I do not think so. This is what happens all over the world when standard-bearers of parties are to be chosen. This is the battle preceding the final battle. It is necessary in a great party like ours with great potentials. In politics, it is a normal thing that prior to election, everybody is emotive. Emotions run high and everybody has a group. There are supporters who feel pained if they found out that their ambition is slipping off. They would like to express themselves. They would like to scapegoat whoever they can find and for now, I am the scapegoat.

I should know it is one of the pains one must have as a leader. So, it is nothing extraordinary.

How do you hope to handle the postprimary crisis?

As I said, there would be skirmishes in the process of choosing from among those who want to represent the family. I believe that will happen but if the aspirants truly love the party, nobody gets what they want all the time. That is life and that is the reason I am not bitter about all the name calling and abuses.

Would you say you are still enjoying the support of the chairmen in the face of the allegations of the ‘acting chairman’?

I told you earlier that a drama is taking place and in this kind of season, we must allow that kind of drama. We need that kind of drama to cool off. I need it to have some break and rest.

Although some people are bothered, some said they liked the way I have ignored them.

What I tell them is that they can let off their emotions; they can let off their angers, but they should know that others also have the right to demonstrate or sleep or dramatise at the party secretariat. It belongs to all of us. When I am set to do meeting there, I will go there. Nobody who is a leader in the party takes what is happening seriously.

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20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

style

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08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com

with Kate Ani

Fashion swag outside Government House!

Tinuola Ayanniyi tayanniyi@yahoo.com 08055069379

Do-It-Yourself: Wrapped and beaded bracelet

Last week, STYLE singled out some fashion-conscious incumbent state governors. This week, it is looking at some past governors who are still holding the fort, style-wise.

What you need:

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu Billionaire businessman and politician, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, popularly called the ‘Abia lion,’ is a man of style. The former Abia State governor, who now appears more in the boardroom than at political rallies dressed in luxury signature navy blue suit and red tie, no doubt, is a fashion buff.

Donald Duke The former CrossRiver State governor, Donald Duke, can be said to be the definition of the word ‘dapper’. His sense of fashion remains as stylish and simple as ever.

Rotimi Amaechi Former Rivers State governor, now Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, is a man whose style speaks of class and panache. Amaechi, who was once spotted in an expensivelooking Louis Vuitton blazer at Ruth Osime’s 50th birthday party, seems to be currently favouring the oil-rich state’s traditional style.

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu The Jagaban of Borgu and Asiwaju of Lagos, Senator Bola Tinubu, is an epitome of style. The highly respected politician has his initials emblazoned on all his traditional caps.

Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala Former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao -Akala, is no doubt an over-the-top fashionable man. Known for his exquisite fashion sense and his love for solid gold rings, bracelets and neck chain, the former Oyato governor has really got swag!

Chief Daniel

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola The former number one citizen of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, fondly referred to as Oyin ni o!, is also one stylish man to keep up with. Always garbed in traditional attire, the Okuku Prince deserves two thumbs up for giving fashion its due whenever he steps out.

Gbenga

Fondly referred to as OGD or Ogidi omo, the former governor of Ogun State has a fashion swag. In his signature crispy white agbada worn with a smile that could literally light up a dark room, Ogidi Omo, even at his age, still gets it!

Steps

Senator (Chief) Godswill Akpabio Former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while in office favored navy blue suit, red tie and red pocket handkerchief.

Now a senator, he dazzles at the hallowed chamber with colourful Akwa Ibom attire and staff.

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20 August, 2016

T

HE Lagos State government, last week, promulgated a law banning land grabbers, popularly called Omo Onile, from its widely reproached notoriety in its vicinity.

For those who are not aware of its irritancy, land grabbers are a set of lawless miscreants who traverse every nook and cranny of the land looking for lands to devour. The wording of the law passed by the State House of Assembly, among others, is to the effect that a ten-year imprisonment awaits anyone who forcefully takes over a landed property that does not belong to them. Their modus operandi is recklessness, irreverence and they are unsparing of the law.

Anyone who has ever encountered an Omo Onile and its menace would never wish to have another.

They invade a land that does not belong to them, spin ludicrous yarn of how their fathers or forefathers held ownership of the property and proceed to take possession of same. This possession is done with a band of violent, arms-bearing and unruly youth who are obviously under the influence of drugs. They leave in their trails weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth and sometimes, death.

The Omo Onile has constituted a social threat to the wellbeing of society and deserves to be condemned and extirpated from the roots. This is why the Lagos State government needs the commendation of all of us for this proactive action. Apparently due to the intensity of its actions in Lagos and the nefariousness of its activities that have gained notoriety, there was the need for a government that understands the needs and yearnings of the people to take action against the Omo Oniles. And as such, the kudos to the Lagos government.

From the moment that the Land Use Act of 1978 was promulgated, the state governor and chairmen of local governments were given the powers to hold lands in trust for the people. This thus means that they have the powers to grant Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of O) to land owners who then have allodial ownership of lands. This has been flowing unhindered until the powers of government got whittled down by a combination of social and economic forces. Governments are losing their grips of the states and their running, so much that, aside the irritancies of their sirens, they have no singular respect from the people.

The agelong role of government to provide security for the people has gone to the dogs. This is where the problem lies.

This is what has led to the lionisation of miscreants

Saturday Tribune

Saturday With

ayinla mukaiba ayinlamukaiba@yahoo.com

The tragedy of Omo Onile

in society. The Omo Oniles are offshoots of the Area Boys who have been successfully incorporated into the political system of the Nigerian society. The miscreants are now part and parcel of the governance of states and local governments.

They have become instruments of violence that the political class has found to be an anvil of its operations in winning elections in the country. During elections, they are ceded part of the powers of state, to wit authority, violence and in many cases, money. Their brief is to hoodwink political opponents, run them out of town and suppress dissent to the political aspirations of their sponsors.

At the vortex of these violent powers are the road transport unions. They are exposed to daily money, have miniature powers and glory and are lionised to perform risky assignments on the cusp of drugs. They have at their beck and call a retinue of thugs, some of them active and dormant malefactors, drug users and armed robbers. They became really very useful for the political assignment.

In the process, the miscreants became lords of their own, Lords of the Manor, if you like, grandstanding and carrying on like societal panjandrum. Post-election, they

still assumed the powers, some of them going about with sirens. But after elections, they understandably lost a great chunk of the potency of their powers and state responsibilities. After elections, the governors shifted attention from election matters to other aspects and as such, the miscreants’ powers ebbed considerably. While the election phobia held and even thereafter, the miscreants easily transmogrified into Omo Oniles or barons of the illicit trade, transporting their violence and ill manner into this new offence.

They have led many into their untimely graves and have incapacitated so many. This is why Governor Akinwunmi Ambode deserves to be commended.

It is also clear from the above that the failure of government and the illicit camaraderie between runners of government and the miscreants is what is fattening the trade of land-grabbing.

The proactive posture of the Lagos government has now revealed the governance that is in abeyance in the adjoining states. Whether a continuation of their well-known scant regard for humanity or lack of proactive disposition, those miscreants who have been smoked out of Lagos have found comfortable nests in Oyo and Ogun states, especially in their capitals. They are cloning the menace and tears they hitherto inflicted on Lagos residents with reckless abandon. The states and their rulers are less bothered.

If you go to Ibadan, to places like Ajila, Are Egbeomo, Aro, Aba Ayo village, Akogi, Olosun area, Ashaka, Mekun area, Agbada, Alukoso, Manganna, Idi Ahun, Soka areas and many others, you will have an idea of the hues and cries of the people of the state which government is expected to address.

On the whole, while kudos goes to the Lagos government, other adjoining state governments must up their relevance. The counterpoise to this is self help and thus a reincarnation of the brigandage whose ghost is disappearing gradually.

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20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With Aunty Yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com

Challenges we may face in our new classes

1

1. Ayomide Olosunde, JSS

As for me, I think there may be a little challenge in choosing good friends in my new class.

Also, the work will be more complex. Adjusting to my new class schedule everyday will be another challenge but I know God will help me through.

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5

6

2. Deborah Adewale, Pry 6 I feel I will be faced with challenges that are tougher than the ones I faced in my previous class.

I will be exposed to new subjects, topics and classroom and teacher. But I believe that by God’s grace, I will cope since this is not the first time I will be promoted into a new class.

3. Ayanfeoluwa Olawuwo, Pry 6 One of the challenges I will be facing in my new class is meeting new classmates and also a new teacher who will guide me through subjects different from the ones I was taught in my former class. Another thing is that some of us will be faced with responsibilities as school prefects.

In addition to these, I will be writing the Common Entrance Examination in preparation for admission into the secondary school. I am praying that God will help me.

RIDDLES world. Who am I? 6. I have 28 days in a month.

Which month I am?

7. Find me who am I. I am the building with number stories.

4. Mary Babalola, Pry 6 Since I’ve been having promotions from one class to another, I’m used to facing new tasks differently just like we have in all aspects of life. Among what I consider challenges in my new class are speech writing, Spelling Bee library classes and extra lessons. All these require putting extra effort in order not to be left behind by my classmates. More importantly is the task of passing examinations.

5. Timilehin Oloje, Pry 6 I’m happy I was promoted to a new class, the last stage of the primary school but I know that I will have to be faced with new assignments. We have to come to school earlier than usual for morning lessons, do more homework, etc. Another responsibility is to become one of the prefects.

All these are challenges because I must not fail in any of it. I am confident that I will overcome them.

6. Babara Adedokun, Pry 6 Challenges are new things people come across everyday in life. In my new class one of the challenges I will face is that of Mathematics that will be tougher that in the lower classes. I will also have to associate with new friends.

8. Scientists are trying to find out what is between earth and heaven. Can you find me?

9. What is the word that is spelled incorrectly in all dictionaries?

ANSWERS 1. Post Office 2. What, Still, Occasionally, Later, Never, Happily 3. I’m a Riddle!!

4. I’m your brain!

5. Alphabet ‘C’ 6. All months in a year have 28 days and many have more than 28 days.

7. A Library 8. AND 9. Incorrectly

1. Find Me! I start with ‘P’ and end with ‘E’, but I have thousands of letters. Who am I? 2. What is a word comprise of 4 letters, stills is also made of 5.

Occasionally written with 12 letters and later with 5. Never written with 5 but happily with 7.

3. When you do know me about me, them I am definitely something. You will always search for me. But when you know me, I am nothing. Who am I? 4. I have all the knowledge you have. But I am small as your fist that your hands can hold me.

Who am I? 5. I am the biggest alphabet, as I contain the most water in the

1

BI RT HD AY

2

a r t O O n

PROMISE ANJOLAOLUWA AFOLABI clocked recently.

1

Puzzle

3

C

How many object can you count in the picture below

13

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

food&drink

Fried potatoes and shrimp sauce Treat your kids to this

mouthwatering

meal

Have your children stopped lurking around your kitchen eager to have their share of what is coming from it?

Do you desire bringing the shine back to their faces at the aroma of your tasty and sumptuous meals?

Why don’t you treat them, this holiday, to a delicious meal of fried potatoes and shrimp sauce? Aside its colourful presentation, the health benefits can never be overemphasised. TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE describes how best this finger-linking meal can be prepared.

Shrimp and vegetable sauce

Fried potatoes Ingredients 3 big potatoes 4 spoonful butter 1 cup vegetable oil 1teaspoon salt 1teaspoon pepper (optional) Method Wash potatoes and peel back Cut potatoes into small cube-like shapes Parboil potatoes chunks-this ensures thorough cooking when fried Add butter and vegetable oil to frying pan or skillet and heat Place a layer of cube potatoes into pan Fry for four to five minutes Turn over gently once or twice while frying with a spatula or fish slice When all sides turn golden, the pota-

toes are ready Use slotted spoon or tongs to remove fried potatoes from pan Drain on a kitchen towel Sprinkle with salt and pepper Serve

Ingredients 2 cups of fresh cleansed shrimps 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup vegetable oil Sliced onions 2 sliced bell pepper 2 sliced tomatoes Sliced fresh spinach 1 seasoning cube 1 tablespoon water 1tablespoon flour

Method Season shrimps with salt and set aside Heat oil and pour in onions and fry for three minutes Add in tomatoes, pepper and spinach Simmer and cover for two to three minutes Add in the shrimp, seasoning, thyme and salt Simmer for another two to three minutes Serve

14

20 August, 2016

achievers

With Seyi Gesinde 0811 695 4632 onlineeditor@tribune.com.ng

People see Nigeria when they see me —Dayo Nigeria Adedayo Adeniyi is a Mandela Washington Fellow and a member of Barack Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) network.

He shares his experience at the just concluded leadership training and tour in the US with RONKE SANYA in this interview, revealing his undying love and hope for Nigeria.

Tell us about yourself I attended St Clare’s Nursery and Primary School, Isale-Aro, Osogbo, Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Our Lady and St Francis Catholic College, Isale-Aro, Osogbo and GOF International College. I am a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, where I studied English and Literary Studies. The quest for ideal leadership got me to start Matadors Leadership Institute where we define leadership as service rendered and not titles. I am also the initiator of #TellYourNaijaStory, an online campaign created to showcase the beauty of Nigeria through profiling the giant strides of young people who are changing the world through their projects. I believe this is necessary because foreign media only paint the picture of doom and gloom about us and the best people to retell the story are Nigerians.

One of the criteria for being chosen to participate in Mandela Washington Fellowship program is that the chosen participant must have been involved in some leadership activities in his or her immediate environment.

What are those leadership activities that you were recognised for?

I may not be able to identify one in particular because I have been involved at different levels, both religious and secular and in and out of school. However, I am always proud of the fact that every day I wake up, it is with a desire to contribute positively to

back having experienced the serenity of American communities?

It was mixed emotions for me. What I experienced wasn’t really America’s serenity, but the beauty of humanity through the individuals who made themselves available to offer support just to ensure we had a productive stay in the USA. The faculty members of my host Institution at Staley School of Leadership Studies were really amazing and the community members opened their doors for us all. It was sad to say goodbye to them.

On the other hand, I was eager to come back home because I had missed being involved on the home front contributing my quota to nation building.

You had the opportunity of interacting with the President of USA, Barack Obama, how will you describe him?

Honestly I must say I was humbled and emotional when he stepped in because it is just a fulfillment of the scripture that says ‘seest thou a man diligent in his ways, he shall stand before kings and not mean men.’

On the other hand, I was thrilled by the simplicity I saw in him and his blunt responses to certain questions and requests.

These are not qualities we see everyday in Nigeria where you have more rulers in the corridors of power without any desire to truly lead.

W

HAT inspired the name Dayo Nigeria?

During my days as an undergraduate, I initiated quite a number of projects to show people how we could all be involved in building a Nigeria where everyone would proudly call themselves Nigerians. So back then, my clothes were branded in the national colours. Then, people started calling me ‘Dayo Nigeria’. So when I decided to brand myself, I chose to go with that brand name as a way of also showing how proud I am to be a Nigerian, even when things don’t look like it.

This is who I am and nothing can change it, people see Nigeria when they see me.

Nigeria is just a combination of letters; it becomes something visible when they see the ones who are called Nigerians. It is also my way of letting God know that I am proud of who He has called me to be and that I will be faithful in my assignment in the garden (Nigeria) He has given me to tend.

Saturday Tribune

humanity and my country and you cannot claim to love your country when you are not interested in the plight of the people in the country. Every activity of Dayo Nigeria is deliberately designed not just to consciously address the issue of leadership or self-development, but also to get more people involved in thinking for change. I am very proud of what my team members and I do with Matadors Leadership Institute and Tell Your Naija Story. I must say that all the people who have been with me on this journey are there on a volunteer basis because we are the ones who fund our projects. Without a genuine passion to see a better society, this can never happen.

Were you surprised when you got to know that you have been selected? And how did you feel?

I was not really surprised, I was excited that at least the combination of efforts of me and my team members is finally appreciated. It was not just for me or my team members, but for every young Nigerian who despite all the challenges we face still understand that we are the ones who can make the change happen and the country is ours to build, because it shows that as long as we commit to living out the right values and doing the right things, recognition will come, although recognition should not be the motive for us doing what we do.

What was the experience like in the U.S? It was a great experience for me because it gave me an opportunity to learn different models in comparison to the models I had always used. It also made me appreciate the fighting spirit of young Nigerians and by extension Africans who dream and work for a better society. I was able to tell the story of every young Nigerian who would not just criticise but also think for solutions and how to ensure that through personal sacrifice, the solution is implemented on a daily basis and become the energy and inspiration other young people need to be involved in the process as well.

When the programme was approaching its end and it was time for you to start coming back to Nigeria, did you feel sad that you are coming

Aside the academic activities, what other extracurricular activity did you participate in during the program me?

I had the opportunity of volunteering at different local and international organisations and we also had the honour of enlightening Americans on the cultural values of different countries in Africa through an ‘Africulture’ event we held.

I also met young people from different countries but bound by the same thing, desire and passion to work for a better society. I met amazing youths sacrificing so much in different fields just to see their various countries achieve a lot more.

I found a new home in the city of Manhattan as well because I related well with the city and the people also related well with me. It is therefore not surprising that the city gave a certificate of commendation when I was leaving.

What message do you have for Nigerian youths like you who are also involved in various leadership activities in their respective communities but have not been lucky to be recognised?

The message is simple, if you ever want to think of giving up remember your children and the kind of life you want for them. My main motivation in doing what I do is not because of motivation, it is because I want my children to enjoy a better life, I want generations that are not yet born have access to basic facilities that we didn’t have access to.

Now is our time to start building the right structures that would give room for the genuine leaders to thrive. If we don’t do it, no one will do it for us.

15

20 August, 2016

health&fitness

Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639

W

HY it’s a common problem It’s not your imagination. Kids can get a lot of ear infections. In fact, five out of six children will have at least one by their third birthday. Why? Their immune systems are immature, and their little ears don’t drain as well as adults’ ears do.

Swimmer’s ear It’s an infection in the outer ear that usually happens when the ear stays wet long enough to breed germs. But even if your kid hasn’t been swimming, a scratch from something like a cotton swab (or who knows what they stick in there?) can cause trouble. Watch out if your child’s ear gets itchy or hurts when you touch it. The answer is usually medicated drops and keeping ears dry.

How doctors diagnose ear infections The only way to know for sure if your child has one is for a doctor to look inside her ear with a tool called an otoscope, a tiny flashlight with a magnifying lens. A healthy eardrum looks sort of clear and pinkish-gray. An infected one looks red and swollen.

An inside look The Eustachian tube is a canal that connects your middle ear to your throat. It keeps fluid and air pressure from building up inside your ear. Colds, the flu, and allergies can irritate it and make it swell up.

Fluid in the ear If the Eustachian tube gets blocked, fluid builds up inside your child’s middle ear.

This makes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, which cause infections. Your doctor may look inside your child’s ear with an otoscope, which can blow a puff of air to make his eardrum vibrate. If it doesn’t move as much as it should, chances are there’s fluid inside.

Bursting an eardrum If too much fluid or pressure builds up inside the middle ear, the eardrum can actually burst. If that happens, you may see yellow, brown, or white fluid draining from your child’s ear. It sounds scary, but the eardrum usually heals itself in a couple of weeks. Unless it happens a lot, your child’s hearing should be fine.

Ear infection symptoms The main warning sign is sharp pain.

Your child may be more uncomfortable lying down, so he might have a hard time sleeping. Other problems to look for: Trouble hearing Fever Fluid oozing from ears Dizziness Stuffy nose Ear infection symptoms: Babies These infections can be sneaky with babies or children who are too young to tell you what hurts. A lot of times they’ll start tugging or pulling on an

Anatomy of an ear infection

ear. Little kids can also just get cranky, have trouble sleeping, or not eat well.

Babies may push their bottles away because pressure in their ears makes it hurt to swallow.

Home care While the immune system fights the ear infection, you can ease any pain your child feels. A warm washcloth on the outside of the ear can be soothing.

Ear drops can give quick relief, but check with your doctor before you use them. Non-prescription painkillers and fever-reducers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are also an option. Do not give aspirin to children.

Antibiotics Ear infections often go away on their own, so don’t be surprised if your doctor suggests a “wait and see” approach. The more we use antibiotics, the less effective they become. That’s because bacteria learn to fight back against common medicines.

Viruses can also cause ear infections, and antibiotics only work on bacteria. Yes, the drugs can help, but your doctor will know best when to use them.

Complications If your child’s ear infections keep coming back, they can scar his eardrums and lead to hearing loss, speech problems, or even meningitis. If he has lots of them, you might want to have his hearing tested just in case.

Ear tubes For kids who get a lot of ear infections, doctors sometimes put small tubes through the eardrums. They let fluid drain out of the middle ear and stop it from building up again. This can ease the pressure or pain and clear up hearing problems. The tubes usually stay in for eight

A healthy eardrum looks sort of clear and pinkish-gray. An infected one looks red and swollen.

to 18 months and fall out on their own.

Tonsils can be the cause Sometimes a child’s tonsils get so swollen that they put pressure on the Eustachian tubes that connect her middle ear to her throat -- which then causes infections. If that keeps happening, she may need to have her tonsils taken out.

Tips to prevent infections The biggest cause of middle ear infections is the common cold, so avoid cold viruses as much as you can. The best way to stop germs is to make sure your child washes her hands well and often. Also, keep your child away from secondhand smoke, get her a flu shot every year, and breastfeed your baby for at least six months to boost her immune system.

Allergies and ear infections Like colds, allergies can also irritate the Eustachian tube and lead to middle ear infections. If you can’t keep your child away from whatever’s bothering him, consider an allergy test to figure out his triggers. Medicine or allergy shots may offer relief and stop the infections, too.

Culled from www.webmd.com

16 healthandfitness

Boils in my private part

PLEASE doctor. Kindly tell me the cause of boils in one’s private part.

Chika (by SMS) Vaginal boils can happen a number of ways. Generally when a staph bacteria travels down a hair follicle and infects the pour is the most typical cause of any boil outbreak. However those that shave their genital regions can also have a high chance of contracting a vaginal boil. This is because an ingrown hair can

become infected, or the infection can come from using a dirty public toilet.

This is why washing your hands is so important, because you can come in contact with staph bacteria with your hands and

spread that bacteria to other places on the body.

Good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself from these unseen and sometimes invisible risks for boil outbreaks. It is also a good idea to check your Fasting Blood Sugar in order to rule out the possibilities of diabetes which can also show as boils. A swab of the contents of the boil should be done for laboratory test in order to determine the correct antibiotics to use.

My vaginal discharge I have been having creamy discharge from my vagina with some itching since I was 13 years old. The itching stopped at age 16 but the discharge has continued since then. I don’t know if this is normal.

Kindly advise me Ifeolu (by SMS)

While some light discharge from the vagina may be considered normal, a creamy long standing discharge requires urgent attention. My advice will be for you to see a doctor who will send a sample of your discharge for labor-

My daughter’s poor growth MY daughter is 20 months old but still looks very small.

Please what can I do?

Seye (by SMS) Normal growth is the result of several factors, such as nutrition, genetics, and hormones. Growth failure can run in a family because some children with short stature usually have parents with short

stature. In addition, malnutrition is a common cause of growth failure and is usually poverty-related.

When children do not have access to good food, they usually don’t grow well.

Another possible cause of poor growth is inadequate amount of hormones, especially thyroid hormone which is also called growth hormone. Thyroid hormone

Dr. Wale Okediran 08055069356 (sms only)

waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

I have pains in my feet

I am 31 years old. I have pains in both feet every morning. In addition, If I sit or stand, my left leg swells up. Kindly tell me what to do.

Maria (by SMS) From your complaints, you are likely to have a case of inflammation of your bone joints beginning from your hips to your knees and other bones. This is called arthritis. Although this condition

is usually more common in the aged, it can also occur in the young when a faulty

immune system attacks the patient’s body (auto immune causes). This again can be a result of factors such as genetics, the environment and hormones. A proper examination involving Blood tests and X-rays will be required.

Meanwhile, the use of anti inflammatory drugs which can be accessed from any reputable pharmacy as well as daily exercises such as walking are suggested.

I still see my menses at 60

atory test and appropriate treatment. is necessary for normal growth. In children with hypothyroidism, growth is extremely slow. With all the above possibilities, it will be a good idea for you to take your daughter to a specialist or teaching hospital where a proper examination and series of tests would confirm the actual cause of her ailment and the necessary treatment.

AT an age my agemates have ceased having their menses, I still see mine.

Even though it is not as bright as it used to be before, the menses come for about three days every month. Kindly let me know what I should do.

Paulina (by SMS) Although there is no ‘normal’ time to begin menopause, most women begin menopause in their mid-40s to mid-50s.

Some possible causes of late-onset menopause include obesity, abnormally high levels of es-

trogen, or a thyroid disorder. Late menopause isn’t uncommon among obese women because fat can produce estrogen.

Thyroid disorders can also disrupt the timing of menopause, causing it to be early or late. The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism.

If the thyroid isn’t working properly, it can have a number of effects on a woman’s reproductive system. Some symptoms of a thyroid disorder are similar to menopause, including hot flashes and mood swings. This can

W

ORLD Heart Organization says more than 80% of cardiovascular death from stroke, heart attack and diabetic complications can be prevented by healthy lifestyle changes. It appears people choose which lifestyle measures to follow; many people are on the street jogging or trekking, in the gym doing one form of exercise or the other, but very few are still mindful of what they eat.

While the controversy about red meat and cholesterol ranges on, for body make up and energy, protein consumption is expedient. Plant protein is generally preferred to animal protein but all of us don’t have to be vegetarian. Another good source of animal protein that is heart friendly is fish.

The consumption of fish, fish oils and n-3 PUFA is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Fish contains unsaturated fatty acids, which, when substituted for saturated fatty acids such as those in meat, may lower your cholesterol. But the main beneficial nutrient appears to be omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid that may reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation in the body can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart disease and strokes.

Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease triglycerides, lower blood pressure slightly, reduce blood clotting, decrease stroke and heart failure risk and reduce irregular heartbeats. Eating at least one to two servings a week of fish, particularly fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly sudden cardiac death.

While the policies on diet change from one country to another, the benefits of fish oil cannot be overemphasised. Fish and fish oil can help prevent cardiovascular death and still serve as ‘meat’ for the nonvegetarians.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times (two servings) a week. Darker fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing omega-3 fatty acid consumption through foods is preferable. However, those with coronary artery disease may not get

Saturday Tribune

20 August, 2016

lead a woman to believe she might be experiencing menopause. A woman can also experience late-onset menopause if she has abnormally high levels of estrogen throughout her lifetime. In addition, family history plays a big role in late menopause.

For example, if a woman’s mother experienced late-onset menopause, she may also experience it. Finally, because of the high possibility of cancer of the womb, it is important for a case of late menopause to be seen by a doctor for proper assessment.

Dr. Abiodun Adeoye adeoyemoshood@yahoo.com

08056564360, 08072000017 (sms only)

Fish oil and the heart especially the kidney.

The food and drug control authorities said that pregnant women should not eat some kinds of fish, king mackerel being one of them; because of the risk of mercury toxicity to the fetus.

Other sources of omega-3 fatty acid supplements Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients appears to provide more heart-healthy benefits than taking capsule supplements. Other nonfish food options that do contain some omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts, canola oil, soybeans and soybean oil. However, similar to supplements, the evidence of heart-healthy benefits from eating these foods isn’t as strong as it is from eating fish. enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may have to supplement with omega - H3 capsules under the supervision of their physician. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.

As nice as the consumption of fish is, some types of fish may contain high levels of mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxins and other environmental contaminants that are injurious to our health. Older, larger and predatory fish and marine animals are high in mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish or shellfish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tile fish because they contain high levels of mercury.High level of mercury in the system is dangerous, please be selective on the type of fish you eat.

Mercury toxicity can damage other organs in the body,

What is the best way to process my fish?

Boiled or cooked fish is better than the fried ones.

Everyone should be encouraged to avoid smoked food.

Unconfirmed report has linked smoked food to cancers, including smoked fish. More so that there are conflicting studies on the link between excessive consumption of fish oil with prostate cancer. If you love smoked fish, please be moderate in consumption and thoroughly wash off the carbons in the process.

If individuals take the information regarding fish oil to “heart,” we are very likely to see a drastic reduction in cardiovascular death. Buy the fish you can afford. Let us encourage fish farming in our homes as peasant farmers. ‘To obey is better than sacrifice’.

Till next week, maintain a healthy heart.

17

20 August, 2016

Divorce

Court & Crime

He made me drink his urine and has been beating me from Day 1 Stories by Oyeyemi Okunlade with Agency Report

A

29-year-old trader, Taiwo Ayoade, has appealed to the Inalende customary court sitting at Inalende, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State, to dissolve the one-year and a few months marriage between her and her husband, Olusola Ayoade, over constant beating, which started on their wedding day in April 2015.

She also accused her husband of misbehaving each time he smokes marijuana.

According to Taiwo, she’s tired of his several beatings and that was why she filed a divorce suit against him.

“One day, I went to the church with my younger sister and came back at 2:30pm. On getting home, I already knew from his countenance that he was angry. Not taking into consideration that I had just come into the house, he requested for his food. I told him I was sorry for the delay. As if it was wrong

to have said ‘sorry,’ he slapped me three times. Not minding his action, I headed for the kitchen. As I began the cooking, he moved towards me and beat me to the extent that I had bruises all over my body and was bleeding until a neighbour came to my rescue,” she told the court.

Taiwo told the court that she had reported the case to Olusola’s brother because his father is late, saying the only statement his mother uttered was that she should try to endure.

The court asked if Taiwo could state a reason why her husband developed the habit of beating her.

She replied, “because he

inside

Saturday Tribune

saw my ‘best lady’s’ man friend on our wedding day.”

Taiwo further told the court that Olusola smokes hemp and that anytime he does that, he would lock her up in the room and beat her.

“There was a day he urinated in one of our water jugs and asked me to drink it,” she said.

The court further asked if she did. In response, Taiwo replied “Yes, I drank it.”

President of the court, Mr Olafenwa Ramoni, in his ruling, dissolved the marriage, saying it was clear that the love between Taiwo and Olusola Ayoade has broken down beyond repair. However, a copy of the judgement is to be given to the defendant, Olusola while both parties go separate their ways in peace.

She dates different men, including See pages 18 & 23 our pastor —Husband I’m not dating him, he’s only my spiritual father —Wife

‘Help me collect my N189, 000 since she’s not ready to marry me’ I only collected N 50,000 from him —Woman

AN Omu-Aran area court in Kwara State has ordered a trader, Dupe Rotimi, 35, to refund N100,000 for failing to honour a marriage-contract with a driver, Ezekiel Aremu.

Ezekiel, 65, of Ile Oba in Idofin Ayekale, had on April 25 petitioned the court, asking it to collect N189, 000 from Dupe being the amount he allegedly expended on Rotimi during their courtship.

He had in the petition accused Dupe of refusing to marry him and also failed to refund the money incurred on her.

Aremu told the court that his search for a new wife after the death of his first wife had prompted a marriage contract between him and Rotimi through her friend called Taiye.

“I met her through her friend and a marriage contract was sealed and I have been taking care of her financial and domestic needs since.

“This is in respect of her feeding, house rent, businesses, children school fees and others.

“But to my surprise, she reneged on her earlier promise to marry me and even failed to honour the undertaking to refund my expenses,” he said.

Aremu had tendered a written undertaking signed by Dupe as well as a written record of expenses incurred as exhibit.

He had also called five witnesses as against Dupe’s two to corroborate his evidence before the court.

Dupe, who in her response acknowledged instituting a marriage contract with Aremu, however, admitted collecting only N50, 000 from him.

She said that she spent the amount to take care of herself after undergoing an abortion.

The judge, Mr Abolade Banigbe, in his ruling, admitted that a marriage contract once existed between the parties.

“After the court’s careful perusal of their evidence and those of the witnesses, there was monetary and transaction of goods between the parties.

“Going by the facts before me, the evidence of the plaintiff corroborated those of his witnesses, while those of the defendant were in contrast with hers.

“Although, it is a law that not every expense incurred on a lady is recoverable, what is most important here is corroboration in the evidence given.

“I want to believe that the defendant in this case is a liar and she likes duping people of their properties.

“It is hereby ordered that the defendant should pay N100, 000 to the plaintiff while 10 per cent be deducted to state government’s coffers,” Banigbe said.

18

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Saturday Tribune

23

courtandcrime

She dates different men, including our pastor —Husband

I’m not dating him, he’s only my spiritual father —Wife Stories by Ayomide Owonibi-Odekanyin, Olayemi Okunlade with Agency reports

A

49-year-old businessman, Mr Andrew Ndubisi, has prayed an Igando customary court in Lagos State to dissolve his marriage to his wife, Saraphina, allegedly to be promiscuous.

“My wife is promiscuous, she dates different men,” Ndubisi told the court.

He also accused his wife who had a daughter for him in their four-year marriage of adultery.

“My wife is a flirt, she dates different men. I have caught her on several occasions with some of her lovers.

“She is also having an illegal affair with our pastor.

“I got to know when her cell phone rang and she left our room to receive it.

“I trailed her behind without her knowing and l eavesdropped; she ended the call with, ‘I love you’.

“When she returned, I secretly copied the number unknown to her and saved it on my cell phone.

“When I dialed the number on my cell phone, it was our pastor’s name that appeared on its screen,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the petitioner also said that his wife was secretive as she had had two previous children for two other men before they were married.

Andrew said she failed to bring it to his knowledge.

“My wife had two boys from two men but did not tell me before we married.

“After our marriage, she brought them to live with us and I was paying their school fees,” he added.

He said that Saraphina was too demanding, adding that despite the fact that he was always meeting her needs, she would was in the habit of stealing his money.

“She once absconded with my daughter to an unknown destination and demanded N30,000 from me before she returned with her.

“I had to send her the money,” he told the court.

He urged the court to dissolve the marriage, alleging that his wife could infect him with sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV due to her adulterous acts.

Saraphina, 42, also a businesswoman, however, denied all the allegations, saying that instead she had been faithful to her husband.

“I have been faithful to my husband since we got married. I am not dating our pastor, he is just a spiritual father to me,” she said.

She told the court that her husband was hot tempered and was always beating her.

“My husband was always beating me at any slightest provocation; I had suffered injuries in my eyes on three occasions from his beatings.

“He once stripped me naked in public and beat the hell out of me.

“There was a day he beat and pushed me down from the staircase and l lost my two-month-old pregnancy.”

She said that her husband also had three children from different women.

It was my husband, Andrew that sent her packing from our matrimonial home after he had threatened to kill me.

“I left his house with my daughter then. He later begged me to return which I did and he forcefully snatched my baby from me.

“Up till today, I have not set my eyes on my daughter,” she said.

President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, adjourned the case till August 23 for hearing.

He prefers going to public places to disgrace me,wife tells court It is true that I used to correct her in the public —Husband

An independent Sharia court sitting at Ojaoba in Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved an 11-year-old marriage over the husband’s constant molestation of the wife.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the housewife, Kudirat Shitu, had alleged that her husband, Taoheed, was in the habit of constantly molesting and victimising her in public.

In his judgement, the court’s president, Sheikh Hamad Tirimisiyu, held that all efforts by the court to amicably resolve the disagreement in consonance with Islamic laws failed.

Consequently, the court granted the applicant’s application and ordered her to refund the N1, 200 bride price because she requested for the divorce.

The court awarded custody of the first two grown up children to the husband, while Kudirat was asked to take custody of the last two.

Tirimisiyu ordered Taoheed to pay N9,000 monthly feeding allowance for the upkeep of the two children with her.

In her petition, Kudirat said Taoheed brought her under his bondage in 2005 when he forcibly impregnated her.

“As a result, I had four children with him and this brought me hardship and agony.

“To say the least, victimisation and molestation have the order of the day since marrying him.

“Rather than correcting me within our living room, Taoheed preferred going to the public places to disgrace me.

“In addition to this, he does not make any provision for my feeding and the four children, but prevents people who want to render any assistance from doing so.

“Worse still, he does not hesitate to turn me into a punching bag anytime he has the opportunity of doing so.

“In fact, clothing our nakedness is a tall order for him because he is a jobless man.

“My lord, I want to be released from his bondage,” Kudirat pleaded with the court.

Taoheed, in his defence, denied allegation of irresponsibility, saying that he provided for the family within his limited resources.

He testified that, “Kudirat is such a disobedient wife who had no regard for instructions.

“It is true that I used to correct her in the public, but that is when I would have done everything possible in the room to correct her.

I’ve never seen a more violent man than my husband —Wife No, she’s the one that beats me all the time —Husband A Lagos food vendor’s 10-year-old marriage has finally hit the rocks following failed attempts by the court to reconcile the couple.

An Alimosho customary court sitting in Lagos State has pronounced the loveless union between Bridget and her estranged husband, David Moses dissolved over the wife’s allegation of threats to her life by her husband.

Delivering her judgement, the court’s president, Alhaja S.O. Mumuni, said it appeared that the estranged couple was tired of the marriage and all efforts to reconcile them had failed.

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

“The marriage between Mrs Bridget Moses and David Moses is hereby dissolved from today in accordance with the Lagos State Customary Law, 2013.

“Both parties are no longer husband and wife; they are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance or molestation.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Bridget, 39, had approached the court to end her 10-year-old marriage over persistent threats to her life.

“My husband always strangled me whenever he was fighting me, there was a day he hanged me by the neck.

“I was dangling but for the quick intervention of our neighbours who rushed to our room to rescue me.

“I was unconscious for about 20 minutes, my husband is a

She knows she’s guilty of adultery hence her divorce suit —Husband

Nobody takes oath in their village and remain the same after —Wife Responding to a divorce suit filed by his wife, a 41-year-old man, James Omale, has told an Igando customary court that his wife must go to his village and swear to an oath to prove her fidelity.

Omale, who is self-employed, told the court that he believes his wife knows that she is guilty that was why she does not want to swear to an oath.

His wife, Yetunde, had filed the divorce suit to end her two-year-old marriage.

“My wife knows that she is guilty of adultery, that is why she is afraid to go to my village to swear.

“She left her matrimonial home for a month to an unknown destination. In my tradition, when a woman leaves her matrimonial home and wants to come back, she must first go to our village to swear that no man has slept with her.

“My wife left my house without my consent and when she returned, she refused to go to my village, instead she rushed to court to ask for divorce,” he told the court.

He described his wife as an ingrate. “I sponsored Yetunde from her 100 level to final year. After her graduation, I lost my banking job and she told me she was not interested in the marriage again.”

But his wife Yetunde told the court that her husband asked her to go to his village to make sacrifice.

According to Yetunde, her husband told her to travel to his village in Benue State to make sacrifice and swear to an oath to prove that no other man had slept with her.

“He tells me that he always sees a man making love to me in his dream. His elder brother is a herbalist and his wife is currently mad, while his second brother’s wife has been sick for years without solution.

“They cast spell on the wife of his other elder brother who is now a prostitute. I will never be a victim of their evil plan,” she said.

“My husband always leaves the house without my knowledge and he will never care to call me. Because of his bad behaviour, I went to stay in my parents’ house.”

The petitioner urged the court to dissolve the marriage because she was no longer in love with the husband.

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

Anytime he wants to beat me, he first of all locks the door —Wife ‘We’ve settled at home, I don’t know why she still came to court’ A 26-year-old housewife, Khadijat Hussaini, has told a Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State that her husband is in the habit of beating her at the slightest disagreement.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Khadijat of Anguwan Katsinawa, Mararaba, had urged the court to dissolve her seven-year-old marriage to her husband, Usman Ango, for alleged lack of love and peace.

She told the court that since the inception of their marriage, the respondent has been in the habit of beating her frequently.

According to her, the respondent does not act as a husband that has two wives and hardly shares responsibility among his wives.

She said that recently, the respondent beat her silly, to

the extent that he locked her up and it was his mother that ordered him to open the door.

The petitioner said although their marriage was blessed with three children she would love the marriage dissolved.

The presiding officer, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, asked Ango if he agreed with his wife’s request, but he said no.

Ango told the court that the matter had been settled at home and did not know why his wife still insisted on bringing the matter to court.

She said that in spite of their family’s intervention, Ango had not stopped beating her.

Shekarau asked the couple to come with their parents to the court on the next adjournment day and adjourned the case till August 24 for hearing.

very violent man, he beat me up at the slightest provocation,” she told the court.

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

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

“He also owed our landlord three years’ rent and the landlord threw out our property at about 9.00 p.m.

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

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

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

However, Moses, 47, a labourer, who did not object to the dissolution of the marriage, denied all the wife’s allegations.

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

“My wife beat me regularly, all the scars on my body are as a result of her constant battering.’’

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

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

My husband is a chronic and incurable flirt —Wife After five years of unresolved marital crises, an Alimosho customary court in Lagos State has dissolved the marriage between Fausat Umar and her husband, Abudu, over infidelity.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),

He told me he’s no longer in love with me —Wife

After several adjournments for the parties to resolve their differences but without any success, a Mokola Grade ‘C’ customary court, sitting at Inalende, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved the six-year-old marriage between Ayoade Titilope and her husband, Adesina Segun. According to the plaintiff, Ayoade Titilope, at the time of the court action, the marriage was yet to produce a child.

The plaintiff said that they ususally returned home late and had no time to have sexual intercourse. “Each time I showed my displeasure about his denial, he would tell me that he was tired,” she told the court.

Titilope also informed the court that in September 2010, she got appointment as a PTA teacher at the School of Science, Oyo, but that her husband, ordered her to resign or she would have to follow him to the shop first thing every morning before going to the school.

“My husband was dealing with me as if I was a servant. I had no time to cook and he also starved me of the care I deserved. He also disagreed when I suggested we employ sales girls,” she said.

“I discovered that Kudirat had been tarnishing my image before all sorts of people and she’s such a troublesome woman.

“She fought with a landlord’s daughter and seriously injured her, and I paid heavily for it in the hospital and for her not to be jailed,” Shitu told the court.

When Titilope got to know that her husband was having extramarital affairs with another woman, she said she asked her husband what she had done wrongly to deserve such treatment.

She said her husband simply said: “I do not love you and I want you to know.”

On that basis, Titilope told the court that she packed out of the house but Segun prevailed on her through their pastor.

In May 2012, the plaintiff told the court that her husband again came home with another lady and she said she begged him to desist from this way of life. According to her, instead of feeling remorseful, that he repeated the statement he uttered the first time she saw another woman with him.

“He told me that as long as he set his eyes on me, he hated me and he brought out a knife with which he sent me out of the house.

The following day, according to Titilope, he went to the police station to report that she stole his money and since then, he stopped asking after her.

“On February 5, 2015, I went to hear from him for the last time about our union but he said he didn’t need me anymore because he had married another woman of his choice. It was when he told me that I could take a legal action,” she told the court.

The court asked if Titilope informed Segun’s parents of his misbehaviour, she responded that she reported to his mother twice but that he was not having sex with her but she was surprised the second time when Segun’s mother told her that her son told her that he had divorced her. Titilope told the court that she later discovered that Segun’s mother did not support their marriage from the outset.

President of the court, Mr Olafenwa Ramoni, in dissolving the marriage said, “having gone through the evidence of the plaintiff, more so that the defendant has been absent deliberately since the case was brought before the court, it is evident that there is no more love between both parties. The court rules thus: The marriage between the plaintiff and the defendant, contracted about six years ago, is hereby dissolved. Both parties are hereby ordered to keep the peace, while a copy of this judgement should be served on the defendant through the court’s bailiff.”

president of the court, Alhaja S.O Mumuni, in her judgement, said that it was obvious from available testimony and the respondent’s refusal to appear in court that the marriage had hit the rocks.

“Throughout the duration of this case, the respondent refused to honour court processes. Therefore, the court has no other choice but to dissolve the marriage.

“The marriage between Fausat Umar and her husband, Abudu Umar, is hereby dissolved from today in accordance with the Lagos State Customary Law, 2013, Cap.19.

“Both parties are no longer husband and wife, they are free to marry any partner of their choice, without any hindrances and molestation,” she said.

Fausat, 35, businesswoman, had approached the court to end her five-year-old barren marriage, claiming that her husband was a chronic and incurable flirt.

She accused her husband, Abudu, who had failed to appear in court after being summoned several times over adultery.

“My husband is a flirt, he runs after anything in skirt. In fact, he is addicted to women. He always behaves as if he was cursed.

“I am always afraid to travel because if I travel, my husband will bring women of different sizes and colours into our matrimonial home.

“On many occasions, I have met women in my bedroom and they will even be threatening me to leave my husband for them.

“He always received series of love text messages and calls from his lovers at odd hours.

“Anytime I confronted him with those text messages, he always told me to leave if I could not accommodate them,” she alleged.

The petitioner said that she packed out from her husband’s house on March 11, 2015 due to his “shameless attitude.”

“I packed out of my matrimonial home last year March and that very day, one of his girlfriends packed in,” she alleged.

According to her, her husband doesn’t care for her, he only cares and sends money to his lovers.

She, therefore, pleaded with the court to dissolve her marriage.

19

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Weekend Lagos Editor Lanre Adewole m: 0811 695 4637

e: olanreade@yahoo.com

Lagos’ homes of infections

•Pay N50, get diseases •Inside Oshodi, Ikeja, Ebute Metta toilets The dream of turning Lagos into a megacity appears to be fast becoming a reality with significant improvements being carried out on many of the state’s existing public infrastructure and the construction of new ones. However, the current deplorable state of many of Lagos’ public toilets tells a different story, and somehow appears as the albatross of a dream. Saturday Tribune team, comprising TOLA ADENUBI, CHUKWUMA OKPARAOCHA, NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA and ELLIOT OVADJE, writes.

M

any things are currently giving way for the realisation of the megacity status of Lagos State which its government so much cherishes. Thus, shops and trading zones are currently giving way for mega bus termini as recently done at Iyana Oworo area, while houses and markets are known to have been demolished for the construction and expansion of infrastructural amenities and mega shopping complexes, among others.

However, the current state of public toilets in Lagos State, particularly the mobile ones, in recent years seems to tell a different story entirely, and as suggested in some quarters, the situation paints the picture of a city that is still light years away from attaining a true megacity status.

Some of the public toilets scattered across the state come in different sizes and shapes, but they have all been suggestively classified as the “homes of toilet infections.” Thus, from Oyingbo to Oshodi, and from Agege to Ikeja Along, these public toilets are believed to have caused many unsuspecting victims varying degrees of discomfort and medical ailments.

EBUTE-METTA TOILETS When Saturday Tribune visited the popular EbuteMetta area to ascertain the condition of many of the toilets there, it was discovered that while some toilet operators still use pit toilets for their “customers,” those using the water closet type appear to care less about disinfecting their toilets daily, which, as later gathered, fetch them reasonable amount of money daily.

A visit to Arewa, a popular community in Iddo area and close to the ever busy Oyingbo, revealed a community that is littered with numerous public toilets that are in a very sorry state. Based on physical observations, the public toilets in Arewa, which is a community largely dominated by people of Hausa/Fulani extraction, reek of years of poor management and decay as evident in the abundance of maggots that could be seen wriggling their slimmy bodies in and out of various chambers of the toilets there.

In Lagos, sex toys everywhere!

When one of Saturday Tribune’s reporters pretended to want to use one of the maggot-infested facilities, all the reporter was given to clean himself with and also clean up every trace of his mess was a small bowl, no bigger than a primary school pupil’s lunch plate, with some water in it.

On getting inside the toilet and shutting the door, our reporter discovered that the toilet was a pit toilet, with maggot streaming from one end to the other. Naturally, their point of emergence was the toilet’s hole, which was merely a few inches away from its tank that was almost full of human waste. After the reporter’s phantom defecation, he was asked to pay N50 for the facilities used.

One noticeable observation revealed that after stepping out of the toilet, the operator, who is a middle-aged man merely carried a small paint bucket of water to wash the pit hole and its surroundings before another customer would step inside.

The man had no disinfectant, or any other kind of sanitary tools with him while washing the toilet, and it was later gathered that this was his job after each toilet use, where all he does is to take the small bucket, dip it into a big tank of water and walk into the toilet to clean it.

OSHODI & IKEJA TOILETS At the popular Oshodi and Ikeja Along bus stops, both sited several metres apart on the Agege Motor Road, many mobile public toilets made of plastic materials and mostly of red and green colours, can be readily seen ‘adorning’ the ever-busy bus stops. The toilets, as observed by a Saturday Tribune reporter, might look passable and even somewhat beautiful from a distance, but drawing close or even venturing into any of them would reveal the true state of the facilities, as evident in the very bad and sickening stench they generate.

It might appear strange why people still make use of these facilities despite their state, but further findings revealed that many of the users of these toilets do so as a result of lack of other options, especially if they are seriously pressed

to answer the call of nature while going about their daily activities. Although there were no maggots found streaming down any of the holes inside the toilets at the two bus stops, the stench that pervaded the toilets’ surroundings leave much to be desired and if left unchecked, could pose serious health hazards to their users and other residents as well.

A commuter seen around the facilities was accosted by Saturday Tribune reporter who asked how he felt about the state of the public convenience. He promptly pointed to the fact that since the elite and the rich would never use such toilets, nobody, not even the government, cared about their state or condition.

“The rich don’t come here to use these toilets, so there is no way the government will know what the common man, who hustles to make ends meet, is passing through on the streets of Lagos,” he stated.

REGULATION (IF ANY) There is currently no known way with which the Lagos State government regulates or even monitors public toilets in the state.

According to findings made by Saturday Tribune, the only activity which has a semblance of regulation of public toilets by the government is merely ensuring proper disposal of the contents of all mobile toilets in the state.

This is usually done at Kara area on the outskirts of Lagos State, just overlooking the Michael Otedola Estates, in Ogun State.

Similarly, there is no known regulation of permanent public toilets in the state, as the management, cleaning and provision of water at public toilets in the state are largely left in the hands of the managements of markets (where such toilets are sited) as well as local governments. Sadly, in most cases, touts and ‘Area Boys’ are known to have largely taken over the running of such toilets while the bulk of the money made is often left unaccounted for.

Continues on pg22

Eko Akete

Millionaire, beauty queen’s love nest drama

20

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

By Tunde Ayanda

D

O you consider diamond every woman’s best friend?

Think again! You will be surprised to find that your wife or girlfriend is cheating on you – not with a man but with a toy!

In this report, Saturday Tribune invades the private world of many Nigerians who have discovered a fulfilling experience in the use of sex toys.

The beginning According to a report, sex dolls first came into existence in August 1955, when Max Weissbrodt of the Hauser-Elastolin company introduced them.

Historians later disputed the claims that it was a Max Weissbrodt effort that invented sex toys, interestingly it is said that the first known dildo recovered by paleontologists dates to the Paleolithic era. It was a time when the object was made of siltstone and polished to a high gloss. It was debated whether the primary use of the first dildo was for religious or personal pleasure.

Some reports also claimed that in the early years, both male and female Romans and Greeks used dildos for pleasure. In an anti-war comedy, Lysistrata, women discussed using and sharing of dildos while withholding sex from their partners in an effort to stop the war.

No one could really lay claim to bringing sex toys to Nigeria. The only claim close to it is that of the owner of Intimate Pleasure, Iheoma Obibi as the woman that started Nigeria’s first online adult novelty store.

Weekend Lagos

In Lagos, sex toys everywhere!

there’s a way Africans react to sexual matters; that she knew of many adults that feel embarrassed to go to stores and pick up a pack of condoms.

Jane Mary (female): I used to own a vibrator when I was in a distant relationship, but now that I’m married I don’t have any use for it any longer.

I must confess to you that it helped a lot to keep my relationship because it was the vibrator I turned to whenever I was in the mood for sex and I didn’t cheat on my lover for the two years he was away.

Biodun Akinola (female): I don’t have a sex toy, I only hear about it from friends. It’s too irritating for me to do.

She called another vibrator a ‘mouse’. This, she said is also popular with the ladies. The ‘mouse’ is shaped like a computer mouse and its vibration gives the owner an erotic satisfaction.

What about the male sex toys?

In a world already polluted by pornography, many men seek more action and the advent of sex dolls appears to be the height of depravity. With this, men can now buy themselves dolls to satisfy their sexual needs. This new trend of sexual perversion is not a cock-and-bull story as facts have emerged that the practice is now pop-

ular among wealthy Nigerian individuals and celebrities who have caught the bug and have started buying sex robots online.

It is said that there is the latest Swedish silicone-made doll which has flooded the Lagos markets.

The doll is made of artificial intelligence and flesh-like synthetic that makes it almost look like a real woman where sexual activity is concerned.

The sex doll possesses about a hundred sensors around its body and it can be customised to meet the buyer’s taste of a dream woman in terms of body size, height, skin colour, eyes colour, hair colour and other human attributes.

The doll sells for $6000 (N1.2 million) and it appeals to sex maniacs that compare it to a real woman in the sense that...

It does not speak It can never get fat or fart It cannot menstruate It can’t be pregnant It does not shop It does not demand for money after

She said that a lot of buyers do not have the boldness to go to stores and buy sex toys. She claimed she had a minimum of 100 orders in a month.

sex It does not visit eateries and all other demands known with real women.

Religious aspect Prophet Taiwo Akinwande, a preacher says any form of intercourse without a living partner is masturbation. The cleric described the use of sex toys among people as a satanic act and a reminder of the reasons God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible. Akinwande reasons that “A man is made for a woman for reproductive reasons, so when a man sleeps with another man, a woman with an animal, a girl with a toy...it’s immoral and considered dirty in the sight of God.” But a health instructor, Dr Henry, does not agree with Prophet Akinwande’s submission.

Henry states that sex toy is the safest means of a healthy life. He claimed that a lot of psychologists advise their patients to explore the safety sides of sex toys which, he claims, cannot infect the user with sexually transmitted diseases and it is a means of preventing unwanted pregnancy that could later lead to an abortion.

Henry’s only fear is that “a sex-toy ad-

diction is hard to cure.”

Is this a thriving business in Nigeria?

Many believe that the sex toy trade in Lagos is booming, judging by the number of stores and online orders for various sex toys but Mrs Bukola Fawole, Managing Director of www.viewden.com, disagrees.

The businesswoman disclosed that when she first started the business, she got a shop at Surulere but she had to close the shop about two years ago due to low patronage.

While operating the shop, she sold both sex toys and sex enhancers but despite her choice of location, people who visited her shop only came to window shop.

Another seller who preferred to be anonymous disclosed that the business thrives more online. She said that a lot of buyers do not have the boldness to go to stores and buy sex toys. She claimed she had a minimum of 100 orders in a month. The seller said that

21

Eko Akete Millionaire, beauty queen’s love nest drama

Do you own a sex toy?

Would you use a sex toy?

Tosin Odukale (male): Why would I? What pleasure can I get sleeping with a doll when there are many beautiful women around? Apart from being a sin, it has a psychological effect I cannot deal with.

Any man that sleeps with a doll is a pervert. I cannot stand such perversion.

Where to buy Buying a sex toy in Lagos is as easy as buying a curative drug for malaria.

There are over a thousand sex toy shops all over Lagos with different names and locations, but the Ikeja axis of the city has the highest number of shops that make the sales of sex toys strictly their business.

It is also now easy to own a sex toy as popular online stores like Jumia and Dealdey have added the sales of sex toys to their numerous services. What you need is just a click away and with N5,000 you could own a sex toy of any size or shape.

Do you want a rabbit or a mouse?

A novice could be confused with the many names people give to their toys.

For instance, how do you figure a lady that walks into a store and demands for a ‘rabbit’?

Yewande Brown, a boutique owner in Maryland, Lagos, explained that the ‘rabbit’ is the new thing when it comes to sex toys. She hinted that the toy is shaped like the ear of the rabbit and vibrates more with a fulfilling and enjoyable experience than an ordinary vibrator.

Yewande said she bought her ‘rabbit’ at Ann Summers on her last visit to the United Kingdom and after sharing the experience with her friends, she claimed they have all ordered for their ‘rabbits’.

Saturday Tribune

Tunde Masha (male): Na wa o! All the women here we never sleep with them finish, na ‘baby’ I go come dey sleep

with. Never!

Nike Ahmed: I have a sex toy I use whenever my partner is away, but I can never allow my man to have a sex toy. It’s crazy. How can a man sleep with a doll?

Mrs Gabriel: As a responsible woman with dignity, I cannot use them. Though many women use them, I feel it is not a good lifestyle; it is devilish. If at all I feel like having sex and my husband is away, the best thing to do is to try and get over it, turning to toys is not an option.

Mrs Henrietta Akande: I am not against it, but I think it should be recommended for pregnant women whose husbands are away towards the time of delivery.

Other side of using sex toys An author and blogger, Sheila Gregoire, gives reasons why she feels sex toys are unhealthy. In one of her many tips directed to women, Sheila informs that: 1.Sex toys emphasise physical intimacy, not spiritual and emotional intimacy 2.Sex toys concentrate on parallel sexual experiences, not mutual ones.

Eko Akete was more than startled when it got the information that two private properties located in Ikoyi, Lagos had become love nests where some of the very rich, affluent and influential personalities in the country come to have a “nice time.”

It is not uncommon for men to carve out love nests in a safe place to clandestinely tango with their lovers, (usually not their legal wives), but what makes this particular “Ikoyi connection” of special interest is the fact that some of the characters in question can be regarded as being among the “movers and shakers” of Nigeria, especially in the area of business and investments.

The two properties which are both owned by a businesswoman, are built specifically to serve as the homes of expatriates who prefer to lodge in home-like properties rather than stay in hotels the entire duration of their residency in Nigeria.

Thus, in one of the properties in question lives a former beauty queen, who it is understood, has used her beauty to amass enough wealth so much that she could afford a two-bedroom apartment that goes for millions of naira annually.

But this damsel also uses her apartment to play host to some of the very affluent Nigerians who visit her to have “nice time.”

However, recently, “business” almost turned awry for this young lady who is believed to still be in her 20s, when one of her clients, who is one of the richest Nigerians ever, and who had come to see her as usual, had a cause to drive away angrily.

Troubled started when the “rich Baba” was prevented from driving into the premises of the property by the building’s security guards.

The guards were apparently acting on the landlady’s order. Apparently knowing that if he stepped out of the car to walk into the premises, like any other visitor, he would easily be recognised, and “bubble fit burst,” the “rich baba” angrily asked his driver to leave immediately.

Naturally, the former beauty queen became so livid when she realised what had happened that she threatened and not just the security guards in question who had unknowingly sent her ‘benefactor’ away, she also boasted that she would wreck the business of the landlady who had given out such an order in the first place.

“Do you realise what you have done? You have sent Baba away because of one stupid directive. Do you realise that the person you have sent away is rich enough to buy up this whole building without batting an eyelid, and both you and your boss (the landlady) will be out of job?”she was said to have yelled out.

But after much pleading and ego-massaging the former beauty queen who lost her crown a few years back was said to have eventually calmed down, while she promptly called “Baba” to apologise.

From what was later gathered, the two lovebirds meet from time to time, as they have since made up, but their rendezvous, understandably, is now somewhere else.

22

20 August, 2016

In Lagos, pay N50 get toilet infections

Continued from pg19

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of the Environment, Mr Tunde Awobiyi, declined to comment on the matter, while subsequent calls put across to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Saliu Adeyemi, were not answered. Also, a text message sent to his mobile line had not been replied to at the time of filing this report.

However, perhaps as a way of correcting the anomaly in the public toilet system in the state, as currently obtainable, the Lagos State, recently said it had set the ball in motion to provide new and modern toilet facilities for members of the public.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, recently revealed that the state government had concluded work on a master plan for the provision of public toilets in different parts of Lagos.

According to him, the new sets of toilets would not only be built with modern facilities which will be in line with the state’s megacity dreams, they will be well monitored, maintained and managed in a way that will ensure they remain safe health-wise for residents.

This view has since been corroborated by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who also recently revealed that public toilet facilities in the state would soon be replaced with computerised models.

Ayorinde pointed out that the state government had concluded plans to partner private sector to deliver world-class public toilets.

EPIDEMICS LOOMING? A public health care expert, who begged to speak under anonymity, told Saturday Tribune that diseases such as candidacies, cholera, typhoid, malaria, gardnerella vaginalis, diarrhoea, streptococcus can be contracted by a lone visit to most public toilets in Lagos.

She said that poor facilities and uncleanliness were re-

Saturday Tribune

Adejare

The man had no disinfectant, or any other kind of sanitary tools with him while washing the toilet, and it was later gathered that this was his job after each toilet use, where all he does is to take the small bucket, dip it into a big tank of water and walk into the toilet to clean it. sponsible for the debilitating health hazards of using most Lagos public toilets.

According to her, “If the toilets are properly washed with disinfectants; if they are well fitted with running water for people to wash their hands, and if the surroundings are kept clean, the chances of contracting diseases would be very negligible. But the truth is that these toilets don’t have these facilities. And because of this, all sorts of infections can

be got in one visit.”

Speaking about the two common processes through which public toilet users can be infected, she said that “Every public toilet user can be exposed, either through the reproductive organ or hand to mouth. While sitting or squatting on the infested toilet, the reproductive organ can pick up such diseases as norovirus, candidiasis, staphylococcus, streptococcus and gardnerella vaginalis, among others.

This viruses and bacteria are found on the seats and from the openings along the toilet chambers.

“Besides the reproductive organ getting infected either by sitting or squatting on the toilet, toilet infections can be spread from hand to mouth through the doorknobs. One can also contract water-borne diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid, among others,” she explained.

Also according to her, if toilet users fail to wash their hands after using such toilet facilities, a faeces-contaminated hand can spread the diseases on the doorknob and any other thing they touch. “A lot of people don’t realise the importance of washing their hands before and after using the toilet. After using the toilet, especially during parties, a toilet user goes on to touch food items or shake hands with other people,

and in the process he or she spreads the disease to anyone touched,” she further remarked.

The public health expert also disclosed that while hand-tomouth infections are limited to men after a toilet use, women are more vulnerable to vaginal toilet infections.

Also reiterating the dangers of using deplorable public toilets, Dr Richard Michael, Head Physician of Brian Medical Consult, Ikeja, calls on government to remodel public toilets.

“Even if a washbasin is present in a toilet, but if there is no running water in the same toilet, the chances of disease infection is much higher.

Storing water in buckets or other containers for toilet use is not healthy because such stored water is stagnant. If someone takes water from a container kept in a toilet, there is a possibility of that person leaving samples of diseases on bowls and other containers he touches, and thus spreading it from one person to another.

Therefore, it is good for toilets to have running water from a tap so as to reduce to the minimal disease transition from toilet use,” he said.

“If appropriate facilities are provided, public toilets should not be discontinued. They serve a lot of good purposes.

Public toilets have helped to curb many contaminations that could occur, especially when people are pressed beyond patience, such as during traffic logjams and other dire situations. Authorities must do the right things by providing important amenities. Without these facilities, the purpose of public toilets will be defeated,” Dr. Michael explains.

A Reporter’s Diary When to drop the pen and act

By Ademola Adeniyi The job of a journalist is to report events, not to take part in them; that’s what we often hear.

If there is a fight, he should just duck by the side and record as much of it as possible, and then relate it as accurately as possible to his readers.

But what does he do when human life is threatened... when his physical intervention rather than his report can save the day?

Last week, a bread hawker was almost lynched at Alagbado. Her crime? She was selling for N150 a particular brand of bread that is generally

known to be N200 as selling price.

Of course, many people began to patronise her.

The economy is bad, and when you meet kindhearted bread sellers like this one, won’t you thank God? A few minutes later, however, a group of women who claimed to be members of a task force approached her and started smashing her loaves of bread to pieces.

Big story. Notepad in hand, pen, and the phone camera, and the story soon began to take shape.

But suddenly the scuttle began to look more and more serious, and nobody appeared ready to

stop her attackers.

What does a journalist tell his maker if on the Judgement Day he is asked why he let a poor woman to die, while he was busy writing a story?

Wading into the mob was a big battle. Many people stood there watching, without making any attempt to save the woman. What a terrible price to pay for charity work!

Stopping them wasn’t difficult. It only took a lot of confidence and some bold talk. It felt good.

The only pity was that there was nothing anyone could do to save the loaves that had been destroyed.

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20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com

A professor of Animal Science and Director, Research, Innovation and International Cooperation, Babcock University, Ilishan, Remo, Ogun State, Grace Oluwatoyin Tayo is the first female dean of the institution’s School of Science and Technology and former head, Department of Agriculture. Tayo has also won awards as the best academic staff of the year in the institution and a postdoctoral fellowship of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) 2005. She speaks with TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE on her youthful days, career and marriage.

Let’s know your husband?

My husband is Ademola S. Tayo, an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a professor of Development Education and the vice-chancellor, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo.

He is my friend and confidant.

How old is your marriage?

My marriage is 22 years old.

Some couples refrain from sharing the same bedroom for a number of factors, what is your take on this?

In my view, couples should share the same bedroom, what “God has joined together, let no bedroom put asunder”. I believe it could enhance oneness. While it may be possible to sleep on the same bed and still keep malice, it may also be easier to break the ice earlier when you sleep in the same room than when you have separate rooms.

C

an you lead us into your background?

I am the first of four children, three girls and a boy. My parents are Mr and Mrs David Oladele Afolabi.

They were nurses, hence my growing up years were spent living close to the hospitals where my parents worked. Growing up was fun as I enjoyed the attention of my dad. Even though by order of birth, we were three girls in a row, my father loved us with passion. We were never made to feel he had any preference for male children. As Seventh Day Adventist Christians, church attendance, morning and evening family prayers were a must for every one of us. With my dad’s encouragement, I enjoyed reciting long Bible verses in church during Sabbath school. Our home was always full of cousins, aunties and uncles, either living with us or visiting. I cannot remember anytime when it was just father, mother and children in the house. Education was also very important to my dad, so we attended a fee-paying private nursery and primary school, Franciscan Nursery and Primary School, Ilesha and Christ Nursery and Primary School, AdoEkiti. I was in the boarding house for my secondary school education and stayed on campus in the university.

Throughout those years, either of my parents visited every month.

This gave me a high sense of security such that when I was considering marriage, I kept wondering if I would enjoy the same love and attention in my husband’s family. Academics was very easy for me during my primary and secondary school days. I never had to struggle to excel, it just happened. Towards the end of my secondary education, one of my friends confessed to me that they thought I was using some magical powers to pass my examinations.

What moments did you enjoy most as a child?

Each of the moments I travelled with my dad was great fun. We would travel in his car and he would lavish me with all the goodies I wanted and tell me stories about his experiences in life. During one of the Christmas holidays, we visited Kingsway, Ibadan to see ‘Father Christmas’. We were so excited riding a train within the building.

Talking about your relationship with the opposite sex, would you consider your parents as strict?

My parents were very strict on the one hand but also very loving on the other.

Because of the degree of trust they had in us, we were allowed to mingle freely with neighbours and other church members’ children even if they were of the opposite sex. I believe that the love and the high expectations they had for us

Should couples own joint properties and why?

Couples should own joint properties where there is trust because again, what God has joined together let no property put asunder. Besides, if the couple believe that they are in a permanent relationship and their investment is towards a comfortable retirement and their children’s welfare, why not?

Why did you choose the teaching profession?

I chose the teaching profession because I love reading, having always been studious and willing to share what I read.

Moreover, I wanted a profession that is not routine and rigid in terms of schedule that is where I could manage my time very well and still keep engaging my intellect while impacting others. It is exciting when you see students that you have taught excelling in their chosen careers.

‘Trust is basic for couples to have joint ownership of properties’ prevented us from abusing or misusing the opportunities we had to interact.

When did you start thinking about marriage?

I started considering marriage in the penultimate year to my graduation from the university. I was 21 years old then.

What were the things you put into consideration in choosing your partner?

The first on my priority list was a God fearing man, who would share my faith and values. Coming from a secure and loving family, I knew I could not afford to marry a man who would not be controlled by the Spirit of God. Other considerations were a man who had focus and would share my passion for further studies, not too far from me in age, maximum of four to five years older than me and not fat. In short, someone I could relate well with emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually.

To become a professor is no mean feat, what were the sacrifices you made to attain this height?

Getting to my present level has been simply by the grace of God. As a female academic, you must sacrifice and put in extra effort compared to your male counterparts to achieve your goals.

To avoid sacrificing my family life at the altar of career advancement; I have had to slow down to balance family life and career development. For example, I had my PhD about four years before my husband bagged his, yet we were promoted to the rank of professor on the same day. My family has, however been, very supportive. One particular year, while on postdoctoral fellowship in China, I left my children with my sisters in Nigeria while my husband was on sabbatical in another country. The cooperation and willingness of my husband to allow me soar beside him has contributed a lot to my success today.

Yes, I do believe that undergraduates— male or female—should be allowed some level of freedom to make decisions. If parents continue to make all decisions for them, they limit their potential to think, act and face consequences of their actions. Children must be taught how to learn from their mistakes especially when it is not a life and death decision. An undergraduate who relies on the parents for every decision will forever be dependent and easily influenced.

What do you do to look good?

I try to discipline myself by eating well, especially fruits and vegetables. I often take natural fruit juices e.g. carrot juice, watermelon juice and lemon juice in the mornings and even though I naturally have “sugary tooth”, I now avoid junk food and also drink plenty of water. In addition, I engage in exercises; take walks with my husband, at least five days in a week. I dress appropriately, that is, in clothing that suits my stature.

What fashion item do you place much value on and why?

I am selective about what I wear particularly clothes and shoes, but I have been told that I seem to place value on my shoes. Why?—I feel comfortable and confident when I am well dressed and also because you are addressed by the way you dress.

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20 August, 2016

ntertainment News

Society Gist

P. Wolex woos fans with ‘Iyawo’ video pg21

Saturday Tribune with Joan Omionawele and

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

Celebrity Interviews

Five Nollywood actresses that supported #Save Mayowa campaign pg21

Rita Dominic

meets Obasanjo

26

>>pg

entertainment Rita Dominic meets Obasanjo

26

20 August, 2016

MTN Project Fame: Joseph Benjamin proposes to show host, Bolanle

Stories by Joan Omionawele and Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

S

tar Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic is on to another movie project.

The actress who has featured in over 100 Nollywood movies, stars on the yet to be released movie ’76 will be taking part in the exclusive premiere of the historic Nigerian movie ’76 at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.

As part of her itinerary, the star will take part in movie premieres and special appearances.

The movie which was specially screened by former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo recently, is a story inspired by true events of 1976, six years after the civil war in Nigeria. Rita Dominic

Nollywood filmmakers,Prince Tonye Princewill, Izu Chukwu, popular actor, Chidi Mokeme, Rita Dominic, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and her crew after a special screening of the movie 76, at Obasanjo’s Abeokuta home.

portrays the part of a heavily pregnant woman whose life crumbles when the news of her husband’s involvement in a botched military coup hits the headlines.

The movie also stars Ramsey Nouah and Chidi Mokeme in the gripping drama set against

the backdrop of the attempted 1976 military coup against the government of General Murtala Mohammed. ’76 is directed by Izu Ojukwu and produced by Adonijah Owiriwa and Prince Tonye Princewill.

Former president Obasanjo

commended the movie’s perspective on soldiers saying “The point is that soldiers are human beings, they’re not wood or stone”.

He further lauded the cast and crew of ’76 on making a movie about that period in Nigeria’s history.

P. Wolex woos fans with Iyawo video Following the success of his maiden single, ‘African baby’, industry newcomer, Hezekiah Adewole Oladele, fondly called P Wolex, has made another attempt at wooing more fans with the official release of the visuals of ‘Iyawo.’

The ‘Iyawo’ video, which was launched on major

Skales features Timaya, Davido in new single

The afro pop singer, Skales, is charting a new course with his latest single titled, Ajaga. The song features two music power houses in Nigeria, Timaya and Davido titled ‘Ajaga‘.

Skales, who delved into singing leaving his rap act with Banky W-owned EME records is ever working hard to continue to give fans a new sound.

Sonko crooner, Timaya and Omo Baba Olowo, Davido combined with Skales to make the song a good feel.

With real name Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, Skales is a rapper, singer-songwriter and performer who started writing rap songs in Kaduna in 2000. He has recorded many single after his album titled, Man of The Year was launched in 2015.

music sites during the week, is recording an impressive viewership.

Touted for its wedding theme appeal, the PjayBeats produced and Indomixmastered song reverberates the subject of love and fidelity by depicting the romantic maturity of couple in a rural setting.

The video was directed by award winning video guru, Mattmax and remains a stepping stone to other great accomplishments of the Ondo State born singer.

P Wolex is currently signed to his record label Ose My Dear Records and is based in Lagos.

As the ninth edition of MTN Project Fame continues, it has been all shades of intriguing with electrifying performances from each contestant. Thus, during the week, star actor, Joseph Benjamin decided to add more intrigue to the show by putting up a ‘surprise proposal’ to fellow host, Bolanle Olukanni, after the reinstatement of a contestant who taught her journey in the competition had ended, the night’s show was full of thrilling suspense.

The show began on a beautiful note as contestants performed together as a group for the first time. Clad in denim ensemble with beautiful harmonies in perfect arrangement, the contestants delivered their first group song flawlessly.

The group song was followed by Joseph Benjamin’s spoof marriage proposal to Bolanle Olukanni which made the entire studio erupt in laughter. Moving on to the serious business of the evening, the contestants facing possible elimination — Mirabel, Pere, Solomon, Yusuph, and Winner — then performed again to prove

‘Why Lagos was chosen for 2016 AFRIMA’ The African Union Commission (AUC) on Monday declared Lagos State the official host city for the 2016 All African Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The Head of Culture Department, African Union Commission (AUC) AFRIMA, Ms. Angela Martins made the announcement during a media parley held at Protea Hotel GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

She said Lagos was chosen among three other contesting cities, namely Calabar (Cross River State), Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Uyo (Akwa Ibom State) because it “edged others” out.

Martins described the decision that placed Lagos above other three potential host cities as “a herculean task” as “all the cities tar-

geted were equal to the task in terms of infrastructure, tourism potential and richness of culture, but Lagos edged others in these areas.”

“Also, in choosing the host city, we considered factors such as the willingness to create value and deep brand equity not only for Nigerians, but Africans. Also, there was the consideration of which state has the most motivation to host AFRIMA in line with its values; which has the strongest vision in tourism, culture and entertainment.

Then, the state must have the most adequate facilities, surrounding infrastructure, security and tourist attraction to host the event and should have hosted successful events in the past that attracted both national and global audiences as well as govern-

‘Why I shut men out of my life in the past’ Continues from pg3

one is very rude, so you need to balance it so as not to push fans away.

So what can someone do to piss you off?

Wow, there are so many things. But it’s not even the big things that piss me off, sometimes it’s the little things that matter So what do you think should improve in the industry?

We are doing great, although we aren’t there yet, I believe everything will fall in place, but one thing I have observed is that a big face will be paid a large amount of money, but once they call a fast-rising person, they will begin to lower the price, but on a positive note, everybody has paid their dues, because that known face was once unknown, so all it takes is time.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love?

The good thing about me is that while growing up, my heart was hardened…

Saturday Tribune

Why? There was nothing like love, because of the situation of things around me. I saw women go through so much at the hands of men, so I made up my mind not to allow any man the chance to come and try to break me.

But I read somewhere that your ex-boyfriend slapped you?

You know some stories are not always true. Yes, I had a jealous boyfriend. You know, some people do not want to marry actresses because there is just something about actresses. Because there is a man who is in love with you watching you kiss another man, it’s not easy. In fact, it takes a strong man to understand that acting is just makebelieve, it’s just acting.

that they had learnt from their mistakes in the previous week.

Eventually, for the second time in a row, Yusuph was saved by the viewers’ votes, and Pere was saved by the Faculty, while Mirabel got enough votes from the contestants to keep her in the competition, leaving Solomon and Winner as the eliminated contestants.

However, after parting words from the two contestants, which was followed by Solomon’s last performance, there was an uproar in the studio with the audience insisting they wanted Winner back in the competition. The judges also decided to bring Winner back using their only lifeline to save a contestant from elimination for this season.

ment’s responsiveness. It was discovered Lagos possesses all these factors and we arrived at our decision,” she declared.

It will be recalled that Lagos has hosted the first and second editions of the continental fete.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, expressed gratitude and optimism at the choice of Lagos as host city.

27 entertainment Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

B

20 August, 2016

Five Nollywood actresses that supported #Save

efore it was allegedly declared a scam, the online campaign to save the ovarian cancer patient, Shukurat Mayowa Ahmed, was hugely supported and spearheaded by five notable and well-meaning female Nigerian celebrities. Though not many people knew it, the campaign was able to go viral within two days of its launch and generated over N34 million in three days thanks to the passionate social media crusade of these ladies.

According to a recent investigative police report, which cleared the air on the allegation, freeing the family of Mayowa of fraudulent intentions, Mayowa will be flown to a hospital in South Africa for her treatment. The efforts of these ladies got the sympathies of Nigerians into donating money to the tune of N81, 278, 954.81 and $100,000. Here are the actresses that put together what has been considered the fastest and largest internet fund campaign in Nigeria.

Toyin Aimakhu Nollywood actress, Toyin Aimakhu is regarded as the chief campaigner of the #Save Mayowa internet initiative. The campaign which has generated a lot of media, public and police attention began when on July 26, 2016 the actress visited Mayowa, a 28-year-old graduate of the University of Lagos, diagnosed ovarian cancer, on her sickbed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and made a video soliciting financial assistance to support Mayowa on her Instagram page. The video went viral within two days. Toyin and Aramide Kasumu, the founder of Lifestyle Foundation and the Mayowa family would later be engulfed in the allegation of scam due to what the police called “the inability of both parties to communicate appropriately”. Toyin also led a counter-campaign in another video after she learnt that the Ahmed family would not fly the dying girl the US for treatment. She apologised later after the media and police intervened. However, among others, Toyin is responsible for the unprecedented publicity the #Save Mayowa Online initiative generated.

Genevieve Nnaji Yes, Nollywood screen goddess, Genevieve Nnaji, was hugely involved in the Mayowa internet fund solicitation.

She took over the gospel right after Toyin Aimakhu’s video dropped on air and continued to believe in the authenticity of the campaign against all odds. She used her over two million Instagram followers to spread the message and thanked her fans after the money was already in.

Addressing her Instagram fans who made it happen, she said, “I just want to say thank you all.

Let’s keep the spirit of being our brother’s and sister’s keeper alive. God bless your generous hearts.”

Rita Dominic Nollywood actress Rita Dominic was the third Good Samaritan on the passionate mission to save Mayowa. She was involved in day two of the launch and used her 1.5 million followers’ strength to pull support for the cause.

She wrote on her Instagram page: Please guys every little helps [sic]. Let’s all do what we can to save her life, bless... #Repost@handsandfingersfoods. Our GOAL IS N32,000,000.00 OR $100,000.00. We don’t have much time. Yesterday we raised 6.5 million. So in just thirty two hours over 7m was raised. We thank you all, for praying, for sharing and most especially donating…. So we all can encourage each and every one to make a donation that no amount is too small. May I remind you, it’s just us (average Nigerians) that donated this, no politician yet, no organizations yet, we are stronger collectively, we can achieve far more if you encourage others who doesn’t have MILLION to contribute, THOUSAND and those without thousands to contribute HUNDRED it will go

Saturday Tribune

Mayowa campaign

along way and make a huge difference in a short time”.

Kate Henshaw Another prominent soul that joined the race to save Mayowa was the super-talented actress, Kate Henshaw. Kate got into the fray much later, even while the allegation of fraud was ongoing. Her push helped in adding more zeroes to the efforts of three days. She used her 608,000 followers worth Instagram account to campaign for a renewed support for the Mayowa cause. She wrote the following in a post: “I know we all have our burdens to bear.

No one knows what the other is dealing with in these times but whatever we can do...let’s do in truth. P.s I just received information that Mayowa’s cancer is stage 4. That it is malignant and spreading. The hospital in the US has given a bill of USD 100, 000 but yet to give a letter that will aid in getting a visa. Also that airlines will be circumspect about carrying her since she is extremely weak. No amount has been specified

for after care while in the US or when the trip is slated for.

So the donations are for....? If anyone has this facts, I need to hear from you asap....pls... Thank you.”

Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor, like Kate Henshaw joined the campaign in medias res. She, however, showed a lot of solidarity to the campaign with her words of appreciation to Nigerians, who made genuine efforts in a post to her 125,000 followers on Instagram. She wrote: “There’s NOTHING that God cannot do! There’s power in working together! There’s success in coming as one and helping! The target is met! Praise God! But if you haven’t...it’s still not late. Even if it’s N100/$1. I pray that God reverse this sad news into a rejoicing news for her and us all”.

28

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018

Jide Sanwoolu is back on the beat JIDE Sanwoolu, a former Commissioner for Establishment and Training in Lagos State, is back after a hiatus from the business and political scenes.

The politician’s experience is said to be on the mind of Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, who recently appointed him as the Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation, thus landing on his laps the control of some major properties in the city.

As usual, his appointment didn’t go unnoticed among his close friends who celebrated and charged him to make his mark on the sand of times with this new challenge.

Funmi Iyanda seals new deal

Dolapo Osinbajo, TY Bello, others join #GetInvolved initiative

W

IFE of the vicepresident, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, ace photographer, TY Bello, Leila Fowler and a large number of celebrity women have keyed into the #GetInvolved campaign for children in need.

The campaign, launched by the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, is

created to help save the lives of 500,000 children this year.

The campaign, which involves the taking of a picture with the campaign’s hashtag and donation towards the initiative, is a popular theme at the moment among Nigerian youths and women of value who understand the true meaning of saving lives.

Olusanu becomes new Ajalaye of Ilugun Ilugun town in Ilugun South in Ijebu North East Local Government of Ogun State is beginning to wear a new look as all roads lead to the town early next month when the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, will present the staff of office to His Royal Highness, Oba Oluseyi Ademola Olusanu, Ilufemiloye I who becomes the new Ajalaye of the town.

The new oba who has completed all the traditional rites is a business guru and the deeply religious man is said to be a founding member of Overcomers Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, at Idode, Ogun State.

AWARD-WINNING broadcaster, Funmi Iyanda, recently signed a deal with a leading talent-hunt agency, Temple Management Company, as her representative.

The TV personality, who relocated from Nigeria to the United Kingdom a few years ago, made the announcement recently.

Iyanda, an Etisalat Nigeria ambassador, is said to have decided to pitch her tent with TMC based on its record and the agency’s experience in managing the likes of Iyanya, Jimmy Jatt, visual artist, Victor Ehikhamenor and jeweller, Mode Aderinokun.

TMC is the brainchild of en-

Celebrities join Bisoye Fagade for OSMD Youth Empowerment Summit BISOYE Fagade, the founder of social group, ‘Oyo Si Maa Dun’, pulled a big one recently as he attracted his league of friends, colleagues and associates to Ibadan, Oyo State, in a bid to inspire a younger generation of entrepreneurs at OSMD network’s inaugural Youth Empowerment Summit.

The bi-annual event themed, ‘What Is In Your Hand’, was held at the Conference Hall of Mauve 21, Ibadan, where keynote speeches were delivered by marketing communication expert,

Tunji Olugbodi and security expert, Ubong King.

Other speakers present at the summit included Steve Babaeko, Chris Ihidero, Ayeni Adekunle and Tosin Ajibade.

The event also had pop star, D’banj, Alibaba, Gbenga Adeyinka and Tee.A, who joined other creative industry leaders.

Fagade said he was personally excited at the success of the maiden edition and could hardly wait to stage subsequent ones knowing the number of lives to be touched.

trepreneur, Idris Olorunnimbe.

The company operates within the sphere of talent representation, providing a wide range of financial and advisory services, manages endorsement portfolios and packages events for local and international markets.

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20 August, 2016

outofthisworld S

HOCKED tourists watched in amazement as a couple in China decided to take their wedding ceremony literally a step higher by taking their wedding photos on a mat hanging on 700 metres above the ground.

According to The Sun of UK, the couple, after their wedding ceremony in Yueyang, Southern China, decided to go to the suspended all-glass bridge to take wedding photographs. Not satisfied about the bridge, they decided to hang on a mat that was tied to the glass bridge to have the wedding shoot.

The couple was said to have held their wedding and the photoshoot on August 9, China’s Valentine Day.

Saturday Tribune With femi osinusi

osfem2@yahoo.com 08055069292

Love in the air! Couple posed for photos on hanging mat

700 metres above ground

The couple on the mat under the bridge.

The husband climbing the bridge.

The wife using a rope to get to the mat.

Couple being hailed by tourists on the all-glass bridge.

Love in the air, you may say!

30 commentary

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Africa needs the light of peace, violence destroys Professor Ibrahim A. Gambari

I

bring you strong words of encouragement, solidarity and unflinching support from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC. As you are aware, in consultation with the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth appointed me as the Commonwealth Special Adviser on Political Dialogue in June this year. My role has been to support the ECZ’s efforts towards encouraging an environment conducive for the upcoming electoral processes.

My appointment was informed by the increasing electoral and political tensions – and sometimes unprecedented electoral violence - that we have witnessed in Zambia ahead of these polls. The ECZ, political parties, civil society organisations, the international community and the Commonwealth Secretariat saw merit in supporting the ECZ and Zambians’ efforts to conduct peaceful elections. So my role, which is essentially preventive and peacebuilding in an electoral context, is different from that of election observers, though complementary to an extent.

I undertook my first visit to Zambia in this role on 10 July and have since visited Zambia three times. In my visits, working with the EZC’s support, I have met separately (and in some cases severally) with a wide range of stakeholders including the Republican President, various party Presidents and presidential candidates, government officials, the Inspector General of police, representatives of civil society organisations, media agencies, First President of Zambia and other elder statesmen and senior officials of various political parties, member of the Commonwealth diplomatic community, European Union Ambassadors, the Ambassador of the United States, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, among others. I have also attended and spoke in several ECZ-organised public events including the presentation of the findings of the independent audit on 13 July and the signing of the Peace Pledge on 15 July. I also attended yesterday’s launch of the Election Results Centre as well as a tour of the Server Room organised by the ECZ on Monday 8 August for political party agents as a confidence building measure to help demystify the Room.

From a conflict prevention perspective, all stakeholders I have met are of the view that tensions and the incidence of election and campaign-related violence have been a major source of concern. Violent clashes, mainly between the PF and the UPND party cadres, have unfortunately led to deaths, maiming and loss of property. Injuring another fellow citizen or destroying property, let alone causing the death of a brother or sister over politics and competition for service to the nation is highly regrettable.

A key observation I quickly made was the level of polarisation, lack of trust and confidence and the lack of constructive face-to-face dialogue among and between political contenders. Hence, the contestants for political offices have largely been talking at rather than talking to each other.

All stakeholders must put their hands on deck to ensure that these elections are peaceful and credible. Ensuring peaceful and credible elections is not the sole responsibility of the election management body. It is a nation’s shared responsibility that involves the electoral commission, political leaders, elder statesmen, national institutions like the police and the

judiciary, political parties, civil society, the media, opinion leaders and traditional structures and the population. These electoral processes can be supported by the international community but international stakeholders cannot substitute for the national players. In this regard, international partners can only be “actors in a supporting role.”

I accepted this assignment when the Secretary-General requested me because of the special place Zambia, which I consider home, occupies in my soul as a son of Africa. Zambia’s role in the liberation of Africa and its contribution to peace efforts on the continent make it a very precious gem we must preserve at all costs!

My first ever visit to this lovely country was as Foreign Minister of my country, Nigeria, in 1984 in the context of efforts to support the Frontline States. In fact, it is here in Lusaka that I first met with Oliver Tambo when he found a home away from home here under Apartheid South Africa.

The sacrifices this country made to end minority rule in the region and in promoting peace on the continent have been immense. For example, the Lusaka Protocol signed here in 1994, played a key role in ending the civil war in Angola. Similarly, Zambia has been instrumental in promoting peace in neighbouring DRC. Zambia also occupies a very special place within the Commonwealth as the famous Lusaka Declaration - a seminal document condemning Racism, Racial Prejudice, Discrimination and Inequality - was signed right here in Lusaka by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1979 at a meeting hosted by Zambia. This was part of all the efforts that culminated in the independence of Zimbabwe and ultimately South Africa.

In addition to the aforementioned efforts,

the people of Zambia have been known for generally organising peaceful and successful elections. In fact, Zambia has been known as a role model and an island of peace in this sub-region, in Africa and even globally. This, in essence, is the image we are risk compromising and possibly destroying.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters, fellow Zambians, on the eve of these important polls, I entreat you all, especially political actors, not to go down in history as those responsible for casting Zambia’s nationhood into jeopardy.

Public office is principally an opportunity to serve the people and therefore, competition to acquire or retain it should not be a do-or-die matter. It is about what one can contribute to his or her country and nation.

Under such an understanding, there is no reason why a fellow brother or sister should attempt to injure and/or kill another, let alone attempting to compromise the country’s legacy, livelihoods and future. You cannot afford to drop the ball.

Having served as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and envoy to many parts of the world, including especially fragile and conflict afflicted countries, I have seen the devastation that violence, which is most often incited and stoked up by politicians, can cause to an entire generation. We cannot let our dear Zambia - one Zambia, one Nation – go down that road.

Remember, violence is an uncontrollable monster: it is not a turnkey operation which can just be switched off after it is turned on.

Do not let posterity, the world, national and international judicial instances and – above all – your people judge you as that person who has their blood on his/her hands.

National interest should prevail over any personal ambition pursuits. Remember

that there shall surely be a Zambia after these elections. Political leadership is transient and the current political actors, both ruling party and opposition, will one day be gone. An important question is how they would want to be remembered.

Politicians should commit to speaking to each other and not at each other. There can only be one winner in an election but with mutual respect, graciousness and statesmanship, there is less vile, pain and vindictiveness in victory or defeat.

I therefore encourage politicians and their followers to be responsible with the language they use against their opponents.

Provocative, inciting and inflammatory messages are dangerous detrimental to peace and eventual reconciliation. Let the people of Zambia be the true winners of these elections. Also, the leaders should remember that whoever wins will eventually need the other.

The people of Zambia have a common destiny no matter their political party affiliation, tribe or region. Stand united against violence and manipulation to harm one another. Your diversity is an immense source of power and wealth. Dissociate from, and strongly denounce those who incite violence and threaten this beautiful country’s national unity and thereby undermine the peace and security which are essential to socio-economic development. There would not be significant domestic and foreign direct investment in an atmosphere of chaos and confusion.

Let me conclude by observing that the people of Zambia have clearly spoken of their desire for peace and disdain for violence. Through different initiatives held via the ECZ, the churches, civil society organisations, national and international stakeholders, the messages against violence before, during and after the elections have been unequivocal. This voice and wishes of the people must be respected.

I would encourage all the political contenders to ensure that demands for transparency, accountability and/or petitions are made through relevant democratic channels. Verified election results should be accepted by the candidates and complaints and petitions should be pursued through legal and constitutional avenues and processes.

As mentioned earlier, violence destroys countries, scares investors and negatively affects our families and the future of especially our children, the youth and women.

The people of Africa and the global community need the light of peace and democracy in Zambia to continue shining.

Zambia should not be allowed to lose its status as a home of peace to become another statistic that would compromise the country’s status as a role model in Africa and beyond.

I wish you well as you go to the polls tomorrow and pray that you use this opportunity to continue to make Zambia, Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations proud.

The world’s eyes are on you!

My President, HE President Buhari, has also asked me to deliver a special message to President Lungu and has also expressed solidarity with the people of Zambia as they go for this important election, while encouraging candidates to prioritise peace before, during and after the polls .

God’s blessings as you exercise your Constitutional and democratic rights.

Professor Ibrahim A. Gambari, Commonwealth Special Adviser on Political Dialogue, delivers this recently in Lusaka, Zambia.

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20 August, 2016

The South-West Editor Wole Efunnuga | 08111813056

Saturday Tribune de Busa3ri0 Tuncrew 5 08127593 Ogundare ga n e b Yejide G8116706853 0 unesan Tunde O9g54634 08116

t: r us; contac Got news fo bune@yahoo. ri tt es hw sout bune@ uthwesttri co.uk or so ail.com gm

I am a pastor but I celebrate traditional festivals —Olusi of Usi Ekiti

did some sight-seeing and other interesting things.

The Olusi of Usi-Ekiti, Oba Adedayo George Akande is a pastor whose faith does not conflict with his traditional role. In an interview conducted by TUNDE BUSARI, the monarch speaks on his rise to the throne and the annual Usi-Day among others. Excerpts:

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on’t your role as a traditional ruler, a custodian of custom and pastor of a church conflict?

I am a pastor at Christian Pentecostal Mission, Lagos. To God be the glory. To Him alone belong all we are and all we become. Without Him, we are nothing because He is the creator of the heaven and earth. He has made it possible for me to switch the role in such a way that none conflicts with the other.

Does this mean you worship the gods now and Jesus later or vice versa?

There is no other god I worship aside Jesus Christ. I think I should use this opportunity to ask even you what culture and tradition are all about. What is culture?

Culture is way of life of a particular ethnic group encompassing greetings, dressing, food.

Good. Where is worshipping of gods there?

But traditional festivals are also part of culture.

If you say traditional festival is culture, where then is worshipping of gods come in? Traditional festival is more or less an heritage thing passed down to different generation.

People should not mix things up. The point I am making is that I am not compelled to do anything that is against my faith. I still attend my church in Lagos as a supporting pastor to the pastor in charge now. I attend my church functions in Lagos regularly and preach. I just returned from our convention. I can also tell you that I even organise open crusade on the field here. I hold seven day crusade here in January. This is to tell you how acceptable it is to my people. Everything is going on well. Nobody is disturbing others. There is peaceful co-existence.

When and how did you get to the throne given the fact that succession is characterised by disputes?

My coronation held in 2008. It was a memorable day in the history of the town with thousands of people in attendance. The caliber of guests that turned out in large number impressed me and challenged me not to disappoint them. To God be the glory. As regards dispute to the throne, there was nothing of such. There was no problem because my people said they wanted me. I think it was God ordained because I was not interested. But once something is divine, it will be easy. If I was asked to contest, I would not because, as I said, I did not have interest. But when your people say you are the one they want, there is nothing to do to reject it.

Why were you not interested as a prince?

I just was okay with my private life and my modest progress. I did not want anything that would distract me. But the truth is that there was a prophecy that I would become a king when I was a child. It had been said over the years that I would emerge the king later in life.

What is the significance of Usi Day? Usi Day is a forum through which sons and daughters of Usi from far and near are gathered to celebrate and to review the progress we have made and activities of the previous year. It is a developmental programme. For instance, last year we realised that we needed water in the community and water scheme was instituted. Between then and now, we have dug eight boreholes

Olusi Of Usi Ekiti, Oba Adedayo George Akande.

Can you recall the first edition of Usi Day? This one we are celebrating today is the 35th edition. The first edition held in 1981 to the glory of God. Here we are today celebrating the 35th. It is a good gathering for reunion among our sons and daughters.

How can you describe your past eight years on the throne?

The stool is demanding, eventful and interesting. It is fun.

But the only thing is that you are not for yourself alone again.

You have become property of the town. You think first of the town and the subjects. Everything you do and say is under scrutiny. Any facial appearance is open to interpretations and at times misinterpretations. I don’t have privacy and freedom to do what I wish. I cannot do business as I used to do it. But by and large, it is a call to service. It is a divine call.

Do you then have time to unwind given your busy schedule?

I am a lover of football. I watch football with my family in my home. Unwinding thing has been taken away. I used to travel abroad where I spent three weeks and relaxed and

Power of traditional rulers has been eroded by contemporary government. How do you react to this?

The answer is neither there nor there. Yes, the power of traditional rulers has been eroded. But at the same time their functions have been expanded. Before, traditional rulers used to sit in their domain. But today, we have to move out, meet government and our people. We travel as far as out of the country to meet sons and daughters of communities who have desires to do things for the communities. Unfortunately, there is no budget for this office.

We spend a lot of money to run the palace. You undertake a lot of settlement of disputes from 5 am to 10 pm. Whatever we tell people to do, they agree with us. But government can do better by giving us enforcement power to make it more effective. The moment you give political role to traditional ruler, moneybags will hijack it. How can a traditional ruler be a local government chairman? This is the only institution that fights for the masses. We do our judgment without fear or favour. We don’t want to know how rich you are. It is dangerous for Oba to be in politics because we are the last hope of the masses. The ordinary man on the street has hope in us. That is why they always run to the palace. Traditional rulers should not align with any political party. We are expected to be father of all because members of all the parties are our sons and daughters. The door of the palace should be open to all of them. An Oba suspected to be a member of a political party has compromised. When I first came, some people probably misunderstood me. I ensured I did not align with any party.

Aren’t you missing your suit as a pastor?

That is what I am missing really. I am missing my suit. I cannot wear suit again. But as I said earlier there is no sacrifice that is too much in serving one’s town.

Can we quickly go through your profile sir?

I attended St Joseph Primary School, Usi, St John Secondary Modern School, Usi, Government Technical College, Ado-Ekiti, Federal Polytechnic, Bida and the Bayero University Kano, where I studied Electrical Engineering. I worked for companies before I had my own business in Lagos. I combine my business, pastural duties and the palace all together.

33

Saturday Tribune

20 August 2016

voxpop

With Kate Ani

08071080888

anikate92@yahoo.com

What we remember of Buhari’s WAI of 1984 —Nigerians

Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s military head of state launched in phases, a War Against Indiscipline (WAI) project. He is still in love with the project as a democraticallyelected president of the country and has ‘resurrected’ it majorly to strengthen his avowed battle against corruption.

KATE ANI asks Nigerians how much of the original WAI of 1984/85 they can recall.

Kenneth Ukaoha What I can remember from that period was that erring civilians were forced into swimming inside dirty rivers.

Honourable Festus The then military president used that initiative to enforce discipline into all the sectors of the economy.

It was visible in our motor parks and at the banking sector. I loved those days; I remember then that people who jumped queues at banks were given a lesson they would never forget in a hurry.

pleasant experience but time is important. I hope President Buhari will not spend four years running in circles, while the rest of the world has moved on.

Niyi Toba During that time, there was sanity in the society, not the kind of insanity, indiscipline and corruption that have eaten the nation to almost dead point.

Trulie President Buhari is recycling history. How do we move forward from here when we are always going backwards? We need advanced tech security devices and not the old archaic boys brigade of 19th century. I am yet to see the government plan on taking advantage of the raw talents we have here to advance our technologies.

Dayo Olamijulo It was known for widespread of human rights abuses against Nigerians.

and corruption injected into their blood veins by the former administration, it is better for President Muhammadu Buhari to forget WAI and concentrate more on hunting those looters who had emptied our treasuries.

Anya Sandra Nigeria is grown up now; he can’t have his way again because Nigerians are civilised now. Back then people were blind but now things have changed.

Nigerians were mercilessly whipped on the streets and bus stops, and forced into manual labour by the brigade leading to widespread outcry.

Garba Abdulkadir It was an excellent opportunity to curb gross indiscipline in Nigeria but when General Ibrahim Babangida came into power, he crushed it.

Dayo Shoneye This worked when Nigeria was in the dark, not now. Let him think of better strategy!

Mayowa Atanda I was in school then so I can remember very well. War against indiscipline is not the best way to plan for a country. When we were kids, Nigeria was not as corrupt as it is today. Buhari never took any one to court and jailed any one for corruption. He only arrested those he didn’t like. Ambrose Alli was jailed and he later fell ill and died but till today, no proof of corruption has been brought against him. His family has no loot from corruption.

Labake Kuku From what I heard, it wasn’t a

Jideofor Nkoli Then, it encouraged Nigerians to line up to board buses and mostly line up or queue for high demand services.

Sola Oke Nigerians were mercilessly whipped on the streets and bus stops and forced into manual labour by the brigade leading to widespread outcry.

Yemi That policy worked then, we were disciplined. No man or woman will dare urinate on road side.

Haruna Haruna I remember seeing old men doing frog jump anytime they crossed the express way back then. Just by the foot bridge, the uniformed men brandishing whips would order them to hold their ears while they frog jumped.

Oladunmoye Muideen Sola War Against Indiscipline or punishment towards his perceived enemy?

Onoriode Okiemute Jonathan Civilians were beaten in the streets of Lagos for not complying to laid down rules.

Jideofor

Labake

Dayo

Oladunmoye

Ismaila Abdulrahman There was discipline in every sector.

Abdulahi Bajoga As the bloodstream of most Nigerians are tainted with indiscipline

Ismaila

Niyi

Anya

Sola

34

politics&policy

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune With Saheed Salawu

0811 695 4643

yinkadejavu@yahoo.com

PDP national convention: Great expectations, dashed hopes •Wike, Adeyeye, others speak Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt

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ogged by controversies engendered by the action and inaction of some of its key leaders, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the once self-acclaimed biggest political party in Africa, has been having a series of battles over the conduct of the national convention, an essential exercise for any political party to be legally recognised.

The crisis, brought about by a resistance to the quest of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to assert himself as the substantive national chairman of the party, culminated in controversial rulings and judgments from courts domiciled in Port Harcourt and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This led to a botched convention held in Port Harcourt on May 21, 2016 as the party could not elect its national officers as required by law but chose to put in place a caretaker committee to manage its affairs for 90 days.

Within the twinkle of an eye, the 90-day grace lapsed and, with great expectations and trepidations laced with the fear of another legal encumbrance, the PDP leadership fixed August 17 as another date with destiny. The party, again, fixed the Sharks Football Stadium (same as that of May) as the venue of the national convention, having zoned the chairmanship slot to the South-West.

Sheriff eventually proved to be a clog in the wheel as he got another judgment from Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja Federal High Court on Tuesday evening stopping the party from going ahead with the convention. The judgment aborted the idea of an elective convention and the party faithful had to settle, for the second time, for the caretaker committee whose tenure was elongated by one year and its membership expanded from seven to 13.

More importantly, the ruling by Abang effectively put on hold, the ambition of the four chairmanship aspirants from the South-West, namely, Chief Bode George, Professor Tunde Adeniran, Mr Jimi Agbaje and Dr Raymond Dokpesi, at least for another year.

Beyond the fact that an elective convention was aborted and that the chairmanship ambition of the South-West zone, nay other aspirants for other elective national offices, has been put in abeyance, the near abortion left many people with dashed hopes and disappointments, even as the leadership remains optimistic that the future is still rosy for the party.

We had a successful national convention –Wike For Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who doubled as the chairman of the PDP National Convention Planning Committee, the convention, which was eventually held at the state secretariat of the party, was successful as it drew high-profile personalities. He described the non-elective convention as a bold step taken towards repositioning the party in the interest of the country.

According to the governor, the calibre of party members who graced the convention was a pointer that the party had moved on after the “unnecessary” crisis generated by its “former national chairman,” Modu Sheriff.

“The calibre of persons who attended the national convention is an indication that PDP remains strong with quality members who are ever ready to make sacrifices. At the national convention were PDP governors, former governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives (past and serving), former ministers, PDP BoT members, all state PDP chairmen, party elders and delegates from all over the country. We are happy that the party has moved on,” Wike said.

He said the PDP was a law abiding party which was why it did not struggle with security agents after they sealed off the initial venue of the convention. This is even as he berated the security agencies for refusing to obey the judgement of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt where, as parties to the suit, they [the security agencies] were directed to provide security for the national convention.

Non-elective convention saved us from further crisis –Adeyeye The caretaker national publicity secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said the disappointment occasioned by the nearly botched convention notwithstanding, the non-elective stand taken was to avoid further crisis as the extension of the tenure of the party’s caretaker committee had saved the party from not having leaders, legally, to steer its ship.

Ali Modu Sheriff

Adeyeye said the extension of the tenure of the Makarfi-led committee was a proactive measure taken by the party leadership to prevent lacuna. He also cleared the air on the reason the PDP opted for a non-elective convention. According to him, it was done to stave off crisis since the party had resolved to go ahead with the election of its national officers, having been prevented by the police from holding the convention at the original venue.

Apparently seeking to bury permanently, the haunting ghost of the Sheriff phenomenon as it is affecting the fortune of the party, Adeyeye said: “If the police claimed that they were obeying a court order, why didn’t they also obey a subsisting court order that instructed Ali Modu Sheriff to stop parading himself as the PDP national chairman? Sheriff has no basis to act as the PDP national chairman as he was not approved by any convention.

So, how it got to his head that his tenure would end in 2018 was a clear indication that he was sent to destroy PDP.” The PDP image maker, however, remained optimistic about the chances of the party ahead of the 2019 elections. He hinted that it was up to Nigerians to choose between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP in the quest to save the country from what he called the current pangs of poverty and suffering.

Describing the general election as a battle to rescue Nigerians, he said the electoral contest in 2019 would be an interesting one.

“The 2019 election is not a PDP problem but a Nigerian problem.

It is a battle between those in power and those who want to wrest it from them. It is a battle between Nigerians and those making living difficult for them,” he said.

The PDP caretaker publicity secretary also asserted that the party was truly a national party that would survive any regime, adding that the police violated a subsisting court order by sealing off the original venue of its national convention.

PDP members were denied generational change – Henry Ikoh, Abia State Commissioner for Commerce It was a mixed feeling for Henry Ikoh, the Abia State Commissioner for Commerce and member of the PDP National Convention Electoral Committee. He said although the outcome of the non-elective convention was a welcome development, it denied

Beyond the fact that an elective convention was aborted and that the chairmanship ambition of the South-West zone, nay other aspirants for other elective national offices, has been put in abeyance, the near abortion left many people with dashed hopes and disappointments, even as the leadership remains optimistic that the future is still rosy for the party.

Ahmed Makarfi

the party faithful the opportunity of having a generational change in the leadership structure of the party.

Ikoh told Saturday Tribune that he was not really happy that an elective convention did not hold due to the action of the police who sealed off the original venue of the convention.

While expressing confidence that the party would overcome all the challenges it was presently facing from Sheriff, aided by the “intervention” of the judiciary, he said the party members present at the convention were convinced that the election would have brought about the generational change.

“As a member of the election committee of the national convention, the thinking was that there would be a generational shift in the leadership structure of the party. My expectation was that an elective convention today (Wednesday) would have made PDP a more formidable political party.

“As an electoral committee member, we were prepared to return the party to the people and say bye-bye to the era of putting the destiny of our great party at the mercy of some individuals who will sit somewhere dictating who becomes what in the party.

Democracy would have taken place today (Wednesday) because we were ready to return the party to the people by giving every contestant a clear, free and fair electoral space.

“The disappointment notwithstanding, our great joy lies in the fact that there are clear signs and indications that PDP will surely bounce back. Our renewed confidence, apart from the unity displayed by all leaders present at the convention, is the Abuja High Court judgment which again, today (Wednesday), ruled that Ali Modu Sheriff is not the PDP national chairman.

“The ruling is a great morale booster and an indication that all will be well with the party and its faithful members. With the ruling and the convention, the party has now got the chance to deal with any recalcitrant individual who is out to draw it back,” he said.

It is part of politics –Senator Durodola Faseyi For Senator Duro Faseyi, the build-up to the PDP national convention and its eventual outcome were part of politics and it was an integral part of the effort at repositioning the party for the task ahead, namely, taking back power from the APC at the centre.

“What played out today was all politics. What played out shortly before the convention was discernible to all Nigerians but we shall surely overcome. I like what played out today (Wednesday) and I was not in any way disappointed that we could not have an elective convention.

“Let us just cross our fingers and see what will be the outcome.

But one thing that I am sure of is the fact that the latest verdict by the Abuja High Court has vindicated our position that Ali Modu Sheriff is an interloper who was sent to PDP for an obvious reason, to wit, to destabilise us and put PDP in disarray.

“However, we have been vindicated. PDP and its teeming loyalists and members remain committed. The calibre of people present at this convention in Port Harcourt clearly indicated that we remain one. PDP is on track; we will reposition ahead the 2019 elections. We are ready and well prepared for the great task ahead,” he said.

35 interview

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

With our DNA project, there’s no hiding place for criminals in Lagos —Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Olufemi Odubuyi, has had a successful career as an ICT practitioner which has spanned over 20 years. Until his current appointment, he was IT Director at Dangote Industries Limited.

In this interview by NAZA OKOLI, he speaks of the many projects his ministry has embarked upon and the future of ICT in the country.

Y

ou have worked with Governor Akinwumi Ambode for some time now. We see him as that gentleman who smiles very often. What is it that many do not know about the governor of Lagos State?

He doesn’t believe in impossibility. He believes that whatever can be dreamed can be achieved.

for this initiative?

Apart from the social benefits, we also talk about the economic benefits like wealth and job creation. In the fishing sector, there are still so many things that we can do in terms of wealth and job creation. One thing we should consider is that the nation talks about agriculture. If you look at countries like Israel, if you know how small it is, then you look at the output of agricultural export from that country, you would be amazed. Their landmass is limited because most of it is desert. But through the application of science, they have been able to increase the yield over a fixed area of land. So, through science and technology, one can on the same plot of land get the same yield as I would on a 10-acre land without the application of science.

ICT continues to generate a great deal of interest among virtually all classes of people, yet there is little to be seen in the area of local manufacture in Nigeria and Africa. What is responsible for this?

I can only speak for Nigeria, because I believe that things are different in South Africa compared to other African countries. But if we look at Nigeria, basically, in terms of ICT, manufacturing of computer, etc, we do have local assembly of computers, but not necessarily local manufacture. There is Zinox, Beta Computers.

There is also Omatek. These are all local computer assembling plants. What we need to ask ourselves is: is local market stimulating enough for them to increase their production and improve on the quality of what is being churned out to the market? Something has to feed in to the entire process for it to get a better output.

We have to start investing in the kind of research that would make these things possible. Some years back, we didn’t buy things that were made in Taiwan or China or Japan but then over time, in these countries, their products became locally acceptable to them and it soon became easy for people outside to also accept them. So, we need to stimulate acceptance by our local markets. We need to patronise and support local content. But there are so many things that are tied to the rating of our local ICT manufacturing industries.

But isn’t it because of the quality of these locally made products that Nigerians are sceptical about patronising them?

That is one way to look at it. But how can the quality get better if we don’t start using them and start pointing out what the problems are? That is what would drive improvement. The HP, the IBM, etc, all get product feedbacks from the market; they innovate. Sometimes they recall their products. We need these things to get better. I believe that people are willing to invest in ICT manufacturing in the country, but they are limited right now to assembling, because we don’t manufacture computer chips; you still have to import. But even big companies like IBM, which are American, don’t manufacture in America. They are getting chips from all over Asia.

Some come from Taiwan, Japan, etc. I believe we will get there but we need to support our local manufacturers.

The toll-free line 112 that we find on police vans in Lagos State was said to have been developed by your ministry. But there have been complaints that the number is hardly ever reachable.

As far as I know, there is no problem with 112. It is an emergency line. We also have 767. These terminate at our Command and Control Centre at Alausa. From there, the calls are routed to the appropriate first responders, which can either be the police, the fire service or the ambulance service. So, it does work. It is a 24-hour service.

The lines have been in operation in Lagos for five years now; it is not new. What the present administration is doing is enhancing the infrastructure and the processes around service delivery in terms of emergency response.

You recently charged academics at LASU to focus on research, especially in the areas of agriculture, fishery and waste management, for the development of the state. To what extent is development hinged on this kind of academic research?

It is high time we started thinking about diversification. Our economy is over-dependent on oil. The only sector that can create a kind of sustainable growth for the country is science and technology. We can particularly focus on science and then start looking at innovation. We are in the process of finalising our Lagos State science and innovation policy. Activities

You were once quoted as advocating entrepreneurship training for traders at Computer Village. What range of skills would this training cover?

What we have done in the past was to organise training for unemployed youths and we trained them in the area of computer repairs, phone repairs, etc. Over 500 people participated in the training. Majority of them ended up at Computer Village. It was a kind of empowerment using technology for the youth. It is a programme that we are looking to continue.

We can guarantee you that there will be more convictions. This is because in the criminal court, everything is based on evidence.

And what is accepted globally as best practices are forensic reports. So, whatever you do in the dark shall be revealed by forensic reports. going on at LASU are within that policy. So, we are not just focusing on the area of agriculture or waste management with LASU but we have actually engaged LASU. We tell them: ‘Rather than all your research paperwork piling in the shelves amassing dust, let’s prioritise them and then see how we can commercialise them.’ The idea is to create an environment that really empowers people. We brainstorm how we can actualise them; how the research would impact the populace, either socially or economically. During our first interaction with LASU, about 15 research papers were brought out.

After prioritising them, we realised that the ones that can be achieved within the first one year fall within the agricultural sector. There were others from other areas that were more technical. So, we are taking it bit by bit, because one of the constraints for research commercialisation is funding. We are looking through the policy to push for some research grants for the state so that if we partner with institutions or even local organisations and companies, then we can, through the fund, help to develop it more so that it would be made available to the market. There is a lot going on. The entire team from the state, which comprises the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Ministry of Science and Technology, has visited LASU and met with all the research teams there.

What are the specific goals that you have set

But we are talking about the traders themselves. How much can be accomplished with these people, especially bearing in mind that most of them are not educated.

You would be surprised that there are so many graduates there. You need to interact with them. They are not the traditional uneducated traders that you think they are. There are lots of graduates among them. There are phones that you take for repairs and they tell you that they cannot be repaired. But take them to Computer Village and they will be repaired.

Lagos is surrounded by water and we have been told that water can be used to generate power. Is there any chance this would be explored?

Yes, you can generate wind energy from the ocean. But one has to consider the relative cost of the initiative in terms of the capital expenditure and operating expenses.

Yes, the possibility is there and I know that our sister ministry, Energy and Mineral Resources, are actually working on a comprehensive power programme for the state, which means that all the available possibilities would be explored.

Lagos State is about to set up a DNA laboratory and your ministry is a key player in this project.

What is it all about?

The DNA project is basically driven by our need to ensure that criminals don’t get away. The programme is driven by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology. It is an ongoing project which shall be delivered within the next 16-18 months. Once that is done, we can guarantee you that there will be more convictions. This is because in the criminal court, everything is based on evidence. And what is accepted globally as best practices are forensic reports. So, whatever you do in the dark shall be revealed by forensic reports. So, you cannot get away with crimes easily. Our repeat offenders can easily be tracked, because once their DNA is on record, if they commit another offence, they can be tracked. Also, it would ensure that the people do not get convicted for crimes they did not commit. These are the benefits that DNA has offered other countries and there is nothing stopping us from achieving the same standards.

Right now, forensic activities are taking place but the requests are being shipped out of the country. During the DANA plane crash, forensic samples were shipped out of the country for processing and returned to Nigeria. But if we have an establishment here in the country, regardless of where the forensic request can come from within the nation, you just bring it to Lagos. You don’t need to ship it out of the country.

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20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

views.com

Viewing disability from a beneficial angle: Things you can do to help

By Demola Adeleke

IT has been a general notion among people that the worst thing that could happen to a man during his period on earth is when he gets struck by any form of disability. Oftentimes, a majority of the people do consider this set of disabled humans as unfortunate because they are usually seen as those who have nothing or very little to offer humanity before their days underneath the earth. These disabled fellows, however, feel so rejected and most times see their disability as a great despair and this is commonly as a result of the palpable compassion shown to them by people.

Narrowing this discovery down to Nigeria, it could be observed that a good percentage of people living with disability are mostly found on walkways and roadsides, taking advantage of their disability as a means of getting people’s sympathy and which will in turn fetch them some money or gifts in form of alms into their pockets. However, this piece does not postulate that all beggars on the street relish this act of alms begging as a decent means of livelihood; it only suggests ways by which these people could be encouraged and assisted to meet up with nearly a normal human mode of living rather than the money given to them everyday.

Worthy of note is the fact that the glaring sympathy shown to a disabled person consequently subjects him or her to inferiority complex. Sometimes, this inferiority complex can manifest itself in either withdrawn or aggres-

sive social behaviour which may bring about a denial of socialisation to those living with disabilities. Therefore, it is advisable to always keep one’s sympathy for the disabled with oneself and treat them as though they were normal people who should enjoy equal rights and privileges with the able-bodied. Moreover, this special set of people, if noticed to be vulnerable to convinction, may be induced to seeking regular professions as opposed to alms begging if relative supports or sponsorship from governmental or nongovernmental organisation could be reached.

Furthermore, according to a research made in preparation for this piece, it could be gathered that most disabled street beggars could only afford to put food on their table through the money given to them by passers-by and commuters who take pleasure in helping people in need as many of these beggars told different stories of how they were deserted by their families owing to their disability that was considered shameful. In this vein, social services from the government are hereby required to help in managing the welfare of these people so they could be introduced to a better life instead of watching them litter up the city roads.

Similarly, the kind of treatment we give to these people when found in our midst, whether in a social gathering, classroom or even in a commercial vehicle greatly affects their lives, either positively or otherwise. A nice and friendly hand, when stretched to a challenged person,

Youths: To live is to participate

for the low level of youth participation in democracy in Africa? Let’s examine some of these barriers:

By Baba Isa

I

TS 490 B.C. Athens was at war with Persia. Athens dispatched its fastest runner, 25-year old Pheidippides to Sparta, to summon military help. Pheidippides ran the 150 miles from Marathon to Sparta on foot in two days, ran back and dropped dead! The modern Marathon is run in remembrance of Pheidippides to honour the supreme sacrifice this youth made to save history’s first democracy. Let the African youth get involved and make every sacrifice necessary to save democracy in Africa.

If you are 18-35 years old, you belong to my generation. A generation of Africans and Nigerians that was birthed at the height of military rule… we grew up amidst the sound of bugle, the punctuations of newsflashes of coups d’état and the eternal presence of soldiers on our streets. We were living witnesses to the gagging of the press, the flagrant abuse of human rights, asphyxiation of the judiciary and the rise of civil society groups. And just when we were coming to political age, when this military rule was becoming a way of life, democracy as a burst of long awaited fresh air, swept across Africa. This welcomed phenomenon happened in Nigeria in 1999.

Fifteen years after the first elections, in our generation, were held in this country one still wonders whether democracy is the answer to Africa’s perennial problems of poverty, infrastructural decay and waste of natural and human resources. Did anything really change with the advent of democracy on our shores? Did we really have a change of governance or just a change in the complexion of governance? My generation has attained adulthood and thrust into a quagmire of questions, caught up in a bloody game of thrones and initiated into the cult of blame allocation. Those who drove us into a ditch many years ago are still in the driver’s seat telling us to trust them to help us find the way. They told us we were leaders of tomorrow and when tomorrow came, we still found them there… firmly in charge.

But something must be done. We cannot sit back and wish, or curse or just pray. This generation cannot afford this. We must live… we must participate… “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shy from this responsibility… I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all

gives him or her a welcoming appeal, accompanied by a sense of belonging and this helps in creating a world of acceptance for them. On the other hand, when stigmatised or desolated, they become a loner and feel unaccepted.

If a disability is properly harnessed, it can serve some favourable purposes contrary to people’s view about it.

This means that disabilities could equally be used to one’s advantage to reaching the apex of his dream with just a few efforts made. If patiently studied, it would be noticed that if an able-bodied person achieves a goal that is admirable in the society, it takes only mere ‘congratulations’ from the people since it is a regular thing that is expected to be achieved by the people in the human society. Equally, if the same goal is attained by a challenged person, even though it is an ordinary achievement which has severally been accomplished by many people, it becomes extraordinary to people and tends to gain more attention and appreciation just because the doer is challenged. This explains that every ordinary accomplishment of a challenged person is seen as extraordinary by people and with this, persistent trial by a challenged person to do what the able-bodied ones do on a normal basis could turn into a ladder to climbing up to the peak.

Demola Adeleke is a visually impaired student of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on internship with Saturday Tribune.

Gerontocratic culture In Africa, wisdom is usually associated with grey hair or old age and since leadership is something normally left for the wise, it is concluded, culturally, that only the old should lead.

The focus and quality of education The focus and quality of education we have in Africa doesn’t prepare the African youth to participate in democracy, thus systematically preventing young Africans from understanding and participating in democratic processes.

Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youth and Sports.

who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Nigerians/Africans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Let’s get involved, let’s participate.

We can no longer pretend it doesn’t matter “Those who control political power not only shape economic policies, but also own and control the levers of the economy and consequently also, the wealth of the nation”. So to survive, to live, we must participate.

Dare Babarinsa, in the Newswatch magazine of October 1985, aptly captures the impact ZIK’s return had on politics and the anticolonial struggles: “Before Zik came back to Nigeria in 1934, Nigeria politics was a mere Lagos affair, with the frequent brickbats between Herbert Macaulay and his contemporaries. But Zik was to take the nation by storm. He was then only 30, heartbreakingly handsome, and with his tongue he could rouse an army into battle. The old brigade cowered before this enfant terrible, and the British Authorities fled before his very shadow.”

I think the above quote aptly describes how youth participation in politics can change the political landscape.

But today where are the young people involved in democratic governance? The average age of parliamentarians in Africa is 63 (50 years old for women parliamentarians).

The pertinent question to answer is what is responsible

Apathy of the church The church in Africa is not doing enough to get the youth involved in governance. Her stance most times make young people view political involvement as sinful; thus the resultant apathy from most Christian youths in Africa.

But there has to be a way forward… and we must be the ones to beat this path. There should be a value reorientation. Africa should realise that the youth can perform as a leader and that some grey hairs lack gray matter. This can be achieved through sensitisation and through exemplary conduct by our young people already involved in the democratic processes of their countries.

There should be a deliberate collaboration between churches, faith-based organisations and civil society and youth organisations. Churches should create programmes that will enlighten young people to participate in the democratic process.

The African youth should seek for “extra education” after leaving formal school; education that is focused on bringing out the leader in him. Education and programmes that deepen knowledge in democracy should be encouraged and attended by all African youths. And as the legendary Nelson Mandela said on May 15, 2008 in his message for ‘Schools for Africa Campaign’: “Education, more than anything else, improves our chances of building better lives”. We must get relevant education to understand the dynamics of democracy, to get equipped with the relevant political tools to engage the political ecosystem. “For my people perish for lack of knowledge.”

Baba Isa sent this article from Abuja.

37

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

38

20 August, 2016

Saturday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Rio 2016: We

Dream Team captain, Mikel Obi (right) celebrates with team-mate, Sodiq Umar after scoring at ongoing Rio Olympics.

expect hostile crowd in gold battle —Germany scorer

By Ganiyu Salman

GERMANY’S left-back, Lukas Klostermann, believes the fall of hosts, Brazil is possible today, as both sides clash in the final of the men’s football Olympic gold at the Maracana Stadium.

Klostermann, who scored his country’s first goal against Nigeria’s Dream Team in the semifinal, said he and his team-mates are ready to play against the crowd today.

“Before the game (against Nigeria) it was our aim to go to the final and to have a medal,” Klostermann told FIFA. com. “But if you’re in the situation we are in now you want to win, you want to have the gold medal

and we will try everything to get it.”

The RB Leipzig defender said he looks forward to rubbing shoulders with top Brazilian stars today at the famous Maracana Stadium.

“It’s a great feeling to test myself against players like Neymar. The game (final) will be a bonus, we’ll try to enjoy it. I think the whole stadium will be against us.

We’ll try to give our best and if we have a good day, it’s possible for us to win,” Klostermann said.

Meanwhile, Brazil will attempt to win the Olympic soccer gold for the first time at the expense of a German side tutored by Horst Hrubesh, after several futile attempts including the final loss to Mexico 1-2 at London 2012.

Onazi backs Dream Team to win bronze NIGERIA international, Ogenyi Onazi has said he believes the country will clinch Olympics bronze today by beating Honduras in Belo Horizonte.

Dream Team VI failed to reach the final of the Rio

Olympics football event after they lost 2-0 to Germany on Wednesday.

Trabzonspor of Turkey midfielder Onazi told AfricanFootball.com the team deserve all the praise from Nigerians for their

Igali loses N1m bet on women wrestlers WITH Nigeria’s five women wrestlers out of contention at the ongoing Rio Olympics, Daniel Igali, President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), says he has lost N1 million bet on their winning medals.

Igali, also Technical Director of NWF, apparently devastated by the results on Friday, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that the development was saddening.

“I had placed a N1million bet on these girls winning medals. I feel so sad and sorry for these wrestlers because they have put in a lot of hardwork to get these poor results.

“It is indeed sad because these wrestlers sacrificed a lot and did not deserve these defeats.

“How I wish there is local Nigerian gin, known widely as `Ogogoro’ for me to drink to steady nerves,’’ he said at the Games Village after the humiliating losses.

The coach, who is a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly said: “Look at me. I have been an absentee lawmaker because of the wrestlers.

“Out of 87 sittings in the House, I was only present 13 times.

Imagine that! All because of this national assignment,” Igali said.

The Sydney 2000 Olympics gold medallist for Canada, added that most the annoying aspect was that most of those girls that inflicted these defeats had been previously beaten by our wrestlers.

With the female wrestlers out, the remaining two male wrestlers, Amas Daniel and Soso Tamara will take to the mat tomorrow, the closing day of the Games.

NAN reports that Reuben Hanna Amuchechi lost 4-1 to Canadian Dorothy Yeats in the 69kg freestyle, while Mercy Genesis (48kg) lost 5-0 to Nina Matowustka of Poland.

Aminat Adeniyi (58kg) also lost her fight in the round of 16 like her compatriots.

displays in Brazil following what they went through before and during the event and he will now back them to beat Honduras to the bronze medal.

“I have been wishing them well at the event

right from day one, I always speak with coach Siasia and I really appreciate them for coming this far in the competition despite all what they went through, they have done well,” he said.

...Don’t give up —Saraki Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

Genesis

AFCON U-17 qualifier: Eaglets set for

Niamey showdown

NIGERIA’S Golden Eaglets will hope to go past the Junior Menas of Niger Republic this weekend in Niamey so as to set up a final qualifying play-off to next year’s U-17 AFCON against either Gabon or Algeria.

The Eaglets are under pressure to go through to the next round of the U17 AFCON qualifiers after they scraped lone goal win over Niger in the first leg in Abuja.

Gabon, on the other hand, held hosts Algeria to a goalless draw in the first leg and welcome the North Africans this weekend in the reverse fixture.

The Nigeria youngsters left for Niamey on Thursday morning by road from Sokoto, where they have been training since Tuesday.

Last year, the Eaglets finished fourth in the AFCON in Niger, before they went on to win a fifth FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile.

THE Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Friday, urged the nation’s Dream Team VI not to give up after losing to Germany in the semi-final of the Rio Olympics as they file out today at 5pm against Honduras in a bronze medal match.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, also commended the quartet of Blessing Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu, Jennifer Madu and Agnes Osazuwa, for their qualification for the 4x100m final.

“Setbacks are part of life, but rising above setbacks makes the champion. I believe you will make the country proud by bringing home the bronze in this final episode of your soccer campaign at Rio. “Be assured that any ef-

fort you expend in making this last encounter a successful venture will still be highly rewarding as it is will change the story about your performance and take the name of the country a notch higher and in the best of lights.

“Therefore, I want to urge you to spare no efforts at making sure that you seize this last opportunity to change the narrative of our participation in the football event for the better,” he stated.

Saraki further urged Okagbare and her colleagues in the relay team to do everything humanly possible to win gold for Nigeria.

“The gold is yours for grabs. Don’t forget that Nigerian athletes have always put forth spectacular performances in this particular track event. So, I urge you to go for gold in this final encounter,” Saraki stated.

39

sport

20 August, 2016

Rio 2016: Dream Team’s US tour full of dirty deals —Dalung

T

HE Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has hinted at shady deals behind the country’s football team being stranded for several days

at their training base in Atlanta, USA, before they finally made their way to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

It is expected that after the Rio Olympics a high-powered probe will be initiated

by the minister to uncover the truth behind the drama, which caused Nigeria international shame.

The Dream Team only flew into Brazil barely seven hours before their opening match against Japan.

And Dalung said on a television interview on Thursday that the episode revealed “quiet dirty” details which those involved cannot defend themselves against when they are confronted with.

“The Atlanta event was quiet dirty and some of the

actors (involved) cannot stand before Nigeria (to answer to these charges),” Dalung alleged.

“The event of Atlanta was another attempt to rip the

country off.”

Dalung said he has a receipt from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the charter flight that eventually flew the team from

Saturday Tribune

Atlanta to Manaus when he alleged that Delta Airlines confirmed to his officials that the flight was their own “contribution” to the country’s Olympic campaign.

Saraki institutes U-13 Rashidi Yekini soccer competition Biola Azeez-Ilorin THE Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has promised sponsorship of an annual soccer tournament among U-13 boys at Oyun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, especially Ira, the country home of the late soccer legend, Rashidi Yekini.

Speaking during a visit to the mother of the fallen soccer star in Ijagbo, Oyun LGA of the state on Friday, Senator Saraki also canvassed an institution for Nigeria, where her sports’ heroes and heroines would be honoured before their demise “based

on their contributions to the growth of Nigeria on their chosen careers.”

He said that a trophy had already been donated for the U-13 Rashidi Yekini soccer competition, adding that football kits were doled out to the boys and the officials of the competition which may coincide with the date of death of the former football star.

Represented by the General Manager of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC, Ilorin, Mr Alloy Chukwuemeka, he also presented a tricycle to the younger brother of the 1993 African Footballer of the Year, Hakeem Yekini, to

be used for commercial purposes.

Chukwuemeka said renovation of the private mosque, shop and apartments of Yekini’s mum, (Alhaja Sikirat Yekini) had been carried out, adding that undisclosed amount of money was also presented to the aged woman to boost her petty trading.

The mother of the foremost Nigeria striker expressed happiness with the way the good deeds of her late son were rewarded by the Senate president, just as she prayed for the U-13 players of ABS, with a prophesy that “many Rashidi Yekinis would rise among them”.

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English Premier League fixtures

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SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST, 2016

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Stoke City vs Man City 12.30p.m Burnley vs Liverpool 3:00p.m Swansea vs Hull City 3:00p.m Tottenham vs C/Palace 3:00p.m Watford vs Chelsea 3:00p.m

I’m in the same class as Ali, Pele —Bolt

H

ISTORY-maker Usain Bolt said he deserves to be among sport’s all-time greats after romping to a third straight Olympic 200m gold in Rio. The world’s fastest man argued that he should be in the pantheon of sporting heroes with Pele, Muhammad Ali and Michael Phelps.

“I am trying to be one of the greatest. Be among Ali and Pele,” he declared in the seconds after the win.

“I’ll wait to see what you guys write tomorrow,” the sprint king added at a later press conference.

“I’m just waiting to see what the media have to say and if they put me in that bracket,” he said when asked how he stacked up against football star Pele and boxing legend Ali. “I’ve worked all my career, all my life for this moment. Hopefully you can read about me as one of the greatest people in sport, that’s my focus.”

Bolt, who has now won a staggering 19 Olympic and world titles, insisted that he had run his final individual Olympic race.

“I’ve proven to the world that I’m the greatest and that’s what I came here for,” he said, sounding for a moment like Ali himself.

“That’s why I said it’s

my last Olympics,” added Bolt.

“I can’t prove anything else. To be eight-time Olympic gold medallist now is a big deal, it’s

shocking. I’ve pushed myself to be the best, there’s nothing else I can do.”

Bolt’s achievements rank with swimmer Phelps – the most successful Olym-

pic athlete ever – who signed off with five more gold medals in Rio to extend his record tally to 23.

But Bolt, who turns 30 when the Rio Games close

West Brom Leicester

vs Everton 3:00p.m vs Arsenal 5:30p.m

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Sunderland vs Middlesbrough 1:30pm West Ham vs Bournemouth 4:00pm

Bolt

tomorrow, refused to say who was the greatest Olympian.

“I can’t say, swimming and track and field are totally different events,” he

shrugged. “He’s proved he is one of the best without a doubt. He’s won so many medals, he’s dominated the sport. We’re great in our own different fields.”

Dream Team won’t miss ‘golden’ bronze —Siasia

By Ganiyu Salman NIGERIA’S U-23 coach, Samson Siasia has said the Dream Team is determined to placate Nigerians by winning the bronze of the Rio

Olympics today at the expense of Honduras.

Siasia told FIFA.com that his men has gained some positives from the 0-2 semifinal loss to Germany and will guard against mistakes

committed when they storm the Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte for the third place match billed to start at 5pm.

“We still have something to play for. You’re better off having a bronze medal than

Rohr names strong Eagles against Tanzania

By Olawale Olaniyan EXCEPT injured pair, Alex Iwobi and Oghenekaro Etebo, German coach, Gernot Rohr on Friday named a strong Nigerian squad against Tanzania in a match meant to fulfil all formalities as far as qualification games for the 2018 Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) are concerned.

Both countries have no claim to the slots having crashed out of the competition, but Rohr feels it is an important get-together so as to forge ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier in a group that has Algeria, Cameroun, Zambia and Nigeria contending for a single ticket.

“We need to see all our players, there is no useless game as far as qualifiers are concerned. That is why they are FIFA free days,’’ Rohr told journalists in Abuja.

Some also claimed the Franco-German handler drew up the strong list so as to start his campaign on the Nigerian job on a winning note.

Noteworthy is the inclusion of Nigeria’s U-20 striker, Victor Osimen and uncapped defender, Chidozie Awaziem who plays for FC Porto in Portugal.

All invited players are expected in Uyo on Sunday August 28.

Full List: Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah) Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Troost-Ekong (Haugesund FC, Norway); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal); Ja-

miu Alimi (Kano Pillars); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Musa Muhammed (Istanbul Basaksehir, Turkey); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France), Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia) Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Imoh Ezekiel (Al-Arabi Sporting Club, Qatar), Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Brown Ideye (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg FC, Germany)

not having anything at all.

That’s the only way we can motivate them and it’s going to be very, very tough. They wanted to go to Rio but you need to earn it to go there, ” the former Super Eagles coach said.

The man who coached the Dream Team to win silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, however, acknowl-

edged that his wards didn’t deserve to play in today’s final given their performance against Germany.

“We didn’t deserve to win against Germany with the way we played, so we should just forget about it and look forward to the next one and at least we will try to have the bronze medal going back home.”

Nigeria’s Usman Mohammed (back) challenges a Japanese opponent during their group clash at the ongoing Rio Olympics.

Brazil, Germany vie for Olympic football gold

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. 20/8/2016.

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