22nd November 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 2,021

SUNday, 22 november, 2015

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HID Awolowo honoured in UK

Jonathan reveals:

How OBJ’s third term dream was killed pg51

•Says Ota farmer didn’t want to leave power

kogi election

Nigerian Tribune

Wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; wife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari; National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during a courtesy visit by the wife of the president to the Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence at Ikoyi, Lagos, on Saturday.

And the winner is... pg54

Card reader rejects Wada’s thumbprint; wife’s name not in register Anxiety as Nigerians await INEC’s final results Audu, Awoniyi commend process

Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Governor Idris Wada casting his vote at Odu Ogbeyaga, Dekina Local Government Area of the state. PHOTO: yinka oladoyinbo

•Actors, actresses celebrate in Ikenne •As warring factions unite pg54

Fish out terrorists, Sultan charges Muslims •Buhari vows to crush pg10 Boko Haram

10 killed as Boko Haram attacks Cameroon pg10

All Progressive Congress candidate, Prince Audu Abubakar, casting his vote at Ogbonicha village, on Saturday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

CHIEF (MRS) H.I.D. AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

22 November, 2015

TRIBUTES, DANCE AND SONGS BY OGUNDE THEATRE GROUP, ANTP AND TAMPAN GROUPS FOR CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO AT IKENNE

Sunday Tribune PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU SYLVESTER OKORUWA & Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TOYIN

7 1. Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (second left); Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran (middle); flanked by wives of the late Hubert Ogunde, Mrs Ibidun Ogunde (left); Mrs. Iyabo Ogunde (second right) and Mrs. Oludayo Ogunde. 2. From left, Associate Professor of Threate Arts, University of Jos, Jimoh Aliu; Chief Oyewole Olowomojuore; Prince Francis Oluseyi Adelesi and Adebayo Salami Bello. 3. From left, children of the late Hubert Ogunde, Mr Bayo Ogunde; Mrs Afolabi Kikiowo; Mrs Bosede Oloruntagbe and Mrs Bosede Oloyede.

4. From right, Prince Saheed Ogundare; Mrs Oluremi Pedro and Mrs Iyabo Omisore. 5. Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran (left); his wife, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran (right) and Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. 6. Mr. Bayo Ogunde; Mrs Afolabi Kikiowo; Mrs. Bosede Oloyede; Mrs Bosede Oloruntagbe; Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran; Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran; Yemi Sodimu; Chief Jimoh Aliu and Chief Oyewole Olowomojuore. 7. Mr Tunde Badmus and his wife, Mrs Yejide Awolowo Badmus. 8. From left, Mrs. Bola Awolowo; Mrs Wemimo Anifowose and Funke Awolowo.

CHIEF (MRS) H.I.D. AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

22 November, 2015

SERVICE OF SONGS BY CHORISTERS FROM VARIOUS CHURCHES IN HONOUR OF CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO AT IKENNE

1. From left, Vicar, Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne, Venerable S.O. Enike; Dean, Cathedral of St. Paul, Sagamu, Venerable E.A. Adegbuyi and Coordinator, Remo Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Benson Malato Ikuesan. 2. Honourable Deji Jakande and Chief Mrs. Bola Sonubi 3. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ogun Province II, Ikenne mass choir. 4. Ijebu CAN mass choir. 5. Great Remo CAN choristers. 6. Members of Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement, Amazing Grace Church,

Sunday Tribune

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

Iyana Ipaja. 7. Mountain of Fire and Miracle Choir Ministry, Lagos Headquarters Male Guitar Ministry. 8. Mountain of Fire and Miracle Choir Ministry, Lagos Headquarters Female Guitar Ministry. 9. HID Awolowo Anglican Church, Sagamu mass choir. 10. Mountain of Fire and Miracle Choir Ministry, Lagos Headquarters Dancing Ministry.

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

feature

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

HID: A day of dances, costumes, colours and unity 1

3 By Adewale Oshodi

T was a day of colourful cultural performances in honour of the departed Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo when theatre groups in the South Western part of the country rolled out the drums at the Awolowo family house in Ikenne, Ogun State yesterday. The performances started with traditional songs by the Hubert Ogunde Theatre Group, based in Ososa, Ogun State. Taking the audience on a cultural dance and songs journey, the Ogunde group reeled out songs after songs by its patriarch, the late Chief Hubert Ogunde, a great Yoruba cultural icon and actor. Starting with the Ogunde signature tune, Osetura, the group performed Adura Didun, HID’s Oriki, Awimayehun, Awo Mimo, Yoruba Ronu, among other songs, as well the Ogbofoganluda dance, made popular by Chief Ogunde in the 1960s. Interestingly, the performances were earlier slated to be staged during the 100th birthday celebration of Mama HID, which was, however, not to be. The audience were, however, held spell bound. With the performances, as Mama was being celebrated, so was her husband, Chied Obafemi Awolowo, who, no doubt, was one of the greatest Nigerians who ever lived. Most of the songs highlighted the contributions of Chief Awolowo and Mama HID to the development of the country, and particularly the Yoruba nation. It was, however,not only the show of the Ogunde group, as the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) and the Theatre and Movie Practitioners

Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) also staged their performances. It was surprising that the two groups, ANTP and TAMPAN, which had been at logger heads in a supremacy battle for years, could set aside their differences to honour Mama Awolowo on the same stage. One positive news about the event, therefore, was that the two groups have pledged to work together for the development of the Nigerian theatre industry. The peace parley, which was initiated by the anchor of the event, Mr Yemi Shodimu, came about after the Ogunde group had performed Yoruba Roni, a 1964 song composed by Chief Ogunde. The song calls on Yoruba people to set aside their differences, as this is what Chief Awolowo and his wife fought for. ANTP’s performances centred on Chief Awolowo’s early years, his marriage to Mama HID, his politics and how he led the Yoruba people. The performances particularly highlighted Mama’s background roles while her husband led. TAMPAN’s performances were mainly on tributes to Mama HID. While acknowledging the role Papa and Mama Awolowo played in promoting unity among the people of the country, one of the top Yoruba artistes in the country, Chief Adebayo Salami, promised that the two groups would use the opportunity of Mama’s transition to unite. Chief Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, was supported by the executives of the two theatre groups, including Chief Jimoh Aliu, Chief Bode Olowomojuore, among others. Earlier, the Coordinator of the Ogunde group, Mrs Victoria Oluwategbe, said the

5 1.

The Ogunde troupe performing the opening dance title Osetura.

Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) performing the origins (Orisun dance depicting the birth of Papa Obafemi and HID Awolowo.

Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) performing the origins (Orisun dance depicting the wedding ceremony of Papa Obafemi and HID Awolowo.

Theatre and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) performance Tribute to HID Awolowo depicting Mama’s death.

Ogunde dance Troupe performing the Yoruba Ronu.

group was in Ikenne to honour the memory of Mama HID for her contributions to the development of the Yoruba race. Mrs Oluwategbe, who is a biological daughter of the late Chief Ogunde, admitted that despite the fact that the performances were targeted for Mama’s 100th birthday, “but we are happy that we celebrating what she stood for in her lifetime. “Mama was such s great woman, and that is why everybody wants to identify with the Awolowo family, and we are

happy that we, the Ogunde group, ANTP and TAMPAN, were given the opportunity to show our love to her through our performances,” Mrs Oluwategbe said, while explaining that Papa Awolowo and her father, Chief Ogunde were very close in their lifetimes. At the end of the performances, the audience were satisfied to have been treated to a day of beautiful cultural songs, colourful costumes, while also bring about unity between warring groups.

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

specialreport

The radio BOOM!

Investors’ new honeypot in the air Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is currently embroiled in crisis as a result of the fluctuation in the world oil market. In spite of the poor state of the economy, many Nigerians continue to invest in the broadcast media, especially radio stations. In this report, SEGUN ADEBAYO locates the factors responsible for the phenomenal increase in the number of radio stations in the country.

T the first annual lecture organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in August this year, the commission’s Director-General, Mr Emeka Mba, put the number of radio stations in Nigeria at above 600. This is a marked improvement in the number of radio stations operating in the country. Though many factors, from political to economic considerations, could have been responsible for the sudden surge of interest among Nigerians, one which business experts usually points at is the propensity of Nigerians to ride the wave of any investment once its lucrativeness has been proven. For many Nigerians, there is no alternative to radio as the most effective medium of communication. In the North of the country, radio is held as part of the dress code. The transistor radio is considered more important than

television to the ordinary Hausa, who would not want to miss the important pieces of news on either the local stations or the BBC Hausa service. The fact that Nigeria is yet to meet the deadline for migrating to digital broadcasting has not prevented many others from applying to the NBC for radio station licence. Indeed, Sunday Tribune learnt that the commission is being bombarded by fresh requests almost on a daily basis. It will be recalled that after the 2006 Geneva agreement between the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and member countries, to which Nigeria was a signatory, June 17, 2015 deadline date was agreed for a switch over from analogue to digital transmission. But Nigeria failed to achieve this target. However, despite the country’s failure to meet the ITU deadline, the number of

radio stations in Nigeria has continued to increase. The rise of the Frequency Modulation stations, has created many programme platforms like phone-in for listeners to participate in live programmes.

This and many other channels have increased the audience base for the radio and commercial outlets for advertisers. Continues pg7

specialreport

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘Community radios should be allowed to thrive’

President Muhammadu Buhari

With radio, we teach... IT is not only the private investors that are buying into the radio business. Sunday Tribune’s findings showed that some universities across the country are rocking their ways into the radio universe. Some of them have established stations though as extension to practical tutorial. Most of them were said to have set up campus radios to project the image of their institutions and prepare students of mass communications who may end up as broadcasters. While the mainstream radio stations are established to make profit, campus radio stations according to Sunday Tribune’s findings, don’t share the same mercantile intention. Some of their officials who were willing to talk said they are not moneyspinning establishments.

Emeka Mba

Pauline Ehusami

Continued from pg 6 The radio boom There is hardly any of the country’s 36 states that has not benefited from the radio boom. Apart from Lagos, which naturally must attract such media interest because of its huge population and economic advantage, one other place that has witnessed the influx of radio stations in the last few months is Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Sunday Tribune can reveal that no fewer than 13 new FM radio stations have been established in the last five years, with additional two said to be coming before the Continues pg 8

‘We are not a money-spinning venture’ At the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Unilorin FM 89.3 started transmission in 2009 and was officially commissioned on October 22, 2011. Located in the Faculty of Communication and Information Science Building of the Main Campus, it adopted call-phrase “Better By Far” and remains the first radio to transmit 24 hours in the state, and the first campus radio to transmit 24 hours in Nigeria. Speaking with Sunday Tribune on its operations, the head of programmes, Idris Alooma, disclosed that the radio station is blessed with state-of-the art equipment – transmitters, modern editing facilities, attractive studio, back up facilities and all that combine to make a wonderful campus radio that transmits round the clock all days of the week. According to him, Unilorin FM was established primarily to project the academic excellence of the

school and also to train its students, especially those who have passion for radio broadcasting. He said that the radio station was not a money-making venture and placed premium on excellence and hard work. “Since inception, the school has provided everything we need to run the studio successfully. Even the students who handle our programmes have been vetted. No matter how talented you are, you must go through auditioning before you could be allowed to handle any programme, because we believe in doing things rightly. I don’t know about other campus radios, but I can tell you that Unilorin FM 89.3 remains the station to beat”, he enthused. ‘Funding is a major challenge’ The FUTA Radio which was named and situated within the campus of the Federal University of technology (FUTA) was established about four years ago to provide educational information. Speaking on the establishment of the station, the coordinator of FUTA FM radio station, Micheal Oguntolu, said it was established to promote the image and activities of the university and also to serve as a laboratory for students who are interested in Journalism. He explained that the school management was solely responsible for the funding of the station, saying it was not a profit-oriented venture. Oguntolu said commercial activities such as advertising are limited strictly to academic and educational commercials, while political adverts are not allowed except in the case students’ politics on campus which is still within the range of student activities in school. Speaking on the strength of the staff, the station coordinator said

most of the workers are volunteers, staff and students of the university, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and students on industrial attachment. Oguntolu, a graduate of Zoology from the University of Ibadan, said activities at FUTA Radio are being monitored by the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), saying all their programmes are in adherence with the laid down rules, principles and regulations as stipulated by the commission. He stressed that the station had never been sanctioned or warned by the NBC. He said the radio station, which experienced fire outbreak some weeks ago, would soon be on air to continue to give out its best, assuring that the station would soon produce some great hands in the field, as plans were underway to introduce courses that would aid production in the school, which would automatically give it an edge over others. He said one of the challenges confronting the station is funding. “Funding is never enough and this is not a money spinning business for the university. Though the management has been trying its best, if more funds provided, we shall reach the sky.” One of the students, Seyi Olalekan, who spoke with Sunday Tribune, expressed satisfaction with the presentation of programmes by the station, saying “FUTA Radio stands out among radio stations in the state. The professional touch is there and if you go around, hardly will you see any student listening to any other station. The station has a wide coverage. We hope the management will speed up action on the renovation of the studio which was gutted by fire soon.”

specialreport

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘As stations flood airwaves’ Continued from pg 7 end of the year. While some commentators have welcomed the multiplicity of radio stations with open arms, others express the fears that the city may not be able to accommodate the increasing number of radio stations. Those in the latter category believe that the business could be ruined by over concentration in a place like Ibadan which does not enjoy the huge economic capacity of Lagos. Speaking with Sunday Tribune, a social critic and public commentator, Waheed Salami, said when a business is booming, everybody would be interested in it. “If you consider what people refer to as the ‘pure water syndrome’, you will understand my point of view. If you have been observing the trend, any business that is booming would attract Nigerians, but they will eventually crash it, because they don’t have a deep knowledge of the business they are venturing into. Once it crashes, they all flee,” he said. Though some of the radio stations established in Ibadan in the last few years came about because of the city’s expansion, the emergence of some others, especially in states that are not as commercially viable as Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Warri and Onitsha or Aba, cannot be hinged on economic considerations. Sunday Tribune gathered that as new malls were built and businesses that hitherto took many people outside the city berthed in Ibadan, the need for media outfits grew and within a short space of time, new investors started cashing in on the new life in the city. The mixed feelings Though some stakeholders who spoke with Sunday Tribune objected to the use of ‘proliferation’ while referring to the radio boom, many of them were uncertain of what the future might hold for the industry. But the Chief Executive Officer of AN 24 TV, Gboyega Akosile, one of those who disagreed with the word ‘proliferation’ said the regulatory agency would need to make strategic intervention to address over concentration. Hear him: “I would rather prefer to see the latest development in the nation’s broadcast industry as a concentration of radio stations and not proliferation. If you look at it very well, you will discover that, by the time you remove Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and perhaps Ibadan, other towns and cities in Nigeria are virtually non-existent, in terms of radio broadcast.” According to Akosile, whose radio licence is still being processed at NBC, “There is the need for the NBC to begin to wield the big stick by placing a restriction on some of those cities experiencing over concentration of radio stations in the country. Besides, I think the NBC should begin to look towards the direction of community radios, since they would go a long way in enhancing the growth of the communities hitherto left unattended to because they’ve not been enjoying the much-needed publicity. ‘If community radio is allowed to thrive, I believe it would also go a long way in reducing the incidence of crime in our communities and enhance the economic activities of the people in that community,” he stated. But Thomas Ajayi, a marketing

communications expert, would rather attribute the surge in the number of radio stations in the country today to the developments being witnessed in every facet of the nation’s economy. “Who would have thought that GSM could be this common-place today? Who would have thought every Tom, Dick and Harry would be able to own a GSM line, some years back? Remember, a minister even said it then that telephone facility was not for the poor, but here we are today. GSM is in the hands of almost every Nigerian. So, the point is: if the telecoms sector is experiencing such growth and revolution, there is no way such would not rub off on the nation’s broadcast industry too,” he stated. A brand manager with a popular soft drinks company, who would not want his name in print, added that the proliferation of radio stations in the country would go a long way in helping brands to realise their expansion dream. “With the rate radio stations are springing up everywhere, in the next few years, there is no place in Nigeria that a brand custodian will not be

The proliferation has good and bad sides. For example, it would put stations on their toes, such that they would not be able to force watery contents down the throat of the audience

able to push its brand to. For me, it is a positive development, since it gives us the option of a wide range of choices, as brand custodians, to pick from,” he argued. Raphael Gbadebo, a fan of a Lagosbased sports radio station, believes it is the listeners that stand to enjoy the utmost benefits at the end of the day. He said: “Today, sports radio stations are springing up and even women radio stations too. Remember, few years ago, all these ideas were inconceivable. For me, I would still prefer the idea of a proliferation, where listeners would have a rich variety of stations to pick from, and where an advertiser would have wider platforms to reach his target market and where an investor would have the opportunity to invest and enhance his bottom-line.” An ardent radio listener, Samuel Akintobi told Sunday Tribune that, to most of the investors, getting the license is the most difficult task. Once that is settled, he said, every other thing falls in line. “And this is why you see radio stations springing up every day. I don’t have any problem with it; their presence would encourage competition and give business owners a wide variety of choice as regards advert rates, among others.” The blind man’s theatre Before the advent of the social media, radio, regarded as the blind man’s theatre, was the fastest medium of information, relayed to millions of people in different places, and at the same time. This medium has, over the years, been recycled, reformed and transformed into an easy tool, hence it attracts the young audience who are readily available to offer free services in radio organisations. Investors appear to have studied these factors and many more. One can have a radio station with little resources; less than 20 staff, a small building and steady power supply. Yet, a good management will make

good returns at the end of every month. This also explains the ubiquitousness of radio stations across several parts of the country, in our contemporary times. Then, there are issues of finance, viability and sustenance. Radio stations generate revenues through three major means: advertisements, sponsored programmes and guest appearances. In some radio outfits, a guest appearance costs as much as N150,000 for an hour. In some cases, religious and herbal/health programmes and independent producers pay as much as N3 million for their sponsored programmes. Other forms of generating revenue are news/events coverage, announcements, propaganda and so on. Again, according to experts, the sustainability of a radio station wholly relies on its content. A radio station with good and well-packaged programmes will not lack adverts. The quality of the content will attract listenership. Many business owners have public relations officers who monitor the progress of these radio stations where they eventually end up to sell their brand. Radio stations in Port Harcourt gets ads (agency) from the biggest brands in Nigeria. The local investor also cues into the use of adverts to sell brands. Barter/ partnership is another way to sustain a media organisation. Many radio stations rely on barter to survive. However, Sunday Tribune gathered that most radio stations make more money from news/event coverage than from local advertisers. From Ilorin to Lagos and even PortHarcourt, Warri and Akure, more radio stations are springing up and it is indeed becoming a venture that many investors are beginning to look into. Indeed, it has been said that the last political Continues pg14

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

news

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Deadly suicide attack rocks northern Cameroon •Suspected Boko Haram kills 10 •Nigeria, Cameroon to curb trans-border crimes

T least 10 people have been killed in a suicide attack near the Nigerian border of Cameroon’s North region, security sources have said, just as both neighbouring countries are now set to curb trans-border crimes as means of tackling insecurity in both countries. A joint communique at the end of the fourth session of the Nigeria-Cameroon Trans-border Security Committee in Abuja on Friday stated. The Saturday bombing of Nigue, a suburb of Fotokol town, was carried out by suspected members of Boko Haram. “The initial figures speak of 10 dead, including the suicide bombers, and around a dozen wounded,” a senior Cameroonian army commander told the Reuters news agency. Local online publication, L’Oeil du Sahel, said that at least four suicide bombers were involved in the attack. The newspaper gave a different death toll, saying nine people, including five civilians, died in the incident. This year, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, which have joined an offensive against the group. Cameroon is in an 8,700-strong regional force led by Nigeria against the the group, expected to be operational by the end of

the year. To curb the spate bombings in Nigeria and Cameroon, a communiqué was

signed by Mrs Khadijah Ibrahim, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mr Emmanuel Sadi, Head

of the Cameroonian Delegation at the Abuja Transborder Security committee.

The committee called on both parties to facilitate the signing of the various agreements and memo-

From left, Dr Bukola Adewole; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole; president, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Sir (Dr) Kayode Obembe (third right); chairman, NMA Oyo State chapter, Dr Muyideen Olatunji (second right) and others, during the special civic reception in honour of the minister by NMA Oyo State, held at Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Benin Republic did not invade Nigerian villages —Baruten council C lement I doko - A buja THE Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State on Friday debunked reports that Benin Republic had invaded about 16 communities in the state. Malam Abdulrasheed Lafia, the council’s Vice Chairman, who is also the Chairman, Local Government Boundary Committee, said this in an interview with

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kosubosu. Lafia said issues surrounding the disputed Ogomue land had been resolved since 2005. “The National Boundary Commission, after members visited the site in 2004 along with officials of the state and local government boundary committees, resolved that the land actually belonged to Benin Re-

public,” he said. According to him, the news report was sponsored as no invasion took place anywhere in the local government. The vice-chairman, said the news report was done to raise a false alarm. In a letter dated Feb. 23, 2005, and addressed to Chairman of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara from the State Government

Boundary Committee in the Governor’s Office in Ilorin, reference number KSGBC/C.V/T2/431 , signed by J.A Oriolowo, the Secretary, Kwara State Boundary Committee, and titled: Re: Alleged encroachment into Nigeria’s Territory by Benin Republic. “I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No BALG/S/ LAN/4/1/92 of 23rd December, 2004 on the com-

tary general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof. Rasheed Aderinoye; Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Revd.

Felix Ajakaye; former Deputy Governor of old Ondo State, Alhaji Musa Ayeni; former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Sikiru Lawal, the Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh, among others.

Fish out terrorists, Sultan urges Muslims Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, again on Saturday in Ado Ekiti, slammed terrorists for their activities and reiterated that terrorism had no place in Islam. Alhaji Saad Abubakar, who was in Ekiti to preside over the turbaning of Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello as the Grand Imam of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta states, charged Muslims to fish out those who were bad elements among them. At the ceremony where the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Khamis Olatunde Badmus, served as the chairman, the spiritual leader of Nigerian Mulims charged parents to properly educate their children to prevent the young ones from being recruited into terrorism and insurgency.

randa of understanding in the areas of trans-border crimes. The agreements to be signed include the draft agreements on non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons and transborder trade on forestry resources. Others include the MoU on establishment of regular consultations mechanism between authorities of border regions/states in Nigeria and Cameroon. The meeting also recommended the need for both countries to consider proposed agreements on combating drug and human trafficking, money laundering and related fraudulent trade transactions. It also urged both parties to organise joint training exercises for border security personnel to promote mutual understanding and enhance border security operations.

Alhaji Abubakar and Asiwaju Badmus in their speeches had urged Sheikh Kewulere to galvanise other Islamic clerics to work together to preach against terror which, they noted, was giving Islam a bad name.

Among other dignitaries at the event were the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, represented by his wife, Feyisetan; Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko represented by his deputy, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo; Secre-

Terrorism, their idealogy will soon be defeated —Buhari F rom I saac S hobayo and L eon U sigbe PRESIDENT Mohammadu Buhari has declared that terrorism, as well as thier ideology, will soon be defeated and consigned to history, saying the country is rapidly degrading their defensive and offensive capabilities. The President, who stated this at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 37 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Plateau State on Saturday, said the more crucial task confronting his administration

is the task of defeating the false and evil ideology of violence extremism. He charged NIPSS to come up with proposals for the comprehensive study of the scourges with a view of forestalling future occurrence. “We need to build the civic capacity to defeat the false and dangerous premises and assumption of violent extremism. Never again should we allow mindless violence inspired by false and evil precept to threaten out national security,” he said. The president, who was represented by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, called on

persons and groups who have grievances of dissatisfaction to submit to peaceful and democratic means of expressing themselves, adding that their right to protest is limited by the rights of others to safety and peaceful existence. While condemning the terrorist attack on Bamakko, the president also joined other nations in condemning Friday’s terrorist attack on a hotel in Bamako, Mali. In a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja on Saturday, Buhari assured President Ibrahim Boubacar

Keita and Malians of the full support of the Federal Government as they mourned those who lost their lives in the attack. The President also extended condolences to the governments and people of China, Russia, the United States and Belgium whose nationals lost their lives in the attack. Against the background of persisting atrocities in Nigeria and other countries across the world, Buhari called for intensification of international cooperation against all known terrorist organizations, their collaborators and sponsors.

pletion of the said structure situated after Moshi River along Shiya-Sandiro Road. “The joint team of officials of National Boundary Commission, Kwara State Boundary Committee and Baruten Local Government Area, visited the site of the Illegal structure on 26th October, 2004 for field verification. The reports have been released to Kwara State Government by the National Boundary Commission, Abuja. “From the reports, it was observed that River Moshi is the natural boundary in that area based on the 1960 description of the International Boundary and that site of the said illegal structure is across the River, and therefore, in Benin Republic. “You are also requested to note that by the above 1960 description of international boundary, which recognized River Moshi as the Natural Boundary between Nigeria and Benin Republic, any place West of the River Moshi, is in Benin Republic, while those places East of the River Moshi are in Nigeria. “The disputed site along Shiya-Sandiro Road across River Moshi is therefore in Republic of Benin. “In view of the above development, you are kindly requested to use your office to inform the Shiya Community and Okuta Emirate Council that the disputed site is in Benin Republic.

news

22 November, 2015

Man rapes mother, 2-yr-old daughter in Minna Adelowo Oladipo -Minna

OLICE in Niger State have arrested a 25-year old man, Yusuf Suleiman, over allegation of sexually abusing a two and half

year-old girl at Adamawa street, in Dutsen Kura Community, Chanchaga Local Government Area of the state. Parading the suspect before newsmen in Minna, the Police Public Relations

Lagos gang , cult wars: Community leader meets with CP Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

A community leader in Lagos State, Alhaji Taoridi Faronbi, has urged trouble makers in all parts of the state to desist from criminal activities that are capable of creating unrest in the state. The community leader, who decried the high rate of cult and gang wars in many parts of the state, also warned sponsors of troublemakers to consider the effect of such wars on the lives of innocent people who have died in clashes. Faronbi, who recently met with the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, as part of the moves to fight gang and cult wars in the state, also advised those with unlicensed arms to submit such to the police .

Alado, as he is fondly called, also dissociated himself from any group of people who foment trouble in any part of the state and warned that the police in the state would no longer condone any break down of law and order. Alhaji Faronbi, who was recently installed as the Olori Ebi of Alagbeji Family in Isolo, assured the police of his readiness to cooperate with them to fight gangsters and other troublemakers in the state . “Let me begin by telling those people who are fighting here and there to stop it now or be ready to face the full wrath of the law . We in Lagos State can no longer condone the activities of these hoodlums,’’ Alhaji Faronbi said.

Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bala Elkana, advised parents to pay more attention to their wards, as most rape cases were committed by those close to parents of the underage girls. Elkana stated further that the suspect confessed to the police that at about 12a.m on the fateful day, he saw the girl coming out of her house and he led her to a corner and had canal knowledge of the minor who would be three years old in two months time. He said the suspect would soon be charged to court so as to face the full wrath of the law, adding that when convicted, the suspect was likely to be sentenced to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, the 20-yearold mother of the victim, simply identified as Zainab, said she was never comfortable with the suspect’s relationship with her husband because he once raped her (Zainab) when she was 10 years old, but had “refused to tell anybody about it before now.’’

Sunday Tribune

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

13 Continued from

22 November, 2015 last week

would like to say that this, in my humble opinion, is the first time in the annals of Nigeria that a political party is reared on a really scientific basis. For if all the leading members in the Action Group have more or less identical conceptions as to the principles which shall guide their activities, and jointly evolve common methods of applying those principles, it is my firm conviction that the organisation will be successful and lasting. Only we must make sure about two things, namely: that our principles are just, and that our methods are practical. For nothing defeats their own ends, so easily as unjust principles and impractical methods of approach. With these few remarks, I believe I have succeeded in portraying to you the rock-sure foundation on which the Action Group is erected. We are here in this historic Conference to reinforce and to add to the superstructure already built, by the pledge of the leaders inhabiting the two Zones of the Western Region. It is true we speak different languages; but it does not require any laborious research to discover that, broadly speaking, we originated from a common stock; and that in any event our political and cultural associations have been as close relations. And above all, we are Nigerians whom both Nature and Constitution have joined together. It is within our power to, remain together. In the first release of the Action Group, it has been made abundantly clear both in item (5) of the aims and objects and in the body of the release that it is not the intention of the Action Group to embark on Regional politics exclusively. It is sheer necessity that has compelled us to decide to get together to put our own house in order. As an earnest of our good faith, the subjects on which policy papers have been prepared are not confined to Regional subjects but cover Central subjects as well. Furthermore, the Action Group is not meant to be an adhoc or temporary organisation. It has come to stay and it will live forever. We have promised, and we mean to abide by our word, that if a countryside organisation acceptable to all is established, we would not hesitate to become the Western Regional Working Committee of such an organisation. But it is clear now from all accounts that such an organisation will not emerge before the general elections under the Constitution. It must, therefore, be our hope and our endeavour that as soon as we have duly

Awo’s thoughts VOICE OF REASON

Freedom for all First Presidential Address at Owo, on 28th. April, 1951. consolidated and strengthened our position throughout the Western Region, we should, in cooperation with nationalists in other Regions, influence the formation of a countrywide organisation on the same realistic and scientific lines as the Action Group. I have no doubt that we all know that the realisation of all our aims and objects depends chiefly on our having a substantial majority in the ‘Western House of Assembly.

It is true we speak different languages; but it does not require any laborious research to discover that, broadly speaking, we originated from a common stock; and that in any event our political and cultural associations have been as close relations

Sunday Tribune

With unity, determination and hard work, it should not be difficult for us to get all our candidates elected into that Assembly. We are not fighting for seats in the House of Assembly because we desire power for its own sake. We believe that, in a partial sense though, the new Constitution affords us an opportunity to be better service to our people. We are a party - in fact the only party in Nigeria with definite ideas and practical programmes for the advancement of Nigeria towards early freedom and prosperity. Our enemies and detractors are already at work. They are seeking to dwarf our stature in order to delude the public that they are taller than we are. They are also seeking to divert us from our noble and constructive courses into the barren land of petty strife and fruitless controversy. I believe I am voicing your sentiments, when I say that we do not grudge other parties their professed popularity and excellence. But it is mean and cowardly, and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others. Strong, courageous, resourceful and self-confident people are never afraid of rivals or competitors. It is not an easy matter to resist the temptation of being dragged down the drains of bitter recriminations and press war. But if we are to attain our objects, we must resolve to pursue our course unflinchingly without paying the slightest heed ‘to the envious, and the asses that bray’. .What our people want to know above all things else is not the defect or incapacity of this or that organisation, but the plans and programmes which we have for improving their lots and the relative merits of such plans and programmes. Such plans and programmes we have; and what is more they are plans and programmes we have; and what is more they are plans and programmes which could be put into execution within a period of five years. Our line of action is therefore clear. Whilst our enemies and detractors busy themselves with abusing and decrying us, we should direct all the machinery of our publicity towards the propagation of the excellence and the relative superiority of our programmes and the suitability of the men who will be put forward to execute them. In this way, we would succeed in commending ourselves to the public by our sheer merits and our merits only. This, in my view, is a nobler attitude; and if we remain true to it we are bound to succeed where our detractors fail.

Concluded

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specialreport

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Why many licenses have been issued this year —NBC Continued from pg 12 stations are springing up and it is indeed becoming a venture that many investors are beginning to look into. Indeed, it has been said that the last political dispensation contributed largely to the increase in the number of radio stations, as more licenses were issued and many who hitherto did not dream of having a radio station quickly capitalised on the moment. It is believed that the cheapest and perhaps the easiest means political parties could reach out to people is through the medium. In Ondo... In Ondo State, Sunday Tribune gathered, no fewer than seven new radio stations have been established, increasing the number of radio stations in existence before 1999. The only station in the state then, Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC), was owned and control by the state government and operated with the state television. Some of the new stations that have been established include the FM station of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) known as Positive FM, Adaba FM, Orange FM, FUTA Radio, Breeze FM and lately Ray Power FM. All these radio stations are within the capital city, Akure. Two new community stations have been approved by the NBC for Ondo town and have commenced skeletal operations. However, though radio listeners now have a choice to tune to the frequency of their choice, many still cannot comprehend the reasons behind the springing of many stations in the state. Communication is however seen to be central to democracy while radio stations, either community radio or any other stations is seen as an effective means of communications Speaking on the developments in the state, Kayode Ogunro said that, technically, production costs are significantly lower than newspaper and television and noted that radio stations, especially community radio stations, are mainly established to target people who cannot read and write. In his own contribution, an on-air personality, Adeolu Gboyega, said proliferation of radio stations has its good and bad sides. For example, it would put stations on their toes, such that they would not be able to force watery contents down the throat of the audience. “On the other hand,” he said, “exceptional talents will be rewarded because stations will negotiate your pay on the basis of what you are able to bring to the table.” Fondly called Big Boy on Radio (BBR), he explained further that people who don’t have any business behind the microphone are now seen as OAPs. He called on NBC to be more lively to their responsibilities. A proprietor’s perspective With just two years in the business, Space FM 90.1 has endeared itself into the minds of many listeners with its people-friendly programmes. According to the head of the station, Elder Dada Ogundele, who described the influx of radio stations to Ibadan as a sign that the city is fast evolving, the return of social life and the rate at which commercial activities in the city have increased, necessitated the need for investors to move to Ibadan. He said further that the congestion in Lagos State is forcing a lot of investors to come down to Ibadan, adding that, these days, most people prefer to come to Ibadan to spend their weekends. According to him, social life is now returning to Ibadan and the entertainment sector is not left out. This, he said, is also responsible for the concentration of radio stations in Ibadan. Ogundele said that, with respect to grassroots broadcasting, the generality of the people have not really benefitted much , as radio stations did not give them what they really want in terms of the proper language of broadcasting. “Space FM is the first private trilingual radio station. Since its inception in February 2014, we have been transmitting in three languages, Pidgin, English and Yoruba. We relate with the masses. We have been able to stamp our authority in the area of bringing the people

Sometimes, the danger would have been done before we could take necessary action against the station that breached the code of conduct. In a situation where we have about 18 radio stations in Ibadan, it could be very difficult to monitor all their activities closer to their environment, and that’s one thing that makes a difference,” he said. Delta and its five stations A light research carried out by Sunday Tribune in Delta State revealed that there are about five FM Stations in the state and these five are based in Asaba, Warri and environs. They include government-owned Melody FM 88.6, located at Edjeba expressway, Warri, and Voice of Delta Radio, 97.9 FM, located in Asaba, the state capital. One privately-owned radio station is Crown FM 89.9, located at Airport Road in Warri. It is the first privatelyowned radio station in the state and touted as the leading light among the rest. J FM 95.1 is yet another private radio station situated at rural Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state. The fifth, as gathered, is Joko FM, 88.1, also located in Ughelli. By and large, residents of the state believe that five radio stations in a oil-rich state with many towns and cities are not enough. To them, the state should boast of more radio stations than it has at present. This, they observed, would engender socio-economic development and peace in the creeks and mainlands. Why many licences have been issued this year— NBC Sunday Tribune spoke with the Zonal Director of NBC, Mrs Pauline Ehusani, who said NBC issued more licenses towards the end of the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that issuance of the licenses paved way for the proliferation of radio stations. According to Ehusami, the commission was aware of the increase in the number of radio stations and had

recruited more and capable hands for proper monitoring of the stations. On the concentration of radio stations in Ibadan, Ehusami said those who had just been issued licenses had applied a long time ago, but the Federal Government did not release the licenses to them. “At the twilight of the tenure former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, more licenses were released and many people became owners of radio stations. Some of those people decided to establish their stations in Ibadan. The concentration in Ibadan became necessary because Lagos as of now is congested, and the next closest place is Ibadan. “Ibadan cannot be compared to Lagos; Lagos still has more licenses than any other state in the country. But you know, Ibadan is a capital city and it is close to Lagos, so most of the licenses given now were commercial ones. Broadcasting is capital intensive and people pay as much as N15 million for a license and they feel that with time, they can make their money back.” The challenge of monitoring stations Speaking on the commission’s efforts in monitoring the radio stations, Ehusani whose job, according to her keeps, her busy everyday of the week, said “It is a big challenge for the NBC because we have to monitor the programmes before we can regulate them. We are not like the censor’s board that examines movies before they are released or aired. For us, we have to listen before we take action. “Sometimes, the danger would have been done before we could take necessary action against the station that breached the code of conduct. In a situation where we have about 18 radio stations in Ibadan, it could be very difficult to monitor all their activities. But as we have always done, we have officers that monitor all broadcast stations, both television and radio and we try to be objective.” Also speaking on the monitoring of campus radio, Ehusani said the Federal Government recently approved licenses for campus radio, which is purely a community radio. “The Federal Government said tertiary institutions can own community radios, specifically for students in higher institutions to meet their needs in terms of educational programming. “Most of these campus radios are being run by professionals and we have a way of monitoring them, because their reach is not supposed to wide as a commercial radio. We dispatch our staff to campuses to monitor them closely so that they don’t take advertisement jingles, except promotional ones like announcement of an activity in the school.” • Additional Reports By Dapo Falade, Ebenezer Adurokiya, Akin Adewakun and Hakeem Gbadamosi.

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

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

homes&interior s r

Creating desired

shower

in a small space

VERY bathroom has to satisfy certain needs and, therefore, must include the basics: the sink and faucet, shower or bathing area, and the toilet. No matter how small the space, these things have to be shoved in there.Your small bathroom can be designed to look and function just as well as the rest of your great house. A few pointers that can help a tight, tiny space grow, visually. Lighting: Keep everything the same tone, colour and value as much as you can. For example: Don’t have dark walls and light tile (or vice versa), because this will chop up the space, visually, and make it seem smaller. However, if you do want some contrast, limit it to something that is more of an object in the space, like a low cabinet or a light fixture. Then that object will stand out as a feature, while everything else will recede and blend together as a backdrop. Paint the ceiling the colour of the walls: Painting everything a unifying colour will

make those unusual shapes disappear, and the space will visually expand. It cuts down on the number of transitions, thereby creating a cleaner, more expansive upper space in the room. Blending the tile to the wall also doubles your space in a small bathroom. Use clear glass in your shower: Textured glass can make a space feel like it has an extra wall. You may be able to get light in and have some privacy, but it will be a visual barrier within the room. Go big on the mirrors: Nothing makes a bathroom feel grander than a mirror that reaches to the ceiling. Trimmed out in wood or tile, a tall, expansive mirror with lighting installed on top of it, or hanging in front of it, will double the light’s impact and make the space grow. Don’t use double mirrors side by side the sinks, it will chop up the space. Go for plenty of natural light: Natural light in a master bathroom is always desirable. After all, nothing beats the feeling of walking into a bathroom in the morn-

ing and glorious sunshine being there to welcome you! (It helps with your make-up too.) I’ve seen many bathrooms with windows that have been covered with shutters, or some sort of blacked-out window covering, to create privacy, and either approach is just like walling up a window! Instead, cover a window with a translucent window shade, or a tone-on-tone stained glass window - that way, you can have natural light and privacy! Place mirrors strategically: We

all know that mirrors are only as good as what they reflect. One great idea is to place mirrors across from a window within the room. Doing so will make it visually seem like you have two windows in the same space!

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22 November, 2015

VER a decade back, a Nigerian Tribune reportercolleague laid siege to then Nicon-Noga Hilton (now Transcorp Hilton, property of once-prosperous President Olusegun Obasanjo-blindly-backed commerce behemoth, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria) to keep an early-morning interview appointment. His target was then-Comrade Adam Oshiomhole. Ostensibly fagged out from aluta of previous day and night, comrade couldn’t keep the appointment and the reporter’s numerous calls went unanswered. Famed for his interview capacity, the reporter who now fires from a North-Central state, refused the silent treatment and stayed put at the entrance door of comrade’s abode. According to what could be straightened out from different slants to the crisis emanating from the one-end standoff, comrade stepped out later completely oblivious that the reporter was the arikutaku (stubbornly insistent) kind. It was a morning of rage. The reporter is also known for short fuses. A then senior colleague who is now a Managing Director of another newspaper was contacted by the comrade, demanding “heavy” sanction for the truly “nosy” reporter. It was from the senior colleague who had affinity with comrade, that the reporter learnt that at such hour he visited, comrade didn’t like being “disturbed”. Comrade later became a puritanical governor. As a judicial reporter in Abuja about eight years ago, I spent good money trying to exclusively break the story of the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua preferring alleged corruption charge against Oshiomhole’s predecessorin-office, Lucky Igbinedion. With the benefits of hindsight, the stress, hell-on-my-tail driving to keep appointments and the expenditure, would not really worth it. First, it was a joint exclusive with another reporter and then our spending, by inclusive percentage, was almost same as the court-imposed fine on the alleged culprit. The two lead characters in the scenarios above are now lead speakers in alleged corruption narratives from Edo governance theatre, treating the deadened nation to alleged sleaze stories that would touch the heart for Lawrence Anini, the assumed saint-patron for certain political leaders in the state. Before Oshiomhole berthed in Edo politics, the state had an international red-light district reputation. Idia Renaissance, Lucky’s wife pet-project and Titi Atiku-backed, late Tunde Fagbohungbe-driven-WOTCLEF appeared to have ameliorated the fleshy macabre though imports from the state still headline international media reportage of the oldest human trade, with the usual tinge of western media Afro-phobia. The coming of bullet-bursting Oshiomhole and his limitless

ACCORDING to a consultant psychiatrist at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Michael Agbir, there has been a 30 per cent rise in psychiatric cases among the nation’s youths in the last four years. The shrink, who said the trend was more noticeable among ladies, traced the trend to issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, betrayal and increase in societal abuse, especially rape cases. He also identified pains during child birth as one of the other causes. The statistics is hardly a surprise but keen observers will note that it is not restricted to the female gender because on a daily basis, the army of young madmen and women who thronged Nigerian streets keeps rising. However, while there is no doubt about the effect of the factors highlighted by the psychiatrist on the mental stability or otherwise of an individual, it is also clear that the cause of this ugly trend in the nation transcends physical abuse; it is more as a result of emotional and psychological trauma. Anyone who picked up a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) form for the purpose of gaining admission into a tertiary institution does so believing that acquiring the additional qualification would enhance his or her chances of being gainfully employed and living a good life subsequently. So, he goes through the rigour of a higher institution hoping that on completion not only will he stand the chance of improving the quality of his life; he will also be able to positively affect a few people with his good fortune. However, if that does not happen first, second and third year after graduation, he begins to have a warped view of his self worth and ability. He begins to see himself as a failure. Before long, his mental fabric being weakened, he becomes despondent, depressed or even schizophrenic, especially if he comes across one or two of his school mates doing well while he remains an observer on the journey of life not because he chooses to but because the situation is forced upon him. All the tiers of government may generate as many rea-

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

The return of Anini (1)

Sunday Tribune

judicially-torpedo the professor who incidentally is now buddy with Oshiomhole, his conqueror, in APC and likely to be the incumbent’s anointed in next year’s governorship election. Debatably, the incumbent is a better politrician than those he met at the Edo political market square, considering his relative newness. But many would argue that he has always done things the politics way, since his days in labour unionism, where many would bet, is a more habitable haven for wayo (polit-tricks) than political parties. But is it Osho Baba’s fault that he had a better read of the peculiar Nigerian psyche, keying into it to preserve his politics, cure his deficits and sustain relevance? An outlandishly gullible citizenry, permanent feeding from the umbilical of humongously-corrupt media, wearied by irresponsible leadership, looted blind by pen-robbers who don’t sign cheques and collect bribes, but having filthy billions flowing into hidden accounts, weakened by the unending rape of its commonwealth, desirous of scape-goating, yet having to rely on grander thieves to help squeal on comrades who try to engage in “my loot is bigger than yours” syndrome. (To be continued).

Re: Oye Varsity, watzup?

capacity to speak without limit, especially when unleashing on opponents, has returned the state to the Anini sub-conscious, especially when names that should ordinarily beget respect are now mentioned. The story of Anini needs no re-telling. His memory holds joint top record with Ishola Oyenusi’s, as twin robbery-terror, though of different generations, with Anini notching it slightly higher with the (in)famous IBB presidential enquiry. At his coming into the state politics, Oshiomhole, without doubt, captured the imagination of Edolites with tales of alleged corruption by PDP men at centre from the state with Chief Tony Anenih as the face and PDP government in the state, represented by Lucky. The alleged corruption swansong didn’t stop with the coming of short-lived administration of Professor Oserheimen Osunbor. There were tales of Lucky helping Oshiomhole through the election against Osunbor following the loss of PDP platform to Anenih as well as standing by the then ACN candidate to

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Madmen and their handlers

sons, as they can fathom, for the rising incidence of unemployment in the country but these will cut no ice with the youth. The only thing that would interest them is the provision of employment opportunities. Until the government takes seriously the issue of creating and facilitating job opportunities for the youth, the rising rate of the young people going bunkers will not decline.

Your piece on Federal University, Oye as regards her fee regime was an eye-opener on the agony that those who paid peanuts to acquire all their degrees are bringing on the lives of hapless Nigerians. Whenever I remember that I paid N38 as tuition fee per session throughout my undergraduate days, for a sound and qualitative education compared to thousands being paid today to produce unemployable graduates, I feel sorry for the future of this nation. Public universities are meant to provide affordable education for the citizens. This is a fundamental function of government. A situation where fees are being employed to deny indigent people university education, will result in poverty of manpower but more importantly, production of miscreants who will make life unbearable for the rich and their children as being witnessed today as regards Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping for ransoms, violent armed robbery, ritual for money making , Internet fraud, baby factory etc. As a matter of fact, the money which government spends yearly to maintain security in this nation is more than the money needed to provide free education for the nation. UniOye isn’t a private university. Parents are free to ask questions from the school authorities on the exorbitant fees being charged. If there is an evidence of graft, this should be blown open. This is the only way to help Buhari’s administration in its fight against corruption. Adewuyi Adegbite. 07013065440

As if being out of employment sequel to the society’s planlessness is not punitive enough, the youth are also relentlessly assaulted by the seemingly unflagging and unending plundering of the nation’s patrimony. In Nigeria, it is another day, another scandal. And the perpetrators of these acts are averse to millions, they are now attracted to billions, especially if it is in dollars, and they scoop same from the treasury with impunity. The anti-corruption agencies have fainted; it is only when there is a blow of wind that they temporarily regain consciousness only to relapse after a while. Now, isn’t the aroma of a delicious meal, not within the reach of a very hungry person, a punishment potent enough to unfasten the screws of his brain and push him into the world of the deranged? Isn’t deprivation in the midst of opulence an invitation to lunacy? Isn’t a life of languor forced on the able and brawny a motivation to journey into the illusory realm offered by psychosis? The land is not just of pervasive helplessness, it is also of insidious hopelessness. With living in Nigeria becoming increasingly nasty, brutish and short as a result of rising insecurity of life and property, the number of the psychotic in the country has also swollen. Many Nigerians are paranoid at night because of armed robbers. There are Nigerians who pray fervently before embarking on a trip to their bank to make a withdrawal of less than N10,000 for fear of being attacked by dynamite-wielding daylight armed robbers. Many consider taking a stroll on the street a dangerous adventure for the fear of kidnappers, while they see going to the motor park as a suicide mission because of the likelihood of a lurking bomber. Now, when a person lives perpetually with fear when will he not need to persistently visit a shrink? As often portrayed in Nollywood films, there is hardly a difference between the lunatic and their handlers. So, if more Nigerians are becoming insane, pray what is the state of the minds of their rulers?

22 November, 2015

I’m not

gay,

I am a father of three —Sexy Steel

Sunday Tribune

Davido, Wizkid absent at AFRIMA

Day a fan asked me for phone sex

—Adeola Ayoade

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

Davido, Wizkid absent at AFRIMA

As Tinubu is honoured

ORMER Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was honoured as The Pillar of Arts and Culture in Africa at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA on Sunday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The plaque was presented to Tinubu by Ambassador Wale Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs, African Union on behalf of the organiser. The former governor, in his appreciation, said AFRIMA had shown that there were cultural assets that could be harnessed and appreciated in the African diversity. “AFRIMA has demonstrated how African talents can be brought together to promote peace, wealth and prosperity in the country,” he said. Speaking further, Tinubu said we are demonstrating to the rest of the world that culture, talent and artistry are unifiers. The unity of Africa is demonstrated here tonight. This is a great opportunity and demonstration that the young ones, the youth across Africa, are our future and you can do more to unite us with culture around the world. “We can walk out of poverty. We

can defeat and break the shackles of ignorance and disease by recognising and promoting our talents. Each time you turn on the television and open your heart to the need of our youths, you will see the economic opportunity of these talented youths blossoming. “In the last five years, the contributions of youth and culture increased tremendously. The contributions from our artists are phenomenal now,” he added.

34 awards were handed out at the ceremony where Cameroonian and Tanzania artistes, Charlotte Dipanda and Diamond Platnumz, emerged winners with three awards respectively. Tanzanian music act, Diamond Platnumz, was the biggest winner on Sunday. He won the ‘Artiste of the Year’, beating Nigeria’s Olamide, Yemi Alade, Wizkid Davido and others to the award. The ‘Bongo’ crooner also

scooped the awards for the “Best Male in Eastern Africa” and “Song Of the Year” awards respectively. Yemi Alade emerged winner of the “Best Female Act West Africa” category, while Olamide scooped the award for the “Best Male Act West Africa.” Darey Art-Alade, Praiz, Adekunle Gold, and Kiss Daniel, also won different categories on the night. Davido and Wizkid were not at the ceremony as many had been made to believe.

Superstory, Jumia reward Nigerians SUPERSTORY has teamed up with JUMIA in a strategic partnership aimed at rewarding families with N5,000 vouchers to purchase a wide range of items from the online sales outfit The Jumia/Superstory promo Watch & Win, which commenced last week, will continue to reward one viewer each week with till the end of December, 2015. To win, viewers only need to watch each episode of Superstory TV drama till the end, answer the questions asked at the end of the episode and submit it online. According to Wale Adenuga Jr., Managing Director of WAP, JUMIA and SUPERSTORY are two brands with a strong passion for the welfare of families in the country. We have partenered the outfit again to give out these vouchers as one of the ways we can show our appreciation for their support and continued loyalty over the years. These vouchers would also come in handy at the JUMIA Black Friday, November 27, when shoppers would be treated to amazing deals and bonanzas.

Olamide, Wizkid nominated for NMVA 2015 THE organizers of the annual Nigerian Music Video Awards, NMVA have released the nominees’ list for the 2015 edition of the awards. In its 9th edition, top Nigerian music stars who scored nominations across different categories of the award include rave of the moment, Olamide, HKN Gang frontline act, Davido, Yemi Alade, Wizkid, and more. Best Rnb Video Banky W – High Notes Cohbams – Ordinary People Praiz – Lost In You Simi – Tiff Timi Dakolo – Wish Me Well Best Highlife Video Flavour – Sexy Rosey Harrysong – Raggae Blues Kayq – Wedding Day Kiss Daniel – Laye Ruffcoin – Eriwa Zucee – African Lady Best Soft Rock / Alternative Video Adekunle Gold – Sade Aramide – Iwo Ni Kan Dijja – Awww Ed Izycs – Celebration Olamide – Melo Melo Simi – Jamb Question Best Gospel Video Biodun Ajanaku – Tofunmi Frank Edward – Okaka

Humblesmith – Osinachi Joe El – Chwukwudi Mike Aremu – Vow Tim Godfrey – Amen Rmx Best Afrobeat Video Burna Boy – Soke Real Pee Ajaba – Ajaba Eeh Tjan – Love You So Rmx Wizkid – Ojuelegba Best Raggae/Dancehall Video Harrysong – Ofeshe Lanboginny – Broken

Mr 2Kay – Bad Girl Special Rmx Patoranking – My Woman Sheyi Shay – Right Now Timaya – Sanko Best Afro Hip Hop Video Chidinma – Lorry Dotman – Melo Falz – Karishika Masterkraft- Indomine Mi – Bullion Van Olamide – Awon Goons Mi Best Afro Pop Video Orezi – Shupreru Remix Oristefemi – Igbeyawo

Skuki – Forever Tipsy – O Wunmi Wande Coal – Ashimapeyin Best Video By A New Artiste Adekunle Gold – Sade Joana – Okoro Kiss Daniel – Laye Myro – Ngala Video Of The Year Adekunle Gold – Orente Simi – Tiff Skuki – Forever Timi Dakolo – Wish Me Well Vector – Kingkong Remix

Frankie Free ‘Turns Off The Lights’ Wasbar Records signee, Frankie Free, Pasuma Wonder’s record label, has released his second single entitled “Turn Off The Lights.” Frankie’s latest offering is a subtle delivery from Great Adamz with vocal rendition done by Sharon Johnson and complemented by DJ Toxis instrumentation, has become the fan’s delight as the song is presently rocking clubs in Lagos. The video, directed by Dele Ishola, is set to be released and would be closely followed with the Skukifeatured video of “Gbege” and the Minjin-assisted “Sweet Melo.”

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Dance group dazzles with Iwalewa By Seyi Sokoya At the Lagos Creative Industry Fair, Multichoice Africa brought Nollywood personalities to discuss with, and enlighten an audience in a capacity building workshop on ‘Film, Television and Nollywood’, just as Qudus Onikeku shone at the fair. The event had Desmond Elliot, Ramsey Nouah, Ireti Doyle, Lancelot Imasuen and Lilian Amah as the panelists of the discussion. Guests spoke on capacity building within Nollywood, television and the movie industry to help structure and improve the industry for investment and distribution opportunities, just as they called for more structure within the industry, more cinemas across Nigeria, stronger distribution models, skill exchanges, relationships among directors, producers, talent; and enforcement of existing piracy laws. The members of the panel expressed appreciation to DSTV for providing a television platform that has helped to improve the quality of film production, and positively drive the movie industry in Africa.

After over a decade studying and working in France, Qudus’s dance group, Q Dance Centre, was the cynosure of all eyes at the recently held international Fair where a

medley of poetry, classical music, blue funk and dance was showcased seamlessly. The theme of the performance, “Iwalewa”, resonates with the

challenges of humanity as beauty in imperfection., he told R. Two deaf dancers, dumb, lame dancer and one plagued with sclerosis, showcased Iwalewa.

Asa, Diamond, Ndidi Nwuneli, Sangu Delle, others are TFA ambassadors

HE Future Awards Africa has announced Bukonla ‘Asa’ Elemide (Nigeria), music producer Michel ‘Don Jazzy’ Ajere (Nigeria), Tara Fela Durotoye (Nigeria), Ndidi Nwuneli (Nigeria), as ambassadors. The ambassadors are a cast of past winners of the awards across business, development, governance and the creative industries. “These 10 African icons have been selected from East, West and South Africa because they represent the essence of TFAA,” says Sean Obedih, a member of the awards Central Working Committee in Ghana. “They speak to the best that Africa has, but more importantly their lives work have inspired millions to take charge of their destinies and to get involved in rebuilding their communities and their countries. There are no better ambassadors than these to drive our message as we celebrate 10 years of the awards and prepare for 10 more years of impact,” he added. The ambassadors are expected to drive the 10th anniversary campaign of TFA through events targeted at galvanizing global trust to solve problems across Africa. Other ambassadors are Nnaemeka Ikeguonu (Nigeria), Sangu Delle (Ghana), Patrick Ngowi (Tanzania), singer, Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania), Fogblanbenchi Lily Harity (Cameroon), and lawmaker Oramait Alengoil (Uganda) as ambassadors. “The question we are driving people to answer is very simple,” says singer Asa. “If Africa is rising and GDPs are growing, then why are so many young Africans still desperately leaving Africa?

Added Alengoil: “There is plenty to celebrate in the work TFAA has done over the past 10 years in Africa, but there is so much work left to be done,”

As part of the 10th anniversary campaign, TFAA launched a 100city tour to build 100 hubs across the continent over the next one year. The hubs will partner with

local non-governmental organisations to solve problems community by community. It will be launched officially at the awards this year on December 6, 2015.

‘Seyi or Shay’ album out DAYS after hosting a private listening party for her debut album, Seyi Shay’s album “Seyi or Shay” can now be purchased on iTunes. The album, which consists of 18 track compilation, features Cynthia Morgan, Phyno, Sound Sultan, Wizkid, Olamide, Shaydee, Patoranking, Timaya, Femi Kuti,

D’Banj, Banky W and Iyanya. In the album, Shay expresses her two sides, Seyi and Shay. The album also features producers like Grammy award winning Harmony Sammuels, Del B, Hugo, Dokta Frabs, Legendury Beat, Pheelz, TY Mix amongst others.

“Q Dance Centre’s philosophy of dance is a weapon just like Fela Kuti used music as a weapon. Since I started Q Dance Centre two years ago, it has been challenging and rewarding. We want to do purely artistic work and engage the community.” Qudus Onikeku says that he was inspired to learn the arts in France and then come to implement it, hence the forming of Q Dance Centre. “I believe in the arts industry here so I came back because I belIeve we are the ones that will effect change. You can equally be in France and tour the whole cities in France for years because there are theatres everywhere. We have about 100 theatres scattered around the country but here we don’t have that system. With an enabling environment created by the government, the industy will be better for it,” he said.

Waliyah in ‘Rumour Has It’ A UK-based Nigerian pop singer, Waliyah Adetokunbo, known as Waliyah, has released ‘Rumours Has It’, into the Nigerian market. The song is her first single. The Ogun State indigene who has spent six years of her musical life writing songs in London after earning a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering in the UK is set to return to Nigeria to begin a career path in music. “I have been shuttling the music scenes of Lagos, London and LA for a while now. I also attended music writing seminars with Pharrel Williams and other world famous music stars. Within these few years, I have explored, learnt and had great opportunities. It’s been amazing all the way. My next plan is to come home to work with Nigeria’s finest producers. So far, I have worked with Sarz, Tee Y, K9 (Kokoma), Sam Klef and TK. Music is my passion and also what I live for it. I really have a lot in stock for my fans out there,” she said. The video is presently being shot in London.

A Past Came Calling TO continue the war on the eradication of violence against women and to commemorate this year’s International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25th), Mainevents and Campaigns Limited in collaboration with The Simi Johnson Foundation, will activate a stage play entitled ‘A Past Came Calling’. The play is produced by Gbemi Sha-

sore, who also produced the stellar stage play, “AJAI–The Boy Slave”) and stars Joke Silva and Kemi Lala Akindoju. The one-act play, which will be staged on November 27 and 28 at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, tells the story of a woman with a dark secret she has guarded for long until she is threatened with exposure. This piece

delves into many of the topical issues that affect all and are intricately woven into the story with a view to informing, correcting and entertaining.

22 November, 2015

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

I’m not

gay,

I am a father of three —Sexy Steel

Abiodun Abuede, famously known as Sexy Steel, is a multi-talented individual. He’s an actor, musician, footballer, award-winning barber and he also runs an exclusive celebrity fashion label called Needles & Stitches. In this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, Steel who hails from Delta State and studied Fine Arts at The Polytechnic, Ibadan speaks on life and career.

T is really hard to believe that you starred in your first movie in 1989, how did it happen? There is nothing hard about it. I starred in my first movie in 1989, because I grew up in a movie home. My dad was a producer. He was responsible for most of the effects you see in movies those days. He did all the special effects in Baba Sala’s Orun Mooru. I remember he did the effects in Ireke Onibudo. I also remember his effects in ‘A dinner with the Devil’. You can imagine growing up in that kind of home, where everybody was introduced to arts at a very tender age. In fact, movie practitioners used our house for their locations, and that was responsible for how I featured in the movie in 1989. In fact, it was one of the first cinema movies that came out at that time.

aged to stay relevant. That is a big feat. What have you been getting right? Entertainment, to me, is all about consistency. Another fact is that you have to be patient, if you lose your calm, you will fall off the track abysmally. You will agree with me that a lot of people have come and gone, but I am still here. Why am I still here? I am not here because I am the best, but I have been consistently passionate about the entertainment industry, and this brings about my creativity. This is what I have always wanted to do, no matter the obstacles or challenges that come my way, I am not moved; I am always focused. A lot of people see me as an upcoming artiste every time, because I am always relevant. Getting to the top is really not the problem, staying relevant on top is the most important thing for any celebrity.

What was your father’s reaction to your introduction to acting at that age? He was not against it, because he encouraged me to take after him. My father wanted me to step into his shoes, and I am glad that I did. That’s part of the reason I am still doing what I am doing today.

It is even more surprising that you don’t drop songs and videos all the time like some of your colleagues do… Some people don’t see you as a serious artiste… (Cuts in…) I don’t have to drop songs and videos all the time to stay relevant. If you know me very well, you must have discovered that I only drop two or three songs every year. Sometimes, I even drop just one song

From 1989 till date, you have man-

and I am done for the year. I believe that if you take your time to work on a song, it shouldn’t just die a natural death like most of the songs you listen to today. If you listen to songs by King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and even Fela Anikulapo, you will discover that these people have evergreen songs that you can’t fault or do away with. They took their time to arrange and compose their songs before they drop them. That’s the path I am toeing. I don’t want to drop a song that will fade out the next day. I love to do evergreen songs. My song, ‘Bebedi Alhaja’ fetched me a lot of awards in one night at the Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA). Till today, the song remains one of the best in Nigeria. That song would not have been a success if not for hard work and patience that I put into it. The song is almost four years now. So, basically, carving a niche for yourself is very important in whatever you do. Dropping songs every other month is a waste of resources. The trend in the industry today is that you have to keep dropping new songs and nice videos to remain on top of your game. They don’t see it as a waste of resources, because to them, that’s how to keep drawing more resources…

You are right but that’s not really the point. I think mine is different, because when I drop one song, I switch immediately to another venture that brings me money. Don’t forget I am also an actor and I have got a clothing line too; I am a fashionista. If I drop one or two songs, I support the songs with the proceeds I make from my fashion business and acting. Even if music is the only thing I do, I don’t have to drop songs all the time. Especially now that most of these artistes don’t take their time to write good songs. They only care about dropping new songs and move to another one. For instance, when 9ice dropped ‘Gongo Aso’, it was a hit song and till tomorrow, anywhere they play that song, it will still sound fresh. I take my time to listen to a lot of artistes and study their songs. I don’t go to club because I want to drink or smoke. I have never smoked or drank in my life. I go to club to listen to music from different artistes. I am always looking for something different. I like to have my sound. I want people to follow me; I don’t like following trends. If I am to drop any song, I always take my time to write my songs, find a melodic and captivating sound that will suit my style and drop it for my fans. In the next few weeks, I am goContinues on pg21

21 glitz

22 November, 2015

‘Music industry is full of fake people’

When I want to introduce myself, I don’t say Sexy Steel. I always say I go by the name Steel, but ladies call me Sexy Steel. I think the ladies like the fact that I am so straight. ferent kinds of women everyday, who come to tell you how much they care and love you. But how do you really know who cares about you now? Most of them come because they know you are rich and you can play around with money. So, I am glad that I’d been married before fame and money came. A true wife will stay with you when you have nothing and won’t misbehave when you have more than you guys can handle. Would you be having another baby? Baby number four? No way! Dem dey take dem decorate house? I am done with having babies. God has blessed me with both sexes, so what else could I be possibly looking for? I have got two boys and a girl.

Continues from pg20

ing to drop another single, then next year, I might drop four to five videos, because I will be working towards my album launch by March next year. It would be launched first in London, then Nigeria before I embark on a US tour next year. So, everything has been planned. Let me talk about your style, which some people actually believe is being tailored after Bobby Brown’s is that true? I like Bobby Brown’s hair cut.I won’t deny that fact. It is not that I am trying to look like him, but I like coming out with my own hair style. I don’t want to do what everybody does. I like to come out withmy own fresh ideas. It is very important that you have your own style, so that when people want to describe you, they will know how to describe you. I don’t want to appear like every regular person you have come across. You are called Sexy Steel, how did you come about a name like that? To be honest with you, I didn’t start with Sexy Steel. I came up with the name Steel when I was in the secondary school. My friends would tell me I am as strong as steel. They will say this guy is like a metal. So, when I was going fully into music, I was looking for a new name that could suit what I could do. I still didn’t add Sexy to my Steel. I think after

some years in music, the ladies started adding Sexy to my Steel. I don’t even know why they added Sexy to it, but I like it anyway. I believe sexiness is attached to the opposite sex, what’s so sexy about you? When I want to introduce myself, I don’t say Sexy Steel. I always say I go by the name Steel, but ladies call me Sexy Steel. I think the ladies like the fact that I am so straight. At a point you were said to be gay, because of your appearances… Did you say gay? That’s ungodly and I will never be part of it. That I am straight and slim does not in any way imply that I am gay. I don’t encourage such dastardly act. It is evil. I am a fashionista. Many people like to see me appear the way I appear. Let me shock you, I have three kids already and I enjoy the fact that I am married to a woman and not a man. It is weird to suggest that I am gay. How do you feel being a father of three kids? I am not getting any younger. Settling down and raising kids is what everybody should do. That’s the essence of our existence. I know some celebrities will say they won’t get married until they have millions of naira inside their bank accounts. To me, one has to do the needful on time and get done with it. The truth is that as an established artiste, it is difficult to settle down, because you meet dif-

How does your wife feel when she hears ladies call her husband sexy? We were friends for nine years before we decided to get married. If you are a wife and you always try to find a fault in your husband, the marriage can never last. I am not saying I am perfect, but I am glad she understands me more than anybody. She understands the kind of job I do. She knows there will be secret admirers. All the comments she reads on my Instagram page, she understands me and the work I do. It is not that she’s cool with everything she sees, but we know how to handle our thing very well. But you relocated your family to the United Kingdom, why? There is no any special reason for that. Trust me; I want the best of education for my kids. My mum and siblings are resident in the UK. I really need the concentration to do my business. Would your wife be a distraction if she was in Nigeria? She can’t be a distraction. I told you we courted for nine years before we got married. I want my family to have access to the best of life. God gave me the kids and I am sure He won’t give me stones to feed them. They are the reason I work hard every day and night. I know I need to work harder. Who would your female celebrity crush be? I don’t have crush on any of them. I don’t even want to tell you. You studied Fine Art at The Polytechnic Ibadan, whose idea was it? My dad was an artist. My dad was the one that did the Awolowo statue at the Awolowo roundabout. If you are very conversant with Ijebu very well, the Odutola statue in Ijebu Ode was done by him. So, I got all that from him. He was the first marble sculptor in Africa. When it was time for me to go to higher institution, I knew I could not have chosen

Sunday Tribune

something else but Fine Arts. My dad actually wanted me to take after him. Art is something I like to do very well. I had admission from University of Ibadan as well, but I was told the best place I could get the best of arts was at The Polytechnic Ibadan, and I opted for it. Are you not worried that with your years of experience and relevance in the entertainment industry, you are yet to tie down any deal with top brands as an ambassador? They say time will tell. People always say that the person wey buy motor has bought the old model. I have been approached many times, but because I know my worth and what’s good for me, I won’t settle for less. I am a complete entertainer, you can’t approach me the same way you will approach any other artiste. I have got like three packages in one. I am actor, musician and designer. So, I think I deserve more. When the time comes, you have to make a statement. The scouts approaching artistes know the criteria they are looking for, so I believe with time, it will come. Maybe you don’t have what they need? Do you think I don’t have what they need? I believe you need more social media presence and concentrate more on your music career. Look at all the ambassadors out there, you can compare and contrast. If it is about presentation, you know I am on top of the game. You may be right about the social media thing but the fact is that I am not freak by social media. I only joined Instagram about two years ago. A lot of people have tried to reach me on Instagram but they don’t know how to reach me. When you are talking about being presentable for any brand, you know I am very much on top of the game. A lot of the brands have been talking to me, but I won’t just sign any deal for the sake of it. What’s your relationship with other artistes like? I treat every one of them accordingly. I don’t belong to any clique. I love to stay on my lane. You have released hit songs over the years, at least Sisi is one of those songs that really took your career to a new height, but do you think you have been getting the right support from your colleagues? Let me say this today, there is no loyalty anywhere. Artistes don’t want to associate themselves with you if you are not relevant. They see everything that you do. They monitor your progress in the industry, especially when you drop new songs. But because most of them don’t love you, they would act like you don’t exist. They do not want to pay attention to what you are doing. They may see you as a threat, but when your fans now start showing you love by trooping out to your shows or liking your pictures and stuff on Instagram, they will be forced to appreciate what you have been doing. Most of the artistes in Nigeria are fake. Only few of them are real. They pretend to be your friend, but they are not. When my songs were not heard, they never came to me. But now that I have a couple of songs that people really love, they are now approaching me, asking me to let us have a remix of my song. It is not the right thing. I am going to use Patoranking as an example, when he was hustling; nobody was there to support him. We all knew Patoranking is a talent, but none of them gave him the chance. I am sure he spoke to so many artistes to jump on his songs, but they turned him down. Now that God has blessed him, many artistes are approaching him for collaborations. Where were they when the guy was hustling?

22 November, 2015

entartainment

Sunday Tribune with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Tope Sax, C&S Choir for ‘A Night with Jesus’ By Rita Okonoboh

‘RIVERS BETWEEN’ set to be premiered By Hannah Sasodje

Top Nollywood personalities gathered for another bulk-buster movie titled ‘Rivers Between’ which was packaged by Beehay Media Concepts Nigeria Limited is expected to premiere in 2016 before it starts screening in cinemas across the country. The movie ‘ Rivers Between’ was produced by fast-rising Nollywood actress, Bose Alao Omotoyossi, who is the wife of the Nigerian-born Beninese soccer star, Rasak Omotoyossi and directed by Chris Eneaji, starring Ibinabo Fiberesima, Segun Arinze, Akin Lewis, Don Patrik, Tolu Awobiyi, Foluke Daramola, Belinda Effah and many more. The star-studded movie ‘River Between’ is a story of two countries in Africa region; (The Republic of Belenda and the Republic of Libertoire), fighting over a piece of land in a town called Baini, the town which bonds the two countries together as neighbour. Meanwhile, the presidents of the two countries have been using all leverages but to no avail due to the help of a patriot between them. And the first lady of the Republic of Belenda is in sizzling romance with the Libertoire’s president, which makes the rivalry between them more tedious. Rivers Between, is a story that portraits love, trust, betrayals and blood, was scripted by Gbenga Adesanya and shoot within Lekki – Epe metropolitan area of Lagos State.

Dance with Peter contestants challenged on Afrobeat By Rotimi Ige

ance with Peter reality TV show sponsored by Globacom last Saturday took the route of Afrobeat in a contest tagged ‘Afrobeat Street Challenge. The talented dancers were saddled with the task of doing trending African street dance steps such as Azonto, Alanta, Skelewu, Galala, Sekem, Shakiti and many others. They were to perform the dance steps choosing any African music. The 15 remaining members of the academy were trained by the three substantive judges comprising dance choreographer, Don Flexx, dance queen, Kaffy, and PSquare twin, Peter

Okoye. Team Flex comprised MX, Yemi, Kevin, TRubber, Nekky and GExtreme;Team Kaffy had Paulette, Messiah, Julius Faktah and Amazing Amy, while Team Peter comprised C-Fly, Miracle, Tee Jay, Da Octopus and Bobby Blankson. Dancer Miracle performed Toofan’sGweta and May D’s Ibadi, MX did JJC’sMotiwa and Da Octopus performed Konga’s Kabaka. For Teejay, it was Omawumi’s Somori, G-Extreme who performed Lil Keshi’s Gbese, C-Fly chose Cabo Snoop’s Prakatatumba as Nekky performed PSquare and Awilo’sEnemy Solo. Messiah went for DJ Spi-

nall’s Excuse me; T-Rubber performed Koffi Olomide’s Eta Major; Kelvin did DJ Arafat’s Chebele, while Julius Faktah performed Toofan’s Orobo as Amazing Amy did Almok’s Gweta. Afro pop singer, Burna Boy, who came as guest judge on the show expressed pleasant surprise at the energy and theatrics of the housemates who battled to remain in the academy as the battle has become stiffer. Burna Boy was particularly impressed by MX’s ability to switch dance steps and easy transit making him to exclaim, “that was really good MX, how did you do that? I’m really impressed, keep it up.”

For the third time in eight years, Olorunmoteni Temitope, popularly known as Tope Sax by his fans will be ministering in songs to tens of thousands of worshippers at ‘A Night with Jesus,’ an annual crusade of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church worldwide. The annual interdenominational crusade, organised under the auspices of ‘A Night with Jesus’ Evangelical Ministry, an independent evangelical arm of the church, popularly referred to as ‘the Aladuras, features various renowned music ministers like Tope Alabi, Pastor Kingsley Ike, Bisi Alawiye and the Midnight Crew yearly as part of its activities. The prolific song writer who ministers mainly through the saxophone will be making his third appearance at the crusade, having featured twice in previous editions. Tope, a graduate of Chemical Engineering who has chosen a career in mu-

Music is my life —KC Pozzy Bamise Ademola

From all indications, one of Nigeria’s fast-rising pop stars, KC Pozzy is taking his music career seriously. Pozzy was abandoned at the age of ten to fend for himself and had to learn life through the streets of

Seun Egbegbe speaks on romance with Toyin Aimahku By Segun Adebayo

The last may not have been heard about Toyin Aimahku’s alleged romance with CEO Ebony Films, Seun Egbegbe. Toyin has told those who cared to listen that she was not ready to jump into any new relationship for now, adding that those who were spreading the false rumour would be dissapointed. A new dimension to their sizzling romance emerged this week

when a statement credited to Seun Egbegbe suggested that the new lovers may decide to marry each other. Despite Toyin’s public denial last week, Egbegbe appears to be thinking otherwise. When asked about the possibility of marrying Toyin, whose marriage to Niyi Johnson is currently hanging in the balance, Egbegbe said “I’m looking at that area. We may decide to marry. It has been awesome in my life within the short period of time Toyin and I have

sic, has an array of albums to his credit and is the founder of Absolute Worship Ministries and the visionary/pioneer member of Just Jazz Club, popularly known as JJC. Also ministering at the event is the C & S A Night with Jesus choir and this year’s crusade is scheduled to hold at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Friday, November 27, 2015 under the theme “Total Transformation” and is expected to be attended by Christian faithful across the nation, and especially, members of the Cherubim and Seraphim.

been together again.” A source who is close to Egbegbe told E that Toyin and Seun had known each other for a long time, even before Toyin got married to Johnson. “In fact, Toyin and Seun had both travelled to Dubai together twice before and currently, I know Toyin drives Seun’s Range Rover around Lagos. My probem with Toyin is not that she’s dating Seun, my concern is that she should take care of her falling marriage first before running after Seun,” the source said.

Lagos, but his perseverance and passion for music enabled him to sing his way out of his problems into the United Kingdom (UK) where he was exposed to multi-cultural landscape which ultimately fuelled his creative intrigue and love for the diversity of music. Speaking on his passion for music and how he intends to break into the music industry, the man who sees himself as the superstar in making said ““I just want to contribute to this great industry and art, as music makes up such a fundamental part of who I am”.

22 November, 2015

sundayzest

Sunday Tribune

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

Boko Haram is a Nigerian problem and not a priority of the West

RIOR to September 11, 2001, terrorism was not a word learnt in kindergarten and most adult went about their businesses without using the word but as the world watched two hijacked commercial passenger jet airliners by al-Qaeda crashed into the twin towers of the United States killing 2,973 people, terrorism became a word frequently used by the general public. The relentless largescale international attacks by radical Muslim fanatics from London, Madrid, Paris, Moscow, Norway, Boston, Nigeria, Kenya, Yemen and New Delhi also made terrorism a commonplace in everyday life. In response to these attacks, a “War on Terror” emerged with the West doing everything it takes to protect lives and prevent terrorist attacks, however, it seems the West’s zero tolerance for terrorism excludes Nigeria. If nothing else, the sheer magnitude of the show of solidarity with France after the Paris attack last Friday when suicide bombers and gunmen carried out a nearsimultaneous attack on bars, restaurants, a concert hall and sports stadium killing 129 people and left hundreds of people injured shows how much their lives matter. The British press went all out; most papers dedicated more than a dozen pages to

the story, plus additional articles and columns. Facebook enabled a feature that allowed people overlay a French flag on their profile photo and also activated safety check, which enables Facebook users announce their wellbeing after a mishap in troubled zone. Other tech-companies also stood in solidarity with France; twitter, Google, Skype all extended a helping hand. Amazon changed its homepage to show solidarity with France, eBay expressed support by plastering a “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” across its site. Four days after Paris was the Yola attack by Boko Haram in Adamawa state of Nigeria. At least 32 people are believed dead and 80 people injured. Though Facebook activated its safety check, the report on the attack was but a footnote same as other attacks that keeps getting brutal. Like every hashtag, #Bring Back Our Girlstrended for a time, and was used over one million times by everyone from the first lady of the United State, Michelle Obama to Harry Potter actress, Emma Watson. Eventually people moved on from it though majority of the girls remain missing. There is no difference between Paris and Yola attacks. Both attacks were orchestrat-

ed by terrorist groups and people died. So, why does it seem as if France is favoured over Nigeria? Unlike Nigeria, France is united. When Paris bleeds, the whole country bleeds. Nigeria is only united by name. Southerners seem not to care about what is happening in the North and vice-versa. Boko Haram is seen as Muslims killing Muslims in the north with the exception of the bombing of churches. Nigeria is like two different countries. Whilst the North is in turmoil, everywhere else is relatively peaceful. Caring about the happenings in the North is like an afterthought unless you have families out there. We cry bias while championing it but do not care enough to effect any change. If we do not care about ourselves how can outsiders care for lives not valued? Some have argued that Nigeria is interwoven by marriage, and are united due to this link. However, empathy based on relation is no empathy. The group is said to have been used by politicians to cause havoc in aid of their political ambitions. Boko Haram did not start as a sophisticated group. According to reports, poverty, illiteracy and lack of governmental support created the group. John Campbell, former

US Ambassador to Nigeria sums it up nicely when he accused the Nigerian government of alienating the north. “The Boko Haram insurgency,” Campbell explains, “is a direct result of chronic poor governance by Nigeria’s federal and state governments, the political marginalisation of north-eastern Nigeria, and the region’s accelerating impoverishment.” Boko Haram is getting more audacious with each passing day but their actions are yet to be felt internationally like those of ISIS or al-Qaeda as long as they keep their atrocities within the borders of Africa, the West will only pass on the hashtags mainly because we have tied their hands. Due to accusations and proof of human rights violations by the Nigerian military, the United States can only provide limited support so as not to breach their Leahy Law which states; “No assistance shall be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights”. Although the Global Terrorism Index places Boko Haram as the deadliest terrorist organisation in the world with the killing of 6,644 people in 2014, almost all its victims are Africans.

22 November, 2015

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Photo: www.blog.gotstyle.ca

How to knot a tie

Matching

ties to shirts

T is not unusual for men to find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to matching shirts to ties. For those who have the ‘fortune’ of being stuck in a work environment where it is against the rule to wear a tieless shirt to work, then it become a burden matching ties to shirts without breaking certain fashion rules. Fashion writer, Will Coleman, shares tips for matching shirts and ties: According to him, “The best place to start is with the colour wheel. The colour wheel offers you a visual representation of every shade and, more importantly, the similar, complementary and contrasting colours of each. It’s all very simple really: the sections on either side of the colour in question are similar, directly opposite is complementary and contrasting hues are separated by three sections of the wheel.”

Choosing ties White shirts: Go for a tie with darker shades and which has character. The possibilities are nearly endless. Sky Blue Shirts: Try darker patterned or textured ties in the same family. A knitted navy version or navy polka dot tie is ideal; orange is a complementary colour and a burnt orange tie works particularly well with a sky blue shirt; both yellow and red are contrasting hues, so ties in shades of burgundy/oxblood or mustard/gold look great set against this shirt colour. These could be solid ties or mixed with navy (think club stripes); green is a similar colour to blue – try a dark forest green tie if you want to make a refined and effortless statement. Pale Pink Shirts: Similar colours include mauve and purple. Green is complementary, and a matte khaki shade is a bold choice that will really separate your look from the crowd; Blue is a contrasting colour; another choice is a predominantly navy tie, whether solid or pat-

terned. Striped Shirts: Block-colour ties are the obvious goto – whether in similar, contrasting or complementary shades – but when you want to branch out into pattern mixing there is just one key rule to remember: always vary the size/scale of the patterns you combine. Thin striped shirts should be combined with larger patterned ties and wide striped shirts (think butcher’s stripe) should be paired with smaller, more intricate motifs. Stripes also work perfectly well with other stripes, again, so long as they aren’t the same size. Simply vary

Colour wheel

Photo: www.famousoufits.com

the orientation of the stripes you combine. For instance, a vertical striped shirt can be paired with a horizontal or diagonal striped tie. This offers a clear contrast and helps to differentiate each piece. Otherwise, polka dots, paisley and geometric designs are all fair game. It all comes down to personal preference, so try out different pattern combinations and see what encapsulates your personality and approach to style best. Checked Shirts: While stripes require a bigger or smaller pattern depending on their width, a check shirt always requires a bigger pattern on your tie to avoid it becoming lost. The exception here is a window pane check, which is similar to a pencil stripe and offers much more flexibility due to the scale being so large and the pattern so subtle. Small gingham check shirts are the most traditional and dress code-friendly on the market, yet those who work in strict formal offices may even find this type of shirt too casual. If your gingham shirt features a classic white base, bear in mind the colour matching principles outlined above and opt for a tie that is in a similar, contrasting or complementary shade to the check colour. For example, a navy tie looks great with a sky blue or pink gingham check shirt. If you opt for larger tartan/plaid versions, the key is to pick out one of the more subtle base tones in your shirt with a solid, block-colour tie. Just remember to keep the shade darker than the colour present in the shirt itself. Stripes are perfectly acceptable to combine with check shirts. Choose a tie with a big bold stripe so that it can easily compete with the pattern on the shirt and, again, make sure that one of the colours present in the stripes is the same as one of the secondary hues used on the shirt. Polka dots can also work well if you follow the same principles. Avoid more intricate patterns such as paisley or geometrics as they are likely to create an optical illusion for anyone taking a cursory look at your unfortunate shirt and tie combination.

voxpop

22 November, 2015

What if you found a bag containing $200,000 and no other person is in sight? The harsh economy Nigeria is currently experiencing, has made life difficult for many people. But what if providence suddenly opens the door of opportunity and you find a bagful of foreign currency, what would you do? TEMITAYO ILIASU, HANNAH SASODJE, BUKOLA IPINMOROTI, and BAMISE ADEMOLA sought Nigerians’ opinions on what they would do if they found themselves in such a situation.

Sunday Tribune

I will take the money and thank God in the presence of His congregation. But, I won’t tell the church that I found money.

AJAYI OLAOLUWA MRS OMOBOLANLE LAWAL I will take it and keep it to myself because money is meant for spending.

As a faithful Christian, you should never take what does not belong to you. I will take the money to the police station and by doing that, I would have cleared my conscience. Whatever they do with the money is not my business.

KENNY OLATUNDE

ALFA TANIMOWO As for me, I won’t go to the police station to report, but I can go to the media house, for them to announce on air. And those concerned should report with reliable evidence.

I cannot take money that does not belong to me. Moreover, Nigeria’s system is so corrupt that if you take such money and you are discovered, you will be called a thief. So, it is better if I don’t even take it at all than put myself into trouble.

MRS WEMIMO ODUBELA

APOSTLE DOSUNMU

I will carry it and pay my tithe from it. I believe that God knows about it. Thereafter, I will go to the orphanage and help the needy. Afterwards, I will use the remaining money to start business on my own. I will not take it to the police station.

I will take the money and then give thanks to God. I will do thanksgiving on Sunday. But I won’t tell the church that I found money. Our ways are already predestined by God so that maybe that’s God’s way of intervention for me.

BUKUNMI OLARENWAJU

AGBOLADE AZEEZ

I will take it to my house and use it to cater for the needy and also spend the remaining. I will also take care of my family if the money is much.

I will carry it, buy a new car and live large, because it’s an opportunity that I won’t want to miss.

MUDASHIR TIJANI I will not carry it, because I did not work for it and I don’t know what is attached to it. In this present world, we have to be vigilant.

ELIZABETH O. AJAYI I will take the money and go home, but to avoid any evil occurence, I will go and meet my pastor to pray on it because I don’t know the source of the money.

MARVELLOUS OLUWASEGUN I cannot take the money that does not belong to me. Taking such money means you will be hurting another person. You will be reaping where you did not sow and that is a curse. You are only proving to God that you cannot make it in life.

EMMANUEL FASHINA I will take it, but I won’t go to the police station to report due to past experience. The police are not faithful, so they cannot be trusted; they may accuse you of stealing the money in the first place and that will be playing with detention.

MEMUNAT LAWAL I will carry it, travel around the world to enjoy my life and do things I know I can’t do on a normal day. Afterwards, I will donate part of it to an orphanage.

KONATE MOYIN I will take it and board a first class plane to Dubai to have fun.

22 November, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

Filmmakers, students, entertainment writers and movie buffs had a rewarding time at the fifth edition of the festival

HE Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) made a glorious return to Lagos, Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence from November 8 to 14 after the last two editions were held at Tinapa Resort, Calabar, Cross River State. It was an eventful week for filmmakers, students, entertainment writers and movie buffs that had their fill of industry sessions, workshops, panel discussions and film screenings. 180 films were screened at three locations, Silverbird Galleria, Genesis Deluxe Cinema and City Mall before the curtains fell on the festival with a starstudded awards ceremony at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island on Saturday. The opening ceremony, which was no less glamorous, had held at Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Victoria Island, with a host of celebrities including Genevieve Nnaji, Hilda Dokubo, Ini Edo, Kunle Afolayan, Tope Tedela, Toke Makinwa, Toni Tones, Rita Dominic, Mildred Okwo, O. C. Ukeje and Kemi Lala Akindoju gracing the red carpet. But beyond the razzmatazz were the insightful sessions where issues affecting Nigeria’s movie industry were discussed. One of the standout sessions was ‘Towards A Sustainable Business Framework for African Cinema’ where film scholar and critic, Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi, Zik Zulu-Okafor and Mahmood Ali-Balogun amongst others spoke. Ekwuazi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) said that though a number of African films are poorly produced and distributed, the discerning filmmaker must be understand the terrain very well and must be creative to produce quality content. He reiterated that, “a successful filmmaker must do an audience analysis, environmental scan, theoretical framework, SWOT analysis of the organisations and environment one wants to work with.” Ali-Balogun, chair of the Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), noted that all players in the movie industry need to pull in the same direction if they want more progress in the sector. Okafor, who called on government to provide necessary infrastructure for film-

Nollywood actors at the festival

Two years after, AFRIFF makes glorious return to Lagos making to thrive, said that Nollywood grew from the grit of the pioneers and others now toeing their path. “From nothing, Nollywood has been able to gather five billion dollars but government has not done anything. There should be a viewing centre in all the 774 local governments in Nigeria while there should be a film policy. If there is no film policy, we would be back to where we started from. So, we need to forge an unbreakable bond to realise our goals,” he said. Contributing to the discussion, Kunle Afolayan disclosed that adding value to his movies and collaborating with other Africans is very important to him. He said, “While growing up, I would see photographs of my father, Baba Sala and others at film festivals. I often wondered why foreign movies would be screened here but

From left_ Kemi Lala-Akindoju, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi and Rita Dominic at AFRIFF 2015

our own movies were never screened in European countries. That was why I decided to make The CEO which is an experiment to unite Africa. I went to Morocco and Durban and spoke with a few people about Nollywood, so we shot the movie with actresses and actors from other African countries to showcase Africa to the world” Another of the sessions was ‘The Nollyfund Engagement with the Bank of Industry’ where the bank discussed its film financing options with filmmakers. During the interaction, BoI’s Divisional Head, Large Enterprises, Babatunde Joseph, reiterated that a N1billion loan scheme tagged Nollyfund exists for filmmakers to shoot and distribute their movies in Nigeria and across Africa. He also touched on the modalities for accessing the loan, telling the filmmakers they only need to follow the application instructions and .ensure they meet all requirements. Afolayan, one of the panellists, said players in Nollywood need to be business focused to understand the art of filmmaking and that they also need a checklist of documents required in support of loan applications from BoI. It was more good news for the filmmakers at the session as Zonal Head, Business Banking Division, Access Bank, Bolarinwa Animasahun, disclosed that the bank is ready to empower filmmakers by assisting them with a one billion naira loan fund. The good tidings for Nollywood at AFRIFF continued with the launch of Afrinolly’s new anti-piracy security app. Having been engaged in a long drawn war with pirates, filmmakers and their distributors

can now rest easy with the app, which according to the founder and CEO of Afrinolly, Chike Maduegbuna, cost N200million. The app is an e-market place where African movies, short films, series, movie trailers and music videos can be downloaded for as low as N100. One of the special features which interested participants during the launch of the app was its anti-piracy and anti-sharing feature which stops the hacker or downloader from sharing the film to another smart phone. Maduegbuna further disclosed that Afrinolly is set to use mobile platforms in movie distribution as the Nigerian movie industry is worth more than 4billion dollars After the conclusion of the sessions on Friday including the screening of the closing film, Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Road To Yesterday’ at Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, participants let down their hairs at the fun-filled awards ceremony on Saturday. Popular music video director, Clarence Peters, got the Special Jury Prize for his first short film, ‘Hex’ while young female Cameroonian filmmaker and a regular attendee at AFRIFF, Christa Eka Assam, won the Short Film prize for ‘Alma’. ‘Fevers’ by Moroccan filmmaker, Hicham Ayouch won the overall Best Film with other winners including ‘Silent Tears’ by Ishaya Bako (Audience Choice Awards), ‘Legacy of Rubies’ by Ebele Okoye (Best Animation), ‘Joy’ by Solomon Onita Jr. (Best Student Short Film), ‘E18hteam’ by Juan RodriguezBriso (Best Documentary), ‘Reflections’ by Desmond Elliot (Oronto Douglas Award for Best Nigerian Film) and ‘The Price of continues pg27

27 arts&culture

22 November, 2015

‘Steve broke new grounds in arts journalism’ Arts writers and associates of the recently appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, host him at a reception

T isn’t every day that an arts writer becomes a commissioner in a state. Of course, journalists have always been given political appointments but an arts writer heading a vital ministry like information and strategy is a rarity. It was therefore understandable when arts writers and other people of goodwill converged on Freedom Park, Lagos Island last Saturday to celebrate an illustrious member of their clan, Steve Ayorinde. Ayorinde, one of a select group of arts journalists including Jahman Anikulapo, Sina Oladeinde and Olumide Iyanda to become title editors of a Nigerian newspaper, was recently appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy by Governor Akinwumi Ambode. Expectedly, it was an arty evening that featured tributes and frank advice for the honouree, a music graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University who rose from a reporter at The Guardian to a line editor at the defunct Comet, Editor of The Punch and Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of National Mirror on the onerous task before him. Veteran culture journalist, Ben Tomoloju, mentor of several arts journalist and chair of the occasion, set the ball rolling. Tomoloju described Ayorinde’s achievement as landmark and a vindication for arts journalists who are mostly “discriminated” against in the newsroom. Tomoloju who recalled that Ayorinde was the youngest member of the arts desk when he (Tomoloju) headed the section in the 1990s noted that the honouree broke new grounds on the arts beat, starting with music and thereafter movies to the extent that he has become a consultant to major international film festivals. Tomoloju also lauded Ayorinde’s team spirit and said he expects him to contribute meaningfully to Governor Ambode’s government. He said: “I’m sure your participation in the Lagos State executive council; you will try to proffer ideas that can help this state.” Ayorinde’s colleague on the arts beat at The Guardian and Comet, Layiwola Adeniji, who has since moved into the oil industry, gave a short address titled ‘The Journalist, Artist and Government: An Overview’. He noted that his friend has spent a considerable number of years interrogating government but now that he’s on the other side, he should know that some of his words in the past will be used against him. Adeniji also charged arts journalists to ensure that they help Ayorinde succeed in his task. “We need

Steve Ayorinde to make a commitment that we are going to help Steve perform on his job because if Steve fails, all of us have failed. If Steve succeeds, that means all of us have succeeded.” Ayorinde’s ex- boss at The Guardian, Jahman Anikulapo recalled that the commissioner was still a student at the OAU when he started coming around to The Guardian. He also lauded his achievements, noting that “Steve Ayorinde singlehandedly wrote the MUSON into limelight” and that he “made history by writing a news story on music that appeared on the front page of The Guardian when Ben T was still Deputy Editor.” He added that though his background was in music, Ayorinde diversified into movies effortlessly and even interviewed the man who coined the name Nollywood. Proprietor of the defunct Jazzville at Onike,

Yaba, Muyiwa Majekodunmi, also praised Ayorinde, noting that he “wrote critically but constructively about Jazzville” while General Manager, FRCN’s Radio One 103. 5FM, Funke Treasure Durodola noted that it’s always great to have journalists take leadership positions in the society. She expressed confidence that though Ayorinde has a Herculean task ahead of him, he will deliver. Dayo Oketola, one of the reporters that worked under Ayorinde at The Punch said of his ex-Editor: “He has the capacity to identify talent and develop them; he never shouted on reporters; rather he helps build confidence.” Responding to the comments, Ayorinde acknowledged the honour given to him. Aside thanking the organisers, he singled out Tomoloju and Anikulapo for their contributions to his career. “Without Ben T, there won’t be Steve Ayorinde. This means so much to me because this is my constituency; I won’t let our constituency down,” he said, adding that one of the qualities he

Two years after, AFRIFF makes glorious return to Lagos continued from pg26 Love’ (Best Screenplay). Raja Amari won Best Director, while South African actors Charlie Vundla and Fulu Makhovami won Best Actor and Best Actress for their roles in ‘Cuckold’ and ‘Ayanda respectively.’ Pedro Pimenta, Soheir Abdel Kader, Prof Hyginus Ekwuazi, Teddy Mattera, Dr Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Dapo Oshiyemi, Serge-Armand Kouami Noukoue and

Asha Lovelace judged the movies in competition. The closing ceremony also featured h performances by Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo. Cobhams did Bongos Ikwe’s ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’ while Dakolo sang ‘Cry’ in memory of the late patron of AFRIFF and Special Adviser on Research, Strategy and Documentation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Oronto Douglas and ‘Wish Me Well.’

Lumina Foundation wants entries for 2016 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature WRITERS interested in the 2016 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa are now free to submit their works as organizers have started receiving entries. A statement from The Lumina Foundation inviting entries stated that, “only published poetry collection by a single author of African descent will be eligible for this prize,” and that submission can only be made by publishers. Ten copies of each work with the author’s

résumé and coloured photo (portrait) as well as the publisher’s full contact details which include emails and telephone numbers are to be submitted to The Lumina Office, 19 Unilag Road, Yaba Lagos. The organizers further explained that only poetry collections published from 2013 to 2015 may be entered for the prize and that submission of entries will close on December 31, 2015. With a cash reward of $ 20,000, the

judge of the prize from 2016 to 2018 include Briton, Margaret Busby; Professor of History at the University of Texas, Austin and President of the African Studies Association, USA, Toyin Falola; Professor of World Literature in English at the University of Oxford, Faculty of English language and a judge of Man Booker International Prize, Elleke Boehmer, and Professor of English Dramatic Literature at the University of Ilorin, Olu Obafemi.

PHCN opens at Red Door Nov 20 A solo art exhibition reflecting the state of the nation, ‘Please Help Clean (Phcn) by Ija Lobomo will open at the Red Door Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos on November 20.

It will feature paintings such as ‘Painfully Employed I’; ‘Painfully Employed II’; ‘What Legacies!’; ‘1960s BC and 2010 Ad’, all reflecting the state of the nation. Lobomo’s paintings remain stark re-

Shaibu Husseini heads AMAA 2016 jury FILM journalist and critic, Shaibu Husseini, has been announced as head of the Academy of Jurors for the 2016 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). This is coming just as organisers also disclosed that they have started receiving entries for next year’s edition of the awards. Director of Administration, AMAA, Tony Anih, disclosed that filmmakers and their representatives across Africa have till January 7, 2016 to submit their works. “We have given a three-month window to enable entries to come from all parts of

learnt from Tomoloju is principle and courage. Ayorinde further noted that additional responsibility doesn’t kill and that, “sometimes you never know what you are capable of until promotion comes. The best service is public service and this government does not see culture as an appendage to others; it’s a full fledged ministry of arts, culture and tourism. The larger media is my constituency, not just arts and culture. Governor Ambode won’t shy away from the challenges of running Lagos, which is like an alternate country. And most importantly, I welcome ideas, support and assistance.” Aside the speeches, there were also performances at the reception compered by Shaibu Husseini and attended by Tunji Sotimirin, Olu Amoda, Yinka Akanbi, Dipo kehinde, Yinka Oyedeji and Semore Badejo amongst others. Popular performance poet, Akeem Lasisi did a poem titled ‘The Jinx Breaker’ while singer Edaoto Agbetuyi also entertained with some numbers.

Africa and from the Diaspora” Anih said, adding that this will allow filmmakers submit their movies to AMAA’s regional offices in Ghana, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos and the Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles. Anih said filmmakers are expected to send in their works produced and or released between 1st December, 2014 and December 2015 for consideration for the awards. Such works, including full length feature films which should not exceed 120 minutes, must also not carry any commer-

cial of any product or service. He added that works produced in any language other than English must be sub-titled. Until now chair of the AMAA screening committee, Husseini will serve as president of the Academy of Jurors for the 2016 edition. Anih explained that the decision was taken by the board largely on the basis of Husseini’s long service to the jury. He disclosed that AMAA 2016 nominations will hold on February 28, 2016 and the awards ceremony will be held subsequently on April 30, 2016.

minders to the privileged group of aficionados and collectors as he contends that it is from this category that the oppressor class emerges. The artist addresses the same oppressor class for the looting of the treasury symbolised by stark images such as ‘To Hand Unto Our Children’, ‘A Banner With All Pains And Llpc’, ‘Loot Loot Petroleum Corporation’ and images reflecting the invasion of an otherwise rich country where culture and the beautiful life persisted. The paintings include ‘Girl By The Parrot Cage’, ‘Eyo Dancers’, ‘The Flute Player’ and ‘The Beaded Dancer’ among others. Some thought-provoking paintings for display are ‘O SAMBISA’ and ‘The Silhouette with AK 47.’ In spite of these vexatious images, the exhibition still offers a glimmer of hope in ‘Bunch Of Flowers’, ‘The Festering Cockerel’ and the reality of a change represented by ‘The Mythical Eleshin’, ‘The Horse Man’, ‘Symbol of Apocalypse and change’.

Sunday Tribune

22 November, 2015

glamour Growing up GROWING up for me was fun. I grew up with my parents and grandparents, so, I was a spoilt brat. I always got everything I wanted whenever I wanted it. It was not as if we were so rich but we were comfortable. I was the kind of kid others referred to as “omo butty.” I wasn’t allowed to go out or play around with kids of my age. It was always me, my books, television and junks Foray into acting I’ve always been a great lover of arts. I love creativity. I remember that whenever I watched movies as a child I would always pick up a character, lock myself in my room and start acting like that character. I used to imitate the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade and Amitabh Bachan. My friends would laugh and even my mother. I got prizes in school for drama and dance. I didn’t think twice before I said I wanted to study Theatre Arts at the university, it was what I have always loved as a kid. My mother wasn’t against it but my dad was shocked because he was expecting me to study Law or Communication and Language Arts. Eventually, he allowed me because Theatre Arts isn’t just about acting alone. There is costuming and make-up artistry, directing, theatre management, dance and so on. He was certain I wasn’t going to school majorly because of acting. My first appearance was in 2013, when I was in my final year. I met Mr Paul Abiola, who happened to be a director, he saw my stage performance in school and said; “wow, I think you are good, would you mind if I help in my own little way” and that was how it started. My first movie was “The Reporter,” it is still trending on ibakatv. Movies I have featured in so far So far, so good. I don’t want to say that I have lost count because I haven’t done up to 50 yet but I have featured in some real good ones; some are in the market, while others are still at the editing stage. I have featured in Ojo kanna, The Reporter, Excursion, Ayewo, Firepemi, Eeta Oko, Osa Oja, The Sisters, Hotel Palaver, Kuti, Ola, Odaale, Maku, Arabi and The African Drums (an English soap opera), My Story My Glory (English too) and few other good ones. The one that really caught people’s attention was Odaale, because of my “Sharp Mouth” and Ojokanna, where I played the lead role. Challenges faced as an upcoming actress I have been lucky to be with few good producers and directors that believe so much in me and my talent. So far, it has been smooth, the only challenge right now is that I am not yet making enough money as I ought to, in the sense that I am still striving to build a name and career. If I am to play the role Funke Akindele or Toyin Aimakhu would play in a movie, the treatment is going to be different, so also is the money. We are in an industry where some people place fame and personality over talent and ability to play a role and deliver it well. Coping with competition in the industry Well, with God on my side, I try to be very different and do my own things in my own way because actors are too many. However, there are few very good actors and I’m trying to be one of the very few good ones so I see no competition at all, because my next line of action or role interpretation is always very unpredictable. Coping with advances from male admirers. There is something I get to hear almost every day “you are very humble, you are one of the few actors that are really humble.” I try to be as friendly and accommodating as I can be but I set boundaries. Once I see that their motive is way more than being just a fan or an admirer, I have a way of ignoring them politely.

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 0805 472 7801

Adeola Ayoade Khadijah, a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, an upcoming actress who has featured in quite a number of movies, and currently, a Master’s student of UI, speaks with TAYO GESINDE on how she has been coping with competition in the industry a n d her fashion preferences. Excerpts:

Day a fan asked me for phone sex

I try to be as friendly and accommodating as I can be but I set boundaries. Once I see that their motive is way more than being just a fan or an admirer, I have a way of ignoring them politely

The most embarrassing thing a fan has ever done to me There was a particular guy that called me and said he was so crazy about my height and eyeballs, I was still trying to be as friendly as I could be, when he said mere talking to me, he was horny and he wouldn’t mind a phone sex. I was actually very irritated and angry but the other way round couldn’t hold my laughter. I ended the call almost immediately

— Adeola Ayoade

On m y marital status

I wouldn’t like to disclose my relationship status. I want a man who is confident, God fearing, caring, understanding, good and large hearted. He definitely has to support what I love and what I do and he must be ready to make me smile and pamper me because l love being pampered. Philosophy of life “Don’t bite off more than you can chew because nobody looks attractive spitting it back out.” Definition of style Style, in fashion context to me, simply means elegance and smartness. My mood and the occasion usually determine my mode of dressing. If a fashion trend is reasonable and comfortable I could follow it because apart from elegance, love comfort ability and simplicity, I am a lover of short dresses, knickers, pallazos and sneakers.

and have lot of for difdresses love black bags a lot but not as much as I love dresses.

I hardly wear heels but I have them. I look out for really cute sneakers flat sandals and shoes, and asides these things I mentioned, I go for any other beautiful and not-revealing apparels. I love bags clutches. I a whole them ferent but I

Beauty regimen No special routine o! I use mild soap because my skin is very sensitive. Most times, I use baby soaps and mild lotion because I sweat a lot. I drink a lot of water too. Almost everybody says that I don’t wear heavy make-ups. I wash my face every night before going to bed and if I don’t have any special occasion, I stay off make-up totally. Accessory I can’t do without when going out I can go out all natural without any accessory not even wristwatch because I misplace accessories a lot. Special treat You know I said earlier that I love junks a lot, I stock myself up with junks, go shopping and

also go on alone dates. Favourite designer Do I have favourites? Let me see. My mum is definitely my first because she designs almost all my clothes then Ara couture that is my big Aunt. On the international scene, I love anything made by Zara and Forever 21. What I can’t be caught dead wearing Red underwear! I am not a lover of red. It is not as if I don’t wear red dresses but it is so rare. People find red underwear appealing but I don’t. I could manage red in dresses but definitely not underwear. What I will like to change about myself I’m too accommodating and open-hearted. I don’t know how to go hard on people and I see it as a weakness because a lot of people take advantage of that. My take on cosmetic surgery I’m indifferent about it. It’s a matter of choice. Some get the deadly repercussions while others go scot free. It is actually more of luck than choice. Boobs enlargement? Hell no! I don’t have the strength to carry too much load. Whoever likes me has to like every part of my body the way they are because I love them moderate like this. Why go for tummy tuck when there are natural ways to do that now? Greatest physical asset. My eyeballs because I got them big and I hear really great comments about them almost all the time and my physique because I am tall. My opinion on toning.

I a m also indifferent about that. Like I said earlier, it is about choice. But like we all know, toning is different from bleaching. You could get body gels and creams suitable for your body colour to enhance its smoothness and freshness. On provocative dressing. “Your dress determines how you’ll be addressed.” Some people are just comfortable wearing them. I am not judgmental but I don’t believe in dressing provocatively before I can call at-

tention, turn heads, make a statement or look appealing to some extent. Assessment of the Nigerian movie industry. The movie industry is thriving like its counterpart in America (Hollywood) and India (Bollywood). It is an industry that is educative and entertaining. It is meant to be profitable and put food on the tables of the practitioners. The basic problem of Nollywood as an industry is the lack of well organised body that will control the activity of the patrons and practitioners in the film making process. Also, Nigerian government is not actively involved in the administration and management of Nollywood as an industry. Owing to this fact, there are varieties of recklessness and substandard productions that exploit the sensibilities of the audience but believe me, in no time, expect a greater and better Nollywood as changes are being made. Actresses and promiscuity. Promiscuity is everywhere, in all lines of business not only in the acting world. Some people tend to say this because of the way male and female actors relate with each other while working or in movies but we are not all promiscuous. Advice to upcoming artistes. Focus and passion are the major things first. Money and thirst for fame shouldn’t be the main motive. With God on your side, focus and passion, fame and money would walk gallantly in.

Monday, 23 November, 2015

aspire

22 November, 2015

Your Life Counts

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

BB pin: 55CBFA49

Tread the path of success with a determined mind —CEO De Chronicles

Oyedemi Florence understands what it takes to look good and has made a good business of it. The founder of De Chronicles tells RONKE SANYA how she made her business to succeed against all odds. store regularly, and do makeup jobs at weekends. I also have sales assistants who stand in when I am not around. I have three sales assistants, two of them help in my store in Ekiti and the other one in Ibadan, so indirectly, I control everything perfectly even when things get very busy. You have been able to employ three people in a business you started last year with N80, 000 what is the range of your profit? When I started up as a student, I used to make between 6,000 and 10,000 naira within a week but now I make much better than that. I have bigger clients and make more sales and better profit. I pay salaries of my sales assistants, foot utility bills. Let's just say I am contented with my little profit. What inspires you, most especially in the face of challenges? When I started this whole thing, I can boldly say that it wasn't easy especially while I was in school, my peers laughed at me that I had no plans and was thinking small by learning handwork but I never allowed that ton discourage me. I kept motivating myself because knowing that persistence and perseverance are essential to be successful. I faced a whole lot of challenges when I started this business. Debt was a great challenge but God was and is still my help.

Florence

hy did you choose to be an entrepreneur? Entrepreneurship business has always been part of my life. I had always involved myself in various forms of business, not basically to make profit but to get busy. I detest idleness and I always want to interact with people to know their needs and desires and how to meet them. Fashion business to me is a lifestyle which I have chosen. When did it all start and how did you get your startup capital? My fashion house started October 2014, that’s barely last year. It was just a dream come true because then, I never saw it this big. I was determined to embark on the race, it's either I loose or I win. I graduated from Tai Solarin University of Education in 2014, and I did my mandatory National Youths Service in Ekiti State in June 2014. My startup capital was #80,000 from my NYSC allowance, which I saved for four months and kick-started my business with the savings. I started by buying goods, took them for sale to offices, banks, organisations and other busy places. Before I knew it, I had enough money to pay for a shop and even employed sales assistants. I am aware you are also into makeup artistry. How do you combine this with your business without one affecting the other? Yea, I am also into makeup artistry. I acquired many skills when I was still in school. They include bead making and hair dressing. I also do facials, pedicure, manicure, barbing, nails fixing, eye lashes fixing and massage. I, however, decided to major in makeup. Due my business oriented nature, I spend most of my time strategising how to make my business boom. I go to my fashion

Where do you see yourself as an entrepreneur in the next five years? I believe with my level of determination and perseverance, I will surely be bigger than this in the next five years by his grace. So what do you have to say to other young entrepreneurs who are aspiring to be big in their ventures? I will beseech every young person reading this to be focused. Whatever your are into, whether you are schooling or learning a handwork or probably combining both, be focused. It may not be easy but it's the very best bold step you can take. The road to success is full of thorns and stains, you need to keep your head up, stand firm and believe that you will surely make it one day. I won't say I have reached my Eldorado, no, I am still hustling. Do not ever rely on mediocre, keep moving, keep studying, and work towards your goals. Don't ever rely on luck; both sun and rain make a colourful rainbow. Do not allow anybody discourage you. Just like me, I was discouraged, my friends laughed at me but now I employ people. I can even employ those of them who laughed at me back then. You are the one who knows where you are going and what your dreams are. You know your capabilities and limitations. So tread the path of success with a determined mind. You seem very passionate about inspiring young entrepreneurs. Is this the reason behind your upcoming Makeup Fair? Yes. The Makeup Fair is targeted towards every young aspiring makeup artists and those willing to sharpen their skills in makeup artistry. The Makeup Fair will take place in Lagos, in collaboration with Arabella 21st. It will include other makeup artists and a segment to teach interested young people who want to learn makeup artistry. It will come up before the year ends. The aim of the Fair is basically to add more value to our society and help other young business minded individuals.

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Just The timeaforthought change is now(1) (II) LAST time we began talking about change. Change is an inevitable part of life. Change is not a political slogan but a fact of life so to resist change is to court trouble. “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” Harold Wilson Change starts with having a right perspective. We need to see the wood from the trees so we can make right choices and decisions. One crucial thing that will help us a great deal is having a right understanding of the operations of the three main time frames - past, present and future. The past is dead and gone but we are all products of the past. We need to learn from the past and move on. “Look not at the days gone by with a forlorn heart. They were simply the dots we can now connect with our present, to help us draw the outline of a beautiful tomorrow.” Dodinsky We cannot move forward and look back at the same time. There is no point is bringing the past into the present if it will not make us achieve the change we desire. “Bring the past only if you are going to build from it.” Doménico Cieri Estrada Trying to dwell on and give undue attention to the past is simply setting ourselves back and making change difficult. We cannot erase our past but we must see it in the right light and respond to it appropriately. “The past is our definition. We may strive, with good reason, to escape it, or to escape what is bad in it, but we will escape it only by adding something better to it.” Wendell Berry Our present, many times, is the result of our past. The ‘today’ we see today is the harvest of the seeds we planted yesterday. “Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it, and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists and expires.” Charles Caleb Colton The circumstances we find ourselves today is the product of the choices and decisions we took yesterday. What we are experiencing today is the direct and indirect consequence of the action and inactions of yesterday. The dividends of today are the result of the investments made yesterday. We are all the product of the past. However we cannot live or dwell in the past. We need to maximize today and move to having a glorious future. If we are to experience the change we desire we must understand that a glorious future will be created by “planting the right seeds” today. The decisions and the choices we make today will determine what our tomorrow will be. The wrong decisions we make today will be the calamity of tomorrow. The wrong choices we make today will lead to the regret we will have tomorrow. Effecting the change we desire demands we understand that yesterday is gone and we only have today. Our ability and willingness to maximize today will enhance our chances of success in the future. Maximizing today by thinking strategically and doing the right things will result in avoiding mortgaging our future to disappointment, frustration and regret. “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15, 16 Change will only happen if we become intolerant of the present. As long as we are satisfied with where we are there can be no change. “If you would attain to what you are not yet, you must always be displeased by what you are. For where you are pleased with yourself there you have remained. Keep adding, keep walking, keep advancing.” Saint Augustine. For enquiries/comments please send email to charismokola@yahoo.com

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Ondo 2016: As battle for Mimiko’s successor begins

As the political parties prepare for the next governorship election in Ondo State, HAKEEM GBADAMOSI looks at how the choice of minister from the state may affect political calculations of the parties.

S the governorship election to usher in a new administration draws near in Ondo State, the permutations toward the election have continued to change and political gladiators across different parties are intensifying efforts to ensure that the pendulum swings in their direction at the end of the day. But the major political parties in the state, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been taking steps that could make them come out victorious in the election. While the APC is still basking in the euphoria of the victory in the presidential and National Assembly elections and the PDP believed it had already gone back to the drawing board and that was why it was able to upturn the victory during the state Assembly election, where it recorded an overwhelming victory over the APC. However, prior to the governorship poll, which is likely to hold in October next year, the parties have already been making moves to situate political offices based on their calculations. It is also believed that the strength of each of them in particular zones of the state might have been the major reason for such moves. One of such developments was the recent nomination of a minister from the Southern Senatorial district of the state by the APC. Against the widely spread expectation in the state, President Muhammadu Buhari, last week, sent the name of a professor of sociology of education at the University of Ilorin, Cladius Daramola, to the Senate for confirmation. He is from Ode-Aye, Okitipupa Local Government Area in the Southern Senatorial district of the state. The choice of Daramola came as a shock and surprise to many members of the APC and political observers in the state as he was never in the radar as a potential ministers. Although many party chieftains in the state have jostled for the post, the names that were conspicuous were those of the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and that of the South-West zonal chairman of the APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure. Akeredolu is from Owo in the Northern Senatorial district, while Akinyelure is from Idanre in the Central Senatorial district. It is, however, believed that the choice of Daramola, which was said to have had the input of the Senator representing the Northern Senatorial district of the state, Ajayi Boroffice, was meant to brighten the chance of the governorship aspirants from the zone, particularly that of Boroffice. Observers noted that if Akeredolu, who is from the same Northern Senatorial district, had been picked as minister, it may have

Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo State

changed the calculations and the power sharing formula towards the election. The development further seems to be confirming the insinuation that the APC is likely to pick its governorship candidate from the North, where it is a bit stronger than the PDP. The result of the last election showed that the APC won the Senatorial seat and the entire three House of Representatives seats in the North. Even when the PDP bounced back during the House of Assembly election, the APC still won four out of the nine state constituencies in the area. However, the recent political developments in the state had not stopped people from other zones in the party from pursuing their governorship ambition as they believed it is the delegates that would determine who picks the ticket of the party. Speaking on the choice of Daramola as minister and its implications for the politics of the state, a chieftain of the APC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said his choice, which was unexpected might have been made to enable the party to make an in road into the stronghold of the PDP. He said: “The party is disadvantaged in the South and there was the need to make frantic effort at ensuring that it made an in road into the area. The general belief is that if somebody from the area is made a minister, he will be able to attract federal presence to the place and develop the area. At the end of the day, it will make the people of the area to embrace the party and accept it as an alternative to the ruling party. With somebody like Professor Daramola, I think the party should be able to do this and make the desired impact in the south senatorial district of the party. On the effect over the struggle for the party’s governorship ticket, he said, “Yes it

Professor Claudius Daramola, Minister of State for Niger Delta

is possible the moves were made to brighten the chances of those from the Northern Senatorial district, but at the end of the day, it will boil down to who wins the primary of the party in the state. Look at the instance in Kogi State, the party was looking at a different direction and the result of the primary came out differently.” Observers, however, are of the opinion that what happens in the opposition party would go a long way in determining events in the ruling party. Prior to this time, pundits have argued that one of the ways, through which the PDP can win the governorship election is to pick its candidate from its strongest base, which is the Southern Senatorial district. As attested to by the results of the last election, the only Senatorial seat won by the party was from the Southern Senatorial district, the party won all the House of Representatives seats from the area, while it also cleared the entire House of Assembly seats from the zone, leaving nothing for the APC or any other party. The argument of pro-south school of thought is that since the party is more popular in the southern part of the state and the voting population of the area is more than that of the northern senatorial district, the wisest arrangement is for the party to pick its candidate from the south and a running mate from the central senatorial district. It is obvious that the APC is ready to take the battle to the backyard of the PDP, but what is not clear is whether the PDP will open its flank and leave its stronghold for the APC that has willingly given the ministerial slot to the south. It will be recalled that the political permutations and calculations in the state changed after the 1999 election the moment the late Dr Olusegun Agagu

from the south was made a minister. The PDP rode on the back of the appointment to become a formidable party in the zone. Also speaking, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, names withheld, argued that although the choice of the APC minister from the south is inconsequential, the PDP has to look southward for its candidate if it is serious about winning the election and continue to hold on to the area. He said, “The only option the PDP has to be able to continue to surpass the APC is to settle for the south for its governorship candidate. Once the party does that, it is going to be overwhelming vote for the party. What is dear to the people is the governorship. The minister issue is inconsequential. It will not even have affect. We should not forget that those people who defected to APC from the area did so because of the issue of governorship. So if today the PDP choses its gubernatorial candidate from that area, the party will sweep the votes from the south”. A member of the APC who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed worries over the crisis expected from the outcome of the ministerial appointment. He however maintained that the candidate of the party in the next year governorship election can come from any of the senatorial zones in the state and said “why not let’s get to the river before getting the bridge. The future of this party in the state lies on how the party leadership of our party manages the crisis that will erupt from this ministerial nomination.” However, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Honourable Banji OkuContinued from

pg 35

interview

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Biafra agitation, collective failure of Igbo leaders —Onyejekwe

Professor Okey Onyejekwe was co-opted into the Biafra army at the age of 16 in 1968 during the civil war. He speaks with AYODELE ADESANMI on the activities of MASSOB and what Igbo leaders ought to do after the civil war, among other national issues.

HAT exactly does the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) is trying to achieve with the ongoing protest in the eastern part of the country? The reason behind MASOB, to me, is a symptom which is associated with what happened in the 60s. The young people behind MASSOB are victims of the collective failure of Igbo leaders, who refused to take charge and give strategic direction of the lgbos after the civil war. The leaders should have provided the needed leadership to address the collective goods, instead of few individuals, who are seeking to maximise and pursue their own individual interests. Even the different voices that claimed to be speaking for the lgbo at present, l do not see them being guided by strategic direction. However, we have some lgbo leaders, who have been addressing some of these challenges; people like governor Rochas Okorocha, Dr Ogbonaya Onu and Dr Chris Ngige among others. But l do not see any of these other elite groups that are doing something tangible on how Igbos can become much more effective players in the political system of the country in order to occupy the space which Igbo, as a major ethnic group, should occupy. The focus of some individuals, who are making efforts to get appointment for themselves, using the ethnic identity to achieve political prominence, would not solve collective problems, though l do not expect everybody to speak with one voice, but if you look at other regions like SouthWest, they may have disagreement, but there is a focus and general purpose on how they would become active players in the polity which we all belong. However, at that strategic level, l think there is a big gap, which l would illustrate with the last presidential election. The problem is not whether the lgbos had the right or not to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan, but there was no strategic leadership which gave the lgbos the direction to have informed decision about who to vote for or who not to vote for. The voting pattern by the lgbos was based on the caricature of President Muhammadu Buhari as a fundamentalist, but with some few exceptions of leaders, which I had earlier mentioned, there was no strategic thinking that would say no, we have to make a decision based on informed knowledge. The young people at that time went emotionally to cast their votes based on caricature of the president, which is totally different from the man himself. I am not saying the lgbo should not have a right of choice of who to vote for, but if you have a strategic thinking leadership who can give direction and have information which represents truly who the man is, that would have led to a better outcome, and that void needs to be addressed. The lgbo leaders strategically have not tried to address the crisis of morals and values, and one of such is the emphasis by the youth on material wealth, which to them

lowed Nigerians on both sides to actually know what happened.

Professor Okey Onyejekwe

is an end, not as a means to an end and this is having a very negative impact on education among others. Therefore, you find people who have made money by any means, who suddenly become leaders and unfortunately the people are now looking up to them as respectful citizens. That crisis of value ought to have been addressed by their leaders. In this present predicament, those people who are now calling for secession and reincarnation of Biafra need to be led properly. What would you say about the Nigerian civil war? I was a young teenager during the civil war. l was co-opted into the military at the age of 16 in 1968 and as a consequence of that l rose to become an officer. The lgbos at that time were not prepared for the war. The war, to me, was an anathema which was preceded by the civil unrest in the Western region, followed by the military coup de’tat. The country was then in the state of conflict. However, there are many lessons to be learnt in the war which l don’t think we have learnt. Was the civil war even necessary? I would give my own personal opinion

which l have always maintained for a long time. The conflict against the lgbo was terrible, but in spite of that, l don’t still believe that secession was a feasible option as the Igbo could not sustainable the balkanisation of the time, and even now, secession is not even a viable concept. If we understand what happened in Biafra during the war, secession would not even be an option to be discussed now. The main discourse would have been how the lgbos can become effective players in the present Nigerian polity. For me, l see the clamour by the different groups like MASSOB and other affiliates demanding for secession as a product of information gap. The gap has led to two factors: one is the romanticisation of Biafra as a nation, second is the demystification of what happened in Biafra by those who lived outside the lgbo land and did not understand what happened. These information gaps could have been addressed very well, the failure of that is what is fueling the discourse now. The head of state then, General Yakubu Gowon, came up with no victor, no vanquish policy, which was a noble gesture, but the lgbos should have still gone further than that by trying to institutionalise a system that would have al-

Specifically, why do you believe that the problem confronting the lgbos is that of the leadership? I think one of the missing gaps in any developmental process is the problem of leadership. In fact, that was what was responsible for the clamour for power shift in Nigeria. Almost every society that has overcome its predicament, leadership has always played its role perfectly in the area of guidance. However, the reason why that is important in the context of the lgbos is that there is a post-conflict history which has created some social and economic disconnections in the society. The civil war was principally fought in the lgbo land and in terms of physical destruction, in terms of casualties and social dislocation; they are proportionately within the lgbo land. However, there is also a limit to what the Federal Government can do and in my judgment, if you have an organised leadership that addresses issues in multifaceted ways, the complexity and challenges in lgbo land today like education, moral values and commitment to public service may not be an issue so to speak. The resolution of these problems can only come from a leadership that shows concern and takes it upon itself to address them and it is within that context that lgbo can fully engage and participate fully within the political space in Nigeria. What l would like to see is for various groups speaking on behalf of the lgbos to come together and have a strategic vision on how to address the post-conflict challenges that have now become endemic. Besides, l will want them to also deal with the issue of victim hood, because part of the challenges of the mentality of victim hood and it has become a dominant way of thinking, which may never end. To me, there must be leaders who would change that way of thinking, as we have some generations that did not grow up under the civil war, who are now beginning to see themselves as equally victims of the civil war. It has, therefore, become a generational issue, because every group sees itself as being victimised. With this your line of thought, are you not against the present agitation by some lgbos fighting for their right in the Nigerian nation? What l would say concerning that is that there is nothing either legally or constitutionally that is preventing the lgbos from meaningful engagement, because we all have equal rift as a citizen in the country. But what l am saying is that, if the leadership itself has addressed some of these issues, which l have raised, things would be alright. What l am equally saying is that l do not want to see a situation where some people would sit down somewhere and think that they must be compensated for something, but l would like to see a situation where the lgbos are engaged, because it’s their right to do so. But, they must organise themselves properly and know what they want.

thepolity

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Nigerians want APC to match campaign promises with actions —Manzo Abubakar

As the Alliance for Democracy (AD) prepares to hold its unity National Convention in Abuja this week, to pick a new leadership, Dr Dominique Manzo Abubakar, a founding member of the party, speaks with BOLA BADMUS on the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the situation of the Alliance for Democracy and how he wants to guide it back reckoning if voted as its next chairman. Excerpts:

OU are a chieftain of Alliance for Democracy (AD), can you assess the situation of things in the party? For purposes of clarity and emphasis to generality of Nigerians, my full names are Rev. Dr. Dominique Bojo Maiwaazi Manzo Abubakar, one of the founding members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and a fervent Awoist to the depth of my soul, given how the eternal sage, philosopher king and father of the Nigerian federalism, through ponderous twists of the dialectic, unraveled the mysteries of feudalcapitalist development on the basis of an understanding of history and proffered an eternal elixir to Nigerian’s developmental problem which has stood the test of time. Pa Awolowo remains with verity the father of Nigerian federalism and I am proud to state that the AD, a party wholly committed and beholden to the ideals of Pa Awo, is and remains, with minor adjustments, a federated party in the true sense of the word, mainstreaming as it were all currents in the Nigerian ideological spectrum. A party formation essentially summoned into existence by very formidable pillars to wit the then Peoples’ Consultative Forum (PCF) also known as the Afenifere, the Movement for Justice in Nigeria (MOJIN), the Southern Leadership Forum (SLF), the Eastern Mandate Union (EMU), the Northern Christian Leadership Forum (NCLF), and other prior affiliate groups from the Campaign for Democracy ( CD)-NADECO Coalition not covered by those earlier mentioned. At its formation, some sections of the media referred to the party as the ‘party of angels’ given its religious fidelity to the principles of composite restructuring of the Nigerian contraption et al. The party registered a landslide win during the 1999 general elections by producing all the governors from the South-West geopolitical region added to a near clean sweep of the federal and state legislative constituencies. Significantly, the party also won three senatorial seats from the former eastern region (Senators Emmanuel Diffa, Fidelis Okoro and Nnaji), and won many state legislative constituency seats from Adamawa, Kwara, Kaduna, Bauchi, Katsina, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ebonyi states and so on. Pay attention, we equally made history by fielding an Igbo candidate, Hon. Innocent Kem Madu, from Ezinihitte-Mbaise, Imo State, who contested and won the critical Makera state legislative constituency in Kaduna State, and was appointed the Alliance for Democracy (AD) leader in the State House of Assembly. Unfortunately, as we approached the 2003 general election and given anti-party activities by certain factors in the party at all levels, which dramatically and negatively bombarded party cohesion and our electoral resourcefulness, we contested

tive Committee shall do well not to jettison a winning formula of progressivelyinclusive party governance. Of course, in consonance with policies devised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a National Convention Planning Committee has been empanelled as per INEC requirements and the party constitution and they are doing a fantastic job. You are contesting for the chairmanship position, what should Nigerians expect from the incoming leadership of AD? Genuine party members beckoned on me to aspire for leadership of the party given my impeccable Awoist, working class and civil society credentials, and given that Pa Akinfenwa is not running, I decided to offer my humble self for the primal office. Of course, you know what to expect under a Dr Manzo Abubakar servant leadership of the party. The process of party formation shall continue without letup. The social component of party formation shall be fully operational whilst we unleash a participation dynamic unprecedented in the political annals of the Nigerian state. When elected by God’s grace, I shall put in place synergies and mechanisms for bridge building and confidence building.

Dr Dominique Abubakar

the elections as a divided house and came out of it with bloodied noses. Matters were not helped when certain leaders, contrary to the principles of collective leadership and collegiality, which undergird party governance, attempted albeit belatedly to comprehensively collapse our party structures into another party, contrary to all laws of mathematics and logic when commonsense and superior argument would have carried the day for them. The avoidable breakdown in information and communication flow effectuated into unending litigation in the law courts and threw our electoral resourcefulness to the dogs. But thank God for His abundant mercies for the decisive intervention of Professor Attahiru Jega, who decisively resolved all the hitherto lingering contradictions and united the party under the well-deserved leadership of elder statesman, Senator Akinfenwa. In the light of the foregoing and given the above incontrovertible facts, which are replete with markings and dimensions, the branding of the AD as an ethnic party was a gratuitous insult to the collective progressive pan-Nigerian psyche for which the perpetrators must bear the entire onus of responsibility before their peoples and the forces of progress and sustainable political

practice on the globe. The historic revolutionary party is now poised to bounce back and orchestrate the conditions for restoration in all materials particular. We have engaged in genuine acts of contrition, restitution and eaten humble pie. We now have the requisite political will to re-enact our old winning ways. You will be holding your National Convention in Abuja, what preparations are on ground to make a success of the exercise now that Senator Akinfenwa has said he was quitting the stage? Pa Akinfenwa is, for your information, not quitting the stage, because he was one of the extraordinarily gifted Nigerian leaders who summoned the party into existence. He will never abandon the party like the others, because leadership is a continuum and the party is a progression. He will continue to give requisite guidance to his legion of admirers who are eternally beholden to the quality leadership which he showcased in the course of his chequered political career. AD under the enlightened guidance of elder statesman Senator Akinfenwa was never a one-man show, and the incoming members of the National Execu-

What is your honest assessment of the ruling APC in terms of what it has done rightly and wrongly. After democratic elections, partisanship must yield place to patriotism in the overall national interest, we must earnestly strive to intermediate dialogue through the objective middle and avoid extremities. The APC must be yielded space to consummate its honeymoon after which all the democratic forces in the polity must as a patriotic duty engage them accordingly whilst critiquing their policy direction constructively. We must collaborate with all compatriots to see how electoral promises are kept or kept in the breach, replete with markings and dimensions. Every new administration must have a period of honeymoon. The ruling APC must be careful not to squander her goodwill. The APC must, as a matter of urgency, stop politicking and bring to the Nigerian governance table fresh ideas of revitalisation, rejuvenation and consolidation. They cannot afford to fail given their very flamboyant and sumptuously-oiled electoral campaign. Nigerians want them to govern as good as they campaigned. I honestly believe that the Nigerian people want consistency and we look forward to the ruling APC implementing its change manifestoes, programme of action and so on. Politics might yet prove to be the art of the possible, but “we must continually look on to the hills from whence cometh our help.”

interview

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Why FG should stop fuel subsidy —AD factional chairman

Mr Rafiu Salau is the factional National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the party that once dominated South-West politics. He speaks with select journalists, including KOLAWOLE DANIEL, on the survival of the party and other sundry issues.

HAT is happening to the AD? You are claiming to be the National Chairman of the party, while Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa is also laying claim to same position. Everybody knows that Senator Akinfenwa became the chairman of the party in 2003; Senator A. Abdulkadri handed over to him in 2003. By the constitution of the party at the time he took over, he could only stay for six years, which is two terms. Even if the time was adjusted to a single term of four years, there is no how he could have stayed beyond 2009. But surprisingly, he insisted on continuing in office till 2011 when INEC asked us to go for a convention. Even then, in January 2011, the tenure expired. Definitely, if actually he had followed the process of the constitution and had shown to be the senator that really knows that the role of a senator is to make law; he should be the one ensuring that the laws are really followed and people are abiding by the laws. Surprisingly, he didn’t see it as his responsibility to ensure that everybody follows the law. So, he stayed in office till January 2015, which made him spend 12 years in office. No national chairman of any political party has stayed for that long. But we conducted a convention in March 2015 before the general election and I was made the National Chairman and since then, because I was the National secretary before I was elected as the National Chairman, he insisted that there is still no chairman up till now and I don’t know how he was able to gang up with some people to deceive INEC that our convention wasn’t properly done. Which of the factions does INEC recognise now? What INEC is doing now is that we should go back to status quo and have our convention this month, but the truth of the matter is that those people who elected their leaders in March insisted that they will repeat the election in November this year. The truth is that the people are really not happy with the attitude of Senator Akinfenwa. When you look at the party when he came in, it controlled six states and had National Assembly members but since he took over, the party has not been able to get a state assembly member. That reflects the leadership style. If he had a good leadership style, in fact, today we should be one of the three major political parties in this country, because it is one of the oldest political parties. Unfortunately for 12 years, it has become business under Akinfenwa’s leadership who ran a system that could not enable the leaders of the party to serve the people. So that is it. The owner of AD, that is the registered members, are now looking for leaders that will take the party back to where it was before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) snatched five states from it. We have already started that strategy of taking the party to the top since March, but he ganged up with some people to deceive INEC that the convention wasn’t properly conducted and they said we should have another convention, which encouraged him to still be claiming

the NEC will approve it and they will give them all the programmes and the process, which are in the constitution and they will conduct the convention in the proper way. What we see now is like they are really not ready to follow the normal process; but we are going to make sure that the normal process is followed, because we always inform INEC and we will always refer to the constitution of the party. That is what we are doing; but if by omission or commission, INEC hands over the party to them, because we have the interest of serving the people, we can even form our own political party like APC did by bringing democrats together to form a new party. So we too can go ahead and invite Nigerians who believe in serving the grass roots to come together.

Mr Rafiu Salau

to be the national chairman. That means he will be in office for 12 years and 10 months and it is not about the number of years that you are in office that matters but what you were able to achieve during your tenure Everybody knows what happened during the last election when the party elected me as the presidential candidate. What did he [Senator Akinfenwa] do? He organised with some people and said they were supporting the PDP’s presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan. How can a political party reject its own candidate and support another party? Even if you want to support another presidential candidate, you must have seen that you share the same ideology and manifesto and it must be the decision of the party and your candidate. You should not use it as business to undermine your own candidate by saying negative things about your candidate in order to get financial benefits from the government in power. It is very unfortunate. Some of us that supported the senator to become the national chairman in 2003 now regret that decision, because even the people we thought were not doing the right thing were the ones one that brought four political parties together to form the All Progressives Congress (APC)) and they are now in government. That will tell you that those people are really progressive and they are now doing very well. We regret following Akinfenwa to be the national chairman, because we thought he was going to take the party to the highest level that, maybe by now, we should be the one ruling this nation. But we now realised that even if a party has the best manifesto, if it doesn’t have a good leader, the manifesto will just be there. AD has a very good programme and the best manifesto, but

unfortunately for the past 12 years, it had no good leader to ensure that the manifesto benefited by the people because, if you don’t have access to government you can’t implement your manifesto. However, after the fresh convention that we will conduct this month, if the right people come in to lead the party, then the party will become a truly grass roots political party which every Nigerian will be happy to see; the party that will give them the platform to be able to serve them and their fellow Nigerians. Will you be contesting as national chairman during the coming convention? Well, my people said I should still be there as their national chairman; so I am just going there to contest as the national chairman to satisfy INEC. Unfortunately, they are now trying to manipulate all the processes; Senator Akinfenwa and his group are not following the due process, because now they claim they have formed their own convention committee. They have changed the ones that everyone nominated during our meeting in which every zone was asked to present a member of the convention committee. Surprisingly, they changed some of them and put another set of people. In the history of the party, and I should know, because I was one of those who formed this party in 1998, there was no convention held that the former national chairman would pick a candidate as a member of the convention committee. It is always done in a way that the zone will come up with at least two members and among them they will pick a chairman and a secretary and they will present that to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and

Are you saying you are going to form another political party? Yes of course. I have been a leader for the past 30 years and the fact that I am not sharing the same ideology or leadership style with some people does not mean I am not going to leave leadership. I started leading over 30 years ago as a unionist serving the workers, making sure the workers were treated well and benefiting from the serving that they rendered in the organisations. So, I have been a leader and I know what it is to be a leader. I started long ago and I know what leadership is about; so if I see that I am around some group of people that I don’t share the same ideology with, then I will let them go and I will go my own way. Your faction of the AD supported the candidature of President Buhari during the last election, are you happy with the way things are going now? Of course, we are seeing the right things. Now, now what we should wait for is the result of the structure that the president has created. That is why it will be very wrong to start criticising the government now. The debate on the fuel subsidy removal has refused to end. Do you support this government to remove fuel subsidy? The truth of the matter is that we are supposed to be above that level of subsidising fuel. Why the subsidy when we have a lot of things to do in other sectors of the economy that we need to develop. There are many Nigerians that are unemployed, if we are very serious about unemployment, which is over 70 per cent, why are we sustaining subsidy? So, now I agree with the government that there is no need for subsidy. That is to say that if we are saying that no more subsidy, we are not saying that you must pay N200 per litre; no! We are telling you indirectly that we are going to make sure that you are producing enough quantity of petroleum products that is going to be used locally and also more that will be enough to export to other countries. That is the essence of stopping subsidy, because the amount spent by the past government on subsidy, if we have that today, we will be able to take away poverty in this country.

opinion The supreme court and the mob hysteria 35

22 November, 2015

By Ajibola Oluyede

clearly orchestrated tirade against the Supreme Court of Nigeria in respect of its acceptance of an undertaking by the counsel to the Respondent in the Saraki Appeal has come to my attention following two days of consistent bashing of the Court for daring to do the unthinkable by scuttling the politically motivated stampede to remove Bukola Saraki from his position as Senate President through a wholly unconstitutional trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. Concerning my submission that the Code of Conduct Tribunal’s trial of Bukola Saraki is unconstitutional I will address that in another forum. For now I wish to respond to the clearly misconceived notion that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act can be used to oust the power of the courts to grant stay of proceedings in criminal trials. The issue as formulated by the leader of the charge goes as follows: “It is unfathomable that the Supreme Court decided to return the country to the status quo ante in a rather brazen and bizzare manner. Given the ouster clause contained in section 306 of the AJCS(sic), the Code of Conduct Tribunal ought not to have delivered its ruling in respect of the preliminary objections filed by Dr. Saraki” –Femi Falana (SAN) Highly respected Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) was also quoted by the media as having said that “The new Administration of Criminal Justice Act has completely eliminated any application or grant of stay of actions or proceedings in criminal trials; it prohibits it. So, what the Supreme Court has done is illegal and it is shocking that the Supreme Court would indulge in illegalities”. Both eminent lawyers are intolerably wrong and thus give the impression that their per incuriam opinions could only have been motivated by prejudice and not by their well known life long struggle for the public good. Indeed the manner in which their respected opinions have rabble-roused a surge of public opinion against the apex court in respect of an issue which is still sub-judice smacks, in my humble opinion, of criminal contempt.. It is in this context that I join issues with them on the matter as follows: Section 306 of the ACJA is unconstitutional null and void in so far as it seeks to limit the exercise of judicial powers vested in the courts by section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. Ayoola JCA (as he then was) in NNPC V Fawehinmi [1998] 7NWLR (PART 559) 598 at 612E-H echoed an age old principle of separation of powers when he said “Other than in consonance with the constitution itself, legislative provisions which preclude the judiciary from exercising judicial powers violate the separation of powers principle enshrined in section 6 of the Constitution” Relying on the above dictum Omoleye JCA in Njikoye V MTN [2008] 9 NWLR (part 1092) 339 at 369 F-H also stated that “..the courts would disregard any statute that seeks to regulate and obliterate their judicial powers conferred on them by the express provisions of the Constitution, the supreme and grund norm of Nigeria. ….. An enactment will

therefore be considered opposed to the constitutional provisions vesting judicial powers in a court if: it … purported to remove judicial powers vested in the court or redefine it in a way as to whittle it or limit the extent of the power vested or conferred on the court by the Constitution.” What this means is that no legislature in Nigeria has the power to enact legislation that limits the exercise of judicial power or (as Falana states in his submission) constitute an “ouster clause”. With regard to ouster clauses (although I do not agree that section 306 is one) Section 4(8) of the Constitution expressly forbids it and disempowers the legislature from making any such law. To do so the legislature would have to amend the Constitution and that procedure is not the same as the mere passing of a bill into law as was done with the ACJA. It is therefore more strange and bizarre that any lawyer would castigate the apex court or any court for that matter for ignoring the so called “ouster clause” constituted by Section 306 of the ACJA especially as it expressly conflicts with the powers donated to the judiciary by the constitution, part of which is the power to order stay of any proceedings. In this regard the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009 expressly provide in Order 4 Rule 4(iv) that the Civil Rights Court may “Grant injunction restraining the Respondent from taking further steps in connection with the matter or maintaining status quo or staying all actions pending the determination of [a Fundamental Rights] Application” In Order XI of the same rules it is provided that the Civil Rights Court may “At the hearing of any [fundamental right]s application, under these rules, …. Make such orders, issue such writs and give such directions as it may consider just or appropriate for the purpose of enforcing or securing the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights provided for in the Constitution or African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act to which the applicant may be entitled” Katsina Alu JCA (as he then was) in the case of Abia State University V Anyaibe [1996] 3 NWLR (PART 439) 646 at 661 E-F said of the Fundamental Rights Enforce-

Sunday Tribune

ment Procedure Rules as follows: “Since the Rules have the force of law as the Constitution itself, it overrides the provisions of any other enactment which seeks to provide ‘an alternative’” Therefore in my humble submission it is erroneous for anyone to state that it is illegal to grant a stay of proceedings in criminal proceedings. The criminal court may ignore the provisions of section 306 in so far as it limits its ability to do justice in any worthy case and certainly an appellate court that perceives that something is wrong with any criminal proceedings may order its stay notwithstanding the provisions of section 306 of the ACJA and if it becomes an issue may infact set aside the section as invalid null and void. Furthermore a Civil Rights court before whom a complaint is made that a criminal proceedings infringes on any of the fundamental right in chapter iv of the Constitution certainly has the power donated expressly by the constitution to intervene and the provisions of section 306 of the ACJA would not be of any moment in that circumstance given the superiority of the Constitution to the ACJA. Care must be taken by the Buhari Government and its advisers not to end up reducing the judiciary to irrelevance under the cover of this “war against corruption”. Whereas everyone agrees that it is necessary to root out the plague of corruption from this country the method by which that is to be done must not be at the expense of the integrity of the institutions of democracy. The idea to limit the power of the courts to grant stay of proceedings in criminal trials is apparently rooted in the perception that judges cannot be trusted to do the right thing in Nigeria because of corruption this cannot be the appropriate way to root out the corruption in the judiciary. It is equivalent to enacting a law forbidding the President from approving expenditure because we believe that politicians are corrupt. That would only bring governance to a halt. The hue and cry about the efficacy of section 306 today is because those who favour it are not themselves judges. If they were, they probably would frown on a law that already labels them as incompetent to rightly exercise discretion or corrupt before they had a chance to show their mettle. It must be borne in mind that the fight against corruption is a worldwide fight as evidenced by the United Nations Convention against Corruption 2003 and the ECOWAS protocol on the fight against corruption 1993 both of which Nigeria is signatory to. The methods are stated in those conventions and they include a strengthening of the institutions of democracy and not the whittling down of their efficacy, authority or powers. I wonder why Nigeria’s case is always negatively different. Furthermore, abuse of office and the illegal instigation of criminal processes are required by Articles 17 and 25 of the UN Convention to be criminalised by signatories as corrupt practices. If the Supreme Court perceives that the criminal proceedings against Senator Saraki might have been improperly instigated for any reason it is obliged to join in the fight against corruption by stopping it completely and to this end may properly stay proceedings until it is satisfied that its perception is wrong. I congratulate the Supreme Court for braving the mob hysteria which appears to be the hallmark of this new fight against corruption to do the right thing. • Oluyede writes from Lagos.

thepolity ‘How ministerial appointment’ll shape Ondo politics’ Continued from

pg 31

nomo, expressed optimism that picking the APC ministerial nominee from the southern district will not affect the chance of the party in the next election and described the districts as the home of PDP but said the party’s candidate can emerge from any of the zones. Okunomo said “I do not believe that where a minister comes from in Ondo State will affect the political reality on

the ground. The PDP will do everything to ensure that a reasonable level of equity and political balance is reached especially in picking candidate for the election. The party will not pick a candidate that does not have grassroots appeal; we will present somebody that is acceptably to the generality of the people of Ondo State and not somebody who is acceptable to the political party alone.” He said further that the party will present someone who will continue with the legacy of the present administration

and assured that a level playing field will be provided by the party for all its candidates to try and test their popularity within and across the party. “Whoever the party is going to pick will be seen as a unifier, who will continue to place Ondo State in national and international map just like the government of Mimiko has been doing. We will not present a mediocre person but a candidate that will take the state to the next level.”

opinion

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

My last conversation with Mama HID Awolowo By Folu Olamiti

Y first encounter with Mama, Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, was on November 5, 1983 after the Presidential election, which Papa AWO contested and was perceptibly rigged out. Mama had accompanied her husband, the symbol of progressive politics in Nigeria on a visit to the Nigerian Tribune’s new office complex at Imalefalafia Street, Oke Ado in Ibadan. The Tribune office had just moved from Yemetu Adeoyo area, Ibadan to the new site. It was an historic visit which, according to the then Administrative Manager of Tribune, the late Mr Olumuyiwa, was Papa’s second visit since he founded the newspaper House in 1949. Before that event, I had had close contacts with the sage in my assignment as the Tribune reporter who covered his Presidential electioneering campaigns in 1979 and 1983, which he contested on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). I traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria with Papa AWO during those memorable periods. It was fun all through, being embedded in the campaign train of the greatest progressive party ever to emerge in the political history of Nigeria. In the new Tribune office complex Papa AWO, flanked by Mama, moved from one office to the other as they inspected the facilities so far installed. The inspection tour of the complex was about to end when Papa suddenly sighted me and called out my surname. Mama’s attention focused on me immediately and I could see a look of surprise on her. “So you are Folu Olamiti, “Omo Baba” (Papa’s God son), she interjected. For me, it was an encounter of a lifetime, more so as Mama from that time developed special interest in me. From then on, I must pay courtesies to Mama specially each time I went to Ikenne for one assignment or the other and enjoyed her warm hospitality. Indeed, the passing away of the Sage in 1987 made the bond between Mama and me grow stronger. Mama drew me closer each time, leaving me with a strong determination to be absolutely loyal to Tribune just as I increasingly became a caucus member of the Awolowo’s family. The situation remained so till July 3, 2015 when Mama entreated me to visit her in Ikenne. For me, the visit was divinely inspired. This is because a week earlier, I had a dream and saw Mama spotting a sparkling white apparel and looking every bit resplendent as she ushered me into the larger family sitting room. As I settled down for our usual mother and son discussions with eagerness to tap more from her wisdom, I woke up. After the dream, I put a call to Mama and her secretary picked and handed over the receiver to her. I felt her usual strong and clear voice immediately. She was excited to hear from me and we fixed the appointment for 2.00 pm. Mama was ready and waiting for me. She looked splendid in a native dress. Typical of Mama, she was seated on the dot of 2.00 pm while I was 15 minutes behind schedule. The guilt of arriving late for the meeting hit me as I sighted her seated in her favourite corner of the spacious sitting room. Then I thought about the impressive ways she usually arranged her time and schedules. She was ever smart and mentally alert. You could hardly fault Mama on any plan she drew for engagements with people or groups.

Even in her old age, she usually worked round the clock I had had the privilege of paying several visits to Mama, yet my last visit was touching and memorable. She beckoned on me to move closer. Almost immediately she intoned; “ Folu I have aged. My legs are weak. They can no longer support my body. My hearing is impaired and my eyes are also fading.” I interjected quickly and said, “Mama there is nothing to worry about. Your complaints are traits of old age”. I assured her that age notwithstanding, her elements; most especially her mental alertness was still intact. I prayed with her and expressed conviction that she would live to clock 100 years while the world would love to celebrate that rare grace. Mama seemed not to follow the track as she kept a low tone in response. Then she broke into silence as if to communicate some doubt and premonition on what was to come. Mama dosed off for few seconds and became awake only to shift her thoughts to Tribune. She expressed joy on the rising and flourishing status of the Tribune titles. She was full of hope that the management would be able to keep the flag flying for long. She said: “I am indeed happy with the resounding progress the Tribune titles have attained. It gladdens my heart and lifts my soul. I hear that the paper is one of the best in the country today. A few weeks ago, I traveled to Ibadan to formally commission the multimillion Naira printing machine they just bought. Though I was feeble, I was wheeled into the Production Room and

I laid my hands on the machine to bless it for effective performance. I prayed for the entire members of staff and those who had contributed one way or the other to the success story. I assure you Folu that even when I cross over to the next world, God will continue to grant my heart desire to keep Tribune going stronger and stronger.” From her countenance, one could see that the concluding part of that statement was more than just a wish. It was a fervent prayer to God to preserve and sustain Tribune long beyond her time. On Monday 16 November 2015 , Mama symbolically made her last appearance at the Tribune House in Ibadan. It was also the 66th year anniversary of Nigerian Tribune - the oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria - a newspaper long ago nicknamed by Papa as ‘Apamaku’ (never say die newspaper). Mama’s lifeless body laid there as hundreds of both Tribune Staff and other well wishers bid her farewell in the premises of a newspaper she toiled and laboured to nurture to greater height. It goes without saying that the best honour those Mama left behind in Tribune can give her is to continue to work harder and ensure to keep the company’s flag flying and NOTHING should be allowed to truncate this lofty legacy of the Awolowos. Mama touched my life a lot. She saw me through the still and turbulent waters during my 32 years sojourn in the Tribune. Of note was the management crisis that rocked the Tribune in 1997 and which prematurely edged out a Managing Director, two executive directors including me

and a chief accountant. Not only that, the boardroom politics polarised the entire members of staff. Those tagged “Olamiti boys” were shoved out. However, Mama was not comfortable with the Board’s decision and few months after, she started pressing for my recall. She strongly believed I deserved better treatment. When the decision to bring me back was finally ratified, I insisted that a consultant should be engaged for the reorganisation and repositioning of the company. I remember Mr Allan Olabode of the 21st Century Communication was brought in from Lagos and shouldered the responsibility to rebrand the titles to meet up with the ongoing wave of change in the media world. The rebranding got a boost when Gaius, a man with creative mind came up with a logo which is still the face of Tribune to date. Olabode began a recruitment exercise that culminated into an interview exercise chairmaned by the late Mr Tunji Oseni. Interview session was held in Lagos and witnessed by the Publisher, late Chief Wole Awolowo and Dr Mrs Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. The outcome of that interview brought back majority of the “Olamiti boys” who today are the backbones of the re-branded Tribune titles. However, one of them who did not return with the team but is still part of the family is Professor Wale Adebanwi. My recall tallied with Tribune’s 50th year anniversary. The celebration of this event also marked a big turning point for the newspaper till date. Having watched and interacted with Mama for decades, I can conclude that she was a woman of clean heart. She found it difficult to hold malice against anyone. She abhorred indolence, hypocrisy and liars. She was a symbol of purity, as she always ensured that her surroundings remained clean and spotless. I never witnessed any occasion where she raised her voice against anyone even in anger when provoked. If She felt She was right on an issue, she stuck firmly to that position. And if she wanted something done she would press till it was done. Her strong point was her ability to sustain the political dynasty of Chief Awolowo. That accounted for the reason AWO’s residence in Ikenne remained a Mecca before and after the exit of Papa AWO for great politicians from both sides of the divide in Nigeria. I found It amazing how politicians trooped to Ikenne to tap political wisdom from the woman Papa described as a “Jewel of inestimable value” Incredibly, Mama allowed many around her to fly on the wings of the name Awolowo, which she guarded very jealously till she breathed her last. Domestic staff in Ikenne will not forget Mama in a hurry. Many of Mama’s staff came in as bachelors and spinsters, but today, they are married with Mama picking up the bills of their children’s education up to university level. Let me sum up by saying Mama “rere” (Good mother) is gone and never to be seen and heard again, but the legacies which she left behind will continue to live so loud after her. For me, Mama, in death seems to be echoing the words of Apostle Paul to the people of Corinthians as captured in 2 Corinthians Chapter 13 verse 11: “Finally, brethren, farewell, be perfect. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you all. May the gentle soul of Mama continue to rest in peace.

opinion

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Buhari’s Nigeria and the carnage in Paris BY Femi Fani-Kayode

N the light of the horrendous events that took place in Paris I believe that it is time to eliminate and exterminate every single Jihadist terrorist on the face of the earth. We must show them no mercy and we must hold no quarter in our fight against them. We must prove to those that espouse the philosophy of radical Islam that no matter the degree of their savagery and no matter the number of their despicable and barbarous acts we shall remain strong in our resolve to overwhelm and defeat them and we shall continue to stand against them. We must also acknowledge the fact that America and her European allies made many mistakes in their handling of the war against terror. For example Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Muammar Ghaddafi of Libya, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Bashir Al Assad of Syria, despite their despotic ways and many shortcomings, suppressed the jihadists, the terrorists and the Islamic fundamentalists more than anyone else in the Arab world. Despite that the Americans and the west fought against them, destroyed their countries and removed them from power. Out of them all only Al Assad remains standing and even at that he presides over only half of Syria and that is by the grace of the Russians and the Iranians. Whilst the Americans and her western allies despise and seek to destroy the secularist leaders of the Arab world they appear to adore the ruling families, kings and despots of the Arab Gulf states who fund Islamist terror, who promote the Wahhabi philosophy and who export the violent and relentless Salifist tendency more than any other. It appears to me that this is the greatest paradox and contradiction of the modern age and frankly it is as inexplicable as it is inexcusable. The fact of the matter is that the most powerful and deadly Islamic terrorist organisations in the world today, including Al Nosra, ISIS, Al Qaeda, Al Shabbab, Boko Haram, Islamic Jihad, Hamas and numerous others are funded by America’s greatest allies in the region, namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. The mess that we are witnessing in the world today, the terrible carnage that we witnessed in Sharm El Sheik and the Sinai desert three weeks ago, the slaughter in Ankara four weeks ago, the mass murder in Beirut two week ago and the butchery in Paris one week ago were not just acts of pure evil but they were also the ultimate manifestation of bestial savagery. Sadly, such savagery was wrought by years of doublespeak, subterfuge, weak, ineffectual, conflicting and counter-productive world leadership and Middle Eastern policies which was provided by the administration of President Barack Obama. Had it not been for President Putin of Russia things would have been far worse. That is the bitter truth. Obama condoned and pampered the Saudis from the outset, he turned his back on Israel, he wined and dined with the Iranians, he supported Al Nosra, he refused to confront ISIS and instead he supported the destruction and murder of the Arab leaders that were prepared to do it for him. Yet in all of these the people that are faced with the greatest challenge when it comes to the fight against terror are the Nigerians. I say this because every single day for the last six months since President

Buhari has been sworn into office there has been an obvious resurrection of the power, might and confidence of Boko Haram yet our people have failed to recognise or acknowledge it. They are still studying what they describe as Buhari’s ‘’body language’’ and they have chosen to ignore the fact that the economy is collapsing, people are suffering, regional and ethnic tensions are boiling, food prices are rising, fuel queues are returning, corruption is thriving (e.g. the Remita scandal), the banking sector is dying, businesses are crumbling and human rights and civil liberties are being violated on a daily basis. The unacceptable way that President Buhari is treating Colonel Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser, Mr Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proBiafran movement and Dr Bukola Saraki, the Senate President is instructive and it confirms my worst fears about him. He has lost touch with reality and he believes that he can do anything to anybody simply because he is in power. Worse still under his watch the Department of State Security has been transformed into something akin to a modern-day gestapo with all its attendant consequences. In the case of Dasuki the President ordered his arrest even after he was illegally detained in his home for three weeks and despite the fact that a court of law had granted him permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment. I find it curious that the President would order his incarceration based on the findings of an INTERIM report as opposed to a final one. This is especially so given the fact that he was never invited by or asked to give his own side of the story to the panel that probed the arms procurement for which has was purportedly indicted and found wanting. If it is true that Dasuki did not buy any arms or military equipment then how on earth did the military manage to recapture 22 local government areas back from Boko Haram when he was National Security Adviser? Did they use sticks, stones and Molotov cocktails to achieve this? Again if it is true that no arms were bought by Dasuki how on earth did the

Jonathan administration manage to regain virtually all of our lost territory, push Boko Haram out of Abuja and all of the north and confine their activities to more or less the Sambisa forest by the time they left office? These questions must be answered and we as a people need to be far more discerning and circumspect when any government churns out grave allegations against their perceived enemies. Those that are ready to crucify Dasuki based on a string of unproven allegations and the findings of a questionable interim report that was submitted by a committee which was set up by his persecutors and tormentors ought to think twice. It appears to me that Buhari›s determination to shame, humiliate, discredit, destroy and ultimately jail Dasuki for no just cause borders on the obsessive and one wonders why. Yet the Presidents inability to curb Boko Haram and his reluctance to even acknowledge the fact that the war against terror is in a much more dangerous place than it was towards the tail end of the Jonathan administration is the most glaring testimony of his inability to lead this nation on the right path and to deliver her from her demons. Worse still the bombings and killings have also returned to Abuja and other towns outside the north-east such as Lokoja and Okene and the terrorists appear to be slowly making their way to the southern part of the country. Nigeria is saddled with a President who was a great defender of Boko Haram up until last year and who was once nominated by them as their spokesman and negotiator in proposed talks with the previous administration. Rather instructively he is also the life patron of the Fulani Cattle Rearers Association whose members have been committing acts of terror by butchering, raping, pillaging and abducting many southerners and Middle Belters over the last few months. We have a President that is implementing a clearly northern and Islamic agenda and who sees the south-eastern part of our country as nothing but a colony of slaves. Under such a man it seems hardly likely

that Boko Haram will be stopped or that the war against terror can be won. Worse still the Nigerian people appear to have been left on their own by the international community to fight that war against terror and radical Islam. Even though it is clear that not many in the international community empathise with us when our people are slaughtered by Boko Haram, it is gratifying to note that our people, as generous and as compassionate as ever, have expressed immense sorrow about the sad events in Paris and they have expressed immense solidarity with the people of France through the social media. This is very touching and that is the Nigerian for you. He is resilient, faithful, compassionate, generous, true, caring and always ready to sympathies with others and to offer words of encouragement in difficult times. Even though our blood is being shed by Boko Haram on a daily basis without the world seeming to care or batting an eyelid, we share their pain and mourn with them when their blood is shed and when their people are killed by the terrorists. I guess that is a testimony to our humanity: it is what makes us who and what we are. May God protect our nation from these evil and desperate beasts who kill the defenseless, the weak and the vulnerable in the name of their god and may He deliver us from them. May the souls of all those that were murdered in Paris last night rest in peace, may the blood of the innocents that was shed be avenged, may the Lord comfort their families and loved ones and may He be with the people of France at this difficult time. Permit me to end this contribution with the following. In an intervention titled “Re: France!” posted on his Facebook wall on the morning of 15th november, Mr. Favour B. Afolabi wrote the following, ‘President Goodluck Jonathan addressed the United Nations General Assembly a few years ago and told world leaders that “terrorism is a global problem›› (not just a Nigerian one) and that the whole world MUST stand up united against it rather than play politics with it or mock those currently dealing with it. What did the Nigerian Intelligentsia do? They largely mocked him and called him “weak and clueless”—today, those Nigerians shamelessly and hypocritically “claim solidarity with France” while they largely continue to pretend as though they don’t know that 40,000+ of their own citizens have been killed by Islamic terrorists in the course of the last 5 years. While playing the negative politics of “Jonathan is to be blamed for this” no serious nation would have allowed such madness on their own soil! Today, Jonathan is no longer President—largely blackmailed out of office by the people that became everwilling partners to Boko Haram - ‘praising them’ as they killed Nigerians and morally elevating their demonic ways over the sovereignty of the Nigerian State and the institution of the Presidency. Today those same people are seeking support for the same Presidency versus Boko Haram. If you belong to any of these groups I have listed above, you should ask God to forgive your sins as you head to church in the morning!” I say a loud “amen” to that. • Fani-Kayode was the former Minister of Aviation.

HORTLY before the controversy over the management of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) emerged on the floor of the Senate, a senator friend had asked me how much we in the media knew about the operation of that policy. He said that there was every reason for us to probe into the implementation of that policy in view of some discordant tunes emanating from banks and financial experts. What became obvious immediately was that the banks were not at ease with the TSA operation. The strains are there and it was apparent the economy the TSA was meant to stabilise was gasping. A number of hands in the banks got either rationalised or displaced. But the government insisted all was well. Last week, the Senate came up with the motion, which raised issues on the operation of the TSA. It did not come as a surprise, though. What was surprising is the anti-debate posture of the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and some public commentators who question the decision to interrogate the policy. No doubt, Senator Dino Melaye’s motion on TSA was well-intended. It was open-ended as well. In seconding that motion, another senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe asked potent questions: who gave the order that funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federation be deducted and paid to a certain firm? Where did such persons derive their powers and what’s their staying power in the system? He concluded by saying that the Senate must probe into the development. The question raised by the Senate was quite clear enough. Was the sum of N25 approved for payment from the TSA to an e-payment platform, Remita? How did the organisation come about receiving the said sum from TSA in one day? These are the issues the three standing Committees of the Senate are to investigate. But interesting developments took the central stage immediately the quest for probe broke in the Senate. Sytemsspecs, owners of Remita issued a statement, which confirmed that some funds were paid to the firm from the TSA and that the funds paid were meant for banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other stakeholders. It was worrying, however, that the Minister of Information and Culture came out smoking some days after the

22 November, 2015

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046

This TSA controversy

company in question admitted it was designed to receive some commissions from the TSA. In a statement on November 16, Mohammed accused those making allegations about the N25 billion payments as suffering from effects of the impunity of the past. He said: ‘’It is understandable that the psyche of those who are making the frivolous allegations concerning the TSA has been badly affected by the impunity that permeated the country under the immediate past administration, when funds not appropriated for were freely used to finance elections and the public till was seen as an extension of personal piggy banks. ‘’But the lies that have been willfully disseminated by

Sunday Tribune

scaremongers over the TSA cannot and will not fly, because it was precisely to put an end to such impunity that Nigerians voted massively for President Muhammadu Buhari, who has an unblemished reputation for integrity, due process, transparency and the rule of law,” he said. He said that though the TSA was initiated by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Buhari administration simply developed the political will to pull it through. He further stated: ‘’Those behind the rumour that a single company, Systemspecs, made 25 billion Naira from charging 1 per cent of TSA funds that passed through the company’s software, Remita, may need to return to elementary school to get some lessons in arithmetic.” In another statement, Alhaji Mohammed insisted that talk is cheap and facts are sacred, while defending his earlier lines. With two statements in one week over the same issue, the minister might have drawn unnecessary attention to the fact that the government has some explanations to make on this issue, especially when the organisation concerned has issued a statement, which contradicts the minister’s initial position. What is booming out there is that the government is seeing the inquest by the Senate as an affront on its integrity, transparency and determination to fight corruption. It has to be clear to all, however, that even when there are agreements on different sides as to the need to tackle corruption, questions must arise along the way. Failure to ask the right questions at the right times can only perpetuate dogma and possibly turn a country of fertile minds like Nigeria to what we are not. The minister has to be told that the decision of the Senate to probe into the operation of the TSA is not only within their constitutional powers but also a service to the nation. The probe would strengthen the TSA if the policy comes clean afterwards; while it would further justify the government’s resolve. I do not see why Mohammed would take offence at the probe to the extent that he punctuated his statement with words like “lies,” “scaremongers” and “rumour.” The message could still be passed if he simply told us the Buhari was not involved in the N25 billion scam. But that should not stop the Senate from conducting an enquiry with open minds.

opinion Ogun State, Amosun and the real change By Sola Lawal DATELINE: Friday, 13 November, 2015. The Ibikunle Amosun administration in Ogun State brought the crème-de-la-crème of government apparatus into the expansive hall of the former Gateway Hotel Abeokuta, now Park Inn. The list of attendees included commissioners, special advisers, consultants and permanent secretaries, among others. It was a one-day retreat to jumpstart the second term administration of Amosun. The helmsman also sat in that retreat throughout. The event took place barely a week after a similar one involving then would-be ministers in the Muhammadu Buhari administration. The Abeokuta event offered a rare opportunity to brainstorm over such knotty issues as effecting modern transformational governance in Ogun State, embedded in infrastructural rebirth, investment drive and revenue generation while keeping an eye on people-friendly governance. For Amosun, it is not so much about what to do to memorably impact on the affairs of his people but how to sustain the present tempo of infrastructural hurricane he wrought on the state since 2011 when he assumed office. For reasons that are obvious, the helmsman’s throbbing headache is easily decipherable. Available records show convincingly that in four years, he has challenged failure to a duel by embarking on unimaginable volume of infrastructural workload. His somewhat greedy onslaught on underdevelopment in Ogun State led many to reach the inevitable conclusion that he has, indeed, overdrawn his goodwill with the impatient god of accomplishment. Although his scorecard - particularly on successfully executed road infrastructure in many areas of the state - shocked many of his critics, many roads are still in various stages of completion at the close of first term last May. His critics were unsparing in firing salvos his way for this reason and the fact that many residents lost property to the bulldozers. Criticism of the administration is most

strident in areas where road projects await completion. Many hold the strong view, therefore, that the governor should have bitten less for a mouthful. None, nevertheless, would forget in a hurry the uninspiring state of infrastructure in Ogun State prior to May 2011 when Governor Amosun took over the reins of governance. As a matter of fact, the administration met a comatose civil service, dysfunctional economic plain, moribund infrastructural arena aside from near-death state of health and educational facilities. The situation was so palpable that as the new helmsman took his oath of office in Abeokuta, the state capital, many banks in the state shut their gates against customers. Reason? Intractable menace of armed robbers. Aside man-made challenges, nature-induced peculiarities instantly made the job in the hands of the new governor quite tasking. Birthed in February 1976, the state boasts of an estimated population of 4.3 million people occupying a land mass of about 16,409.16 square kilometres. Much as its proximity to the megacity of Lagos attracts advantages, the circumstances also impose its spectacular challenges. This gory situation is most manifest in the area of crime. Fleeing hoodlums and social fugitives from Lagos found Ogun a homely environment during the tenure of Amosun’s predecessor. This was promptly tackled by governor through massive procurement of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) deployed across the state. Schools that were closed in the state before Amosun

took over, either due to non-payment of salaries or failure of government to provide required facilities and aids for effective operation sprang to life. Teachers were paid huge backlog of entitlements while instructional aids were provided. Existing facilities in the educational sector were either upgraded or rehabilitated. New schools modern mega ones - were built in local government areas. In the meantime, the health sector in the state has increasingly witnessed a remarkable uplift. Hospitals have sprung up in communities without any in the past. The existing ones have also been well-equipped while health personnel are currently enjoying never-before -experienced welfare largesse from government. Efforts of the government in these areas have greatly resulted in renewed confidence of the citizenry in public health policy of the government. The Amosun administration’s policy on urban renewal is a classic. It is anchored on five cardinal points. There is no doubting the fact that every efforts made in the area of modernisation geared toward making life more meaningful for the people thrives only on efficient road infrastructure. Roads are the vehicles to take anyone to other government facilities. It is against this background that the Amosun administration has evolved the now famous Ogun standard roads. There are also massive efforts deployed into construction of link roads, community roads and rural roads. In spite of this eye-popping record of achievements, the Amosun administration scored its most decisive goal in the area of fiscal management. It is widely known that all tiers of government have been assailed by intractable cash crunch. Ogun is not exempted. The administration waded through the nation’s economic storm while still performing its transformational duties to the people without exposing the state to debts either in form of loan or unpaid services of contractors. • Lawal is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State.

22 November, 2015

on the

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday

HID: A life so well-lived! “How can anyone argue with a life so well-lived?” – Former U.S President Bill Clinton. Occasion was the National Prayer Breakfast to which Mother Theresa had been invited to make a speech by the then U.S. President Bill Clinton. Everyone knew Mother Theresa; so everyone knew what to expect from the Catholic Nun. Born in Skopje in the then Albania (now Macedonia) as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, Mother Theresa was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women dedicated to helping the poor of the poor. Mother Theresa lived most of her life and did most of her charity work in Calcutta, India amongst that country’s desperately poor, hence she became known as Mother Theresa of Calcutta. As someone not given to running away from controversy, Mother Theresa supported the Church’s opposition to contraception and abortion. “I feel the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion”, she was quoted as saying as she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. In 1995, which was a few years before her death on September 5, 1997, she pleaded with voters to vote “No” in an Irish referendum to consider whether to expunge the constitutional ban on divorce and remarriage. Controversial as these were, they did not put her in the eyes of the storm as much as her speech at the Washington National Prayer Breakfast. It was a full house of the movers and shakers of the Washington Establishment, as it were, with Bill Clinton and wife Hilary leading the way. Unfazed, Mother Theresa gave the leaders of the world’s most powerful nation a caustic tongue: “I was surprised in the West to see so many young boys and girls given to drugs”, she said. Her explanation for this unsavoury state of affairs was what she described as the destruction of family values. She also repeated her stance of abortion being “the greatest destroyer of peace today”. For a Democratic government that was pro-abortion, this could not but have been a direct slap in the face. At the end of Mother Theresa’s speech, reporters sought to hear Bill Clinton’s comments. He said: “How can anyone argue with a life so well-lived?” So, no one argues with a life well-lived! Not even the president of the most influential nation of the world could do even that! Since Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo, matriarch of the Awolowo family, passed into glory a couple of weeks ago, the Clinton statement had resonated. It is factual; it is didactic; and it has played out before our very eyes. The Ikenne home of the Awolowos has become a Mecca of sorts – who is the “who is who” that has not been there? It has been heaps of eulogies upon heaps of praises for Mama HID. Taking a cue from Mother Theresa – and now from Mama HID – a life well-lived is one devoted to the service of others. It is a life of punishing discipline; of self-denial; a Spartan as

opposed to Epicurean life-style. It is a life of ups-and-downs, with both borne with equal equanimity and fortitude. It is a life lived for the future and not the present. It is life lived with courage; discountenancing risks and making trifles of dangers; putting old things behind and reaching forward for the goal. The reward is often reserved for the end, when encomiums such as those that have poured in for Mama HID unsolicited cannot be withheld by friends and foes alike. We know a life well-lived when those who disagree with us cannot but reverence us and respect our views; when people from differing backgrounds (social, economic, political, ethnic, and spiritual) are able to speak those words spoken by Clinton and pour the encomiums that have trailed the departure to glory of Mama HID. It is not a common feat; and because it is not, not everyone attains to it. It would appear to me that it is reserved for only a few. If the dead do look back, surely Mama HID would feel proud of her toils and the place of pride it has won for her in the pantheons of heroes. Incidentally, I never met Mama HID; just like I never met the sage himself, Pa Obafemi Awolowo. There is, however, a story I will never forget. I, in company of another 10 or so University graduates, had just been employed into the stable of the Ibadan-based Sketch newspapers (now defunct) in 1985. We were sent out in twos to cover the South-west “grassroots” scouting for news and feature articles – and adverts. Bisi Olaoye and I went to Ondo and later Osun states. The “luck” fell to two of our other colleagues to cover Ogun and one of their assignments was an interview with Pa Awolowo. On the appointed day, the big masquerade himself (MD) led the team, ably supported by the editor. Our

colleagues were properly briefed on the conduct and etiquette expected of them; they agreed to all the rules except the one that said they must prostrate to greet Awo when they got to Ikenne. “Old school”, they said and determined to stand upright, stretch forward their hand and have a vigorous handshake with the Great Awo. The Ogas warned them but they stuck to their gun. They soon got to Ikenne and were ushered into Awo’s conference room. They were lost in discussions when, suddenly, the curtains parted and Awo stood in between. The MD went down flat on his belly. The editor followed. The little rebels did not know how, one after the other, they too found themselves flat on their bellies. The joke was that long after the sage had taken his seat and the MD and editor had got up from the floor, my colleagues were still face down on the floor. It took a pat on the back from the editor to rouse them up from the floor. On the way from Ikenne back to the office, the joke was much. A life so well-lived is not all about deprivations but is also a life of honour. It is a life of prizes and laurels but won at steep prices. Multitudes attempt the mountain; many fall by the wayside but only a few get to the summit, amongst whom we can now assuredly say was Mama HID Awolowo. We end by reciting what Mother Theresa said of herself: “By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic Nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus”. We can say no less of Mama HID! Adieu! FEEDBACK I received the report that follows from a reader a while ago. I did not know what to make of it; so, I just kept it. Today, I

offload it. It may be you will find some use for it. Enjoy it! “She was my mother’s friend. She was older than my mother and her immediate brother was senior to my mother. The woman in question was very kind, good, genial, quiet, and unassuming. She was the third best woman I had ever known. One day she invited my mother and me to the funeral of her father. General Olusegun Obasanjo was the special guest of honour. Everybody wanted to see him. When he arrived, the traditional Egba (Abeokuta) anthem was sung. Obasanjo was happy; he danced and cracked jokes. When he was about to enter the hall where the ceremony would take place, he gave all the people who came to greet him the sum of N20 to go and share amongst themselves and he cautioned that they should not fight over it! Obasanjo did not look back as he entered the hall. All the people who came to welcome him were surprised at his behaviour. When General Murtala Muhammed returned from Mecca, he passed through the same area where Obasanjo had belittled the people who had come to welcome him. As soon as people sighted Murtala’s car, they said, “he has come”, “he has come” and they ran after his car. General Murtala ordered his driver to stop; the driver parked the car and Murtala started exchanging pleasantries with his admirers. He did not give money to anybody but his action and comportment evinced humility and pleasantness”. Olusola Taiwo. Your write-up in Sunday Tribune is not only for the present generation but also for in-coming generations as well if, truly, we want to save our dear country from the present political debacle rocking it. Sincerely speaking, you are not from this planet! – Taiwo Sangotikun, Iseyin, Oyo state. I read your “Thinking aloud on sundry issues” and took pity on this country. The fundamental issue lies in the faulty Constitution bestowed on us by past military rulers. Politicians, too, are not sincere with the way they are playing the game. The winner-takes-all, caused by fear of the unknown, is a problem. – Olabisi Adewumi, State of Osun. Truth of the matter is that Ambode is not doing enough to please Lagosians because insecurity and other social vices have taken over Lagos since the new governor resumed office. Let him borrow a leaf from Fashola’s first term in office which was adjudged good enough to have earned the former governor second term. Gordon Chika Nnorom On the new ministers, please check Sunday Tribune of 2nd November, 1986 at page 5 on Oloye Saraki\Audu Ogbeh; and now Bukola Saraki\Audu Ogbeh. The ruling cabal in Nigeria had been established since 1960. Of all the presidents of Nigeria since that time, only Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan’s names were not on the table. Olu Oludoye.

22 November, 2015

language&style A harvest of errors! (V)

OR the fifth time we are focusing analytic energy on the material that has provided all sorts of errors for our discussion. Those errors, we have noted repeatedly, do not paint a complimentary picture of the writer. The remaining errors are considered and analyzed today. The excerpt is presented as the first sample. Sample 1: “After taken the oath of office in 29th of May, 2015, after his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won a landslide victory at the polls, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State in his determination to take Kebbi State out of the woods, set up various machineries that will galvanized and transform the state to comply with current trend of civilization and globalization…In the power sector, Governor Bagudu is of the strong belief that for any state economy to be develop, there must be steady power supply to people both the small, medium and large scale businesses…In addition, he released money for the purchase of two 11.7kva transformers and 50 units 7.5kva subtransformers that would transmit power from the 11.7kva to various parts of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. This is now in force… Shocked by the meager amount of money he met in government covers on assumption of office, Governor Bagudu set up a 25 man committee headed by his deputy, Suma’ila Dabai Yombe, to look into the finances of the state government under former Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari…The giant Flour Mills Plc aim to establish a full fledges Flour Mills Company in the State, because of the abundance rice cultivation and production which cut across 17 out of the 21 local government areas of the State…Governor Atiku Bagudu’s administration set up a committee to verify the Local Government finances and also to establish the accurate figure of staffs in each of the local government council areas. In the area of sanitation, a committee headed by a retired Navy Captain was mandated to clear and get rid of the heaps of refuse that dotted every nook and crannies of the state capital. Further, the clearing of drainages and seaways for easy passage of erosion has drastically prevented flooding which has been the bane of the metropolis in the past…The governor also used the opportunity of the visit to advocate for strong economic ties between Kebbi and Benin Republic…” (Atiku Bagudu’s 100 Days: The Story so Far, The Nation On Sunday, September 27, 2015) First, we consider the form develop which occurs in the following context: “for any state economy to be develop…” We note also the word be immediately preceding the word develop. The word be, let us note, is always followed by an adjective or a participle (present or past participle). Let’s try and insert adjectives into that slot and see the result: to be great; to be attractive; to be wonderful; to be excellent; to be buoyant; to be strong; to be powerful; to be marvelous; to be prosperous; to be effective; to be big; to be progressive; to be profitable; to be significant; etc. It should be obvious now that adjectives appropriately follow the form be. But it can also be followed by the ing participle, also known as the present participle: to be expanding; to be contracting; to be reducing; to be increasing; to be advancing; to be growing; to be enlarging; to be diminishing; to be progressing; to be enduring;etc. Again, there is no doubt that the present participle or ing participle can appropriately follow the word be. Furthermore, it can also be followed by the past participle: to be advanced; to be focused; to be battered; to be expanded; to be ruined; to be endangered; to be diversified; to be energized; to be enlarged; to be nurtured; to be guided; to be lifted; etc. It should be clear now that adjectives, present participles and past participles occupy identical syntactic framework. As for the context under review, the appropriate form is the past participle (and not the infinitive form, develop): “for any state economy to be developed…” Next we consider the word abundance which occurs in the following context: “abundance rice cultivation.” The structural context in which the word abundance occurs does show that it is meant to modify the noun rice. It is an elementary grammatical fact that the word abundance is a noun. While it is true that a noun can modify another noun, it is not appropriate for the word abundance to modify rice. In each of the following phrases, a noun modifies another noun: petrol station; petroleum industry; teacher education; resource control; university educa-

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

tion; law court; law school; police station; soil fertility; population growth; girl education; football referee; capacity building; government college; disease control; village life; life patron; life member; army cantonment; glass house; gold ring; bus stop; power failure; army officer; labour union; staff strength; etc. The phenomenon of a noun modifying another noun is common in English as those examples show. But that is not always the case. The regular case is that of an adjective modifying a noun. The following phrases illustrate this grammatical fact: powerful politician; loyal follower; beautiful lady; strange development; appropriate measure; busy businessman; factual statement; efficient workman; effective method; sharp tool; neat arrangement; tidy environment; clean water; famous singer; funny jokes; juicy offer; appreciative audience; intelligent comment; fabulous wealth; edible fruit; favourable reply; young politician; honest answer; deficient structure; etc. Please recall that in the immediately preceding discussion, we noted that past participles and present participles (or ing participles) often function like adjectives as the following phrases illustrate: vising professor; telling stroke; functioning system; moving train; trying times; passing phase; adjoining neighbourhood; accounting procedure; coping strategy; fishing line; governing council; learning process; marketing strategies; closing prayer; rising sun; endearing words; annoying comments; flattering words; resting place; waiting list; growing children; sustaining grace; clearing agent; greying hair; lying lips; changing patterns; damaging stories; damning report; developing economy; reading room; etc. Those phrases illustrate how ing/present participles modify nouns, just like adjectives. The following phrases illustrate how past participles perform adjectival functions by modifying nouns: defeated enemies; broken spirit; written matter; frightened children; forgotten history; rotten eggs; broken promises; delayed action; spoken language; favoured man; rejected proposal; drunk driver; sustained campaign; annulled election; failed bank; spent money; exhausted workers; trained staff; changed man; rented apartment;frustrated politician; etc. The phrase should read: “abundant rice cultivation.” Please notice that the noun abundance has been changed to its adjectival form: abundant. Are we suggesting that the nounabundance should not be used at all? Far from it. There are contexts in which abundance is used just as there are contexts in which the adjective abundant is used. Read the following sentences: 1) Food was available in abundance at the marriage ceremony. 2) Rice is grown in abundance in many parts of the north. 3) Milk was supplied in abundance to all families. 4) There are some places in the arid north where water is available in abundance. 5) The politician enjoyed abundance of goodwill among his supporters. 6) Let’s make use of the youth who have abundance of energy. 7) What I like about him is that he has patience in abundance. 8) We have fertile land in abundance in this part of the country. 9) A country with abundance of human and natural resources should not have the kind of problem this country has. 10) The country is noted for exporting abundance of fruits. Finally on this notorious excerpt, we note the word staffs which occurs in the following context: “to establish the accurate figure of staffs in each of the government council areas.” Please note that the word occurs in its plural form. Here lies the problem. The word is a collective noun which should never be pluralized. A staff is a group of workers in a place. The entire workforce in anestablishment is its staff. A single person cannot be described as a staff of an establishment. Now read the following sentences: 1) The company is blessed with a dedicated staff. 2) Nothing is like a well-trained and wellexposed staff.3) All members of staff are invited to a meeting which will be addressed by the MD. 4) What can you achieve with a staff of only ten people? 5) Three members of staff have benefitted from the training facilities. 6) No member of staff is allowed to leave the premises before the close of work. 7) The staff of the university are drawn from different parts of the country. 8) The staff strength is about fifty. 9)We usually pay special attention to staff salaries. 10)The young lady is on our staff. The discussion is concluded.

Sunday Tribune

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life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues Loquacity Is the father of the lie Yes, Loquacity Is the father of the lie Their words tumble down Like a deluge from an open sky

There are a thousand words In the diary of the face Say, there are a thousand words In the diary of the face Show me the eloquence of your eye The coded forehead is a scripted space

Success spawns A galaxy of foes Say, success spawns A galaxy of foes Envy burns like flameless fire The star is target of sparkles woes

To hang him easy quick They give his dog a bad name Yes, to hang him easy quick They call his dog a bad name The bad name turns sugar on every lip And lends a golden wind to his fame

The mouth is a temple The tongue is its priest Yes, the mouth is a temple And the tongue is its priest Words, young and old, are coming home The song hears the summons to the golden feast The drum sounds the dawn of the golden feast

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch Christmas festivities, charade in a world at war —Pope Set to visit Africa

HRISTMAS festivities will seem empty in a world which has chosen “war and hate”, Pope Francis was quoted as saying last week, throwing a shadow over the festive season which has commenced at the

Vatican. Speaking during a sermon, Pope Francis stated that “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. The world has not chosen a peaceful path.” Commenting on the terror attack in French history, the

bombing of a Russian airliner, a double suicide bombing in Lebanon, and a series of other deadly strikes, he noted that “There are wars today everywhere, and hate. We should ask for the grace to weep for this world, which does not recognise the path to peace. To weep for those who live for war and have the cynicism to deny it.” He continued: “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.” The sermon threw a shadow over the start of the festive

season at the Vatican, where a giant Christmas tree was unveiled. In line with Pope Francis’s humble style, alongside the figures from the story of Jesus’s birth, will be sculptures of ordinary people, including a man supporting an elderly person in need. Meanwhile, plans are in place for Pope Francis’ scheduled visit to Africa. According to a Vatican spokesperson, he will arrive in Kenya on November 25th, travel to Uganda on the 27th and the Central African Republic on the 29th and plans to return to Rome on Monday the 30th.

Oritsejafor, Ashimolowo, Omobude, Okonkwo for TREM conference PASTOR Ayo Oritsejafor, National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and General Overseer, Word of Life Bible Church, Warri; Bishop Tudor Bismark Jabula of New Life Ministries International Zimbabwe; Dr. Mensa Otabil from Ghana

and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of KICC are set to feature at the 2015 edition of Kingdom Life World Conference (KLWC) of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), under the leadership of Bishop Mike Okonkwo. According to a release

Petroleum Minister:

Buhari’s self appointment, wrong move —Primate Ayodele Pg43

signed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Reverend Iyke Osuji, themed “Rest”, the conference will take place at the Cathedral of His Glory, TREM International Headquarters, Gbagada Express Way, Anthony Oke, Lagos from 22nd till

29th Nov 2015 The conference will also feature Dr Felix Omobude of the New Covenant Church, Benin City; Bishop Simeon Okah of Flock of Christ, Warri; Bishop Peace Okonkwo, Lagos and other anointed men of God. There would be sessions

Prioritise your children’s upbringing, parents told

Pg42

for pastors and other teaching sessions which will address topical issues like finance, relationships, leadership development and other social issues. Highlights for this year’s convention include a special healing service with Bishop Peace Okonkwo, the graduation

Pastors, Nigeria’s major headache —Revd Olayiwola Pg44

ceremony of the God’s Army Bible College and a special Praise Evening tagged ‘”Zamar Praise Concert.” The 2015 KLWC will officially come to a close on Sunday, November 29th with Dr. Mike Okonkwo the Presiding Bishop as the chief host. The Kingdom Life World Conference which debuted in 1990 is the annual conference of the ministry, and has hosted ministers from all over the world and every year, delegates from various parts of the world come to receive directly from God with great testimonies abounding.

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews

Leaders urged to focus on spirituality of youths By Olaide Sokoya

HE leaders of the nation, political holders, government at all levels, clerics and well meaning Nigerians have advised to take keen interest in nurturing the younger generation aright and in the way of the Lord, which will, no doubt, enhance their moral life as well as make them good ambassadors of the nation. Pastor Paul Toluwani Oginni, the visionary of Lesekese Centre, who is also the facilitator of the Bible quiz competition for secondary schools in Oyo State, organised by the Care People Foundation in conjunction with Nigeria Christian Corpers Fellowship, Oyo State chapter, stated this at the just concluded competition held at his church headquarters, Lesekese centre, last week. The competition, which gathered about 350 participants from private and public secondary schools in Oyo State portrayed one of the main goals of the initiative that children should be brought up in the way of the Lord. The facilitator also expressed his joy over this year’s performance, noting that, “It is, indeed, better than that of last year in which 60 per cent was the overall mark, while this year recorded 70 per cent and above. This is an encouraging development and we will not relent in continuing to impact morals and God’s words in their lives. It is

important to sharpen the younger generation morally and spiritually and this is part of what will make their lives meaningful.”

10 students who scored above 70 from the general examination made it to the final stage of the competition, while the 2015 Bible

competition had Olumese Charles from Marks Comprehensive High School as the 2nd runner-up who won a rechargeable fan;

the 1st runner-up, Olajide Inioluwa from Wesley College of Science got a 15-inch TV set, while the overall winner, Akinola Ayokunle from Government College, Ibadan won an iNote pad. Some students also won consolation prizes. Lesekese who described the annual competition as

transparent also revealed that aside the prizes won, the three winners would be enrolled in free computer training, while all participants would also undergo free musical instruments training, which according to him, was his mandate by God to impact in the younger generation.

Ojo tasks leaders on nation building

From left, the quiz master, Pastor Ishola Adewale; the 2nd runner-up, Olumese Charles; Chairman of the competition, Adeyemi; facilitator of the quiz, Dr. Paul Tioluwani; overall winner, Akinola Ayokunle; 1st runner-up, Olajide Inioluwa and the coordinator, Pastor John Idowu at the just concluded Bible Quiz competition organised by the Care People foundation, recently.

THE Senior Pastor of Grace Family Church International, Revd. Yinka Ojo, has charged the nation’s leaders not to derail from their promises of a better Nigeria. Ojo, who made this remark during the recently concluded annual convention and 25th anniversary of the church, with the theme, “Great Grace, Great God” based on Acts 4:33, held at the AlausaIkeja headquarters of the church, stressed that the nation would again attain greatness if all Nigerians turn to God for prayers for the spirit of discernment to guide them and also do the wish of God, which the

Holy Spirit will put into their hearts at all times. The cleric called on Nigerians to have strong determination to begin to live prayerful lives and be filled with the knowledge of the word of God. The Senior Pastor, was honoured alongside his wife, Revd. Deola Ojo, at the convention for their outstanding service, leadership qualities and commitment. Ministers of the word of God at the convention included Revd. Tunde Bolanta; Bishops Mike and Peace Okonkwo; Revd. Emiko Amotsuka; Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija and Revd. John Marshal Okposio.

Prioritise your children’s upbringing, parents told By Yetunde Tijani

Vicar, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo-Ona, Venerable O.I. Ogunrinde (second left), congratulating the Vice-President, Mothers’ Union, Mrs. F.S. Ogunrinde, during the thanksgiving service. With them (from left) are Reverend T.B. Ogundele; Venerable I.A. Jesulola and Mrs. E.A. Jesulola.

IT is very gainful and profitable for Christians to attach importance to praying unto God through Jesus Christ for whatever their request or needs might be rather than relying on human beings whose promises could result to failure

Australia based preacher, Martin Duffy storms Lagos for crusade Gbemi Solaja-Lagos

From left, Reverend (Mrs) Deborah Afolabi; Apostle Dr J.D. Afolabi (Okoto Jesu) and Pastor Sunday Samuel during the cutting of the cake at the 26th anniversary of Joyous Miracle Gospel Church and Ministry, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

THE Senior Pastor, Elim Christian Ministry, an Australia based church, in conjunction with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeri (PFN) will hold a twoday crusade themed “The Greatness of his Power” in Lagos. The crusade scheduled for Friday, 27th and Saturday, 28th November 2015 will hold at the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos at 5pm daily. There will also be a Ministers Conference on the 25th of November, 2015 at 12p.m.

Also ministering at the crusade is Bishop Abraham Olaleye of the Abraham’s Evangelistic Ministry. Martin Duffy is well known for his ministerial exploits in dangerous nations including Pakistan where he visited on six occasions and conducted 19 crusades. Duffy was converted to Jesus Christ under the ministry of Dr Billy Graham at the age of 15. Seeking fulfillment, Martin pursued a career in professional soccer, twice travelling to England for trials with professional clubs.

at the end of the day. Mrs Atinuke Adeyemi made this observation while delivering a sermon themed: “Woman on her knees” at the 2015 anniversary thanksgiving service of the Mothers’ Union of Saint Paul’s Anglican church, Odo- Ona, (SPACO), Ibadan recently. Adeyemi also enjoined women to make the proper upbringing of their children morally, educationally and spiritually, their duties and compulsory assignments from God by ensuring that they accord due respect to elders at home, in the church and society generally. They should make their dressing and utterances portray them as children of God in order to be seen as enviable ambassadors of their families and Christ whereever they might find themselves. The preacher, Samuel Igbayilola of the Oluyole Estate, Ibadan branch, also advised women to desist from wasting resources they could use for the development of God’s ministry on social functions.

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22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Petroleum Minister:

Buhari’s self appointment, wrong move —Primate Ayodele He predicted the current political situations in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Taraba states, the Golden Eaglets’ recent victory, the removal of the EFCC boss, among others. Primate Elijah Ayodele, Founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, headquatered in Lagos, shares with RITA OKONOBOH, his revelations for various sectors across Nigeria’s polity and economy, his thoughts on the seeming failure of prophetic declarations, and the church’s role in government. Excerpts:

OU predicted and it was published in July 2015 about what is happening in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Taraba states. What should we expect after those occurrences? It is quite unfortunate that our leaders don’t take warning seriously. They believe that when a prophet makes a prophetic statement, they should not take it serious. I see it as ignorance. The man going to court in Taraba is merely wasting his money. The Akwa Ibom APC should not rejoice just yet. Rather, they should struggle very hard to cover the lapses. If the present governor does not seek the face of God, he may lose out. Both parties must seek the face of God. For Rivers State, APC should not rejoice at the moment because there is still much work to be done, especially at the grassroots level, otherwise, PDP might still retain power. Sometime ago, you stated that President Muhammadu Buhari must ensure that Babatunde Fashola and Rotimi Amaechi are in his cabinet. With the cabinet now, what do you see? I am not a politician or a technocrat. I don’t have any favourite in the cabinet. However, I am happy that the duo of Fashola and Amaechi are in the cabinet because they will help to stabilise the government. Within the next two and a half years, Buhari’s government will be unstable and he will also have health issues and there will be economic crisis. These are the people who would help him and give more strength to the government. I haven’t met Fashola or Amaechi before. In fact, to me, Fashola didn’t do so much in Lagos; Amaechi didn’t achieve much in Rivers. I’ve visited both states. However, since they are God’s choice, who am I to say no? If Buhari had not picked them, he would have had problems. With them in his government, Buhari would do better. Fashola will help Buhari’s government but there will be agitations against him and Amaechi. Buhari’s taking up the position as Minister of Petroleum is a wrong move. He should rather have been Minister of Defence. The issue of petroleum cannot be handled by

There will be many probes and expositions of corruption in the past government and even the present administration. Some states are still going to collapse economically. President Buhari, rather an expert should take up that position. There will be many probes and expositions of corruption in the past government and even the present administration. Some states are still going to collapse economically. I’ve not seen any substance in the 2016 budget because Nigeria is running out of its economic strength. We must pray against hardship and austerity measures. The CBN and economists are not getting it right, which is why the Minister of Finance will face challenges. There will be a national carrier but efforts must be made to sustain it. Nigeria will get a seat in the United Nations. However, the international community will fight Buhari’s government. There will still be challenges in the telecommunications sector – Etisalat, MTN, Airtel will lay off some staff. Zenith, Fidelity, Access and First bank will lay off some staff as well. Fidelity and Access Bank will be fined and Skye Bank must be careful and pray against attack. Also, we should be very careful with our economy so that we would not be forced to use austerity measures. For power, it will get a little better in 2016 but much better and more stable in 2017. For insurgency, the December deadline is wrong. We are not fighting Boko Haram per se now; we are fighting ISIS. If the government does not see to the welfare of soldiers, it will not be easy. We have to be very careful when dealing with them and our security network must be up to the task. President Buhari, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence should work together. The issue of insurgency will cause problems in the military because some officers may run away. The president has not really handled the matter of insurgency properly. We should be careful of bomb scare as well. One thing I have been shown is that Nigeria must obtain satellite to help the security situation. For the oil sector, we should be

prepared because in the next ten years, our petrol will not be as valuable. The price of petrol will still fluctuate. President Buhari needs an economic think-tank to stabilise the economy. APC should not run into 2019 just yet. They must settle the internal ramblings and must be very watchful otherwise the party may crack midway and CPC may emerge as the party of the day. PDP must also put their home in order because CPC or another party registered by the northerners may come to the fore. That is why President Buhari must be careful regarding the Biafra protests and it must not be discarded as mere agitation because it may lead to a regional government. It must not be overlooked. Personalities such as the Obi of Onitsha, Shonekan, Gowon, Ekwueme, Obasanjo, Olubadan of Ibadan, Alaafin of Oyo, should be put into prayers for God’s protection and guidance. Not all governors will end their tenure. Saraki must apologise to his party if he wants to stay as Senate President. Fighting Saraki and Ekweremadu will cause problems in the senate. Also, if Dogara is not careful, there will be agitations to remove him. Are you satisfied with the church’s role in Nigeria’s polity? Churches and even mosques have played positive roles. There were prayers for the success of the 2015 elections, and it is God who intervened because what happened is a miracle. Even former President Goodluck Jonathan cannot explain. The problem is that people quickly forget and Nigerians don’t appreciate God. The church has played a very good role. As the year winds down, what should Nigerians expect? We should be careful of more bomb blasts, fire outbreaks and we should commit the

aviation sector and African nations into God’s hands. Nollywood stars should also be careful. We need to also find ways to stabilise the economy, else even the price of flour will increase. Before now, I had warned that the EFCC boss would be changed. The new EFCC boss will not be appreciated as expected. There will be changes at the helms of affairs of the Central Bank of Nigeria. There will be problems within some who have close ties to the presidency regarding corruption as some of these people will not want the fight against corruption to succeed. There will be certain successes but corruption will still persist in the present government. There will be agitations against President Buhari, even from some of his loyalists and there will be indictments. They will attempt to play politics in Saraki’s judgment. We should pray between now and the end of 2016 not to lose any African leader. There will be changes in ECOWAS and corruption in the African anti-terrorism organisation. A lot of secrets regarding the 2015 elections will be exposed and even how our money was handled. President Buhari must be willing to listen to good advice, even if that’s not what he wants to hear. Buhari means well for Nigerians. Jonathan also meant well for Nigerians but wrong advisers affected his government. Buhari must also be careful of wrong advisers. Sometimes, predictions do not come true. Why is that? No prediction has failed. If, for example, God says there will be rain in Ogbomoso and sends a prophet to announce it, however the people of Ogbomoso do not want rain and they pray to God. He is compassionate. I’m not going to criticise any prophet’s failure or otherwise of predictions. When the Eaglets went to the world cup, I had an interview on October 12th and I was asked. I said they would win. I was also asked about the Nations’ Cup and I said, this time we will get it right but we should pray that Oliseh finishes that work. So, it is a warning ahead. Even for Keshi, I prophesied that Keshi would not be rewarded. No prophecy has goofed because we’re not God. PDP failed because they did not follow instructions and work on their lapses. There is no prophecy that is wrong because there are instances in the Bible that prove it.

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Pastors, Nigeria’s major headache

before you do anything as far as long term projects are concerned. I believe there is a law that can unseat them. We are ashamed of some of them that call themselves our leaders because they are not responsible. The integrity of a governor is to keep to his words and work towards it.

—Reverend Olayiwola

Reverend Solomon Olayiwola is the President and Founder of Glory House Ministries, Ibadan. The architect turned pastor, who hails from Ilase in Ilesa, Osun State, speaks with OLAIDE SOKOYA, on issues in Christendom and Nigeria. Excerpts:

OW would you react to reports that some ministers of God go the extra mile for anointing? It is satanic for any man of God to call himself a godfather and be in the cult. All the problems in Nigeria, as far as I am concerned, are based on the church. God is not going to ask the herbalist, the Buddhist, the atheist for the salvation of Nigeria; God is going to ask the people that call themselves servants of God. The problem we really have in Nigeria is Christendom because Christianity in Nigeria has not really portrayed the image of Christ. I preach it everywhere I go. One thing I believe is that if Christians in Nigeria sit down to address the issue the way it should be addressed, we will have limited problems. Christians in Nigeria, no matter how small, if they will actually carry the image of Christ, they will be the salt of the world and Nigeria will be a better place. I want to advice men of God to go back to the drawing board and sit with God and the HolynGhost so that it can help them to produce a better Nigeria. As far as I am concerned, the problem of Nigeria lies in the church. You see a lot of pastors that are called but are not trained. There is a time for the calling; a time for waiting; a time for trials; and a time for experience before God will shoot them out. Nowadays, people just receive the call and go into the ministry immediately. Pastors should stop producing myopic, visionless, unproductive, less-spiritual pastors, politicians, governors. We should produce people that will carry the image of Christ; people that are mature that would represent God better. I want to believe that if they can do that, good things will begin to happen in Nigeria. As far as I am concerned, the kind of change that we expect for Nigeria is the kind that will last and we have to prepare to be agents of change. All clerics are responsible for being change agents to produce the next change for Nigeria.

How would you assess the various problems that have plagued Nigeria in recent years? The problem is from the leaders, especially unnecessary shedding of blood. Boko Haram activities and shedding of blood in Nigeria is strongly demonic. I want to balance by explaining also that demons express themselves through human beings. I want to also say emphatically that there are some satanic cabals in Nigeria that must be located by whosoever that is in power and track them down if they actually want to see an end to these killings. I believe it is a kind of networking because it is more than what anybody can say he is doing. The people responsible for the sponsorship must be brought to justice no matter whose ox is gored. My advice is that if they catch a Boko Haram member, they should kill them by slaughtering them so that their families can also feel the pain of many families in thousands that have been killed. The government should pronounce death sentence by firing squad like it used to be in the olden days at the Polo Ground. How about the current economic situation that has led to many states owing salaries? I want to believe that it is a leadership problem. Where a head is bad, the whole

body will be bad. Jesus Christ said He is the head of the church and we are the body. Not being able to pay the people that worked for 30 days is wickedness. Do you know that it was so terrible that some churches had to come together to begin to contribute foodstuffs, money, and other things in order to distribute to people that are working for the state government. Do you know how many homes have been shattered because of nonpayment of salaries? Do you know how many children got admission that they cannot go to school? Planning is winning. Many

Sunday Tribune

of those in government are not responsible enough to be leaders. They are biting more than they can chew. They want to impress us with gigantic projects that have no impact on the people. As a governor, you should think about the welfare of the people first

What is the basis for the forthcoming church convention with the theme “Holy Ghost Dance 2015”? The theme of the convention is unique to me but it is scriptural. The first person that saw the theme was a man of God on the internet and he asked me If the Holy Ghost dances. I laughed. I told him the theme is Holy Ghost and how do you expect Holy Ghost to dance? I started to give him the revelation of Holy Ghost. That Holy Ghost is trinity and is our Lord. That one of the instructions God left was that “I am going but another comforter in the name of the Holy Ghost will be with us forever and ever and abide with us”. I want to say that Holy Ghost dance is just a celebration and I believe that as many as are going to part of it that day, the Holy Ghost is going to do something new in their lives.

Christian music inspires everyone —Okunmuyide

Oladapo Okunmuyide is the President of New Wine Group. The outfit usually organises the now popular concert tagged: White Christmas. This has featured the singing prowess of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; the Osile of Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho; the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu; the Iyalode of Egbaland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Bamidele Oyewole, among others. In this interaction with OLUWATOBILOBA OYESOLA AND OGUNGBADE BOLAJI, Okunmuyide shares the secret to the group’s success and why dignitaries key into the concept. Excerpts: WHAT is the story behind New Wine group? I am of the third generation of musicians in my family. My father and grandfather are organists. When I was seven years old, I started playing the piano. A few years later, I started studying music, and that has been the passion all my life. When I was at the university, I was the organist at the cathedral at Abeokuta. God laid it in my heart to start New Wine Music Network Productions, is a family of musicians which started thirty years ago to sing praises to God. New wine ensemble is a creation from God Almighty. He gave us the direct works to develop ourselves and propagate the gospel. It is not even profit-inclined but do it for the passion and zeal. We integrate other aspects of life in our music – family issues, financial issues and so on. It’s not just an avenue to sing, but a training ground for life. What are some of the challenges you have faced these past years? We have faced a lot of challenges. When I started this group during my days at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, only one of us was working. However, today, although a few of us are working, getting funds has been our major challenge. Another challenge is the availability of people. We have students from different schools across the country who are members of this group, and creating time for group activities, and the distance, can be a challenge. What are some of your testimonies? In our constituency, we have had opportunities to meet several people. Today, our grand patron is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who became our patron by virtue of our performance which he watched. Apart from singing at his family carol, we use the Obasanjo Presidential Library hall for free. In 2012, we got a phone call from Aso Rock to feature our Christmas Carol. Another testimony is that the group has produced

renowned musicians within and outside Nigeria, as well as self established people in business. Your popular concert, ‘White Christmas,’ what is it about? In our context, White Christmas is a celebration of the purity of the birth of Jesus Christ. There is the popular notion that white Christmas is associated with the falling of snow but it is different for us. During the concert, all participants are expected to be in white, thus ‘White Christmas.’ Secondly, White Christmas is a musical concert and a gathering of distinguished personalities who perform their favourite Christmas songs. At the first edition we had in 2012, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo performed. Over the years, we have had performances by Oba Adegboyega Dosumu, the Olowu of Owu; the Iyalode of Egbaland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Bamidele Oyewole, and his wife, among others. This year, we are expecting the first lady of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunso Amosun. How do you get funding? Our major challenge is funding and we have been praying for sponsorship. Funding is basically from our individual efforts, because we don’t even generate so much from the concert, and the concert is free, even though we have been tempted to charge for it. New wine ensemble has gone international. When we were starting the programme at OPL, some people told us that distance may be a challenge but the hall was packed full and some even had to stay outside during the event. Last Christmas, we had about 700 attendees, and we could charge for the event, but we have not got the directive from God. For now, we look up to God for provision. What has public reception been

like? We have a good number of followers, and the reception has been very impressive across Nigeria. We have been to many places for concerts and we were received well by people, all to the glory of God. How do you get dignitaries to perform? It has been by the grace of God. Also, if you have good material to present, people will buy into it. What are the plans for the future? The plan is for New Wine Ensemble to become better known nationally and internationally. We also want to be able to touch lives positively and we have heard testimonies of healing during some of our programmes. What should be expected at 2015 White Christmas? 2015 White Christmas, by Gods grace, will take place on December 6, at the OPL auditorium, Abeokuta. We expect God’s glory, we expect the best of classical music, dance, traditional music and we expect some dignitaries like the first lady of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunso Amosun; the Alake of Egbaland, Dr Aremu Gbadebo; the Osile of Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, our great father and also our patron; the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, one of our supporters, Dr Abayomi Jiboku of Taidob Secondary School, among others. The chief host is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. White Christmas is for all of us and not just for new wine.

45 tribunechurch with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

Harvest of new songs

Vintage laws for new ministers

Biblical hints and models The Bible has inspired many great leaders down the centuries. Its ideals offer great inspiration for leaders in their task to bring about “change” and make a difference. The Catholic Biblical Association of Nigeria, an assembly of scholars evaluating the Bible’s perspective on leadership, wrote: “leadership is a charism, which like other gifts from God is given to individuals for the edification of others. It is intrinsically altruistic, therefore whenever this fundamental feature is willfully neglected, it fails to achieve its divinely ordained purpose”. The theologians surely had in mind the clear teaching of Jesus Christ on leadership: “... anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be firsts among you must be your slave” (Matt. 20: 26-27). He also said to them: “You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you must wash each other’s feet” (Jn 13:14-15). Jesus starkly demonstrated the essential qualities of good leaders, like integrity, humility and selflessness. Regrettably, leaders who possess all such qualities in one are hard to find. I think that such qualities have, for too long and to our detriment, been considered non-essential in public life and politics. In reality, they ought to be. Politicians, professionals and business leaders today should respond to the world’s challenges, not with selfishness or cynicism but with the virtues of faith, hope and love. When politicians conduct their work according to ethical, principles of the Gospel, God, as well as the common good are truly served Never forget The Bible contains other petals of wisdom for leaders. Among the important ones is that a leader not forget where he is coming from and how he got where he

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

Freshmen on hot seats N November Wednesday 11, 2015 President Buhari of Nigeria allocated duties to new ministers, expected in the next few years to steer the ship of Nigeria’s renaissance with him. The high expectation Nigerians had of the ministers was like waiting for a Messiah. Nigeria has suffered for so long from woeful leadership because the essential qualities of authentic leadership have been habitually jettisoned. The country, no doubt, needs mending and the people are sick and tired of unfulfilled promises. It has been said countless times that the problem with Nigeria, more than anything else, is leadership. So much speculation went ahead of the President’s disclosure of the ministers’ tasks because most Nigerians truly wanted the most competent and motivated leaders for the nation. Essentially, therefore, these ministers who are all new to their assignments must put God first, knowing that He got to those positions before them. For the Christians among them the Bible can certainly help.

22 November, 2015

is. The children of Israel were admonished by Yahweh to never forget who they were before their victory and freedom: “Be careful, do not forget Yahweh who has brought you out of Egypt” (Deut. 6:12). That phrase became a defining one for the lifestyle of all orthodox Jews who wear philacteries of remembrance on their bodies till date to keep them focused. The gesture of king David as he settled down in his house of cedar is golden for any leader to adopt. To remember God in the day of success should not be beyond any Nigerian leader. One would be at pains to find any one leader in the country who does not profess belief in God. David spoke golden words to the prophet Nathan in proposing to build a better abode to house the ark of God.: “Look I am living in a cedar-wooded palace. while the ark of God is under awnings”. Although God turned down David’s offer, his reward was nonetheless great. God made him a promise which brought an avalanche of praise to David’s mouth. God said to him “Your dynasty and your sovereignty will ever stand from before me and your throne be forever secure” (II Sam. 7:16). Whichever leader would wish to hear such extraordinary promise must remember God and the people who “produced” him for office! Be courageous In his interview made into a book entitled “Light of the World”, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI affirmed that of all the attributes which a leader needs, courage is the most important. Samuel was a great prophet in Israel because of his courage in denouncing King Saul when he did wrong by not obeying what Yahweh God of Israel wanted of him. “But now your sovereignty will not last;...since you have not carried out what Yahweh ordered you” (1 Sam. 13: 13-14). Such courage to speak truth to power is highly risky but will guarantee success for new leaders in their exalted position. Exemplify integrity So exemplary was the integrity of Eleazar, the old leader of Israel who was asked to merely pretend to eat portions of sacrificial meat prescribed by the king if only to save his neck. Eleazar declined, saying some of the most inspiring words ever said by any leader. “Pretence... does not befit our time of life; many young people would suppose that Eleazar at the age of ninety had conformed to the foreigners’ way of life....even though for the moment I avoid execution by man, I can never, living or dead, elude the grasp of the Almighty. Therefore if I am man enough to quit this life here and now, I shall prove myself worthy of my old age, and I shall have left the young a noble example of how to make a good death, eagerly and generously, for the venerable holy laws” (II Macc 6: 24-28). The leaders of our country’s renaissance need to be exemplary and demonstrate similar integrity to succeed in the transformation and change process of the moment. Is this too much to ask?

Continued from last week THE former leper got a healing. He came back singing a song of thanksgiving. Our Lord took note of his sharp sense of gratitude, and proclaimed him - not just healed - but whole. That is a great lesson for us. What is your song today? Is it a song of murmuring, a song of petition, or a song of appreciation to the Lord for his goodness in your life? Thank him for what he did yesterday, and he shall do more today. In fact, in Isaiah 42, scripture teaches us that our song should change, not when we receive our miracles, but from the moment we receive the promises of God. God declares good things for us before they manifest. As evidence that we believe God’s promises, let us bring him a harvest of new songs once we receive his promises (through his word). Isaiah 42:5-10 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; ,.he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven

images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. That was what Hannah did in 1 Samuel chapter 1. The Bible says, 1 Samuel 1:1718 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. A new song is a figurative and collective expression meant to represent everything that you do to show appreciation to the Lord. It is a metaphor for your sacrifice of praise to the Lord, which can be material or non- material. Let us spare a moment to relate this new song to the material side of our thanksgiving. Can we ask, dear people of God - what song is your harvest thanksgiving offering singing? One day, the Lord sat and watched as people were bringing their offerings (Mark 12: 41 - 44; Luke 21: 1 - 4). He taught us in that story that our offering should be commensurate with our blessings. I ask you today - is your sacrifice of thanksgiving commensurate with the blessings of God in your life? If not, please do something about it. To be continued next week

livingword By Bishop David Oyedepo Call 7747546-8; or e-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Accessing Heaven’s order of financial fortune! (4) SINCE this month began, we have been exploring the above topic and have established that love for God and His Kingdom are our guaranteed access to heaven’s kind of financial fortune. As stated last week, saying that we love God means nothing, except we back it with actions. That is why we began the subtopic: “What are the Proofs of our Love for God?,” last week. This week, we would continue that sub-topic. If we love God, we will not be ashamed of Him or His Word: David, a man after God’s own heart said: I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed (Psalms 119:46). When we truly love God, speaking about Him to others is a delight. Paul the Apostle’s love for Christ was as strong as death. He said: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). He also said: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16; see also Romans 8:35-39). Remember, Jesus said that if we are ashamed of Him and His Word, He will be ashamed of us before His Father and His angels. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach (Hebrews 13:13; see also Psalms 69:9;

Mark 8:38). If we love God, we will obey Him and that will lead us to the realms of supernatural blessings: Keeping God’s commandments launches us into realms of supernatural blessings. As it is written: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever (Psalms 112:1-3; see also 1 John 5:3). We must, therefore, be excited at every commandment that comes our way, take delight in keeping them and then, we gain access to realms of supernatural blessings. Let’s examine the example of father Abraham • He was a friend of God: But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend (Isaiah 41:8). Remember, love is the cord of friendship and Abraham walked in financial fortune by being a friend of God, which also means the love of God. As a result, he became very rich in cattle, silver and gold. When we become God’s friend by reason of our love for Him, we become blessed in return like Abraham was (Genesis 13:2).

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

interview

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

At OBMS, we prioritise excellence, godliness —Awopegba Reverend Dr. Remi Oluwafemi Awopegba is the Senior Pastor of Oritamefa Baptist Church and the Chairman of the Education Board overseeing Oritamefa Baptist Model School (OBMS). In this interview with KEHINDE OYETIMI, he speaks on the challenges and the successes associated with the church’s model school, including the commitment towards expansion. Excerpts:

Nigeria and there are facts and figures to prove it.

OW long have you been piloting the affairs at Oritamefa Baptist Model School? It’s been just a few months that I became the Senior Pastor of Oritamefa Baptist Church, and taken over the reins of affairs of the school; precisely on the 3rd of May, 2015. However, I’ve been associated with the vision since inception as a shareholder. In fact, my son was among the pioneer students of the school in September 1996. Afterwards, I became an Associate Pastor of the church and became fully involved at management level.

What are your comments on admission requests to OBMS in the past three years, as a measure of its acceptability? A school with these credentials, our performance and products speak for us. There is a lot of demand and we are under so much pressure from parents who want their children here. In fact, other schools look out for when OBMS is holding entrance examinations because they do not want it to coincide with theirs because OBMS is the first choice for many parents. It is when they cannot meet up with the standard, they go elsewhere. We only accommodate within the limits of our space. The requests keep increasing every year. Even parents from neighbouring states sometimes bring their children to stay with relatives just to attend the school, and many have pleaded with us to start boarding facilities. There is high demand and this is as a result of excellent delivery.

Looking back through the years, what factors have given the school an edge among other private secondary schools in Oyo State, particularly in Ibadan? Not just at state level, we have become prominent at national level. We are unquestionably the leading school in Oyo State and usually among the best ten in Nigeria all the time. A major factor is the God factor. We have a covenant relationship with God and His covenant of excellence, righteousness, holiness, purity. Here, we have zero tolerance for vices. Rather, we believe in hard work, discipline, cleanliness (of the environment and the heart) and godliness. Our watchword is excellence through integrity. Does the school management maintain any particular standard as regards student-teacher ratio, which you think has effects on the products of the school? Yes. We are very careful in maintaining appropriate standard of teacher-student ratio and this has subsequent effect on our efficiency of delivery. In a way, doing that has increased our overhead and also reduced our profit margin. That notwithstanding, as a model school, we maintain that standard of high quality and we have a ratio of never higher than 16 to 1 which is not found in many schools today. It is a sacrifice we make in order to attain our said goals. In many instances, when parents/guardians hear about private schools, they wonder how the school gets funding to maintain especially high standards. How pocket-friendly is it to maintain such high standards? By the grace of God, we are among the highest in terms of standards across the country. Financially speaking, OBMS is the delight of parents and students as well, because of the unique advantage of affordability and accessibility. Unarguably, with this status and level of standard, our school is the cheapest in the nation. It is heavily subsidised by the church so that it can be within the means of all and sundry. How would you say being a mis-

Reverend Remi Oluwafemi Awopegba

sion school has affected the quality of academic and moral training students receive here? As a mission school, we are very conscious of that and it is the basis of what we hold as our values. It has made tremendous impact on our academic and moral training. The foundation is laid on spiritual and moral ideals. As a mission school, we have the opportunity of prayers, bringing the hand of God into the operation of the lives of the students, teachers, management and even the parents. We also gather occasionally, together with parents to pray for the students. When our students go for external examinations, we hold anointing services to commit them into the hands of God. We have also introduced spiritual formation into JSS1 so as to develop them academically, morally, and spiritually, right from the beginning.

State, Dr D.K. Olukoya Bible Quiz in Oyo State, Professor O.A. Ladipo Inter-Essay Competition, Rotary Club Quiz Competition, Pa Oshin Annual Quiz Competition, Joseph Ayo Babalola University Quiz Competition, National Secondary Schools Bible Quiz Competition, Bible Society of Nigeria Quiz Competition, and other notable competitions, we usually take first position. We have also received awards as well as scholarships. We have also won the best WAEC result in Oyo State on an almost annual basis. Just last week, one of our students won the award for the best candidate from Oyo State and third in the country, for the NECO examination. Apart from that, when you look at the overall WAEC result, you see similar levels of success. We have our products in John Hopkins, Harvard’s and other renowned universities within and outside the country.

What are the success stories the OBMS has recorded since inception? It’s been too many to start listing. It will occupy several pages. Most times, we have taken first position at state level. At the Cowbell Mathematics Competition in Oyo

How have students from this school fared in public examinations? They have been excellent and we have always maintained between positions one and ten. In national ranking, we are first position in the South West and sixth in

What are the plans for the future? By the grace of God, we are planning ahead – long term, medium term and short term plans. For the near future, the stage is set already for exponential expansion. We want to enlarge the scope of opportunities for the less privileged to have their children among the high flyers of the world. There are also plans for the rich and the high in society too, so that their children can also fulfil destiny. We want to create equal opportunities across society and strengthen the moral lives of our children. We are going to improve tremendously on the image and quality of our products. We will upgrade all our facilities to international standard and will continue to sustain and adhere to the ideals for which we are known. We are going to move to higher levels and we will establish an A-Level institute, so that our good products will not suffer the problems of disruption of admission calendars. So, we will use that institute to bridge the gap and ensure that they retain quality standards. We also will add an ICT centre, to help students gain better knowledge of technology and be better at computerbased tests. These are just some of our plans for the future. Are you also looking into the area of vocational training to encourage entrepreneurship? The government has changed the curricular and with what is obtainable now, we have to encourage vocational training, in line with our plans too. On December 13, 2015, we will lay a foundation for the centre and it will be ready for the following session. Also, we encourage sports and hope to have a mini-stadium at our annexe to promote indoor and outdoor sport activities. There is an existing field there but it will be improved upon.

feature

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

HID Awolowo: If the dead could dance…

It was a day of tributes, accolades and honour for the matriach of Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, at the lying-in-state and tributes session held for her at the Efunyela Hall of the Awolowo’s residence in Ikenne. LAOLU HAROLDS reports the activities in style.

F departed souls could respond to accolades and honour done them, the remains of the revered matriarch, Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, would have stirred Thursday on the bejeweled quadrangle grotto in which she laid peacefully for the lying-in-state and tributes session. The ‘stars’ were, indeed, ‘in alignment’, to borrow the words of the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, in his textbook tribute to the woman all agree was the most respected and most venerated in modern Nigeria. The ambience could hardly have been more appropriate for the celebration of a life well spent, and the veneration of the memories of a symbol of ideal motherhood, fortitude, virtue and indomitable spirit. The grotto was a work in perfection: edges perfectly beveled in ornately arranged flowers, and the colours carefully blended with the ceiling (which itself was an intricate interlocking design of turquoise blue satin), which together with the light subtly glowing through and

around it gave the interior of the Efunyela Hall its near angelic ambience. The flowers, it was said, were real flowers – not synthetic, ornamental things; and how they had been kept fresh for so long without withering or losing their beauty was another marvel.

And Mama HID laid quietly, a few metres off the floor of the grotto, enjoying her sleep, peacefully. Or was she actually sleeping or, in fact, actively watching, taking in everything – the music, the dancing, the banters and all? The fact of HID’s active presence in

that hall was brought poignantly home to everybody by a certain Mrs Mosadomi from Houston, Texas, United States, who insisted on being allowed to approach Mama to pay her last respects – and she Continues pg 50

feature

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

And Mama HID lay peacefully

Continued from pg 49 did it in a very dramatic way! This woman approached the bed, knelt down and greeted Mama as a child would a mother, having just returned from a journey. And she did a reverse performance of the same act after giving her tribute, by yet approaching the bed again to bid Mama ‘goodnight’ as a child would a mother, ready to retire to bed for the night. She even unfurled and held aloft (for Mama to see) a piece of garment HID had given and instructed her to make years ago. And then the oration; the tributes came in torrents. In a dramatic fashion, the team from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, opened the floodgates of ‘performance’ orations, with their Vice Chancellor, Professor Saburi Adejimi Adesanya reading his tributes to intermittent bata dance performance by the institution’s cultural troupe. Recalling that all were awaiting the centenary celebration of the woman he described as the ‘stabilising force of the Yoruba race’, Adejinmi concurred with Papa Obafemi Awolowo, who described his wife as the ‘jewel of inestimable value’, but added matter-of-factly: “if (the sage) was the one tree that made the forest, she (HID) was the bloom of that respected political dynasty.” And he had to pause for several minutes as the energetic troupe broke spontaneously into the apepe dance. Adejinmi appreciated their benefactor, HID, who not only helped midwife the university into existence, but actually made sure she sent some of her children to school there – including the woman that today is the wife of the vice president, Mrs Dolapo Osibajo. Two more times during the tribute, the vice chancellor had to pause again for the rhythms of ere ise dance and, finally, the iconic two-faced drum, bata, which each time elicited loud applause. But this was only the beginning. At every interlude came the superlative ‘ministration’ of the angelic voices of the University of Ibadan choir. The extempore rendition of their lines, the incredible sopranos and the perfect blend of the voices were simply unbelievable! The stage had been set; the stakes set high – all to the delight and soothing (as it were) entertainment of Mama

HID, who quietly took everything in, or so she seemed, lying there on her bed of flowers. But then came in this college orator and Dean, School of Liberal Studies, Yaba College of Technology, Mr. Fred Fatuase, who delivered a poem-tribute on behalf of his rector, Dr (Mrs) Kudirat Ladipo, entitled ‘Sleep Well, Mama!’ Fatuase raised the stakes higher still for the day, making even General Gowon green with envy by his flawless and inspiring delivery of the oration, especially the Yoruba portion of the poem. The applause was louder still, and Gowon a number times while giving his own tribute later had to refer to and make some side comments about the YABATECH orator, which betrayed the fact that he regretted not mastering the Yoruba language while he had the chance as a young military officer in Yorubaland. Fatuase lamented that Mama HID was unable to witness a new Nigeria that she and her husband laboured for, describing her as a rallying point of unity. Professor Bamitale Omole’s equally poetic tribute entitled ‘Gone in a Blaze of Glory’ also received its applause. While declaring that the Obafemi Awolowo University (comprising the management, council and the 36,000 students) is the chief mourner, Omole described HID as an “outstanding matriarch of the entire Yoruba race; a woman of impeccable character and a model.” But he insisted too that notwithstanding the numerous honorary degrees awarded the matriarch in her lifetime, the most prestigious would ever remain the Doctor of Civil Law (honoris causa) awarded her by OAU in 1989. Then came the banters. General Gowon and emeritus Professor Olu Akinkugbe literally set the Efunyela Hall reeling with laughter, as solemn as the occasion was. In his tribute to HID, Gowon took pride in fact that he is a chief of Ile-Ife (which means so much to him; as he shares that honour with the late HID Awolowo, who was the Yeye Oodua of Ife). But then, because of his painfully deficient mastery of the Yoruba language, he took time to first draw attention to the fact that he is NOT “Jaguda” (which would be translated ‘armed robber’ in Yoruba), but ‘Ajagun nla’ (General of Generals) of Ile-Ife. The hall erupted in laughter. But apparently, Gowon had other grouse too with

the death that took Mama HID. He had been awaiting mama’s centenary birthday celebration so that he could enjoy what he called “centenary owambe” and everything that goes with it. He then, with seriousness in his voice, emphasized that the long-awaited centenary dance must still be done on the anniversary of what was to be Mama’s 100th birthday. Then it was the turn of Professor Akinkugbe, who for some reason felt that the title of ‘former vice-chancellor’ would not be appropriate in describing him; and rather chose ‘once-upon-a-time vice chancellor’. Many people could not immediately connect with this though. (He was the pioneer vice-chancellor of the University of Ilorin – and that was 38 years ago!) But Akinkugbe got his time (two times in fact, in quick succession. He spoke of how he once told a vice chancellor of a federal university how his predecessor used to send kegs of palm wine to him (Akinkugbe), and how he asked the current vice-chancellor whether his predecessor did not include it somewhere in his handover note so that the supply could continue. (Laughter) Again, he reminisced about how Mama HID Awolowo used to ensure that, at least, once every month, he received a supply of the famed Ijebu delicacy, Ikokore. He wondered whether the duo of Revd Mrs Tola Oyediran and Dr. (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu had searched the house properly peradventure there is a ‘handing over note’ to the fact that he (Akinkugbe) should continue to be supplied his regular meal of Ikokore every month. (Laughter again) And finally, not wanting to be outdone in language matters (since Fatuase of YABATECH had ‘pontificated’ so much by his attention-grabbing oration, and Gowon had pined so much over his ‘deficiency’ in Yoruba, he decided to give part of his own tribute in French language. He said jocularly, casting a glance sideways at his “younger friend” (meaning Gowon) that that was the only way to make everyone in the hall know that an emeritus professor was around. Though it was meant to be a solemn moment, there was no heaviness in the air; and, who knows, Mama HID herself could have smiled once or twice while it lasted, fully entertained by her children, real and adopted.

news

22 November, 2015

Jonathan bombs OBJ: Says former president truly wanted third term By Moses Alao

ONTRARY to several denial by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his loyalists that the Ota farmer never wanted the aborted third term in office, Nigeria’s immediate past president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that Obasanjo, indeed, wanted to elongate his tenure in office after serving the constitutional two terms of eight years. Jonathan, who said this in Washington DC, during an appearance as a guest of the United States National Democratic Institute (NDI), during the week, stated that as a governor during that period, Obasanjo’s ambition for tenure elongation was

undisguised but was only thwarted by the resistance of the National Assembly between 2006 and 2007. This new position by the president was contrary to former President Obasanjo’s insistence that he did not actually push for a third term in office. “Of course, I was a governor at that time, but due to strong resistance from the National Assembly, the third term bid failed,” Jonathan revealed, adding that “Africa needs strong parliaments to checkmate sit-tight presidents who influence parliaments to consider amendment to the constitution that would extend their stay in office. Changing constitutions to eliminate term limits in or-

der to favour incumbents is inconsistent with democratic principles and reduces confidence in democratic institutions.” It will be recalled that Obasanjo was touted to have been interested in continuing in office after serving the constitutionally allowed two terms in 2007, with members of the National Assembly reportedly induced from unknown quarters to support a constitution review to that effect. But Jonathan, in his US speech, stated that such repressive actions by some of the sit-tight African leaders are setting “a disturbing precedent for the region and continent.” According to the former president, sit-tightism is not

a sustainable path, hence his setting up a Goodluck Jonathan Foundation to address “these issues and mediate on the continent.” Jonathan, who recently led an international observer delegation of the Commonwealth to the Tanzanian national elections, also gave his views on the elections and their significance in the consolidation of democratic progress in Tanzania, noting that the election in Tanzania was an improvement from previous elections held in the country and that the only weakness was that once the electoral umpire has declared a winner, the loser could not contest the results in a law court or election petitions tribunal.

Sunday Tribune

Don wants Nigeria to use space technology to tackle insecurity Banji Aluko-Benin City A university don, Professor Isaac Aigbedion, has implored the Nigerian government to adopt the use of space technology to tackle the security challenges posed by the activities of terrorists and other threats to national security. Aigbedion, a professor of Exploration Geophysics and Dean of Students, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma-Edo State, made the call in a paper titled “Space Technology and the Use of Geophysical Methods for National Security in Nigeria”. He advised the Nigerian government to adopt Geophysical Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), pointing out that geophysical satellite imagery combined with the use of Geophysical Information System (GIS) could be put to work to identify and track terrorists in Nigeria and across borders. Consequently, he charged the Nigerian government to intensify effort towards launching of spacecraft indigenously by developing a robust launch vehicle programme. According to him, geoscience search techniques can complement traditional methodologies in the search for buried objects, including clandestine graves, weapons, explosives, drugs, illegal weapons, hazardous waste and vehicles. He regretted that Forensic Geophysics, defined ‘as the application of physical methods related to legal investigation’ was still uncommon in normal Nigerian Police practice. He said although more routinely used in engineering and archeological applications, near-surface geophysical techniques, and particularly Ground Penetrating Radar, have been used with varying degrees of success, to locate unmarked cemetery graves or mass graves, such as in Iraq or the victims of Spanish flu, and in murder investigations, to locate shallow clandestine burials.

IGP petitioned over alleged murder case

Newly wedded couple, Mr Olayinka Oyedun of the African Newspaper of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Tribune titles and his wife, Oluwabunmi, during their wedding ceremony, held at New Life Spring of Joy Chruch, Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday. PHOTO: SEYI SOKOYA

Nigeria on the rise again —Buhari PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari said, on Saturday, in Jos, disclosed that Nigeria had entered its glorious era inspite of her insecurity and economic challenges. He stated this at the graduation of Senior Ex-

ecutive Course 37 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) in Kuru, near Jos. Represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari said that Boko Haram insurgency in the

country would soon be consigned to history. While acknowledging that some issues of agitations by some groups and sections in the country could not be ignored, he said that creating employ-

Omisore to teach public/private partnership to 22 Russian, China varsities By Moses Alao

THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State and former chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has been offered a teaching appointment with 22 universities in Russia, China and Central Asia, where he is expected to teach Public/ Private Partnership. The universities, operating under the aegis of “The International Association of Universities with Blended Programs” including IFE and Blue Sky University, operating what they refer

to as blended programmes scheme involving MBA and DBA programmes, in a letter signed by the association’s president, Professor Peter Horn, notified Omisore through a mail dated 20 November, 2015. “There is a new association which has been formed by roughly 22 universities in Russia, China and Central Asia called “The International Association of Universities with Blended Programs”. IFE and Blue Sky University are both members and I am serving as the current President of the Association. All courses offered in the

new blended format would be made available to all 22 member universities. “I am currently working on transforming the Blue Sky - IFE MBA in Financial Management program into a blended format and wanted to contact you to see if you would be interested in teaching a course on Private/Public Partnerships under this new blended format.” The senator, who accepted the offer, noting that he would always be open to any avenue to impact on the next generations, holds a Ph.D in Public/Private Partnership from Blue Sky University, Mongolia.

ment opportunities would reduce the tension. He charged the institute to conduct comprehensive study on causes of insurgency and how to build civil capacity to defeat mindless violence. “I want the institute to come up with policies which will integrate the vast majority of the populace and not just based on GDP projections. “MNI’s end up in their offices after their course of study at NIPPS, without the required enthusiasm to enforce implementation of the policies they made. “I think we must encourage ourselves and take ourselves seriously instead of doing this just to take a title. “The institute should find a way of monitoring members instead of just producing high quality results which just die here. “Let’s make efforts to see that those who implement policies use them, `` he said.

INSPECTOR General of Police, Solomon Arase, has been petitioned over alleged murder of two Igede men, Michael Ubetu and Sunday Igiri by a vigilante group led by one Alhaji Babatunde, at Papa Lanto High School in Abeokuta, Ogun State. In the petition signed by the legal practitioner in charge of the case, Mr Femi Akinbolusere, the third victim, David Ubetu, who survived the assassination attempt and escaped with fatal gunshot injury, reported how Michael and Sunday were brutally murdered to the police at the Itori Police Station. He further revealed that investigation conducted by the police at Itori police station led to the arrest of the leader of the vigilante group, Alhaji Babatunde, who he said, later confessed to the murder allegation leveled against him, while also confirming it by providing a double barrel gun used in killing the two Igede people. Meanwhile, the police at Itori Police Station, according to the petition, had reportedly transferred the case to Eleweran for further investigation, saying the suspect s had, however, the been released forthwith without arraignment before the court of law. The petition reads in part: “This development has also led to the threatening of Igede people living in and around Papa Lanto if they try to press further prosecution of the suspects.’’

You’re better off in a united Nigeria, group tells Ndigbo Bola Badmus-Lagos A group, The Igbo Conscience (TIC), has called on Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and those others in the renewing clamour for Sovereign State of Biafra to desist from such campaign, declaring that Ndigbo were better off and would do better in a united and prosperous Nigeria. This was just as the TIC enjoined the Federal Government under President Mohammadu Buhari Federal Government to avoid making heroism out of any person that did not deserve such by ensuring that every person that was under arrest or detention in respect to the agitation was either charged to court or released unconditionally. Chairman of the group, Barrister Onyekachi Ubani, made this call at a press conference he addressed in Lagos, saying Nigeria provided a big space for the Igbo to thrive politically and economically. According to him, any attempt by Igbo to disintegrate from Nigeria will not be in the interest of the region, declaring that the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu and proBiafra protesters were on a voyage of revisionism.

52 news

22 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

FOSSU starts national annual week By Remi Anifowose

From left, Preacher, Reverend Olabode Daramola; Diocesans Father, Chief Segun Oshunkeye; Chancellor, Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Anglican Church Cathedral, Justice Opeoluwa Ogunade; Bishop of Lagos West Anglican Communion, Right Reverend . Olusola Odedeji, his wife, Lydia and Deputy Chancellor, Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Anglican Church Cathedral, Mrs Ayo Philiphs, during the Holy Communion/Thanksgiving to mark 16th Aniversary of the Diocese of Lagos West held at Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Anglican Church Cathedral, on Friday, Lagos.

PDP must be rebranded to wrest power from APC in 2019 —Gulak As PDP salutes former President Jonathan at 58 Clement Idoko - Abuja

former Special Adviser to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs, Mr Ahmed Ali Gulak, has warned that unless urgent steps were taken to rebrand the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party will fail to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress(APC) in 2019 general election. He spoke at the weekend against the backdrop of alleged marginalisation of the North-East in the affairs of the party by Mr Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee (NWC). Gulak, who disclosed that he had already filed a suit at a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the refusal of the acting chairman of the party NWC, Uche Secondus, to fill the vacant position of the national chairman of the PDP, said the impunity and lack of internal democracy, if allowed, would spell doom for the party in 2019 general election. He argued that, following the resignation of the former national chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu, on May 29, 2015,

he should have been replaced by somebody from the North-East where Mu’Azu hails from. He said contrary to the provision of Section 46 (7) of the PDP Constitution, Uche Secondus had continued to hold sway as the acting chairman of the National Working Committee of the party against the spirit and letters of the Constitution. He said: “By virtue of Section 46 (7) of the PDP Constitution, if a vacancy existed either by death or resignation, somebody from that zone must be appointed to replace that person. That is position of the Constitution and that is what we are praying for. “That is what we are

pressing for, that Mu’Azu resigned on the 29th of May, and since then, almost six months, they have refused and failed to initiate a process for somebody from the North-East zone to replace him,” he said. Meanwhile, the acting chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan, as he turned 58 on Friday. In a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, on Friday, Secondus said the entire members of the PDP, including the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party celebrated Jonathan. The statement described

Jonathan as a quintessential democrat, icon of humility, a remarkable man of peace and an extraordinary global citizen. The statement said the PDP and lovers of democracy worldwide joined the family of Jonathan in giving thanks to the Almighty God for the numerous blessings in his life as he celebrated this milestone. “We are, indeed, proud that in various ways you have demonstrated that the true essence of statesmanship lies in applying uncommon values to the general good rather than self interest and that one gets to the very top by being honest and humble,’’ the statement added.

Fire ravages Ojo Army barracks Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos MILLIONS of naira worth of goods were, early Saturday, destroyed as fire ravaged the Ojo Military barracks . The fire occurred at the Mammy market of the millitary barracks when most occupants had closed for the day. Six shops were razed by

the fire , which was later put out by firemen from Ojo and Isolo fire stations of the Lagos State Fire Service . The timely arrival of the firemen saved scores of other shops which were situated close to the burnt shops . Director of the state fire service , Rasak Fadipe, confirmed the incident to Sunday Tribune and added

that “only six out of a row of 19 shops were affected.” Fadipe also stated that the fire started from an electric spark from one of the affected shops and then it grew uncontrolably until firemen arrived at the scene . Fadipe also urged residents of the state to always switch off appliances whenever they were not in use.

Aregbesola must explain Osun’s finances now —PDP chieftain By Moses Alao A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s senatorial candidate in Osun Central in the last general election and Asiwaju of Iresiland, Dr Oluwole Oludaisi Aina, has challenged the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to explain the

finances of the state in the last five years, noting that the state government had been economical with the truth for too long about the state’s financial situation. Aina, who made this position at the weekend, noted that it had become imperative for the governor to come clean about the finances of the state, following the revelation of the Federal Ministry of Finance on the

September 2015 allocation, which showed that the state only had N55,874,781 million as net allocation due to the state from a total statutory allocation of N2.4 billion. He noted that the development was not only worrisome but also called for urgent attention by all stakeholders and elders in the state, “because Osun was the only state with less

than N1 billion after deductions,” saying: “Aregbesola’s consistent claims that former President Goodluck Jonathan had been withholding the state’s allocations because he was an opposition governor had all along been a blatant lie, as the publication showed that allocations accruing to Osun State for September only remained a paltry N55 million.”

THE Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), an umbrella body of students in higher institutions in Oyo State, will tomorrow, commence its national annual week celebration. This year’s programme, themed: “Myself and My Society,” includes awareness day, final football competition, visit to motherless babies home at Eruwa, final quiz competition and FOSSU Cultural Day award presentation and special Jumat prayer and thanksgiving services. In a press statement signed by the association’s national president, Comrade Olalere Damola, the final quiz competition, scheduled to hold on Thursday, at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTech), is sponsored by a member of National Assembly, Honourable Segun Dokun Odebunmi, representing Ogo Oluwa Surulere Federal Constituency. Dignitaries expected at the Cultural Day and award presentations are Governor Abiola Ajimobi, former governor of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Senator Monsurat Sumonu, Registrar Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, former Accountant-General of the Federation, Chief Jonah Adeniyi Otunla and the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Adebayo Akindele.

Ansar Ud-Deen Society Mushin set for golden jubilee celebration By Ganiyu Salman ARRANGEMENTS have been concluded by the Ansar Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Mushin branch, towards the successful celebration of its golden jubilee anniversary. According to a statement by the organising committee chairman of the branch, Alhaji Ganiyu Bolarinwa, activities for the week-long programme will start today with quranic recitation and ‘Asalatu’ at the Coker Mosque, Lagos, while a sanitation exercise has been fixed for Monday, November 23. The statement stated that there would be education/ quiz competition for invited Ansar Ud-Deen Nursery and Primary schools on Tuesday, while a table tennis event organised by Ansar Ud-Deen Youth Association would hold on Wednesday. The Ansar Ud-Deen Society will also on Thursday visit SOS village where gifts will be presented to the underprivileged members of the society while there will be Jumat service on Friday, followed by the Women’s Committee Day (Know your Family) scheduled to hold on Saturday. The grand finale of the celebration is fixed for Sunday, November 29, at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, where merit awards will be presented to deserving members of the society. Speaking on the anniversary, chairman of the society, Mushin branch, Alhaji Abdulazeez Okanlawon, noted that all logistics had been put in place to make the weeklong event a memorable one.

Greenworld Int’l to reward outstanding Nigerian workers By Remi Anifowose THE management of Greenworld Natural Solution International, an international organisation that manufactures food supplements, will, on Thursday, reward its diligent workers in Nigeria. According to a release signed by the South-West coordinator of the organisation, Mr Jide Opaleye, the company’s president, Demming Lee and his vice, Mr David L. Zhang, will also be around for interaction with members of the public. Dignitaries expected to grace the historical presentation include the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperia Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, doyens of industries, among others. Items to be distributed at the programme scheduled to hold at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre on Saturday, November 28, include cars, Jeep, feller fund, international trip tickets and many others.

bayelsa 2015

22 November, 2015

Dickson tasks FG, security agencies on credible polls stories by Austin

Ebipade-Yenagoa

AYELSA State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called on the Federal Government and the international community to prevail on all institutions that have a role to play in the conduct of the forthcoming election in the state, including security agencies, to be above board in the discharge of their duties. Speaking at the inauguration of the Advisory Council of the Restoration Campaign Organisation chaired by Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange in Yenagoa, the state capital, over the weekend, the governor said the call became imperative in view of the alleged brazen manner the members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) have been boasting to use federal might to rig the election. According to the governor, such utterances and

interview

show of impunity by the opposition have clearly shown that they were not only unprepared for the election but envious of the achievements of his administration and therefore hell-bent on plunging the state back to its past the was characterised by insecurity and violence. “Members of the opposition party, APC, with their conducts are hell-bent on igniting crisis in the state, knowing full well that they cannot win the forthcoming governorship election. They have perfected their rigging plans and that is why we are calling on the Federal Government and the international community to prevail on all the institutions that have a role to play in the conduct of the election to be above aboard. The PDP is known for peace and that is the message we are preaching in all the communities in the state”. He said the PDP would continue to enjoy popular support from Bayelsans for a long time because of

its well- structured grassroots-oriented policies and programmes. Such policies, he noted, had helped in alleviating the sufferings of the people as being testified by the rural dwellers who trooped out to identify with his campaigns in all nooks and crannies of the state.

THE Bayelsa Restoration Campaign Organisation has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its clarifications on cloned Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and its stand on the arrest and prosecution of anyone caught with it on electionday in the state. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Publicity of the organisation, Jona-

Sunday Tribune

Dickson’s campaign organisation lauds INEC’s stand on fake PVCs than Obuebite, who said INEC’s clarification was timely as it would serve as warning to those he claimed were planning to use cloned PVCs in the December 5 election. He stated that such information should also be an on-going campaign by INEC to educate Bayelsans that they can only vote through valid PVCs and

not with any cloned ones, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of already cloning PVCs and recruiting youths to use them at the polls. “So, it is promising to hear INEC’s warning insisting no cloned PVCs will be allowed in the election and that culprits will be arrested and prosecuted.

I will extend the road from Sagbama to Ekeremor —Sylva •As Bayelsa Elders endorse him for December 5 Polls TWO weeks to the December 5 governorship election, All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva has assured the people that he would extend the road from Sagbama to Ekeremor Local Government to ensure that vehicles move in to the riverine community for the first time as soon as he assumes office. The APC gubernatorial candidate also received over 100 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members, as well as 10 politi-

cal party governorship candidates, including All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Deacon Christopher Enai at the grand rally in Ekeremor town. Speaking at the grand rally, Sylva told Ekeremor people to consider him, as one of their sons, and reiterated that he would empower the people, saying “I played 419 with the development of your community but I will empower all of you to relieve you from hardship that the Dickson government has inflicted on you”.

Meanwhile, the APC Governorship Candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, yesterday split the rank of the Bayelsa Elders Council (BEC), as they set aside political pressure and endorsed him (Sylva) for the forthcoming governorship election in the state. It will be recalled that the Elders in a similar meeting had endorsed the PDP Governorship candidate, incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson last week for the election. The elders noted that they do not belong to any political party but their action

was to use the medium to appeal to all candidates to allow peace to reign during and after the election. The Chairman of the Council, Chief Francis Doukpoula and the Amanayabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred DietteSpiff, said the elections was not a do or die affair. Also at the meeting were crowd of first class kings including the Ebidawei of Kolokuma kingdom, King Agara Onya Mozi, Ebidawei of Boma Clan, King Joshua Igbugburu, Dr. Amba Ambaowei, Chief Douglas Naigba.

How Awo assisted me early in life —Biala Pastor Emmanuel Okanola Biala is the President and General Overseer of the Lord of Harvest Evangelistic Bible Church, Ibadan. He shares with Rita Okonoboh his experiences as he clocks 70, his relationship with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his advice for Christian ministers, among other issues. Excerpts:

Growing up am from Ibadan, Oyo State. I was born on the last Sunday of November, 25th November, 1945. I was also bred in Ibadan. Before I ventured into the ministry, I worked at the University College Hospital as a porter for ten years and seven days and voluntarily resigned to begin petty contracts. I planned to leave UCH because by God’s grace, I left there as an executive assistant but I perceived that I had no future there. I had to resign and thought it would be better to serve myself than to serve others. I started working there on September 25, 1967 and left October 2nd, 1977.

When did you receive the call to become a minister? I was born into a Muslim family but along the line, when I was just 13 years old, I gave my life to Christ. What inspired the change? It is the grace of God. My parents were Muslims but my father’s brother whom we referred to as Big Daddy was a Christian and he adopted me because he was the one who agreed to sponsor my education. For my Dad, there was no plan for schooling for me and that is another reason why I started school late. Along the line, I developed interest in God and I became born again in 1958. It was that year I had my water baptism and baptism of the Holy Spirit. Since that time, I have been active in the things of the Lord. I became a chorister and eventually became a choir master until 1983. Before then, I’ve been actively involved in evangelism. In 1983, the Lord told me that I must work for Him and that year, I was ordained as a Pastor at Christ Gospel Apostolic Church, headquartered

Pastor Biala at Foko, Ibadan. Along the line, in 1988, I received the call from God to establish a Bible ministry that will teach people about God. Thus, Lord of Evangelistic Bible Ministry was established. It is a teaching ministry. However, in 1991, I received another call to establish a church and that was how the Lord of Harvest Evangelistic Bible Church came to be. If you were not a pastor... I would have loved to be a teacher. It took the grace of God to go to school, and in fact,

I started school at the age of ten and at that, it was as a result of Chief Obafemi Awolowo free education scheme at the time. In 1960, we were the first set to benefit from the free education scheme. After that, I took a break because of financial challenges. After two years, I went to St. Michael Modern School. My mind was set on becoming a teacher but as God would have it, I am in the ministry. Also, the love for education made us establish the school, Abike Model International School, and is the first private government approved school in Oluyole, Ibadan. In the last 31 years, we have produced doctors, chartered accountants, among other professionals.

times at the end of time. We have to continue to preach the gospel however. The church is doing its best but the best of the church may not be enough. We need to know that we are in the world but not of the world. There has to be individual effort to change.

So, did you ever meet Chief Obafemi Awolowo? There are people who, if you cut them, they will bleed Awo. I am one of them. I remember in 1964, when we were still in our youth, Tribune was located at Adeoyo then. Around that time the copies of the paper was confiscated. Still, Tribune was in circulation. They used to send us to find all means of getting Tribune and we used to hide them when we went to buy them. We used to call Tribune then, ‘Tetebuyan’.

Considering how far you have come, what has been your greatest challenge? From kidnap, robbery, fatal accident, illness, among many terrible challenges, I have passed through so much but nothing has ever shaken my faith and this is possible by the grace of God. We seal our prayers with ‘Thy Will Be Done’ and for that however God wants, His will be done.

By virtue of the establishment of your ministry, you have produced pastors. How would you assess the seeming imbalance between moral decadence and church proliferation? I think it is a sign of the end time because Jesus has said it that there will be perilous

What is your greatest testimony as you clock 70? Among many great testimonies, my greatest testimony is knowing the Lord because since I have known Him, He has never disappointed me. In my 57 years of being in Christ, God has been ever faithful. His grace has been sufficient for me and He has been so faithful.

How do you balance family and the ministry? My family is my first ministry. The ability to take care of the family is a criterion for being a religious minister. Once you have a settled home, you will have no problem with the church. . I got married in 1969 and my wife, Pastor (Mrs) Deborah, is also in the ministry and we practise church in the home as well.

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news

Sunday Tribune

22 November, 2015

Kogi polls: And the winner is…

As card reader rejects Wada’s thumbprint, wife’s name missing on INEC register From Jacob Segun Olatunji, Yinka Oladoyinbo and Moses Alao

S the world awaits the official declaration of the winner of the governorship election in Kogi State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), snippets of results on social media have created anxiety in the state with supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) both laying claims to victory. Sunday Tribune can authoritative report that the camps of Governor Idris Wada of the PDP and Prince Abubakar Audu of the APC are already in early euphoria following the conduct of the elections, which residents and electoral observers have described in different lights. Though unconfirmed results on social media continued to carry different results despite the malfunctioning of card readers in several units of the state, leading to manual accreditation and the alleged violence in Ayingba Local Government, INEC, yesterday, warned the

public to disregard results of elections posted on social media. However, the results of the election, which were trickling in from polling units across the state showed that the two major political parties were neck and neck. Results from part of the central senatorial district showed that the PDP was leading in Ogori/Magongo and Okene, while the APC was having upper hand in Ijumu and Kabba local government areas in the Western senatorial district. The PDP was said to be having a good show in Mopamuro and Yagba West, while the results showed that the APC was in early lead in Lokoja, all in Kogi West. It was also learnt that the PDP was leading in Ibaji, Omala, Bassa and Dekina local government areas in the Eastern senatorial district. But INEC, speaking through its Twitter handle @inecnigeria, warned that results of the election being posted on social media were inaccurate and should be disregarded, saying: “Official results will subsequently be announced

and the winner of the election declared by the INEC Returning Officer.” Card reader rejects Wada’s thumbprint, wife’s name missing on INEC register Meanwhile, as the election began in the morning with accreditation across the three senatorial districts of the state, the card reader rejected the thumb of the state governor, Capt Wada (retd). Apart from Wada, his wife, Halima, could not find her name on the voter register. The governor, who came for accreditation at unit 001, Odo Ogbeyaga Ward at about 11.30 a.m along with his wife, battled with the card reader machine in the unit with the INEC officer for almost 20 minutes and the machine could not capture his thumb. The governor and his wife had to later fill incident forms before they could be accredited for voting. Speaking after the accreditation, Wada expressed concern over the process, lamenting that it could lead to disenfranchisement of many voters. The governor regretted that in spite of assurances

from INEC, particularly on the use of the card reader for accreditation, complaints were received from various centres over the failure of card reader machines and violence at centres. However, findings across the state showed that accreditation of voters commenced at about 8:30am Saturday morning at Idah, Okene, Kabba, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Lokoja, Koto amkng other towns snd villages. Besides, security was beefed up in the towns with the presence of police officers, while the major highways in the state were manned by military personnel. Electoral officers at polling units in Idah said that electoral materials were adequate and they arrived their units at about 8 a.m and met few prospective voters who turned out for accreditation. They, however, said that many others turned up within the next 30 minutes, adding that accreditation had commenced in enerst. At New GRA ward, Unit 001, the Presiding Officer, Ms Joy Okonkwo, said that everything was okay and that the two cards readers deployed to the unit were

HID Awolowo’s death unites ANTP, TAMPAN As she is honoured in UK From Yinka Olukoya and Tunde Busari

WO warring factions of theatre practitioners in the country, the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) and the Theatre and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) have agreed to sheathe their swords, while working in unity to develop their industry. This development came during a day of performances organised by the Ogunde Theatre Group, ANTP and TAMPAN in honour of the late Chief Mrs HID Awolowo. Speaking during the event, Chief Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, said because Mama Awolowo stood for peace in her lifetime, “and we are here celebrating her today, then it is important we also allow peace to reign. “When we leave here today, we will work out modalities through which

we will work together for peace to reign,” Chief Salami said. The anchor of the event, Mr Yemi Shodimu, initiated the peace move after the Ogunde group had performed a song, Yoruba Ronu, composed by Chief Ogunde in 1964. “We are listening to Chief Ogunde’s message on unity, but here we still fighting for supremacy battle among ourselves. “I hope this event can be used to cement unity among our people because we are here to celebrate a woman who stood for unity,” Shodimu said. Meanwhile, the late Yeye Oodua, Chief Awolowo, was honoured in the United Kingdom last week, when the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, called for a minute silence in her honour. Adams, at the formal launching of Oodua Voice Radio and Magazine online in London, extolled

the virtue of Mama as a virtuous woman worthy of emulation not only by womenfolk but also by all Yorubas the world over. He said the demise of Mama is one of the reasons Yorubas should have a rethink on their position in the federated Nigeria and also the need to emphasise their individuality as the fifth respectable ethnic group in the world. On the launching, Adams described it as historical and a right step to preserve and promote Yoruba heritage. Adams said the effort is in continuation of the vision and graduation of the path-finding strides of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU). According to him, OPU was convened to showcase values and cultural integrity of Yoruba “outside the geographical contraption of Nigeria, apology to the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who founded the Egbe Omo

Oduduwa here in London in 1947.” He lamented that Yoruba culture and tradition is gradually suffering from the overwhelming influence of what he called systematic cultural imperialism through exposition to unbridled vogues, socio effect of globalisation and indecent social interaction.

in perfect condition, adding that they had not encountered any problem. At Ofukolo Ward Unit 006, the Presiding Officer, Ubonnu Kelechi, said though there were electoral materials in abundance, the card readers were malfunctioning. ‘Card readers work perfectly, but...’ Most of the card reader machines deployed for the conduct of the governorship election worke4d effectively across the state. Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited some polling units in different parts of the state observed that not much hitches had been recorded by INEC officials handling the card readers. Some party agents and election officials who spoke with NAN in separate interviews also confirmed that there was great improvement in the effectiveness of the machines compared to the last general elections. It will recalled that about 4,000 card reading machines had been deployed by INEC for the governorship election in the state. The commission said the machines had been “configured, tested and ready to go.” Meanwhile, the election has been generally peaceful across the state. APC chair, LP candidate speak In the central senatorial district of the state, the All Progressive Congress (APC) chairman, Hadi Ametuo, said the accreditation was peaceful, while the turnout was also impressive. “There is no cause for alarm, things are moving well and, at the end of the exercise, parties will be satisfied with the arrange-

ment. For the accreditation, card readers are working well,” he said. The candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Philip Salau, said the exercise was orderly, except few polling units where he had information that card readers were not functioning and late arrival of materials. “Before, we had reliable information that a political party would jam the card readers to justify the use of manual accreditation so that it can be thumb-printing the ballot papers. We petitioned INEC on this and it seems our prediction is right,” he said He called on INEC to take action on the card readers and ensure availability of materials for the election so that the people’s mandate would not be given to another candidate. Akpabio denies attempt to rig election Former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority leader, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has denied claims by the All Progressive Congress (APC) that he planned to rig the Kogi governorship election, chiding the party for what he described as its senseless propaganda. The APC had, through its Twitter account, claimed that Akpabio sent an unmarked Hilux truck loaded with thumb-printed ballot papers to Kogi State. But the former governor, who reacted sharply to the allegation on his twitter handle, said that claim was untrue and senseless, noting that someone must stop the APC and its propaganda machinery before it destroys Nigeria, noting that the fact that ‘‘someone of Akwa Ibom extraction posted lies does not mean it is true.’’

Mama HID appreciated talented Nigerians —Oyebola AUTHOR and economist, Chief Areoye Oyebola, has joined the league of other prominent Nigerians both home and abroad in celebrating the late Yeye Odua of Ife, Chief (Mrs) H.I.D. Awolowo, describing her as one who appreciated highly gifted and talented Nigerians. Oyebola stated this in a press release, which was signed by him and made available to journalists. In the release, he stated

that “on two occasions at public gatherings where I was present, the late Chief Bola Ige disclosed that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the sage and legend told him that I, Areoye Oyebola, was one of his closest confidants in Nigeria. That was a true statement, because I had a deep personal relationship with Papa Obafemi Awolowo, with whom I had often had many hours of intimate discussions on

various issues, events and individuals. “It was during such discussions that Papa disclosed to me that Mama Awolowo had a wonderful quality of appreciating highly gifted and talented Nigerians.” He added that although the late wife of the sage lived a fulfilled life as a great daughter of Nigeria, Africa and the world, her death remained a personal loss to him.

22 November, 2015

sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

FirstBank, Fidelity clash in Bankers Games final By Niyi Alebiosu FIDELITY Bank and FirstBank will today clash in the final of this year’s Nigeria Bankers Games scheduled to hold at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos. Both sides are playing in the final of the competition for the first time, while The Elephant Boys have remained unbeaten in all games. The final will be preceded by the third place match between Skye Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. Fidelity Bank’s midfielder, Oladimeji Oyefeso insists they are in the finals to win, while FirstBank’s captain; Solomon Idowu is equally hopeful of his side’s victory today. In the first meeting of both sides in group A; FirstBank won 1-0 but Oyefeso said his side has overcome the initial blimp and has improved with every game. “Nothing will stop us this time, Oyefeso said adding: “though we lost our first match to First Bank, we have become better with each game and are at our peak form right now”. Idowu countered that having defeated Fidelity Bank before, they will repeat the feat in the finals. “We are going to take our chances and make capital of every opportunity at goal,” he said.

Baraje, Akwa coach

By Ganiyu Salman

HE Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, is the place to be today for soccer-loving Nigerians as Lobi Stars confront Akwa United in the final of the Federation Cup otherwise known as the Challenge Cup, which began in Nigeria as Governor’s Cup in 1945. The showdown between the two Glo Premier League sides will be preceded by the women’s final between Bayelsa Queens and last year’s runners up, Sunshine Queens of Akure. Akwa United is playing in the final for the first time, while Lobi once lifted the trophy in 2003 with a 2-0 win over Sharks of Port Harcourt. Efforts to reclaim the prestigious title since then had ended in resouding failures as the Makurdi

Federation Cup final:

Akwa, Lobi set Lagos agog

COACH of Nigeria’s U-23 team, Samson Siasia has expressed disappointment with the way the Dream Team IV played on Saturday despite the team’s 3-0 win over Real De Banjul in a friendly in The Gambia, where the team is camped ahead of the African U-23 Championship scheduled to hold in Senegal later this month. Siasia according to thenff. com frowned on the performance of his wards especially in the first half, as they wasted a number of scoring chances that they ought to have converted. “I’m not impressed with what my boys displayed, I expected them to let their dominance count

my family in retirement,” said Tenger who led the defunct BCC Lions to win the title in 1997. Also, his counterpart from Akwa United, Zachary Baraje is hoping to bring the Federation Cup to Akwa Ibom State for the first time. “There is nothing to worry about, we know our opponents very well and we are well prepared for the final. I have won this trophy before and I hope to achieve the same feat with Akwa United,” said the former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) handler. Meanwhile, the late ex-international, Rashidi Yekini alongside 11 others will be honoured at today’s final.

Yekini, 11 others to be honoured side lost in the 2005 final to Enyimba via penalties and also in 2012 to Heartland. Interestingly, both sides met last Sunday in Uyo in the final week 38 fixture of the Glo Premier League where Abdulafeez Awakan’s half volley in the 21st minute forced Lobi out of the Nest of Champions empty-handed thus, fans are set to watch a replay of the match this time on a neutral ground.

Gambia tour: Siasia blames wasteful Dream Team despite 3-0 win By Ahmed Pele

Tenger, Lobi coach

in front of goal and if they can’t convert these chances then we will be in trouble in Senegal. We will keep on working on them and hopefully they will get it right,” said the former Super Eagles handler. The Dream Team opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Etebo Oghenekaro when he scored from the penalty spot after Seth was fouled in the 18yard box. On resumption, Oghenekaro connected a fine pass from Seth to make it 2-0 and barely three minutes later, the Warri wolves striker was on target again for his hat-trick, after collecting a pass from Stanley Dimgba and firing the ball beyond the reach of the De Banjul goalkeeper. The hat-trick hero, Oghenekaro

Coach Justin Tenger who boasts of captain Ikpen Terna, Moses Bunde and Abdulrahman Bashir, among others is hopeful that his wards would give him a parting gift as he is set to retire from coaching. “I am confident that we will win on Sunday to serve as a parting gift for me because I’m planning to retire from active coaching and go for something new to sustain

...As Mimiko charges Sunshine Queens to win Fed Cup ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has said he believes he will celebrate the first major football trophy for the state as Sunshine Queens clash with Bayelsa Queens today in the final of 2015 Nigeria Women’s Federation Cup billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Mimiko made the assertion, when he visited players and officials of the Akurebased side at their camp. Represented by the state’s Sports Commissioner, Bekekhimi Idiarhi, the governor said the parley is geared towards motivating the team to lift their first ever Federation Cup . “We will be in Lagos to witness the game and also celebrate the victory with

the team at the end of the game. I can see determination in you, so I urge you to go all out and defeat Bayelsa Queens on Sunday. “We will mobilise our fans to the stadium. I can assure you, the sky will be blue on Sunday,” he said. Earlier, Chairman, Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Akin Akinbobola charged the girls to be determined throughout the game. “Be focused and determined. Make up your mind because Ondo State people are looking up to you. I beg you girls to play well and put more efforts to win; win this for Mr Governor. I pray we will all smile on Sunday,” Akinbobola said.