20th December 2015

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 2,025

SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER, 2015

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

Buhari not sincere with corruption fight —Sagay, head, Presidential Advisory Team pg32 on Anti-Corruption

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

Fire ravages Lagos market, burns 12 containers pg8

Confusion over Osun tertiary institutions’ admission

pg5

•Applicants may forfeit N1bn form fees

Arms deal: Dasuki’s

pg5

camp threatens to release videos Including details of all transactions at ONSA

Northern govs decry growing influence of pg52 Shiites eeting •Hold emergency m

Boko Haram attacks Buratai’s town again pgs5&8

From left, winner of Globacom-sponsored reality TV show, Dance with Peter, Kelvin Ayanruoh; show promoter and judge, Peter Okoye; Second runner-up, Julius Fakta; and first runner-up, Mali Hot Boy, at the grand finale of the show held in Lagos, on Saturday.

•Residents flee, hide in primary school •Army commutes death penalty of 66 soldiers to jail terms

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

life&living Celebrating Xmas in the face of economic odds

Given the current heightened economic situation in the country, caused by some factors, including the prevailing fuel crisis; and the fact that Christmas celebration is in the air, REMI ANIFOWOSE went round the city of Ibadan to sample the opinions of people preparing for Christmas, as well as business owners, on how their businesses have been faring in the face of these odds.

She reports:

Christmas hampers at sale points

Christmas decorations

I

Alatil Ope

T’S Christmas! The mood of the season is obviously seen in Nigerians, as they engage in small businesses to make more money for the celebration. Many a Nigerian is aggressively business-oriented, using creative minds to put one or two things together to add colour and glamour to the season, and at the same time, make money by exploiting the season’s primary motive of giving, a season when gifts are exchanged. Hence people do all sorts; they do business, organise carnivals, decorate their homes, stock their homes with food, drinks, among other things, to keep being in the mood of merriment.

A trip around town by Sunday Tribune crew showed the mood of Christmas and merriment in the air. Markets, malls, stores, boutiques, restaurants, fun factories are now very busy and crowded, as people troop in and out, doing one buying and selling or the other. Virtually all businesses that contribute to Christmas celebrations are believed to sell fast and are usually very expensive during the Christmas season.

When Sunday Tribune visited the foodstuff market at Bodija, the comments of the traders were contrary to

what was witnessed in terms of the crowd that trooped in and out of the market. The market was so crowded that one could hardly find a pathway. Trailers and lorries that had driven in to unload their goods and produce obstructed even the pathway of shoppers. It was an obvious evidence of a festive season. But Sunday Tribune was amazed when many of the traders spoken with complained of low patronage and sales due to the precarious economic situation of the country, coupled with the recent scarcity of fuel and hike in price. They lamented the 100 per cent increase in the price of goods supplied to them, which they claimed reduced sales and patronage by buyers.

“Most of our customers that usually bought 10 to 20 bags of rice during this season in previous years have now reduced their demand drastically because of the price.

This time last year, I had sold over 100 bags of rice. But I have not sold 40 bags now. The situation is getting worse by the day. May God help us in Nigeria,’’ Mrs Adeola continues

pg 3

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life&living

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘Xmas sales are very low this year’

be

continued from pg 2

Omoni, a rice wholesaler at Bodija market lamented.

Same went for Mrs Obiaghelli Ugen, a frozen chicken dealer in the same market. Mrs Ugen complained that the cost of transporting her goods from the point of supply to her shop was extremely high, blaming it on the scarcity of fuel and hike in price.

“We don’t know where we are heading towards in this country o my sister! Everything is going higher and not coming down. To say business is not progressing is to say the obvious; it’s just that we must work so that we will eat. It is not impressive at all, but we thank God for everything sha!’’ she added.

Traders spoken with in other sections of the market visited chorused the same song of ‘low business!’ ‘No money’ this Christmas season due to the heightened economic situation of the country and the prevailing hike in fuel price. Even the buyers complained of cash crunch which had made them to reduce demands and shopping for the celebration.

According to Mrs Linda Asiodu, who was in the market to shop for the Christmas celebration, “I am here to shop for the things I need for Christmas and stock the house before the prices of foodstuffs increase more than this. I want to do early shopping, because with the way things are going in terms of prices, I need to do what I have to do before it gets higher. Even if I can’t buy clothes for my children, I should

able to feed them well for this Christmas. I earn little and can’t use the little to purchase expensive goods I did not bargain for.’’

A civil servant who has not been paid salaries for some months and preferred being anonymous, wondered if the Christmas celebration would be feasible, saying she and her husband , who is also a civil servant, had not received salaries, hoping for the best to come out of Nigeria.

At the Heritage Shopping Mall, where Christmas decorations and greeting cards are sold, Sunday Tribune investigation revealed that the natural economic meltdown was contributory to the low sales recorded during this season. According to the manager of Podarock Shopping Mall, “Christmas sale last year was better than this current year. This is generally due to the drop in the price of crude oil in the international market and the rate at which the naira is dropping against the dollar.

Christmas items are now generally costly,

and because of this, people are not coming to buy. We have been sitting down like this all day.’’

Also for Mrs Folake Olaiya who owns a boutique and sells provisions at Imalefalafia, it is the same story of low business. She said people were not buying Christmas stuff, not because they didn’t want to buy, but because they couldn’t afford them due to the current economic crisis in the country.

According to her, “Everywhere is just dry. The situation in the country is bad. Christmas sale this year is worse than last year’s. Though some people come to buy clothes and shoes, the number is not encouraging at all. Even the hampers I sell for around N2,500 and N3,000 are not moving.’’

Corroborating Mrs Olaiya’s claim, Mrs Akinbani Bukola, who sells hampers at Dugbe, said ‘’people are neglecting our hampers and decorations, but are settling for drinks and cheap wines. They wish to buy, but money is scarce. We made more sales last year.’’

Esther Paul who was at the Heritage mall to shop for Christmas decorations when Sunday Tribune visited, did not see any reason why she should buy hamper with her fiancee. “Why should I spend my money on hampers, when I can use my money to cook delicious food for my family on Christmas day? I would rather go for decorations because if I decorate my home, it will look colourful and glorious.’’

Sunday Tribune’s investigation, revealed that people spent more on decorations than on hampers and that there were more sales last year than this year due to the current economic hardship, including the prevailing fuel crisis that that had escalated the prices of things generally.

— Additional reports by Hannah Sasodje, Yetunde Tijani, Oluwabamise Ademola, Temitayo Iliasu and Oluwatomisin Akingbelu.

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

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news

20 December, 2015

Arms deal: Dasuki’s camp plans big fight back May release graphic details, videos of all transactions at ONSA Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

A

ssociates of the embattled National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), who are angry at the frequent denials of interaction by some of those

Boko Haram attacks Buratai’s town again Few days to the December 31 deadline issued to the military by President Muhammadu Buhari to cruch the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, gunmen reportedly launched a dawn raid on the Buratai hometown of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on Saturday, triggering a fierce gun battle with troops, residents of a nearby village to which people fled the clashes said.

The attack, which came shortly after a warning by the government that the terrorist sect was planning to kidnap foreign nationals and Nigerians for ransom, urging Nigerians to be watchful during the Yuletide period, was reported to have begun at around 5 a.m.

Though the AFP reported that there was no immediate report of casualties in the fighting in Buratai, Borno state, insurgents were said to have secretly attacked the community, leading to loud shootings and explosions.

Abubakar Umar, a resident of a nearby hamlet of Miringa, told AFP that the fighting began at 5 a.m. after Boko Haram insurgents attacked the village, saying that “at one point, we could hear explosions coming from the direction of Buratai.”

Troop reinforcements from a military base in the town of Biu, 30 kilometres from Buratai, were seen passing through Miringa, reports stated.

“Nine trucks conveying soldiers and another four carrying local hunters drove through our village towards Buratai and from what we hear, more are on their way,” said Shitu Ayuba, another resident.

Some Buratai residents, Sunday Tribune gathered, had fled to Miringa, where they took shelter in a primary school.

who have dealings with the former security chief while in office were said to have commenced efforts aimed at establishing the links of such persons with Dasuki.

Insiders in the plot said that some close associates of Dasuki have decided to build “graphic cases against some of those denying dealings with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Dasuki.”

It was gathered that Dasuki’s camp had been more than jolted by frequent denials, especially those being published in the media about the transactions that took place in the ONSA under the retired army colonel.

Some sources in the know said that Dasuki’s associates who are in the know of

dealings and operations at the ONSA are building up “graphic cases” against those denying receiving either material or cash gifts from their principal while he served as NSA. Sources confirmed that the aggrieved associates of the former NSA had threatened to release some video evidence to substantiate claims that certain key figures did receive material and cash gifts from their man.

Some sources had confirmed that Dasuki’s loyalists were planning their fight back arrangement and are prepared to go ahead even without Dasuki’s support.

It was gathered that the forces are planning a detailed package on those who got what

and their proxies, with comprehensive graphics on “actors and proxies” as appropriate.

A source in the know informed Sunday Tribune that: “Some people have been telling indefensible lies in recent times. The much that some group of associates of the former NSA knows would be packaged into a comprehensive account on who did what. They plan to go ahead whether the former NSA sanctions the idea or not. There are witnesses and recordings of several visits where gifts, material and cash exchanged hands.

“For instance, they claimed to have records of one man who received two retired army officers in his private sitting room (situated close to the

end of the main House), and called his nephew to collect a bag containing some gifts. The same man was quoted as saying he saw nothing and heard nothing. This is strange and laughable,” the source said, adding that the nephew of the same man, who is not known with any formal job, now has over N800 million in a new generation bank.

The source further said that the media trial of the Dasuki saga appeared to have heaped too much aspersion on the man in a way that his loyalists could no longer continue to hold back.

Said another source in the know: “I think they got angry with several posturings in the media and they believed that being

Sunday Tribune

witnesses to a number of developments, they could go ahead and put some things out there.

“How did the nephew of a big man, who has never worked in his life accumulate over N800 million in his bank account in a new generation bank?

They think they can cover what they all did, but certain other persons could decide to spill the beans for Nigerians to see the hypocrisy on display.

“All parties would have to meet in court. But before then, if they keep denying and instigating the mob condemnation, those in the know would have no option but to explore ways of showing some clips in the media for the world to see the nakedness of the situation.”

Confusion over Osun’s tertiary institutions’ admission •As JAMB denies delisting schools •We never collapsed our tertiary institutions —Gov From Oluwole Ige and Clement Idoko

The last may not have been heard about the alleged controversial plan by the Osun State government to restructure or merge some colleges of education and polytechnics in the state, with the latest being the controversy surrounding the reported suspension of the 2015/2016 admission in the affected institutions despite thousands of applicants having purchased postUTME forms for between N3,200 and N3,500.

Those seeking admission to the HND programmes were said to have paid N10,000 each for application forms at both OSPOLY and OSCOTECH. Some of the applicants seeking admission to Osun State-owned polytechnics and colleges of education for Higher National Diploma (HND) in the 2015/2016 academic, will have their hopes of pursuing the programmes dashed as a result of a reported directive from the state government for the suspension of admission process.

Institutions affected by the suspension of the admission process included the Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa Oke, the Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun and the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa.

The reported suspension of admission processes, which has generated concerns

among the stakeholders in the educational sector, Sunday Tribune learnt, was the fallout of the alleged plan by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to restructure and merge some the institutions.

The applicants, according to Sunday Tribune findings, are over 10,000.

Some of them, who spoke to Sunday Tribune, lamented that they were confused on what steps to take in salvaging their educational dreams, wondering why the management of the institutions sold admission forms when they knew that 2015/2016 admission year would be put on hold.

Investigations, conducted by our correspondent indicated that over 5,000 applicants had already purchased the HND forms of OSPOLY and OSCOTECH. With that calculation, the two institutions might have raked in well over N100 million revenue from the sale of the forms.

Speaking on the development, the spokesperson for the alumni associations of all the affected institutions, Chief (Mrs) Mobolaji Odebode, confirmed the development, noting that “students who have been offered admission to study various courses in the four tertiary institutions owned by the Osun State government might forfeit their admissions as the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has allegedly delisted the schools from

its website, because the Osun State government had written to JAMB to delist the affected institutions for the next two years in order to give way for its proposed restructuring of the institutions.”

JAMB, however, denied the receipt of any letter from the Osun State government, directing it to stop admissions to some tertiary institutions in the state.

Board’s Public The Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Fabian Benjamin, told Sunday Tribune that the Board had not received any letter to the effect of deleting tertiary institutions in Osun State from the admission brochure, noting that the Director of Admissions in the Board had also confirmed that the JAMB had not received or acted on such instruction from Osun State to stop admissions to its tertiary institutions.

When contacted, a top management staff of OSPOLY, names withheld, also said “we have not received any official document on any restructuring or suspension of admission for 2015/2016 academic year. That is all I can say for now.”

But while commenting on the reported plan by the state government to merge/ restructure state-owned Odebode institutions, emphasised that most of the applicants seeking admissions and had been offered provision admission for 2015/2016 academic sessions, were shocked to find out that their potential

schools are no longer on the JAMB portals.

She stated that “it is painful that despite pleas from traditional rulers, host communities, political parties, students, market women, Alumni Associations and well meaning Nigerians, the government has refused to listen to the voice of reason on the matter. As products of these institutions, we had resolved to continue the struggle to protect the existence of these institutions.”

Odebode also hinted that Osun State government had ordered the four institutions to advertise admission for vocational and remedial studies, thus querying the government on why polytechnic should play the role that a technical college could play more effectively.

But she vowed that the associations would not relent in their struggle to sustain the existing status quo in the citadels of learning, noting that “we want full autonomy for all the institutions. These colleges of education and the polytechnic we are talking about came in through the acts of parliament and if there should any change to their status, the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola ought to approach the legislature for necessary amendments. This has not been done.”

The state governor, Mr Aregbesola, however, debunked claims that

he collapsed the stateowned tertiary institutions, describing the claims as misconception of innovations introduced by his government to strengthen tertiary institutions in the State.

He disclosed that his government only rejigged tertiary institutions in the state to make them have more impact and not a merger of the state colleges of education and polytechnics as alleged.

He made the clarifications late Friday, when he visited the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, to seek more support for Osun State-owned tertiary institutions.

“We took this step realising that as fundamentally useful as higher education is, it becomes totally irrelevant and useless when the foundation of learning is defective.”

The governor further said that “we don’t believe in following the road that we must have college of education or polytechnic like others. our college of education, polytechnic and university must directly impact on our societal needs.

“We are not collapsing institutions contrary to the popular misconception.

We are simply rejigging the schools to make them more relevant, more useful and better situated for the needs of the community in which there are and our State and society at large,” he said.

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20 December, 2015

crimereports

Sunday Tribune

edited by Oluwatoyin Malik 0807 889 1950, 0811 695 4633 praiseboy01@gmail.com

My friend lured me into robbery, says inter-state robbery suspect

By Oluwatoyin Malik

T

HREE members of a six-man gang which uses motorcycles to rob people in their homes and shops recently met their waterloo at AyegunOlomi axis of Ibadan, Oyo State when they were apprehended by the police in Oyo State police Command, with the help of members of the public.

The suspects include Abiola Ifedayo (23), Wahab Lateef (19) and Ahmed Alani (24).

Disclosing this to Crime Reports on Thursday, December 10, 2015, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Leye Oyebade, said that the robbery gang invaded the shop of a cement dealer, one Mrs Toyin Olasunkanmi, in broad daylight and dispossessed the woman of a large sum of money at gun point, after which they fled the scene.

“The victim and her husband raised the alarm, which attracted neighbours, passersby and a nearby police station.

Three of the suspects were later arrested where they hid in a bush while three others escaped,” Oyebade stated further.

He added that a locallymade cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.

He said that the suspects confessed to the crime as well as other robbery operations they had carried out in some parts of the state, adding that they were helping the police in their investigations.

Narrating his wife’s ordeal in the hands of the robbery gang, the husband of the victim, Deacon Adesokan Isaac told Crime Reports: “At about 2.30p.m on the fateful day, three men came on okada to our shop at Arowojeka, Ayegun-Olomi area of Ibadan, saying that they wanted to buy bags of cement. We gave them a price of N1,450 but they negotiated the price to

N1400, which we refused.

“They told us they had to call the person who sent them on the errand. While pretending to do this, they turned their backs at us and one of them opened the bag he was carrying and brought out a gun. The robbers barked at my wife and asked her to go back into her shop, warning her to cooperate with them.

“She appealed to them to allow her take her bible from her bag, and as she did this, one of them snatched the bag from her and mounted their bike.

Unknown to us, three others who were on another okada parked in front of our shop were also members of the gang. So, they were six in all, using two motorbikes.

“They asked whether the bag had been collected. By then, we raised the alarm and the armed robbers responded by shooting.

As they rode away, they continued shooting until they exhausted their bullets at Ayegun area. We learnt that the police and

The suspects sympathisers who pursued them were able to apprehend three of them while the other three escaped with my wife’s bag.”

In his confession, one of the suspects, Abiola, said he was invited to the robbery operation by one Sunday, the leader of the gang who escaped with others.

He disclosed that he knew Sunday and other gang members when they were

all working and living in Mamu community in Ogun State.

“I am an okada rider.

Sunday told me that he wanted to rob a cement dealer, so I took him there on my motorcycle. We were six in number and went with three motorcycles. After the operation, one of the motorcycles had tyre problem, and as we were trying to fix it, those

who were pursuing us caught up with us. I also tried to escape but I was caught because I was not familiar with the terrain,” Abiola said.

He also admitted that he had followed Sunday on different occasions for robbery operation in a pharmacy and a provision store in Ibadan, while the gang also operated once in Ijebu axis of Ogun State.

He gave the names of the remaining two suspects as Demola and Koya who were also okada riders like him. He said that the gun recovered by the police was dropped by Koya but owned by Sunday. He gave the total number of guns owned by Sunday as three.

Wahab Lateef said that it was his first time of following the gang for robbery, adding that he was invited

by Sunday to Ibadan from Mamu few days before the robbery. Expressing regret, Wahab said: “I didn’t know this was how things would turn out.”

Ahmed also confessed to being one of the gang members, saying that he changed his location to Ibadan because business was dull in Mamu. “We robbed a house in Ago-Iwoye and I was given N4,500 after Sunday sold the laptops and phones we got. We also robbed a pharmacy in Ibadan and I was given N3,500. Again, we robbed a woman and got beverages and other provisions which we shared,” he disclosed.

I was pushed to crime by hunger —Suspect

By Oluwatoyin Malik

KAZEEM Azeez, until his recent arrest by the Oyo State Police Command in connection with a stolen truck, was a driver. Or so he said. But when Crime Reports asked him why he decided to choose crime over a legitimate job, he replied: “It was hunger; this is my first at such a thing and it boomeranged.”

Kazeem was arrested with two other suspects, Kehinde Isah (23) and Oyebamiji Gafar(23), by policemen who acted on information that some criminals were sighted at a hideout.

The Oyo State police boss, Leye Oyebade, told Crime Reports that a Mack Truck with registration number XU 383 NKE was stolen from Ajah in

The suspected truck thieves Lagos State, and the three suspects were on the verge of selling it in Ibadan when they were apprehended by his men.

In an interview, Kehinde

Isah, who attributed his involvement in crime to the devil, said: “I was working as a mechanic with my friend, Gafar in Ajah.

When we could not find

jobs to do, we conceived the plan of stealing a truck.

“I contacted one Kazeem a.k.a Soso residing in Ibadan to intimate him of our plan. He said we should

come with the truck, assuring us that there would be no problem.

“When we brought it to Ibadan, Soso said that the buyer was not ready so we moved the vehicle to Ilorin in Kwara State. After some days, he called us, asking us to bring the vehicle, as the buyer was ready. We got to Ibadan in the night, unknown to us that he had planned with other hoodlums to forcefully take the truck from us.

“As they attacked us, we started struggling and the police on patrol saw us. On enquiry, we told the police that the guys wanted to collect our purse and money from us. As the police made an attempt to settle the issue between us, they became suspicious that Continues pg 7

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crimereports

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

We burn coded cars to cover our tracks —Suspected car snatchers

By Oluwatoyin Malik

M

EMBERS of a car-snatching gang who were reported to have unleashed a reign of terror on car owners within Ota-Itele-SangoLagos axis of Ogun and Lagos States have been apprehended by the Ogun State Police Command.

Those initially arrested include Jimoh Adeyemi, Akinbami Kabiru, Dauda Odunlami and Taiwo Opeyemi. In an interaction with Crime Reports, one of the suspects, Adeyemi, who is also said to be the gang leader, confessed to having snatched more than 20 cars from their owners since his gang began operation.

Speaking during a press briefing at the police headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta, recently, the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, said that the suspects had been on the wanted list of his command as a result of their criminal activities.

The last straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back, according to the police commissioner, was the gang’s operation at Koro Otun along Itele-Ota road during which they snatched a lawyer’s vehicle at gun point and also went away with their victim’s valuables.

Crime Reports gathered that when the then Divisional Police Officer, CSP Gbenga Megbope, who is currently the Officer in Charge of Special AntiRobbery Squad, Magbon, Abeokuta, got information on the incident, he was put to task by the police commissioner to fish out the armed robbers.

“Through painstaking investigations, some of the robbery suspects were arrested while some of the robbed vehicles were also recovered from them,” Ali stated. Crime Reports however gathered more members of the gang had been arrested by the police.

They include Augustine Ochuko, Ramon Safiriyu and Ebenezer Abiola.

Abiola, based in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, was said to be the major receiver who used to collect snatched vehicles from Kabiru after the latter must

have driven it from scene of robbery operation to a designated point of collection at a border community between Nigeria and Republic of Benin.

According to reports, the gang was using a Volkswagen Golf car and a motorcycle for operations and usually struck between 8p.m and 10p.m. The arrested suspects were said to have confessed to having three guns which they used during their operations. They also confessed that if any of the vehicles they snatched stopped on the way as a result of tracking, what they used to do was to burn such vehicles to cover their tracks.

Adeyemi, from Ayetoro in Ogun State, told Crime Reports during an interview that “I was arrested for armed robbery. I specialised in car snatching.

We have operated in Itele

The suspects with the Toyota Highlander recovered from them and Egbeda communities in the state. My gang members and I have snatched over 20 cars. We are up to eight in the gang.

“Our receiver is in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Some of the gang members were introduced to me by the receiver. Others joined of their volition. We used to call ourselves whenever

there was a robbery operation to carry out. We were arrested for snatching a Toyota Highlander at Itele.

That was the last operation we did.”

Another suspect, Kabiru Akinbami (33), also said: “I am from Ota, Ogun State. I am an auto technician. I joined the gang in April 2015 through Dauda,

who is one of the gang members. I didn’t actually follow the gang on robbery operations; my role was to drive snatched vehicles to Ilara, a border community.

Another person will take the vehicle to Cotonou.

“Initially, I didn’t know the gang was into robbery and when I knew, I stopped working with

them. They mentioned my name when they were arrested. I have done about six jobs with them and was paid between N30,000 and N40,000 each time I worked with them.”

It was learnt that the suspects had been transferred to SARS for further investigation.

Customs intercept, impound 3000 bags of rice

By Oluwatoyin Malik

AS some businessmen attempted to make a lot of profit from smuggled goods at the Yuletide period by evading duty payment, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service beat them to their game on Monday, December 14 when they stormed a forest along Kishi-Igbeti axis of Oyo State and found 3000 bags of 50kg rice hidden in the bush.

The duty paid value of the seized goods was put at about N23.9 million.

Speaking at the headquarters of the command in Ibaan on Tuesday, the Acting Area Controller, Mr Hassan Abdulsalam, said that the discovery of the hidden bags of rice was made at about 1a.m. through intelligence gathering.

Abdulsalam added that the drivers of the vehicles escaped into the bush, using darkness as a cover when they sighted the convoy of Customs’ antismuggling patrol teams.

Saying that the bags of rice were brought to the Area Command’s office in five trucks, the Area Controller remarked that the seizure was a serious warning signal that there would

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Hassan Abdulsalam and other officers during the press briefing be no hiding place for smugglers, neither would the Nigeria Customs Service go back on duty payment on rice imports from

the borders.

The Acting Controller observed that in spite of the sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns

under the platform of Customs Community Consultative Forum, some unscrupulous smugglers had continued in their nefari-

‘I was pushed to crime by hunger’ Continued from pg 6 there was more to the issue than they were told.

“We were arrested and I confessed to them that we stole the truck. Stealing it was easy for us because it did not have ignition key.

All we needed to kick-start it was to intertwine two ignition wires. I now see folly in my action as it was a manifestation of not hav-

ing deep thought on the step I took.”

Kehinde’s contact in Ibadan, Kazeem, also stated: “It is true Kehinde called me that he wanted to bring a truck for sale. I knew him at Sanyo area of Ibadan where he learnt mechanical engineering. But I am not the one who planned the attack on them.

“One of the attackers was with me the first time

they brought the truck to Ibadan, and he thought they were trying to sideline him”. He stated further that hunger pushed him to connive with Kehinde to commit crime.

The Commissioner of Police however said that the suspects would be transferred to Lagos State Police Command under which jurisdiction the crime was committed.

ous acts.

He appealed that the media should help in the enlightenment of smugglers to toe the path of legality by paying duty bags of rice imported through the borders. “The Command will continue to educate, guide and facilitate trade to enhance willful compliance, while the long arm of the law awaits all unrepentant economic saboteurs,” he added.

On revenue generation, Abdulsalam said that his area command was able to rake in about N144.3 million from 2156 metric tonnes (43,120 bags) of rice between October and November 2015 when the restriction on duty collection from the borders was removed.

He further stated that about N13.2 billion was also generated between January and November 2015, while a total of 166 seizures with Duty Paid Value of N395.2 million were made.

He reiterated that the officers and men of Oyo/Osun Area Command were ready to confront all the challenges that militate against their successes, promising to continue to build on the achievements so far made in revenue generation and anti-smuggling.

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news

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Army commutes death penalty of 66 soldiers to jail terms Chris Agbambu-Abuja

T

HE death sentence by firing squad passed on 66 soldiers in January and March 2015 by separate General Court Martials have been commuted to 10 years imprisonment for each of them.

Seventy-one soldiers were earlier arraigned on several charges in joint trials including criminal conspiracy, conspiracy to commit mutiny, mutiny, attempt to commit murder, disobedience to particular orders, insubordinate behaviour and false accusation, among others.

They were tried and discharged on some charges but found guilty and convicted on other charges which included mutiny.

Out of the number, 66 were found guilty on some of the count charges and sentenced to death, while five were discharged and acquitted and one was giv-

en 28 days imprisonment with hard labour.

Colonel Sani Usman, the

acting director in charge of Army public relations confirmed the development in

a statement. He said that following series of petitions, the Chief of Army

Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, ordered a legal review of the

We are passionate about future of children in Lagos —Ambode Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle, cutting the cake with some children during the 2015 children’s End of the Year Party at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Saturday.

Why I’m not insisting INEC should declare me gov-elect —Dickson •PDP unfolds APC plan to mislead voters FromChristianOkekeand Austin Ebipade GOVERNOR of Bayelsa State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship election in the state, Seriake Dickson, has said that whereas it was clear that he won the poll, going by the official results already announced, he was not insisting on being declared governor-elect owing to the respect he has for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an institution.

Governor Dickson said his main challenger in the poll and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, together with his party, should have called to congratulate him, if it was in a decent clime.

Dickson, who spoke to select journalists at his residence in Abuja at the weekend, disclosed that his state was under siege for weeks, with cases of killings and arson, expressed worry that the government at the centre had not spoken against the violence, let alone bring the culprits to book.

The governor lamented that even in the face of the violence which characterised the election, the criminal elements who carried out the attacks were still being protected by agents of the state, with as high as

cases.

According to him, the directive was carried out to examine the merit of each case and it was on the basis of the review and recommendations that the Chief of Army Staff commuted the death sentence of the 66 soldiers to 10 years jail terms.

He said that the sentences would run concurrently, adding that the cases of other soldiers were being reviewed and would be made public once the appropriate reviews are completed.

15 armed police escorts.

Even as we speak, with what happened in Southern Ijaw where they killed people, even with what happened in Brass where people were killed and houses destroyed, they are being protected by agents of state and the security agencies are not under my control,” he said.

Speaking against the backdrop of the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva’s claim that he should be declared governor, Governor Seriake Dickson said from the results released so far, where he was leading by 33,000 votes, he, and not Sylva, deserved to be declared winner of the election.

The governor put the average statistics of the voters that took part in the December 5, 2015 governorship election at 40 per cent, contrary to the claim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Making the clarification, Dickson said the statistics was not peculiar to Bayelsa.

“Having won six out of seven LGs declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with a wide margin, I should be declared the winner of the election

and not the APC candidate.”

Giving a breakdown of the statistical voting pattern in the last election, Dickson said Sagbama LG had a total number of 83,000 registered voters and the number of PVCs collected was 73,000, while 35,000 voters were accredited; same for Ogbia and Ekeremor LGAs. According to him, the number of registered voters in Brass local government stood at 55,000 while the votes cast was 29, 000 which was about the highest.

Meanwhile, the PDP Restoration Campaign Organisation said it has

uncovered plot by APC to mislead innocent voters through the spread of falsehood and propaganda, particularly people of Southern Ijaw local government area of the state, as regards the January 9, 2016 rescheduled election and the position of INEC. The latest of APC misdemeanour, according to the PDP, was concocted at a meeting held on Saturday at the instance of their embattled governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, ahead of the poll.

The Director-General of the RCO, Hon Fred Agbedi, told newsmen in Yenagoa that contrary

to INEC’s position that the rescheduled election would hold in Southern Ijaw and 101 units across the state where the results were cancelled, the APC had been spreading blatant lies that the electoral body had upturned the already declared result which placed the PDP at a vantage position with over 33,000 votes.

Agbedi said the APC’s current gimmick was to confuse the people of Southern Ijaw that the over 33, 000 votes that separated the party and the PDP would no longer stand and therefore, they would have the upper hand on January 9.

12 containers burnt as Westminster ravaged by fire Olalekan Olabulo-Lagos

GOODS worth millions of naira were early Saturday destroyed as fire ravaged the popular Westminster market in Apapa, Lagos State .

The Westminster is noted for the sales of cheap, used electrical and electronic appliances, as well as other home appliances.

The fire was said to have started as a result of an electric spark from power surge from one of the burnt containers, whose owner failed to switch off

electrical appliances inside the container.

Twelve containers were completely destroyed in the fire incident, which created panic among residents of Trinity area of Apapa.

Fire fighters from Sari Iganmu and Isolo fire stations battled with the fire, successfully preventing it from spreading beyond the twelve shops.

Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Razak Fadipe, confirmed the incident to Sunday Tribune.

He added that operatives of the state fire service responded swiftly to the fire

call .

Sunday Tribune gathered that residents and traders at the market battled to put out the fire but could not do so, as it kept spreading beyond control.

A source around the market told Sunday Tribune that when he got there, the fire was almost off, but people told him that it started from one of the containers .”

“Twelve containers were completely burnt before fire fighters were able to put out the fire,” he said.

GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Saturday said that he was passionate about the future of children in the state.

Ambode spoke at the 2015 Children End-OfThe-Year Party organised by his wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The governor, who noted that the party was the first he would be holding in office, said that the children were the future of the state.

“We are very passionate about what happens to children in Lagos. Children are our tomorrow.

“Next year’s party will be bigger than this. We will ensure provision of sporting and recreational facilities in all the nooks and crannies of Lagos State because these children are the future of Lagos State,” he said.

The governor urged parents to be concerned about the future of their children and commended those who brought their kids to grace the party.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Ambode urged children to love one another irrespective of their background and religious beliefs.

“Today is the children’s party; all the children need to share in the joy and happiness of this season.

“I want all children to love one another. I want you all to be obedient to your parents,” she said.

The governor’s wife urged parents to promote unity among children for the progress of the nation.

She asked the children to be studious and prayed for them to excel in all areas of life.

9 OYO STATE CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

Wife of the Oyo State governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi (left) with Santa Claus during the 2015 Oyo State Government children’s Christmas party held at Agodi Gardens on Friday.

Chief (Mrs) Ajimobi (right) with baby Modesire and wife of the Oyo State deputy governor, Mrs Janet Alake Adeyemo.

20 December, 2015

Chief (Mrs) Ajimobi dancing with the children at Agodi Gardens.

Chief (Mrs) Ajimobi presenting gifts to the children.

Cross section of children with Chief (Mrs) Ajimobi cutting the cake to celebrate 2015 Christmas Carol Service.

Children catching fun in the train.

Chief (Mrs) Ajimobi with mothers at the Carol Service.

The children with their gifts from Chief (Mrs) Ajimobi.

Chief (Mrs) Ajimobi (middle) flanked by the women in her entourage.

Parents participating at the Carol Service.

Sunday Tribune

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Dogara appeals for more patience with APC govt Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

From right, Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, presenting ICOBA Lifetime Award to Chief Subomi Balogun, while President, Igbobi College Old Student Association (ICOBA), Mr Foluso Phillips, watches, during the sixth annual Christmas Dinner, held at the City Hall, Lagos Island, on Friday, in Lagos.

PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA,

Drama as cult members hijacked corpse of Ife high chief Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

T

HERE was a mild drama on Friday, when members of Isoro cult hijacked the corpse of Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Ile Ife, Oba Solomon Omisakin, during his funeral ceremony in the ancient city.

Isoro cult, headed by Obadio, is a powerful cult in Ile Ife and only an Ooni, among all palace traditional title holders is a member.

The late Obalufe, who was the traditional prime minister of Ile Ife, was next to Ooni and passed on at the age of 85 in September.

A close family source, who preferred anonymity, told Sunday Tribune that the late Obalufe was due for burial early Friday.

However, members of Isoro cult, one of the top traditional societies in Ile-Ife, were said to have stormed his residence lo-

cated at Eleyele and seized the remains of Omisakin, thus thwarting his interment, which was scheduled to hold around 8.00a.m on Friday.

According to a family source, “it is true that members of Isoro cult came to halt the interment in the morning and we could not proceed with

Obalufe’s burial. They claimed that they (Isoro Cult) have some things to collect from our father before we can bury him and we don’t know what they wanted to collect from a dead person.”

He further stated that “we could not bury his corpse until around 4.00 p.m on Friday. But, the

Kogi APC stakeholders move to replace Faleke Adetola Bademosi - Abuja FOLLOWING the refusal of Abiodun Faleke to accept the position of deputy governor, stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West have commenced process for his replacement.

They also called on the Kogi State governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the national leadership of the party to accept a replacement from them.

While insisting on the su-

premacy of the APC leadership, they advised Bello to be careful of some political jobbers who had constituted a nuisance to APC in Kogi West.

This was one of the resolutions of Kogi West APC after a meeting convened by a former deputy governor of Kogi State, Clarence Olafemi and Senator Dino Melaye, held in Lokoja.

The resolutions, which were signed by over 40 members from Mopamuro, Kogi/Koto, Yagba East,

Knocks for Oshiomhole over attack on Igbinedion Banji Aluko - Benin City THE Benin palace chiefs have been called upon not to sit on the fence in the face-off between Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, as their silence has “reduced the integrity of the Benin traditional institution.’’

The call was made at the weekend by a Benin son, Dr Emmanuel Igiebor, who expressed concerns over what he described as unguided

Isoro cult members collected N500,000 from us before we could inter his remains.”

“The initial rumour that his corpse was seized by Ogboni Confraternity was not true. It was the Isoros that seized his remains and it took us time before we could settle the matter,” the source added.

statement by the governor during a town hall meeting held in Benin last month to mark his 7th-year of his government.

Briefing newsmen in Benin, Ambassador Igiebor accused Oshiomhole of asking a forbidden question when he asked, “is the Esama the Oba of Benin?”

He also added that Governor Oshiomhole called for order at the same town hall meeting by saying “don’t divide the house” at a time the Benin Crown Prince,

Eheneden Erediauwa, and the state deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu, were chatting.

He said rather than use the town hall meeting to tell the audience his achievements, the governor “deviated completely and started raining insult on the person of the Esama of Benin.”

He said: “For anybody to compare the Esama to the revered stool of the Oba Of Benin as done by Oshiomhole presently calls for serious concern.’’

Yagba West, Ijumu, Kabba/ Bunu and Lokoja Local Government Areas of Kogi State, was obtained by Suinday Tribune in Abuja.

The signatories include Tope Ajayi (Mopamuro); Shaban Shuaibu (Kogi/Koto); Kayode Adebayo (Yagba East); Gbenga Azagun (Yagba West); Dolapo Abanida (Yagba West); Lamidi Salihu (Ijumu); P. O. Olorunfemi (Kabba/Bunu); and Alhaji Bala Salihu (Lokoja).

The communique reads: “The unity among all the component elements of Kogi State is not negotiable and so also is the cordial relationship between Kogi Central and Kogi West senatorial districts. The APC stakeholders in Kogi West have absolute confidence in the representation and leadership of Senator Dino Melaye.

“Since Honourable Abiodun Faleke has made it abundantly clear that he does not want to be deputy to governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, we the APC stakeholders in Kogi West, hereby, appeal to the governor-elect and the party leadership to accept a replacement from the West, the process for which we are already embarking on.’’

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Saturday, stated that Nigerians would soon begin to reap dividends of the promises made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) “when the 2016 budget is passed into law.”

Dogara, who called on Nigerians to exercise more patience with the APC-led government, which he said, inherited empty treasury and battered nation, said last six months could not be used to judge the performance of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, on Saturday, by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan.

According to Turaki, Honourable Dogara stated this when he paid a visit to the Emir of Misau in Bauchi State, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, in his palace on Saturday.

The Speaker maintained that President Buhari was facing enormous challenges, but that he was determined to surmount those challenges.

He stated that Nigeria, as a nation, ‘‘is passing through difficult times and the citizens need to show more understanding and patience, as damages done to the country will take time to fix.”

‘Wike’s warning to election riggers, statement in defence of Rivers’ RIVERS State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s statement declaring that any Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officer who plots to rig the forthcoming National Assembly re-run elections in the state does so at his/her own risk is a statement hinged on his commitment to the rule of law and the development of the state, Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media has explained.

In a statement on Saturday, Simeon Nwakaudu stated that all well-meaning Nigerians had commended the governor for rising in defence of the resources and mandate of the people of Rivers State.

He said those uncomfortable with the position of the governor to stop electoral fraudsters were mainly politicians neck-deep in electoral fraud and mischief.

According to him, “It is a statement based on the reality that the people of Rivers State, at all times, will protect their votes and mandate, irrespective of any attempt to use security forces to manipulate the process.

“It is a statement hinged on the fact that Rivers is a PDP state and nobody, no matter how mischievously cunning, would be allowed to use security forces to compromise the electoral process.’’

Save me from assassins, lawyer begs Buhari Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri A Sapele-based legal practitioner, Mr Festus Elume of F. F. Elume and Co. (Elume Chambers), has, in a petitionion, begged President Muhammadu Buhari to save him from the hands of alleged assassins after his life.

Elume said some individuals he could identify were after his life and had called on the president to detail law enforcement agents to rescue him from untimely death.

The lawyer, in the petition to the president, dated December 14, 2015, in which the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, the Director-General of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), as well as the Orodje of Okpeland were copied, said he had been constantly trailed by his traducers.

“I am being continually trailed by assassins hired by some people I know very well. They are Sapele people whom I’m prosecuting criminal cases against in Abuja.

“When these discovered that I have relocated to Benin City because of them, they hired four assassins who recently traced me to my house in Benin City, at about 11.oop.m. I had gone to bed then.

“They scaled through the fence and forced their way in through the main door which they broke down and ordered me to lie down face down while they search everywhere for some specific documents that I am using to prosecute them,’’ the petition read.

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

specialreport Crawling trials, prolonged agonies: Pathetic fate of litigants On February 26, 2016, when the Supreme Court will finally conclude proceedings on the appeal against murder conviction filed

by Reverend Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, the case would have run for almost 10 years. In Nigeria today, many litigants fail to get justice as the long process of arbitration often becomes a denial of justice. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports

The Federal High Court, Lagos

I

N November 2015, King Sunny Ade, got judgment in a copyright infringement suit that he filed in 1975.

After 40 years, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos awarded the sum of N500 million to the Juju king in a suit he filed against a company, African Songs, and its subsidiary, Take Your Choice Stores, on allegations bordering on intellectual theft. The court awarded N500 million and an additional N3 million as cost of prosecuting the suit.

And the two companies were ordered to pay the sum by Justice James Tsoho, who delivered judgment in the suit.

A common maxim in the Nigerian legal system says that justice delayed is justice denied. This maxim is hinged on the belief that when justice isn’t given on time, it is the same as not getting justice at all. The maxim can

be traced to Clause 40 of the Magna Carta, which reads, “To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right or justice.” Consequently, it advocates quick dispensation of justice in order not to allow a litigant continue to suffer unduly while waiting for intervention from the court. Individuals go to court to get justice from certain wrongs, so where justice is delayed, it is similar to a denial of justice.

In spite of the universal acceptance of this maxim however, arbitration is still a long process in Nigeria. The justice administration system in Nigeria generally moves at a snail pace, in contradiction of the unwritten code and laid down procedure of the right of every individual to a speedy trial. The fallout of this is that an injured party

will have to wait unfairly for a very long time before he can get a redress, as cases do not get speedy resolution in Nigerian courts. And cases of plaintiffs dying before a case is concluded abound in civil litigation. Many do not live to enjoy the fruits of their favourable judgment and the delay can render such judgment of the court meaningless to the victorious party.

The Nigerian judiciary is besieged with long term cases due to series of adjournments, frequent delaying applications from parties, unavailability of witnesses and overburdened court diaries, among many other factors.

It is, therefore, not strange for cases to span decades and Continues

pg 12

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

When courts frustrate justice seekers

Mahmud Mohammed, Chief Justice of Nigeria

Dave Ajetunmobi

Ugochukwu Osuagwu

Some prisoners awaiting trial Continued from

pg 11

examples of such apart from King Sunny Ade’s, abound.

Although a court of competent jurisdisction had on January 11, 2007 delivered judgment on the murder case of Rev Chukwuemeka Ezeugo a.k.a Reverend King, the case which began on September 26, 2006 is yet to be concluded about nine years after.

Also, Justice Olatawura, JSC (as he then was), faced delay in a locus classicus case that he received as a court clerk in 1957. He was re-assigned the same case 14 years later as a judge in 1971. The honourable judge found the situation scandalous.

And in another case; Amadi V NNPC, a preliminary issue of jurisdiction took the court 13 years to decide as the case went up to the Supreme Court.

The Justice for All (J4A) programme in February 2014, in one of its pro bono cases, secured the release on bail of an individual, Mr Hyginus Ajibo, who then was the longest awaiting trial inmate in prison custody in Enugu. Ajibo had spent 16 years in prison awaiting trial for murder and the case was, as of then, in no way near conclusion. It will, indeed, be a miracle if the police officer in charge of the matter even remembers details of the suit.

Another matter is the case of COP V ASHIRU GARBA for the offence of rape.

Garba was arraigned on the June 5, 2009 and six years later, due to the absence of legal advice, he is still remanded in prison custody despite the fact that he has legal representation and his lawyer has filed a bail application before the High Court, but it was not granted. Order was given for a charge to be filed against him since the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) office objected to the application of his bail. Yet, no DPP advice or charge had been filed.

These are just few in a million delayed cases across Nigeria. Factors adduced for delay in court cases are many and dependent on the facts of a case before the court and the parties involved. These dependent clauses, be it in a civil or criminal matter, range from the court itself; registrar, court clerk, paralegal etc, the bench, the bar; lawyers, prosecutors (either police officers or state counsel from the Attorneys-General offices), prisons and even litigants.

The reasons for delay in the dispensation of justice in Nigeria were highlighted recently by a member of the bench from Kano State. Senior Magistrate, Umma Sani Kurawa, gave many reasons for the delay in the administration of justice in Nigeria. He identified frequent or sudden transfer of judges from one court to another as a cause

of delay since no matter the stage of a proceeding, the matter has to be commenced “DE NOVO” (afresh or from the beginning) by a new judge. And in situations where a case is transferred from one court to another, no matter the reason adduced, the same principle applies.

Kurawa also cited unnecessary adjournments as a major factor. Judges are compelled by circumstances to grant adjournment of cases which cannot be disposed of immediately and remand the accused person in prison custody with or without bail.

And since it is not possible to determine most cases in a day, adjournments are imperative. In some situations, the poor knowledge of law may make a member of the bench to adjourn a case without giving a bench ruling on an objection raised on some applications. The judge or magistrate can adjourn a matter to get time to confirm the stand of the law on issues that he is not sure of.

Lawyers, both prosecuting and defence counsels, play a huge role in whether a case is heard expeditiously or not, as many have cultivated the habit of making too many and frequent applications for adjournment. And if there are good or genuine grounds for the application, adjournment has to be granted in the interest of justice. The magistrate stated

Shuaib Alaran that some lawyers have too many cases to handle and this makes them to apply to the court for adjournments, while some would write frivolous petitions or complaints against the court or judge to the office of the Chief Registrar, Chief Justice or the Judicial Service Commission, thereby causing unnecessary delays.

Further, the constant appeals filed against rulings given by lower courts to the higher courts, or application for stay of proceedings by lawyers, cause major delays. While these are justified at times, they are at other times very inimical to speedy determination of cases before the court. Prosecutors can also be a huge source of delay. Most times, the police charge suspects to court before the conclusion of investigation by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in order to comply with the constitutional provision that a person arrested or detained shall be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time. This causes delay as the case is stalled after arraignment for the police to conclude investigations and prepare its witnesses.

A major cause of delay comes from the Ministry of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecution office in particular, as there is usually delay in the filing of charges or legal advice. This leads to continuous mentioning of cases that are not bailable by the Magistrate/Sharia Court. Also, prosecutors, most times, fail to bring witnesses to court and the transfer of an Investigating Police Officer may make it difficult for them to summon such witnesses to appear before the court. To make matters worse, the police, many times, fail to send diary of capital or serious offenses to the DPP and this stops them from filing charges or giving appropriate legal advice, so the case drags on, while the defendant, more often than not, is forced to languish in prison custody.

Magistrate Kurawa also highlighted witnesses as causing delay in justice dispensation, as some are afraid of going to court for personal reasons. Many witnesses fail to appear in court even when served with witness summons, while some go to court late after the court might have risen, thinking that they can come anytime of the day before office closing hours or because they are unwilling to leave their Continues

pg 14

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20 December, 2015

O

NLY twelve days now stand between us and 1962. As we are about to enter the new year, it will not be out of place if we do a national stock-taking of the past year, and make some resolutions for the new year.

What then are the credits and the debits for 1961?

On the credit side, the judiciary, as typified by the Federal Supreme Court and the Regional High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts, is the most outstanding item on this side of the account. An impartial, fearless and incorruptible judiciary (wherever it exists) is the most formidable bulwark of the citizens against certain forms of tyranny in Nigeria has, on the whole, prove to be impartial, fearless and incorruptible. In the context of our Constitution, it has also demonstrated to all of us and to the entire world, that it is a completely dependable guardian of the more important provisions of that Constitution, especially those of them that relate to fundamental human rights.

Also on the credit side, the following items are worthy of note, namely: The countrywide acceptance of the idea which I outlined in Okrika in January this year and elaborated in an address delivered at Agbor in February to the Mid West Regional Conference of the Action Group, that Nigeria should before long become a Republic; The appointment of Nigerians to fill some of the top posts in the Nigeria Police Force, and the elevation of two Nigerians to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Army; The achievement (at least so it seems to an outside observer like myself) of closer relations and better understanding amongst all the four Governments of the Federation; The lifting of the ban on communist literature following criticisms by Action Group Leaders and other nationalists; The launching of three Universities - that is the Universities of Ife, Lagos and Kano - in addition to the two existing ones - that is the University College Ibadan, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; The opening of the Bauchi Railway Extension; and the public ownership of the National Shipping Lines and the Nigerian Airways Corporation.

I do not pretend that the above items are exhaustive.

But I do firmly hold that such other items as there may be are either trifling or unedifying. For instance, I regard the recent visit of the Prime Minister to the USA on the invitation of President Kennedy as mere diplomatic

Awo’s thoughts VOICE OF REASON

Call to rededication and reconstruction A Statement made at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Action Group of Nigeria held at Ikeja VIP on 18th December, 1961. routine. Speaking for myself, I cannot see anything edifying in allowing Nigeria to be used as an imperialist catspaw for convening the Monrovia Conference; nor in the secondary, feeble role we played at last Commonwealth Conference, on the issue of South Africa’s expulsion from the Commonwealth. Dr. Verwoerd himself complained bitterly to the Press about those who unyieldingly hindered his country’s readmission to the Commonwealth. At no time did he mention the name of Sir Abubakar. Now let us take a look at the debit side of the account. Democracy is now pining away on its death-bed in the Northern Region, where it has been mercilessly assaulted and violated by the NPC; it is in full retreat in the Eastern Region; and at the federal level, it is already being made to suffer from gross misuse and utter lack of nurture. Bribery and corruption are rampant; and the malignant canker-worm which they constitute is gnawing fast at the central core of the nation, to which the common run of Nigerian citizenry should look for inspiration and exemplary conduct. Every day that dawns adds many more to the already swollen ranks of the unemployed. There is a growing trade

Sunday Tribune

recession throughout the country. In the face of mounting unemployment, and of a sudden slump in trade, our Governments are hard put to it to make ends meet, so much so that the Eastern Region Government has announced its intention to cut down heavily on its expenditure on social services.

I make bold to assert, with all sense of responsibility, that in this Year of Grace, 1961, a vicious circle of economic depression is already set in motion, and, unless we do something drastic about it now, we are in danger of an economic crisis of grave proportions early in 1962.

The Federal Government, whose primal duty it is. to stimulate the nation economy and boost the finances of the Regional Governments, is itself running the’ affairs of the country most inefficiently and on a deficit. The financial picture of Nigeria in 1961 is that of a ‘debtor’ and beggar’ nation.

On the African scene, we have lost rather than gained in prestige.

Whatever may be the outward pretence to the contrary, the truth is that African nationalists have come to regard as an illusion and mirage the high hopes and confidence which they cherished towards us before our attainment of independence. The dynamic and militant leadership which they had hoped that independent Nigerians would give has not been forthcoming.

It is futile, senseless, and prosaic to cry and strike a balance, in a numerical fashion, between the debit and the credit sides of this account. The realm of political economy, which is the subject-matter of this address, is far removed from that of accountancy where THREE always exceeds TWO by ONE.· In the province of politics and economics, many subjective and imponderable factors are always at work. With the result that the answer to THREE minus TWO may be far in excess of ONE or may even be ZERO. Let us acknowledge our shortcomings and admit that the items on the debit side of our account are too grim and gloomy, and should be substantially reduced in the coming year. If we are to be this, we need money, we need idealism, and we must be resolved to acquire both in a large measure in 1962. In our search for money we must be downright realistic, and must scrupulously avoid any temptation to rationalization or to a plea of alibi.

To be continued

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Frivolous adjournments, corrupt legal system, bane of quick justice Continued from

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businesses at peak period.

Litigants are not left out in this; even when some lodge complaints with the police, they abandon it. The reason given for the abandonment of cases is that they only want to lodge a complaint so that when the matter is referred to court, the suspect or accused would be remanded in prison without granting him bail, even in cases of bailable offences. So, if they do not get what they want, especially in criminal cases, they abandon the defendant in prison custody.

Another major cause of delay in quick dispensation of justice in Nigeria is the prison service. The prison is the home convicts and those awaiting trial. It is usually congested, and the number of people awaiting trial is always more than those already convicted. The congestion bears a close relationship with the rise in the case files in courts, so most times, they face the challenge of transporting the awaiting trial inmates to the respective court they are to appear for their cases. Often, the courts and parties will be ready and prepared to go on with a criminal matter, but due to the failure of the prison authority to present defendants in court, the case is stalled.

Another source of delay is the court registry. This includes the court registrar, court clerks, bailiff and general administrative staff. On their part, they may fail to include cases on court list, misplace files and exhibits, and may fail to draw the attention of a judge to any case that is approaching or has passed without fixing another date for one reason or the other. For the bailiff, it includes failure to effect service of writ of summons or witness summons in good time in a case of civil matter or file proof or affidavit of service before the adjourned date.

To ensure that justice is not delayed, measures have to be taken by all concerned in respect of bailable offences, especially criminal matters. Bail condition should not be excessively stringent. If the condition is strict, many accused persons will find it difficult to meet it. It should be liberalised and should not be used deliberately to keep the accused in prison custody. And adjournments should be granted on genuine reasons, with courts stingy in granting them.

For the prosecution, the method of giving legal advice should be changed. If possible laws which created hardship, especially holding charge, should be amended by law reforms, while the police should make sure that immediately they conclude investigation on a matter, they take the case diary to the office of the Attorney General, to enable them prepare legal advice or charge the accused person appropriately as the case may be.

Witnesses should be served with witness summons before the adjourned date and be warned to keep to time by the bailiff who effected the service, while prisons should have sufficient mobility for transporting prisoners to various courts. Registrars should inform judges of any case for which a date has been fixed, maintain an up-todate diary and prepare cause list before the adjourned date. Case files and exhibits should be carefully kept and handled.

For the general perspective, sufficient remuneration should be given to all staff concerned, and continuous education for all personnel should be effected. Every-

Lawyers in the courtroom

body should be punctual to the office and courtrooms should be made available and comfortable for judges.

Also, Justice Hannatu Azumi Balogun, at a conference of All Nigerian Judges of the Lower Courts, 2014 organised by the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, with the theme: ‘’Repositioning the Lower Courts for Improved Justice Delivery,’’ cited some reasons for delay in justice delivery in Nigeria.

She enumerated causes to include lack or inadequacy of facilities. For example, housing, transport, office furniture, stationery, etc. which makes room for money bags within the community to try to ‹help›, which consequently makes the judges and staff indebted to them and opens the door to manipulation, corruption and blackmail.

Further, she highlighted a system of appointment which sometimes ignores merit and adopts a ‘who you know’ criteria, which sometimes leads to lack of discipline, laziness and a consequent delay in the case flow.

Justice Balogun also listed other causes of delay to include general decline in discipline which leads to a lackadaisical attitude to work, corruption within the system which leads to things like missing files or exhibits, incompetence of the judge and/ or registry staff and peculiarities of courts cited in terrains such as the riverine areas in the rainy season.

A legal practitioner, Barrister Shuaib Alaran, also spoke to Sunday Tribune on the issue. He stated that so many factors were responsible for delay in justice, “ranging from the kind of judge before whom your matter is pending to the strategy of the opposing counsel to frustrate you when he knows he doesn’t have a good case and the complexity of our procedural rules.

“One cannot expect all judges to be the same. Therefore, as we have very hard-

working judges, we have some that are really not efficient. As for lawyers and their strategies, I think there are so many loopholes in our rules upon which lawyers capitalise onto delay the course of justice.

An example is the rule that all applications and responses to them must be in writing.

“That is why you will see a lawyer filing a frivolous application in the very morning when the matter is coming up so that the counsel on the other side will automatically seek for an adjournment to file his response because the rules do not allow him to respond orally, unlike the old rules wherein the lawyers were allowed to respond orally on points of law without filing any process, and by so doing, so many frivolous applications were dismissed through bench rulings.

“In my almost 16 years of practice, I have had a lot of experiences of delay in various courts due to so many factors. In fact, as I speak, I have a case which has been concluded more than two years ago and the judgment has not been delivered till date.

To make progress, both the bar and the bench must change their attitudes regarding litigation, and we must constantly review our rules to discourage unnecessary technicalities,” Alaran concluded.

Another lawyer, Barrister Ugochukwu Osuagwu, has been lucky in all his cases.

He stated that he had never experienced any delay. “I have never had any delayed case in the past or now. Most of my cases end within a year, but I suspect the reason cases stay long is due to delay tactics of lawyers to litigants and prosecutors in criminal cases.”

In his contribution, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Chapter, Barrister Dave Ajetomobi, also agreed that there were many factors responsible for the delays in the justice system and highlighted them to cover the bar, bench and general court staff.

The court system also has its own shortcomings, like the process of filing, movement of files; some staff collect kickbacks to hide files in order to stall cases. In most courts, you pay money for service of court papers during filing but you must still settle the bailiff if you want your processes to be served.

“Then we have lazy judges too; some judges are too lazy for the job, some have poor knowledge of the law butwere appointed because they know those that matter, Such persons would have poor productivity. The process of appointments should be overhauled so as to throw up the very best, not mediocres. Our courts too are not IT compliant. Most judges still record manually; even in Court of Appeal, Lagos, recording is still manual. information technology facilitates efficiency and speed. Most courts lack up-to-date library for use of judges that are ready to work,” Ajetomobi concluded.

A litigant who spoke with Sunday Tribune on a condition of anonymity laid the bulk at the door of legal counsels, adding that some lawyers take delight in taking bad cases which they ensure do not go to trial in time.

“More often than not, lawyers are responsible for delay in cases; many know from the beginning that there is no hope for a case but they take it and resort to diverse tricks and applications to coerce the court to adjourn and ensure that trial does not go on. This, in addition to the extremely bloated diary of the court, is a problem.

On top of this is the transfer of judges and cases. I have a land matter that has been on for six years and is nowhere near conclusion. The current judge is the third one to handle the matter since it started in 2009,” the litigant added.

There seems to be no end in sight for litigants in Nigeria, thus justice may continue to be delayed and denied.

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20 December, 2015

homes&interior r s

Remi Anifowose And Seyi Sokoya oluremi_anifowose@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 09090652322, 08135978193 08075166585

Planning a corporate Christmas dinner

C

hristmas celebration generally marks the end of the work year in a company or corporate establishment. Often times, the season is used to ease tension of the tedious year-round assignments. Hence, it is used to organise events, parties and dinners to commemorate the season for the staff. So, in planning for a corporate Christmas dinner, here are some steps to take.

First on your planning list is to decide if a weeknight or weekend is best. The next step is to come up with a guest list - will your Christmas be staff members-only, or will partners or clients be invited, too? Is this a big budget event to show off about or is the office outing best kept within closed quarters.

Forming a Christmas party committee may be a wise idea. You can share the responsibility of the task ahead and bounce ideas off each other. Pull in members of dif-

ferent departments so that everybody feels as if they’re represented. And don’t be afraid to delegate.

Make sure you nail down a budget for your event early on, as this will dictate exactly the direction in which you can take things. Ask your boss to set a maximum spend per person and make sure you’re both on board with exactly what costs a Christmas party should incur. Food, drink, entertainment, transport - there’s a lot to think about...

That’s exactly why it’s a good idea to take note of what has and hasn’t worked at your company’s parties of Christmas past. If you weren’t there to enjoy them, find out from someone who was. The good bits will stand out, but you’ll be sure attendees can remember what definitely didn’t work last time around. Learn from past mistakes, like a wise, festive events guru.

You will want to start looking for the right venue

Sunday Tribune

early, while the more unique ones are still available.

The type of event you intend to put on will really help shape your venue options - for example, is it a daytime or night-time event and will you be drinking and dancing or wining and dining? Hired Spaces has heaps of unique, impressive and suitably festive venues to peruse through, and better still, we will talk to the venues’ events teams and see if they can accommodate all your needs, as well as helping you organise those allimportant site visits.

You can firm up on food arrangements once the venue is booked. And since food is often the most talked about feature of any event (or indeed, life - maybe that’s just us, though), you’ll want to get this part absolutely spot on. Decide on in-house or external catering and get your guests to pre-order items, taking all dietary requirements into account.

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20 December, 2015

A

number of state governments are currently at their wits’ end on how to sustain the N18,000 minimum wage and still be able to deliver on their electoral promises and are therefore seriously contemplating a downward review of the minimum wage. This is sequel to the dwindling revenue that accrues to them from the federation account as a result of the crash of crude oil price in the world market. They are also at a loss on how to stave off the labour crisis that will attend the decision to scale down the minimum wage.

Already many of the state governments owe workers up to four months salaries and the chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, has said state governments and labour unions have to meet on the review of the minimum wage so as to avoid the laying off of workers. But the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress has described that as balderdash, saying the governors should either comply with the extant law or get ready for the paralysis of state activities.

Two governors have sided with the workers. Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti has called on state governors to cut down on their flamboyant lifestyles so as to have enough resources to pay the workers. On his own, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State called on his colleagues to increase their internally generated revenue to meet their obligations to workers.

I think we are at this pass because the governors’ forum bungled a good opportunity to right an institutional wrong the last time the national minimum wage was reviewed in 2011. Then, the governors supported a centrally fixed welfare package for workers. As good as their intention to improve their workers’ welfare was commendable, the approach was faulty. Instead of playing to the gallery because election was around the corner then, the governors should have pushed for the amendment of the part of the constitution which puts the issue of minimum wage on the Exclusive List so that state governments would be in a position to negotiate wages with labour based on their own ability to pay. The way the constitution is currently structured, once the Federal Government legislates on wage matters, the states do not

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Minimum wage and devolution of power

have any choice but to comply. Why should a state concede to the Federal Government the power to negotiate with its own workers on its behalf? That definitely is not in tandem with the spirit of federalism.

The governors should have seized the opportunity

Sunday Tribune

of that time to sort out the issue once and for all. They should have asked for the powers to handle issues that have to do with their own workforce instead of being at the mercy of the Federal Government. If they had asked for that, they would not have been in the fix that many of them are now. The constitution would have been tinkered with to empower them to negotiate with labour at the state level and whatever they had agreed on would have been binding on both parties. This would have led to each of the states coming up with its own minimum wage.

But now, talking about a review of the minimum wage without first amending the enabling law is illegal. Refusal to pay the amount is also illegal and I shudder to imagine that any state governor will want to involve himself in any act of illegality.

I am all for the devolution of powers from the centre to the states. I believe if the states have more powers and control more resources; the country has a better chance of getting better. But I must confess that I do not see that happening soon because I do not believe anyone will willingly let go of power. No president wants to be a figure head, presiding over little or nothing. The thinking at the federal level is that the more power the president has, the better it is for him. I do not see that thinking changing anytime soon. It is, therefore, my considered opinion that powers could only be devolved from the centre to the states gradually by tackling an issue at a time.

Now that governors have been pushed to the wall with respect to the minimum wage issue, what they should do is to call for the amendment of that section of our law that empowers the federal government to fix minimum wage. Once that is amended and the states can negotiate with their own workers on the remuneration package, the journey to freeing the states from the stranglehold of the Federal Government would have begun.

So, the Yari-led NGF should not just talk about a downward review of minimum wage but should push for the amendment of the constitution with a view to empowering states to take their destinies in their hands. With that, Nigeria will inch a step closer to running a real federal constitution.

opinion Narcissism, domestic violence and self-actualisation

By Bukky Osunyikanmi MY research interests on gender issues, coupled with advocacy for a violence-free society, always open my eyes to diverse factors that cause and perpetuate domestic violence.

Unfortunately women and children are the most vulnerable. Poverty, alcoholism, economic frustration and inferiority complex are some of the factors that readily precipitate domestic violence. These problems are more pronounced in developing countries without provision for welfare packages to sustain the poor.

The African dimension to the analysis of domestic violence reveals other salient issues such as superstitions, myths, religious and spiritual connotations that compel the victims to continually accommodate physical and emotional maltreatments.

Narcissism remains an unexplored source of domestic violence against women in Africa, nay Nigeria. Narcissism falls within the ambit of psycho-personality disorder and it can affect all humans: men, women, young and old. Every person has some traits of narcissism but those who are extreme narcissists usually exhibit the features associated with domestic violence. There are diverse factors that make a person develop narcissism but the chief culprits are parents who failed to create an ideal personality in the affected person while raising them as a child.

It is known that most narcissists are men but few women also suffer from the disorder. A narcissist may be the boss in the office, an acquaintance, a friend, or a spouse. They are humans and are found in all spheres of life. They can be easily managed in non-marital relationships. However, spousal relationship with a narcissist is usually laden with brutal domestic violence. Naturally, the spouse of the narcissist is the victim who has been made to suffer from emotionally annihilating dimension of domestic violence. In other forms of domestic violence where battering is involved, laws can easily be invoked to defend victims. However, domestic violence perpetrated by a narcissist usually remains as psychological wounds that defy regular treatment.

The Nigerian national pledge aptly summarises what a good relationship should be – pledge and commitment to be faithful, loyal and honest . . . to defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory, with help from God. Narcissists in spite of marital vows to their spouses will do exactly the opposite of this supposed commitment. The keys to peaceful relationships, faithfulness and honesty, are strange values to narcissists. They nurse their fragile egos like eggs which must not be broken by criticism, even constructive criticism, with good intent. The ego of a narcissist always beclouds their perception and this creates insatiable appetites for their uncoordinated immoral lifestyle. This is a stench that disturbingly oozes against their hapless spouses.

Narcissists enjoy taking advantage of other people without being remorseful; exaggerating the “self” in them so that the other party may appear worthless. The narcissist’s arrogance, lack of empathy and unhealthy envy of their spouse’s achievements frequently propel them to attack their victims with psychological arsenals: the goal is to make the victim lose her self-confidence.

The impact of domestic violence transcends the home.

A very vocal and articulate woman, with great passion for community development shared her experience. She loved to be the women’s voice in her constituency. She believed in the political inclusion of female citizens. She joined the political party of her choice at the ward level. She had the op-

portunity to attend some political meetings. Her presence was felt at such meetings because of the way she presented great ideas with clarity of language. She would definitely go places and bring development to her people as a political figure they could count on. Unfortunately, bowing to the fear of losing her home, she quit. It was obvious from her narration that her narcissistic husband pulled her out due to extreme jealousy. Even when political meetings were held in broad day light at open spaces, he would enquire about the number of men that were present, where she sat and what she said. Honest responses to these unwarranted enquiries did not stop her husband’s malicious attitude.

Stories were already being clandestinely spread by her husband with a view to destroying her public image. He felt that he deserved the accolades that the wife was already receiving. Thus, a great feminine voice was silenced before being properly established in the political sphere.

For victims who shared their stories, the experiences are the same. The case of a professional nurse also comes to mind. Her husband did not allow her to take any job for some years. Eventually, she got her liberation when she was tired of begging around for financial support. Later, she discovered that the narcissist never wanted another intelligent voice at home. These and many more are the plights of people at the receiving end of narcissistic behaviour.

Ruminating on the importance of the family in the society, a country dominated by successful homes will definitely be more productive and socially stable. Hence, narcissism as a social problem deserves an urgent attention from our policy makers, health personnel and other well-meaning citizens.

The wake-up call also goes to affected spouses, especially women who are caged by narcissists, to ensure liberation and self-actualisation. All hopes are not lost; however, if narcissists can present themselves for psychological examination, to enable them receive the necessary therapy. They hardly do, instead, their victims are paradoxically treated for their ailments. Odd indeed!

•Dr (Mrs) Osunyikanmi writes from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State.

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20 December 2015

Sunday Tribune

This Xmas...

‘We’ll spend with our brains not hearts’

18

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

Coson members share N140m royalty Lagbaja, Tee Mac not impressed

T

he approval of the payment of N140 million in copyright royalties to members and affiliates by the board members of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, has got many disgruntled members silently complaining over the unending tenure of the Society’s chairman, Tony Okoroji, and the modalities adopted in paying out royalties to intellectual property owners in Nigeria.

The approval of the distribution took place at the meeting COSON held inside the Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. Following the approval, several members of COSON at the venue confirmed that they received alerts from their banks confirming that their royalties had been paid.

One musician who was not impressed by the operations of COSON said under anonymity that “the operation of COSON is unclear to many, but a lot of people are not asking questions.” He queried how the body evaluates the amount given to a deserving artiste. “What is the evaluation? My songs, especially the popular tracks, are being played everyday in every cranny of the country, but I was surprised that I was paid the sum of N10,000 as royalty at the last royalty distribution.” The musician is yet to pick up his cheque in protest.

R’s effort to confirm if he has received an alert this year as stated by the copyright body proved abortive as he could not be reached at press time.

Another stakeholder also expressed his dissatisfaction with the activities of COSON in recent times. He alleged that the body is “unprofessional and sentimental” in handling business, adding:“the body, from its head to the least person, is made of

people from a particular region of the country. This should serve as a wake up call for all stakeholders in the music industry on the need to checkmate COSON’s operations and also review its modalities for distribution of royalties.”

‘Thriller’ becomes first-ever 30 times multi-platinum album Michael Jackson’s Thriller has become the first album ever to be certified 30 times multi-platinum for U.S. sales, marking more than 30 million sales in the States, just as the organisers of the popular KORA Awards are set to honour the American in Namibia next year.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) made the announcement Wednesday with the Estate of Michael Jackson, Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, as the new milestone continues Jackson’s reign as the most selling artist of all times with over 100 million sales for Thriller worldwide and 1 billion total sales to his credit.

“RIAA has awarded Gold & Platinum records on behalf of the music business for nearly 60 years, but this is the first time an artist has crossed the 30X multi-Platinum plateau,” RIAA chairman and CEO Cary Sherman said in a statement.

“We are honoured to celebrate the unique status of Thriller in Gold & Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller’s enduring spot in our hearts and musical history.”

Thriller was released on Novem-

ber 30, 1982, and spent nearly two and half years on the Billboard album chart with 37 weeks at No. 1, holding the modern day record. It was also the first album in history to spend its first 80 weeks in the album chart’s top 10, which has only been replicated once since.

The Quincy Jones and Jacksonproduced LP was also the first ever certified RIAA 20 times multiplatinum, doing so after 112 weeks on the album chart, less than two years in all. Seven tracks off the album became top 10 singles with three, “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller”, topping the singles chart. Worldwide, Thriller topped charts in nearly every market, hitting No. 1 in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and apartheid South Africa. The album won a record-setting eight Grammys with nominations in 12 categories, another first.

“It is crystal clear that Michael Jackson is simply the greatest and biggest artist of all time,” Epic Records chairman and CEO LA Reid said in a statement. “Not only are his charts hits and sales statistics staggering, but his pure musical-

ity was other-worldly. Thriller was groundbreaking and electrifying.

It was perfection. I am extremely proud that Michael is the heart and soul of Epic Records and he will forever remain the one-andonly King of Pop.”

Former PMAN president, Dr Tee Mac Itsheli, supports suggestion that Okoroji should be investigated, alleging that COSON does not give public account of its financial activities.

“Everything done there is under secrecy,” he told R on Thursday.

This is not so with MCSN which takes a handling fee and then pay the intellectual property owners their dues. With COSON, there is no accountability whatsoever.

Whatever Tony gives, they have to accept. COSON and its members should be investigated,” he urged other stakeholders.

Lending a voice to the matter, the masked one, Lagbaja, though not a registered member of COSON, advised that a more scientific approach based on verifiable data should be used in deciding who earns what.

Okoroji, however, in his speech, harped on the need for COSON to maintain transparency and accountability. “It is my belief that the policies of putting our distribution proposals before our members, and seeking your mandate before distributions, have helped to bring about confidence within the membership and have ensured the stability that COSON has enjoyed. I believe that all of us here have an obligation to tell everyone that COSON is working and that COSON is 100 per cent transparent and professional.

To those who have questions of any sort, Okoroji said that the extra-ordinary general meeting that COSON regularly holds is essential. “The EGM gives members opportunity to ask questions and get answers from those who manage the society on their behalf. This is necessary to ensure that our society continues to enjoy the right kind of confidence that gives it the momentum to continue to serve members.”

Nnenna, WAPTV awarded by Nigerian youths

By Sijuade Adeniyi Organisers of the annual Nnenna & Friends end of year party, Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) Ltd, have thrown open the gates to all fans who want to be part of the festive gig next week.

In a release sent to R on Thursday, the management deemed it fit to allow more fans than the usual to have a feel of what this year’s edition of the party will be like.

This gesture is coming on the wake of the December 6 honour extended to Nnenna and WAPTV, both WAP brands, at the 2015 edition of the All Youth TUSH Awards (AYTA).

Yinka Olukunga Ademo, who portrays Nnenna of the Nnenna & Friends brand, was awarded “Onscreen Personality of the Year”; while WAPTV received an award as “The Best Family Entertainment TV Channel”. Also awarded at the event were Korede Bello, Kehinde Bankole, Falz the Bad Guy, Doris Simeon, Jaywon, DJ Nana, Gabriel Afolayan and Ushbebe.

According to Wole Adenuga, MD of WAPTV, “these two awards mean so much to us because they are being given to us by thousands of Nigerian Youth who voted for Nnenna and WAPTV. We equally appreciate the organisers of the TUSH Awards for creating this platform where the youths of the nation are able to express themselves.”

TJ Emore drops new single In the Spirit of the Yuletide season, Tejiri Emore, teenage saxophonist, has released a new single entitled ‘I do’ to stir up the joy of the season.

The song has a perfect blend and rhythmic combination of saxophone, drums and keyboard that can be played anytime.

He released an album in 2011, which contains tracks like: Forever Young. Original by Jay-Z, He Lives in Me. Original by Diana

Ross, a Sax Medley and a host of other songs. The teenage saxophonist has performed alongside artistes like MI, Sasha P, Mode 9, Rock Steady, Dammy Krane, Solidstar, Vector, Sound Sultan and Tuface Idibia. Tejiri has proven to be one of the most sought-after young acts in Nigeria.

Tejiri has set the set pace for other young talents like him with this new single composed by him and produced by Mystro.

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

KORA 2016: Nominees, partners, host unveiled

By Tade Makinde

O

rganisers of KORA All-Africa Music Awards have announced the nominees in the 26 categories for its 2016 edition. The award ceremony will take place at the Windhoek Country Club in Namibia, while Nigeria’s SoundcityTV Africa is the official broadcast media partner.

The Award ceremony will take place on March 20, 2016, and will form part of Namibia’s annual National Day celebrations.

It would be televised live on

SoundcityTV channel and her digital platforms across 55 countries.

“We are inspired by the incredible work of KORA team over the last 12 years and then by 2016 crop of nominees for the award and we are excited about the partnership,” said Mr. Tajuddeen Adepetu, Chief Executive at Consolidated Media Associates and Executive Producer at SoundcityTV Africa.

R learnt from Dro Ameh that the Namibian government has thrown its weight behind the event, saying in a communication recently issued by the Namibian Ministry of Environment

and Tourism in conjunction with the Ministries of Education, Arts & Culture; and Information and Communication Technology, that the Namibian government expressed the belief that the creative industries play a key role in contributing to the economy through tourism, cultural arts and the creative industries.

The statement in part read: “These programmes are designed to ensure Namibian’s participation in this landmark event, and assure that the country’s tourism, ICT and art industries benefit directly from the events being hosted in Namibia. As such, we are pleased to endorse the KORA All-Africa Music Awards and anticipate the positive impact it will have on Namibia’s creative economy.

“It is our belief that the KORA All-Africa Music Awards also represents a unique opportunity for public-private partnership to jointly collaborate in the delivery of a landmark event, and as such, encourage role-players in the private sector to explore partnership opportunities with the event.”

The 2016 KORA All-Africa Awards’ nomination list, released last month with over 100 artistes nominated across the continent, had Nigerian artistes such as Reekado Banks; Yemi Alade; PSquare; Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Korede Bello; Lara George; Davido; Bracket and Mavins nominated.

Cash prizes ranging from $20,000 to $1,000,000 will be won, apart from plaques.

Opeyemi Ayeola shuns act of portraying white garment as fake

By Seyi Sokoya Opeyemi Ayeola has charged movie makers to stop portraying the white garment church, especially the Cherubim and

Seraphim Movement, as fake in movies.

The actress, who was the cynosure of all eyes as a special guest at the at the 43rd Adult Harvest anniversary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Liberty District, Ibadan, made this observation recently.

Ayeola described C & S as one of the most respected spirit-filled denominations in the history of churches in Nigeria and should not be presented as fake in movies. She, however, said she was glad to celebrate with the church on the occasion and that she would not discriminate against churches. “Despite the fact that I attend Redeemed Church, I am happy to be here because we are all serving the same God who answers prayers.”

The actress, who is currently in the country, also said that morals should be restored in the industry, just as she charged stakeholders to make the industry better for profitability.

On why she has never featured in English movies and even mu-

sic, the current trend among actors and actresses, Ope said that she would welcome any so far it is good. “As for music; it is a no. I don’t have the talent. Acting has become part of my life.”

Malaika wins fuji music personality of the year Alao Malaika has won the Fuji Music Personality of the Year category of award above other rivals in Fuji music. The award was held at Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Omoba Damilare, the pioneer of Nigeria Impact Awards, told R that Malaika won the award due to his creative in Fuji music industry. “Many have been asking us the yardstick we used to select our winners. Aside his Fuji music, Malaika can switch to any genre of music such as

Filmhouse cinema rolls out in Akure

By Segun Adebayo In line with its commitment to roll out 25 cinemas in Nigeria by 2018 and take cinema entertainment to every region, Filmhouse has added Filmhouse Akure.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Filmhouse Cinemas, Kene Mkparu, said the Filmhouse Akure is a special design in the Filmhouse cinemas roll-

Olamide holds concert Sequel to his recently released ‘Eyan Mayweather’ album, in which he laid claim to being the best rapper in Nigeria after a string of sold out concerts, YBNL label boss, Olamide, has announced the second edition of the Olamide Live in Concert.

In a feat never achieved before by any Nigerian rapper, Olamide released ‘Eyan Mayweather’, his fifth studio album in five years, and recorded 21 tracks without featuring a single guest figure.

The Olamide Live in Concert 2, set to hold on December, 27 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, is Olamide’s way of repaying fans for their loyalty and support.

Gospel, Afro Pop and Contemporary music. He is a talented musician. For a while, there has not been any Fuji musician who can delivered like him”, Damilare said.

After receiving the award, Malaika expressed gratitude to God for life and creativity. “It has been hardwork. I thank God for the talent He has given me. I also appreciate the music buffs who voted for me.”

Malaika is set to release a new album entitled “Original”.

out catalogue. According to him, it is a 2016 hybrid model of cinemas, with regular and VIP luxury sections. The cinema has five digital screens; two 3D screens, 7.1 digital surround sound and is priced right for everyone.

The CEO said the pricing was in line with the realities in the country, saying the organisation was poised to offer services that would make the people of the town experience entertainment at its best.

Mkparu, who was visibly excited about the launch of the first cinema in Akure, said, “We learnt a lot from guest’s feedback in our other cinemas in other cities where different demographies of our guests told us their different needs and expectations when they visit our cinemas. We washed our hands again and created an amazing cinema where the mass population plus young persons can afford our tickets, and the VIPs can also enjoy premium service and comfort at the same time.

“I do mean it when I always say that cinema is not just for a select class.

Filmhouse aims to ensure that every adult and child living in Akure and the entire Sunshine State can come to this amazing mall for a few hours every week and forget their wahala”.

20

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune With Segun Adebayo &Seyi Sokoya tegbollistic@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08116954644 08132577840

Low-key Xmas all the way

for Nigerian celebs

be an exception. I am grateful for the good things God has done for me this year and I am not going to deny myself the right to celebrate it the way I love to despite the harsh economic reality that we have found ourselves.

Ali Baba Nothing will change this Christmas. We will still plan to celebrate as usual despite the situation of the country.

Gbenga Adeyinka For me, it is going to be work as usual. I celebrate after everybody has finished celebrating, because I am going to be working throughout the period of Christmas.

My family though will be at home having Christmas lunch as usual. The current reality is to spend with your brain not heart.

Omoni Oboli My family and I will be celebrating Christmas the way we used to do. We will also be reaching out to the underprivileged this season, as we usually do. It is time to celebrate despite the fact that things are on the low side in the country. This should not deny us the beauty of togetherness and love in times like this.

Omoni Oboli

Gbenga Adeyinka

Koffi Idowu Nuel I spend Christmas with the family. Nothing is going to change this year. No matter what, one’s family should come first in anything. It is Xmas with my family or nothing.

Seun Akindele Xmas is my favourite of all seasons. So, I intend to celebrate with family and friends.

It is indeed another time of the year to be thankful to God for a fruitful 2015. We can’t deny the fact that there is economic hardship. I don’t think that should stop us from sharing with our loved ones and family.

Animashaun

Covenant Child

Kcee We are grateful to God for this season. I have actually been looking forward to it, but I will be very busy as usual. When we are done with the shows and there is free time, we will throw up the usual party for friends and fans as we always do. I just want to wish my fans a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. 2016 is going to be loaded with goodies for us all.

Okey Bakassi We will celebrate it. It is Christmas time and I would love to be with my family if I am not engaged, which I doubt though . It is going to be a busy time for me, but will make out time to catch up later.

Seye Kehinde Julius Agwu My Christmas Day tradition is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with families, friends and fans in my home state, Rivers with my annual show Crack Ya Ribs-Julius D’ Genius Agwu live in Port Harcourt. However, I am currently in America, to be back in Nigeria before Christmas Day so as to be part of this annual celebration. The Julius

Dede Mabiakwu

Amarachi I visit orphanage every Christmas, and this year won’t be different. I am going to be meeting with a lot of friends and families who have stayed with us in the course of the year. Reaching out to the poor is my calling and I will do it again this time.

Agwu Foundation Worldwide is also planning a new crusade to usher in the New Year.

It is called Niger Delta Liberation Crusade.

To be held in Port Harcourt.

Dede Mabiakwu Xmas ke? Na wetin be dat? When na soso yawa, ugbarugba, wahala and total chaos dey hammer us for dis our country.

Na wah ooool.

Iyabo Ojo This year’s Christmas won’t be different from what it used to be. I always celebrate Xmas with my family and this year won’t

Seye Kehinde All I see is a very boring Xmas. No Xmas bells, No gifts yet. I have given though.

Achievas Record CEO It’s going to be a very frugal and a lowprofile Christmas for me and my family.

Taye Currency Though things are financially tough, we should be grateful for life. With that, I pray for a peaceful Yuletide.

Tee Mac We have no choice, but to accept the situation and make the best of it. We will go to church on Xmas day as usual and to the beach.

Covenant Child Hahaha! My broda, we are in God’s hands o!

Ayo Animashaun I don’t have a Xmas this year, because the Headies is just a few days. For my family, I have a daughter whose birthday is on Xmas day. So the birthday and Christmas will be celebrated at home.

J. Real Matekai Despite all, we will eat pork, enjoy fresh roasted chicken and wine. These are cheap in Yola. We are not bothered by the gloomy economy. God dey for us here.

Dejumo Lewis While economic affluence usually determines the level of celebration, prudence dictates and modesty must always be the norm. Excessive revelry in any economic condition is an indication of corruption. I will, again, be as modest as I have always been as I spend Xmas with my family.

Continues on pg21

21 glitz

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Continues from pg20

Pawpaw I think I need to firstly appreciate my esteemed fans for their support over the years.

I wish them all a blissful Christmas and Happy New Year. For me, the celebration will come and go, but the fact remains that something fast must be done about the situation of the country. The economy is nothing to go by. A lot of people are suffering and I pray that it won’t get to a stage where the hardship will be so tensed. Well, the country is currently forming a new shape, because a new government has just started and its ministers have just commenced work. I want to advise Nigerians to exercise more patience and be watchful. We have seen the change; it is just that we have not seen any direction. We are watching. On my goals for 2016, I pray to God for the gift of life to achieve all my heart’s desires and things that are already in the pipeline.

Lancelot Imasuen 2015 has been a year of immense glory.

I had career uplift and my movie entitled: “Invasion 1897” did just as expected winning and featuring in several film festivals across the globe and winning loads of awards, such as Best Director and Film of the Year awards. I am impressed on the success it recorded, because it has been winning awards from the beginning of the year. The recently held BON award was just it for me. However, I would be celebrating the Yuletide season with my lovely family; the economic situation won’t deprive me of having a swell celebration with them. We are going out, play and have much fun together. Above all, we will all pray together for a successful and awesome life for the year 2016.

Habibat Jinad My greatest achievement this year was when I put a smile on someone’s face that was at a point of death. I am glad that God used me to save the person’s life. By my observation I would say that this year was better than last year and by the grace of God, I intend to spend the Xmas with my family and friends. I can’t wait to have a wonderful celebration with my loved ones. And as for my goals, I desire to produce more movies and further my education, work more on myself, make more money, travel abroad, and help more people financially and save more souls nest year.

Fisayo Ajisola Against all odds, I will not allow the economic situation of the country to deprive me of discharging my annual routine in showing love to the needy and the underprivileged through my NGO, The Jewel Empowerment Foundation (JEF). I encountered some challenges lately, but this will not go without touching lives positively, because it as become part of me. This year, the train moves to Lagos and we will be feeding 500 beggars, including children and their parents in Agege, Oshodi and Ebutte Meta on Kano road on Christmas day to cheer them up and let them know the society still cares for them. We are hopeful that year 2016 will be great, especially with the wind of change blowing in the country. As for my career, I will continue to give my best in entertainment and I am ready to take over the movie world in 2016. However, year 2015 for me, is full of life in good health and prosperity.

I ascribe all the glory to almighty God. The outgoing year challenged me to be strong and better in all my undertakings. I thank God that I completed my university education and had time to travel around a few continents. Also, my career took a positive

It’s going to be a very frugal and a low profile Christmas for me and my family.

turn around.

Pawpaw

Aishat

Kacee

Abimbola Ibrahim Aishat It’s been a splendid year, no doubt. I was able to put an end to procrastination. I produced my first movie ever, after 14 years of practice. I thank God it’s even my month of birth. I pray to get bigger, better and richer in the year 2016 so as to affect more lives positively. Christmas is great when you spend it with your family.

Samantha Emman My greatest achievement this year was to relaunch my music career, expand my business and be made a brand ambassador for Reysogroup International, one of the biggest global trade companies ever. I intend to spend my Xmas and New Year celebrations with my family, touch lives and give to the needy. My goals and aspirations for year 2016 are so many, but I would like to build my business and music career to the next level and be a strong role model to many.

Adebayo Salami It is going to be low-key, but all the same we thank Almighty Allah for sparing our lives.

Lancelot

Jinad

LaffUp A great one and nothing less than the previous; family is key and we can only be thankful to God for the gift of life. It’s a Xmas with fuel scarcity, but at least the impact is not likely to be grave.

Lagbaja Despite the economic situation in the country, even at the Xmas and New Year season, I am joyfull and thankful. I also desire progress in the journey and moving up in year 2016.

Tee Mac

Iyabo

Koffi

Fisayo

Okey Bakassi

22

20 December, 2015

PEOPLE

places&parties

W

of the things that got people talking was the date of the show which falls on the first day of the new year, but Ali Baba, known for his dogedness, kept his cards to his chest and staged what was then described as the biggest comedy show in Nigeria, setting the trend for other comedy shows of the year. While

Like him or loathe him, Fuji musician, Muri Alabi Thunder, remains the people’s delight any day.

He has continued to enjoy a robust relationship with his fans since he broke into the fuji world over a decade ago and is currently enjoying the proceeds of his hard work.

The controversial singer, who is famously known as Aremo Fuji, PPP, learnt has arrived in Kuala Lumpur with a seven-man band on a 2-week musical tour of the beautiful country.

He will play for the YoLagosians await the second edition of the show which comes up in two weeks at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Ali Baba promised that this year’s concert will be on a different level. Comedians and musicians who will perform at this year’s event are expected to don black and white Tuxedo.

Nathaniel buries dad in style Afro American and tourism player, Nathaniel Styles Jnr has buried his father, Nathaniel B. Styles (Snr), (a.k.a Ibase) in Miami, Florida. Nathaniel was born on May 9, 1942 and died on December 9, 2015 Wake and public visitation with the family held on Friday, December 18 between 5 and 8pm at Hadley Davis Funeral Home, Miami Gardens, Florida, while celebration of life followed on Saturday, December 19 at 11am, Mt. Hermon AME Church, Miami and internment at Vista Memorial

of featuring in P-Square’s next music video.

First runner-up, Mali Hot Boy, goes home with a Honda Civic car and N2million, while Julius Fakta gets a Kia Rio car and N1million cash prize. Both of them will also have a chance to feature in a top Glo Ambassador’s music video.

With his victory in the highly contested show, Kelvin whose philosophy in life is “respect all and fear none” appears to be inching closer to his dream of being a top international choreographer. His victory is also remarkable, given that he started out as a member of a dance group called Elevators NG. At the audition stage, the judges picked him out for his dexterity to progress to the next stage as a solo performer.

ruba community in their end of year party in Kuala Lumpur, and will also play in other major cities in Malaysia.

Promoter hosts Taye on 41st birthday in Dubai On December 17 in far away Dubai, Fuji musician, Taye Currency, was feted by the Nigerian community as he marked his 41st birthday in the oil-rich country.

Gardens & Funeral Home.

“We have loved him in life, let us not forget him after transition,’” his son told PPP. Styles SNR retired in 2001 after 32 years of service. He was the first Black Florida State Juvenile Parole Officer, a position which allowed him to affect the lives of many young people who were a part of Florida’s juvenile justice system during the period when integration was breaking down some racial barriers while others stubbornly remained.

Kelvin crowned King of Glo’s Dance with Peter Twenty-four-year-old Kelvin Ayanruoh from Delta State was last night crowned the winner of Dance with Peter reality television show sponsored by next generation network, Globacom.

He was declared winner at the grand finale of the show held at Bamako Studio, Ojodu, Lagos as he beat his closest challengers, Mali Hot Boy and third place winner, Ghanaian Julius Fakta, to win the coveted crown of best dancer in West Africa. In fourth place was Amazing Amy while Da Octopus finished fifth.

Kelvin thus wins Globacom’s top prize of a Toyota Rav 4 SUV and N3million cash with an opportunity

Segun Adebayo e-mail : tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Muri Thunder lands in Kuala Lumpur

Another January 1st from Ali Baba hen the king of stand up comedy, Ali Baba came to town last year with the maiden edition of his comedy concert, and called it Ali Baba January 1st concert, not few people wondered what he was up to. His pedigree as a successful comedian speaks volumes.One

Sunday Tribune

Currently on a tour that should have ended on Friday, F & S promotion, Upre, Dubai, who had earlier got the musician on stage at the YNOT Club, hosted a surprise bash for Taye on Thursday to show his appreciaiton for the successful shows he has packaged for the Ibadan-based Fuji act who had been on a week tour Taye’s spokesperson, Tope Eluyefa, told PPP that his boss would be back in Nigeria on Sunday. The birthday party was not on the bill before he left, but he had no choice than to stay behind for just two more days to be with his Nigerian fans who had put up the party.

Fashie Fizzie spoils elders with Yuletide gifts Event promoter and fashion buff, Abiodun Fashogbon, in the spirit of the festive season, has donated the entire stock in his Adamasingba, Ibadan, Fashie Fizzie Mama Memorial Brand (MMB) store. He said it was to make the underprivileged be a part of the joyous mood that pervades the city around this time of the year.

“This is what we stand for. While making money all through the year, we should remember that not all have been blessed.

That is the secret of our success,” he told PPP on Thursday.

The charity show, the sec-

ond since the demise of his mother, and which will be held every second week in December in her memory, began with a visit to the Ibadan Motherless Home at Yemetu, where he gave out new pairs of jeans, shirts,

caps, watches, perfumes and every product he had in store worth almost a million naira. Most of the fashion materials were given to elderly people though. “We don’t do this for money and we will do it again next year,” he added.

23

20 December, 2015

sundayzest

Sunday Tribune

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

What is the best Christmas gift you can give your child?

T

he lights and decorations are up, the hot, dry wind from Western Sahara has arrived in all its strength and it is looking and smelling like Christmas. If that is not enough to put you in the mood, then a trip down to a shopping mall might do the trick. The endless blasting of Christmas carols in most shops is enough to convert even the worst Grinch but if the par-rumper-pum-pums is quickly becoming akin to nails scraping down a blackboard, then congratulations! You have finally had it with all the needless hustle and bustle of Christmas.

The commercialisation of Christmas goes without saying that the reason for the season is no longer Christ but Presents.

The simplicity, and wonder of the birth of Christ has been lost in all the clatter of buying and selling of mundane things.

Putting Christ as the focal point of the season and family especially children at the heart of the celebration gives Christmas a deeper meaning and aligns priorities with

productive actions that will bring forth a better future.

Gadgets and toys that depreciate are

All parents wants the best for their children hence, the need to give them the best and buy them the best presents at Christmas but instead of buying them gifts without substance, a savings bank account is a gift they will be grateful for in years to come.

bought without second thoughts but gifts with substance are often not considered or left for more serous deliberation, which is often procrastinated until it is forgotten.

All parents wants the best for their children hence, the need to give them the best and buy them the best presents at Christmas but instead of buying them gifts without substance, a savings bank account is a gift they will be grateful for in years to come.

Granted, they will not unwrap a savings account with the same excitement as the most sort after toy, but the priceless gift of putting them at the heart of Christmas is a lesson they will learn from a young age and pass on to their children especially if the accounts are topped up regularly to boost their start-up in life. Also, inculcating saving habits in children at a young age will help them in the long run.

The great thing about children’s savings account is that, you do not have to be a millionaire to open one. Most banks will open an account for as little as N1, 000.

There are added benefits if the account is opened and operated with a higher amount.

Each bank offers different benefits and shopping around will give you more information on what best suits your child.

For instance, Access Bank requires a minimum opening balance of N5,000.00 while other banks require a N1, 000.00 minimum opening balances. The benefits of opening with Access Bank compared with other banks are slightly similar. Settling for a lower minimum might be more affordable than a higher one.

First Bank’s kidsfirst offers gift items for the child when the account is opened with a minimum of N10, 000.00 and the child also qualifies for a raffle draw to win N300, 000.00 if they have maintained a balance of N150, 000 for 12 months. While GTB, is offering 2.50% interest rates Per annum on up to N1, 000000 and below.

Children’s savings accounts must be done without much strain to your finances so, it is advisable to choose an affordable one.

24

Sunday Tribune

20 December, 2015

makeover

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Hairstyles and nail polish ideas for Christmas

By Oluwatomisin Akingbolu and Yetunde Tijani

A

woman’s hair is her glory and the way it is styled says a lot about her. Christmas is a joyous season when both young and old women are enthusiastic especially regarding hairstyles to flatter their looks. That is why it should be chosen as carefully as your outfit. Below is a list of hairstyles that will brighten your holidays and make them even more remarkable.

Braids For women, the hairstyle possibilities are endless, and it can be styled for formal and casual outings. They are ideal for office and family parties and it can as well be packed in several styles. To make the hair last longer, one should make use of hair spray and this will make it last for a month or more, but it also depend on how good the hair stylist is.

Ghana weaving

Weavon fixing They are the most popular hairstyles of the moment and they can also last for a long time. However, weavons should be properly maintained because they cause heat and prevent air from reaching the scalp. Air your hair as much as possible by letting weavon styles hand loose, or by blow-drying for a few minutes.

Weavon

Weaving It could either be normal weaving or Ghana weaving.

When considering Christmas hairstyles, you simply can’t pass by this gorgeous hairdo. It is lighter and can as well be cheaper and usually preferable because of its ease with styling and maintenance.

Dreads This hairstyle is also nice for Christmas. It could be expensive but it lasts longer – some can last as much as six to eight months or even longer, depending on how well it is maintained. While some may prefer to wash at home, it is better to use the services of experts.

Dreads

Nail care Fixing of nails during Christmas is also a way of showcasing your beauty and making your nails more attractive. Moreover, during Christmas season, there are some specific or special colours used which are referred to as Christmas colors. They are red, green and white, and gold.

For maintenance, go for a pedicure; do not bite your nails; when removing fixed nails or colors, make use of appropriate removers.

Braids

25

20 December, 2015

relationships

. . . issues, family, sex

Gifts for family and friends

at Christmas C HRISTMAS brings joy for many families.

It is a time to celebrate with one another and share the gift of the season - love. In line with the theme of the season, below are few gift ideas for family and friends during the holidays:

Hamper

For spouses Now is one of the few times you have no choice but to show just how much you care.

Go for items that speak volumes, considering that this is a rare time to show appreciation for his/her love for the entire year. Spend time alone together and exchange gifts, depending on what the partner prefers. Jewellery, wristwatches, books, invitation to special events, helping with the chores, etc., are wonderful gift ideas for couples.

Electronic gadgets

For teens Depending on the age, school supplies, books, a trip to the movies, family day out, etc., are viable options. You could also choose a personalised gift that reflect their hobbies or interests.

Fashion accessories, selfie poles, ear muffs for the weather, educating games to improve their skills, portable charging accessories, among other option are also nice.

For children Buy them clothes, sunglasses, and to reward impressive performance, go for school supplies. You could also reward them with invitation to Christmas parties or other safe outdoor

Kitchen appliances

Jewellery

Selfie pole

Extra-soft pillows events for children.

For in-laws

School supplies

Between the couple, discuss what you feel

Wristwatches each family will appreciate, and, if possible, buy

within the same range so as to discourage un-

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

necessary competition.

Home appliances such as kitchen equipment or living room gadgets are safe options for this season. Hampers are also a great gift idea, especially as they offer variety.

For grandparents Now would be a great time to spend quality time with the aged folk, especially if they have been alone for most of the year. If that is not possible, find out something they would like and get it for them. You could buy them extra soft pillows – it’s about time they get real comfort; easy-to-wear foot wear for their leisurely walks; picture albums to help them stay in touch even when they are so far away; clothes – you could make it a mix of native attires and house wear that will cater for the dry season. If there is an event in town, get them invites and a designated driver to convey them to and fro. The expense will be totally worth the trouble.

For friends and well wishers You can order family-themed Christmas cards, or for the very personal touch, go for customised family Christmas cards. Add a touch of the personal by placing a family photo at the back.

Hampers are also another interesting option, depending on what the budget is and who deserves what.

Whatever the options, the important thing is to stick to a budget and let the gift evoke some feeling of companionship. Take advantage of holiday discount sales – make sure that they are really discounts and not just knock off prices on already overpriced items. Keep in mind that the New Year will usher in a fair share of expenses and it will take a while before income stabilises.

26

20 December, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

Why I’m still a closet writer —Kadaria Ahmed

Multimedia journalist, Kadaria Ahmed has over 20 years experience in the industry. She worked at the BBC and edited the rested NEXT newspapers before founding her own company, Reinvent Media. She is also the host of Straight Talk with Kadaria, a news and current affairs programme on Channels Television and has edited two books, Nigeria The Good News and Lagos-A Climate Resilient Megacity? published by the Heinrich Boll Foundation. The moderator of some sessions at the last Ake Arts & Book Festival speaks about her journalism career and writing aspirations in this interview. Excerpts:

T

HIS is your first Ake Arts and Book Festival, how are you finding it?

It’s really interesting; I mean it’s been so all consuming. It’s awesome, the quality of people that Lola [Shoneyin] has brought together in Abeokuta. I mean you are looking at people like Chris Abani, Mona Eltahawy, Pius Adesanmi; we are in heaven.

The conversations have been very interesting and very engaging.

How rigorous was the preparation for your sessions?

Because I love books, I have read Howard’s [French] book [China’s Second Continent: How a Million Migrants are Building a New Empire in Africa]. I never got round to finishing it but I got more than halfway through to be able to have an informed conversation about the issues that he raised in his book.

And it’s a very important book, I think. It’s not just for policy makers and people in government to read but for ordinary Nigerians who may find themselves either working for a Chinese business or otherwise engaged in some ways with China.

Is it this same level of preparation that applies to your TV show, Straight Talk with Kadaria?

No, it’s a little bit more detailed. Because I have researchers, what tends to happen is that if I’m going to speak to someone, I’ll sit down with my researchers and, if you like, give them areas of focus. I’ll say to them these are the places I want you to focus on; dig up stuff for me. They will go and come back with material and then I go through the material, look at it and if I’m satisfied with it, I then do a sort of rough outline of the conversation I want to have. If I’m not

Kadaria Ahmed satisfied with it, I do further research but it helps that they include the areas where they found their information. I do that and then do my outline.

That’s in my best case scenario. I’ve had situations where I’ve done research and somebody would cancel an interview at the last minute. And I have sort of chased people and they said no and then I get a call at the last minute, “can we do it tomorrow?” In those sorts of situations I just wing it. I do the reading and the research but I always feel the conversation is better when it is well researched.

What feedback have you been getting?

We are on twitter and we get feedback from twitter but at the same time we have email and we get hundreds of email from people.

In fact, because we are such a small team, keeping tab on things and making sure we respond to people is difficult but people write to us; some to say well done; some to say you are very stupid, how could you do that? Some to say you are Hausa, that’s why you are talking like that. Others to say you are Muslim, you hate Christians; some to tell me you are a nominal Muslim, you are a useless Muslim.

Prof. Howard French, Kadaria Ahmed and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State at Ake Festival

Others will say you like PDP, others will say no, it is APC you like but there is also really positive feedback. People are engaging, which is the most important thing because when we started this program, what we wanted to do was to have conversations we didn’t feel were happening in the Nigerian media space and I think ‘Straight Talk’ has done that. As you know, we are on break; we have been doing it for 18 months and then I got tired. I got really tired, I needed to rest. So we have taken a break; we should be back in the New Year and we are hoping with a better programme.

Why did you go into Straight Talk with Kadaria initially?

I had never really done TV before and I’m still not very comfortable with it. Radio is what I’m comfortable with and to some extent newspapers because I spent time editing NEXT. I did 2011 Presidential Debate and people thought it was great; it was my first time in front of a camera and I kept being told, let’s do it. Do a program so eventually I thought I’d give it a try.

How was the transition from electronic journalism to print and back to electronic?

The truth is there are certain qualities you need to do journalism. One is curiosity; wanting to know things. The second is, and I don’t want to sound sanctimonious, but this need to impact on society because journalism is about holding people to account who don’t want to be held accountable. It’s about giving the public information so that they can make decisions based on fact. It’s about helping to have better citizens and better nation so you have to have that in you.

That’s the starting point and when you are at the starting point, people tend to lean towards print or the broadcast media but you find out that the world is changing; the divisions are collapsing and I guess someone like me; because I’m sort of in that generation where we are part of the old order because when we started journalism, those divisions, to a certain extent were beginning to collapse but they still existed and now we are practicing multimedia journalism. So, they are transferable skills between the three genres and I think if you can tell a story, you tell it the best way you know how; whether it’s radio, TV or print.

Your mum is the first published female writer from the North, when are you following in her footsteps?

I’m a closet writer; I’m still trying to gather the courage to show people what I write. I do write, actually; mostly poetry although recently I started writing short stories. You know writing is a very personal thing and I think the time has to be ripe for everybody to come out with what they write. I guess because of where I’m coming from; daughter of a famous author and also someone whose background in journalism didn’t start in print, I have a bit of a complex; I think my writing is rubbish so I keep working on it and I hope one day I’ll have the confidence to share what I’ve written.

27 arts&culture

20 December, 2015

Saro-Wiwa’s daughter, two other Nigerians clinch Morland writing scholarships

D

AUGHTER of the late activist and writer, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Noo Saro-Wiwa and two other Nigerians have been named among the five winners of the 2015 Morland Writing Scholarships.

The other winners, according to a statement from the Miles Morland Foundation, are Sudan’s Fatin Abbas (nonfiction), South Africa’s Karen Jennings (fiction) and Nigerians Akwaeke Emezi (fiction) and Bolaji Odofin (fiction). Saro-Wiwa was awarded the prize for nonfiction.

The Foundation disclosed that the winners will each receive a grant of £18,000 to allow them to take a year to write a book and that unlike past editions, two additional non-fiction awards of £27,000 to be paid over a year and a half to allow the scholars time for research were given.

The awards are based on submissions

Noo Saro-Wiwa

Akwaeke Emezi

which include a book proposal and an excerpt of published writing. Eminent Afri-

can literary figures, Ellah Wakatama Allfrey (chair) Olufemi Terry and Muthoni

Abuse, stories and change at the screening of Femi Amogunla’s The Bargain

L-R; Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare and Soji Cole at the screening

By Temitayo Joseph ON Friday December 4, film lovers gathered for the screening of Firm Media Production’s short film The Bargain. The film screening was part of the commemoration of the annual United Nations 16 Days activism against Gender-based Violence. The film screening opened up a well of stories about domestic violence.

Story One. Multimedia artiste and the producer of the film, Femi Amogunla introduced his project—a media project on gender based violence. He shared stories of various women through his photography.

He had taken various pictures of different women in different situations and asked their opinion on gender based violence.

These faces, these issues, these stories set the tone for the many stories that would be shared during the day.

Story Two. The main character in the film, a woman experienced violence from childhood through adulthood. The film is in fact this character’s narration, of her experience, of the different lessons that women should learn. First lesson: as a woman, never respond. Second lesson: never out on a man.

Third lesson: as a woman, you never struggle. Take everything lying low. Fourth lesson: As a woman, you should never grow too big. Never let your career grow big enough

to shrink your husband’s balls. These lessons are from the book of society.

Story Three. Abiade Olawale, the founder of Humans of Substance Empowerment Initiative, a non-profit based in Ibadan shared her experience in an abusive marriage. She had married as a virgin with high expectations—and that did not include a divorce.

Hers is also a story of courage, to walk out of abuse. Abiade’s talk put the statistics of domestic violence in flesh and blood.

“My ex agreed not to beat me but he abused me in every other way. I expected people to tell me to take my life into my own hands but they told me to endure. So, I stayed but when I knew that I wouldn’t get the church or the society’s approval, I packed my bags and I have never gone back.” Abiade said that once violence starts, the victim has a role to play to break the chain—for there to be an abuse, there must be an abused.

Story Four. Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare, a lecturer at the Faculty of Arts gave a sobering presentation that “simplified” the complexity of abuse, especially among young people.

“Some people even partake in abuse without knowing it.” She says that it is important to talk about the issues. She interspersed her presentation with stories: of a man who perpetually abused his wife who worked at UCH; of how he killed her and committed suicide after the act, leaving their four children as orphans. She reminded the au-

dience of the story of the banker who was stabbed to death by her husband. She told the story of how she used to admire a couple that always wore anko, same clothes. Only for the wife to show her the fresh wounds beneath her gorgeous buba lace one day. If abuse must stop, everyone must be ready to be called a rabble-rouser, she said.

“How many of you are willing to be accused of asking a married woman to leave her husband’s house?” She asked as she buttressed her point on the challenge that comes with change.

After the presentations, the other members of the panel: lecturer and only male panelist, Soji Cole; OAP and author, Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi and lawyer, Edem Ossai engaged the issues. What role does culture play when it comes to violence? What do parents need to do to prevent their children experiencing sexual abuse? What needs to change?

Soji Cole called for shared responsibility.

Male and female, husband and wife, are responsible for what their families and the society become. This should come into play even in the way chores are shared in the house. Cole who has been married for four years says he washes clothes in his house.

Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi brought the issue into perspective by showing that not just men are culpable of violence against women.

“How about the pain that women bring on other women? Who are the mothers-in-law maltreating their daughters-in-law? Who are the husbands maltreating their wives?”

She queried. Her point: abusers are not ghosts; they are male and female.

Edem Ossai emphasised the role of the society. It is not only in marriages. Teachers are abusing students. House girls are abusing house boys. Fathers are abusing their daughters. Rather than deal with the issues, we blame the victim and ask, in case of sexual abuse: what was she doing there?

What was she wearing? Failure of the law at punishing violence in the Nigerian society also makes abuse thrive. “If you have to run to a judge who himself is an abuser, what do you do?”Ossai stressed the importance of parents being more watchful when raising their children; it is important to raise children who respect all human beings, male and female.

Garland judged the entries.

Speaking on the emergence of women as this year’s winners, the Foundation’s Literary Director, writer and journalist, Michela Wrong said: “Women writers began emerging as an unstoppable force a year ago but this year it was a rout. All five scholarships have gone to women, despite the fact that overall there were more male than female applicants. Women dominated both the long list sent to readers and the shortlist that went to the judges. Of the twenty-one writers on the short list nineteen were women.

“Overall, the Foundation received 345 applications, down from 2014’s 482. The overall number has dropped, but we felt that individual applications were of a higher quality, suggesting that prospective writers now have a better grasp of what the scholarship offers and entails.

Many writers are making second attempts, a development we encourage.

“The applications came from across the continent, 23 African countries in all, with Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya dominating as usual. The Judges gave three Scholarships to Nigerians, all very different writers. We were impressed by the explosion of literary energy coming from West Africa. We know there is also a wealth of creativity and talent in East Africa and hope that next year that will be reflected in the Scholarships.”

Born in Nigeria in 1976 and raised in England, Saro-Wiwa attended King’s College, London and Columbia University in New York. She has written travel guides for ‘Rough Guide’ and ‘Lonely Planet’ and is the author of ‘Looking for Transwonderland’ , one of the books discussed at the 2012 edition of the Garden City Literary Festival in Port Harcourt.

Speaking on the book Saro-Wiwa will be writing with the grant, chair of the jury, Allfrey said it “will focus on the lives of Africans who have chosen to live in China. It will shed light on relations between the Africans in this Diaspora and the Chinese. The judges were inspired by Saro-Wiwa’s submission and impressed by her approach to a topic of vast political, economic and social relevance.”

Allfrey said of ‘The Death of Vivek Oji’, the work to be undertaken by Umuahiaborn Emezi, who is also a filmmaker: “Emezi plans a novel in which a mixed race couple mourn the loss of their adult child – found murdered in the market place. What begins as a tale of loss becomes an investigation of sexuality, gender identity and intolerance. The judges praised Emezi’s prose style and her ability to weave narrative and character towards a potentially brilliant work of imagination.”

Allfrey was equally excited about ‘Ye Gods’ to be written by the Ibadan, Oyo State-based Odofin. She said, “Odofin will write a novel in which the deities of Nigeria find themselves invaded by a new pantheon and mortals find themselves the pawns in a fight for their souls. The bold ambition of this proposal delighted the judges who were inspired by Odofin’s desire to use humour to comment on Nigeria’s recent history, religion and the confluence of belief systems.”

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Sunday Tribune

Sunday Tribune

20 December , 2015

glamour I

but…

How I have been able to push my acting career through It has been through God’s grace. The journey has been interesting and awesome. I thank God for helping me to make a headway among my peers. I would say I am currently paying my dues and have learnt a lot in the industry. There are lots of opportunities in the industry and I have been able to tap into them. In fact, I have not restricted myself to acting alone; I have also discovered my talent in make-up artistry and costuming. The truth is that if I am not acting, I am at the back of the camera doing my thing.

—Sexy Winger

Life as a make-up artiste To me, it is one of the integral parts of acting. It is not absurd, I find pleasure in doing this too. It has been bringing food to my table asides acting. I have really demonstrated my expertise on this field. I don’t see it as stress or a hard thing to do. It has also created a bond between me and my colleagues.

Omokehinde Mary Bankole, popularly known as Sexy Winger, is one of the fast rising actresses in the Yoruba speaking movie industry. The young lady, who is also the CEO of Sexy Winger Collections, in this interaction with SEYI SOKOYA, speaks on how she has been able to manage her businesses and acting career successfully. Excerpts:

Other businesses I do for a living I also run a wine business. It is not as if I am showing off, but it is out of enthusiasm to establish myself in my own way. This will also serve as another means of income for me because I don’t want to become a liability to anybody. I thank God that the business is growing fast and I pray it expands in no time.

Films I have to my credit I have featured in movies like: Akoba Gafara, Igboya, Mimo, Igba, Wakati, Obuko, among others. My movies, such as Ayanmo Ife, Asise Ko, Iyanje, Ife Oju, also gave me fame. At present, I am working on a multimillion naira film production. I pray that God will help me.

Why actors venture into other businesses aside acting Honestly, it is a welcome idea. We really need it, especially for the serious minded ones among us.

Acting business is no longer reliable. We need to support it with other legitimate means. Piracy is also a major factor that is killing the industry. Our movie sales are no longer encouraging compared to what it used to be. This is why you find many people in this industry venturing into one business or the other to have something else to fall back on. We have to make moves for other sources of income. As I said earlier, I run my own businesses aside acting, I am the CEO of Sexy Winger Collections where I am into makeup and wine business. I am a trained make-up artist.

I also have a wine store in the heart of Ibadan.

How I have been able to combine all these without any clash I have stayed focused and refused to give space for distraction and God has been seeing me through in whatever I lay my hands upon. The funny thing is that I could be a make-up artist on a particular set and at the same time act too. I just thank God that I have been able to do a perfect job so far.

Challenges I don’t see challenges as a barrier or excuse not to push my career through. It surfaces everywhere, especially when someone will eventually become successful in a particular endeavour. The job is interesting and challenging at the same time, but I still derive joy from it and I am convinced that I will be successful someday. It is a normal thing for everyone, it is not peculiar to a particular class or sex. All human beings experience one challenge or the other; it only depends on how one tackles and overcomes it. As for me, I stay focused and refuse to be distracted whenever I come across any challenge. I also want to appreciate my mentors, especially Dr Muyiwa Ademola for his words of encouragement during the time of difficulties. I can boldly

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 08054727801

I’m not a saint

Foray into acting have always had passion for acting since my tender age, precisely when I was in secondary school. I belonged to a drama group back then. So, it was easy for me when I grew up to go into acting; and I have never regretted joining the industry.

Coping with competition I am not competing with anybody. I love and respect everyone’s ideology and expertise in the industry. One thing about me is that I love to say the truth, no matter the situation. As I said earlier, I am not a saint but I am decent. This statement is best known to me, because no one knows it all.

How I handle my male admirers That has to do with the wisdom of God. You know that we are all humans and we are prone to temptations, but I have been able to manage them well, because I have a lot of male friends around me. In fact, I love to make friends with them than the females. This is because they are understanding.

say that I am up to the task today with the help of God and well-meaning people that surround me.

Assessment of the industry To me, I feel the industry is okay, but still needs some improvement and innovation. It is remarkable that we have witnessed a great development as well as produced more emerging stars. Though, there are still some excesses, I believe it can be worked upon. Personally, I am not a saint but I am decent. Also, I am not in a rush for fame.

How I deal with promiscuous actors I have never met one and I can’t conclude or say that actors are promiscuous. I can’t speak for others, but as for me, it is a no and I would not encourage such, because I don’t give room for any rubbish or mess of such. Though it is no longer news that many things happen in the industry, I

am a reserved person and that is me. I also want to say that this is not only peculiar to the industry; it happens everywhere. I think we need to show more decency and maturity in our industry. We need to protect our image for a better future.

My take on the insinuation that actresses offer themselves willingly No, it is not true. On the other hand, I can’t talk about others, because I concentrate more on myself. I don’t follow the crowd. So, whatever they do is none of my business. In fact, even as an actress, I can never act nude. Acting shouldn’t turn us to be crazy people. I repeat, I can’t act nude, but I can only be good looking, sexy and hot. Yes. I can do whatever it takes for me to look good. That is why I do shopping almost every month, because I crave to dress sexy.

My kind of man I desire a God-fearing, responsible, loving and caring man who is cute, handsome and chocolate in complexion.

Life as a career woman To be candid, I can’t leave my career for any man.

This is not a matter of being rude or harsh, but I have to reveal some facts about this. The opposite sex also needs our support, especially in the home front. Aside this, it is ideal for any woman to have something doing one way or the other. My man and I understand one another and we have both agreed on how to manage our home. My man loves me and my job.

My friends in the industry I don’t have or keep friends with anyone in the industry. It is not as if I have a grouse about or fight with anyone, but I prefer to laugh or associate with anyone that comes my way if need be, and later

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go my own way, because some people backbite a lot. Though, we still have some good people in the industry, I have realised that keeping friends does not add to me and I can do well without them. The funny thing is that those who presented themselves as being holy and decent are those that mess themselves up. Personally, I don’t pretend or like to live a fake life; I know my worth. I don’t have to join the league of pretenders before I can make a statement. This is why there is competition in the industry and it is uncalled for. This has generated a lot of problems which are affecting the industry negatively. I don’t spoil people, but they should keep on watching all I do, till I get to my destination, while I will leave them behind. I am more interested in my achievements in life and not the showbiz aspect. I also see it as madness when people claim unnecessary seniority in the industry. Many actresses do fight over that, but I see it as madness. I don’t have to be forced to respect anyone. I could even give regards to someone that I am older than and call a person that is older than me by name. As for me, I don’t care whoever calls me by my name. I am not bothered. However, I am a nice, loving and calm lady, but I don’t tolerate nonsense.

My relationship with Muyiwa Ademola He’s my boss. It is a boss and student relationship; no strings attached. I have benefited a lot from him and he has really helped my career. He is one of the professionals in the industry that is interested and ready to support the upcoming ones through his platform. I am one of his students. I respect him a lot, because he has helped us to scale through so many hurdles.

Growing up I am from Ogun State. I am a twin and the last born from a family of six children. I have an interesting family. I grew up at Abule Egba, Lagos, but my parents are now based in Ibadan. My twin sister is fine and life as a twin has been sweet and peaceful. She is Oluwadarasimi Taiwo Bankole; we love each other and serve as blessings to the Bankole family. She is not into acting; she runs a boutique.

Personally, I don’t pretend or like to live a fake life; I know my worth. I don’t have to join the league of pretenders before I can make a statement

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aspire

20 December, 2015

by Olaide Sokoya 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

BB pin: 290B9652

Shopping mistakes to avoid during this festive period

T

HE gifting and splurging fever matches the marketing and pricing temptations put out by brands and establishments. Some of us may have already got most of our shopping done. From a personal finance perspective, the shopping season taxes your wallet. It is not uncommon, at the end of the season, when the boxes have all been disposed of, to feel a pinch of regret over things you could have done without, things that stop working, things you could have got cheaper, and things you have more than one of. In addition, you might also be left carrying quite a bit of debt to service over the next several months, perhaps even beyond the next festive season.

Mistakes are best avoided but, well, it rarely works that way. You can learn from the experiences of others though. Here are a few tips to help you stay away from feeling foolish, as well as hopefully sugarcoat the dent in your pocket.

Have a plan

Think about what you intend to buy and why. Just because there are amazing discounts doesn’t mean you need to buy. This isn’t the stock market. Buy only what you need, for yourself and for others. Remember that consumption is the bane of our time. That mobile phone has a larger footprint than you think.

Compare prices

Not only should you look high (online) and low (neighborhood showroom) to make sure you are getting the best price, you should also read the fine print. Products and services come with various levels of add-ons that are built into the price, which the seller can tweak to his advantage. A lower price does not always equal the best deal.

Also compare online and retail outlet prices. Showrooms are coming up with innovative ways to beat the online pricing model. Use that to your advantage.

Avoid a new line of credit

Most stores are tied up with financing and credit card companies. Some of the offers are made to sound better if taken on their line of credit. The profit they sacrifice on the price of what you are buying is compensated by the

much higher spending that is likely to follow on that line of credit. Use this option only if you really need to buy that product as you are committing future earnings.

Don’t neglect your credit card offers

Credit cards and online banking portals often have very attractive offers lined up for the festive season. Make sure you review all those ads, flyers that you normally junk. It is also a good time to redeem the loyalty points on your cards.

Bills and warranties

Make sure you keep all bills carefully. If your warranty card has not been filled out and stamped by the dealer, your bill is a second line. Bills are also helpful for accounting purposes. If you are self employed, you might get tax breaks on several of your festive shopping expenses. If you buy equipment for work, you can also factor depreciation in as you go forward.

Defer your shopping

You don’t have to shop when everyone else is shopping. Sellers have a relatively lean season from spring to autumn. As a result, they do crazy things during shopping opportunities like holidays and long weekends. Like pay 1947 and take it home, and pay 1947 for the next 15 months if you buy it on Independence Day. End-ofseason clearance sales have good bargains too. Also look out for stores that are closing down; they often dispose of their stock at ridiculously low prices. Make sure you check your purchases for damages before paying for it.

See the big picture while buying

There are things that you will never use, wear or eat.

Why buy one more of it? Also make sure what you buy is compatible with whatever else it needs to work with. If you cook in clay pots your domestic gas cylinder will run out every few days. For digital purchases, make sure you review system and upgrades requirements.

If you have a big chunk of your festive shopping still left, we hope these tips will benefit you.

Culled from the Internet

Your Life Counts

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Fear not Fear is a natural human emotion which must be handled well. Psychiatrists tell us that we are only born with two kinds of fear – the fear of falling and the fear of loud noise. They say all other fears are learnt. If you think about this well, you will discover this is true. If you notice, you will discover small children don’t fear anything until the adults “teach” them. A small child is “fearless” until he is taught to fear. A small child wants to play with fire until we teach him to fear it.

Fear can either be positive or negative. The problem is that fear is more of a negative than a positive emotion.

“Fear is a darkroom where Negatives develop.” -Usman B. Asif Fear cripples and paralyses. “To lead is difficult when you’re a follower of fear.” T.A. Sachs “Fear of danger is ten thousand times more terrifying than danger itself.” Daniel Defoe Fear closes the door to liberty. It destroys our joy. It creates unnecessary tension and anxiety. Fear adversely affects our thinking process. “Of all the people I have ever known, those who have pursued their dreams and failed have lived a much more fulfilling life than those who have put their dreams on a shelf for fear of failure.”

-Author Unknown. Most decisions taken when fear is dominant are usually wrong. For example, fear that the stock market is crumbling can make people just offload their shares prematurely.

“Cowards die many times before their death” – W. Shakespeare In view of the times we live in, we need to be very careful that fear does not become our motivation for doing things. We must put fear in proper perspective so we don’t get unnecessarily encumbered from reaching our maximum potential. “To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.”

-Katherine Paterson When we look at what is happening around us, there is a great tendency to fear. Fear grips our heart as we see the insecurity in the society that has led to unnecessary loss of lives. Fear invades our hearts when we see what is happening to the global economy. Fear seems to be the logical thing that occupies our minds when we see the corruption that pervades our society. We must banish fear from our hearts at these trying times, else we will go through life full of anxiety, worries and unhappiness.

“Obstacles are like wild animals. They are cowards but they will bluff you if they can. If they see you are afraid of them... they are liable to spring upon you; but if you look them squarely in the eye, they will slink out of sight.”

-Orison Swett Marden Fear can sometimes produce positive results. The fear that reckless driving might increase the risk of accident makes us drive carefully. The fear of that your boss might give you a query for a shoddy work makes an employee sit up to do a good job. The fear of the teacher spanking a child for not doing his homework makes him take his homework serious.

The fear of failure drives some people to succeed and make money. The fear of a bad marriage can compel a spouse to succumb to anything just to avoid a bad marriage.

Much as fear can sometimes produce positive results, it is not the ideal motivation for doing things. We must never allow fear to dominate and rule our lives. “Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.” -Brendan Francis We must never use fear as a weapon to have our way.

We must graduate from being motivated by fear to being motivating by the desire to do things right. This is a major feature of a mature and responsible person.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline”. -2Timothy1:7 We must learn to bypass our fears and step out in courage to do what ought to be done. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” -Ambrose Redmoon.

For enquiries/comments please send email to urlifecounts@yahoo.com

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Anti-corruption fight: Will justice be served?

Recently, the Nigerian body politic witnessed several mind-boggling exposures of sharp practices by former public office holders, leading to an array of prosecution of the suspected looters, following the vow of President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption. But Nigerians have begun to also express doubts about the cases going through complete trial in the face of secret return of loots and the country’s history of plea bargain in high-profile cases. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports.

F

EW days back, President MuhammaduBuhari, during a visit to Tehran, Iran, made a revelation that generated seriour interest from the Nigerian public and even beyond. He stated that many of the people that looted public treasuries in the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan had started returning stolen funds to the coffers, adding that though the gesture was appreciated, it was not a good reason to condone corruption. According to him, government would commence prosecution of such people at the appropriate time, as the government was already gathering evidence against them.

“When we get those documents, we will formally charge them to court and then, we will tell Nigerians to know those who abused trust when they are entrusted with public funds. So, the day of reckoning is gradually approaching,” the president explained, adding that he expects the ongoing recoveries and prosecutions of public funds looters to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain.

The president had, in New Delhi, few weeks earlier, vowed that the recovery of stolen funds and prosecution of persons who had been indicted for corrupt practices would continue to be vigorously pursued, reiterating his administration’s commitment to curbing corruption, plugging all loopholes in public sector accounting and deploying available resources for the good of all Nigerians. He added that his government recognised the devastating consequences of the illegal diversion of public resources meant for national development into private bank accounts and was doing all within its powers to stop such diversions.

“The anti-corruption campaign will be ongoing for many years. We are committed to the enthronement of good governance that plugs the loopholes in public sector accounting, and the use of scarce resources for public good. We are determined to demonstrate exemplary leadership that will make our citizens to change their ways in a manner that lays a solid foundation for reconstruction and development.

“In the meantime, we will continue to prosecute those who have been indicted for corrupt practices and ensure that stolen funds are recovered, to serve as deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain,» he stated. And to reiterate his commitment to the anti-corruption war, President Buhari gave notice of his intention at a meeting with members of the National Peace Committee led by General AbdulsalamiAbubakar in the Presidential Villa few weeks back, declaring that his administration was irrevocably committed to doing all within its powers to break the vicious cycle of corruption, unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria.

He added that his administration was diligently getting facts and figures pertaining to the nation’s stolen funds, before proceeding to the prosecution of identified culprits and the Federal Government, under his leadership, would not only ask for the return of stolen funds stashed in foreign banks, but would also ensure that those who stole the funds were put on trial in Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari

In a similar development, the All Progressives Congress (APC), catalogued instances of alleged misappropriation of funds under the immediate past administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the country, it listed some instances of the looting to include, N3.8 trillion out of the N8.1 trillion earned from crude oil (2012-2015) withheld by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), $2.1 billion from Excess Crude Account unaccounted for, Department of Petroleum Resources› unremitted N109.7 billion royalty from oil firms, N6 billion allegedly looted by some ministers of the last administration, 160 billion barrels of crude worth $13.9 billion lost between 2009 and 2012.Other cases listed by the party are $15 million from botched arms deal yet to be returned to Nigeria, N13 billion in NLNG dividends mostly unaccounted for, N30 billion rice waiver and N183 billion unaccounted for at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Earlier in the Buhari-led administration, news filtered

Mahmud Mohammed, Chief Justice of Nigeria that the United States President, Barack Obama, at a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC, allegedly gave the President the names of Nigerian oil thieves who had been stealing and illegally stockpiling the West African nation’s oil.

It is, however, no more mere talk as the avalanche of court cases seems to have commenced. The National Security Adviser under President Jonathan, Colonel Mohammed Dasuki (retd) and three other persons have been docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Dasuki, a former Director of Finance at the Office of National Security Adviser, Shuaibu Salisu; a former General Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Babakusa; and a firm, Acacia Holdings, were docked before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust and they all continues pg 34

33

interview

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Police adequately prepared for Christmas, New Year celebrations —Force PRO The first female spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, speaks with CHRIS AGBAMBU and ADETOLA BADEMOSI on the challenges as a female Force Public Relations Officer and the arrangement put in place by the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations across the country, among other issues.

H

OW has it been, finding yourself in the midst of men-dominated profession and being the first Force spokesperson?

So far, I want to thank God for everything.

It’s been good though challenging. But to the glory of God, everything is okay. We have been able to weather all the challenges and we thank God for how far we have gone.

Being a woman, I believe, has not changed anything because in the Nigeria Police, we go through the same training like our male counterparts. We were prepared and trained the same way to be able to handle challenges coming our way. So, there is no difference in being a lady Force PRO or a male Force PRO, because we were trained the same way and I am no different.

What have been your challenges in the course of discharging your duties as the Force PRO? Challenges as the Force PRO have been challenges with everyone in the police and even in the country. It is the issue of trying to change the perception of the public about the police. We have done that to a certain degree and we have received feedbacks that people are now seeing the police in a different light. The people are now seeing that the police are trying to change the perception of the public and at the same time, change the attitude of the public. So, the people have been giving us feedback that we are having different ways of interacting or reaching out to the public.

The challenge is how to continue to see that we are able to change the perception of the public and also change the attitude of the police to give them the type of police the IGP, Solomon Arase, promised to give the nation. That is a police that is professional; one that is peopled by policemen who add human face to whatever they do.

How will you assess the overall performance of the Nigeria Police?

It has been so far good, because the IGP and his management team have come out with different strategic policies that can change and transform any organisation. He has removed those aspects of traditional policing that bring conflict between the police and the public: removing totally road blocks from our streets, because research has shown that the road blocks on the streets have not really impacted on preventing crimes. Instead, they created conflicts between the police and the people. But the IGP has removed those and people are really happy about that decision but in order not to create a vacuum, the IGP replaced the road blocks with safer highways and these safer highways have been the media through which the public reaches out to the police to make complaints and the responses have been fast, because they are all over the streets, all over the country.

The IGP, after launching safer highways, sent out about 550 vehicles and even for this Christmas, he is sending more to all the state commands. So, this is one of the things this administration under the leadership of IGP Solomon Arase has done.

In addition to that, he has also been a strong advocate for police and community partnership, because we have realised that the police cannot do this business alone.

The business of policing is a business of all.

This is consequent upon the fact that if the public works together with the police, it will be easy for the police to be able to achieve the prevention of crimes within the public space. You will recall that recently, the IGP organised a National Security Summit where he invited traditional leaders and other categories of people in the country, student unions, civil society groups, NGOs. This was to bring about a constructive way of driving police community partnership in order to cascade this drive to the grassroots.

Each time he travels to state commands, he makes sure that he held meetings with stakeholders in the states. Also, he has also directed the CPs and the public relations officers in the state commands to organise stakeholders’ meeting in their states.

Among other things, these are the things this regime is doing to put the police in a proper perspective. He has also promised an intelligence-led policing. You will recall that recently, the IIRS, the IGP Intelligence Response Team, have been going out to crack cases to prevent crimes from being perpetrated. This team was the one that arrested the kidnappers of Chief Olu Falae and the culprits are now in court for prosecution. It is the same team that arrested the masterminds of the Abuja bombing recently and was also the one that arrested the robbers who attacked Festac, when they went to attack Agbara Estate. So, all these ideas for strategic policies and the different platforms the IGP is putting in place are really paying off.

How do you intend to bridge the communication gaps between the police and the public?

Having realised the gap between the police and the public, the IGP has put in place platforms to address this. One of this, apart from the community policing we are talking about, is the unveiling of the Nigeria Police Force Youth Ambassador, having realised that the age bracket who involve themselves in crimes in this country are between 40 and below. So, the IG realised that we can bring the youths to know that they can assist the police in fighting crimes and insurgency. This Police Youth Ambassador will move to talk to the youths on behalf of the police, move to schools to dissuade students from involving themselves in crimes. If you look at the age brackets of suicide bombers, you will see that they are youths between the ages of 13 and 20-something and those who take drugs are youths. By the time they are under the influence of drugs, they can do anything without looking back. The other platform is the Complaint Response Unit (CRU.) We realise that people don’t have the opportunity to report police misconducts; they just conclude that the police are bad. But the IGP is promising the public that we are the only institution that has this self-cleansing mechanism. If you say the police are bad, report to the police, they will investigate and get back to you. So, whenever there is any abuse of authority by the police, they can report to the CRU and officers there will investigate the issue and any erring officer will be brought to book. Police are not there to torture you; they are there to protect the human rights of everyone.

Another step was the rebranding of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS). People

ACP Olabisi Kolawole have been complaining that they have not been able to differentiate between thugs and SARS, so the IGP has changed the outlook, retrained them on police conduct and ethics, trained them on the adequate use of force and gave them a uniform to identify them with. No more bandanas, no more jeans, they have been adequately kitted.

He also directed that they shouldn’t drive in commercial vehicles, as vehicles will be made available to them. This is to make Nigerians know that the police are there for you; the police are your friend. They are not there to brutalise you, they are there to serve the public.

In view of the current security challenges, what are the assurances that the Yuletide will be safe for everyone?

I am assuring the public that the police are prepared to protect the security space during this Yuletide period. The IGP has directed all the Assistant Inspector-Generals of Police and all the Commissioners of Police to lay specific emphasis on very important places such as playing grounds, churches, mosques and other important places so that the public will celebrate the Yuletide without fear of any crime. The IGP is enjoining the people to go out and enjoy their celebration without any fear. The police are adequately prepared to prevent any crime from happening. At the same time,

the IGP is calling on all the people to be vigilant, to be at alert, that whenever they see anything that is strange, they should call on the police. If they see any strange movement around their neighbourhood, they should call the police. This has helped a lot; it has helped the police to prevent crimes. So, people should be alert and be vigilant during this Yuletide period.

What provisions have you put in place to ensure that the issue of highway robberies is totally eradicated?

Knowing well that during Yuletide periods like this, people travel a lot, the IGP directed the CPs to ensure proper and adequate deployment of safer highways on our highways; that is why he is adding to the fleet of vehicles for safer highways and he is passionate about their welfare, so he is looking into their welfare for motivation.

There have been cases of recruitment advertisements for the police, which the Force always disowns, what do you think necessitated this fake recruitment by fraudsters?

We realised that these fraudsters are online deceiving people with fake recruitments. Some of them have been arrested, some in Bauchi. But we are promising the public that when the recruitment exercise is on; we will let the public know.

34

thepolity

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Looters and the controversy of plea bargaining

continued from pg 31

pleaded not guilty.

In a related development, the anti graft agency has also arraigned the Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over alleged N2.1 billion fraud.

Dokpesi, who was arraigned alongside his firm, DAAR Investment and Holdings Ltd, owners of African Independent Television (AIT), and Raypower FM, is answering to a six-count criminal charge bordering on alleged procurement fraud and breach of public trust. He was alleged to have received about N2.1 billion from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), for the presidential media campaign of former President Jonathan between October 2014 and March 19, 2015. He also pleaded not guilty to all the count charges.

The cases have been scheduled for trial and to reiterate the anti-graft agency’s commitment to seeing all cases to a logical conclusion, the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has vowed to go after all those who looted the funds meant for arms’ procurement and bring them to book, adding that the commission would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those implicated in the diversion of the arms cash would be made to face the full weight of the law.

According to him, the commission had investigated a total of 1,881 cases within 2015 alone and would do more before the end of the year, adding that “out of this figure, 280 cases were filed in courts and 78 convictions were secured.

In spite of all these, however, most Nigerians have expressed skepticism that anything would come out of the court cases, especially since some are already returning loots. It is the belief that most those cases will end in a settlement arrangement, irrespective of what President Buhari says. Many express the belief that since loots are being returned under cover and identities of those retuning loots are shrouded in secrecy, there is no future for many corruption cases before the court and most will end in plea bargains.

And with the controversy trailing plea bargains in Nigeria, this throws up more questions than answers. Will plea bargain solve Nigeria’s corruption issues, where is the justice when people do not pay the absolute penalty for offences committed? Even legal practitioners are divided on the constitutionality and effectiveness of plea bargain.

Over time, plea bargaining has been described as one of the most controversial tools used in the disposition of criminal trials. It can be described as a negotiated agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offence or to one of

Ekpo Nta, Chairman, ICPC

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor of Bayelsa State

multiple charges in exchange for some concession by the prosecutor. Most times, this comes in the form of a more lenient sentence or a dismissal of the other charges.

The issue of plea bargaining is not limited to Nigeria, however. In fact, it was established in other climes before being introduced in Nigeria. It is deeply entrenched in the criminal justice system of the United States of America. It has been in existence in the United States for several decades and due to the inquisitorial kind of criminal system practiced, it is easier for the concept to be practiced with ease as opposed to countries that practice the adversarial or accusatorial system wherein the judge occupies a neutral position as an unbiased umpire and in which case, the prosecution has the burden of proving the offence alleged usually beyond reasonable doubt.

The acceptance of plea bargaining as a part of criminal justice systems over the world has continued to rise.

It is now applicable in England, Wales, India and some other countries of the world. Its introduction into the Nigerian criminal justice system can be traced to the introduction of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL 2007) of Lagos State and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004 (EFCC Act) in its Section 14(2) which provides that “subject to the provisions of section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (which relates to the power of the Attorney-General to institute, continue, takeover or discontinue any criminal proceedings against any person in any court of law), the Commission may compound any offence punishable under this Act by accepting such sums of money as it thinks fit, exceeding the amount to which that person would have been liable if he had been convicted of that offence.”

Though the provision of the EFCC Act subjects the plea bargaining to the provisions of Section 174 of the Constitution, the ACJL does not subject the applicability of the plea bargain to any law, not even the Constitution as Section 75 of the ACJL provides that “Notwithstanding anything in this Law or any other law, the Attorney-General of the State shall have power to consider and accept a plea bargain from a person charged with any offence where the Attorney-General is of the view that the acceptance of such plea bargain is in the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.”

In spite of the constitutionality, many people in Nigeria still believe that it is an alien practice and the country is not yet ripe to embrace the plea bargain principle because it is overwhelmed with corruption and its democracy is yet to mature. Also, they think it eradicates the punitive aspect of the criminal justice system that serves as deterrent to other criminals especially since it is not recognized under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other Acts of the National Assembly.

According to them, it is incomprehensible that highly-placed thieves that stole many millions and billions of naira are allowed to get away with miserably small sentences in the name of plea bargain while thieves of smaller sums or thieves of the same millions and billions of naira but without the high-level placement or connections bag the weighty sentences generally more commensurate to their offences.

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Honourable Justice DahiruMusdapher, once lent his voice to the criticism of the plea bargain practice at a conference of the Section on Legal Practice of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held in Abuja, in November 2011. To him, “plea bargaining is a novel concept of dubious origin. It has no place in our law – substantive or procedural. It should never again be mentioned in our jurisprudence.”

His speech then, led to the writing of many newspaper articles with headings which gave the impression that the CJN had banned the use of plea bargain. Apart from stating in broad and sweeping terms that plea bargaining was unknown to Nigeria’s law and by implication illegal, Justice Musdapher was in fact complaining about the same thing as many Nigerians; the use of plea bargain for only the rich and powerful in society.

“It was invented to provide (a) soft landing to high-profile criminals who loot the treasury entrusted to them. It is an obstacle to our fight against corruption.” In another gathering, he said, “The sneaky motive behind its introduction into our legal system, or its evident fraudulent application. You will see also that plea bargain is not only a flagrant subordination of the public’s interest to the interest of ‘criminal justice administration’, but worst of all, the concept generally promotes a cynical view of the entire legal system.”

It is not all knocks, however, as some argued that plea bargain is a very useful means of quick dispensation in criminal trials. A judge of the Court of Appeal, Ogunwumiju J.C.A, believes that it will have positive impacts.

While deciding the case, FRN vs Lucky Igbinedion in 2014, he listed advantages of plea bargain to include the fact that accused can avoid the time and cost of defending himself at trial, the risk of harsher punishment, and the publicity the trial will involve; the prosecution saves time and expense of a lengthy trial; both sides are spared the uncertainty of going to trial and the court system is saved the burden of conducting a trial on every crime charged.

Justice Musdapher’s stance was unacceptable to the Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Chidi Anslem Odinkalu and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja chapter, Mazi Osigwe as well as the Chaircontinues pg 36

opinion Issues of development in Ogun State 37

20 December, 2015

By Wole Elegbede

D

EVELOPMENT is a multi-faceted phenomenon that is propelled by great minds. A look at societies where remarkable developments have taken place, either now or in the past, will reveal the brains behind them; they are principled, determined, focused, tireless and likeable.

Examples of such minds are legion. Mao Zedong of China, Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria could be cited as examples of leaders who left enduring legacies in the development of their countries.

Mao, who was in office as the Chinese leader from 1945 to 1976, launched a programme known as the “Great Leap Forward” that rapidly transformed China’s economy from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. Nehru on the other hand was the Prime Minister of India between 1947 and 1964; he embarked on an ambitious programme of socio-political reforms and build the foundation for India’s developing economy. In Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Premier of the region between 1954 and 1960 and was credited for progressive policies and legislation that brought modernity to the region.

Facets of development could be personal or related to particular fields of human endeavour. In governance, one could talk of development as the process of change or improvement from one stage to another in various sectors of the society, be it education, industrial, agricultural, health, physical and urban, land use, environment and the rest of them.

Nowadays, policy makers and world leaders have gone notches further in their conception of development. What we hear today is sustainable development. It is believed that any development that is not sustainable is no development.

Unsustainable development is like a flash in a pan that fizzles out and dies without achieving its desired objectives.

It could be said without any iota of doubt that the Ogun State economy under the leadership of Senator Ibikunle Amosun is rooted in sustainable development. The economy stands on four pillars which are the defining principles of the administration. These principles can be summarised thus: Affordable and Qualitative Education; Efficient Health Care Delivery; Agricultural Production and Industrialisation; Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal; and lastly, Rural, Infrastructural Development and Employment Generation.

Senator Amosun recently reiterated his administra-

tion’s visionary approach to sustainable development while addressing a session of environmental experts at 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties, COP 21 held in Paris, France, last week. Stating the need for Nigeria to go back to agro-forestry as a way out of the economic downturn, he added: “If we are going to get it right as a nation, we need to diversify our economy. We are blessed with natural and human resources and the best way to it is through agriculture which I believe will lead us into industrialisation.”

As a matter of fact, agriculture and industrialisation are inseparable factors of national development and they complement each other. Industries need agriculture for raw materials while agriculture needs the industrial sector as a lifeline. Both are factors of production and they are part of the indices used in measuring the growth and performance of any economy and regime.

With regard to Ogun State, I will dwell on certain issues of development which have impacted positively on sustainable development. First, the agricultural and industrial sectors of the state’s economy are in a better stead to achieve higher dimensions of growth than hitherto because of the conducive environment and investment friendly policies of the Senator Amosun-led administration. The administration has laid a solid foundation for the prosperity of the citizens through the seamless process of policy formulation and execution that has translated into sound statistics and profile in industrial development; this definitely will be envied by other states in the federation. According to the statistics released by the state Ministry of Commerce and Industries, 11 new giant companies will soon be commissioned in the state, mak-

Sunday Tribune

ing it a total of 385 industries that have berthed in the state since the assumption of the present administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in 2011. As a result, Ogun State has occupied the enviable place as the most industrialised state in Nigeria today.

Next is the development of infrastructure. The administration has added a lot of value towards reducing the infrastructural gap in the state, especially in the area of road construction and building of the energy base through Private Public Partnership (PPP). The network of new roads and fly-overs has contributed immensely to the facelift of the state capital, Abeokuta and other cities as well. The government makes sure that no senatorial district is neglected in the construction of major roads such as the Lafenwa-Ayetoro road, Ilo Awela-Ota road, Sango-ijokoAkute-Ojodu-Abiodun road, OGTV-Brewery road, OjereAdatan road; Moshood Abiola Way; Ilisan-Ago Iwoye road and Ikangba-Ilese-Imusin-Ijebu; Ife-Itele-Ogbere road.

Regarding power generation, there is an understanding between the state government and a cement manufacturing company, Lafarge Africa, towards the wheeling of excess power from its ongoing 220mw power plant to the national grid. There is also collaboration with the same company on the recycling and management of waste in the state. Few months ago, Governor Amosun conducted the management of the company led by its Managing Director, Peter Hoddinott, to the the Saje dumpsite in Abeokuta. It is believed this initiative is capable of bringing about a cleaner environment, reducing health hazards, creating employment and opening a vista for renewable energy.

The government’s housing and urban renewal programme is proceeding smoothly. Quite a number of affordable housing estates have been commissioned, the chiefs amongst which are the popular Orange Valley and Plane Field estates at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The fulcrum of the urban renewal programme is the Abeokuta City Centre that will consist of modern shopping malls, financial institutions, restaurants, recreation centres and so on.

What makes all these projects to be sustainable is because of their inter-dependent operation and multiplier effect on the economy, especially the capability to generate employment. All these are efforts in the right direction.

• Elegbede, a former chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government in Ogun State, writes from Abeokuta.

Ekiti: The imperative of a realistic budget

By Stephen Gbadamosi THE Nigerian nation and its component states are going into the New Year with trepidation financial wise. It is no longer news that the fear of the unknown is occasioned by the dwindling fortune of oil, Nigeria’s major economic backbone, in the world market.

What is yet to be seen is how the Federal Government of Nigeria and the 36 states will weather the storm in the new financial year. Already, the Federal Government has disclosed that it is going for foreign loan to finance its 2016 budget. For some states, which had been plunged into unprecedented debt by previous administrations, that may not be an option.

In Ekiti State, at least, the signs of what to come have begun to manifest. The ray of hope appeared on the horizon on December 8 when the state governor, Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, presented the 2016 Budget to the state House of Assembly. To say the least, it is obvious that the Ekiti State government did not deceive itself over what the financial environment would look like in 2016. For a state that pays its workforce to the tune of about N2.6 billion monthly, but now receives about N1.4 billion out of which about N900 million debt is deducted monthly from federal allocation, reality surely should be the watchword in preparing the Appropriation Bill. Thus, Governor Fayose, working closely with appropriate committees of the House of Assembly in preparing the budget, did not set out to deceive the people of the state. The budget, entitled ‘Budget of Purposeful and Strategic Transformation,’ has a total estimate of N67, 044 billion which fell short of the N80.7 billion 2015 budget. While some states might have considered the usual bogus budget estimate that characterised the past years when petrodollar flowed like rain water, Governor Fayose chose not to play to the gallery.

Ekiti is one of those states in the country where the culture of paying tax is almost alien to the people. How then does a

government embark on projects and pay its workers with far less than N1 billion monthly accruals from the federal purse?

Surely, the government has to look inwards and think out of the box. The contents of the 2016 Appropriation Bill clearly show that this is exactly what the Fayose-led government has done. Among the objectives of the budget were: Diversification of the economy from Federation Account Allocation-dependent to the exploitation of our natural endowments and widening our tax base for the socio-economic development of our dear state and exploitation of raw materials (solid minerals); no pay cut or workers retrenchment; prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions of our retired senior citizens; aggressive IGR drive; radical approach to reducing the level of poverty among the citizenry through provision of conducive environment for job creation and stomach infrastructure facilities; completion of some strategic ongoing capital projects; effective supervision and monitoring of all government capital projects to enable government get value on funds expended on projects, and development of agriculture so as to ensure provision of enabling environment for food security and the growth of agro-based industries with immense private sector participation, among others.

With these lofty objectives, Fayose explained in his bud-

get speech that “considering the limited resources at our disposal and in order to keep the economy growing and restore the tempo of sustainable development, we have proposed a budget size of N67, 044, 395, 547: 91k for the 2016 financial year. This is 83 per cent of 2015 budget of N80.78 billion. The size is informed by our desire to live within our means and go with an achievable estimate, rather than decorate the budget with unrealistic figures.

“Thirty-nine per cent of the budget would be funded by the revenue from the Federal Allocation Accounts, while the internally generated revenue source is expected to fund 15 per cent of the budget. Furthermore, while VAT accounts for 9 per cent and capital receipts from other sources is 37 per cent.”

The governor further disclosed that N42, 109, 095, 668: 79k was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N24, 935, 299, 879: 11k would be expended on capital expenditure of the government.

The speedy action of the state House of Assembly on the process of turning the document to law attested to the claim by Governor Fayose that members of the Assembly were carried along from the conception stages of the Appropriation Bill.

Little wonder the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable (Pastor) Kola Oluwawole, commented that all the details of the budget were known to members of the House, adding that it was designed to place the people of Ekiti on a vantage financial pedestal, despite the paucity of funds facing states of the nation.

One can only pray that the desire of the current administration in the state not to give the people false sense of financial security will translate to expected results and that the people key into the current economic realities for government to serve them better.

• Gbadamosi is Special Assistant (Media) to the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly.

38

S

ENATE Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume started what many people have been waiting for all this while; the request for the setting up of the NorthEast Development Commission, something to cushion the effects of the devastating war unleashed on the North-East by insurgents.

It appears so simplistic, just the expected response from the Nigerian elite. Once a problem crops up, confront it with the setting up of a commission. It’s a way of throwing money at the problem; believing all will be well once that is done. As it is written, money answereth all things. That could be the logic.

Ndume, a senator representing Borno South told his colleagues on the Senate floor, while presenting the bill, “A Bill for an Act to Establish the North-east Development Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to address the devastation caused by insurgency and other connected matters,” that the time has really come for the establishment of the North-East Development Commission that would take care of the challenges in that region.

He said that the bill, when passed would addressed the devastation caused by insurgency in the North-East and would also, among others, seek to provide a legal framework for the coordination of activities for rehabilitation of internally displaced persons and reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed in the zone.

His colleague, Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano South), equally sponsored a similar bill. The Kano Senator said that his bill would ensure the establishment of a commission that would be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from the federation account as well as international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises affected by insurgency.

Senator Ndume had also said in his lead debate: “The Boko Haram insurgents turned women into widows and children into orphans and put fear in law abiding citizens. They have destroyed villages, attacked properties and have engaged our military in warfare that has wasted natural and human resources. The states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa are the worst affected states in terms of human casualty, infrastructural vandalism, high rate of internally displaced persons, extreme poverty.

“The massive destruction of roads, schools, bridges, places of worship and other infrastructures, over 10.5 million out of school students have been recorded while

I have the misfortune of having my home surrounded by mushroom churches with each doing all it could to attract more members. And how do they do it? By blaring their activities as high as possible through the Public Address System (PAS).

The one that is almost directly opposite my house has this annoying habit of having regular vigils at least three times a month and is also in the habit of organising one money-generating programme or the other. So we are subjected to the noise emanating from their blaring speakers virtually every weekend. The programmes sometimes go on throughout the week to the extent that in a given week, we are at the mercy of the rag-tag choir singing uncoordinated tunes 24/7. The most infuriating thing is that the congregation is not more than 20 at the most and the so-called programmes do not attract that many people. Being a rustic setting and well-embedded in the Yoruba culture and tradition, the neighbours tolerate this church on the excuse that “we are brothers” (virtually everybody belonged to the same extended family), but what of those of us who are not their ‘brothers’? The other excuse is “we don’t want to start ija esin (religious war)”.

I am a Christian; not just a church going Christian, but a bible believing, spirit-filled one. Yet, I do not believe in unlawfully encroaching on another person’s freedom on the excuse of spreading the gospel, behind which this group is obviously hiding. When accosted once, the church’s excuse for turning high the decibel of the speakers was because “some neighbours said they benefited from the prayer points.” Why won’t these neighbours attend the vigils to enjoy their foolish prayer points and let us sleep in peace? One amazing thing is that despite the regular vigils, there is virtually no visible improvement in the lives of most of these vigil patrons. Again, despite the excuse by the church, there is no marked increase in its membership. I was so irritated one day after a sleepless night that I had to ask the Pastor if the musicians he used were high on drugs. He was so visibly shocked that he just moved away speechless. I had probably hit the nail on the head.

In view of this long preamble, one would understand why I was thrilled when the Lagos State government last week, shut 53 churches, mosques and hotels in the state for

20 December, 2015

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046 taiadisbabatj@gmail.com

Now the N/East Development Commission

over two million people are internally displaced across the region and other neighbouring countries.”

Gaya equally defended his bill by saying that Boko Haram’s attacks in the North East has led to over five million displaced persons, with no fewer than 15,000 deaths. He said that the casualty figure ranked highest in the world.

He concluded: “I recalled that I introduced this bill on 8th October, 2015, and I want to commend my colleagues for the expeditious consideration of the bill. I want to remind all that Nigeria has about 5 million internally displaced persons and over 15,000,000 lives lost as a result of attacks which were the highest in the world.”

frontrow with Toyin Willoughby Muyi 0805 500 1769 toyeenz@yahoo.com

This noise pollution

noise pollution and other environmental offences. Some of the sealed worship centres were accused of converting residential apartments to places of worship, which according to the government has been constituting nuisance to other residents.

The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Adebola Shabi, said some of the noise-making worship centres were usually makeshift structures. “You cannot have makeshift structures and conduct services or vigils there. Definitely, you will be disturbing your neighbours. So, the government won’t allow the use of

Sunday Tribune

Expectedly, the bills were warmly welcomed at the Senate and they were subsequently passed through the second reading.

You may not blame the senators for doing what their constituents want to see in the belief that the establishment of a Commission would ensure direct attention to the plight of the people in that region.

But some caveats abound. The Nigerian situation has never really walked on a straight line. While the principle behind the setting up of commissions are out there, the existence of such commissions never really justify the dream at the end of the day.

What then happens is that we transform one commission to the other, without moving close to finding the solutions. A good example of this situation is the Niger Delta. In the past, the region was blessed with the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC); it went on rigmarole and had to be transformed to the current Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The NDDC has been at it since 2000, yet the challenges of that region remained largely untouched.

The setting up of the Ministry of Niger Delta at the federal level has again not in any way helped to assuage the challenges.

Just recently, the power producing areas in the Middle Belt agitated for the setting up of Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC). Though the bill has been signed into law, the Commission is yet to fully take off, three years on.

In effect, while it is desirable to tackle the problems of insurgency and reverse the devastation unleashed on the North-East, I do not think that the only way by which attention could be drawn to the area is the setting up of the North East Development Commission.

After all the Federal Government has been busy mouthing the need for lean government. This informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to appoint only 36 Ministers instead of 42 we have been used to over the years.

Rather than set up another bureaucracy to add to the existing ones we are struggling to prune down, the Federal authorities needed to make clear budgetary provisions through the Ecological fund and NEMA to tackle specific problems in the North-East. The hope is that insurgency would not be a lifetime issue for Nigeria; why then set up an agency that would be in perpetual existence.

makeshift structures as a church or mosque. Nobody is allowed to make a noise above 55 decibel during the day in residential areas and only 45 decibel is allowed in such areas at night. In industrial areas, 90 decibel of noise level is allowed during the day, while the noise rate must not exceed 80 decibel at night.”

Are other states listening? What avenue do we have in Oyo State for instance, to lodge our complaints? And what is the government doing about this noise pollution? Incidentally, exactly a week before the clampdown in Lagos, the Oyo State House of Assembly passed a motion seeking control of noise in religious houses and commercial centres in the state.

The motion called on the executive arm of government to come up with a policy to ensure effective noise control in the state. It urged the state government to “ensure commercial, worship and other centres control sound (through sound proof methods) and curb noises emanating from their centres.”

Apart from worship centres, noise pollution comes from the blaring from record sellers, hooting from commercial bus operators and loud music from hawking vans, especially local herbs sellers as well as factories who run outdated and malfunctioning machines.

Acoustics experts have warned that many individuals may become deaf as a result of noise pollution. They say that constant exposure to loud noise affects our auditory system, especially when it is above the normal 85 decibels (dBs). Noise above the normal decibels is capable of perforating our ear membranes, which can result in temporary hearing loss.

They also add that noise is one of the most dangerous and silent environmental pollutions as its effects on human body system could lead to death.

What we need in Oyo State is not just a feeble intervention by the State House of Assembly; there should be visible action as with the Lagos state LASEPA. The government should set up an agency with a strong monitoring team to ensure strict compliance to environmental laws. As I write, the mushroom church is loudly blaring its message. But for that church, ours would have been a serene neighbourhood devoid of unnecessary noise.

39

20 December, 2015

on the

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday Buhari’s first Christmas in office

C

HRISTMAS and New Year are around the corner; and they will be the very first that Muhammadu Buhari will celebrate as our elected president. Certainly, these days will be days of joy for Buhari and his family. For Buhari, the presidency is a long dream come true and a pursuit fulfilled. For his family, nuclear and extended, and a coterie of friends and appointees, Christmas and New Year certainly must come with new attractions. How will Buhari celebrate Christmas and New Year? Given his taciturnity and disdain for colour and panache, he will almost likely celebrate low key. Nevertheless, he and his family and those around him will have a lot to eat and drink. The problem will not be what to eat or drink but how to avoid eating and drinking too much. There will also be a lot of well-wishers milling around the president. If he were that kind of personality, we can expect the newspapers and the air waves to be taken over by a deluge of congratulatory wishes. But since he did not even encourage such eye- and lip-service during his recent birthday, it is expected that he will also not encourage same during the coming celebration. It is a departure from this that will set tongues wagging.

But how will the vast majority of the people who gave Buhari the mandate to become president celebrate the coming Christmas and New Year? For most of them, it will be on the extreme end of the pole from Buhari. Times are hard for the people or, as they say, countryman is not finding things easy. Despite the bail-out for many of the States, salaries are still being owed workers. Business is the dullest ever. Many businessmen and contractors have not lifted a finger since the beginning of the year.

With the public as well as private sector so constricted, society as a whole cannot but be in dire strait. What we are saying here, in plain or ordinary man’s language, is that money is not flowing. To make matters worse, cost of goods and services has been on the rise. Foodstuffs cost more; so also transportation; house and office rents and, wait for it, school fees have experienced an upward surge!

Services have been epileptic; yet, they have attracted an increase. Power oscillates from bad to worse but the undertakers keep increasing the tariff. Long queues at fuel stations keep haunting the nation and so-called subsidy notwithstanding; people continue to buy petrol far above the stipulated pump price.

Security breaches are reported daily to the consternation of citizens; the criminals get more emboldened by the day. The Boko Haram insurgency and the gathering storm of resurgent Biafra apart, criminal activities are on the rise in many parts of the country. The Fulani herdsmen have become a worrisome decimal, killing, maiming, and kidnapping at will. What started as ethnic war on the plateau appears to have spread to other parts of the country. Common criminals such as house-breakers, highway robbers, go-slow robbers, and other armed robbers are on the ascendancy; not to talk of cult groups, area boys and girls, kidnappers, ritual murderers, and assassins who are on the prowl in our major cities as well as in the country side. Bank robberies have gone more dare-devilry and vicious; the seaways have seen an increase in the traffic of mean men and women who blow up Bank security doors with dynamites, kill and main and rob at will before disappearing into thin air. Everywhere, people hardly sleep with their two eyes closed. It is understandable why society stands on edge: For so long we have screamed that a society that destroys the future of its youths imperils its present. With millions of school leavers who can neither go to college nor get jobs milling around, what else do we expect? Those who managed to get placements in rundown institutions of higher learning and now clutch certificates, for whatever they are worth, cannot get jobs.

For many Nigerians, the present is parlous even as the future is utter darkness. Hope lost is anarchy unleashed.

Yet are the gods not to blame; nor the fault in our stars!

The fault, O Nigerians, is in our leaders!

Witness the gory tales of how they loot us blind! Day

after day reveals sleaze after sleaze of horrendous proportions. And it reminds me of an incident along Agbani Road in Enugu during the time of Nnamani Chimaroke as governor, when my professional colleague, Festus Adedayo, was the media spokesperson. I had attended a workshop organised there by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and thereafter decided to travel by road to Port-Harcourt. The horrendous state of Agbani road made me to wonder aloud to the Okada man who carried me why a major road right in the heart of a city like Enugu, the former capital of the Eastern Region, could be in such a deplorable state. The poor man wasted no time in giving an answer: “Na wickedness; dem vote money, dem chop am!”That was over a decade ago but it is still the same narrative all over the country. The wickedness of our leaders is legendary. In fact, our leaders are wicked than wickedness itself. Year-in, year-out, it has been the same stories of monies voted in all manner of budgets – “Budget of Hope”, Budget of Consolidation”, Budget of Transformation”; name it! –but in the end, those who vote the monies are the same people who turn around to “chop” the money so voted. Projects are executed on paper while the monies disappear into private pockets. People and country have very little to show for the humongous amounts voted yearly by federal, state, and local governments. The revelations from DasukiGate, distressing as they are, only confirm what everyone had always known. Yet, this is but a tip of the iceberg. Our leaders steal and stack up monies that generations after them till the second coming of Jesus Christ cannot exhaust. And they watch – without conscience – as poverty, death, and disease stalk the land. They behold – without any sense of guilt or remorse – as decay and decadence, like a colossus, bestride the polity. Our leaders are selfish and self-centred. They are also insensitive; displaying their opulence and crass philistinism even in the sea of the people’s abject penury.

Buhari says he will fight the scourge called corruption.

Many believe him but there are sceptics. For one, not many are comfortable with some of those that surround the president. That these presidential aides have refused

Sunday Tribune

to publicly declare their assets as Buhari and his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, have done does not engender confidence. For another, the president’s party, the All Progressives Congress, is a conglomerate of strange bed-fellows.

It has been unable to speak with one voice; preferring, instead, to operate as a cacophony of voices. Feelers are that underground moves are already afoot to scatter the present political architecture; many of those not comfortable with the anti-graft posturing of the Buhari government are fighting back already. The sad aspect of it is that many of these enemies of transparency hold critical positions in the ruling APC and are eminently placed to trouble Buhari and impede the smooth-sail of the antigraft cruise. Yet, except and until corruption is tamed, this country will make no meaningful development. The first step is to stop the slide and arrest the drift, which Buhari is struggling to do with TSA and other policies. The next is to block the loopholes and reduce, if not totally eliminate, the haemorrhage that has made the economy anaemic. Then, of course, new sources of funds have to be quickly found and developed to replace crude oil, which is fast going out of fashion. In this respect, agriculture and solid minerals offer us the best options. Will Buhari give these two the deserved attention? And will the people, be patient enough for all the efforts of Buhari to begin to yield the desired results?

Nigerians have a problem – it is our legendary “fire brigade approach” to issues. We love magic, too. We hardly give a hoot when systems and institutions are being destroyed because we harbour the wrong notion that we can quickly re-fix them just by a snap of the fingers. If only we have sufficient understanding that it takes time and efforts to fix what has been ruined, then, we would be less lax in responding to, and restraining, the wreckers of our nation. Now that the harm has been done – and over a long period of time for that matter – painstaking effort and time are needed to fix this country. Even if Buhari is ready for the arduous task at hand, will the people be patient enough and resolute in their support? Both are the two sides of the coin needed to turn around the fortunes of this country so that future Christmas and New Year celebrations can bring the era of a new dawn as well as offer us hope of a better tomorrow.

FEEDBACK

Pastor, I have stopped reading your column because of your partial approach to issues, most especially Osun state. I have invited you thrice to visit Osun and see things for yourself but you have failed to show up; hence your recognition of Ogbeni Aregbesola as a voice and force to reckon with as far as politics is concerned. I know you have deep feelings for him. I pray you will have someone in his mould to take over from Gov. Mimiko in your own state (Ondo) in the next dispensation.

—081855 I don’t have to be in Osun to understand what is happening there. There is no denying the fact that Osun is in very bad shape. I have said this to the governor oneon-one. Aregbe himself has admitted that much, even publicly. But so also is the Federal Government itself and virtually all the other states in dire straits! Aregbe has promised to complete all projects as well as make up for Osun people’s present pains. As a pastor, I continue to pray for him as well as offer advice. Besides, Aregbe cried enough when the economy was being ruined. Had his voice been heeded, everyone’s plight would not have been as dire as it is today.

I had to practically burn my Sunday Tribune when my favourite columnist turned the Lord’s Day into the Devil’s Day by aligning with Adams and Aregbe. Did you not know what havoc these two have wreaked on their states?

—Dr. Yemi, Osogbo.

40

language&style Crises of choice! (II)

T

HERE are a few issues requiring attention in the only sample considered last week. That sample comes back as sample 1 today.

Sample 1: “Crises of confidence is brewing amongst members of the management of the Centre on one hand, and some members of staff and the Director-General, Sir Ferdinand Anikwe on the other. The points at issue rest over whether some certain important official decisions and actions taken by the Anikwe-led administration strictly conformed to his call to duty and in compliance with the civil service rules…In the interim, according to her, CBAAC did not deem it fit to be in court or even made any representation…(Uneasy Calm at CBAAC, The Nation, Sunday, November 8, 2015) The last issue addressed last week has to do with the influence the form do has on the inflectional possibilities of the grammatically relevant verbs. We saw that once the verb do is brought in to support the structure for the purpose of forming a negative sentence, the inflection for tense or number shifts from the main verb to do.

Let’s have more examples: 1a) Militants attacked the army chief’s convoy. 1b) Militants did not attack the army chief’s convoy. 2a) The cold weather prevented us from enjoying the holiday in England. 2b) The cold weather did not prevent us from enjoying the holiday in England. 3a) The national assembly delayed the passage of the bill. 3b) The national assembly did not delay the passage of the bill. 4a) The police frustrated the investigation. 4b) The police did not frustrate the investigation. 5a) The lady loves flowers. 5b) The lady does not love flowers. 6a) Diligence opens all doors. 6b) Diligence does not open all doors.

Note that in (a) of numbers (1)-(4), each of the main verbs carries the tense: attacked, prevented, delayed, and frustrated. But in (b) of the corresponding numbers, the form do is introduced.

The do form now becomes did because the tense is transferred to it. In consequence each of the main verbs, now relieved of the tense, is presented in its basic, uninflected form: attack, prevent, delay, and frustrate.

The pairs of sentences in numbers (5) and (6) are in their present simple (everyday) tense. The verb in each of sentences (5a) and (6a) carries s, an indication that it is inflected to reflect the third person singular subject: loves, opens. The do form is introduced in each of their (b) counterparts. The subject, being in the third person singular form, requires that the verb should carry the s or es or ies as the case may be. Characteristically, this feature is transferred to the form do so that it becomes does.

The influence of the do-form is also applicable to structures of questions. The questions could be those requiring yes/no answers (known as yes/no questions) or wh-questions (those beginning with wh-words: what, when, where, which, how).

Read the following sentences: 1a) The journalist wrote an interesting report. 1b) Did the journalist write an interesting report? 1c) The journalist did not write an interesting report.

2a) The result of the election surprised the party leaders. 2b) Did the outcome of the election surprise the party leaders? 2c) The result of the election did not surprise the party leaders.

3a) The victim reported the case to the police. 3b) Did the victim report the case to the police? 3c) The victim did not report the case to the police. 4a) The school suspended sporting activities. 4b) Did the school suspend sporting activities? 4c) The school did not suspend sporting activities. 5a) The fraudster deceives his victims. 5b) Does the fraudster deceive his victims? 5c) The fraudster does not deceive his victims. 6a) The lady loves flowers. 6b) Does the love flowers? 6c) The lady does not love flowers.

The rule we have specified and illustrated so far is also in operation in those sentences. In all the (a) sentences in which the main verbs are the only verbal elements available, those verbs are inflected either for tense or number. In all the (b) and (c) sentences in which the do-form is introduced for the purpose of forming either questions or negation, it is the do form that becomes either did or does. The main verbs in the latter cases remain in their basic, uninflected forms.

Please note that the (b) sentences in (1)-(6) are yes/no questions. We can also have wh-questions: (1) What did you tell the chairman yesterday? 2) What did the Chief Press Secretary sug-

Sunday Tribune

20 December, 2015

by Samson Dare 0805 500 1770 samsonadare@yahoo.co.uk

line

life

with Niyi Osundare

Random Blues gest to the Governor? 3) What did your father give you? 4) What did the teacher explain to the inquisitive student? 5) Why did you leave the campus so early? 6) Why did the soldiers attack the Odi community in Bayelsa State? 7) Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? 8) Why did President Muhammadu Buhari delay for so long before appointing his ministers? 9) When did you leave Lagos? 10) When did Nigeria gain her independence? 11) When did Nigeria join the United Nations? 12) When did the plane take off? 13) Where did you pass the night? 14) Where did Chief Obafemi Awolowo live when he was Premier of Western Region? 15) Where did you find your wallet? 16) Where did the meeting take place? 17) How did you arrive so early? 18) How did you run the company during the time of recession? 19) How did the information get to the management? 20) How did the Federal Government win the civil war?

All the sentences are in their past forms? How is this indicated? The indicator is the supporting verb-form do which is in its past form: did. The main verb following did is consistently in its infinitive, uninflected form. The rule remains the same in its application even when the sentence is in its present form.

Read the following sentences: 1) What does this noise suggest?

2) What does the president think of his cabinet? 3) What does the Bible say on divorce? 4) What does your conscience tell you? 5) When does the programme commence? 6) When does the law take effect? 7) When does your would-be husband normally visit?

8) When does your tenancy take effect? 9) Why does she not attend the weekly meeting? 10) Why does Jesus speak in parable?

11) Why does God allow Satan to wander in the world? 12) Why does the financial assistance come only once in a year? 13) How does a snail move? 14) How does she keep body and soul together? 15) How does salt preserve meat? 16) How does a cat see in the dark? 17) Where does a kite stay during the rainy season? 18) If God is everywhere, where does He live? 19) Where does he meet his lover? 20) Where does the Nigerian president live?

Those sentences are in their present forms and all obey the rule we have highlighted repeatedly.

Finally on this extract, we note the expression, some certain, which occurs in the following context: “The points at issue rest over whether some certain important official decisions…” The expression is tautological. One of them should suffice.

The word some can be used as a quantifier for both countable and uncountable nouns. The following sentences illustrate its usage for uncountable nouns: 1) Some oil is trickling down the table. 2) I need some time to prepare for the event. 3) His presence will be helpful since he has some knowledge of French.

4) He seems to have regained some strength after taking some food. 5) He is rather weak because he lost some blood.

6) There is some truth in that statement. 7) The man seems to have taken some alcohol today. 8) After some minutes of prayer, I gained some confidence and clarity of mind. 9) Add some salt and stir the mixture vigorously until it thickens. 10) The workers obviously need some training.

As a quantifier of countable nouns: 1) There are some suspicious-looking men in the valley. 2) I brought some oranges for the children. 3) Some mathematics teachers are as patient as medical doctors. 4) Some villages will be electrified before the end of the year. 5) Please go and buy some eggs before dusk. 6) We learnt some undercover policemen are prowling the neighbourhood. 7) Some rats are in this room. 8) I have seen some danger signals; I have to go. 9) Some workers have formed the habit of malingering. 10) Some soldiers attacked us and raped our women.

The word certain can be used to modify both countable and uncountable nouns: 1) I sense my friend is withholding certain information from me. 2) We could not continue the meeting for certain reasons. 3) Certain results were cancelled. 4) Certain members of the community refused to contribute to the maintenance of security. 5) The man was said to have made a certain report to the police. 6) Each member is to pay a certain amount of money. 7) We have a certain degree of confidence in our leaders. 8) Certain subjects require more attention than others. 9) Certain public officials are involved in the alleged fraud. 10) Certain recommendations have been made to the higher authority concerning the crisis.

They build golden temples For the God of Greed Yes, they build golden temples For the God of Greed Millions starve behind their yard They have no room for the Angel of Need

What is gone Will soon be back again Hear? Whatever is gone Will soon be back again Life’s pendulum swings in marvelous ways The sorest pain may bring the deepest gain

Death walks in the sun Without a shadow Yes, death walks in the sun Without a shadow When the doorway constricts its span It finds a way through the window

I heard a joke so funny I laughed with my nose Yes, I heard a joke so funny I laughed with my busy nose Against Life’s relentless sorrow Laughter smells like a double dose

I measure Life’s bounty In thimbles and steady cuplets Say, I measure Life’s bounty In thimbles and steady cuplets The most lethal of sorrows are those Which leave us without some outlets

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch

For us, it’s a bleak Christmas —Nigerians

Photo:www.itv.com

From Rita Okonoboh, Ebenezer Adurokiya, Oluwole Ige, Muhammad Sabiu, Jude Ossai and Joe Nwachukwu

“Christmas is approaching: there will be lights, parties, Christmas trees and nativity scenes ... it’s all a charade. The world continues to go to war... God weeps, Jesus weeps.

Those who make war are damned, they’re delinquents. War can be ‘justified’ for many reasons. But when the whole world is at war, as it is today, there is no justification.”–Pope Francis

W

ITH less than a week to Christmas, a season that heralds the birth of Jesus Christ, the essence of the Christian faith, there have been mixed reactions to the season’s approach. From the economic hardship, to the unending terrorist attacks, fuel crisis made worse by the seeming permanent increase in pump price, despite the general lull in activities nationwide, for certain individuals, the Christmas offers a period for sharing hope of better things to come.

A cross-section of Nigerians spoke with TribuneChurch on the general mood at Christmas and how the state of the economy will affect preparations.

While residents of Lagos and Oyo States seem mildly expectant of the season, it

is not business as usual, especially with the challenging economy. While some residents who spoke to TribuneChurch noted that the Christmas would just be marked by attending church service, others expressed the intention to just let it pass like any ordinary day.

“Where is the money to celebrate Christmas? Salaries are nothing to write home about; and with the current fuel crisis, things are so expensive and children must go back to school, whether they understand what is happening or not. I just pray God forgives me, because I have not paid tithes in the last six months. It is well,” Mr Anthony Adebanjo lamented.

The major dent in Kaduna residents’ pockets For residents of Kaduna State, in spite of the recent clash of the army and Shiite Muslims, shops have been re-opened, although there are fears earlier that there may be reprisal attacks. The Christmas spirit is present but there is a major dent in the pockets of residents. Some people want to travel but because of financial constraints, they can’t. A female resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that she had plans to travel but had to modify her plans because of monetary challenges.

According to her, “I have plans to travel to Offa for the Christmas but as things stand now, I don’t think I can go with the normal transport alternatives. So, I have decided to wait for the buses that bring

eggs to Kaduna and will follow one of them on the return trip. I just must travel to visit my relatives this Christmas, economic hardship or not.”

While fuel sells for as high as N150 per litre, and least price of N135 per litre, the churches seem to offer beacons of hope as carols and Christmas services still take place.

Non-payment of salaries, allowances, deciding factor for Osun citizens In Osun State, the general mood of the state is not so encouraging due to the economic downturn of the state. According to Mr Femi Adedigba, “I will say that the downfall in the economy of the state and the non-payment of salaries and allowances have affected the situation. Osun is a civil service state because there are so many industries or major businesses that contribute to Internally Generated Revenue. The Christmas spirit is not really in the air. Before now, when things were still okay, there would have been decorations in

major towns across the state but this year, there isn’t anything like that. In fact, before now, the state government usually organised a major event with elaborate fireworks at Freedom Park, but with the ban on fireworks generally, it has made it even duller.

For fuel crisis, there is fuel in Osun State, but it is currently sold at N120 per litre and this has also further worsened the situation. We just pray that things turn around for good as soon as possible.”

With fuel selling at over N150, movement in Imo State is a burden In Imo State, many wish to travel home for the Christmas, but cannot because of the condition of the economy in the country. TribuneChurch learnt that one of the reasons is that some people have not received their salaries and other allowances to enable them prepare for the Christmas. Also, the Igbos are known for travelling to their villages during Christmas, but as things stand now, movement of people

Nigeria is suffering from spiritual challenges —Okunola

Continues on

pg44

2016: God is the

only way out —Baba Love

Pg43

Pg44

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20 December, 2015

churchnews

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

Baptist president tasks Nigerians on usefulness to society

By Oyeyemi Okunlade

T

HE President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr) Supo Ayokunle, has charged ministers of God

as well as Nigerians to preserve their bodies in order to be useful to themselves and the society.

He gave the charge during the retirement programme in honour of the

At Gleaners’ Harvest, church honours members

By Kehinde Oyetimi CHRISTIANS have been called upon to ensure that their lives bring glory to God and remain a relevant point in nation-building.

This charge was given by the Anglican Bishop of Oyo Diocese, the Right Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, during the second diocesan Gleaners’ Harvest Thanksgiving organised by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Ibadan North.

In his sermon woven around the theme “Be a pleasure to God in all things,” the cleric noted that “the only way to live a pleasing life unto God is through the exemplary life of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The highlight of the event was award presentation to members of the diocese who had contributed in no small measure to the advancement of the gospel.

Those awarded were Justice Olukayode Adeniyi; Professor Gbolagade Ayoola; Prince Gegeleso Jacob; Evangelist Adeniyi Lawrence; Olufemi Akinpelu; Oladejo Olusegun; Oladele Oladoja; Olabamiji Akanni; Ambassador Emmanuel Adeyemo; Iyabode Ariyibi; Jacob Amoo and Israel Ariyo.

In his message to the awardees, the Diocesan Bishop, the Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, advised that God should remain the centre of Christian service and not self.

first Vice President of the Baptist Convention, Reverend Dr. James Olalere, and his wife, Rhoda, held at Agboye Baptist Church, Oyo, last week.

Reverend Ayokunle, who noted that the history of Jubilee Life Baptist Church, Basorun, Ibadan, would not be complete without mentioning Rev’d (Dr) James Olalere on whose foundation other pastors who led the church after him were laid, described Dr Olalere as a man of plan, love and respect.

“One thing is unique about his ministry is that anywhere he worked experienced atmosphere of peace” Revd Ayokunle said.

There was the launch of a biography in honour of Revd Olalere.

Mr Yinka Olalere, speaking on behalf of the children, noted that “I’m joyful to be his son because he taught us all in the right ways we should go he is a man who loves working with team spirit.”

From right, Mrs Rhoda Olalere; Reverend (Dr) James Olalere and Reverend (Dr) Supo Ayokunle, at the retirement service held for the Olaleres, at Agboye Baptist Church, Oyo, recently,

From left, the chairman of the harvest committee, Most Senior Apostle John Olufemi; Chairman, Liberty District, Special Apostle (Dr) David Akerele; Actress, Opeyemi Ayeola; Leader-in-Charge, Liberty headquarters, Festus Okufuwa and the secretary, harvest committee, Mrs Esther Bayode, at the 43rd Adult Harvest of the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement, (Ayo Ni O), held at the Liberty District headquarters, Ibadan, last Sunday.

‘C&S movement’s university is sacrosanct’ ONE of the authorities of the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, a.k.a.

Ayo Ni o, has reaffirmed that the ongoing construction of the church’s university will soon take shape and be fully completed within the stipulated time, just as he noted that the church was leaving no stone unturned towards establishing a reputable citadel of learning among its peers.

The chairman of Liberty District Headquarters of the movement, Special Apostle (Dr) David Adeleye Akerele, stated this at the just concluded 43rd Adult Har-

vest anniversary themed: “Season of Double”, held last Sunday, noting that the church as a body would not be discouraged about some challenges in building the university, but remain focused in achieving its aim to own a university.

“We are not in a rush, because we are aiming for the best. We have listened to government’s advice on the actual name of the university and the authorities of the church and entire worshipers are working assiduously to implement this project.

The university is sacrosanct to the C&S church and we

are committed to achieving this. We have spent millions of naira on the project and we trust God that we will complete it soon.”

The chairman, harvest committee, Most Senior Apostle Adeyemi John Olufemi, thanked God and everyone that contributed to the success of the event. He added that the event was unique and essential to the church headquarters and would become a laudable one, compared to others in the time past, as a result of the notable dignitaries from all walks of life that graced the occasion.

From left, Reverend Mobolade Omonijo; Registrar, Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Adebambo Adesanya (SAN); Deputy Chancellor, Justice Ayo Phillips (retd.); Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Revd. James Odedeji, and his wife, Lydia,during the 2015 Advent Ordination held at All Saint’s Anglican Parish Church (Anglican Communion) Ikosi, Lagos, last Sunday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Cleric charges Christians on purity NIGERIANS have been admonished to imbibe the virtues of purity and piousness, in all their undertakings so as to benefit from good tidings, as listed in the Bible.

This admonition was made by the General Overseer of the International Christian Centre for Missions, Pastor Solomon Folo-

runsho, while rounding up a three-day end-of -year convention held at the Ogida, Benin branch of the church last Sunday.

Speaking on the theme of the convention “Victory Over Limitations” Pastor Folorunsho said that obeying God’s commandments as listed in the Bible is a sure way to subdue the devil and

end up being an overcomer.

He averred that only obeisance to God’s commandments could give man access to God’s presence in all undertakings.

He stressed that believers should not be swayed by persuasive style of some unbelievers such that they fall into the sinful ways they earlier discarded.

From left, Bethel Cathedral, African Church, Ikorodu People Warden, Mr Lanre Ighodalo; Mr Biodun Ogunleye; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale; his wife, Olori Kudirat, and Bishop of Missionary Diocese of Lagos West, African Church, Right Reverend Akin Ajayi, during a thanksgiving service by the Oba of Ikorodu and investiture of the Oba of Ikorodu as the Grand Patron of Bethel Cathedral, African Church, Ikorodu last Sunday in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

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20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Nigeria is suffering from spiritual challenges —Okunola blessed with human resources and with people that are capable of managing our resources to make Nigeria great, but we will continue to tell them that there is hope if they come back to God.

Pastor Michael Okunlola is the founder of the Grace of the Cross Chapel International, Alakia, Ibadan. In this interview with OLAIDE SOKOYA, he speaks on the problem facing the education sector and the God’s plans for Kogi State.

I

T was learnt that you were once a Muslim, but now a pastor running a school. What is your view on the level of education in Nigeria?

Truly, I had a Muslim background, but I converted to Christianity 25 years ago. I never knew that I was going to be a servant of God. Six years ago, to be precise, I became a Pastor and I now pastor Grace of the Cross Chapel International. Nigeria particularly has spiritual inclination.

Deuteronomy chapter 28 verse 1 states: “they shall happen unto you, if you diligently hearken unto the voice of the Lord, that is, to observe and to do the command which he had commanded you today, and he says; the land shall be blessed, the children shall be blessed, everything shall be blessed.”

The problem we have in this country is not political but spiritual. If Nigerians and our leaders can go back to the Lord, our problems would be solved. Looking at the educational sector, it is the same problems that plague us; and until our leaders admit it, no ministry is going to work.

The Lord is available to heal the land of Nigeria. In the 70s, Nigeria was the pride

of Africa but where is our pride today? We lost it because wickedness and rituals are rampant in the land. If we can go back to the Lord, things shall be fixed once again for us and Nigeria shall prosper like it was in the past.

What lessons do you think God wants us to learn from the Kogi situation?

What happened in Kogi State is disheartening. I was disturbed when it was announced that the man who could have eventually won the election died the following day, but God owns the lives of all.

He gives and takes. I must say that in Kogi State, they must allow God to choose for them and I know it is well with them. God wants us to learn a wonderful lesson that you don’t count your chicks until the eggs are hatched. The man could have been rejoicing by the time he heard the result, thinking that he might become the governor, but God alone knows who the governor would be. It is God that chooses for nations.

Are you saying his (Audu’s) death came from God?

How do you think they can come back to God? Is it physical or spiritual?

The only solution is that they must accept what the man of God asks them to do, because in the past, it is the people of God that ruled.

The Bible states that both evil and good are made by God. Even if the devil had a hand in it, if God did not want it to happen, it would not.

As a cleric, has God revealed anything to you concerning Nigeria towards 2016?

As a minister of God, I want the grace of God upon our country because it is

Do you agree with President Muhammadu Buhari that insurgency would end by December?

I did not see any possibilities both physically and spiritually. But I thank God for the president because I can see a little sincerity in all he has been doing, and I pray that God will help him. I don’t think the problem will be solved this December but I urge Nigerians to rise and pray to the Lord.

What is your advice for Christians during this festive period?

I am advising Christians to use this festive period to accept the word of God as the word of truth. They should practise the word the way God asks us to practise it and to celebrate this Christmas in a godly way.

Glory Tabernacle Ministry holds maiden cooking competition

By Toluwani Olamitoke AS part of activities to celebrate the Yuletide, the Glory Tabernacle Ministry, Bodija-Ojurin, Ibadan, on Saturday, December 12, held the maiden edition of its Glory Skills Acquisition Programme (GSAP) cooking competition.

The competition, which was held within the church premises, featured 11 contestants made up of eight females and three males.

Nine of them were members of Glory Tabernacle Ministry, while the two others belonged to the Word of Truth Bible Church, Oluyole Extension.

Speaking on GSAP, the coordinator, Professor Anthony Ologhogbo, stated that the empowerment programme, introduced in 2003, has the unemployed and the underprivileged who are members of the church as its main targets. But recently, he said, the programme was extended to accommodate members of other churches.

These groups of people, Professor Ologhogbo added, are encouraged to enroll for free training in vocational skills like computer, fishery, poultry and livestock, solar energy/inverter solar energy training, fashion designing, carpentry and music.

“The participants, after being empowered in the different skills, can then establish their businesses and become employers of labour, thereby reducing unemployment rate in the country,” he said.

Speaking on the cooking competition, Professor Ologhogbo expressed joy that the competition, despite being organised within a short period, turned out fine, adding that, “our plan is to make it a yearly event.”

Sarah Ita from Word of Truth Bible Church Oluyole Extension, emerged as the winner of the two-hour keenly contested competition.

Participants at the cooking competition The first runner up, Sylvester Akhogba and the second runner up, Oluwatoyin Jesutomide, were from Glory Tabernacle Ministry.

According to the judges, their composure, neatness, taste, presentation of their foods, among other things, were consid-

ered in declaring them winners.

The star prize of a table refrigerator went to Ita, while Akhogba and Jesutomide went away with a table gas cooker and a 14-set stainless cooking pot, respectively.

The other competitors received consolation prizes.

Speaking at the event, the pioneer pastor of Glory Tabernacle Ministry, Dr Uzodinma Obed, congratulated the competitors and the winners in particular, stating that, “the competition, which is the first of its kind in the church, is a good development, especially at the Christmas season.

Cleric charges Christians on applying God’s wisdom “OVERCOMING marital challenges will take conscious efforts and dedication to navigate thoroughly; and when we apply the wisdom of God to our situations, things will be at ease, and we’ll live an idyllic marital lifestyle,” were the submissions of Pastor S. Fola Ajala and Pastor Oguntuyi at the engagement and wedding ceremony of Mr Olusola Adalumo and Miss Charity IrapadaOluwa Adeniran, which held at the Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC), PowerLine, Osogbo, Osun State last weekend.

Pastor Ajala, the Ife Region Overseer of DLBC, who spoke at the engagement ceremony held at the DLBC Camp Ground, Hallelujah Estate, had his message titled “Borrowed Blessing,” taking his texts from 2 Kings 4:7; Deuteronomy 28:12 and Exodus 3:16.

While charging the couples and Christian families in general to hold on to God regarding challenges, prayers were thereafter offered for the couple by the Osun State Overseer of DLBC, Pastor Bi-

ola Adeniran; Pastor Simeon Oyedokun; National Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Russia, Pastor Kayode Oguntuyi and other Region Overseers from Osun State.

From left, groom’s mother, Mrs Grace Adalumo; bride’s father, Pastor Biola Adeniran; the bride, Miss Charity Irapadaoluwa Adeniran; the groom, Mr Olusola Adalumo; bride’s mother, Mrs Omowumi Adeniran, and the groom’s father, Mr B.S. Adalumo,during their wedding at the Deeper Life Bible Church, PowerLine, Osogbo, recently.

44 tribunechurch

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

As Nigerians express hope for the coming year Continued from pg41

have been affected, because of the condition of things on ground now. Transportation fares are also on the high side, and fuel sells for over N150 in some places. Fuel is not available in some petrol stations and for the NNPC mega station where the fuel price is relatively low, people spend a whole day, and sometimes more, before they can buy fuel. For Christmas decorations, the government has spent much to decorate major cities in town and at the moment, the roads are being painted to show demarcation lines.

The environment is undergoing beautification. Churches have been holding carols, especially as many of the residents are predominantly Christians. The Biafra agitation has reduced significantly as well and has not affected the Christmas mood.

Delta State’s joy punctured by fuel crisis The situation in Delta State is relatively joyous, especially as the Deltans are generally lively people, but the joy has been punctured as a result of the fuel crisis. People are not so buoyant financially and this year is nothing compared to last year in terms of preparation for the celebration.

Things are expensive in the market, especially items coming from the North. People are hardly exchanging gifts and I’m not sure people are expectant this season. Not even the oil companies seem forthcoming in Christmas gifts for their host communities. However, churches are still holding their carol services. Ordinarily, the streets would be decorated but before you can find that this season, one would have to visit the main market. Another major event this year is the increase in criminality. There is the general

President Muhammadu Buhari

Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor

notion of “if I don’t have, I can snatch from you.”

‘We don’t play with Christmas in Igboland’ According to the mood of Enugu State, it is a general testimony to the Igbos’ love for Christmas, and many have expressed the desire to travel to their villages during the festive season. There has been movement of people in spite of economic challenges, as according to a resident, “We don’t play with Christmas in Igboland.”

The government has started decorating major cities, and while many residents complain of the general hike in prices of food items, the main market in Enugu daily experiences major patronage, as people make the best of what they have.

2016: God is the only way out —Baba Love A cleric, Prophet Olabode Odunayo, has predicted that the coming year will be a harvest of love, goodness, protection and prosperity, but only for those who put their trust in God. Prophet Odunayo, who is the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Global Church, a.k.a. Love and Grace Ministry, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, revealed this alongside his plan for the forthcoming 7-day vigil of the church with the theme, “Master key for 2016.”

He disclosed that the Bible said in Psalms 91, Verse 1 the Bible reads: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty,” saying therefore, that “2016 will be anchored

by God and that whoever believes in Him shall enjoy the benefits of God in abundance.”

According to him, “it is erroneous to think that anything could be achieved without God, just as he added that “God, who is the owner of the Master Key will open the floodgates of success, promotion, life insurance and many more for those who give their lives to Him.”

He said he was using the medium to call on Nigerians who are desirous of God’s blessings to avail themselves of the opportunity of the seven-day vigil to connect with God who is the giver of everything in life and elsewhere.

Prophet Odunayo wondered why some Nigerians leave Nigeria for foreign countries, adding that Nigeria is a blessed country that God loves, but that many do not realise that they are supposed to come to God to see His grace and love.

Noting that 2016 would be a year of blessings and very wondrous things in the country, he called on Nigerians to seek the face of God in all things.

Speaking on the basis for his faith, he stated that “my belief in God is forever solid because He has shown me on several occasions that He is a wonderful God who has compassion for those who abide by His words. Apart from so many things He has done me, I recall the fatal accident I had in 2012 and how He saved my life miraculously.

“How do you want me to doubt His mercies and awesomeness? Well, I have chronicled that account of His grace

IGP Arase

Speaking on the effects of the Biafra agitation, one of the residents noted that “the average Igbo man believes in the Biafra philosophy but sentiments differ on approach. The elite don’t seem to be in much support because they don’t want to lose face with the federal government, unlike the youths who are restive. The protests have died down now, along with the tension, and according to feelers, I don’t think further protests will affect the Christmas celebration.”

In spite of the general state of the country, it is expected that the reason for the season – Christ – will usher in hope for a better New Year. As a popular author, Garrison Keillor, states, “A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.”

in one of my books, entitled; Trial and Triumph,’’ he said.

Showers of gifts, prayers as Prophet Olubo hosts widows

By Seyi Sokoya

having them at heart, especially during this Yuletide.

In his response, Olubo said that he wasn’t after what it would cost him to make the needy happy, but to fulfill his covenant with God, just as he added that the exercise was a tip of the iceberg.

According to him, “I have a bigger vision; I intend to feed as many as possible annually, take of care of pastors above 60 and engage people in raffle draws.”

Continuing, he stated that “diverse ways to make people happy are in the pipeline and I trust God this will manifest in no time, because God has mandated me to always give,

T

HE venue of the Housefavour Church, Lagos, last Sunday, became a Jerusalem of sorts as widows and the underprivileged came out en masse to reap the benefits of the “2015 Samaritan Purse Project” organised by the Senior Pastor and the visioner of the ministry, Prophet Bayode Olubo, in extending a hand of fellowship to the needy as a way to mark the season of love in a unique way.

The church auditorium and its vicinity were filled to its capacity by people from various denominations and religious affiliations, as they celebrated God. The event had people joyfully worshipping in one accord and also thanking God for the grace to end the year 2015 in peace.

This year’s event took a different dimension, as it ran into two days. The venue of the church was also jampacked on Monday, as widows were also blessed with the initiative of the project. It was a gathering with no discrimination of religion or tribe, and aside the distribution of gifts, the event was also an avenue for the participants to show love to one another.

The success of the event was an indication that it had

Cross-section of widows with Prophet Olubo at the event come to stay, and virtually all the beneficiaries prayed wholeheartedly for the initiator and appreciated him for

especially to the needy.”

45

tribunechurch with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

Advent Season

The consolation Christmas

The real point in Christmas Why, in any case, do we celebrate Christmas? What is the point in over a third of the world population celebrating, sharing, and reenacting the excitement of this one occasion? Given all the brokenness, the violence and the human misery of our times, what value does Christmas add to these turbulent times? The answer is not far-fetched. It is the reassurance that God is not aloof to our destiny. Without that assurance man’s destiny would be far worse than it actually is, with a sure dip into desperation. God wants to be involved with man not only in a remote way as seen in the Old Testament, but also physically through the incarnation. The point of Christmas is that right through the haze of our preoccupations we must perceive the light that shines through and follow it. Thoughts of God must override our anxieties.

Given all the brokenness, the violence and the human misery of our times, what value does Christmas add to these turbulent times? The answer is not farfetched. It is the reassurance that God is not aloof to our destiny

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

Christmas, so what!

Christmas is here again and many “emergency” teachers will spend time contesting the fact and date of Jesus Christ’s birth and the authenticity of Christmas day.

What futile effort this really is, because we all know for certain that no video camera recorded the birth of the most important baby in history. By simple logic and by retrospective reflection on what Christmas has brought about in human history one could say that if Christmas had not existed before now we would have had to invent it.

For one thing, at Christmas, we celebrate the one person whose life and death had the force to redefine human history, splitting our civilization in two, B.C. and A.D., except of course we do not really believe whom we say Jesus is. So, Jesus came, such genius of a Rabbi, whose teaching was different from those of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He taught with authority, predicted his own death, told his disciples to serve one another, to forgive those who offend them and then died an ignominious death on a cross. He had promised to rise on the third day and he did. So Christians got together after him and chose a date formerly set aside to honor the unconquerable Sun, to celebrate the Master.

That date happens to be December 25 every year. Other complainants, completely ignoring the hint of John’s gospel (Jn. 21; 25), might even argue that Jesus did not command anyone to celebrate his birthday. Well, Jesus did not command us to ride motorcars either, nor did he command anyone to use a cell phone.

20 December, 2015

The carols of Christmas Of the most touching blessings of Christmas are the carols which have become household signal tunes. The celebration of Christmas today unites people in a unique chorus all over the world even though at the very birth of Jesus the gospel reported the angels, not singing, but praising God and saying words of glory and peace.

“Suddenly the angel was surrounded by many more heavenly spirits, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and Peace, on earth, to those whom God loves’” (Lk. 2: 13-14). Our world seeks harmony and peace, given the contradictions we see all around. Note how willingly people of all cultures all over the world gyrate towards a Christmas musical event anywhere it is found, in parks shopping malls, open fields or in public buildings.

“Music”, after all according to Lawrence Durrell, “is only love looking for words”.

William Shakespeare was even more detailed, as he wrote: “The man that hath no music in himself; Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils; the motions of his spirit are dull as night, and his affections dark as Erebus, let no such man be trusted. ark the music!” Who would dispute the positive effect of getting people to sing together as one of the activities that cure human beings of self-centeredness, isolation and estrangement from one another? Few really can resist the power of music as practical proofs abound about its influence on even animals and plants, to say nothing of its therapeutic powers for some challenging human ailments.

The treasure in carols I agree with the proposition that people who make music together cannot be enemies, at least not while the music lasts.

The carols of Christmas have the power to nudge us all towards the cosmic harmony promised through Isaiah which will emerge when the prince of peace appears. “The wolf will dwell with the lamb, the leopard will rest beside the kid, the calf and the lion cub will feed together and a little child will lead them. Befriending each other, the cow and the bear will see their young ones lie down together” (Is. 11: 6-7). This cosmic harmony would be incomplete if man, the crown of God’s creation is not involved in it going by the prophet Zephaniah. “The remnant of Israel will not act unjustly nor will they speak falsely, nor will deceitful words be found in their mouths. They will eat and rest with none to threaten them” (Zeph 3:13) To get those results it is most appropriate that we all sing loudly our most uplifting carols. “Joy to the world, the Lord is born, let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare him room”. “O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant” declaring the presence of Jesus as our bulwark of hope.

For good measure, that disposition must be established through the words of Paul which we should make our own. “We are subjected to every kind of hardship, but never distressed; we see no way out but never despair; we are pursued but never cut off; knocked down, but still have some life in us” (2C or 4: 9-10).

Continued from last week THEREFORE, he warned us: Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

In short, people of God, let this Advent be for us, a spiritual Advent. The businessmen want us to buy and sell, to sing and dance, to come for movies and pop corn, and to eat and drink. But if we consider what is happening in our world, we must realize that this is an Advent season to fast and pray, and watch and pray, and then pray and fast all the more, for Nigeria and for our world.

The disciples went to the Lord in Matthew 24: 3, 2 Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Our Lord replied: Matthew 24:5-8 ... many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

We see more and more of these prophecies being fulfilled. The United Nations is 70 years old, but the world is not more united than it was 70 years ago. World leaders told us that they are committing more resources to fighting terrorism.

Instead of terrorism reducing, it is actually spreading and becoming worse. > The crisis in the Middle East has defied resolution. The battle for supremacy over the holy land, with all its prophetic and apocalyptic meanings, continues to rage.

Global powers whose positions were well defined are beginning to shift ground for curious reasons. Some years ago, you could bet that the interest of Israel was automatically the interest of the USA. Today, you cannot be so sure where the USA stands. Even at home, God’s own country has gone very far in pushing God out of her public life. And America now champions ideas and practices that the Bible condemns, all in the name of civilization and human rights. It calls for sober reflection.

When Communism fell, the USSR fell with it; and some thought Russia was gone forever. Now Russia is back on the scene, and the Russian President is becoming more popular than the American President.

To be continued next week

livingword

By Bishop David Oyedepo Call 7747546-8; or e-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

You are ordained for exemption! (3) IN the course of last week’s teaching, we discovered that redemption guarantees our access into order of blessing that the church in the wilderness experienced, in the Bible days. In other words, the Church of Christ today is a replication of the church in the wilderness and by redemption, we are partakers of what the Israelites enjoyed then (Acts 7:37-38; Galatians 3:28). Furthermore, we explored: HOW the Church in the Wilderness was exempted, in order to experience same. In this week’s edition, we will continue that topic.

How was the Church in the Wilderness Exempted?

Exemption from Economic Crunch: So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail (Exodus 9:24-26).

There had never been that kind of plague since Egypt became a nation. It was a holocaust, but in the land of Goshen where the children of Israel were, there was no hail.

Exemption from confusion and stagnation: The Bible says: And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the

land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:22-23).

That darkness connotes confusion, uncertainties, stagnations and frustrations.

They were stranded and stagnated for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Activities stayed alive and productivity was enhanced, while everyone else was stagnated, confused, and devastated (Isaiah 61:7).

The first economic crisis recorded in history, was in Genesis 47. People were freely offering themselves for sale on one side; while on the other side, other people were acquiring possessions –under the same climatic conditions. God’s people were exempted from the evil tides; and in the midst of a severe meltdown, they were growing exceedingly.

What qualifies you for Exemption?

The Bible says: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him (Hebrews 2:3). Redemption guarantees our access to exemption because that is what makes us members of the church of Christ and spiritual Israelites. However, until we are saved, we cannot be exempted (Numbers 23:23; Acts 2:37-38).

46

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

feature When UNN students went on the rampage Protest hike in tuition, compulsory purchase of laptops

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is in the news again. This time, it is not as a result of an industrial strike or cultists’ activities, but on the growing restiveness among students over hike in school fees, as well as compulsory payment for laptops worth N75,000 levied on each student of the institution. JUDE OSSAI, who was at the institution recently, reports the current situation of things.

A

visit to the two campuses of the University of Nigeria (UNN) in Nsukka and Enugu showed that all was not well with the students of the university, as many of them were seen discussing their plights.

The difficulty many of the students and lecturers go through in recent times has become so glaring that it has attracted the attention of both the parents and alumni of the university, which motto is: “To restore the dignity of man.”

Apparently x-raying the deplorable condition of the present UNN, an alumnus of the university, Osita Okechukwu, went down memory lane, recalling: “There was a time, to be exact, in 1981, before we went on vacation, a notice was posted which requested those who wanted to remain on the campus during the holidays to indicate

their interest through applications. I applied and in the course of the interview, the Students Affairs Officer demanded to know the project I was doing on the campus, as a second year student of Political Science.

“I looked up and down and told her innocently that the campus was better than my home; therefore, I would prefer to stay back. She replied that saying truth saved me. ‘‘If you go to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka today, you won’t believe that it is the same campus: no campus refectory with subsidised meals, no beddings and all those appurtenances which imbibe patriotism and responsible behaviour,” he recalled, apparently lamenting the decay.

Sunday Tribune sought to know the point at which decay in social infrastructure at UNN, the first fullfledged indigenous university in Nigeria, founded in 1955

and formally opened on October 7, 1960, began to set in.

Investigations show that the decay in social infrastructure started as far back as 2000, when the population of students increased geometrically. Further checks show that unlike in the past when some faculties in the university had fewer than 100 students each, in Medicine and Surgery, there are about 1,500, while in some others, there are 900 students. As a result of the surge in students’ population, facilities have been overstretched.

The story of accommodation and water problems at both Nsukka and Enugu campuses of the university is pathetic. For instance, Sunday Tribune investigation revealed that in Alvan and Eyinjoku Hostels on Nsukka continues pg 47

47

feature

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

In the face of UNN’s endless crises

????????????? ??????????

University library

Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education continued from 46

campus, six male students live in a room while in some cases, the number is up to 12, as six persons reportedly squat in the room illegally.

It was learnt that there is irregular water supply despite the five boreholes dug in each of the two campuses. Water issue is a big problem within the campus, as the boreholes sunk are not functioning. But curiously, Sunday Tribune was told that each time students planned to protest, water would start running overnight. The toilets and bathrooms of the hostels, according to Sunday Tribune’s findings, are in poor sanitary condition.

One of the new students described the situation on the campus as inhuman,wondering why the institution’s

Professor Chukwuma Ozomba, VC, UNN management would hike fees or impose computer fees on the students, with the poor state of infrastructure in the institution. “It is so sad that they are making education so difficult for the poor.

“With this policy, we would now pay close to N200, 000 in a federal university per session. This is wickedness. As I speak to you, I’m helpless, because my parents don’t have that kind of money. It is wrong for anyone to make computer ownership compulsory. It should be a matter of choice.

The management should not use us to make money. We are begging the Minister [of Education] to urgently intervene because they are turning this university to a market place.

“Some of our parents are living on N18, 000 minimum wage; now they want them to pay N200, 000 as school fees for one session. This is wickedness of the highest order.

This computer purchase should be by choice,’’ he lamented.

Due to the decrepit state of the infrastructure, many students, according to a student who preferred anonymity, are now living off campus.

“Many students now prefer to reside outside the campus, not because they like suffering, but because the essential utilities are not available to them in the campus.

In addition, there is limited availability of hostels. ‘‘This year 2015 can be regarded as the worst year for UNN students,” he said.

A lecturer in the institution told Sunday Tribune in confidence that it was not just the students that were affected. The staff, he said, were not exempted from the suffering. “The VC has been cutting down lecturers’ salaries at the slightest provocation. He has hiked school fees.

Look at the laptop and ICT payment palaver. Prior to the new VC’s resumption, electricity supply was relatively regular, but now, power outage is a serious concern to students. School fees vary, as first year students pay almost N200 000, including miscellaneous fees,’’ she said.

The Public Relations Officer of UNN, Mr Okwun Omaku, could not be reached, as he declined to pick his mobile phone calls when called for comments.

But another source in the university said the issue of accommodation and water scarcity would soon be a thing of the past, saying they were being tackled. The source said the population of students was high, pointing out that the available social utilities in the university were inadequate.

To restore peace in the university, the management of the institution, in a meeting between the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ozumba and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) representatives, last week, was said to have resolved the issue of laptops.

It was gathered that the union leader pleaded with the management to allow students to pay in instalments.

A statement accepting the SUG’s plea read: “The university administration has arrived at the following resolution after an extensive discussion with the SUG leaders: The laptop fee is compulsory for all first year students, but there is an option to either pay once or in three instalments.’’

48

20 December, 2015

children’sarena

Sunday Tribune

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

Words from the kids

Our plans for

Christmas I want to wear something new this Christmas During Christmas period, I will like to travel to Lagos to visit my cousins. I will stay there for some days before I come back in January to spend the rest of my holidays at home with my parents.

For this festive period, I want my daddy to buy bicycle, a Christmas cap, eye glasses, a pair of shoes, clothes and head band for me because I have promised my friends that I will buy new things for Christmas.

Christmas in Abuja is always interesting —Sasodje Esther, 8 yrs

Do you know who your

Santa Claus is?

During Christmas, I want to travel to Lagos to visit my cousins. I also want to go to Abuja to visit my uncle because Christmas in Abuja is always very interesting. My uncle will take me to so many interesting places such as fun factory, airport and filmhouse.

For this Christmas, I want a new pair of shoes, clothes and cap. After the festive period, I will come back to Ibadan to prepare for school again.

I want my mummy to take me out for shopping —Micheal Talabi, 8 yrs

I will like to travel to Abuja to visit my sister this Christmas. Also, I want my daddy to buy a bicycle and skating shoes for me. I want my mummy to take me out for shopping at Shoprite. I also want my sister to buy me a laptop, so that I can be computer literate.

I want to enjoy myself with my parents —Oyindamilola Aweda, 8 yrs

During the Christmas period, I want to enjoy myself with my parents here in Ibadan. I am not traveling to anywhere because Christmas is always interesting in Ibadan. I want my parents to buy me clothes, shoes, Christmas band and sunshade that will make me look beautiful on that day. I will also visit interesting places like Shoprite and the Zoological Garden to see different animals and to enjoy myself.

I want my daddy to buy me Christmas clothes, shoes and other gifts —Akerejola Emmanuel, 9 yrs

During this Christmas period, I want to travel to Lagos to visit my childhood friend for a week. After my visit to Lagos, I will come back to Ibadan to spend the rest of my holiday with my parents and also prepare for school in January. For this festive season, I want my daddy to buy me new clothes, shoes, sunshade and wristwatch that I will wear on Christmas day. me.

The respondents are Primary 3 pupils of Young life Nursery and Primary School, Felele, Ibadan, Oyo State. Compiled by Yetunde Tijani.

S

t. Nicholas was a Bishop who lived in the 4th century AD in a place called Myra in Asia Minor, (now Turkey). He was a very rich man because his parents died when he was young and left him a lot of money.

He was also a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. There are several legends about St. Nicholas, although we don't know if any of them are true! The most famous story about St. Nicholas tells how the custom of hanging up stockings to get presents in first started! It goes like this: There was a poor man who had three daughters. He was so poor, he did not have enough money for a dowry, so his daughters couldn't get married. (A dowry is a sum of money paid to the bridegroom by the brides parents on the wedding day. This still happens in some countries, even today.)

One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney and into the house (This meant that the oldest daughter was then able to be married). The bag fell into a stocking that had been hung by the fire to dry!

This was repeated later with the second daughter.

Finally, determined to discover the person who had given him the money, the father secretly hid by the fire every evening until he caught Nicholas dropping in a bag of gold. Nicholas begged

the man to not tell anyone what he had done, because he did not want to bring attention to himself. But soon the news got out and when anyone received a secret gift, it was thought that maybe it was from Nicholas.

Because of his kindness Nicholas was made a Saint. St. Nicholas is not only the saint of children but also of sailors!

One story tells of him helping some sailors that were caught in a dreadful storm off the coast of Turkey. The storm was raging around them and all the men were terrified that their ship would sink beneath the giant waves.

They prayed to St. Nicholas to help them. Suddenly, he was standing on the deck before them. He ordered the sea to be calm, the storm died away, and they were able to sail their ship safely to port.

St. Nicholas was exiled from Myra and later put in prison during the persecution by the Emperor Diocletian. No one is really knows when he died, but it was on 6th December in either 345 or 352 AD. In 1087, his bones were stolen from Turkey by some Italian merchant sailors. The bones are now kept in the Church named after him in the Italian port of Bari. On St. Nicholas feast day (6th December), the sailors of Bari still carry his statue from the Cathedral out to sea, so that he can bless the waters and so give them safe voyages throughout the year.

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news

20 December, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Problematic Aero flight to Bauchi linked to unserviceable equipment SHOLA ADEKOLA-Lagos

Representative of Sultan of Sokoto, Professor Ishaq Oloyede (left) presenting staff of office to the new Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola (middle), assisted by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Kahamus Tunde Badmus (right), and members of the Rabitatul A’imat Wal’ulams (League of Imams and Alfas) during the installation and turbaning ceremony of Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola as Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Sultan, Tinubu, Ajimobi task new Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland

By Saheed Salawu

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HE President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has emphasised the need for the new Aare Muslumi of Yorubaland to live up to the standard that has been set for the exalted Islamic title.

Sultan Abubakar, on Saturday, in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the installation of a merchant, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, as the new holder of the title, said it was imperative for Akinola to take a leaf from the philanthropy of his predecessor, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao, who he described as the hallmark of that religious title.

The Amirul Mu’minin, represented by the SecretaryGeneral of the NSCIA, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, after presenting Akinola with the staff of office, urged him to make himself a rallying point for Muslims in Yorubaland and, indeed, Nigeria and beyond.

He said he should positively impact on the society religiously, socially and politi-

cally so that he could leave his footprints in the sands of time as did the first occupier of the position.

Similarly, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State underlined the enormity of the responsibility attached to the title as of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and mentioned some testaments to the large heart and compassion of the late Alhaji Arisekola-Alao for humanity to sermonise Akinola.

The governor, who represented the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, threw his weight behind the decision of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States to appoint Akinola.

He appealed to the new Aare Musulumi to live up to the expectations of the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland and be a good ambassador of Islam.

FRSC job is a collective responsibilty —Don

By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) activities have been described as a collective responsibility of every individual in the society, which requries all hands to be on deck to tackle the problems on Nigerian highways.

This was stated by an Associate Professor of Transport Management of the Department of Transport Management, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Somuyiwa Adebambo, on Friday during

the Special Marshal Zonal Conference at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat Ibadan.

Speaking on the theme: “Marshalling Resources for Improved Stakeholders’ Consultation,” Adebambo said that the issue of road safety sustenance could never be carried out by a set of people or road safety officials alone, but through a collective responsibility, adding that, FRSC establishment provided for the creation of special marshals as a

Osinbajo vows to make his alma mater, Igbobi College, proud Lauryn Obado- Lagos

VICE-president Yemi Osinbajo has vowed to make his alma mater, Igbobi College proud during his tenure as the VicePresident of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He made the vow at the Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA)’s 6th annual Christmas dinner and civic reception

Meanwhile, Sultan Abubakar used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to jettison any plan to remove both Islamic and Christian religious studies from the school curriculum.

He said the call became imperative in view of the pervasive ills in the society today which he attributed to lack of religious instruction, especially at the level of basic and secondary education.

held in his honour at the City Hall in Lagos on Friday.

The Vice-President, who expressed his appreciation to his former schoolmates and friends for the support they gave to him both morally and spiritually during his campaign, promised to make them proud.

“About a year ago, I came here as a candidate for the post of the Vice-President.

I thank God for making everything possible.

“I thank you all for your support during my campaign, as you all stood up for me. I pray that your support will continue as we begin this important and crucial journey that started on May 29th and in a few years time, we will all be able to say that there was an ‘Igbobian’ in Aso Rock and he made us proud,” Osinbajo said.

volunteer arm, for the promotion of road safety management and road traffic administration.

He said the efforts of FRSC could be felt in the area of enlightenment and awareness through safety clubs and initiation of special marshals, while he advised that due to the number of illiterate drivers on the roads, traffic laws manuals should be printed in all languages in Nigeria.

He added that “sustainable safer road can be realised through the designs of vehicles that can cushion the effects of collision and, design of roads that can mitigate the effect of accidents.”

In his remark, the National Coordinator of Special Marshals Dr Sini Titsi Kwabe said the Special Marshal, arm is a democratic, transparent and accountable arm of the Corps, thanking the members for their untiring efforts in supporting the ideals and efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps in its determination to become an effective agency in road traffic management in Nigeria.

THE management of Aero has confirmed that a chartered flight it operated from Abuja to Bauchi actually had problem.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued by the media consultant of Aero, the airline declared: “A special charter flight operated by Aero to Bauchi had problems with unserviceable equipment by the airport management in disembarking about 34 passengers from Abuja.

“Consequently against the airline’s wish and operation safety guideline, the passengers used a ladder to disembark. However, at the time of boarding, the air stairs became functional and the passengers boarded successfully.

“Aero wishes to state that it took adequate and safety measures for this operation, including the airport’s ground staff crew to handle the air stairs equipment in Bauchi, unfortunately it became unserviceable at the point of disembarkation. Although, the airline crew tried to calm down the passengers to wait while the equipment was being fixed, the passengers insisted on their own volition to disembark against all safety protocol of the airline.

“Aero contractors wishes to state that it is reviewing its safety measures with all charter operations to all airports to prevent such reoccurrence. Aero will continue to take adequate measures to ensure that its operations remain safe and secure.”

How to end military, Shiite crisis — Cleric Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

THE General Overseer of the Intercessary Evangelical Ministry, Kaduna, Pastor Yohanna Buru, has said that the only solution to end the ongoing imbroglio between the military and the Shiite sect in the northern part of the country is to seek the intervention of neutral people who will come in to mediate between the two parties.

Speaking in an interview in Kaduna at the weekend, Buru, who is also the founder of Nigeria Peace and Reconciliation Foundation (NPRF), noted that there was already mistrust between both sides.

“I am advising the military to sit on a dialogue table with the Shiites to discuss their differences and let them reach an amicable solution for peace to reign.

“Northern Nigeria has suffered a lot. There is the issue of Boko Haram, where many innocent lives, many towns and villages were destroyed as well as many rendered homeless,” the cleric stated.

Buru posited that the way out was to have neutral people from the Christain community, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), civil society, who would come in to mediate and end the crisis.

Mimiko elated as Mare Festival sets Idanre agog THE entire Idanre community was agog yesterday as tourists and personalities of note thronged the hilly ancient town to mark the 2015 edition of the annual Mare festival .

The event, which has found a place in global tourism agenda, kicked off in the morning with a keenly-contested marathon race, after which a mountain-climbing session began.

In his address at the event, the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, said that the determination of his government to make the state a cynosure of all eyes via its tourism potentials was fast yielding results.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, the governor said that the initiative of the government to draw attention to one of these potentials was the annual Mare Festival which is celebrated in Idanre, adding that over the years, it had attracted tourists worldwide to celebrate the rare gift of nature in the ancient town.

Mare, according to the governor, is a deliberate attempt of the government to establish a festival around the scenic beauty of the hilly town of Idanre, celebrating nature’s gift and providing a viable destination for tourists while showcasing to the universe the culture and heritage of Ondo State.

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Oyo FRSC boss decorates 17 promoted officers

By Oluwatoyin Malik SEVENTEEN officers who were among the officers recently promoted by the Federal Road Safety Commission and are serving in the Oyo State sector, have been decorated with their new ranks.

The decorated officers included five Deputy Corps Commanders, six Assistant Corps Commanders, a Superintendent Route Commander and five Route Commanders.

In his remarks during the decoration ceremony, the Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Head of Operations in the state sector, Mr Segun Martins, who represented the Sector Commander, Mr Yusuff Salami, appreciated God for what he did for Oyo sector command as regards the number of people promoted, saying that it had never happened before now.

“It has never happened that we have this number of people promoted from Oyo State sector, except in the days of mass promotion in 2003 and 2004,” Martins stated.

He enjoined the newly promoted officers to work harder, saying that it would be only way to appreciate the FRSC and justify their elevation.

Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Right Honourable (Pastor) Kola Oluwawole, ahead of other electorate during the accreditation exercise in the Ekiti State local government election, on Saturday.

Ekiti LG elections record peaceful conduct Conduct of polls, promise kept —Fayose Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

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HE people of Ekiti State, on Saturday, elected their local government chairmen and councillors in an election that went peacefully even as it witnessed low voters’ turnout.

Turnout was poor in most of the 177 wards, with similar report in 2,195 polling units across the state, with the voters’ conduct largely peaceful.

At Ward 4, Unit 007 in Ijigbo, Ado Ekiti Local Government Area, officials of the electoral commission said 105 voters had been accredited and had voted out of the 581 registered voters in the unit by 12pm.

Also at Agbado/Oyo Ward, Unit 003 of Ikere Ekiti in Ikere Council Area, 35 voters were accredited out of 426 registered voters by 10am, while a total of 32 were accredited at unit 004 out of 405 in the same ward at about the same time. The same situation was witnessed at Oke Iruku Ward, unit 005, 54 out of

over 500 were accredited by 10:30am.

The restriction of movement between 8am and 4pm announced by the electoral body was later adjusted in an announcement

by Governor Ayodele Fayose, that it would only last till 2p.m.

Another highlight was simultaneous accreditation and voting which started at 8 a.m. as against accreditation before voting which was earlier scheduled for 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively.

Governor Fayose, who spoke in Afao-Ekiti on Saturday said he was glad that he was the first governor in

the South-West geopolitical zone to conduct local government election in the last few years.

The governor, who described the use of caretaker committees to run local government system as an aberration said the hallmark of a genuine democracy was allowing people to express their choice on who governs them.

“It is an electoral promise made by my administration and we have fulfilled the promise. Today, we stand out as the state that has conducted local government election. We did not expect the unpopular All Progressives Congress to take part

53rd birthday: Saraki promises better future Biola Azeez-Ilorin AS the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, marked his 53rd birthday, he has said that the Senate under his leadership will be committed to better socio-economic development of the country.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Saturday after

a thanksgiving prayer session at his family residence, located at Ile Loke, Ilorin, Senator Saraki said the day did not call for celebration because of the global situation affecting the country.

The special prayer, which was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Mohammed Bashir, also had in attendance the popular

Army donates food items, gifts to widows, wives of officers on battlefield THE 81 Division, Nigerian Army, says it has donated various food items and gifts to wives of officers and soldiers on the battlefield.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, Major General Isidore Edet, stated this in an interview with newsmen at the carol night organised by the division on Friday in Lagos.

Edet said that the gesture was also extended to the widows of the officers and soldiers that died in the course of their duties.

in the election.

Two of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidates in the elections, Mr Dapo Olagunju of Irepodun/Ifelodun and Mrs Sade Akinrinmola of Gbonyin Local Government Areas, also commended the electorates in their respective council areas for their peaceful conduct.

However, the APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, said “the widespread apathy observed across the state was evidence that Ekiti people had rejected Governor Ayodele Fayose and his PDP.”

He said: “There is nothing the division can do at this moment than to show love and care to the families of our dear officers and soldiers who are defending the territorial integrity of their fatherland.

“So, the least we can do at this moment is to bring their families together and share love and whatever we have with them, to let them know that they are not alone, and most importantly, to demonstrate that all of us are behind them and will continue

to care for them.”

Continuing, he stated that, “For those whose husbands have passed on, this is to tell them that they are not alone; we are with them and God also is with them.”

Edet said that it was the tradition of the division to always give out gifts to officers’ wives and the widows.

He encouraged those on the battlefield to continue the fight, saying that the whole nation was behind them and that God would grant them victory.

Islamic cleric, Shaykh AlMisklin Onikijipa, as well as Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Speaker, Kwara House, Dr. Ali Ahmad; Senator Dino Melaye, and members of the national and state Houses of Assembly.

When asked to speak on what the nation should expect from him as the leader of the National Assembly as he added a year, the senate president said that, “As I said, the general challenging situation globally, in the country, and the in the states did not allow for celebration. We have great challenges ahead as a country. So, we have to dedicate ourselves to improving the situation for the common good”, he said.

The Senate President, who called for support of all Nigerians in the task ahead, said the legislature was more committed to serving people towards the realisation of collective aspirations and goals.

Mark, Onaiyekan preach forgiveness, peace at Xmas Carol FORMER President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and Catholic Bishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan on Saturday called for peace and forgiveness between and among Nigerians as the needed panacea for good neighbourliness.

Both leaders spoke at the 2015 Christmas Carol at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo in Abuja.

A statement by Mark’s spokesman, Paul Mumeh indicated that Cardinal Onaiyekan called for an end to terrorism ravaging some parts of Nigeria , saying that “these battles are needless. We need to understand ourselves and live harmoniously as a people under one universal God.” The Catholic priest urged all those aggrieved or offended especially by the ravaging insurgents to have the heart to forgive “ because there is no proper peace without forgiveness .

“We don’t need these wars. We need peace and unity among us. No matter the amount of grievances, we should follow proper channels to resolve and reconcile with each other. We should forgive each other and look up to the future with great hope and optimism.”

On his part , Senator Mark urged Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of Christ which harps on peace, love, reconciliation, mercy and forgiveness.

Newswatch correspondent emerges NUJ Kaduna chairman Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna THE Newswatch Magazine North Central Bureau Chief, Comrade Garba Muhammad, has emerged as the new chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Council.

Comrade Garba got 142 votes to defeat two other contestants, Ismail Omipidan of the Sun newspaper who polled 120 votes and Luka Binniyat of the Vanguard newspaper who recorded 75 votes.

Other elected officials were Mrs Zhiroh Jatau, the Vice Chairman; Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, Auditor; Alhaji Dauda Doka, Secretary; Femi Ade, Financial Secretary; Mustaha Saye,Treasurer, and Jacob Zamgo, Assistant Secretary.

Speaking after taking oath of office, Garba enjoined those who contested with him to join hands with him in moving the council forward.

He also said that he would ensure that he discharges his duties as enshrined in constitution of the union.

Filmhouse lights up Ibadan, reopens Dugbe branch

By Victor Ogunyinka AFTER 11 months without activities, Filmhouse Cinemas has reopened its Heritage Mall, Dugbe branch, which witnessed the overwhelming presence of customers and celebrities.

The Group Managing Director, Odua Investment Limited, Mr Adewale Raji at the event, said: “we pray that this would reiterate the excellence in mall shopping experience in Ibadan and beyond, as we continue to thrive to bring Oyo State more of such experiences. We appreciate the Heritage Mall occupants and promise to continue to provide services that enhance their businesses.”

Also, the CEO, Filmhouse Cinemas, Kene Mkparu, was full of gratitude to God for the reopening of the entertainment hub, adding that “This cinema will also contribute to the all-important distribution outlets that Nollywood film producers need to realise more revenue from their films.

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Northern govs express concern over Shiite growing influence people Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

T

HE Northern Governor’s Forum (NGF) has expressed its con-

cern over the increasing influence of Shiite activities in the Northern region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum in Kaduna on Saturday, the

chairman of the forum and Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, said: ‘Let me start by making one thing very clear, the Northern Governors’ Forum is

not here to do the job of the Kaduna State Government or because there is anything missing in the measures taken by the Kaduna State Government.

“We are very confident in the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru ElRufai, his competence and character have never come under any doubt.

Economic downturn: Aisha Buhari calls for women empowerment

From left, former Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (left), with Chike Ogeah, former Delta State Commissioner for Information at the church service for the late Ogbueshi, Dr Francis Uzoma Ogeah, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Asaba, on Friday.

THE wife of the president, Hajia Aisha Buhari, has called for the empowerment of women through various skill acquisition programmes to enable them to support their families to cope with the current economic downturn.

The first lady made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the 7th Al-Habibiyyah Women Forum.

Represented by Hajia Salma Makama, the Managing Director, Shelter Plus, Buhari specifically called for the empowerment of widows and those displaced as a result of insurgency in some parts of the country.

Secondus blasts Oyegun over threat to take over Rivers, Akwa Ibom Leon Usigbe-Abuja

ACTING National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus has accused his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, John Odigie-Oyegun of engaging in “political terrorism” following his claims that the APC would seize Rivers and Akwa Ibom states from the PDP. Appeal Court in Abuja has voided the elections of Governors Nyesom Wike and Udom Emmanuel of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states respectively, for not complying with the Electoral Act and ordered for

reruns within 90 days of the judgments.

The PDP chairman said in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday that the recent comments credited to Odigie-Oyegun, “conveying the desperation by his party and the Presidency to forcefully take over PDP states in the South-South zone is to say the least, unfortunate and disappointing.”

He said Oyegun’s boast while reacting to the “bizarre ruling” of the Court of Appeal judgment on the Rivers State governorship petition wherein he stated; ‘I am more confident

of winning Akwa-Ibom than any other state in the South-South...we are going to win; that is almost a certainty,’ is not only careless but also smacks of impunity and arrogance that had characterised the APC.” Secondus added: “This comment also further betrayed APC’s dirty underhand deals with unscrupulous electoral and judicial operatives, which gave its National Chairman the impetus to make sweeping statements that had no place in electoral reality.

“Perhaps, it is pertinent to ask; ‘how could Chief

Oyegun have known for certainty the outcome of the gubernatorial dispute in Akwa-Ibom State, a matter that may end up in the Supreme Court? Was that not a clear indication that Chief Oyegun and the APC were indeed interfering with the judicial processes in their quest to forcefully take over PDP states.

“Having severally alerted Nigerians and the international community of the plans of the APC to decimate the opposition by ‘taking over’ states controlled by the PDP, especially in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states of the

NIS decries pressure on Lagos infrastructure Bola Badmus-Lagos

NIGERIAN Institute of Surveyor (NIS) has decried the pressure of infrastructure facilities in Lagos State, saying the current situation, if left unaddressed, could lead to chaos in transportation and planning.

Chairman of Lagos branch, Mr Olugbenga Alara, made this known while speaking at the 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Luncheon of the Lagos State branch of NIS, lamenting that the facilities in Lagos were overstretched to the extent that over 22million people were using facilities meant for just 4 million.

The NIS branch chairman urged the government and

“Soon after the Zaria crisis, the governor was at the scene and he spoke with leader of the Islamic movement and met the Chief of Army Staff.”

professionals to genuinely synergise in addressing the challenges.

“Surveying is the bedrock of all meaningful planning and development. The contribution of surveying to development cannot be underestimated and the best surveyed cities of the world are the best developed because everything has to be in its rightful place,” he said.

Speaking further, Alara said planning demanded some tough process to arrive at in order to ensure that everything was put in its right place for the right population.

“So, in essence, there is the need for the professionals to be carried along

in the planning process and the implementation should be done with sincerity of purpose,” he said.

Speaking on his plan for the Institution, Olugbenga said one of his major area of focus was the leadership mentoring initiative where the young members of the profession would be tutored on the history of surveying, the present practice and the better ways of practice, as well as morality of governance.

Immediate past Lagos State Commissioner of Physical Planning, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, who was the guest lecturer, also underscored the need for strategic planning and implementation to tackle the

myriad of challenges facing Lagos as centre of commerce and economic hub of West African region.

South-South zone by every means possible, we wish to warn them of the dire consequences of actions of the APC to disrupt the will of the people of these two states.

“Indeed, let it be known that the PDP warned that this script being played out

by Chief Oyegun and his ilk in the APC clearly portends danger to our democratic project and our national stability.

“History is our witness that similar desperation by the ruling party to unduly win in the opposition strongholds in the 1964 federal elections precipitated the collapse of the first republic. History repeated itself in 1983 after the “moon slide” agenda of the NPN was implemented.”

In his remark, the Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Mosque, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, encouraged women to be supportive of their family. He said that the forum was designed to cater not only for the spiritual needs of the women, but other? aspects of their lives.

He stressed the need for women empowerment and the diversification of the economy in view of the declining price of crude oil in the international market. ``The theme for the forum this year, ``The Muslim Woman and Entrepreneurship’’ is of such importance and significance. ``This could not have come at a better time than now when we are witnessing economic downturn associated with over dependence on the export of crude oil,’’ he said.

Adeyemi called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious belief, to support the Buhari administration to positively change Nigeria.

Earlier, Hajia Rekiya Momoh-Abaji, Chairperson, Al-habibiyya Women Forum, stressed the need to empower women for economic stability. ``More than ever before the women of the world require more than one stream of income to support their families. ``Entrepreneurship is really the new direction of the world and we urgently require Muslim women to key into various forms of entrepreneurship to reduce the burden on men,’’ she said.

Ogun traditional rulers are partner in progress —Commissioner THE Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Olajide Ojuko, has said that traditional rulers in the state are partner in progress in the “Mission to Rebuild” the state.

Ojuko made this assertion during a courtesy visit to the Egba Traditional Council Meeting, held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

The visit was to identify

with traditional rulers, strengthen relationship between them and government as well as to know challenges they are facing in their respective domains.

He said the achievements of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration was as a result of the cooperation of the traditional rulers, adding that government would not relent in improving their welfare so that the peace

been enjoyed in Ogun State would continue.

He appreciated the concerns of the Egba Traditional Council which according to him has supported the hard work and effort of this Government, he promised that the request, observations and challenges which the traditional rulers had communicated to him would be passed to the Governor for consideration and necessary action.

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sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

FIFA rates Super Falcons Africa’s best

Ighalo going nowhere

—Watford boss

W

A T F O R D manager, Quique Sanchez Flores has said he does not expect Nigeria international, Odion Ighalo and strike partner Troy Deeney to leave the

club in January.

The former Nigeria U20 captain has netted 10 goals in the EPL, while Deeney has scored five goals.

“With Ighalo and Deeney, my expectation for sure is we are going to keep them,”

Ighalo Flores declared.

“From the meetings I have had with the owners, we have not talked about the possibility of these players leaving in the middle of the season.”

Before the start of the

season, Ighalo, 26, turned down a “crazy” offer to move to China.

Watford, who are seventh on the table on their return to the English top flight, host Liverpool today in continuation of the EPL.

NIGERIA’S senior women national team climbed up a place to 37th in the latest FIFA world ranking.

The reigning African champions earlier dropped nine places in September to 38th position due to their exit from the preliminary rounds of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Falcons were unsuccessful in a second successive attempt to secure an Olympics ticket and to make matters worse failed to get a medal at the 2015 All African Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

The Super Flacons gathered a total of 1602 points to remain no. 1 in Africa ahead of Cameroon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Senegal.

For Africa’s women football event representatives at next year’s Rio 2016 Olympics, South Africa moved up five places to 56th, while Zimbabwe are the highest climbers of 2015 moving up 9 places to 98th.

In the World ranking, the top ten places remained unchanged with reigning world

champions USA, Germany, France, Japan, England, Korea DPR, Brazil, Sweden, Australia and Norway from September edition.

But two countries improved on their best-ever ranking, are Bosnia and Herzegovina (65th) and New Caledonia (92nd).

England gained threepoint increase to hit new alltime top score while New Zealand (1846), Austria (1730), Costa Rica (1630), South Africa (1431), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1386) and Guatemala (1322) recorded their best-ever scores.

Netherlands finished outside the top ten in 12thplace, gaining 17 points after victories over Japan and France in recent international friendlies.

Switzerland broke into the top 20 in the latest ranking after classy 3-0 away win in Italy, while Spain moved up from 18th to 14th place.

Eight nations dropped out ranking due to prolonged inactivity, reducing the number of ranked countries from 147 to 140, but Malawi was the only nation to reenter the ranking.

FIFA Presidency: Candidates lobby southern Africa IT was Africa versus Europe in Johannesburg on Saturday as Tokyo Sexwale and Jerome Champagne lobbied southern Africa’s football bosses for support to become the next head of the scandal-ridden soccer body FIFA. The South African apartheid-era political prisoner turned multimillionaire and the former French diplomat laid out their plans to reform FIFA to the Confederation of Southern African Football Association’s (Cosafa) annual general meeting.

The two men hoping to succeed suspended FIFA head Sepp Blatter presented a show of solidarity as they recalled working together on South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup tournament.

World soccer’s governing body is traversing the worst corruption scandal in its over 100-year history and Blatter faces a Swiss criminal investigation. He denies

any wrongdoing.

But the show of unity began to show cracks when Sexwale pointed out that FIFA had never had an African president.

“The score is 111 to zero against Africa. For 111 years Fifa has not had an African,” said Sexwale, adding that Europe would have pulled out of FIFA if the situation had been reversed.

“I am not here to keep quiet like a slave and pre-

tend that these things are not happening,” he added, raising the emotional temperature in the small hotel conference room.

Champagne, who served as a FIFA executive for nearly a decade until 2010, responded by saying the choice was more about experience and ability than nationality.

“It’s not matter of origin,” he said. “It’s a matter of knowing exactly of how to manage the structure.”

“Because I was pushed out of Fifa by a coalition of people who are all today suspended, I know exactly what needs to changed. And that is the experience I can provide,” he said with growing passion in his voice.

The air of unity returned toward the end of the news conference, with Sexwale quipping he would name Champagne as his general secretary if the Frenchman promised to do the same.

Okagbare named in 2016 Guiness World Records NIGERIAN sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, has been honoured in the 2016 Guinness World Records feat as the athlete with the most diamond league appearances.

Okagbare participated in 38 diamond league events higher than any other athlete in the world, according to the records.

“Multi-discipline athlete, Blessing Okagbare from

Nigeria participated at 38 Diamond league events between July 3, 2010 and September 5, 2014.

Okagbare’s specialties are the 100m and 200m sprints and long jump,” the book said.

The IAAF Diamond League is an annual series of track and field meetings held from 2010 till date and billed to hold again in London by 2016. The competi-

tion was designed to replace the IAAF Golden League, which held from 1998 to 2010. Okagbare holds the women’s 100 metres Commonwealth Games record for the fastest time at 10.85 seconds. She also has the 100m best of 10.79 as the African best in the female category of the race, while winning the African 100m and long jump event in 2010.

Okagbare

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20 December, 2015

sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

FIFA rates Super Falcons Africa’s best

Ighalo going nowhere

—Watford boss

W

A T F O R D manager, Quique Sanchez Flores has said he does not expect Nigeria international, Odion Ighalo and strike partner Troy Deeney to leave the

club in January.

The former Nigeria U20 captain has netted 10 goals in the EPL, while Deeney has scored five goals.

“With Ighalo and Deeney, my expectation for sure is we are going to keep them,”

Ighalo Flores declared.

“From the meetings I have had with the owners, we have not talked about the possibility of these players leaving in the middle of the season.”

Before the start of the

season, Ighalo, 26, turned down a “crazy” offer to move to China.

Watford, who are seventh on the table on their return to the English top flight, host Liverpool today in continuation of the EPL.

NIGERIA’S senior women national team climbed up a place to 37th in the latest FIFA world ranking.

The reigning African champions earlier dropped nine places in September to 38th position due to their exit from the preliminary rounds of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Falcons were unsuccessful in a second successive attempt to secure an Olympics ticket and to make matters worse failed to get a medal at the 2015 All African Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

The Super Flacons gathered a total of 1602 points to remain no. 1 in Africa ahead of Cameroon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Senegal.

For Africa’s women football event representatives at next year’s Rio 2016 Olympics, South Africa moved up five places to 56th, while Zimbabwe are the highest climbers of 2015 moving up 9 places to 98th.

In the World ranking, the top ten places remained unchanged with reigning world

champions USA, Germany, France, Japan, England, Korea DPR, Brazil, Sweden, Australia and Norway from September edition.

But two countries improved on their best-ever ranking, are Bosnia and Herzegovina (65th) and New Caledonia (92nd).

England gained threepoint increase to hit new alltime top score while New Zealand (1846), Austria (1730), Costa Rica (1630), South Africa (1431), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1386) and Guatemala (1322) recorded their best-ever scores.

Netherlands finished outside the top ten in 12thplace, gaining 17 points after victories over Japan and France in recent international friendlies.

Switzerland broke into the top 20 in the latest ranking after classy 3-0 away win in Italy, while Spain moved up from 18th to 14th place.

Eight nations dropped out ranking due to prolonged inactivity, reducing the number of ranked countries from 147 to 140, but Malawi was the only nation to reenter the ranking.

FIFA Presidency: Candidates lobby southern Africa IT was Africa versus Europe in Johannesburg on Saturday as Tokyo Sexwale and Jerome Champagne lobbied southern Africa’s football bosses for support to become the next head of the scandal-ridden soccer body FIFA. The South African apartheid-era political prisoner turned multimillionaire and the former French diplomat laid out their plans to reform FIFA to the Confederation of Southern African Football Association’s (Cosafa) annual general meeting.

The two men hoping to succeed suspended FIFA head Sepp Blatter presented a show of solidarity as they recalled working together on South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup tournament.

World soccer’s governing body is traversing the worst corruption scandal in its over 100-year history and Blatter faces a Swiss criminal investigation. He denies

any wrongdoing.

But the show of unity began to show cracks when Sexwale pointed out that FIFA had never had an African president.

“The score is 111 to zero against Africa. For 111 years Fifa has not had an African,” said Sexwale, adding that Europe would have pulled out of FIFA if the situation had been reversed.

“I am not here to keep quiet like a slave and pre-

tend that these things are not happening,” he added, raising the emotional temperature in the small hotel conference room.

Champagne, who served as a FIFA executive for nearly a decade until 2010, responded by saying the choice was more about experience and ability than nationality.

“It’s not matter of origin,” he said. “It’s a matter of knowing exactly of how to manage the structure.”

“Because I was pushed out of Fifa by a coalition of people who are all today suspended, I know exactly what needs to changed. And that is the experience I can provide,” he said with growing passion in his voice.

The air of unity returned toward the end of the news conference, with Sexwale quipping he would name Champagne as his general secretary if the Frenchman promised to do the same.

Okagbare named in 2016 Guiness World Records NIGERIAN sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, has been honoured in the 2016 Guinness World Records feat as the athlete with the most diamond league appearances.

Okagbare participated in 38 diamond league events higher than any other athlete in the world, according to the records.

“Multi-discipline athlete, Blessing Okagbare from

Nigeria participated at 38 Diamond league events between July 3, 2010 and September 5, 2014.

Okagbare’s specialties are the 100m and 200m sprints and long jump,” the book said.

The IAAF Diamond League is an annual series of track and field meetings held from 2010 till date and billed to hold again in London by 2016. The competi-

tion was designed to replace the IAAF Golden League, which held from 1998 to 2010. Okagbare holds the women’s 100 metres Commonwealth Games record for the fastest time at 10.85 seconds. She also has the 100m best of 10.79 as the African best in the female category of the race, while winning the African 100m and long jump event in 2010.

Okagbare

54 sport

20 December, 2015

sunday Tribune

Mum, secret of my success story — Gbolahan Salami

Salami in Warri Wolves shirt

Salami with his wife, Lolade

ARGUABLY, Gbolahan Salami has become a household name in Nigerian football. He is one of the home-based players in the main Super Eagles squad. The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Julius Berger FC, Enyimba and Sunshine Stars of Akure player made the headlines a few days ago, as he was crowned the Goal King of the just-ended 2015 Glo Premier League season after scoring 17 goals for Warri Wolves. He speaks with OLAWALE OLANIYAN on his feelings after becoming the goal king of Nigerian football. Excerpts:

H

OW do you feel to be crowned the highest goalscorer of the season?

It was not an easy task. I am so happy for myself, for my family and Warri Wolves family because without them I would not have emerged the highest goalscorer of the season. I need to thank God because the same number of goals I scored last season was the same this year which earned me the award. I scored 17 goals last season despite the national team assignments. I would have won the award last season but I believe once it’s God’s time, nobody can change it. I give Allah all the glory.

For how long have you been waiting to win this award?

I have been working towards this award in the last three seasons especially last season, but national engagement affected me a lot. I thank God that my dream has finally come true this year. In fact, I didn’t start the league with my colleagues until week three against Giwa FC and I did not feature in so many games due to injury and other circumstances beyond my control.

What was on your mind before the last game against Bayelsa United?

It is not easy to be a penalty taker and even scored two penalties in a match. Before the game, I was under serious pressure not about winning the match, but because I needed at least two goals to claim the highest goalscorer award. My colleague from Sunshine Stars, Tunde Adeniyi was leading with 16 goals and I had 15 with Eseosa Igbinoba of Nasarawa United and both of them had played the previous day. So, I was so scared and I must say that it

I need to thank my fans for their support, they are wonderful because their words have kept me going.

Salami with the Rashidi Yekini award for the highest goalscorer of the season. has never happened in my career.

When the first penalty was awarded to my team, I took the kick and scored perfectly, but when the second penalty kick came at the dying minutes I was under intense pressure to take it even though we were leading comfortably 4-1. So, the goalkeeper was able to get to the ball and parried it down and fortunately for me, I was fast enough to convert the rebound for my 17th goal of the season. In fact, the prayers and support from Warri Wolves fans gave me the award and I also thank my colleagues who really contributed to my success story.

Warri Wolves will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup

next season, what should your fans expect from you and the club?

I think we have a good squad that can make the country and the club proud at the continental level, this is not about me alone, but about the whole team. I believe in team work and I hope we can do better if we can maintain the present squad. I will not say if most of the players will like to stay with the team because of the financial challenges the club is facing which I can say deprived us from even winning the league title in the first instance.

You were in Serbia at a point in time during the course of last season, but you returned to Nigeria barely af-

ter a month. What really happened?

I don’t want to say much on that but it has to do with financial issue. To be frank, I think I need to be more prayerful than before because it has always been difficult, but once I leave the country for a club, I believe the barrier will be broken Insha Allah.

What is your target next season?

If I am still playing in the league, I will try my best to retain the Glo Premier League Goal King award and even with more goals. When I was in Serbia to play for Partizan Belgrade, the lesson I learnt over there was that a good striker must score in every match and I’ve been putting that into practice.

What can you say was responsible for Warri Wolves not winning the Glo Premier League title this season?

As I said earlier, we have issues with our sign-on fees and salaries

and that deprived us from winning the league title because I could recall that we even stage a protest at the Government House to ask for our entitlements but nothing came out of it. IF you can recall, we finished third last season and hopefully, if we put our house in order, we can lift the title next season.

You are one of the best home-based players and you always deliver even while playing alongside foreignbased professionals, what is the magic?

It’s Allah grace and not by my power, but the truth about it is prayers from my mother. Allah has been answering her (mum) prayers. I’m really appreciating what Allah is doing for me, I don’t have any secret but personal training and divine favour. I am also a devout Muslim.

Do you wish to feature for Siasia team at the 2016 Olympics?

I don’t want to comment on that, I’m happy that Nigeria won the competition in Senegal now that we have qualified, let’s wait and see.

Any message for your fans?

I need to thank my fans for their support, they are wonderful because their words have kept me going. I can’t forget Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) fans, they have been so supportive and I will never forget them and to my Warri Wolves fans, I really appreciate you all.

Do you see yourself coming back to play for 3SC? I don’t know but time will tell.

But if you want to play outside the country, which continent will you like to play?

I don’t want to commit myself but let’s wait and see what happens between now and next year.

55

sport

20 December, 2015

Hiddink returns to Chelsea as interim manager G UUS Hiddink has returned to Chelsea as manager “until the end of the season” following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, the struggling Premier League champions announced on Saturday.

The experienced Dutch coach, 69, returns to a role he previously performed in

Players not behind Mourinho’s exit —Terry CHELSEA captain, John Terry said Jose Mourinho’s sacking was not caused by a mutiny in the dressing room and denied that any player had deliberately performed badly in order to hasten the departure of Chelsea’s most successful coach.

“We are aware there have been rumours about player power at the club but I want to make clear that is not the case,” Terry wrote in his column in a matchday programme for Chelsea’s home game against Sunderland on Saturday.

“Believe me when I saw that all of us go out to win every game and we players have to look at our performances and take responsibility for where Chelsea sit in the table right now.”

British media have picked out Diego Costa and Eden Hazard as the worst performers in Chelsea’s woeful season so far, which has left the champions just above the relegation zone, and both of them had strains in their relationships with Mourinho.

2009, when he led Chelsea to glory in the FA Cup. “I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge,” Hiddink said in a statement on the Chelsea website.

“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.

“I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship

Sunday Tribune

Rooney makes 500th Man Utd appearance

Hiddink with the Chelsea fans.”

Mourinho, 52, was sacked

by Chelsea for the second time on Thursday after a run of nine defeats in 16 games saw them slump to within a point of the relegation zone.

Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich previously turned to Hiddink in February 2009 after sacking Luiz Felipe Scolari.

“The owner and the board welcome back a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including

his previous spell with the club in 2009 when we lifted the FA Cup,” Chelsea said in a statement.

“Mr Abramovich and the board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad.”

Well travelled and vastly experienced, Hiddink began his coaching career with PSV Eindhoven and led the club to their first ever European Cup success in 1988.

He has also managed Fenerbahce, Valencia, Real Madrid, Real Betis and Anzhi

Makhachkala, as well as the national teams of the Netherlands, twice, South Korea, Australia, Russia and Turkey.

His most recent role, as Netherlands coach, came to an end in June after a poor start to qualifying for Euro 2016.

Hiddink’s first game at Chelsea will be the Boxing Day fixture at home to Watford next Saturday, which is followed by a trip to Manchester United on December 28.

WAYNE Rooney has racked up his 500th Manchester United appearance after returning to the team for Saturday’s clash with Norwich City.

The 30-year-old has missed the club’s last three matches with an ankle injury sustained in the 1-1 draw at Leicester City in November, but his recall for the match against Alex Neil’s side at Old Trafford coincided with Rooney making the landmark appearance.

His 500th showing for the Red Devils comes more than 11 years on from his September 2004 debut in the Champions League against Fenerbahce, in which he grabbed a stunning hat-trick in a 6-2 victory.

Since then he has gone on to score 237 times for United and become the club captain, as well as taking the England armband.

His tally of 51 goals in his national shirt makes him his country’s greatest ever goalscorer, while he stands only 12 goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton’s United goals record.

However, his form has been criticised this season due to his record of having scored only seven goals in 20 appearances, including just two in 12 league games.

Rooney’s 500 appearances put him in 10th place in United’s all-time list, still 463 behind Ryan Giggs’ club record tally.

Neymar

Messi

Messi, Neymar may miss FIFA World Club Cup final BARCELONA forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar are still doubtful for the Club World Cup final against River Plate, coach Luis Enrique told reporters on Saturday.

Messi missed Thursday’s semi-final against Guang-

zhou Evergrande because of pain caused by a kidney stone and Neymar was recovering from a small strain in his adductor muscle.

“The two are improving,” said Luis Enrique without giving further de-

tails.

Team captain, Andres Iniesta added. “They haven’t been able to train and it will depend on how their sensations, I hope they can play.”

European champions, Barcelona meet River Plate,

their South American counterparts, today.

Messi never played professionally in Argentina and has faced an Argentine side only once before, when Barcelona met Estudiantes in the 2009 final.

Rooney

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

NO 2,025

20 DECEMBER, 2015

www.tribune.com.ng

N200

Even with the fuel queues showing no signs of abating and with workers across the state complaining of non-receipt of salaries, Nigerians will celebrate this Xmas in typical fashion: suffering and smiling. But knowing their ingenuity in democratising suffering during elections, Nigerian politicians would do better to watch their utterances, lest the mass of hungry poor become angry and violent.

For a Yoruba economic revolution: Let’s learn from successful nations (II)

F

OR instance, Singapore was a drastically poor island country by 1965; it had no resources, and it was notorious for crimes and youth riots. In fact, Singapore was such a troublesome part of the Malaysian Federation that the federal parliament decided in 1965 to expel it from the federation. That day, its most senior politician, Lee Kwan Yew, wept as he addressed his wretched and hopeless new country on radio. Yet, by 1975, Singapore had succeeded so much that people began to call her the “Asian Success Model”. All that Singapore did was to begin immediately to train its youths as highly skilled, efficient and dependable workers. Then it strengthened the system by improving the quality of elementary and secondary schools. To ensure orderliness in their country, Singapore’s politicians agreed to observe strict discipline and orderliness in politics, to respect the laws and to make the elections orderly, peaceful and free and fair. As the news spread about Singapore’s skilled, efficient and decent work force and stable and orderly political life, investors began to rush investments and businesses to Singapore from the richest countries of the world. Singapore quickly became a rich industrial and export mini-giant, with the reputation of being the cleanest island

city state on earth.

Because the people of Israel have had to fight wars again and again since their country was founded in 1948, war and politics became the great obsession of Israeli youths. But in recent years, that has changed considerably – due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies.

In recent years, most Israeli youths have been going into technology and business, and Israel is becoming a technological, in-

diranapata@yahoo.com

dustrial and export giant. One writer recently described the Israeli revolution as follows: “Tel Aviv (Israel’s largest town) has become one of the world’s foremost entrepreneurial hot spots. Israel has more high-tech start-ups per capita than any

Fans boo Man Utd players MANCHESTER United players were booed off the pitch as Norwich earned a shock victory at Old Trafford, increasing the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal.

Despite all of United’s possession, it was Norwich who took the lead in the first half through Cameron Jerome.

It got worse for the home side in the second half as Jerome broke clear to feed Alex Tettey, who poked in.

other nation on earth, by far. It leads the world in civilian research-and-development spending per capita. It ranks second behind the U.S. in the number of (technological) companies listed on the Nasdaq.

Israel, with seven million people, attracts as much venture capital as France and Germany combined – (France 61 million people; Germany 83 million). Israel now has a classic innovation cluster, a place where tech obsessives work in close prox-

Anthony Martial fired in to halve the deficit for United, but their winless run extended to six games.

Juan Mata saw a free-kick from the edge of the area pushed away

by Declan Rudd as the hosts went in search of the equaliser in the second half.

Centre-back, Chris Smalling could have earned a point later on, but headed narrowly wide as United dropped to fifth in the table.

Many fans left the stadium early,

Rooney attempts an acrobatic overhead kick, but his effort seems not enough to turn around the fortune of his team at Old Trafford. PHOTO:DAILYMAIL

imity and feed off each other’s ideas. - - - Netanyahu preaches the optimistic view: that Israel will become the Hong Kong of the Middle East”.

Any nation can do it. We Yoruba can do it quite easily in our Southwest – irre-

spective of our being part of Nigeria. We have already made our people one of the most educated peoples in the world. We have thereby established a very strong base for a successful modern business and economic revolution. All we now need is to do what Singapore did - embark on a very serious program of training our educated youths in various modern job skills, seriously educating them to be good, loyal, and dependable workers;and train those who choose to be businessmen how to conceive, plan and start modern businesses, how to use the services of banks,lawyers and accountants, how to run businesses, how to handle imports and exports, how to research and develop new products, etc.

The businesses must include farming.

And all this has to be a conscious and highly focused movement. And in the background to it all, we must reach a solemn national agreement and oath among us to do away with the excesses, irresponsible partisanship, and violence characteristic of Nigerian politics; that in our part of Nigeria, elections shall be orderly, peaceful and free and fair; that none of us will try to rig elections for ourselves or for other persons.

And we must establish national rules and means for enforcing this political agreement and oath in our Southwest. We can do all these things. Yes we can.

•As team loses at Old Traford

but some stayed on their seats till the blast of the final whistle with a look of disbelief on their faces. The atmosphere was almost mutinous, with a loud show of resentment at both half-time and at the final whistle.

On a day when former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho said he is looking to get back to management straight away, the weight of expectation was significantly ramped up on Dutchman van Gaal, whose job is now under increased scrutiny.

The manager decided to maintain his passive style for the match - staying on his seat as assistant Ryan Giggs barked out instructions from the touchline - but could not inspire his side to even a point.

Liecester city top EPL table LEICESTER City ensured they will be top of the Premier League at Christmas by beating Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Riyad Mahrez scored the first of two penalties after Ramiro Funes Mori held back Shinji Okazaki.

Romelu Lukaku levelled, but Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard tripped Jamie Vardy to allow Mahrez to again convert from the spot.

Okazaki fired in a third for the Foxes, who held on despite Kevin Mirallas’ late strike.

Leicester, predicted to be relegation candidates by many commentators before the start of the season, are now the only team in Premier League history to be bottom on Christmas Day one year and top the following Christmas.

Claudio Ranieri’s side will go into their game at Liverpool on 26 December as leaders, regardless of the result of tomorrow’s match between second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Manchester City.

Discussion around Leicester’s remarkable season has centred

on how long they can continue to upset the odds and remain in the title picture.

Once again they provided an energetic, controlled performance that will leave the doubters waiting at least one more week for any signs of a collapse.

EPL RESULTS Chelsea 3 Sunderland 1 Everton 2 Leicester 3 Man Utd 1 Norwich 2 Southampton 0 Tottenham 2 Stoke 1 Crystal Palace 2 West Brom 1 Bournemouth 2 Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 1 POOLS: 4, 8, 10, 18, 20, 21, 27, 32, 33, 35, 46, 47 (Today’s match: 13)

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 20/12/2015 MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON EDITOR: SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712.