25th December 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,400

FRIDAY, 25 DECEMBER, 2015

Wishing all our esteemed readers a

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Our sister publication, Saturday Tribune, will be off the newsstands tomorrow, December 26, 2015.

Many killed, several houses burnt in Anambra gas explosion •5 confirmed dead as bus plunges into Enugu river Civilian JTF intercepts Boko Haram members with bomb-filled coolers —P40

—P6

Long holiday upsets businesses —P6

Buhari to Nigerians at Xmas: We will keep our promises

•Saraki, Dogara, Aregbesola, Fayose, Ahmed, Dickson, —P5,10 Ugwuanyi, others sue for peace •Nigeria needs divine intervention —PDP

Gridlock on Abuja-Lokoja Road in Gwagwalada, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

Suspects hide —P40 3,542.25kg hemp in biscuits, cheese balls

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Christmas light at Okefia roundabout, Osogbo, Osun State, illuminated by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

From left, founder, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group, Otunba Subomi Balogun; his wife, Abimbola and Mrs Olaronke Atere, during the Christmas Carol organised by Otunba Balogun, at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

A former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala (right), with members of his family, from right, Olamijuwonlo, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, Pastor (Mrs) Florence Alao-Akala, Mrs Olamide and Mr Layode Alabi, during the 2015 interdenominational Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons, held at Opadoyin Alao-Akala Compound, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. PHOTO: ALABA IGBAROOLA.

From left, national coordinator, Oduâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams; his wife, Mojisola and Evangelist David Shoyoola of Royal Touch Teaching Ministry, during the Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons held in Lagos, on Wednes-

Hip hop artiste, Sound Sultan, entertaining children during the MTN Foundation endless joy party for orphaned children, in Lagos.

From left, Reverend Victor Odebode, The Most Reverend (Professor) Magnus Ajibade and Pastor S. F. Obisesan, during the Christmas Carol organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mushin, Lagos.

Director, Vale College, Mrs Funso Adegbola (middle); Mr Funso Adegbola (fourth right); Professor Akinola Alada and Mr Olajide Abimbola, with Vale College Choir, during the Christmas Carol held at the school hall, recently. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adebiyi Daramola, with principal officers and members of the FUTA mass choir, at the Christmas Carol held in the institution, on Tuesday.

news Buhari to Nigerians at Xmas: We’ll keep our promises 5

Friday, 25 December, 2015

•Saraki, govs, others sue for peace at Christmas •Nigeria needs divine intervention –PDP By Leon Usigbe, Jacob Segun Olatunji,AyodeleAdesanmiand Jude Ossai

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his party’s “change” slogan is no gimmick as he is determined to fulfil the promises he made to Nigerians. In his Christmas message to Nigerians, made available to the media in Abuja, on Thursday, he also reaffirmed that his administration will recover stolen funds and block leakages. The president urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the current state of the economy and security, saying that never again would the nation be held to ransom by any group. He particularly urged Nigerians to use the period to think about the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country. The message read: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas. “On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught. “There can be no doubt that a greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation. “Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history. “I particularly urge you all to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). “The Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps, while the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes. “We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise. “Let us also not allow current socio-economic and security challenges to dampen our expectations for a better Nigeria. “This administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to our people. The 2016 Budget defines our commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life.

“Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people. “In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability. “Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards. “I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas. Please drive carefully.” Saraki to Nigerians: Let peace, love, unity rule our actions The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, urged Nigerians to ensure that their actions are predicated on peace, love and unity which he said were the virtues needed to rebuild the country. Saraki, in a goodwill message to Nigerians on the Christmas celebration, signed by his Special Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged them to mark this year’s Christmas celebration with the virtues in mind. He said the virtues were crucial to the developmental drive of the present administration and to ensure that the country takes her rightful place as a proud member of the international community. He noted that the economic challenges facing the nation as a result of dwindling revenue inflow into the Federation Account is a passing phase which will give way to a better future. Saraki said: “Our president has just presented to the National Assembly the proposed estimates of 2016 budget of hope. We in the National Assembly have resolved to throw our weight behind the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and to collaborate with him in the execution of his policies of change aimed at enhancing the living standard of our people and for a brighter prospect for our dear nation.” He urged Nigerians to renew their faith in God and remain dedicated to the course of national development in the true spirit of Christmas which epitomizes love, perseverance, patience, brotherly kindness and the spirit of sharing. According to him “This is another season of love, season of liberation, sacrifice and giving to the needy. The commemoration of the birth of Christ and the whole essence of His life show the reality of God’s love to mankind. “Let us reflect on the message of Christmas by living

peacefully and harmoniously, which is one of the cardinal tenets of both Christianity and Islam. Irrespective of our religious beliefs, we should open our hearts with love and prayers for the unity and progress of this great nation,” he stated. Saraki, however, urged Nigerians, most especially motorists, travelling during this yuletide period to be cautious and drive carefully on the highways, just as he prayed for all to have a memorable and colourful Christmas celebration. Fayose charges Nigerians on justice, equity Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has urged Nigerians and the nation’s leaders to imbibe the teaching of justice and equity for all men that the Lord Jesus Christ taught all men to observe. In his Christmas message to the people of Ekiti and Nigerians at large, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the governor said without being fair to all, Nigerian leaders would not be able to take the country to the promise land. He opined that social justice and equity were vital to maintaining orderliness in the society and to give everybody a sense of belonging. “The Lord Jesus, whose birthday we are celebrating, emphasised justice for all and equity. “If we are truly concerned, whether as leaders or followers, for our country to achieve greatness, the way to do it is not to be sectional. We cannot see ourselves as being for Paul and not for Appolos. We must be for Nigeria, an indivisible entity and for all Nigerians irrespective of political, religious and ethnic differences. Fayose called on the people of the state to also be alive to their civic obligations of paying their taxes and rates promptly and fully, saying no government can survive without finance. Emulate virtues of Jesus Christ - Gov Ahmed Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has advised Nigerians to emulate the virtues of love and peace exemplified by Jesus Christ. Ahmed gave the advice in his Christmas message issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, in Ilorin, on Wednesday. The governor enjoined the people to be their brothers’ keepers as the country celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ.

He said Nigerians should always walk the path of humility, self-denial and brotherliness, the hallmarks of the teachings of both religions. Ahmed also advised that the period should be used to show love and affection, especially to the needy. “Nigerians should be prepared to make sacrifices in these trying times to make the country better for all,” the governor said. He commended Christian leaders in the state for promoting religious harmony and urged them not to relent in their effort at building a better society. The governor expressed his administration’s commitment to the well-being of the people and the delivery of the dividends of democracy. Gov Bello urges Nigerians to remain hopeful Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has charged Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better tomorrow as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to re-position the country. Governor Bello, in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, to mark this year’s Christmas celebration, prayed for a brighter future for the country. “Though the country may be going through hard times, we should not be despair. We should not be despondent. This hard time will soon be over. All we need to do as a people is to be hopeful, united, support the government and be committed to the change mantra of the APC to move the country forward,” Governor Bello advised. He recalled that Jesus Christ was given birth to at a critical moment of human history and noted that His birth, which is being celebrated worldwide today, brought hope, reconciliation and restoration of man to his creator. “It is in the light of this that I want to advise all Nigerlites and indeed all Nigerians, irrespective of our religious differences to remain focused and hopeful for a better tomorrow. We have a government both at state and national levels that are poised to make the difference and put the nation on the path of glory,” he said. Dickson calls for ceaseless prayers for Nigeria Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has called on Bayelsans to imbibe the positive attributes of peace, love and forgiveness, which Christ propagated, lived and died for. Governor Dickson, who made the call in his Christ-

mas message to the people of Bayelsa State, reminded them of the importance of peace, noting that, peace remains a major catalyst to any meaning development, especially under a democratic dispensation. While commending the people for being supportive to the policies and programmes of the government, he enjoined them to pray ceaselessly for the security, peace and unity of the state and the country, pointing out that, the nation was going through very difficult times that require the collective prayers of all and sundry. Governor Dickson also used the period of Christmas to reassure Bayelsans of his commitment to the welfare of the citizenry and the overall development of the state. Gov Ugwuanyi calls for tolerance GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on Christians to use the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to offer special prayers for the progress of the nation and dedicate their lives to the service of God and advancement of peace and tolerance in the country. In a message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Louis Amoke, Governor Ugwuanyi said that Christmas celebration offers Christians the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God and how to use their service to humanity to fulfil His will. Ugwuanyi noted that the birth of Christ which marks the beginning of salvation of mankind and power over the forces of darkness can only be appreciated if Christians can tolerate one another and dedicate themselves to things that would promote peace and the will of God, adding that it is only through prayers and faith in God that the nation would surmount all her challenges. The governor, therefore, called on Nigerians to continue to offer special prayers for the unity and progress of the country, especially this trying moment of economic recession. He expressed optimism that 2016 would be a better year in consideration of the efforts being made at all levels of government to revitalise the economy. Pray as Nigeria needs divine intervention, PDP urges The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged Nigerians to use the period of Christmas to offer special prayers for God’s intervention in the nation’s affair. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party,

Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, on Thursday, the opposition party said such prayers were needed for the unity and stability of the nation as well as to recommit individual and collective security and economic welfare into the hands of God. It said the prayers were also essential as the nation was now, more than ever before in dire need of divine intervention, especially as citizens cope with the sudden hardship occasioned by poor management of the nation’s economy in the last seven months. The party said the two important celebrations, coming at this trying time, offered the citizens an opportunity to put aside every political, religious and ethnic difference and unite against their prevailing common challenges. It added: “Nigerians across board have in the last few weeks been recalling the campaign promises made by President Buhari and the APC, particularly, their December 24, 2014 Christmas message wherein they promised several reforms and welfare programmes that will, in their own words, ‘begin to positively impact on the citizenry within its (APC) first few months at the helm, to such an extent that Nigerians will have a better Christmas celebration in 2015’. “Whilst we understand the indignation, frustration and disappointments occasioned by the long list of unfulfilled promises and dashed expectations under the current regime (and justifiably so), we urge that Nigerians should not recourse to hauling insults on the president as such would not bring the succour they seek. “The challenges we face today as a nation should not make us lose our dignity and demureness as a people. They should not make us miss the essence and meanings of Christmas and the divine succour it brings, especially the assurance that there is always an end to every negative situation. “The PDP, therefore, calls on all Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on those things that bind us together as a nation; show love to one another and commit the nation into Gods’ hands, even as we charge the political class to be conscious of divine accountability in all their dealings.” The statement extended the felicitation of the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, to Nigerians on behalf of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), and wished all Nigerians joyful Christmas celebration.

news

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Many killed, several houses burnt in Anambra gas explosion Suzy Oruya -Onitsha

T was a black Christmas eve in Anambra, as many people were reported killed when an explosion occurred at LPG gas plant owned by Inter Corp Oil Limited. The number of casualties, as of press time, could not be ascertained, but unconfirmed report had it that over 120 people were burnt in the factory fire incident. Sources said the firm, owned by one Mr Chikason, had caught fire and trapped many of the workers. The pictures of the scene of the fire incident were gory to be published in the newspaper. It was also gathered that

several buildings near the factory were also destroyed by the fire, which was said to have burnt for about three hours. None of the sources in the area could place a finger on the cause of the fire, at about 8.00 p.m. when the incident was said to have occurred. Some eyewitnesses claimed that the explosion occurred when a truck was discharging its content. At the scene of the incident, the charred bodies of the victims and those of others who were burnt severely were taken to Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. Witnesses claimed that “while the fire was on, many buildings close to the

factory caught fire, with about 20 bodies already brought out of the compound.” A Red Cross source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the fire started following a gas explosion, adding that six people died on the spot.

“If not for the timely intervention of the fire service department, the fire could have caused more havoc in the community,” the Red Cross official said, adding that the dead had been deposited at the mortuary while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.

An eyewitness noted that it was difficult to ascertain the extent of damage as houses were razed, while efforts were ongoing by men of the fire service to ensure the fire was extinguished. The state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, during a visit to the scene of the in-

cident, commiserated with the people of Nnewi and affected residents. The governor said he had spoken with the owner of the company, Mr Chikason, adding that the state government would make efforts to forestall future occurrence.

5 confirmed dead as bus plunges into Enugu river FIVE persons lost their lives early Thursday on the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, as a commuter bus heading towards Enugu plunged into Oji River, near Anambra. Mr Sunday Ajayi, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra command, who confirmed the

accident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred about 1.25 a.m. on Thursday. Ajayi said there were 15 passengers in the vehicle, out of which 10 were rescued and taken to hospital, while five were killed in the incident. He said the timely res-

cue operations led by the personnel of the FRSC minimised the number of casualties. “The rescue at Oji River is still ongoing. We have been able to rescue 10 people alive and taken them to hospital, five were confirmed dead and the bus has been recovered,” he said.

The commander said it was a “lone accident” and blamed it on drowsiness of the driver, poor visibility and other dangers associated with night driving. He urged people who wished to travel to do so during the day time, and set out on time for journey that may stretch into the night.

when they discovered that the banks were under locks and keys. The situation, however, led to long queues at ATMs as customers resorted to the machines as last option. Because of the long holiday, people were being careful with their spending, to ensure that the little they had was managed throughout the period. Mostly affected are recreation centres, eateries, children centres, among others. In Oyo State, especially the capital city, despite the lingering fuel crisis, traffic remained heavy in notable locations. From Challenge to New Garage, Apata, Ologuneru, Dugbe, Iwo-Road, Old Ife Road, motorists had hectic time moving freely. Other forms of transportation in the city – okada and Keke NAPEP, were not left out, as residents were in last minute rush to get to their destinations. For most businesses, it was late before it dawned on them that official businesses would resume on Tuesday. As early as 5.00 a.m. on Thursday, people were seen at ATM locations in the city, while most businessmen were afraid of keeping huge cash at their various business outfits. Most filling stations visited had to control the proportion of their sales, since they would not want to keep huge cash deposit in their safes. A notable e-banking location was a beehive of activities on Thursday, while major markets – Alesinloye, Agbeni, Gbagi and

Dugbe - witnessed high turnout despite claim of cash crunch. A distributor told the Nigerian Tribune that she had to close her outlet, since many of her customers had to book for goods at the bank before delivery to them after showing the teller for payment. While speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, she lamented that as a result of the long holiday, she would not be able to meet her target, as she would have to close her outlet for three working days. The situation is the same in Kano, as many could not afford to buy fowls as their prices have gone up. At the Abubakar Rimi Market at Sabongari, people lamented the high prices of commodities. Mrs Esther Aboderin told the Nigerian Tribune that “I do not think I will buy fowl for my family this year, because the price is too high.” Also one Mr Owel Chukwu at Tarrauni Market said compared with the prices of last year, prices of fowls had gone up. He said the fowl he bought last year ranged between N1,500 and N2,000, adding that this year, prices vary between N2,500 and N3,000 When the Nigerian Tribune visited traders selling tomatoes, pepper, onion and other food items, it was the same story. •Additional reports by Ebenezer Adurokiya, Olayinka Olukoya, Biola Azeez, Yinka Oladoyinbo, Oluwole Ige, Tunde Ogunesan and Kola Oyelere.

Long holiday upsets businesses Chima Nwokoji -Lagos ECONOMIC activities in most cities across Nigeria were affected due to the unexpected declaration of a long holiday commencing on Thursday. While business owners anticipated that the holiday would start today, the Federal Government declared December 24, 25 and 28 as public holidays. This is to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively. When the Nigerian Tribune visited some deposit money banks in Lagos, it was observed that while many customers who had come to their banks for bulk deposits left disappointed, those who came for bulk withdrawal resorted to using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), causing long queues at various ATM locations. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), also on Wednesday, closed the interbank foreign exchange market till January 4. The closure, which is the norm in the banking sector, was expected to have been done not later than Monday, considering the position of the naira at the parallel market. The naira had fallen to a record low of N280 to the dollar at the parallel market, after beating what was initially regarded as a 42-year-low. The local currency, however, appreciated to N270 on Friday, after the sale of over $20 million by the CBN to the Bureau de Change operators. The CBN is expected to pump more forex into

the parallel market while the interbank foreign exchange market remains shut throughout the festive period, but analysts said it remains unclear if this will be done. Industry watchers believe that with the interbank market now closed for the next 13 days, dollar scarcity may further rock the economy and the Naira may further depreciate below N280. Some traders at Oshodi, who usually make daily deposits with banks, complained that they did not know banks would not work full day on Thursday. As such, they decided not to display their wares for the whole day, since, according to them, “there is no guarantee of safety of their money. The same applied to some petrol stations in Lagos and Ibadan. According to Joseph Ibiye, a petrol attendant at Iyana Ejigbo, Lagos, “we have fuel but we cannot sell, because at the end of the day, there is nowhere to deposit the money.” Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazau, Minister of Interior, had, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bassey Akpanyung, announced the public holidays in Abuja. In Warri, Delta State, there was discontent among residents ahead Christmas celebration as many people could not access their bank accounts due to the BVN policy. Since Monday, account owners had bombarded various banks, making frantic effort to withdraw

their savings for the Yuletide fun. Nigerian Tribune observed long queues at various banks across towns and cities in the state on Thursday, as they endlessly waited to access their account through ATMs. Many customers, as of Wednesday, were not aware of a long public holidays beginning on Thursday, while they complained of their inability to resolve issues concerning the BVN before the holidays came calling. Criminal activities have, however, upped as stories of how some individuals were robbed of millions of naira in cash were rife. In Ogun, hundreds of bank customers had a hectic day withdrawing money at most banks within Abeokuta, the state capital. Customers of most of the commercial banks stormed different locations as early as 7.00 a.m. The queue of those who intended to withdraw money from the ATM of a bank located at IBB Presidential Boulevard, Kuto area, was endless. It was harrowing experience for those who queued at another bank inside the Oba Lipede Market, Kuto, as only one machine out of two was dispensing money to customers, while the other was not available for use. It was the same story all over the state, as bank customers besieged ATMs to withdraw money to be spent during the long holiday. However, business activities within the state capital, were not encouraging as a result of low patronage.

Equally, the fuel scarcity situation also affected business activities adversely, especially transportation, due to hike in fare. In Kwara, lull in the economic atmosphere was largely dictated by persistent fuel scarcity in most parts of the state. Nigerian Tribune gathered from motor parks in the state that commercial transport operators had increased fares by more than 20 per cent in almost all routes, particularly interstate routes. It was gathered that the average transport fare of N1,000 nd N1,200 from Ilorin to Ibadan had gone up to N1,200 and N1,400, while Ilorin to Lagos fare was N1,800 to N2,000 as against N1,600. The same hike in transport fares affected Ilorin to Osogbo, Omu Aran, and other areas. Also, the commercial motorcycle operators, Okada, added N20 to the average N50 fares per normal drop. With the persistent fuel scarcity in the state, long queues of vehicles were present at only few filling stations dispensing fuel. The long holiday affected the economy of Kogi State as many residents were caught unawares by the announcement of holiday on Thursday. Many had expected that the Federal Government would declare Friday and Monday as public holidays and did not prepare for that of Thursday. Many bank customers had thronged their banks as early as 8.00 a.m. with the aim of transacting business but were shocked

7 news ICPC pays N314m pension arrears to ITF retirees

ETIREES of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), who were owed over N314 million as pension arrears have been paid following the intervention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The commission waded into the matter following a petition by J .B. Makinde, a concerned retiree who alleged that the DirectorGeneral of the parastatal had diverted funds meant for payment of pension arrears, for personal use. Investigation by the commission, however, revealed that government had not yet released money for such payment as at the time of the petition, and therefore advised that the agitated retirees be paid as soon as govern-

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ment released the money for the purpose. Consequent upon the release of the funds by the government, the ITF paid the retirees the sum of N314,651,623.17. The amount covered the settlement of 66 months arrears of increment in pension in line with the implementation of the Federal Government circular of 2014. The commission had advised the petitioners to always avoid sensationalism, embellishment or fabricating allegations which impugns the integrity of public officers who are wrongly accused of corrupt practices. CORRECTION OF NAME

Formerly Miss Ezekiel Janet Adekemi Ajayi now Mrs EZEKIEL JANET AJAYI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public take note.

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Friday, 25 December, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

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I, formerly Grace Chinyere Ichi now GRACE CHINYERE EGEONU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oyesile Kafayat Opeyemi now MRS AYANDA KAFAYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

I, Anisere Mary Chizaram formerly known as Anisere Mercy Chizaram now wish to be known and called ANISERE MARY CHIZARAM, 22/11/1992 is my correct date of birth and not 27/10/1993. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Busari Sodeeq Babatunde now BUSARI SODIQ BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adediran Opeyemi Beatrice now MRS OLUWAFEMI OPEYEMI ADEBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Obisesan Patience Toyin am the same person bearing Babalola Patience Toyin that any cheque, letters written/ received with these names should be recognised. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as OBISESAN PATIENCE TOYIN. So, the two names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Are Daniel Christopher now ISRAEL CLEMENT DATTI. All former documents remain valid. Sumal Foods Limited and general public take note.

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I, formerly Olubukola Omobolanle Sasa now OLUBUKOLA OMOBOLANLE FALANA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Oke Abolaji Yetunde now OYEWOLE ABOLAJI YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Caroline Kayomavoro Agbondiafo now MISS CAROLINE KAYOMAVORO KURU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly Ikorira Dance now DANCE IKORIRA KIGHILLY. All former documents remain valid. UBA, EcoBank and general public take note.

I, formerly Odeh Friday Fineboy now TANIBO ROLAND. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinyeye Iyadunni Oluwakemi now MRS. AKILO IYADUNNI OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ladunni Oluwabukola Celestina now MRS. OLUWABUKOLA CELESTINA LADUNNI ADINDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Nogene Simon Anointing now EKOWEI SIMEON. All former documents remain valid. UBA and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinkumi Fumilola now MRS. SALAUDEEN FUMILOLA FATIMAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Odeleye Bukola Titi now MISS AYEDOGBON BUKOLA TITI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Ogunbanjo Funmilayo Esther now MISS OBIKOYA FUNMILAYO ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A. and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Musiliu Yekinni Tunde which my date of birth is 02-02-77 am the same person as Akinkunmi Tunde which my date of birth is 29-9-77. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MUSILIU YEKINNI TUNDE and my correct date of birth is 02-02-77. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, Oyekanmi Oyewola but was mistakenly written as Oyekanmi Oyewole. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OYEKANMI OYEWOLA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oladipo Mathew Esther now MRS. ADEHIN TOLULOPE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), WAEC and general public take note.

I, formerly Adebiyi Adewale Peter now MATTHEW ADEWALE PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyebamiji Abosede now MRS. OLUNIYI ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunmolasuyi Gbemisola Aina now MRS. AFOLABI GBEMISOLA AINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ayeni Sakirat Olayemi now SALAU OLAYEMI OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Mosekolaoni Olajumoke Hannah now MRS. ADEYEMI OYEDELE OLAJUMOKE HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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I, formerly Miss Olawande Omonike Damilola now MRS ADESINA OMONIKE DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. University of Ibadan and general public take note.

eid-el-maulud/xmas news

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Fayose charges Nigerians on justice, equity

KITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has urged Nigerians and the nation’s leaders to imbibe the teaching of justice and equity for all men that Prophet Mohammed taught all men to observe. In his Malud Nabiyy message to the people of Ekiti and Nigerians at large, issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, the governor said without being fair to all, Nigerian leaders would not be able to take the country to the promised land. He opined that social justice and equity were vital

to maintaining orderliness in the society and to give everybody a sense of belonging. “Prophet Mohammed, emphasised justice for all and equity in His preachings.

“If we are truly concerned, whether as leaders or followers, for our country to achieve greatness, the way to do it is not to be sectional. We cannot see ourselves as

Glo charges Muslims on tolerance TELECOMMUNICATION giant, Globacom, has said that it is necessary for all Muslims in the country to close ranks, promote religious tolerance and harmony, and work together for a better Nigeria in 2016 and beyond. The company made the appeal as the major celebrations of Eid-el-Maulud and Christians, occur back

to back on the 24th and 25th of December, respectively. Both celebrations commemorate the birth of the founders of Christianity and Islam. In a goodwill message issued from its headquarters in Lagos, Globacom, stated that the coincidence of the celebration of the two momentous events which in-

Gov Ikpeazu sues for peace Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia with Agency Reports GOVERNOR Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has urged Muslims in the state to use the Maulud celebration to preach peace. This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Godwin Adindu. Ikpeazu said that the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad

should bring tidings of hope to Nigeria. He said that Islam was a religion built on the tenets of love, harmony and charity. Ikpeazu appealed to Muslims in Abia State to use the occasion to extend the spiritual benefits of the holy day to every facet of the society. The governor said that he was pleased that Muslims in Abia State were authentic followers of the

true teaching of Allah as they had demonstrated it through their life of tolerance. Ikpeazu commended the Muslim community for making concerted efforts to be good patriots and ambassadors of the state. The governor also commended Abia Muslim community for been a partner in progress with government in the effort to uphold the peace and unity of the country.

Kogi gov-elect preaches love, peace KOGI State governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, on Thursday, charged Christians and Muslim Ummah, to celebrate the births of Jesus Christ, as well as the Holy Prophet, Muhammed Rosulullahi, by promoting the virtues of love, peace and unity. Bello, who stated this in his Christmas and Maolud Nabiyy greetings, to the people of the state, through his media office, noted that Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed, lived exemplary life of humility, selflessness and great passion for humanity. He urged the people of the state to imbibe the virtues that were preached

by Jesus Christ and the Holy Prophet during their earthly journey in order to rebound the unity that our heroes past laid for us.

THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on the virtues of love, tolerance, Godliness, honesty, fairness, selflessness and peaceful co-existence which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, espoused during his earthly mission. A statement issued by APC Assistant Director (Publicity), Mr Edegbe Odemwingie, noted that the APC National Chair-

“This season demands that we show love to our neighbours, build an atmosphere of peace and engender unity among all men.

cidentally too, commemorate the birth of the leaders of the two major religions, Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed, is very significant and instructive. It called on Nigerian Muslims to remember that the birth of Prophet Mohammed was heralded with peace and goodwill to all men. It, therefore, called on Muslims to take advantage of the season to promote the same peace, love, and goodwill in their individual homes, communities and the country at large. It also urged all Nigerians to use the occasion of the holidays to make peace and reconcile all differences. “On all fronts, we need to encourage cordiality and peaceful co-existence; between friends, families, political opponents, tribes, ethnic groups and religions so that we can promote an egalitarian society,” Globacom said in the statement.

We should also endeavour to nurture hopes where we find hopelessness and pray for our country and its leaders.

Lagos lawmaker charges Muslims on prayers Bola Badmus - Lagos CHIEF Whip, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdulateef Rotimi Abiru, has charged Muslims as they celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed to continue to offer prayers for the country’s unity, peace and progress. Abiru, who is representing Shomolu Constituency II, made this call on Thursday while speaking with

APC preaches tolerance, peaceful co-existence Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

being for Paul and not for Appolos. We must be for Nigeria, an indivisible entity and for all Nigerians irrespective of political, religious and ethnic differences.

man, in a goodwill message to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, urged Nigerians to offer special prayers for peace, unity and development in the country. He urged Nigerians to shun hatred, divisiveness and promote national unity. He also urged Nigerians to pray for the military and other security agents fighting to overcome terrorism and violent extremism as well as prayers for victims and displaced persons in the insurgency-ravaged North-East.

newsmen. The lawmaker also urged Christians to join Muslims in doing the same, saying Nigeria needed the prayers of all and sundry to remain at peace and united for it to achieve greatness in the comity of nations.

According to Abiru, the celebrations of the births of the Prophet Mohammed coming at this period is a great testimony that “we are one and we should continue to preach peace for our progress as a nation.”

Adeleke emphasises cooperation SENATOR Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the first executive governor of Osun State, has called on the people of Osun State to continue to live together in peace and harmony, in order to ensure accelerated development of the state. This was contained in a Christmas message, issued by his media adviser, Olumide

Lawal, on the occasion of 2015 Christmas celebration. Senator Adeleke emphasised that the cooperation and unalloyed loyalty of Osun citizenry for Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s government, at this time of economic downturn, is very crucial, stressing that, “tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

Alao-Akala’s wife calls for love By Tunde Ogunesan WIFE of former governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has congratulated the citizens of the state, admonishing them to express their love to their next neighbour during Christmas celebrations. Mrs Alao-Akala stated

this in a statement issued by her media office, a copy made available to the Nigerian Tribune. According to her, “Christmas is a season of love, sharing of gifts and experience of a new life as given to the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. These should always be replicated at all times, especially

SPEAKER, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, has called on Muslims to use the occasion of Eid-elMaulud to seek the face of Allah concerning various challenges facing the country. In his Eid-el-Maulud message, the speaker noted that since the religion believe there is nothing too difficult for Allah, the occasion should be used to pray for Nigeria. While congratulating the Muslim faithful, Honour-

Nigerian Tribune

Oyo speaker charges Muslims able Adeyemo also solicited for more prayers for the leadership of the country at all levels for wisdom to lead the country right . While predicting better days in the coming year, Adeyemo urged Nigerians to be patriotic and desist from acts that could compound the nation’s myriads of challenges .

MMPN felicitates with Muslims MUSLIM Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Oyo State chapter, has felicitated with the Muslims in Nigeria, as they celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammed. In a press statement issued and signed by its chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Aliyu and the secretary, Alhaja Rofiat Animasahun, called on Muslims to use the opportunity of the Prophet’s birthday to reflect on his teachings of

Pray for survival of Nigeria, Reps member tells Muslims LAWMAKER representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/ Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Honourable Adesegun Abdel-Majid Adekoya, has called on Muslim communities in Nigeria to pray for the survival of the nation and the quickest recovery from the economic challenges being faced by the country. Adekoya expressed this in his goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2015 Eid- El- Maulud celebration, He admonished adherents of the religion to keep in mind the lessons of Prophet Muhammed and the significance of the birth in ensuring peace, common brotherhood of man, tolerance and sacrifice.

whenever we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas period. “As we’re in the mood of another season of love this year, I urge the peace loving people of the state to freely exercise this right as it was when our saviour and Lord Jesus Christ came to the world,” She said.

a life of piety, prayer and service of God and humanity. The MMPN urged adherents of the religion to rededicate themselves to upholding the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their personal life and in relationship with others as they joined the rest of the world in commemorating the prophet’s birthday.

Kwara speaker charges Muslims on prayers Biola Azeez - Ilorin THE speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Honourable Ali Ahmad, has admonished Muslims in the country to use the festive periods to pray for the nation. According to the speaker, in his Eid-el-Maulud message, he said that the call became imperative due to the challenges facing the country, urging for continuous support for government as concerned citizens to enable the country further move forward. He also said that with collective efforts as an indivisible nation, the country would soon surpass the trying period. Ahmad noted that the current administration is committed and dedicated to make lives meaningful for Nigerians, saying that what required from the citizens is prayers, support and cooperation for God to guide President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders aright. He enjoined Muslims to use the opportunity to reflect on the teachings and lives of Prophet Muhammad. The speaker, who advised them to be modest in celebration, urged them to cohabit harmoniously with one another.

islamicnews

Friday, 25 December, 2015

NACOMYO greets Muslims

Alhaji Dawud Akinola, a.k.a. De-Damak (right), with Mr Seyi Makinde, during his installation as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, in Ibadan, Oyo State, last weekend. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Sultan, Nigerian Muslims felicitate with Christians

HE President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has felicitated with Christians on the occasion of the 2015 Christmas. Sultan Abubakar, in a message signed by Professor Is-haq Oloyede, on behalf of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, said, “As you celebrate this important event, the Muslim community in Nigeria wishes you God’s guidance and abundant blessings embedded in the festive season. “We have every cause to celebrate and thank the Almighty God for the opportunity of life and the privilege of survival. At this time last year, Nigeria was under a lot of tension with the national conscience being tormented by the apocalyptic prediction of 2015 being the end of

our corporate existence. “Now that the year is ending and we remain united, it is as if God Himself wants us to learn through the near coincidence of the celebrations of the births of our revered Prophets, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon both). “As you traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, Muslims

marked the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on December 24, this year, being the 12th day of Rabiul Awwal. “The message inherent in this near coincidence appears to be unity and mutual understanding. Therefore, the season of our double celebrations is an opportunity for us Nigerians especially to learn more about our two

religious personages and rededicate ourselves to their true teachings. “As millions of our Christian compatriots in Nigeria celebrate Christmas, we pray that God continue to grant you more peace, more understanding, more wisdom and more faithfulness to the true teachings of God as preached and lived by Jesus (PBUH).”

THE Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akionla, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the world at large on the celebrations of 1437 AH Mawlid Nabiyy, which was officially marked with a national holiday yesterday (Thursday). Alhaji Akinola, popularly known as De-Damak, equal-

ly felicitated with Christians, especially in Nigeria, as they celebrate Christmas today. In a message signed by Alhaji Kamoru Aderibigbe, Alhaji Akinola urged Nigerian Muslims and Christians to see the rarity of the celebrations of the births of these two great Prophets of Allah almost simultaneously this year as a manifestation of the

oneness of God and a clarion call to jettison acrimonious tendencies and seek peace, as is the message of both Prophets, at all times. He also appealed to the adherents of the two faiths to apply the lessons preached by the messages and lives of devotion of Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ to their daily living so that they

“We opine that instead of igniting hatred, bitterness and violence, religion should generate love, kindness and peaceful coexistence. All religions including Bhudism, Christianity, Confucianism, Islam, Jainism, African Traditional Religion, etc, teach love and mercy for homo sapien. “There is no religion that teaches hatred and enjoins its adherents to kill and maim. The problem we have in Nigeria is that people abuse religion. They use it as a launching pad for their

selfish desires. Politicians exploit religion to satisfy their greed and avarice while ethnic jingoists masquerade under the canopy of religion to wet their murderous and cannibalistic appetite. “MURIC avers that it is not too late for Nigerians to put religion in its proper perspective. In other words, we are appealing to Nigerians to utilize religion both vertically and horizontally. In the vertical dimension, Nigerians must see religion as a relationship between man and God. Horizontally, it is

mandatory on Nigerians to regard religion as a means of improving relationship among the Adamic chromosome. “There is, therefore, the need for Nigerians to redesign their religious practices, services, conventions, processions, etc, in such a way that other citizens are not made to suffer any form of hardship, be it inability to sleep due to noisy religious services or free access to the roads due to worshippers’ interference with traffic on the roads.”

greatness if every citizen embraced the principles of religious tolerance, hard work, love and peaceful coexistence, just as it urged political leaders to ensue equity, fairness, justice and fear of God in discharge of their duties and “our collective effort to move the country forward.” The group commended President Muhammad Buhari for what it called the all-embracing 2016 budget, noting that an accelerated consideration of the budget by the National Assembly (NASS) would reduce the hardship presently being experienced by Nigerians and bring hope to them. It noted that a realistic budget like that presented by the president had potential for infrastructural development and would bring succour to Nigerian homes.

Sultan, others to grace 100th MSSN IVC of B-zone THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, will lead other prominent Islamic leaders to declare open the 100th edition of Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) tomorrow. A statement by the B-Zone Coordinator of MSSN, Mushafau Alaran, said th course will hold from Wednesday Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, 2016 at the organisation’s permanent

Akinola congratulates Muslims, Christians

Close celebrations of Muhammad’s, Jesus’s birthdays instructive —MURIC THE Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) says it is instructive that the birthdays of the two major religious figures came so intimately close this year, 24th and 25th of December. The organisation, which felicitated with Christians on the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ today, in a statement by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said this was not a mere coincidence. “There is a message in it for us. God wants Christians and Muslims to come closer.

AS Muslims in the country join their counterparts the world over to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Id-ul-Maulud), the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has urged the Muslim faithful to imbibe the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for harmonious relationship with other Nigerians and for the betterment of the society. The apex Muslim youth group enjoined the faithful to live a life of tolerance, patriotism and good neighbourliness, traceable to prophetic traditions and the provisions of their sacred book, Al-Quran. NACOMYO, in a statement by its National President, Alhaji Kamalddin Akintunde, opined that Nigeria would only attain its naturally endowed

could have eternal salvation and the society could be better. The Aare Musulumi felicitated with the governor of Oyo State, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi, his counterparts in Osun and Ogun states, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Ibikunle Amosun; the Olubadan of Ibadanland and his Council; President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; President-General and all members of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States; Engr. Seyi Makinde; Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ismail Olalekan Alli; Speaker and members of the state House of Assembly; and all faith-based organisations on the occasion of the “double celebrations.” He sought Allah’s grace for members of the Aare Musulumi Strategic Committee and, indded, all Muslims to witness more celebrations of Mawlid Nabiyy.

site, KLM 30, Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, Imolisa Village, Ogunmakin, Ogun State. The statement stated that Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) will chair the occasion while the governors of Ogun, Oyo and Osun states will be the special guests of honour. Alaran said that Professor Afis Oladosu of the University of Ibadan and a former national president of the MSSN will deliver the lecture on the theme of the IVC, “`The Victorious.” The formal opening, according to the statement, will equally witness the attendance of legislators, ministers, Islamic clerics, past leaders of the MSSN, students, artisans and workers. “Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) is a programme invented by the Society in 1967 to actualise the mission, vision and objectives of the society,” Alaran said. He said some of the objectives were “to bring all Muslims into closer union, foster the spirit of brotherhood, encourage proper understanding of Islam through a series of educative programme and assist in fighting the cause of the oppressed.” “The 11-day programme will not only be a spiritual training ground, but will incorporate vocational training, the production of gas through the waste (biogas) and ICT training for both the children and the adults. Over 5,000 delegates, which cut across primary, post-primary, tertiary institutions, artisans and the working class from the 17 southern states are expected to participate in the vacation course.

xmasnews Ekweremadu calls for unity

Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

HE Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has urged the Christian faithful to follow the footsteps of Christ and pursue peace, unity, and love towards all men. Ekweremadu who made

the call in his Christmas message, said a nation divided against itself would never be able to realise its full potentials. According to him “As we celebrate Christmas, I call on Nigerians to emulate the forgiving spirit and selflessness of God who sent his only begotten son to save mankind from eter-

Akpabio felicitates SENATE Minority Leader and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigerians, especially those of the Christian faith for witnessing another Christmas, calling on them to exhibit the spirit of love, peace and brotherliness during the festive period and beyond. Akpabio, who made this position through a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Deacon Jackson Udom, commended Christians across the globe for living up to the standard set by Jesus Christ in terms of peaceful co-existence and brotherly love, urging them to imbibe the lessons of the season by continuing to be their brothers keeper and as well seek the good of Nigeria and its teeming

people. According to Akpabio, “Christmas period is a special moment for humanity to celebrate Christ, love and harmony,” calling on Nigerians to continue living in harmony and seeking the progress of the country anywhere they find themselves.

nal damnation. “We must also imbibe the humble, peaceful, and caring natures of Jesus Christ and do away with the vices of recrimination, nepo-

THE immediate past governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, has rejoiced with Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas and the lessons of Jesus Christ’s mission on earth which have great significance in that, we all, irrespective of our religious beliefs, can draw immense strength and inspiration from its enduring legacies. In his goodwill message, the former governor urged Nigerians to reflect on the basic tenets of Christianity

tary to Oyo State Government, urged Nigerians to be Christ-like in their daily endeavours. He opined that Nigeria would witness accelerated progress if all and sundry embraced the virtues of sacrifice, humility, honesty, perseverance and tolerance of one another as demonstrated by Christ.

Alao-Akala urges Nigerians to pray for peace FORMER governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, has urged Christians to use the Christmas occasion to further strengthen their spiritual war against all forms of attacks on Nigeria.

Alao-Akala, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abraham Ojo, said Nigerians need to pray more and follow their prayers with actions that will enhance quick spiritual solutions to the prob-

lems being faced in the country. “We should hold on to Christ the saviour to save our land from anti-human activities that is threatening the peaceful coexistence of the nation.”

TELECOMS firm, Globacom, has said that it is necessary for all Christians and Muslims in the country to close ranks, promote religious tolerance and harmony, and work together for a better Nigeria in 2016 and beyond. In a goodwill message issued from its headquarters in Lagos, Globacom stated that the coincidence of the

celebration of the two momentous events which incidentally too, commemorate the birth of the leaders of the two major religions, Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed, is very significant and instructive. “That the two birthdays are celebrated about the same time in line with the existing Christian and Muslim calendars, immediately

instruct adherents of both faith to take advantage of the pleasant coincidence to forge closer relationships as citizens of the same country,” the statement said. Globacom encouraged Christians in the country to use the season of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to spread the joy of the season and pray for the progress of Nigeria.

Glo preaches tolerance

Pray for global peace, Oyo APC tasks Christians THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has tasked Nigerians to pray for peace to reign in the world, especially in countries where terrorism, economic recession and natural disasters are affecting the people. In its Christmas message, in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, the APC congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the

“first Christmas of Change after many years of bad governance in the hands of a few power hijackers who almost succeeded in grinding the nation to a halt.” According to the statement, “as we begin to feel the desire impact of the change we voted for in the last general election, we urge Nigerians to redouble their efforts in the area of fervent prayer for global wellbeing as well as sup-

tism, ethno-religious intolerance, and political inconsideration, which have held the country down over the years.” On the country’s current

situation, Ekweremadu said that the present economic challenges were another bitter pill arising from the dismantling of fiscal federalism, which he

noted, had promoted competitive development, industry, accountability, and good governance in the golden era of the nation’s federalism.

Daniel rejoices with Nigerians

Be Christ-like, Koleosho tasks THE former national chairman of Alliance for Democracy, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho, has rejoiced with Christians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration. In a release issued in Ibadan yesterday, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, Koleosho, a former Secre-

Friday, 25 December, 2015

port and cooperation for the APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is poised to turn things around and ensure that our great nation emerges from the woods. “In the same vein, we call on the good people of Oyo State to support the government of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in its quest to find a lasting solution to the problem of dwindling resources affecting the state.”

which dwell on peace, tolerance, faithfulness, honesty and fairness and apply it constantly in our daily lives. “As we celebrate Christmas, the ultimate significance of which is the fulfilment of God’s promise of a Saviour for mankind, we

should be full of prayers for a quick end to regrettable upheavals and threats to peace and security in different parts of the country.” He also enjoined the people of the country to brace up for the New Year as we continue to grapple with the challenges of develop-

ment and nation-building while calling on governments at all levels to be focused on achievements of significant improvements in priority areas such as public infrastructure, power supply, industrialisation, job creation, agriculture, health and education.

Tinubu wishes Xtians happy celebration ALL Progressives Congress (APC) national leader and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, has urged that the lessons of Christmas be imbibed continually by all Christians. “The lessons of humility, selflessness, humanity and meekness that we glean from the evergreen Christmas story must not depart from our relationships her on earth,” Tinubu said in a Christmas message. “Nigeria is at the cusp of a new moral threshold and the role of religion in making a success of this effort is critical. While wishing

Nigerians a merry Christmas, we must not forget that Nigeria needs us to

contribute our quota in making it achieve greatness,” he said.

Lagos PDP pacifies Lagosians, urges prayers Bola Badmus - Lagos

LAGOS State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it joined Nigerians in marking this year’s Christmas, while expressing strong show of sympathy in particular to Lagosians who it said are facing unprecedented tough time which cuts across all walks of life. The party said this on Thursday in its goodwill message made available to

newsmen by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Taofik Gani. The party, however, urged the people to continue to have faith in the Lord and resort to praying for the Akinwunmi Ambodeled administration which it said was obviously incapable of moving the state forward. According to the PDP, it was laughable that the governor cancelled street carnivals.

LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has enjoined Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love and peaceful coexistence that the season symbolises, just as he urged them to refrain from activities that could trigger unrest and disunity. The governor, in his Christmas goodwill message to residents of the state, said that as the nation continues to anticipate the change promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governments at the centre and state levels, it is

only through peaceful coexistence and atmosphere that any positive change can materialise. “The season of Christmas is one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence. We must continue to extend a hand of love and live as one family irrespective of our creed or colour. We must also continue to respect each other’s right to live freely and peacefully,” the governor said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna.

It is time for sober reflection Ambode preaches love, —Mark peaceful co-existence FORMER President of the Senate, David Mark, has urged Nigerians to persevere under the current security and socio-economic challenges, saying “this period calls for sober reflection and a resolve to support the efforts of government to overcome the challenges.” He called on both Christians and Muslims to embrace one another in the spirit of the season. He stated these in a message to Nigerians to mark this year’s Christmas celebration.

Aregbesola calls for prayers Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

AS Christians worldwide celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ today, the Governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, urged them and people of other faiths to take advantage of the celebration of the birth of Jesus to pray for peace and the sustainability of a new Nigeria. He also enjoined Nigerians to always strive to be role models as Christ, according to him, lived and

died propagating the message of love, peace and truth co-existence among mankind. In a Christmas message signed by his Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Aregbesola, urged Christians to reflect and re-dedicate themselves to the teachings and lifestyle of Christ, which were anchored on sacrifice, love, peace and truth. He specifically reminded Nigerians of the need

to intensify prayers for a new Nigeria which they voted for during the last presidential election that ushered in President Buhari who has a mandate to change the country. Aregbesola maintained that with the prayers of Nigerians, it is possible for citizens to have a country devoid of corruption, ethnicity rivalry and carnage of insurgency that are challenging peace in the North-East and other parts of Nigeria.

businessnews

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

NIRSAL guarantees 454 projects worth N61.6bn Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

ROM inception in 2012 to date, a total of 454 projects valued N61.161 billion have been guaranteed by the Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL). Also, the sum of N753.36 million was paid out as interest rebate to borrowers who repaid promptly to encourage good repayment behavior there, by minimising default. A statement on Wednesday, signed by the Director, Corporate Communications Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Ibrahim Muazu, further noted that by the end of 2014, NIRSAL has trained 27,142 farmers across the country. Similarly, following a thorough and competitive process, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele,

has approved the appointment of Mr Aliyu Abbati Abdulhameed as substantive

Managing Director and Babajide Arowosafe as Executive Director (Technical) of NIRSAL.

Available in CBN’s website, the statement indicated that Mr Abdulhameed holds a B.Sc. in Agricul-

tural Economics and Rural Sociology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Masters Degree in Public

From left, Retail Head, Lagos & South-West Region of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Funmilola Paseda; Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Mr Olu Akanmu; one of the winners of the second draws of the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2, Funmilayo Odusanya and Head, Consumer Liability Products of the bank, Mr Shamsideen Fashola, during the cheque presentation ceremony to the winner in Lagos, on Tuesday.

DPR begins 24-hour surveillance on depots, filling stations THE Department of Petroleum Resources has said it has set up a 24-hour special taskforce to supervise and monitor petrol sales at depots and stations. It said that the taskforce would sanction depots and stations selling above the recommended price. Assistant Director, Public Affairs in DPR, Mrs Dorothy Bassey, disclosed this in telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday. Bassey said the special team was set up purposely for the Yuletide with powers to take over the sale of the product from those selling above the approved price. She said that the agency had met with stakeholders to convey government’s displeasure on illegal sale of petrol above the stipulated price and the long queues at the filling stations. The DPR warned that those involved in the criminal act would henceforth lose their licence under the new steps being taken by agency to enforce discipline. “We have instituted 24hour surveillance by special task force which we are not going to disclose their identity because we don’t want them to be harassed. Bassey said that those selling petrol above the pump price were doing so at night.

She said that any station caught would be forced to sell at the official price “so that we don’t seal them to compound the scarcity.” She said that the agency had some dedicated numbers on its Website through which Nigerians could

send their complaints. Meanwhile, some marketers, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that the ongoing petrol scarcity would persist as the government had failed to address issue of foreign exchange hindering fuel

importation. They said that marketers were willing to import fuel, but scarcity of foreign exchange remained a serious challenge. NAN correspondent, who monitored sale of petrol in parts of Lagos on Thurs-

day, reported that queues were seen in some filling stations on Ikorodu Road, Maryland and Alaka area. Many stations were still not selling petrol. Some stations in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and Ikorodu were selling petrol between N100 and N 110 per litre.

Administration with specialisation in public policy. He also holds an Executive Masters Certificate in Project Management from the Project Management College (UK). He has over 22 years of experience in Corporate Agribusiness and in the field of agricultural finance and risk management. Mr Abdulhameed is currently an executive team member of NIRSAL PLC. NIRSAL is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers Committee (BC) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMA&RD). In addition to many other functions, the company essentially administers a Risk Sharing Fund designed to identify, redefine, measure, re-price and evolve strategies to de-risk and catalyze lending to the Nigerian agriculture value chain. It was subsequently incorporated as a Public Limited Liability Company (PLC) and licensed as a Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) with the primary mandate of facilitating the flow of credit to agribusiness value chain players and collaborating with stakeholders to fix broken agricultural value chains in Nigeria.

Extreme oil bears bet on $15/barrel in 2016 OIL speculators are buying options contracts that will only pay out if crude drops to as low as $15 a barrel next year, the latest sign some investors expect an even deeper slump in energy prices. According to Bloomberg, the bearish wagers come as OPEC’s effective scrapping of output limits, Iran’s anticipated return to the market and the resilience of production from countries such as Russia raise the prospect of a prolonged global oil glut. “We view the oversupply as continuing well into next year,” Jeffrey Currie, head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., wrote in a note on Tuesday, adding there’s a risk oil prices would fall to $20 a barrel to force production shutdowns if mild weather continues to damp demand. The bearish outlook has prompted investors to buy put options -- which give them the right to sell at a predetermined price and time -- at strike prices of $30, $25, $20 and even $15 a barrel, according to data from the New York Mercan-

tile Exchange and the U.S. Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, is currently trading at about $36 a barrel. The data, which only cover options deals that have been put through the U.S. exchange or cleared, is viewed as a proxy for the overall market and volumes have increased this week as oil plunged. Investors can buy options contracts in the bilateral, over-the-counter market too. Investors have bought increasing volumes of put options that will pay out if the price of WTI drops to $20 to $30 a barrel next year, the data show. The largest open interest across options contracts -- both bullish and bearish -- for December 2016 is for puts at $30 a barrel. The number of outstanding contracts -- or open interest -- below $30 a barrel is relatively small. But the open interest for June 2016 put options at $25 a barrel has nearly doubled over the last week. Investors have even

bought put options that will pay if WTI drops below $15 a barrel by December next year. The volume of financial bets at that level is tiny -- 640,000 barrels in total. Investors buy put options not only to bet that prices will drop, but they also take them as insurance. For ex-

ample, long-only equity investors, which buy the stock of companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell Plc, often hedge their portfolios by buying put options that will profit if prices drop. WTI fell below $34 a barrel on Monday, approaching

an 11-year low. On Tuesday, U.S. oil futures for February delivery rose to as high as $36.26 a barrel. In London, benchmark Brent crude plunged to $36.04 on Monday, its lowest since 2004, before rebounding to as high as $36.72 a barrel on Tuesday.

Eko Disco lauds NERC over new electricity tariff THE Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKDC), on Thursday, commended the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the new tariff regime. Mr Godwin Idemudia, Corporate Communications Manager in EKDC, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He was reacting to the removal of fixed charges under the new tarrif regime introduced recently by the NERC. According to him, removal of fixed charges by government is a welcome development which will benefit the customers a great deal. Idemudia said that his

company would now redouble its efforts on its metering project. He said that the company had the least charges among the operators going by what NERC had just released. “What it means now is that we are going to pursue vigorously our metering rollout plans to meet the yearnings of customers. “But for those who cannot wait for the rollout plan to get to them, they can key into our Credited Advanced Payment Metering Implementation (CAPMI) programme to avoid estimated bills which do not favour the company nor the customers”. Idemudia said that his company’s recent arrangement with Egbin for supply

of 100 mega watts was still in place. “Customers within Lekki, Ajah, Ibeju and environs will benefit greatly from this special plan. “This is energy that will come directly to us without passing through the national grid. “In this special arrangement, the customers will pay slightly more than regular customers. “The good news is that it would be stable almost at all times,” Idemudia explained. He said that the company had put in place special fault clearing teams to respond to faults during the Christmas and New Year period for faults to be attended to within a very short time of distress calls.

businessnews

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 25 December, 2015

RMAFC tasks FG on total removal of fuel subsidy

HE Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has urged the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy because it has become a burden on the nation’s economy. This is contained in a statement by its Head, Public Relations, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the subsidy had not served the masses as it was supposed to and therefore was not serving its purpose. ``It has become a major fiscal and financial burden to the nation and should therefore be discarded totally since the intended targets, the poor and middle income class, were often denied the benefits. ``The removal will drastically reduce the pressure on the revenue profile of the country just as it will free additional funds for the execution of developmental projects which would have direct bearing

on the masses’’, it said. It also said that the com-

mission was fully organised and mobilised to com-

plement the efforts of the Federal Government in the

effective implementation of the 2016 budget.

From left, Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Lou Odunuga; Elegbe of Egbeland, Oba Ashimiyu Dada; Head, Retail Strategy, Roll Out and Operations, Etisalat Nigeria, Anthony Iloh and Business Partner, Etisalat Experience Centre, Ikotun, Nze Chidi Duru, at the official opening of Etisalat Experience Centre in Ikotun, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Naira: Economists support forex flexibility, economic diversification TWO economists, on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to diversify the economy by reducing its dependence on crude oil and promote foreign exchange flexibility to forestall further naira depreciation. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the continued fall in the price of oil at the international market and the depletion of the nation’s foreign reserves were impacting negatively on the naira. Professor Anthony Monye-Elmina, Head of Department of Economics, University of Benin, said there were macro- economic challenges affecting the movement of the naira at the international market. Monye-Elmina noted that the dwindling fall in the price of oil, coupled with the strong demand for foreign goods was putting undue pressures on the naira, leading to loss of value. The economist said that until the nation’s economy made a paradigm shift away from oil dependence, its needed restructuring would remain a mirage. According to him, the manufacturing sector

should be revitalised to produce the needed foreign exchange that would defend the naira against the dominance of the dollar. ``Our strong demand for foreign goods and the dwindling commodity oil price were exerting pressures on the naira, leading to its’ continued depreciation. ``We also need to depend less on importation and encourage the growth of the manufacturing sector,’’ MonyeElmina said. In his view, Dr Chijioke Mgbame of the Department of Accountancy, University of Benin, blamed policy somersault and recurring leadership crises for the posture of the naira. Mgbame urged the apex bank to allow market forces to determine its movement at the foreign exchange market. According to him, the government should put in place policies that will discourage importation and encourage local manufacturing, stating that this will help to grow the nation’s foreign reserves. He said that the scarcity of the greenback was a temporary measure aimed

at restoring sanity to the forex market. The accountant, however, urged the apex bank to pursue policies that would not impute hardship on the economy. ``When your foreign reserve is strong, it will lead to a stronger currency. ``The nation should frown at over dependence on importation and for-

mulate policies that would encourage the growth of local manufacturers,’’ Mgbame said. NAN reports that since the closure of the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) by the apex bank, and subsequent policies aimed at rescuing the naira, it has continued to depreciate.

The dwindling price of oil at the international market and the depletion of the nation’s foreign reserves have increased the burden on the naira. Subsequently, the naira depreciated to a record low of N280 to the dollar in the previous week before rebounding to about N270 at the parallel market.

It said the commission would do so by beefing up revenue generation from diverse revenue sources and ensuring timely remittances by all revenue generating agencies into the federation account for the rapid development of the country. It also said that the major highlights of the proposed budget by President Muhammadu Buhari were in line with the commission’s mandate of monitoring accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account. It has also been advising the federal and state governments on fiscal efficiency and methods by which their revenue could be increased. Mohammed in the statement recalled that beyond mobilizing revenue from traditional sources namely oil and gas and the non-oil sector, RMAFC had in the last two years been effectively engaged in promoting economic diversification through advocacy and mass mobilization campaign. This, he said was aimed at boosting the revenue base of the nation and reducing overdependence on oil revenue by states and local governments despite the abundance of human and natural resources in the country which is the bane of economic development. The Commission, according to the statement, would continue to engage critical stakeholders to devise strategies of reducing revenue leakages to the barest minimum.

2016: Experts link stock market growth to forex stability SOME financial experts on Thursday said that developments in the global oil market and foreign exchange policy would determine capital market’s performance in 2016. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the slide in the nation’s bourse would continue if the price of crude oil continued to plummet at the global market. Malam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., said that oil price was critical to stock market growth in 2016. Kurfi said that foreign exchange policy would

be another determinant factor of the market’s direction, noting that government should pursue friendly monetary policies. He said the current monetary policy should be adjusted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the current realities in the economy to achieve the desired growth and development. Kurfi said that the apex bank should be mindful of Nigeria’s foreign exchange policy to be pursued in 2016 to avoid heating up the economy. He said that the apex bank needed to reserve its planned closure of

foreign exchange supply to Bureau de Change operators to avoid hike and scarcity of dollar in the country. Kurfi said that the decision would scare foreign investors because many local and foreign investors patronised the parallel market. On the 2016 proposed budget, he said that the critical thing was its implementation. Kurfi said that the budget would reinforce economic activities if properly implemented, noting that government should diversify the economy to increase revenue generation.

Mr Harrison Owoh, the Managing Director, H J Trust & Investment Ltd., also said that the market would pick up with friendly economic policies. “If the policies are bad, the capital market will continue to decline in 2016,” Owoh said. He added that the government should provide a level playing field for the market to rebound in the coming year. Owoh said that the slump in crude oil price affected stock market growth globally in 2015, adding that the trend would continue if there was no change.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Friday, 25 December, 2015 PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

INSTALLATION AND TURBANING CEREMONY OF ALHAJI DAWUD MAKANJUOLA AKINOLA AS AARE MUSULUMI OF YORUBALAND HELD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

Representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Professor Ishaq Oloyede (left), presenting staff of office to the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Akinola, assisted by the Asiwaju of Yorubaland, Alhaji Khamis Tunde Badmus, during the installation and turbaning ceremony at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasigba, Ibadan.

Governor Rauf Aregbesla of Osun state (middle) presenting the certificate to Alhaji Akinola (right), while, from left, Professor Oloyede, Governor Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and others look on.

Members of the League of Imams and Alfas decorating Alhaji Akinola.

From left, Minister of Communication Barrister Adebayo Shittu; Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Alhaji Alamola and Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

From left, representative of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Femi Majekodunmi; Governor Aregbesola and Governor Ajimobi.

From right, Professor Kamil Koyejo Oloso, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam At-Ilory and a guest.

Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Oduntun IV, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji (left), Aare Musulumi Akinola and Olori Habibat. The Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Badmus (left) and Alhaji Akinola.

From left, Professor Daud Noibi, Alhaji Kareem Olatunji and Basorun Joseph Akanni Oyewole.

The Iya-Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola and Chief (Mrs) Aminat Abidoun, the Iyalode of Ibadanland.

Friday, 25 December, 2015 PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

INSTALLATION AND TURBANING CEREMONY OF ALHAJI DAWUD MAKANJUOLA AKINOLA AS AARE MUSULUMI OF YORUBALAND HELD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

Alhaji Akinola with the representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Abimbola. A cross section of the children of Alhaji Akinola.

From left, the Babasale Musulumi of Ibadanland, Alhaji Lateef Oyelade, Alhaji Akinola and General Raji Rasaki.

From right, Chief Lamidi Ajadi, Alhaji Akinola and the Seriki Adini of Yroubaland, Alhaji Yekinni Adeojo .

Alhaji Akinola and Alhaji Alubankudi.

Alhaji Rasidi Adesokan (left) and Alhaji Kunle Sanni.

A cross section of women at the ceremony.

Chief Bayo Oyero (left) and Alhaji Akinola.

From left, Professor Rasid Aderinoye, Governor Aregbesola, Governor Ajimobi, Alhaji Akinola and Professor Oloyede.

Aare Dawud Makanjuola Akinolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wives.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

NCE again, we are returning to “MY MARCH THROUGH PRISON” written by Papa Obafemi Awolowo. We are bringing out excerpts from the book that educate politically-conscious minds of what the UPGA (United Progressive Grand Alliance) stood for during the second republic. We are talking of the political alliance between the Action Group (AG) and the NCNC. We are also going to publish the content of Papa Awolowo’s letter to Aguiyi Ironsi immediately after the January 15, 1966 coup. These are historical documents that should be treasured by politically-conscious minds. We wish you all a happy reading. We equally wish you a beautiful Christmas season! God bless you!! “By operation of law, the life of the Federal Parliament would end in December 1964, during which month an election must be held. It had been confidently hoped that the U.P.G.A would win the election and form the Federal Government; and, in that eventuality, I would be pardoned and released from prison. But the U.P.G.A lost the election; and it lost partly because it made no clear-cut plan to win, and partly because, in the Northern Region, the election was neither free nor fair. Throughout the electioneering campaign, the Alliance did not name its candidate for Prime Minister. The A.G had me in mind, but could not present me unilaterally. On the other hand, the N.C.N.C could not make up its mind on the matter. Dr. Okpara had the ambition to be Prime Minister, but was not sure that he could carry his colleagues with him. This fact was communicated to me by Alhaji Adegbenro in a letter dated 12 October 1964, relevant extracts from which are as follows:Please do not be alarmed about what I have to say hereunder. The N.C.N.C Leader, Dr. Okpara has shown at this late hour his ambition to become the Prime Minister. I warned him that the country would not take kindly to the two key posts, namely, the President and the Prime Minister going to the N.C.N.C. (Ibos) and that we as Action Group would be destroyed by the propaganda of the N.N.A that we have sold out to the Ibos, to dominate Nigeria. In the N.C.N.C to be exact – Okpara’s own view is that the post of Vice-President should be created for you after winning the election. Again, here, I pointed out that under the present constitution, there is no provision for a Vice-President and before we can create such an office, the constitution has to be amended and again in doing so, we must secure 2/3 majority, which we cannot come by immediately. This point, quite frankly, embarrassed Mike immensely. When we reached a deadlock and he could not defend his stand further, he suggested as a solution, the office of President being executive so that there will be no Prime Minister. I indicated that that would be acceptable since I know that the question of your becoming President after Zik cannot be doubted. Mike promised to see you personally and I hinted that I would get in touch with you between now and the 22nd of October. I made it clear, of course, that with Zik as President as at present, you must be the Prime Minister. At this stage, Mike said we should both sleep over the matter. My own view and which was confirmed by Bisi is that Okpara’s ambition has not been supported by his party, the N.C.N.C because when I suggested that we should refer the issue of this deadlock to a small committee of both Parties, he stoutly refused, saying that this is a matter for both of us and not for anybody else. I am insisting that you must be Prime Minister, with Zik as President. We are prepared to take the second place but certainly not the third….” “…I am doing everything possible not to break the Alliance but on this issue I may have to report to you again. I cannot allow this inordinate ambition to continue hence I made my stand clear.” Dr. Okpara visited me at Calabar prison for the sole purpose of discussing the U.P.G.A strategy for the election, with special reference to the choice of candidate for Prime Minister. He disclosed to me that the “old man” (meaning Zik) would himself like to be Prime Minister. I had no objection; I would be content to be his Minister for Finance. But there were constitutional snags. He could not resign the Presidentship to be candidate for Prime Minister. I, therefore, suggested that, for the election, my wife should be the candidate for Prime Minister. Dr. Okpara suggested other names such as Alhaji Aminu Kano and Mr. Olu Akin-

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

A return to Papa Awolowo (I)

Obafemi Awolowo

fosile. I objected on the grounds that the attraction of office might induce them to stay put after they had been elected and sworn in. And if they refused to resign, what then? They might even refuse to release me, and a crisis might ensue. We agreed that my wife was the safest bet in the circumstances. After she became Prime Minister, she would recommend my pardon and release to Zik. After my release, she would resign to make place for me as Prime Minister. In that capacity, I would set into motion, the constitutional processes for Zik’s resignation. A member of the House of Representatives would resign, and at a by-election, Zik would be elected. I would then resign; he would assume the post of Prime Minister; and I would go to the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Okpara undertook to consult with his colleagues about my suggestions which he considered reasonable. He would urge their acceptance on his colleagues and report back to me. As far as I knew, he did not consult his colleagues; and I heard nothing from him. Apart from the fact that the U.P.G.A had no candidate for Prime Minister, the Executive of the Alliance decided to boycott the election. The boycott was ineffective except in the Eastern Region where Dr. Opkara was Premier. It threw the A.G members into complete disarray. Having regard to all the circumstances, it appeared to me that a large contributory cause to the U.P.G.A failure at the election was a deliberate or unconsciouslymotivated bungling on the part of many of its leaders within the N.C.N.C, who did not want me released. It was the same men, who had implacably prevented coalition between me and Zik in 1959, that were at work. Besides, the N.P.C which was in power in the Northern Region placed every conceivable obstacle in the way of the U.P.G.A during the campaign. Permits to hold meetings were withheld; and where they were issued, conditions were attached as to what topic the permit holder could speak on. Any deviation would make the permit holder liable to instant arrest and summary trial before a Customary (Alkali) court where a sentence of at least six months’ imprisonment would be imposed.

Furthermore, known U.P.G.A members and functionaries, such as Organising and Field Secretaries as well as candidates for election, were harassed and hounded around the Region like common animals of prey. The situation was so insufferable that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe felt obliged to speak in outright condemnation of it all in an official broadcast to the nation. This was the major reason why he refused to invite Balewa to form a new administration immediately after the N.P.C had been declared the winner. It took the intervention of some eminent Nigerians before Zik invited Balewa, on 4 January, 1965, to form a new government. That was after four days of very intense suspense and national confusion. With the N.P.C restored to office as the party controlling the Federal Government, hope for my release through the ballot-box was pinned to the Western Region election which was to take place sometime in 1965. For sure, a Western Region Government could not effect my pardon and release; but it could exert a pressure that would be almost irresistible, and hence productive. The election was held on 11 October 1965. By general consent, it was ‘blatantly and shamelessly rigged” in every aspect of electioneering, voting, and declaration of results. The day after the Western Region House of Assembly was dissolved, an Order was made banning all public meetings and processions, and imposing a dusk to dawn curfew. Difficulties were placed in the way of opposition candidates to file their nomination papers within time, so as to make it possible for most candidates of the party in power to be returned unopposed; and, at the same time, to disqualify most of the A.G candidates. In addition, when the poll was concluded, the ballot-papers were not counted in some A.G strongholds. In places where ballot-pappers were counted, false results were declared and announced in the news media, the majority of which were controlled by the Federal and Western Region Governments. The media controlled by the Eastern Region Government under Dr. Okpara announced correct results from those polling stations where counting took place. Those results indicated that the A.G had won the election. Nonetheless, Akintola claimed to have won; and on 12 October 1965, the day after the election, he was invited to form a new government; and he did. In 1964, some A.G candidates filed election petitions against N.N.D.P candidates in the Ibadan High Court. It was the practice for the Court to require a petitioner to pay into Court a specified sum of money as deposit for cost. It was also the practice, in order to ensure easy access to the Court of Justice for petitioners, and all litigants for that matter, for judges to make such sum reasonable and not onerous. In 1964, the deposits which Mr. Justice Adeyinka Morgan and Mr. Justice Fatai-Williams required of the petitioners were so onerous that they abandoned their cause. Consequently, in 1965, the members of the Action Group decided not to file any petition against the gargantuan malpractices which had occurred at the election. They could not afford the cost of petition. And they resorted to self-redress instead. They did this fully conscious of the consequences of such actions as they might take. In the result, there were widespread bloodshed, arson, maimings, too; but their opponents bore the brunt, and suffered the most. Balewa’s new administration lasted only one year, ten days. Akintola’s new Government in the Western Region, on the other hand, lasted only ninety-three days. The two Governments were overthrown on the same day – 14 January 1966, in a coup d’etat by a group of officers (Majors) in the Nigerian Army” EBINO TOPSY – (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 25 December, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

The huge task before ministers

S a stakeholder in the Nigerian project, I want to call on the newly-inaugurated ministers not to leave President Muhammadu Buhari alone in the job of rebuilding the nation. The ministers should not go at their own pace,

as there is the need to work together in order to achieve the vision of this government. I know the Federal Government has come up with a clear vision, with specific targets that the ministers must achieve. With the fall in oil revenue, no one needs to

remind the government about the urgent need for the diversification of the economy. The agriculture minister has to go beyond paper talk, in returning Nigeria to its glorious past when agriculture was the country’s mainstay. The private sector needs

to be supported, while the government has to provide an enabling environment to facilitate investments. There must be a total overhaul of the system, such that all loopholes for the siphoning of public funds by corrupt government officials are sealed. Also, this government

must begin to create a working system that allows for creativity to thrive in order to support local production. As a matter of urgency, the government has to make public its policy on domestic refining, moreso, as the government faces many challenges, Buhari and his team need to quickly move away from electioneering sweet talks, to the serious business of rebuilding a battered country. There is great strength in diversity; our differences in culture, language, history and experience hold distinct advantages that can be of great benefit to the collective good, when allowed to flourish. Leadership at every level must therefore recognise

the lines that divide us and actively work to eliminate them. Nigerians look forward to changes in the country’s security situation, as well as in the provision of social infrastructure. Having assigned his ministers, President Buhari must lead the cabinet; he is in charge as the buck stops at his desk. Nigerians will never accept failure for an answer. Nigerians voted for the Change project to exprience true change, and despite the fact that the global economy is having a negative impact on Nigeria President Buhari should give his all to ensure that Nigeria survives this terrible period. •Prophet Funmilade Oladipupo Joel,

Attention, Nigerian youths WHAT I find disheartening is the seeming inexorable rise in demonstrations and protests among the youths in solidarity with politicians supposedly painted with the tar of corruption. It is becoming very difficult to fathom the bone of contention of some species of humanity in youth forms, whose stock-intrade is to barricade the streets and institutions to wail in support of our permissive and profligate politicians, regardless of what the person is being ac-

Family planning: Reducing poverty with family sizes CHILD bearing is a thing of joy most couples cherish. It is tormenting to witness when families are denied this blessing. Beauty of love carries us away such that most of the time we discover that we are expecting a child when we think that we are still in honeymoon. We quickly brace up and open our mind to welcome the responsibility of parenthood. The adaptation shows a sign of maturity. The poor, in many cases, seem to neglect this realisation.

There is nothing wrong with couples having as many children as they can emotionally and financially support. The issue is when they mindlessly give birth to children as if it takes air to raise them. This behaviour often have roots in culture and religion. To a bizarre extension,there is the folly of social pressure; couples having babies because they could and because it makes them feel that they are better than others. By

the way, one cannot dismiss misfortune leaving families with more children than they can support. One frequently comes across a poor couple who have five or six children and the wife is pregnant. The apparent difficulty they have raising the children makes one wonder why they should be looking for another. Perhaps, it is out of ignorance. Mostly, the woman will eagerly beg the sympathy of society to share in

her predicament. She has only given birth to girls and she wants to have a boy or two. Her dilemma is that her husband could abandon her for another woman while seeking a son. She feels that she can only be stable in her marriage when she gives her husband a son who will replace him when he passes on. One positive side of a poor large family is that one or two children occasionally manage to become successful. The wretchedness the family is subject-

ed to still does not justify this chance. We live in the modern times where planning of limited resources is required to make living pleasurable. Sheer will to raise too many children breaks the ability of poor parents to get out poverty instead, they descend lower. Prudence is needed to bypass unnecessary hardship. Life is not easy as it seems. • Pius Okaneme, Umuoji, Anambra State.

cused of. Could such acts of unflattering servility be passed as foolhardiness or unquantifiable stupidity? On many occasions, some youths have protests against the trial of those who had been accused of ‘robbing’ this country economically. In some climes, particularly China, such politicians would only be speaking from their graves. To those incongruous and venial youths, who have not only sold their conscience but have constituted themselves to crass supporters of impunity – nothing is wrong in such social opprobrium, as long as something will come out of it, no matter how meagre. As a result, Nigerian youths should assist the country in developing politically and economically. Conniving with politicians will lead us nowhere. Youths are the future of this country, and it is what they do now that will reflect in their style of governance when they eventually attain political and leadership positions. • Joe Onwukeme, Enugu.

editorial

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Merry Christmas to all

ODAY marks another day commonly celebrated the world over as Christmas Day, marking the day Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. The birth of the Saviour of the world whose three and a half years of ministry is still impacting the world today is generally regarded among Christians as a divine intervention which was meant to reconnect mankind with God, creator of the universe. The Gospel according to John, one of the synoptic gospels written on the life and ministry of Jesus recorded that: “He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not, but as many as received him to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” His ministry was a mystery as many queried his divinity and authority such as the power to forgive sins, heal the sick and deliver those oppressed of the devil, including his claim as the son of God. His friends were common people, even outcasts. His disciples were picked off the street, after which he taught, trained and sent them forth to ‘go into the world and preach the gospel’. Jesus of Nazareth as he is commonly called, is noted as one of the most influential personalities the world has ever seen. Though he did not come to found a religion, as according to him “Think not that I am come to abolish the law or the prophets, I have not come to destroy but to fulfil,” his disciples who later came to be known as Christians were so called, more so because of their character and conduct. As usual, the whole world is agog for the Christmas season and in Nigeria there is the usual excitement of celebration, shopping and merriment. Christmas provides the opportunity for family reunion, giving, showing love and care to the underprivileged in the spirit of the season.

However, there is no doubt that Christmas is fast losing its essence. In many streets across the land, carnivals are visible during which all sorts of shenanigans go on. The virtues of love towards fellow beings, tolerance, forgiveness, compassion, sacrifice and so on are generally giving way to mundane things totally outside the scope of Christmas. As the world celebrates Christmas today, there is need for sober reflection. Across the world there is war, suffering, natural disasters and the like, to which attention should be paid in order to bring succour to the victims. The often-touted admonition to emulate the virtues of Christ often pales into insignificance when confronted with the reality on the ground in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer without any consideration for their welfare. Tragically the politicians who promised the masses and the downtrodden heaven and earth have suddenly forgotten those on whose backs they rode to power. Many who are representatives of their people in the National Assembly for example do not have constituency offices as required through which their constituents could reach them. Neither do they consciously create avenues through which they could render their stewardship to the people. As Nigerians and the whole world celebrate, we call for caution against open and obscene display of wealth and resources which could have better been channelled towards the common good of the masses and the have-nots. There are those who do not even know it is Christmas as a result of the conditions they have found themselves. Therefore, a re-think of the essence of Christmas, its significance, values and lessons is imperative. It is in the aftermath of this that we can truly say joy to the world and a merry Christmas to all.

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opinion

Friday, 25 December, 2015

The joy of Christmas By Ademola Orunbon

ODAY, the world is celebrating another Christmas. The stage for that was set in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea. The cast included Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and the angels. Baby Jesus, whose birth is synonymous with Christmas, is the central issue of Christmas. The message of Christmas is that of joy and peace. That was the heavenly message brought by the multitude of angels who appeared in heaven and overwhelmed the shepherds in the field. The angel’s message was straight- “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men!” Luke 2:14. That was the message from heaven that marked Christmas. Therefore, any other issue, concern, expectation, desire or want that is not in tandem with this eternal message is not for Christmas. Any desire not geared towards giving God Glory and in turn promoting peace and goodwill towards men on earth contradicts the spirit and purpose of Christmas. On that note, it is right to ask what your expectations at Christmas are. Are your expectations geared towards mundane things or focused on the message of Christmas? Many people have varied expectations at Christmas - some good some bad. Some are expecting gifts from someone. Some want to go for exotic shopping spree. Some want a new car. Some want to complete their house. The expectations are many and varied. For many, unless their expectations are met, there is no Christmas in their subconscious. If one’s expectations fall short of the central theme of Christmas, which is joy, peace and goodwill, one should retract it and have the right spirit. Remember that Christmas has no end. As long as the earth exists with human beings, there will be Christmas celebration. In a matter of twelve months from now, there will be another Christmas. So, nobody should kill himself or herself because of this year’s Christmas. Mellow down; take life easy. What will be will be with or without you. Thank God specially that you are alive to celebrate another Christmas. That is the greatest gift. One of the main features of Christmas is mass movement of people from one place to another. There are international travels across the continents, regions and countries. Over and above that are the domestic travels within the country. In Nigeria, for

instance, the traditional movement at this time is from the West to the Eastern states and then from the North to the Southern states. There is this air of hurry, hurry, hurry! Many people appear to be in a hurry to reach their destination, meet certain goals/targets before the year ends. The event of Christmas, which comes on December 25, just six days to the end of the year accentuates this haste. Somehow, there is false feeling in some individuals of ‘if I don’t accomplish the set objective, meet a target or goal, there won’t be another chance.’ But that is completely fallacious. There is no particular Christmas that would mark the end of Christmas, opportunities, expectations and targets. Soon after Christmas comes the New Year that opens a brand new world of opportunities. Those that lost their lives during Christmas “rush” don’t ever get another chance to celebrate another Christmas. I am a bit hesitant to adduce “rush” to Christmas because there was nothing in the first Christmas that suggested “rush”, especially for mundane things. The duo of Joseph and Mary, on their way to Bethlehem to get registered in a census ordered by Caesar Augustus (63 BC-14 AD), the Roman Governor, were travelling on a donkey that walked normally. The shepherds were in the field keeping nightwatch over their flock under a serene atmosphere when the angels appeared with the message of Christmas. It was only after the angels had departed back into heaven that the shepherds “went with haste” to Bethlehem to confirm what the angels had said. The rush was geared towards meeting Baby Jesus in the manger and not for any material purpose. I have dwelt on the issue of rush at Christmas because it is the cause of many deaths on our roads in Nigeria during

this season. The high rate of road accidents that has become another nightmare in Nigeria worsens during Christmas. This is very sad. Recently, on my way to work around 8:30 am, I saw two accidents on a stretch of Lagos-Benin Road that is less than one kilometre away. The first one involved a yellow passenger mini bus that hit a private car from the back. The argument that ensued between drivers, their passengers and members of the public who gathered caused an unexpected traffic holdup early that morning. We managed to wriggle out. Then, just about five minutes later on the same road, a more devastating accident occurred. A private Toyota jeep coming on the opposite side of the road on top speed apparently lost control and instead of turning at a sharp bend and hitting the raised pavement, jumped it and ended up smashing the car at the roundabout on the other side. Three young men and a lady quickly jumped out of the car apparently unhurt. Smoke was spewing from the car. The whole thing happened in a flash. Luckily, no vehicle was coming at the time because it was still early morning. These accidents are happening because people are rushing to their destinations. I am sure that all plans made for that car’s use this Christmas were suddenly truncated that morning because the driver didn’t exercise restraint while at the wheel. The truth is that there is no need rushing to do anything during this festive period. It is not mandatory that one must travel. It is better not to travel and stay alive for another Christmas than get oneself into trouble. It is important to point out that the way Christmas is celebrated in Nigeria is different from the way it is celebrated in other climes. In the Western world, for instance the prices of goods are slashed apparently to make things affordable to all. Shops open Christmas sales where every imaginable item is sold at rock bottom price. That culture promotes and brings joy to millions at Christmas. But here in Nigeria, the stakes are high. Once it is December 1st, the prices of every item in the market skyrocket beyond measure. Everything from food items, clothing, shoes, household utensils, etc, have their prices raised. Many business men stockpile goods to be sold at Christmas, for that is when they make every high profit. •Orunbon, a political analyst, wrote in from 17, Ajanosi Street, Oke-Posun, Epe, Lagos State.

In defence of Buhari’s foreign trips By Igboeli Arinze

RECENTLY, there’s been a number of verbal attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari’s numerous trips abroad since his emergence as president. Buhari has been vilified for representing the country in several international engagements. The naysayers have cited that rather than sit back and govern the country, the president has preferred to junket around the world on flimsy foreign trips. Asides that, these critics condemned the trips as a waste of funds, demanding a cessation of the these trips. But it seems that these critics are ignorant of the dynamics of present day international politics. Perhaps these naysayers do not understand that in today’s world, no nation can afford to be an island, and these travels are an important function of diplomatic relations helping to project the interests of any nation on the international scene. These naysayers forget how strategic Nigeria is as a nation, to the world, and as Africa’s most populous nation cannot afford to take the back seat in international politicking and the cementing of global pacts that would be beneficial to her as a country. It would therefore be inimical to the interests of Nigerian people for President Buhari to shirk away from such politics. But sadly this is what the PDP as a party and other critics want Buhari to do. One would have thought that the vehemence in criticising such trips stemmed from the fact that such trips were expensive in nature as we had in the past where the profligacy and impunity held sway. We saw this when former President Jonathan stormed a United Nations meeting with 150 man contingent. Compare this with President Buhari’s example of travelling with a small number of persons at all times. ( He took 32 officials in his delegation when he attended the United Nations General Assembly in September.) These naysayers seem to be unable to factor the costs saved by

President Buhari in these numerous trips when placed alongside the gains of these same trips. These naysayers are quick to forget that these foreign trips have opened up a new vista for Nigeria in terms of support for

These naysayers forget how strategic Nigeria is as a nation, to the world.

the country’s prosecution of the war against terrorism. Nigeria which was shunned by the western powers, today is prepared to receive manifold forms of aid spanning military equipment, intelligence sharing, funding and training etc. Again, such trips afford foreign investors and businessmen the opportunity to have first hand information about the investment opportunities available in the country; can we possibly imagine the gains the country is likely to make in terms of trade, jobs, investments and economic growth? As I write, I am aware that a number of big business players from countries President Buhari has visited are preparing to come to Nigeria in pursuit of investment plans. It could be plausible to say that Nigeria may still have been on the radar of these investors but let us also agree that these visits did play a catalytic role. Most noteworthy of such visits is the fact that the comity of nations has again begun to give Nigeria serious attention, a tremendous shift from what we witnessed in the last five years. All said, it is remarkable to note that these naysayers were the same persons who during the campaigns said that the president as an aspirant wasn’t physically fit to lead the country. Knowing the toll such trips take on our leaders, does it not smack of hypocrisy for these same persons to criticise such trips, particularly when these trips aren’t pleasure trips, to relieve the harsh tedium of the office of president, vacations or medical trips? Whilst I understand the need for the opposition to harangue the government in power, to put it on its toes, such opposition must be based on sound judgment and not by dubious and perplexing working of the illogical! To fault President Buhari’s foreign trips is a testament to the faultlines of Nigerian politics, that we are yet to go beyond such doom and gloom narrative. •Arinze lives in Lagos.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

fridaytreat

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

Nigerian albums that

‘rocked’

2015 Filmhouse cinemas light up Ibadan with Dugbe re-opening

Meet-your-artiste: Challenging stories of music legends inspires me —Silver

Etisalat–sponsored Hear Word! returns to stage AFTER a string of successes following an eventful debut season in 2014, popular stage drama, ‘Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True’ returns for another run of scintillating stage performances that promise to add colour to the festive season beside the predominant headline themes of socialcultural change, women empowerment and inclusion. This was disclosed by the producer and director of ‘Hear Word!’, Ifeoma Fafunwa, during a recent media briefing attended by some members of ‘Hear Word!’ cast, sponsor, Etisalat Nigeria and advocates on women empowerment to announce the take-off of the December 2015 season of the stage play. The stage play, which comes in a collection of stories of real life accounts has hit the stage at the Muson Centre with an opening performance yesterday and another single show today before showing twice on December 26 and 27, 2015. According to Mrs. Fafunwa, ‘Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True’ speaks to issues that hold Nigerian women back from reaching their full potential. Her words, “Nigerian women have proven to be valuable contributors to the growth of families, economy, organisations and the

society at large. There are however certain cultural and traditional restrictions that hold them back from their full potential. ‘Hear Word!’ brings to our consciousness the need to broaden our perspectives on these socio-cultural and political issues affecting members of the society especially the womenfolk.” Also speaking, specialist, High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Amaka Agu, said the stage play aligns with the company’s tradition of creating and supporting platforms that enable people to

From left; Rita Edward, Odenike, Amaka, Ifeoma and Zara.

express themselves in whatever fields such as literarature, photographic ,theatre arts, education, music , entertainment, technology, entrepreneurship and sports. “We believe in giving people the platforms to express themselves. We do this through different platforms that accommodate various talent groups be it innovation, music, sports, literature, photography, theatre arts, education, young entrepreneurs and any other way we can contribute to the development of the society,” she said. In her remarks, a social advocate for

women empowerment and founder, ‘Ruff’n’Tumble’, Adenike Ogunlesi called for support for the empowerment of women in the country. “It is important that we support our women to release their potentials. Nigerian women have a lot to offer and we have to burst the social myths that work against women folk. It is time to change the lot of the Nigerian woman. It is time to celebrate the potentials of Nigerian women and what she brings to the table,” she said. ‘Hear Word’ is an exhilarating piece of performance art that combines artistry, social commentary and true-life stories of inequality and transformation. The December 2015 edition of the inspiring show features Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor Somolu, Elvina Ibru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Lala Akindoju, Rita Edward, Debbie Ohiri and Odenike Odetola-Odeleye. The stories are based on real life experiences that play up the numerous cultural, legislative, economic and social restrictions which limit the potentials for achievement, independence, decision-making and leadership among women. They also aim to inspire support for women and the fight against all forms of ills that affect the well-being of the society.

fridaytreat

he aroma of the popcorn, hotdogs, shawarma and buzz that rented the air at the reopening of Filmhouse Cinema, Hertiage Mall, Dugbe, Ibadan was one that many people admitted to have missed. The news and excitement of the re-opening flooded the ancient city and social media and it was evident in the faces of patronisers that thronged the venues in droves. With a red carpet event, celebrities’ hangout, tour round the new edifice and movie screen, Ibadan has been touted as the emerging market for not just business but entertainment invrstors. While addressing the press, the Regional Operations Director of Filmhouse, Moses Babatope, hinted that the benefit of having the cinema in Ibadan was to bring world class film entertainment to world class people, stating that Ibadan is one of the most historical cities in Africa. “We introduced Filmhouse to Ibadan in May 2013, the idea was to bring the big screen entertainment into Ibadan, Nigerians love film and entertainment. The benefit of having this concept here is to bring world class film entertainment to world class people. Ibadan is one of the most historical cities in Africa and I don’t think there is a better place to do this than a cultural diverse historical city as Ibadan. The benefit is for a growing young, trendy population and the rest, we wanted to bring Hollywood to Nigeria and that is what we have done with Filmhouse, Dugbe. “We had a little setback some few months ago; it takes a lot of guts and commitment to be back and I am sure Ibadan people we know that we are very committed to bring back this cinema to the city. In the space of one year, we have committed double of what we had before and we brought back the cinema in the same year. I think that goes to show how much the people of Ibadan mean to us. Let me make something clear; when this cinema first started, in about two to three months, it became one of the top cinemas in the country. For us, we don’t do things with sentiment, yes, we love the people of Ibadan but it only make sense to bring back a viable business to viable audience,” he added. The Group Managing Director of Odua Investment, Mr Adewale Raji, reiterated that

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Filmhouse Cinema lights up Ibadan with Dugbe branch re-opening

Cross section of Filmhouse representatives at the event

O’dua Investment GMD, Mr Adewale Raji

Musician and Filmhouse ambassador, Fabulous Pizzy serving popcorn at the event the reopening of the movie house would hopefully redefine the excellence in mall shopping in Ibadan. “We are very excited about this reopening, for everybody living within Ibadan that has missed the excitement and entertainment that Filmhouse provides; we are quite delighted this has returned. To ensure that we don’t have a repeat of what happened earlier, we have gone ahead to improve on services provided by going on to a more focused professional services, we are taking every measure in terms of doing a technical audit of the mall and making sure we enhance whatever mea-

Actor, Adeniyi Johnson

sures we have put in place previously for the security of the mall and people and all these do not just have to do with the technical side but also the commercial angle to ensure we attract more traffic to the mall.” Also, one of the lead actors in the movie screened, ‘Out of luck’, Adeniyi Johnson, explained that Ibadan has always been the home of good entertainment, adding that “this is about my first time of having a movie premiere in Ibadan and the settings and crowd is just amazing. I am expecting total awesomeness, I want to be blown away and enjoy seeing myself on

screen with everybody. Of course, I have been getting report from this movie and I can’t wait to see it myself. If you haven’t seen this movie, then you have not seen the movie of the year.” Fast rising up and coming artiste and an ambassador of the Filmhouse, Fabulous Pizzy, also expressed his excitement, stating that “I am not expecting anything less, there is definitely going to be full entertainment; you can see the new look of the whole surrounding is and we are enjoying it already. You know Filmhouse stands for absolute fun and that is just what you are going to get.”

Meet-Your-Artiste

Challenging stories of music legends inspire me — Silver Silver is a precocious upcoming rap artiste to watch out for. Popularly known by his fans as rap assassin and signed to Soil Empire Music Label he shares his exploits, feats and aspirations with RONKE SANYA in this interview.

Why did you choose rap music? I believe I didn’t just choose rap music, rap music choose me. The advent of rap music dates back to the early 80’s when rap was known as MCing and seen as a support to the DJs, but since the 90’s rap extended beyond ordinary

rhyming words. Rap has now become a way of life for lots of people. Who is Eniafe Silver? Thompson Eniafe Oluwanisola is an indigene of Ondo State, born and breed in Laogs State. I am a graduate of Abrahan Adesanya Poly-

technic Ogun State where I studied Accountancy. I do hardcore rap, old school rap, alternative rap, as far as its rap. As a rapper, I have the ability to spit on any instrumental with the kind of rap pattern that fits in.

will be, will be). I have also done a job with Ajegunle rising afro pop singer, GP Mighty titled Dance. I also did collaboration with a fast rising rapper king O’tega (D rap machine) and a few other wonderful artistes.

So how many songs do you have to your credit now? I have recorded a couple of songs. My first single was titled No One, others as include Parables, The Game, Baby Girl, My girl, and so on. Officially I have about eight singles and lots of collaborations with other talented acts.

You also featured in a competition organized by Dbanj right? Yes, I did a cover of D’banj’s song titled: The king is here, featuring Reminisce. The song was used for a rap competition hosted by D’banj, he took the chorus of the song while the rap part was left for the competitors. Most people who listened to that particular track were impressed by my rap. I believe it was a great job. I got to know about the competition when it was almost over, so I just recorded the song with the hope that I’ll be able to submit my entry before the deadline given but I wasn’t able to meet the deadline for the submission. However, the track was done and was really appreciated and accepted by my fans.

Which artists have collaborated with? I have collaborated with amazing artists such as Richie Scott with whom I did a song titled Real Life. I also did a song an afro pop singer, Ayofe, the song was titled No worries. I recently recorded another inspiring song with a female RnB singer ODB titled ‘Qui Sera Sera’ (What

As an artiste, what inspires you? My greatest inspiration is from God. I also get inspired when I listen to the stories of music legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, 2face and many more others. The challenging stories of these great artistes inspire me. When I hear of the challenges they have gone through and overcome, I respect them. They made the strong decision of never giving up and I also have made that decision a long time ago, that no matter how tough it gets; it’s never say never. Which of your performance can you say is most memorable? I have a number of memorable performances but one of the most beautiful days which is quite unforgettable was when I had the opportunity to perform on stage with a live band at an occasion in Osun State few years ago. The crowd was massive and my mum and brothers were also present, that meant a lot to me.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

society

...celebrating the people

Nigerian Tribune

For Booking, contact Alaba Igbaroola alabaadewale01@gmail.com 08155975474

And Christmas glowed with Ovation @ Eko Hotels From left, Mr Abiola Akinola, Mr Jide Coker, Mr Femi Otedola, Mr Chris Adeyemi and Jude Solomon.

Wizkid

Praise worship by Gbenga Adenuga. From right, Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Mr Albert Okumagba.

Tony Elumelu and Dele Momodu.

Chief Ebenezer Obeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance.

From left, Chief Obafemi Awolowoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-grand children, Adewojumi, Adesekemi and Adekepemi Aderemi.

Mr Ademola and Awolowo grand children, Mrs Kemi Aderemi.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 twitter: @rotifizzle twitter: @fridaytreat

fridaytreat

Nigerian albums that

Reminisce – Baba Hafusa Release Date: April 30th, 2015 Reminisce dropped arguably the most anticiapated hip-hop album of the year; It comes with being one of the hottest rappers of the year. Reminisce deliveresd and it’s was a very good album. Baba Hafusa had some of everything in it. From the street hip-hop, to the raunchy, love and gbedu music. Reminisce showed to us on this album that he cane stay consistent, and be a household name in Nigeria for the long haul.

‘rocked’

Wande Coal – Wanted A 17-track album (minus three skits and two bonus songs), “Wanted”, eases Wande Coal in with a bang, that sees him feeding off the input from fans, internalising that energy, and creating music to find equilibrium for his commercial and artistic parts. This album throws it all at you. It starts off on a mellow note as Wande Coal drops the slow-burning and religiously thankful track ‘Adura’. The subject shifts gears, and the classy R&B ‘Superwoman’ gives you a sense of Wande’s soul. He is less ‘musician’ and more ‘artiste’ who happens to use music as his canvass, and love as all shades of colour. This is Wande Coal at his best. There is character, rhythm, progression, twists and bounce on these tracks. These songs hark back to his glorious and free past, which he reinvents with élan. Wande Coal’s core African artistry is thrown into the mix, as he works with elemental sounds of highlife and folk on ‘African lady’, ‘Iyawo mi’ and ‘Plenty love’. Wande Coal’s album returns to a scene which has left his space untouched in the industry. No one singer is the total package, or comes close to it as Wande Coal has. “Wanted” album, more patchwork than conceptual album, but it throws in Wande Coal’s superior hat into the ring. A hat that combines dexterity of sound, and a shrewd understanding of the market. Wande Coal is back to his art. This is good for Nigeria.

2015 DJ Spinall - My Story

IllBliss – #Powerful Release Release Date: Jun 12th, 2015 Riding on the wave of his 2014 hit singles, WTF and Bank Alert, IllBliss dropped his third studio album, and made one thing clear, he’s not hear for everybody. Illy has found a way to create his own cult following in the music industry, and for good reason. #Powerful is everything illBliss is about these days; Making mature music that your father can listen to and enjoy. In a year when there’s a lot of rappers spewing a bunch of incomprehensible jargon, Illy is putting stuff person fit digest well. No need of calculator or dictionary when listening to #Powerful. It’s clear and to the point. Orezi – The Ghen Ghen

Burna Boy – On A Spaceship Release Date: November 26th, 2015 Even if the album is barely a few weeks old, it’s still considered by many to be one of the main albums of 2015. Burna stuck to the style that gave him a lot of fame on this project, ‘On A Spaceship’. However you could definitely hear the maturity in his choice of sounds. The album has some of everything, and you can really find more than enough party joints on there. Interestingly some of the singles released this year didn’t make the album, which might not be such a bad thing.

Guest Appearances - Ojokoro Mass Choir, M.I, Byno, 2face Idibia, Wande Coal, Niniola, Reminisce, Sojay, Kimz, Olamide, Yimaya, Mafikizolo, Ice Prince, Tekno, Rayce, Wande Coal, Burna Boy, yemi Alade, Sean Tizzle, Pheelz. Producers- Spinall, Spellz, Don L37, D’Tunes, J-Fem, E-Kelly, Pheelz, Drey Beatz, Tekno, Killertunes DJ Spinall has the wind in his sails right now. Coming in from his trip to SXSW, down to his recent lucrative endorsement deal with Smirnoff, he is a

Runtown – Ghetto University Release Date: November 23rd, 2015 Runtown’s debut album, Ghetto University turned out to be a very good one. You might have expected it with the kind of 2014 he had; ‘Galladro’, ‘Domot’ and ‘Baby Answer’. The album also reached out internationally by featuring DJ Khaled and Walshy Fire on the album, and both features turned out very good. Runtown’s ‘Ghetto University’ is one of the few albums in Nigeria that you can slot in for a party and jam pretty much all through out. The beats, production, composition are all great.

man who the heavens have smiled on, and his efforts at music are on a good path. But it hasn’t always been this way for TheCAP. His journey to this place has been one of hardwork, twists and turns, with stints at Eko FM, Ray Power FM, and Beat FM. DJ Spinall has shown doggedness at every point through this travel. “My Story” is the culmination of this journey to the top. It has been arduous, rocky, there have been bumps and potholes, but Spinall has persevered, held onto his focus, and come out smiling

through it all, his prize in his hand, and on our playlist. A 20-track work which scratches the essence of Nigerian music, and takes form with each track, “My story” seeks to move past the hampering practice of DJs showing preference to A-list artistes for collaborations. The talents on it are spread through the grades. The labels A-list, B-list, C-list, and more fail to matter here. Everyone gets a place at Spinall’s table. The work kicks off rather sonorously with a short title track which samples the great Protestant hymn, ‘My story’

LeriQ – The Lost Sounds Titled “The Lost Sounds,” LeriQ aptly names a work which seeks to bring to the fore, the melodic potential Nigeria has, and can offer. He calls onto the project, the best voices, and entertainers in the industry to make this a reality. With 20 tracks “The Lost Sounds” is a fine journey through a number of genres, fusions, synths, and instrumentation.

which captures the journey to this point. M.I and Byno then dovetail on the next track ‘Oluwa’, a trap cut. This ushers in play time for the giants 2face Idibia and Wande Coal, who serenade on ‘Money’. There’s more heavy-hitting collaborations, with Reminisce guiding the hands of his prodigy, Sojay, and Kimz through ‘Fiyenle’. Ice Prince happily flows through Mafikizolo’s exotic magic on ‘The Way’. Such is the beauty of the collaborations on this project. There’s balance, progression, and a melding of talents.

Seyi Shay – Seyi or Shay Release Date: November 13th, 2015 Another debut album hitting this list, Seyi Shay completely gave a middle finger to all her doubters with this stellar album, Seyi or Shay. The album, according to critics, is arguably the best afro pop album this year, and has everything you’d want in a pop album. The lyrics, arrangement, production, diversity in genres, features are all very well put together, making it an album that will go well in Seyi Shay’s musical history.

Falz – Stories That Touch Release Date: November 16th, 2015 At the beginning of 2015, if you mentioned to most critics that Falz would have the best album of the year, you’d probably get strong cold stares. But alas, here we are at the end of the year, and Falz’s Stories That Touch is Jaguda.com’s official best album of the year. Musically it’s a great album, the production is top notch, it’s entertaining, and lyrically it’s solid in every aspect. Quite honestly this album put a lot of other hiphop artists in Nigeria to shame. These peeps gotta go do some homework now.

Orezi had an EP released in 2010. It was titled “I No Fit Lie”, and housed decent tracks such as ‘High B.P’, and ‘I no fit lie’. But that was just a snippet of his ability. Time and experience has honed him into a fine pop artiste, and more hits such as ‘You garrit’, ‘Shoki’, Booty Bounce’ and Shuperu’ has been spawned. He has put forward his next foot, and released his debut studio album “The Ghen Ghen”. “The Ghen Ghen” is as inspired by pop culture as every other single he has put out has been, a 75-minute, 21-song journey through every idea in Orezi’s cranium. A number of these songs are amazing. The “The Ghen Ghen” album was crafted with an eye on slotting seamlessly into pop culture, while serving the best of music. Orezi harmoniously weaves in and out of genres, in ways so beautiful and mundane, and keeps you listening. Darey – Naked Release Date: October 13th, 2015 If you haven’t listened to Darey’s latest album, Naked, then you’re really missing out on some really good music. Over the past decade, Darey has matured astronomically in his music, and this album is the epitome of that maturity. From the traditional drum patterns in ‘Asiko Laiye’ to the more highlife feel or ‘Orekelewa’, the album is an album that doesn’t conform to what the industry is most popular for. Additional info courtesy Jaguda.com, TheNetng

Friday, 25 December, 2015

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year, 2014

Kenya beckons Nigerian tourists Stories By ’Wale Olapade

ENYA Tourism Board (KTB) has continued to showcase the country’s tourism attractions to Nigerians as the board in collaboration with Kenya Airways and KQ Holidays met with trade partners in Lagos recently. Speaking at the forum, the Marketing Officer – Africa, Kenya Tourism Board, Betty Ingwe disclosed that the KTB is set to market Kenya as one of the foremost tourist destinations for the Nigerian market. Betty Ingwe explained that the meeting with Nigerian stakeholders which started in Abuja is an opportunity to sell Kenya to Nigerians . “Kenya is a great destination year round. Kenya is where you can experience a different safari every day. The country offers an endless array of activities for travellers”, Ingwe said.

From left, The sales Executive, KQ Holidays, Mr Clement Okoedoh; Marketing Officer - Africa, Kenya Tourism Board, Betty Ingwe and The Minister Counselor, Kenya High Commission, Mr Carlos Maluta at the event recently. She noted that in the last five months that Kenya Tourism Board has held trainings for Nigerian tour operators and other trade partners who will be working with an arm of the board, Kenya Holidays in

National Museum celebrates Xmas carol

One of the schools performing at the events By Aramide Shanu

THE National Museum of Unity, Ibadan joined other institutions globally for the festive season as it rallied over 500 students from six schools in Ibadan for the 2015 Christmas carol. This year’s edition which was rich and educative came with the theme “Christmas carol in our indigenous language. The event was timely and in line with the museum’s aim to connect the people with their cultural norms and values. Speaking at the event, the head of the department of education unit of the museum, Mrs. Rebecca Agbogun said “Christmas season is set aside to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ all over the world and in our model we decided not to only have fun, but also educate the students. These songs are sung by different groups of people in the mood of the season usually to raise money for charity and distribution to the needy. “The purpose of this programme is to promote and preserve the various indigenous languages in Nigeria. Cultures are greatly weakened by the loss of their languages and often vanish.” However, she called the attention of parents and teachers against anti-cultural habits in schools and homes. adding that

languages are the pillars of culture and the vehicle of oral traditions. The curator of the museum, Elder Amos Olorunnipa, commended the efforts of the planning committees for playing their roles in making the event a success. The event drew participants from Ibadan which had St Catherine Nursery and Primary School, Great Forth Nursery and Primary School, Methodist Grammar School, God’s Heritage School and Matrix College.

Lagos to sell Kenya as a preferred destination, “outside Kenya, Nigeria is the only country with an office of the Kenya Holidays, which shows the importance of Nigeria market to us.” Betty Ingwe added that Kenya as the heart of African tourism market has cutting edge tourist attractions such as; the ultimate safari experience, wide beast migration between July and October every year, white pinstripe beaches, rich wildlife experiences and a very developed destination for golfers with 40 world class golf courses. While adding that Kenya offers 99 per cent Halal food for Muslims, she said KTB offers tourists the Magical Kenya App which is specifically designed to make the visitor’s experience more flawless, “the mobile application strengthens the tourist arrivals to the country by providing tourists a platform in which they can get all the relevant information about Kenya at their fingertip.” Ingwe added “ Kenya has six UNESCO Heritage sites, international shopping malls, elephant sanctuary and availability of affordable quality education in institutions of higher learning. Speaking at the parley, Kenya Visa Consular in Lagos, Karlus Maluta advised that tourists should not allow terrorists to define their way of life as the country is safe for tourists as the government has taken all necessary and preventive steps against terrorist attacks. He added that the government has made it easy to secure the country visa for tourists as they have introduced an online visa service platform .

Lakaune cultural festival hots up

PREPARATIONS have begun for the annual “Lakaune” circumcision ceremony commonly observed among Bwatiye people, Bundi Ahmadu Pius has told Travelpulse&mice. This ceremony is performed only among males after every 8 to 10 years. A group of boys, from 12 to 16 years old in a particular village community, numbering between 50 and 60, are taken out of the village for the circumcision in a camp situated about two kilometres away from the village. While there, these youngsters will go through a series of training for six months without seeing their homes and will later have the fore skin of the male genitals cut by a specialist Ma Ori. “After they are healed from the wounds, they will enter a proper school system, all

simple works of art in Bwatiye culture will be taught them. They will also be taught rope making, mat making, grass cutting, farm clearing etc. they will be taken to the bush for hunting, fishing and hard exercises for hardening the male child. “A day to their return home, which is always at the weekend, the boys heads will be shaved clean around two o’clock in the afternoon. “This festival is a unifying event among the Bwatyes and we always look forward to it. We are discussing with a Lagos-based event activation company to help package it into a tourism festival as all states are now looking inward to generate revenues,” Pius said. Bwatiye people were believed to have migrated from the Middle East, came into Africa and crossed great Nile into the Sudan re-

At Akwaaba, Golden Beach Hotels renews commitment with three properties

GOLDEN Beach Hotels, a chain management hotel renewed its loyalty to customers at the recent Akwaaba African Travel Market, as its delegates to the travel expo unveiled the promising gesture for customers delight. According to the hotel representatives, “Golden Beach Hotel offer three hotelsto savour the business, Leisure and vacation purposes of different clintile in Accra, the Central Region and the Western Region. Busua Beach Resort Busua Beach Resort is the home of the ultimate beachfront vacation destination located in Busua Beach, Ghana. Enjoy the beautiful, coastal view of the Atlantic Ocean while relaxing on your very own private terrace. Busua Beach savoury a spacious beach fronting rooms with complimentary WIFI, satellite TV and complimentary buffet breakfast. Giving the best to vacationers is the ultimate goal of Busua Beach, which offers different leisure friendly activities such as jet skiing, kayaking and tennis. Soak up the rays on the sandy white beaches or cool down in either of the two outdoor swimming pools. With a tour guide, guests can take a short three km hike to Butre by walking along the beach and climbing a steep hill which offers an excellent view over the beaches of Busua before treating your taste buds to great food at Busua’s beach front Ghanaian Village Restaurant.

La palm Royal Beach resort With a bed rock of hospitality that offers endless possibilities, La Palm Beach Resort is nested on a 30-acre of manicured green lawns in Accra, Ghana, this city centre beach resort is a 159-room hotel with its own dedicated 10-room and 2,000 square meter conference centre, the Homowo Conference Centre. La-Palm caters for the business and leisure markets with its three restaurants and bars, a casino, health club, hair salon and pub plus a large swimming pool for adults and children. Elmina Beach Resort Located in the heart of the historic Central Region, Elmina Beach Resort is a 100-room hotel close to slave castles and the Kakum National Park with its Canopy Walkway above the 60-foot trees. Elmina Beach Resort combines rich Ghanaian culture with international flavours, making it the ideal destination for business and pleasure. This is an ideal locale for businessmen, tourists and eco- adventurers alike.

gion and finally came to settle in the middle of Hausa land as part of the Gobir kindred.

Governor Bindo jibrilla

Friday, 25 December, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

el-Rufai

Sultan of Sokoto

Shettima

Shiite: When Northern govs met

to chart way forward

MUHAMMAD SABIU writes on the frantic moves of main stakeholders, including Northern governors to avert another crisis in the North, owing to the violent clash between the army and Shiites sect members in Zaria, Kaduna State.

HE date was December 19,2015, and the venue, General Hassan Usman State House, Kawo in Kaduna. The occasion was an emergency meeting of governors from the 19 states in the North. It was conveyed to discuss the recent Army/Shiite clash in Zaria, with some Shiite members losing their lives others sustaining serious injuries. In attendance at the meeting under the platform of Northern Governors Forum were the chairman, Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, the host and Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasiru elRufai, Governor Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Governor Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state. Others were Governor Idris Wada (Kogi), Governor Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi), Governor Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa) and Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State. Kano,Kwara, Gombe,

Yobe, Plateau,Nassarawa,Niger, Plateau and Benue states were represented by either their deputy governors or Secretary to the State Governments. At exactly 4.05pm all the governors and their representatives were seated. The meeting came against the backdrop of a smouldering crisis occasioned by the clash between the army and members of the Shiite Movement. The major fallout

had been the pervasive uneasy calm in the state and beyond, especially in most state capitals in the North. To douse the tension, the authorities had taken some proactive measures, which included the suspension street processions, further security build up and calls for calm by eminent persons and organizations. The state governor had also gone on air to sue for peace, promising that the issue will be

Kaduna is the socio-political heart of the Northern Nigeria. Kaduna is to us, what Lagos is to the South West. What affects Kaduna State invariably affects the whole North.

addressed squarely and fairly. Thus, the meeting of the governors was seen as a bold step by the authorities to collaborate in creating a climate of fear. There was huge expectation from members of the public and the reality was not lost to the chairman of the forum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me start by making one thing very clear: the Northern Governors Forum is not here to do the job of the Kaduna State Government or because there is anything missing in the measures taken by the Kaduna State Government. We are very confident in the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, his competence and character has never come under any doubt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Soon after the Zaria crisis, the governor was at the scene and he spoke with leader of the Islamic Movement and met the Chief of Army Staff. He addressed the people of Kaduna State on Thursday, December 17, 2015 and the government took some firm far reaching measures it considers necessary. Malam El-Rufai is the man on ground, he knows the subject matter more than us and he knows the steps he deems most suitable after his extensive consultacontinues pg28

28 politics&policy

Wada

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Tambuwal

Masari

‘Why all hands must be on deck’ continued from pg27

tions,” Shettima said. His colleagues listened with rapt attention to his explanation. All other prominent persons, who had the privilege of being at the meeting, equally paid utmost attention underscoring the importance of the intervention by the governors in the seeming crisis. so, Shettima had to shed light on why he and his colleagues decided to move briskly on the matter. He drew the attention of his audience to the challenge the Boko Haram insurgents to the North, though without in any way alluding to the Shiite Islamic Movement as an insurgent organisation. Nonetheless, he said the leaders could not allow a repeat of the circumstances that led to the Boko Haram phenomenon. His words: “We are here in connection with what happened in Zaria, first because the issue has to do with an Islamic group that has membership across the 19 states in the North and beyond. We want to look how to ensure that the incident does not provide room for anyone or group to perpetuate violence in any of the 19 Northern states. We already have the serious problems of Boko Haram to contend with. We are not in any way comparing the Islamic Movement with Boko Haram, no! But, we don’t want the same mistake that happened over the Boko Haram crisis to repeat itself. When Boko Haram went wild in July, 2009 with clashes between them and the Police in Bauchi on July 25 and 26 in Maiduguri, most Nigerians saw the issues as the problems of Bauchi and Borno. When they continued to attack Borno and Yobe, it became the affairs of Borno and Yobe states. All of a sudden, there was a suicide attack in Abuja in 2012 and then, everything went out of control and we are where are today. So, like I said, we do not make any comparison between the murderously violent Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic Movement, but we are here to analyse and ensure that we take measures that will close any avenue which

some people may want to seize to create violence in the immediate or long run.” It was apparent that the leaders were unanimous about the status of Kaduna in the politics of the North nay the country. From the pre and post-independence eras, Kaduna has been the epicenter of Northern politics. Shettima reiterated that all Northerners still cherished that legacy. “Kaduna is the socio-political heart of the Northern Nigeria. Kaduna is to us, what Lagos is to the South West. What affects Kaduna State invariably affects the whole North. If you notice, we make it a duty to travel to Kaduna to hold our meeting instead of holding it in Abuja. Kaduna is the headquarters of the Northern Nigeria but it will have that significance if we accord it the relevance it deserves. We have a duty to preserve history and our values by coming here,” he stressed. Thereafter, the leaders went into a closed door session on the Zaria clash and other issues critical to the socio-economic and political interest of the entire North. After the three hours of brainstorming, the leaders came up with a communiqué read by Shettima. It read in part: “The Forum received brief on the recent Shiite incident in Zaria by the governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. While the Forum offered its condolences to the Kaduna State Government and the families of all those who lost their lives in the tragedy and wished the wounded speedy recovery, it resolved that all Nigerians should respect the law and constitut-

ed authority; and that every organisation, religious or social should operate within the confines of the law.” Shettima stated that the Forum lauded the steps taken so far by the Kaduna government to contain the situation, as well as commended the governor for his decision to constitute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to examine the remote and immediate cause of the Zaria incident. The Borno governor appealed to the people to maintain law and order, as well as respect the constitutional rights of citizens to practise their faith in a manner devoid of infringing the rights of others. Accordingly, the leaders frowned at arbitrary blockage of highways through unauthorised processions thereby causing inconveniences to citizens, pointing out that henceforth processions should necessarily be with police permit and protection as prescribed by the law. The issue of the Zaria attack almost obscured other fundamental matters concerning the North that discussed by the leaders during the crucial meeting. One of such issues was the parlous state of the economy of the North. The governors reaffirmed their commitment to taking measures to revive and grow the economies of Northern states to create jobs and other opportunities, as efforts were already in top gear to review agriculture and industries relating to agriculture. They were also unanimous that the problem of poverty was beyond ethnic, political affiliation or religious persuasion. Therefore, the governors urged all Nigerians,

The problems confronting us (as Nigerians as a whole) go beyond politics. We should unite to confront our common challenges.

irrespective of differences in political affiliation, religious persuasion, sectional or ethnic background, to collectively fight the common tragedies of poverty, destitution and illiteracy. “The problems confronting us as Nigerians go beyond politics. We should unite to confront our common challenges,” they emphasised. Meanwhile, the Shiite sect is still demanding the unconditional release of their spiritual leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky. The acting spokeman of the movement, Mallam Ibrahim Musa claimed that “his continued detention as an infringement of his fundamental human rights.” Besides, the sect alleged that many of its members are still being held in different locations. However, a leader of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) in Kaduna State, Alhaji Isiaq Abdul was satisfied with the decision of the other Northern governors to support el-Rufai and their determination to nib the current problem in the bud. In the same vein, woman, who lives in the same neighbourhood with the Shiite leader, said the decision to ban all illegal procession was in order. The state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Umar Shehu has against this background of the crisis stressed the need for all groups and individuals to always respect constituted authorities. He said it was unhealthy for any group to be operating as “a government within a government.” The Sultan of Sokoto,Alh Sa’ad Abubakar has equally added his voice to calls for caution in handling the Zaria situation. Similarly, the General Overseer of the Evangelical Intercessory Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna Pastor Yohanna Buru sued for peace and advocated a neutral person be invited to mediate between the sect and the authority. Buru, who is the founder of Nigeria Peace and Reconciliation Foundation, called for caution because of the sensitive nature of religion in the country. He said the North had “suffered enough; we have over 15,000 people who were reported killed since the insurgency started in 2009.”

politics&policy

Alhaji Lanre Rasak is a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Chairman of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He speaks with TUNDE BUSARI on the late Dr Olusola Saraki, President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Akinwumi Ambode and Boko Haram.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Buhari is winning the war against Boko Haram —Lanre Rasak kind to them for rescuing the nation from collapse. There is this assumption that another party might come out of APC. How would you react to this? Except a party that is so rotten like PDP will emerge now. There is no way a party with about 25 governors under the leadership of Buhari will degenerate to the level of PDP. There is no doubt that the party is attractive to many under a leader driven by high integrity.

AN you recall your day in APP and particularly as an individual whose role shaped the party? You just reminded me of the late Dr Olusola Saraki of blessed memory. I was close to him to an extent, aside the fact that we formed APP together during which I was able to understand his politics. When Dr Saraki sponsors you to any office, he does so for you to meet the need of the public. People who were not close to him may say something else. Those of us who know him knew that he would not compromise service to his people. He became what he became politically using his profession to raise money. He spent his hard-earned resources as a medical practitioner to improve the welfare of his people. That is why the people of Kwara State deified him. That is why his name still opens door for politicians till date in Kwara. Do you think Saraki would have been a part of the alignment that produced the ruling APC? He would have been a part of it definitely. If you observed the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, you would have seen danger hovering in the sky. How can the office of a security adviser becomes contract-awarding institution? And there is no type of contract it did not award, purchase of helicopter, alpha jet, arms and ammunition. Yet, nothing was delivered. The whole world has seen the revelations as they are unfolding. Don’t you think former President Jonathan should speak out? What do you want him to say? I think the best he should do is to keep quiet and keep people guessing. The way politicians jump from one party to another has raised the question of their disrespect to politics of ideology. How would you react to this? Economic factor is the main reason 80 per cent politicians are in politics. And when they don’t meet their target, they jump out to the party in power. That is why I am appealing to whomever is in charge of the country to do something on improving the social status of average Nigerians. About 75 per cent of Nigerians are living in abject poverty. This affects their thinking, behaviour and reaction association. Only those who are economically stable can think differently and live about the temptation. Imagine unemployed graduate involving in armed robbery and other crimes. When you are hungry and you not sure of what to eat, the devil will easily manipulate you to do its bidding. We are a great country. Even though oil price is going down, we are still surviving. In fact, some experts are surprised that Nigeria is still surviving the economic distress social. We have a high rate of endurance. Go to social parties and see the class of people begging for food. They take polythene bag and scanvenge food which they take home to eat and feed their family. There is a sign that we are endangered. Those who can-

But do you see APC also ruling for 16 uninterrupted years in power? Nigerians are getting wiser. There is no room to run government the way PDP ran Nigeria. I cannot say about the specific time the party will be in power but the truth is that Nigerians will always stand by a government that is offering them the much-needed change.

Rasak not do such take crime using any weapon available to them. We need people with special knowledge of Social Science to conduct research and come up with solutions. I want to believe that we are fortunate that we have Buhari who has spent good years in the service of the nation and committed to changing the country for the better. He is a man of integrity and you can see how he is doing it now. We must do something to the plight of the downtrodden so that they don’t turn around to cause havoc to the rich. The truth is that 80 per cent of our lawmakers have no interest of the nation at heart. They are there for the sake of what they can make to improve their personal interests. Some of us thought we had what it is required to run government and bring about an egalitarian society. But we have since discovered that there are some supernatural forces extremely beyond our

I have met Ambode about three times and found out his commitment to sustain the legacy Asiwaju and Raji Fashola left behind.

imagination that will not make it possible, and they are natural forces that are brought about by the prevailing situation in the country. Let’s pray that God gives us the right leader. Did you expect the post-election crisis that threatened the cohesion of APC? I did expect it. It was like the situation when the army were about to leave the political scene and strange bed fellows converge forgetting their differences simply because they needed to ease out the military. They eased out the soldiers but their differences remained. Same happened when politicians sat together with a mission to ease out Jonathan out of power. These people saw the danger inherent in Jonathan’s administration. But despite their differences good people will remain. You can recall what Awolowo told us that in future the good people in the progressives and non progressives, when the suffering of the people get to a point, nature will force us to come together, embrace one another and look for a common solution that can bring about an enduring solution to the problem in the country. I will continue to thank God that He used some people to achieve this mission. I am happy that the most credible person God used in this project is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Whatever anybody says about him is none of my business. He is intelligent. He is articulate. He knows what he wants and how to get it. God really used him to mobilise the right people to put a stop to the past administration because the way Nigeria was drifting was dangerous to the future and corporate existence of the country. See the way our fund was mismanaged. The country could have bled to death. Necessity is the modern of invention, those people who resisted the past administration did it when it mattered most and history will be

How would you describe Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State? He is a governor that listens. If you engage him and he sees the depth of your argument, he will listen to you. He only needs to be convinced. I respect his opinion because of where he is coming from as a tested administrator. He is brilliant and runs a focused government. I have met Ambode about three times and found out his commitment to sustain the legacy Asiwaju and Raji Fashola left behind. Our budget in Lagos was so small until Asiwaju brought what was called financial mechanism and turned things around. Fashola came and consolidated on it. Ambode is genuinely an agent of continuity. He has done about seven months and done well. President Buhari promised to end Boko Haram this month, yet the sect members are still throwing bomb? When there is a full fledge war you know your enemy and their location and you know what to do about them. But this is not a conventional war. I can tell you that Muhammadu Buhari has won the Boko Haram battle completely. That is my position. They are now in defence. They are now cowardly fighting unlike what it used to be when they were regularly driven people of communities out and kill them and even attack and kill soldiers. They cannot do that again because they know the present military will rout them out. It is unfortunate that our soldiers were deployed to the theatre where Boko Haram insurgents carried better weapons. Some soldiers were then court-martialed and sentenced to death. This is wrong but the soldiers have now been given a relief. Their sentence has been commuted. This is telling you that President Buhari is very sensitive. There is no cause to fear anything. Imagine that despite the poor earning from oil 2016 budget is sixTrillion and he will finance it effectively. He has blocked all the leakages. All I appeal to the media is to educate the public to be patient because what has been destroyed in 16 years cannot just be fixed overnight. Do you see President Buhari seeking a second term? As a person he would not be interested but surprisingly I will be one of the advocates to have a solid, concrete country we should encourage him to take another term.

politics&policy

Friday, 25 December, 2015

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s presentation of the 2016 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly was preceded by a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which gave the estimates its final approval on Monday. The meeting of FEC was unusual as previous administrations had stuck to Wednesdays for their weekly meetings. This one though was described as an emergency meeting convened specifically to give the final seal of approval to the budget that was to be presented. Buhari has indicated that he is not given to the weekly ritual of FEC meetings and that explains why since inaugurating his cabinet, he has only presided over two, both of which were emergency meetings. It is yet unclear what form it will take going forward, but for now, State House correspondents have learnt not to expect FEC meetings every week with their attendant long and winding briefings presided over by the Ministers of Information. The current Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, did have his chance last Monday to brief correspondents about the outcome of FEC just as he had done on two occasions earlier, aside from the inaugural FEC. His briefings are normally short, almost reticent when asked questions, unlike the long and winding lectures delivered by his immediate past substantive predecessor Labaran Maku on every given issue. We, as correspondents, kind of like that because it means we spend less time going through, determining best angles for, and writing our stories. But even when he has spoken less, he has managed to stir the hornet’s nest with

inside

aso rock WITH LEON USIGBE

08078891838 leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk

Lai Mohammed and the fuel queues s some controversial declarations, the latest being his claim that the current petrol scarcity in the country is caused by the sins of former President Goodluck Jonathan. These were his words when asked what the government would be telling Nigerians in view of the lingering fuel scarcity: “What I will be telling Nigerians is that what we met on ground is such that we are paying for the sins of the last administration.” This response drew mocking laughter from the membership of the Press Corps and when he realised that, he added: “I am being very serious. You remember that about two weeks ago, we had to go to the National Assembly for a supplementary budget of N674 billion. Of that figure, N522 billion was for arrears of fuel subsidy which was incurred as far back as August last year. One of the reasons for the fuel scarcity was the inability of the last government to make adequate provision for fuel subsidy. We do face some other logistic problems but majorly, we are paying for the sins of the last administration.” Many are wondering how it makes the

minister feel to have heard the apology up with two different reasons for the curand explanation offered to Nigerians by rent fuel crisis in the country. While we President Buhari over the same issue. appreciate the President’s apology, we Unlike the minister, the president admit- think it is high time he called this minister ted that the situation is not good enough to order as his excessive propaganda and 08078891838 are ridiculing this adminisbut avoided blaming it on his predecesWITH LEON blame game leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk sor, even while he signaled that he would tration and the image of the nation,” the continue to do his best to ameliorate it. PDP stated through its national publicity This is what Buhari told the country at secretary, Olisa Metuh, in its analysis of the budget presentation: “The current fuel the budget. The opposition party believes that Moscarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social hammed gives excuses convenient to him. dislocation is very unfortunate. Govern- Whereas he attributed the improvement in ment profoundly apologizes to Nigerians power supply to Buhari’s “body language,” for this prolonged hardship and misery. the fuel scarcity must be Jonathan’s fault. It is as a result of market speculators and Adebayo Shittu resistance to change by some stakeholdMinister of Communications, Adebayo ers. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the Shittu, walked into the media briefing room of Presidential Villa last Tuesday pumps all over the country.” Buhari’s statement could not have come demanding to have the names and phone unnoticed by the opposition Peoples numbers of the reporters. He thus beDemocratic Party (PDP) which immedi- comes the first minister in the present disately cited a discord between the presi- pensation to openly court members of the dent and the government’s spokesman on corps. This is hardly surprising. As a onethe reason for lingering fuel crisis. “We time Commissioner of Information in Oyo are indeed shocked that President Buhari State, he apparently wants to maintain his and his minister of information have come link with his media constituency.

aso rock

Why Bello’s victory cannot stand in Kogi —Agada Joe Agada, a former member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was also the state collation agent of the Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, during the last governorship election in the state. In this interview with YINKA OLADOYINBO, he speaks about the election and the aftermath. AS a major stakeholder in the state, what is your impression about the last governorship election held in Kogi State On a general note Nigerians would soon find out that it is very easy to criticize when you are out of government, it is a different thing when you are in government, it is a different ball game, and like somebody says, with all due respect President Muhammadu Buhari has been planning to be president for 12 years, so if somebody has been wanting a particular office for 12 years, you will expect that all the blue print must be available. He must have seen the ups and downs of the people he wanted to replace. But Nigerians will soon know that the change is about propaganda, the change is only on media, what have they put in place before they came? What are they doing now? This is a man who said he doesn’t know anything about subsidy, he doesn’t believe in subsidy, but he has been paying subsidy and making request of supplementary budget to cover subsidy payment. So Nigerians should not be deceived. They say PDP is bad, PDP has lost election, we managed this country for 16 years, and we want to see how they will manage Nigeria in four years. No matter

Agada what they say about PDP, the APC will stand to be challenged that they don’t have the capacity to put a democratic structure in place. APC will stand to be changed because if APC was Jonathan’s government they will not fund INEC, they will not give INEC independence. When the tenure of Jega was going, Jonathan said somebody has started an election why should we change him in the middle of it, he adhered strictly to the rule to allow Jega finish his tenure, even when it was obvious Jega was working against him, he felt Nigeria was bigger than him. Today, APC does not want to sight opposition. They don’t even think there should be another party and this is not possible in Nigeria.

Specifically, what do you think was wrong with the election? INEC was not able to manage election in Kogi State, it is just because of the nature of the Governor, Capt Idris Wada, that we are able to have relative peace. There was so much provocation, but he always tell people to be calm. To be in office is not the worth of blood of anybody, but we know the amount of arms that were brought into Kogi, we know the thugs that were hired from the South-west and entered here, we know the characters of the leaders of the APC. They promote violence. One thing that Wada will bequeath is peace and tranquility. We know the relative peace that exists among the three senatorial districts while he was governor. If not for him, we would have had what we saw in Bayelsa, outright war, and at the end of the day we had an inconclusive election in Kogi State. Because INEC thought that they had become an extension of the Attorney General’s office, if not we cannot have the situation we have in Kogi State. You are running an election midway, a candidate died, whether he was leading or not leading, when a candidate dies in an election, anybody who is a manager of resources at that his level should have on his own, even without consulting anybody, said because of this event, we cannot continue with this election, we will cancel it and in order to give the party that lost the person another chance we will conduct a fresh one. But because the APC have a frame of mind that there person must win, they have the media support and all that, but it didn’t turn out like that because the death of Prince Abubakar Audu was natural, but before we could know it, the Attorney General gave the advice at a public function that they should ask APC

to bring a substituted candidate without considering the Electoral Law, even for a matter that was not provided for in the constitution and he is chief law officer of the country. He was showing his person, he was showing his partisanship and he belittled the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. A matter that was not even discussed, he had already given opinion and he knows that his opinion will be taken in high esteem and that is where the APC lost it. Now they are going from one illegality to the other in an attempt to cover their failure to prepare for an independent INEC. Against all laws, you are bringing a substituted candidate to continue and election when the Electoral law says that no one can be declared a governor if such person has not participated in all the processes of the election, so how will you bring somebody in supplementary? It will not hold but they want to do impunity and still transfer the votes of a dead man to a living person who has not participated in the election. It shows that we don’t have INEC any more, it shows that APC is not prepared for democracy. I challenged INEC and the REC at the venue of the collation that he has gotten notice from the supposed running mate of the substituted candidate that he is not running with him and you know by law that before a person can be said to have been validly nominated, he must have a running mate, you are in possession of a letter from the man you are putting his name as running mate that was forced on somebody, not nominated by the governorship candidate and you still want to do the election. Bello as of today is not a candidate, he is not a validly nominated candidate because Section 179(2) of the Constitution.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

Some of the women

who made headline in 2015

2015 is gradually winding up. Hersay highlights some of the women who made headlines in their own ways... mansion at Banana Island, Lagos. Now, she is rumoured to be a part of the Dasukigate Largesse.

By Monica Taiwo

ama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Jewel of Inestimable Value, an astute politician, manager of business bowed out few weeks to her centenary birthday. Mama Awolowo till her translation on September 19, 2015 remained the Chairman of the oldest national newspaper in the country, African Newspapers of Nigeria (Plc) Publishers of Tribune titles for 64 years.

Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed is the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Adviser on Post2015 D e velopment Planning. She was appointed to this position on 7 June, 2012 Ms. Mohammed has been working in the field Patience of development for more than 30 years both in the public and private sectors. Prior to her current appointment, she was the CEO and founder of the think tank Centre for Development Policy Solutions. Previously, she worked as senior adviser to the President of Nigeria (late Musa Yardua and Goodluck Jonathan) on Millennium Development Goals for six years. While her assignment lasted, she was in charge of designing and developing government projects to reduce poverty in Nigeria. Between 2002 and 2005, she worked in the United Nations Millennium Project as a coordinator of the Task Force on Gender and Education. In 1991, Ms Mohammed founded AfriProjects Consortium, a multi-disciplinary firm of Engineers and Quantity Surveyors, and from 1991 to 2001 she was its Executive Director. Between 1981 and 1991, she worked with Archcon Nigeria in association with Norman and Dawbarn United Kingdom among others Ms. Mohammed was born in 1961. She has six children. Kemi Adeosun One of the three women who made Buhari’s ministerial list as the Minister of Finance. A finance professional with over 23 years ex-

Viola Davis She made history as the first AfricanAmerican woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, for her work on How to Get Away with Murder.

Aisha

S a r a h Thomas: She became the National Football L e a g u e (NFL)’s first full-time female official in August, but she’s previAmy ously racked in 2015 plenty of other firsts: first woman to officiate a major college game, first woman to officiate a bowl game. She started as a ref for grade-school games and has worked her way up to football’s highest-profile matches—all while raising three kids and working as a full-time pharmaceutical representative.

Mama Awolowo

Kattie Loretta

perience gained in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Mrs. Adeosun is an Economics graduate and a member of the Institutes of Amina Chartered Accountants, England and Wales, as well as Nigeria. Born and bred in London, her father was a civil servant and she is the third of four children. A graduate of Economics from the University of East London. She was a senior manager at the Price Waterhouse Coopers, London. She is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales. Aisha Jummai Alhassan The Minister of Women Affairs. A former Senator representing Taraba North constituency of Taraba State, which she won under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Allison She later defected to All Progressives Congress (APC) and was the governorship candidate for Taraba State for the 2015 general elections. She is hopeful of becoming the first female executive governor in the history of Nigeria as she awaits the judgment in her appeal A lawyer by training, Jummai is the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Taraba State. She was appointed the Chief Registrar of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on 17 December 2003. Linda Ikeji She was off and on in the news this year. Her popular blog was shut down for publishing the wrong story, this was later sorted out. Recently she acquired a multi-million naira

Misty Copeland: Becoming a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre is a nearly impossible task. But becoming the first African-American principal ballerina in the theatre’s 75-year history is barrier-breaking. Misty achieved the honour this year, and she credited her success to her single mother: “Watching my mother fight and sacrifice to give us as much as she could definitely, I feel like, gave me those tools to apply to my life.” U.S. Women’s Soccer Team: They won the World Cup—the first team to do so three times and became instant role models for female athletes all across the U.S. President Obama summed it up best: “They’ve inspired millions of girls to dream bigger.” Loretta Lynch: The U.S. Attorney General is the first African-American woman to hold that office (and only the second woman, after Janet Reno’s 1993–2001 term). Lynch is best known for her civil rights work, and President Obama said she “might be the only lawyer in America who battles mobsters and drug lords and terrorists, and still has the reputation for being a charming ‘people person.” Continues on pg32

32 hersay

Friday, 25 December, 2015

US women team

Viola

Obama

Sarah

Misty

Kemi Continues from pg31

Michelle Obama: Now in her final year as First Lady, of the United states of America, Michelle Obama is not coasting. In October, she announced a $25 million education initiative for girls around the world called Let Girls Learn. She asked for help from leaders at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, noting that there are 62 million girls who need help getting an education, and saying a “woman’s place is truly wherever she wants it to be.” Captain Kristen Griest and 1st Lieutenant Shaye Haver: In August, Griest and Haver became the first women to graduate from the U.S. Army’s grueling Ranger School. That means they passed rigorous physical fitness tests, performed parachute jumps, and learned to survive in the woods with little food and little sleep. Captain Katie Higgins: The Navy’s Blue Angels have been performing death-defying aviation tricks since 1946, but it took until 2015 for them to hire a female pilot. Katie Higgins is a third-generation pilot who says “including a lady on the team . . . just shows little girls and guys that women can do whatever they put their mind to.” Amy Schumer: 2015 was simply Amy Schumer’s Listen to your child’s explanation of his behaviour. Explain your decision and then let him know that your decision is final and it is up to him to live with it. Don’t argue with your child. There is no need to defend your position. Keep your cool even though he has lost his. Never inflict punishment when you are angry. Never apologise for having rules or for enforcing Move on. Once the decision is made, it isn’t up for discussion. There is no reason to keep the emotions of the moment alive by rehashing the issue. Behaviour cannot be ignored Too many parents seem to live by the idea that if you ignore it, it will go away. That might work with a bear in the woods, but it won’t work with bad behaviour. All bad behaviour must be recognised and dealt with in order to establish the habit of good behaviour. What gets rewarded gets done. In the workplace, any behaviour that is rewarded will be repeated. The key is to recognise the behaviour you would like to see repeated and reward them. This is a very simple and effective approach for molding behaviour. It works in the workplace with employees and it works at home with kids. Catch your kid doing the right thing and reward her for it, and that behaviour will be repeated. Do it often enough and the behaviour will become a habit. But that means that you have to be paying attention to all behaviour your kid exhibits. This principle works with good and bad behaviour. That’s right, bad behaviour will be repeated as long as it is rewarded. Now your immediate response is probably, who would reward bad behaviour?” Nearly every parent rewards bad behaviour every single day. How do I know? There is so much bad behaviour. If the bad behaviour wasn’t rewarded, it would cease to exist. Just look around at all the bad behaviour

Ngozi

year. Her (sometimes painfully) honest sketch show won an Emmy. Her semi-autobiographical romantic comedy Trainwreck dominated at the box office. And Madonna tweeted at her “you ARE IN My gang!” What more could a girl want? How about being the first female comedian to headline Madison Square Garden? Schumer’s barrierbreaking show is set for June 23, 2016.

Linda

Olivia Hallisey: The winner of this year’s Google Science Fair was Olivia Hallisey, who at age 16, designed a groundbreaking test for the Ebola virus. Previous tests cost $1,000 and had a 12-hour waiting period. Hallisey’s solution is cheap, delivers results in 30 minutes, and doesn’t require a medical professional or refrigeration— truly a lifesaving invention.

Diezani Alison-Madueke Diezani Alison-Madueke was the first woman to hold the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria, and in October 2010 she became the first woman to head a country delegation at the annual OPEC conference. She was also the first female Minister of Transportation, and the first woman to be appointed to the board of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria. On 27 November 2014, she was elected as the first female President of OPEC. Recently, Alison-Madueke was allegedly arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA), London along with five others on suspicion of bribery and corruption offences.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist best known for her two terms as Finance Minister of Nigeria and for her work at the World Bank, including several years as one of its Managing Directors. Recently, she got an appointment as chairman of the 28th member Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI). She also joined the 167-year-old Global Sovereign Advisory Investment firm, Lazard as Senior Advisor.

Aisha Buhari: Aisha Buhari wife of President Muhammadu Buhari; 44, hails from Adamawa. A professional and an alumnus of the famous Ahmadu Bello university where she earned a Bachelors in Public Administration. Her quest for more education took her into the field of Physiotherapy and beauty therapy. She is also an alumnus of the famous Carlton Institute of London and the ACADEMY Esthetique Beauty. Additional report Google

Parenting

that behavior will stop. So next time you tell your kid no and he throws himself ‘on’ the floor, walk away and don’t pay any attention to him. Is that hard to do? It can be. But if you want to alter the behaviour, you need to remove the reward. No reward—no behaviour. However, remember what I covered in the communications section. Sometimes kids act inappropriately because they have not been shown the appropriate way to act. Ask yourself: Has the appropriate behaviour been explained? Demonstrated? Enforced? Or did I just expect my child to know how to behave in every situation? Granted, you can’t teach every appropriate behaviour ahead of time because you don’t know every situation that will come up, but good behaviour that is taught, explained, demonstrated and enforced will spill over into other new situations. But don’t expect your child to be a mind reader. And don’t expect your child to demonstrate the correct behaviour when you continually act as a role model for bad behaviour.

The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

cryonmenow@yahoo.com

Principles for handling conflict with your kid and know that somewhere that behaviour is being rewarded, otherwise it would go away. Your kid throws a tantrum because he doesn’t get his way. Why is the kid throwing the tantrum? To get your attention. He falls on the ground and screams and cries and you pull him up and yell and scold him and threaten him. You may even give in to his demands and let him have what he wants in order to get him to stop his bad behaviour. PLAYING BINGO GAME ! He wins. You have rewarded the behaviour. Whether you give in or not, the minute he got your attention, which is all he wanted by throwing the tantrum in the first place, he won. You rewarded the behaviour and you taught him a valuable lesson: If I throw a tantrum, I’ll get Mama’s attention. If I scream and cry, Daddy will give in. Because you taught this lesson to your child, you can expect to see it repeated often. That little darling of yours is going to throw a tantrum every time he doesn’t get his way because when he does, he becomes the centre of attention. The minute that doesn’t work any longer,

Discipline in the real world Kids require discipline at home. They have to learn what is allowed and what isn’t. They have to learn what the boundaries are at home in order to be able to handle the boundaries put on them by the rest of the world. If your kid can’t handle the laws of your household, how will she react to the laws of the land? If your kid isn’t able to handle discipline as a child at home, how will she handle discipline at school? Or as an adult in a work environment? Answer: She won’t. Ill-behaved children who abuse or disrespect the authority of their parents will disrespect the authority of their teachers and their bosses. If you don’t impose and enforce compliance with your wishes as a parent you are dooming your child’s future at school and ruining her chances of being productive in the real world.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

With Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

thekitchen

Turkey for a change

Treat your family to something different and tantalising this Christmas. Try the turkey delight, all you need is a whole fresh turkey and follow this receipe. Ingredients · approx. 6 litres water · 1 large orange or 2 smaller (quartered) · 125grammes table salt · 3 tablespoons black peppercorns · 1 cinnamon stick · 1 tablespoon caraway seeds

· 4 cloves · 2 tablespoons allspice berries · 4 star anise · 2 tablespoons white mustard seeds · 200 grammes sugar · 2 onions (unpeeled and quartered) · 1 x 6 cm piece of fresh root ginger (unpeeled and cut into 6 slices) · 4 tablespoons maple syrup · 4 tablespoons runny honey · Stalks from 1 bunch fresh parsley · 1 x 5.5 kilogrammes turkey

the fridge (or straightaway set about making the stock for the gravy), then add the bird to the liquid, topping up with more water if it is not completely submerged. Keep covered in a cold place, even outside overnight or for up to a day or two before you cook it, remembering to take it out of its liquid (and wipe it dry with kitchen paper) 1-2 hours before it has to go into the oven. Heat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6/400ºF. Melt the goose fat (or butter) and maple syrup together slowly over a low heat. Paint the turkey with the For the basting glaze · 75 grammes goose fat (or butter) · 3 tablespoons maple syrup Put the water into your largest cooking pot or a bucket or plastic bin. Squeeze the juice from the orange quarters into the water before you chuck the husks in, then add all the other ingredients, stirring to combine the salt, sugar, syrup and runny honey. Remove any string or trussing from the turkey, shake it free, remove the giblets, if not already done, and put them in

DO-It-Yourself Drivers’ punch Ingredients · 100g cranberry · 100ml/3½fl oz cranberry juice · 500ml blood orange juice (Sanguinello) · juice of 1 lime · thin wedges of lime · thin wedges of orange · mint sprigs · 600ml sparkling apple juice drink Method Put the cranberries into a medium size, rigid freezer container, cover with water (by about 2.5cm), freeze until solid. Mix the cranberry juice in a large jug (about 1.5 litre) with

the orange and lime juices. To serve, smash the sheet of frozen cranberries into shareds and put in the bottom of eight highball glasses. Put a wedge of lime and orange and a mint sprig in each glass, then pour in the mixed fruit juices and top up with Appletise.

glaze before roasting in the oven, and baste periodically throughout the cooking time. Roast for 2½ hours.When you think it’s ready, pierce the turkey with the point of a sharp knife where the body meets the leg, and if the juices run clear, it’s cooked; if still pink, cook for longer time until they run clear, or use a meat thermometer. Then, take the turkey out of the oven, and let it sit, tented with foil, for 20 to 40 minutes or even longer if you like, as I do.

How to keep its leftovers

Put health and safety first when dealing with meat. Let your cooked turkey completely cool, then refrigerate at the first opportunity – within 90 minutes is best. Don’t leave your turkey hanging around all afternoon as it may become unsafe to eat. Bear this in mind before heading for your post-feasting nap… Leftover turkey should be eaten within two days, so if you don’t think you’ll get through it in time stick it in the freezer in portions. If you do freeze your turkey for a later date, make sure it’s wrapped properly or put in a sealed container to avoid freezer burn. It’s also good to use sticky labels to add dates and descriptions to your frozen goods. If you’re storing your leftover cooked turkey in the fridge, place it on the middle shelf along with all your other ready-to-eat foods. Save the bottom shelf for raw meat and fish.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

heartcopy

Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724 (sms only) @taiwomonica

Picture: Google.com

I’m losing my head, home and world! Please, help me

EAR Taiwo, I am short of words and very unhappy. I have always tried to be a good mother to my children and the Lord of host will bear me witness that I tried to train them by laying good example, taught them with the fear of God, honour and honesty. I have never thought that one day, I and my family would be at anyone’s mercy for survival, because my husband from the onset was a hardworking man who spared no expense to make sure that we had the best of everything. You may not understand the reason why I am so unhappy; I will tell my story so that you and your readers will help me out. I am a mother of three, two girls and a boy; the first two are girls and in my mid 50’s. I have always prayed that all will be well with my family and I. I met my husband through his best friend who happened to be my elder brother’s friend. My husband and Lani his best friend have been friends from primary school and remained so till date, but for this situation that is threatening to tear them apart, if my husband should learn about it. Like I stated earlier, my husband and Lani are so close that they studied the same course in the university and when they finished, instead of searching for jobs, they started their own engineering firm. God blessed them and their business thrived. Because of the close relationship between our husbands, Lani’s wife and I became close too and almost inseparable. We always stood by each other. I was there for her throughout the time she was waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb and when her baby came at about

the time my second daughter, Grace came, we nursed the girls together. Our children attended the same school and we did things together until about three years ago, when my husband fell ill. He suffered a stroke as a result of high blood pressure. We all rallied round to make sure he got well, but before we know what happened, his situation got worse. Because of his condition, he became inactive in the business. Initially, I thought things would change, but Lani and his family has been wonderful until recently. My husband’s friend made sure we got all we needed and despite the fact that my husband has not been active in the business, he gives him his share just like when he was active. Like I stated earlier, my second daughter is about the same age as Lani’s only child, because of this, both are really close and inseparable. Many times she sleeps over in their house which is just next door and vice versa. They are both in the same private university and the same year. I also give it to Lani’s wife; Grace, she has been like a sister and she has been there, but I noticed that recently, her attitude towards my second daughter changed. I didn’t want to ask because she has always treated her like her own daughter and if she has any reason to scold her, I believe she should. I really didn’t know there was much to it until my first daughter called my attention to it. All the girls were home from school about three weeks ago, and my first daughter told me that she suspects that her younger sister has a relationship with uncle Lani. I almost slapped her, but controlled myself

and listened to her. She also said she suspected that her younger sister was pregnant. I couldn’t get over the shock until they all went back to school. I kept a watchful eye on my second daughter, I noticed that she did not go to the next house, she was busy with her phone pinging, giggling and replying messages. At a point, I became angry with her, and asked her to leave my presence. I also got the shock of my life, when I entered her room the day they were returning to school; she was dressing up and I noticed some physical changes in her. I was not comfortable, so I went to meet her in school the following day. She couldn’t lie. She confessed she has been sleeping with her father’s friend and she is actually two months pregnant. My world crashed, I asked if Grace knew, she said she suspected her and warned her. I guess that is the reason for the change in attitude, but Grace should have called my attention, or could she have thought I knew? I went straight to meet Lani in the office when I left my daughter’s school. He knew what I came to talk about and prostrated to beg me. I didn’t know what to say or do. I left. He phoned to ask me to plead with my daughter to abort the pregnancy. I was shocked, because apparently, if my daughter had agreed to an abortion earlier, I wouldn’t have known. My husband must not hear this for goodness sake. It will kill him. What will I do, how do I look at Grace in the face after all she has done. What happens to my daughter, she is just 18, and same age as Lanis daughter. Is abortion an option? Please help me out. Dotun

Friday, 25 December, 2015

arewa

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd right); Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai and other dignitaries at the Kaduna Festival.

Kaduna Festival: Buhari commends musicians, artistes Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

HE maiden edition of Kaduna Music Festival (KADAMFEST) which was held last week attracted many local musicians and artistes from the state and other parts of the North. The festival, which was sponsored by corporate bodies without a penny from the state government, was held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, President Muhammadu Buhari, while declaring the festival open, expressed joy to be at the event and thanked the local musicians and artistes for contributing to APC victory during the just concluded polls. The president said: “The story of 2015 cannot be honestly told without acknowledging the contributions of creative people to the APC’s success.” Buhari added that while many politicians made efforts to mobilise people to make the success of 2015 possible, the Nigerian artistes made a massive contribution to public enlightenment. “Many actors, musicians and writers, from different strands and in various styles, drew Nigerians to the banner of change. In speaking the language of the peo-

ple, enlightening and mobilising them with words and images they could understand, I doubt if any politician surpassed the likes

of Dauda Rara and other musicians. “The artistes gave hope to our people and persuaded them to

believe that things could really change. “Musicians and actors across the length and breadth of Nigeria

mobilized the citizenry to stand up for peaceful, orderly and transparent elections. Speaking at the occasion, governor Nasiru el-rufai, remarked that though there were divergent views about the event, it was meant to honour a segment of the society who believe in us. Meanwhile, one of the leading lights of Hausa music, Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rara told Arewa that the festival was a huge success as it was able to attract many musicians and artistes across the country. The singer of the popular song “Masu Gudu su Gudu” also thanked Governor Nasir El-rufai for creating the conducive environment for the KADAMFEST to hold.

CREW

President Buhari declaring the festival open

Husband abandons Kaduna community, mother of twins monarch at war over in hospital mining site —pg36

—pg36

Sabiu Muhammed - Kaduna 08067698878 mohsabiu@yahoo.com Isaac Shobayo - Jos 08037032359 shobayo.isaac@gmail.com Biola Azeez – Kwara State 08034276889 biolababes@gmail.com Yinka Oladoyinbo —Lokoja 08033506541 James Bwala – Borno / Yobe 08069596659 jamesbwala97@gmail.com

36 arewa

Friday, 25 December, 2015

Kaduna community, monarch at war over mining site Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna AN unspecified, huge quantity of solid mineral deposits discovered in a Kaduna community has put the Ugara-Kpang (Nkojo) community and their second class monarch, Ere Koro1, Mr Yohanna Akaito of Koro Chiefdom at loggerheads. Arewa findings revealed that the crisis started when the traditional ruler indicated his interest in mining on a piece of land in the community. Thus the community people were not happy over the said development. In a meeting comprising youths and elders of the community, they directed the Village Head, Mr Bako Madaki, to write a letter to the monarch against the impending danger of mining in the area. The letter dated November 16th, 2015 and entitled, ‘Letter of Appeal’, read in part: “We write to appeal against the mining exercise about to be conducted in the above named village. “His Royal Highness, it has come to our notice that some group of miners piloted by you came to conduct some mining exercise on an area that is not far from the village settlement. “Looking at the proximity of the proposed mining sites and the village settlement, we the people of Ugara-Kpang (Nkojo), both

Nasir El-rufai, Kaduna State governor at home and outside, elders and youths, after meeting on 14th November 2015, have resolved that the above exercise will be hazardous and treacherous to the local residents because it will create deep holes that will be dangerous to the children and domestic animals. “It will also expose the land to gully erosion, and agricultural activities cannot be carried out in that area thereby exposing the citizens to economic hardships.

“Since the exercise will be dangerous to the people living in that area, to continue with the mining will distort their peace and create a chaotic scene. “In the light of the above, the community is appealing to the above named authority to stop or desist from this exercise as peace and equanimity is the quest of the present administration. “Sir, we hope that our letter of remonstration would be given due consideration, please”. “The mineral deposits, it was gathered, if given full blown mining into the belly of the earth, will lead to displacement and relocation of an entire village, which may render the inhabitants homeless and farmless”, the statement concluded. This is the predicament the inhabitants of Ugara-Kpang (Nkojo) community, Shadalafiya district, in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State found themselves. However, when Arewa contacted the monarch, Mr Yohanna Akaito, over the issue, he said he had 26 licences that gave him the mandate to mine in any part of the country , stressing that what he intended to do was not illegal. “Mining is my life. I don’t have any job apart from it. Moreso, I have been doing it (mining) even before I became a monarch. Findings by Arewa gathered that the cri-

Husband abandons mother of twins in hospital Biola Azeez - Ilorin

private hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State, has detained a mother of a set of twins for over a month for non-payment of hospital bill after

delivery. The 25-year-old hairdresser, Mrs Falilat Abdulkareem, has, therefore, called on well meaning Nigerians to come to her assistance in the payment of the hospital bills of her new born twins. Mrs Falilat Abdulkareem is being held at Temitope Hospital, Sabo Line Isale, Ilorin, Kwara State, for her inability to pay the N150, 000 hospital bill after the chief medical officer of the hospital took the delivery of her babies through surgery operation. It was gathered that the hospital management embarked on the treatment without collecting any deposit payment from her due to the critical condition she was said to have been brought into the hospital. “We went to four different hospitals and they were rejecting me because of money despite my critical condition, before someone later described Temitope Hospital to us, and immediately we arrived at the Hospital and they saw my condition, the Chief Medical Doctor, Dr Shittu, quickly directed his staff to attend to me and take me to the delivery room”, she said. The mother of the twins said that her husband, Mr Saheed Afolabi, who is a welder by trade, and an indigene of Iwo town in Osun State, had abandoned her ever before the delivery period. She cited misunderstanding she had with her mother-in-law, saying that when she called her phone number that she was in the hospital for maternity delivery, he did not show any care for her not to talk of taking responsibility of the hospital bills. She also said that Saheed had been on the

run ever since. The abandoned mother also made it known that her mother had to go around town to beg for money, adding that they had been spending the proceeds to survive at the hospital and feeding the babies. “And all that she is getting is not even

enough for feeding. I would appreciate whatever amount you donate to help my condition and save the newborn. So, to donate, you can visit the Hospital at Sabo Line Isale , Ilorin or contact me on 08143196764. Or pay into Temitope Hospital GTBank 0034889618.

sis had further degenerated into the suspension of the village head by the monarch, a move into the community is considered unacceptable. An elder, who pleaded for anonymity, told Arewa: ‘How can he suspend our village head when he did not act alone. The entire community mandated him to write to the monarch. However, the second class ruler insisted that the decision to suspend the village head was taken by the Council because they viewed his action as being disloyal to the throne.

Undp charges Nigerians, corporate organisations to invest in youth Isaac Shobayo - Jos UNITED Nations Development Programme has called on well meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, government and private sector to invest in young people of the North East through empowering them with requisite capacities to overcome their plight and all odds confronting them as a result of insurgency. The UNDP Peace and Development Adviser, Dr Zebulun Takwa, made the call at the opening ceremony of the second batch of orientation programme for the beneficiaries of the UNDP-led livelihood support programme for the North East at the Leadership Institute in Jos, Plateau State. He said this would go a long way to entrench peace and stability in Nigeria, adding that the way to sustainable peace lay in addressing the developmental challenges in the region, in addition to military operations. According to him, the key need of displaced population identified by the UNDP include quest for employment, shelter, debris clearing and sanitation of contaminated wells and environment, socio economic integration for women and vulnerable population, adding that the training instituted by UNDP was aimed at addressing some of the areas of need. Dr Takwa commended the government of Norway that provided the financial support for the initiative and charged eminent Nigerians and other international organizations for more support for the programme. In his address, the UNDP Peace Building and Conflict Prevention Analyst, Mr Matthew Alao, said by 2016, UNDP would mobilise donors to meet the need of youths in the North East, adding that Japan had indicated interest in this regard. The analyst further charged the government at all levels in Nigeria especially in the North East to be more committed to the welfare of youths in their respective states especially those displaced as a result of Boko Haram insurgencies. “The UNDP is trying its best, but there must be commitment from the state governments, they have a role to play by complementing UNDP efforts. The beneficiaries would train in auto mechanic and would be supported with take-off equipment. We are employing the state governments to key into this to make it a huge success” he charged. He commended the efforts of the government at federal and state levels and the determination to leave no stone unturned in ending the insurgency and suffering it had inflicted on the people.

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Friday, 25 December, 2015

Perpetrators of election violence won’t go unpunished —Dickson

Aisha Buhari donates food to IDPs in Maiduguri

Austin Ebipade -Yenagoa BAYELSA State governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson, has assured the people of the state that persons fingered in the electoral violence that marred the conduct of the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and other parts of the state, on December 5 and 6, 2015, will not be spared by the full weight of the law, regardless of party lines. Dickson expressed dismay over the manner the issue was being handled by the relevant security agencies, disclosing that people alleged to have killed and maimed in Brass Local Government Area, were yet to be arrested and charged to court. Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa, the Governor lamented that while some persons were already facing prosecution, others were freely going about the streets, adding that this might pose a threat to the security of the state. He said prior to the conduct of the election, the state government had raised the alarm over the upsurge in criminal activities, which he attributed to the desperation of some governorship candidates in the state. According to him, there is a correlation between the tempo in governorship election and the rise in criminal activities, noting that and people hide under the garb of politics to perpetrate crime and other related vices. “Everyone knows what we have been able to achieve in the area of law and order. This is not just me or the government or security agencies observing, but it is an account that everybody, who is a Bayelsan will tell you that the moment the presidential elections were concluded and the other party became victorious, elements who are on the other side developed governorship ambitions and that immediately impacted on the security and law and order of the state. “The conduct of their primaries was characterized by violence. Once there is a lapse in enforcement of law and order and once people take the law for granted, people hide under the garb of politics to procure arms and ammunition as part of their election preparations,” the Governor said.

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Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (second right); his wife, Edith (right); Senator James Manager (left) and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Ehidu, during a thanksgiving service to mark his victory at Appeal Court, at the Government House Chapel, Asaba.

Appeal Court upholds Okowa’s victory Judgment a Christmas gift —Okowa From Sunday Ejike and Alphonsus Agborh

ELTA State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, defeated his arch rivals, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru of the Labour Party (LP) and Olorogun Otega Emerhor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, dismissed all the appeals that emanated from the

judgment of the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Asaba, which uphled his victory at the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial election, held in the state. The five-member panel of Justices of the appealltae court headed by Justice Uwani Abba-aji, while dismissing the appeals against the judgment of the tribunal which affirmed Okowa’s election, held that the appellate failed to prove the allegation of malpractices,

which they said, marred the election. .The five-member panel of the court dismissed the appeals on the ground that the appellants failed at the lower tribunal to prove the allegations of corruption, malpractices and irregularities beyond reasonable doubts as required by law. The appellate court held that although the appellants in their petitions alleged over-voting at the trial of their petition, they failed to

suspected sea pirates, explained that the suspects and the ammunitions recovered would remain in their custody for preliminary investigation; and thereafter, they would be handed over to the prosecuting agencies. Meanwhile, the OPS Commander, Major General Alani Okunlola, represented by media spokesman, Colonel Isa Ado read the successes recorded in 2015, saying manhunt against oil theft was sustained in line with zero tolerance campaign on illegal bunkerers and oil theft in the region in compliance with military leadership at the national level. Also, the spate of sea pirates activities have resulted in the death of one person, while six others suffered severe injuries. The incident occurred when a gang of seven pirates attacked a local boat, killing a 25-years-old man simply identified as ThankGod, leaving six crew members severely injured in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa

State. The killing that occurred on Thursday, had heightened tension in the council area, according to a surviving crew member who spoke with newsmen in Yenagoa. Continuing, the source said the incident happened on the Boma rice farm axis of the Brass/Ogbia/Yenagoa route. Also, the manager of the boat, Mr Kemelayefa Gabriel, said that six crew members and himself were on their way to Yenagoa from Brass, after the close of work for the year, when the hoodlums struck and snuffed out life from ThankGod. He explained that when they got to Borma rice farm axis of the Brass/ Ogbia/Yenagoa route, a speedboat conveying seven armed men suspected to be pirates came out from a narrow creek and started shooting at the boat. He added that while the shooting lasted a bullet hit ThankGod in the head leading to his death on the spot.

OPS arrests 5 sea pirates, 2 illegal bunkerers in Bayelsa •As pirates kill 1, injure 6 Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

THE men of Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) in the Niger Delta region, on Thursday, arrested five suspected sea pirates and two illegal bunkerers unleashing mayhem in the creeks, dispossessing traders of their valuable items and sabotaging the economy in Bayelsa State. The suspected sea robbers are: Gabriel Abel, Ebiarede Godday, Samson Ezekiel, Gift Enihus and Richard Christain. Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, the Coordinator, Joint Media Centre of the OPS, Colonel Isah Ado said the Troops of Sector 2 OPS while patrolling Sangala Creek in Southern Ijaw Council’s Area apprehended the suspected sea pirates and illegal bunkerers. He noted that the items recovered from them includes, four short guns, four cartridges, 12 mobile handsets and other personal belongings. Ado, who paraded the

produce the voter register to substantiate their claims. The appellants had in their petitions alleged that the election of Governor Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was invalid because it was characterised by irregularities and noncompliance with the Electoral Act. Meanwhile, Governor Okowa, on Thursday, urged his opponents to join hands with him in moving the state forward, just as he described the ruling of the Court of Appeal which upheld his election as a perfect Christmas gift for the people of the state. Speaking with reporters shortly after an emergency thanksgiving service in the Government House, Asaba following the judgment that was delivered in Abuja, he thanked the people of the state for their kindness and support through prayers, saying that it had been a spiritual battle and physical struggle in human flesh. “This is a perfect Christmas gift for Deltans. I believe that Deltans must be very excited because the truth is that they trooped out on April 11 to cast their votes and the courts have continued to upheld their wishes. By God’s grace, we will not let Delta State down,” the governor said. Also in a related development, the Speaker, Delta State Assembly, Honourable Monday Igbuya, on Thursday, congratulated Dr Okowa on his victory at the Court of Appeal, just as he praised the judiciary for remaining the bastion of democracy and the hope of the electorate, especially the good people of Delta State.

WIFE of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has donated food to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Dalori Camp in Maiduguri, where more than 21,000 victims of insurgency are living. The president’s wife made the donation at Dolari Camp in Maiduguri, on Wednesday. She said the Federal Government had been making efforts to end insurgency soon, so that they could relocate to their various homes. Aisha said she would continue to assist IDPs by donating food and other essential items to reduce their suffering. The donated food items are rice, semovita, cooking oil, seasonings, plastic, milk, juice, among others. Wife of the Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said the visit of Mrs Buhari had given the state a sense of belonging.

Oke-Ogun PDP stakeholders laud party over reconciliation of members THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, have lauded the efforts of the party in its reconciliatory move at uniting members in the area This was contained in a communiqué issued and signed by party stakeholders, after a meeting in Saki, Saki West Local Government Area, on Tuesday. Among the party chieftains at the meeting are Alhaji Oladele Saminu, Olorunsogo Local Government Area; Alhaji Azeez Sule Tunde, Iseyin Local Government Area; Alhaji Adegoke Saliu, Irepo Local Government Area; Iyiola Sunday, Kajola Local Government Area; Feyintola Solomon, Iwajowa Local Government and Adebunmi Rasaki from Orelope Local Government Area. The party chieftains said that the door of the party is open to all aggrieved members who had hitherto left the party for certain reasons They also resolved that, henceforth, members should continue to hold meetings in their wards and constituencies for the progress and development of the party.

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Friday, 25 December, 2015

Nigerian armed forces capable of tackling terrorism —Ganduje Kola Oyelere - Kano

overnor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces to tackle insurgency and restore peace in the entire North East region of the country. The governor made the assertion while receiving a Senate delegation led by Bala Ibn-Na’Alla, who was in the state to commiserate with the state government and victims of the recent bomb attack which led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property at the GSM Market, Farm Centre, in Kano metropolis. According to him,the renewed war against terrorism in the country is recording remarkable success, thanked the Senate for providing an enabling environment for President Buhari to achieve success in tackling security challenges in the country as well as his war against corruption. In this regard, he thanked members of the delegation

for sharing in their moments of grief, adding that the State Government has accepted the condolence visit, assuring that the N2 million donations from the Senate would be judiciously utilized to alleviate the suf-

ferings of the victims. In addition, Ganduje assured that the GSM market would be not only be rehabilitated but fortified to protect it from attacks by people with evil intentions. The governor used the oc-

Opadotun, on behalf of the union congratulated the Ooni and called for joint effort at ensuring remarkable reign of the king. He, however, prayed for a successful tenure of the king. In a remark, the Ooni of

Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who was represented by the Loodoko Adumula of Ife, Chief Oluwole Bode-Thomas, promised industrialisation and infrastructural development in Ife land. The initiator and chair-

man of the organising committee, Mr Tunde Abiodun, said the get together was as a result of the need to entertain well wishers after wide congratulatory messages from them immediately after the coronation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rendered invalid certificates of return issued to three members of Plateau State House of Assembly following nullifications of their elections by the Appeal Tribunal in Jos, Plateau State. The affected lawmakers include Mwansat Istifanus Caleb, PDP, Pankshin

The event was witnessed by Ife indigenes from within and outside Oyo State, as well as well wishers. The highlight of the event was the presentation of talking drum as gift to the Ooni of Ife.

Brief

Sanctuary of Christ Evangelical Church to hold crusade, transition vigil

Activities marking the end of the year crusade of Sanctuary of Christ Evangelical Church, Ibadan will begin from Sunday, December 27 to Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the church auditorium, Olabiyi Agoro Street, Semi-N-Bio Bus Stop, opposite CAC Grammar School, Lagos, Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan at 5.00 pm. prompt. The crusade, tagged: “Power as of Old,” which is annual event, will be followed by a transition vigil to usher in the New Year on Thursday, December 31, 2015 by 9.00 p.m. till dawn at the church auditorium. A statement issued by the presiding Pastor of the church and chief host, Dr Gbade Ojo, said the programme would be attended by ministers of God like Dr E.O. Falade, Evangelist Poju Johnson, Pastor Peter Akanji and Rev Dele Oluwagbemiro. Other ministers of God include Evangelist Tope Olutokun (lIe-Ife) and Pastor Joel Ajibola (Lagos). The programme will also witness song ministration from Lady Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaye, Lady Evangelist Bose Adeiwa, Lady Evangelist Opeyemi Oyekanmi and a host of others.

We paid off N17b bond in 2014 —Kwara govt Biola Azeez - Ilorin The Kwara State government has said that it has paid off the N17 billion infrastructure bond obtained in 2009 even as it prepares to obtain a fresh N20billion bond for new projects. The state government, in a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin, on Thursday, by senior special assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Dr Muyideen Akorede, said the N17 billion bond was fully paid on August 5, 2014 following prompt payment to subscribers throughout the

bond’s five year tenure. The government insisted that repayment of the N17 billion bond, which was obtained by the previous administration of Dr Bukola Saraki, did not impose any undue burden on the state’s finances as the bond maintained at issue rating of A and issuer rating of BBB- which signified the superior credit profile of the Kwara State government. The statement listed the N17 billion bond projects as Kwara State University, Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre, The

International Aviation College, remodelling of Ilorin Stadium Complex, phase one of Ilorin Water Reticulation Project, the Ilorin Cargo Terminal, as well as various urban and rural road and electrification projects. Stressing that long term borrowing such as bonds are cheaper and more reliable means of funding major capital projects, the state government maintained than the proposed N20 billion would finance innovative projects such as dualisation of Michael Imoudu to Ganmo Road,

Inec invalidates 3 Plateau lawmakers certificates’ of return Isaac Shobayo - Jos

Senate delegation, Bala Ibn-Na’Alla, disclosed that Senators were in the state to commiserate with the state government and victims of the recent bomb attack which led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property.

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola (left), presenting the state emblem to the Archbishop of Ilesa Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Reverend Amos Akindeko and his wife, Mrs Lola Akindeko, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House, Osogbo.

Oyo NUJ honours Ooni

The Oyo State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with Indigenes of Ile-Ife who are in the pen profession in the state, on Wednesday, organised a reception in honour of the newly installed Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. The reception, which was organised in collaboration with some eminent sons and daughters of the ancient city took place at the NUJ secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Speaking on the rationale behind the reception, the chairman of the union, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun, described the reception as the first since the emergence of the royal father, adding that the reception was to show the support of the union to the new monarch in recognition of his zeal to ensure the development of the town and Yoruba land in general.

casion to disclose that the State is the first among other states’ to present its 2016 budget in the government’s efforts of piloting the state to a higher level of political and economic development. Earlier, the leader of the

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South; Mrs Alice Asaije Dimlong, APC, Pankshin North and Vincent Bulus, PDP, Langtan South. According to a letter written to the Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Peter Azi and obtained by Nigerian Tribune in Jos, on Thursday, INEC said it decided to invalidate the lawmakers’ certificates of Return based on the judgment of Jos Judicial Division of the Court of Appeal

which nullified their elections on December 5, 2015. INEC’s letter, which was signed by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Godwin M. Kwanga and dated December 14, 2015 stressed that “the effect of these judgments is that the Certificates of Return issued to the members representing these constituencies are no longer valid. “The commission shall

conduct and conclude elections in respect of these constituencies within 90 days as ordered by the court.” A source close to INEC disclosed that it was forced to issue the letter as a result of the refusal of the leadership of the House to vacate their seats and for allowing the ousted lawmakers to continue with their legislative functions in violation of the court of Appeal judgment.

part-completion of KishiKaiama Road, the indoor sports Hall of Ilorin Stadium and the new campuses for Kwara State University at Osi and Ilesa. Other proposed projects are new secondary school classrooms across the state, equipment for the International Vocational Centre, Ajase Ipo, remodelling of General Hospital, Oro as well as cottage hospitals, the state’s counterpart funding for an Industrial Park which will generate 3000 local jobs, provision of electricity transformers and take-off of Contributory Pension scheme which is a precondition for accessing other infrastructure funds. He also said that the proposed bond was a necessity given the challenges in the national economy and huge drop in monthly allocation, which has limited government’s ability to fund new infrastructure, as well as the urgent need to begin closing the Kwara Infrastructure Gap which is estimated at more than N200 billion.

Pastor Gbade Ojo

Abandoned baby This is to inform the general public that the underlisted baby is abandoned within Ibadan metropolis. A baby boy of about 2 months old was abandoned at Akala Oke Ibadan Estate, Akobo Area, Ibadan on 22/10/2015.

Anybody with useful information that could lead to the discovery of his parent or relative should please contact the Principal Social Welfare Officer, Ibadan Ibarapa Zonal Social Welfare Office, Iyaganku, Ibadan or the nearest Police Station.

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Friday, 25 December, 2015

Shiites frown on demolition of El-Zakzaky’s residence, centre Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

HE Shiite Movement in Nigeria has expressed concern over the demolition of properties belonging to the sect by the Kaduna State Urban Property and Development Agency (KASUPDA). This was contained in a

press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna and signed by the spokesperson of the Movement, Mallam Ibrahim Musa. The statement noted “it has come to our notice that the Kaduna State Governor has ordered KASUPDA to demolish all the properties belonging to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

“KASUPDA under the protection of security agents razed to the ground what remained of our Husainiyya Islamic centre. “We are particularly irked by the demolition of our newly bought property adjacent the Husainiyya, former NTC compound, on Wednesday. “That compound has

been in existence since the colonial times. Governor el Rufai didn’t stop at that, his government’s KASUPDA demolished our Fudiyya Islamic centre, where we were holding our Islamic programmes before relocating to Husainiyya, about five years ago. “That building was also duly occupied by us and

Pictures posted on the website of the organisation, islamicmovement.org, shows houses belonging to the Shiites destroyed by caterpillars.

INC demands implementation of UNEP report on Ogoniland THE Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on the Federal Government to implement the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and other affected oil producing communities. This is contained in a communiqué issued on Thursday by the INC at the end of its two-day Retreat and Stakeholders Summit in Warri, Delta State. INC also demanded that issues bordering on the take-off of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta be addressed urgently. The congress, chaired by Chief Edwin Clark, also demanded that ethnic nationalities should form the basis of a true Nigerian federation. While pledging support for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the INC urged the Federal Government to address the issue of insecurity in the country. It bemoaned the inability of the government to address the negative impact of oil exploration on health, economy, culture and environment of the Ijaw people. The Secretary-General of INC, Mr Bibobra Orubebe said the summit had afforded the people better under-

standing of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in all its ramifications. The News Agency of

Nigeria (NAN), reports that more than 1,000 Ijaw men, women, and youths drawn from 78 Ijaw clans,

traditional institutions, professional and socio-political bodies among others attended the event.

Clergy who survived motor accident celebrates God at 50th birthday By Tunde Ogunesan

BISHOP Abiodun Adeniji, while celebrating his 50th birthday, on Thursday, said the celebration was a way to appreciate God’s goodness for making him survive an accident, which involved two luxury buses around Asejire, Ibadan, 10 years ago, while on his way from Abuja. Bishop Adeniji, who made this revelation while giving testimony during his birthday thanksgiving service, held at the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, added that, “today would have been a 10-year memorial service for me. I give glory to God because he turned it to a birthday service. I am indebted to God, who has given me the privilege to know and serve him. “This is the first time I will ever celebrate my birthday and I thank God for giving me the reason to celebrate. I want to thank God for the first half and I believe that the second half will be more glorious.” The revelation of his survival was first made known to the audience by the Pre-

siding Bishop Christ Life Church, the Sword of the Spirit Ministry, Bishop Wale Oke before offering special prayers for the celebrant and his wife. Bishop Oke personally led the congregation to sing various thanksgiving choruses. In his message, themed “A time to Reflect,” Pastor Kehinde Ajibola admonished

the celebrant to “Always set your eyes on God.” “Let the Lord be at centre of your life. Be current with God. Don’t think about your disappointments or failure. The devil can throw many darts at you, but continue to set the Lord bfore you and he will go with you during the second half of your life,” Pastor Ajibola added.

Group urges Shittu to uphold his renowned personality A group, Democrats, has urged Nigeria’s Minster of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, to uphold his straightforward and pious personality. The group, led by Mr Lanre Tijani, gave this charge when they hosted Shittu to a prayer session at Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan, on Saturday. Regarding Shittu’s recent appointment as a manifestation of Allah’s faithfulness, the group harped on the need for Shittu not to jeopardise the trust reposed in him by President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the people of the

state. According to Tijani, the Democrats deemed it fit not only to celebrate Shittu, but also to rally the needed support for the task ahead. Tijani, a Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), maintained that Shittu had remained a remarkable leader and achiever from his days as a CPC leader, till date. Shittu, in his response, had assured members of the Democrats that their labour and steadfastness overtime would not be in vain.

was built by the owner over 30 years ago. It was in the midst of other people’s houses. “KASUPDA demolished the family house of Sheikh Zakzaky wherein the remains of his mother, who died a year ago, lie. The house is located in Jushi quarters of Tudunwada Zaria. “We condemn this act of brutality against the Islamic movement. This atrocity is a pointer to the fact that, while the government is busy telling the public that they want peace to prevail after the massacre, but at the same time it is out to provoke us more. “We believe if the government is truly searching for avenues for peaceful resolution to this crisis, the government should be seen by all to be following due process in whatever breach they are accusing the Movement. “We are calling on the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el Rufai, to desist from exploiting our patience and endurance and stop further destruction of our properties,” the statement read. Reacting to the demolition, the state governor, Mallam Nasiru el Rufai had said during a state broadcast that the said properties, which the Shiite were talking about was acquired illegally. He said there was an attempt by previous government sometimes in 2005 to retrieve the properties but later the government of that day shelved the idea. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has warned members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria led by Ibrahim Zakzaky, to desist from making “misleading comment” capable of breaching peace and order. Sani Usman, army spokesman stated this on Thursday. Accusing the group of peddling falsehood against the military, Usman told the public to disregard “misinformation” and await outcome of investigations carried out by the government and some agencies. “The army is aware of clandestine campaign of calumny and misinformation on the incident of December 12, 2015 in Zaria,” the statement added. “A group of high ranking members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), led by one Dr Abdullahi Danladi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria misrepresented facts about the incident. “He was at the university, on Wednesday soliciting for support and telling lies about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the incident itself.”

Obasanjo, Amosun, Olurin, others for Yewa achievement awards PROFESSOR Rahman Bello, General Adetunji Olurin, Ambassador Ebun Oyagbola and other eminent sons and daughters of Yewa would be honoured at a Civic Reception and Achievement Awards, at Ilaro-Yewa on Saturday, December 26, 2015. The reception, hosted by the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle and all other royal fathers in Yewa, will take place at the Asade Agunloye Pavillion, Empire Field, Ilaro-Yewa at 12 noon prompt. Mr Bolaji Leigh and other distinguished personalities are set to be honoured at the occasion. Others include Professor Emeritus, Anthony Asiwaju; former Secretary to Ogun State Government, Deacon Poju Adeyemi, and a former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmat Badru and others. The current Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly Right Honourable Suraj Adekanmbi and New Head of Service, Sola Adeyemi will be honored too at the event.

Lawyer makes case for 2016 budget By Tunde Ogunesan

A former aspirant to the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Barrister Ayodele Kusamotu has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari over the 2016 budget. Kusamotu, during a recent meeting in Ikirun at his Boripe/Odo-Otin/Ifelodun federal constituency, stated that the budget does not only offer a great hope for Nigerians, but also an indication that the nation’s economy would witness a significant turnaround. He stressed that allocating about 30 per cent of the budget for capital projects with Ministry of works, Power and Housing taking a lion share is suggestive of a departure from the past. The politician pointed out the current change, which the nation is witnessing in the President Buhari’s battle against corruption.

Friday, 25 December, 2015 40 news Civilian JTF intercepts Boko Haram members heading towards mosque with bomb-filled coolers

embers of the Civilian Joint Task Force on Thursday, intercepted bomb filled-food warmers being pushed towards a crowded mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The mosque, according to Premium Times, was filled to the brim in celebration of the Maulud Nabiy, which is the birth of Prophet Mohammed, when the suspects were intercepted. The online medium said but for the intervention of the Civilian JTF, several persons would have been

killed. Five persons, believed to be members of Boko Haram, were pushing the cart on which the warmers were placed towards the Medinatu Mosque where adherents of the Tijjaniya Islamic sect were marking the Maulud Nabiy. “When we saw them coming with hand pushed cart filled with food flasks, we

thought they were normal people that usually come here,” Aminu Abdullahi, an operative of the CivilianJTF told Premium Times. Abdullahi added: “We almost passed them on when one of our members instinctively asked what the content of the large food flasks were, and they said ‘hot rice to be delivered to the Sheik’s guests.’

“All of us were almost deceived but when we insisted on seeing the flasks opened for proper inspection, the conveyors became jittery, and by the time we forced them to open the flask we were shocked to find coupled bombs in all the flasks.” The spokesman of the Borno State branch of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Muhammed Abba Gava,

who confirmed the development, also told Premium Times: “It was an act of God that those bombs were Intercepted on time: we have over 5,000 people converging on Abdulfathi’s mosque and who knows what could have become of them had those bombs detonated.” The suspects have been handed over to security operatives.

Doctors urge Aregbesola to withdraw sack threat Oluwole Ige -Osogbo As the 7-day ultimatum issued to the striking doctors in Osun by government to return to work or be sacked is about to expire, the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), on Thursday, implored Governor Rauf Aregbesola to withdraw the sack threat with a view to create room for negotiations on their demands. Addressing newsmen in Osogbo on Thursday, President of NAGGMDP, Dr Nurud-din Akindele, argued that the sack threat would not achieve any meaningful result because members of the body were not ready to resume duties under the present condition of the state’s health sector. He lamented that doctors in government employment in the state have not been paid full salary since the inception of the incumbent administration in Osun State. While observing that the industrial action embarked upon by the doctors since September had jeopardised health care delivery service, Akindele affirmed that the demands of the doctors, if not met would compel them to totally paralyse health sector in the state. According to him, “the government of Osun State should as a matter of urgency and in the interest of the public, invest in equipping the hospitals with upto-date equipment, provide adequate manpower and make the working environment more conducive. “Government should withdraw their threat of sacking the doctors who are only demanding that which is their legitimate rights under labour laws.

Cross section of indigenes and non-indigenes of Osun at Ido Terminus, Lagos, boarding the free train ride provided by the Osun State government from Lagos to Osogbo for Christmas celebration, on Thursday.

Suspects hide 3,542.25kg hemp in biscuits, cheese balls Shola Adekola -Lagos Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a truck load of cannabis disguised as biscuits and cheese balls. The discovery of the drug, weighing 3,542.25kg, was made by officers and men of the Agency in Ogun State along Odeda axis of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government Area of the state. Two suspected cannabis dealers conveying the drugs, Ihenacho Chinweuba, 27, and Uche Enuosa, 33, have been arrested and the truck impounded. NDLEA commander in Ogun State, Mr Bala Fagge said that the shipment was meant for consumption in Ogun and Lagos States. “A white Mercedes Truck with registration No: Lagos KJA132XN was intercepted along Odeda axis of IjebuIgbo, Ijebu North Local Government of the State. The truck carrying biscuits and cheese balls was found to contain two hundred and ninety five (295) big bags of dried weeds of cannabis sativa weighing three thousand, five hundred and forty two point two five (3,542.25) ki-

logrammes. Two suspected traffickers were immediately apprehended and are currently assisting further investigation,” Bala stated. Ihenacho Chinweuba, 27 years old, who hails from Nsiala-Ngwa Local Government, Abia State and one Uche Enuosa, 33 years old from Asaba, Delta State said that they were to distribute the drugs in Ogun and La-

gos states when they were arrested by anti-narcotics officers. The cannabis was neatly arranged in the inner part of the long containerised truck while the outer part was filled with more than three hundred (300) cartons of biscuits and cheese balls to cleverly evade arrest by security agents. The suspects in their state-

ments blamed their involvement in drug trafficking to joblessness and desire to earn money for the end of year celebration. According to Uche, “I am a plumber but due to lack of work I decided to drive the truck. I have no savings and the only way I can travel home this festive season was to engage in cannabis business.”

Navy destroys 48 underground reservoirs of crude oil, 200 metric tonnes of diesel Ebenezar Adurokiya -Warri

THE Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA) has destroyed 48 underground storage reservoirs of about 8,000 metric tonnes of crude oil behind Bennett Island and Kantu community in Warri South and Warri South West local government areas of Delta State. Also contained in the reservoirs measuring 50x50 was over 200 metric tons of refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (Diesel). Other items destroyed during the raid included a number of kilometres of illegal refinery camps, generating sets, pumping machines, among others. Speaking after the six-

hour massive operation, Commander of NNS DELTA, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, who led the twin raid on Thursday, said his men would not relent in stamping out the menace no matter the resilience of the economic saboteurs. “We have been destroying illegal refineries, but they keep springing up. The communities should share in the blame because they know the perpetrators. “When we will file our reports, our suggestion to the Federal Government will be that any land used for illegal refineries be forfeited to the government as it appears the communities don’t need the land, hence they allowed it to be destroyed.

“We had a meeting with 38 communities’ representatives from Warri South and Warri South West with a view to stemming the tide, if they refused to comply, they will stand a chance of losing such land. “We have put in place measures that our men don’t collude with the operators. In the past, we have arrested some members of task force and vigilance group who colluded with them,” Commodore Mohammed noted. He vowed to halt the perennial supply and demand of illegally refined products, adding that no fewer than five trucks loaded with illegally refined products had been intercepted and the perpetrators arrested.

Yuletide: Police

assure of adequate security in Niger Adelowo Oladipo -Minna The Police in Niger State have assured the citizens resident in the state of provision of adequate security of lives and properties to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations. It gave the assurance on Thursday, in a statement made available to newsmen in Minna, by the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Marafa, adding that the ban on the use of fireworks remains in force. In the release, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Command, Mr Bala Elkana, the Police boss advised parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and wards. He also warned the youths to be law abiding and eschew all forms of violence in parts of the state before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations, highlighting that person or group of persons caught engaging in any act of violence or lawlessness would face the full wrath of the law.

Oyo lawmaker commiserates with fire victims By Wale Akinselure Oyo lawmaker representing Ibadan South East Constituency II, Honourable Ademola Ige has sympathised with victims of a recent fire outbreak that gutted a building at Araromi Fidi Layout, Odinjo and Oranyan Market. Ige, on a visit to the victims of the Odinjo fire incident, donated some money to a 24-year-old nursing mother who suffered burns while trying to rescue her 41-day old baby. Similarly, Ige, while commiserating with the victims of the Oranyan fire incident, urged them not to despair, noting that government would assist in cushioning the effect of the incident. Ige, who expressed deep shock at the gravity of damage done to the market, however, appreciated God that no life was lost during the fire outbreak. He however commended the Oyo State Fire Service for their prompt response to avert further damage to the building. On a visit to the offices of the Oyo State Fire Service located on Molete-Challenge road and Gbagi market, he commended the officials of fire services for their prompt response to avert further destruction.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

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China warns of Christmas threat against foreigners • US, British, French embassies alert citizens

HINESE police tightened security around a bar and shopping area popular with foreigners on Thursday as embassies issued warnings for their citizens to be on guard for possible threats against Westerners. Time reported that the American, British, French and other embassies said they had received information of possible threats against Westerners in the Sanlitun area on or around Christmas Day, and urged their citizens to be vigilant. Embassy spokespeople contacted said they had no more information to share. Dozens of police, some with rifles, were standing on guard in the area, which has many big-name brand

An armed policeman from the Snow Leopard Commando Unit at a fashionable location for shopping and dining in Beijing, on Thursday. PHOTO: REUTERS.

Barack Obama

the fire seemed to be electrical, and that it took only three minutes to sweep through the hospital. “We could hear the women screaming,” said the man, who was not named. Photographs published on Twitter by the civil defense agency showed heavy smoke and an intense blaze which appeared to have severely damaged the interior of the white-walled hospital. Some rescuers used a ladder to gain access through a window.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud stores and some embassies. Roads leading into the embassy area were closed to traffic. Beijing police also announced Thursday that

they had issued a yellow security alert to ensure safety during the Christmas period. According to Beijing’s security regulations, the alert is the lowest on a three-tier

security scale and is issued in the case of the receipt of threats to safety or finding suspected explosives. Police commonly issue a yellow alert during holiday periods.

Obama asks for tolerance for persecuted Christians at Christmas AS Christmas nears, the Obama family is offering prayers to Christians facing persecution around the world, Time reported. In a White House statement, President Obama asked Americans to remember Christians outside of the United States, who may not be able to freely practise their religion. “Michelle and I are also ever-mindful that many of our fellow Christians do not enjoy that right, and hold especially close to our hearts and minds those who have been driven from their ancient homelands by unspeakable violence and persecution,” President Obama said in a statement. The President pointed the finger at those who are actively persecuting Chris-

Saudi hospital fire kills 25

A fire tore through the intensive care unit and the maternity ward of a Saudi hospital before dawn on Thursday, killing 25 people and injuring 123, the Saudi civil defence agency said. The fire broke out at the general hospital in the southwestern port city of Jazan, the capital of the Jizan region, one of Saudi Arabia’s poorest areas. Reuters said governmentcontrolled al-Ekhbariya television interviewed a witness who said the cause of

tians in the Middle East, namely ISIS, also known as ISIL. “In some areas of the

Middle East where church bells have rung for centuries on Christmas Day, this year they will be silent; this

silence bears tragic witness to the brutal atrocities committed against these communities by ISIL,” he said.

Cameron emphasises importance of security in Christmas message David Cameron

BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron has used his Christmas message to emphasise the importance of security and to applaud those involved in protecting the country from terrorism. In an address with some uncanny echoes of the Conservative party’s key general election message, the prime minister said: “If there is one thing people want at Christmas, it’s the security of having their family around them and a home that is safe.” According to Guardian, David Cameron said being Christian made Britain a country tolerant of all faiths.

Cameron acknowledged that some people were not enjoying these blessings, either abroad, in places such as refugee camps, or in the United Kingdom, where some people are “ill, homeless or alone” and he paid tribute to people who would be working or volunteering at Christmas to help the vulnerable. But he had special praise for members of the armed forces protecting Britain. “It is because they face danger that we have peace. And that is what we mark today as we celebrate the birth of God’s only son, Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace,” said Cameron, mindful, no doubt,

that national security is an issue on which he is perceived to have a big advantage over the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Cameron also said being Christian made Britain a country tolerant of all faiths. “As a Christian country, we must remember what his birth represents: peace, mercy, goodwill and, above all, hope. “I believe that we should also reflect on the fact that it is because of these important religious roots and Christian values that Britain has been such a successful home to people of all faiths and none.”

otherNEWS US plans deportation raids targeting hundreds of families THE Department of Homeland Security is finalising plans for a series of raids to deport hundreds of families who have immigrated from Central America since 2014, according to a report. The Washington Post, citing unnamed sources familiar with the plan, reports that the large-scale deportation effort could begin as early as January. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would carry out the raids, and target families who have already been or-

dered to leave the U.S by immigration judges.

A one-year-old from El Salvador clings to his mother after she turned themselves in to Border Patrol agents near Rio Grande City, Texas, US. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES.

4 Palestinians killed in attacks on Israelis, clashes with troops FOUR Palestinians were killed on Thursday, among them three who Israel said were carrying out attacks on soldiers in the West Bank, the latest in a three month-long wave of unrelenting Israeli-Palestinian

Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas

violence. The Associated Press said the four separate incidents came as revelers were gathering in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations, festivities that are being dampened by the latest outburst of violence. Israeli authorities said that three Palestinians were killed after they carried out or attempted to carry out attacks against Israelis across the West Bank. A fourth Palestinian was killed in clashes with Israeli troops, according to a Palestinian hospital official.

Friday, 25 December, 2015 42 communitynews Group urges govt to boost access to water, sanitation

HE Global Advocacy for Toilets and Sanitary Standards Initiative, on Tuesday, called on government at all levels to map out policies that would enable Nigerians access Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Ms Miriam Onuoha, the programme coordinator of the organisation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that closing inequality gaps between the rich and the poor would enable Nigerians to access water and sanitation. She stressed the need for Nigeria to put policies in place for implementing the incoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which would become effective from September. “Nigeria is yet to address the problem of poor sanitation, the new government needs to put policies in place to address this challenge. “Inequality gaps to accessing water and sanitation is wide, this is because the difference between the rich and the poor is also very wide. “It is, however, necessary for all stakeholders to address this issue to enable all Nigerians live productive lives,” she said. She said that it was worthy of note that no fewer than 100 million people lacked access to basic sanitation, adding that 16 million of them also lacked access to water. Onuoha explained that this was the cause of the nearly 100,000 deaths of under-five children from preventable diarrhoea and cholera among other diseases. She expressed concern on how government was handling sanitation, arguing that the nation’s poor handling of sanitation issues was not just restricted to hygiene. “Without a private toilet, women and girls are vulnerable to violence, intimidation and indignity. “Women and girls living in Nigeria without toilet facilities spend about 3.1 billion hours each year finding a place to go to toilets in the open. “Sanitation was the most neglected and offtrack of the just concluded MDGs with little funding, resources or

political will to address the crisis,” she said. The programme coordinator said little progress had been recorded towards the agreed tar-

get of allocating 0.5 per cent of GDP to sanitation. She said stakeholders must begin to see access to sanitation and water

as fundamental human right, saying that it was possible for everyone to own a toilet and access good hygiene. She urged community

members to take ownership of their hygiene, saying “sanitation starts with the individual before reflecting in the society.”

Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (middle), addressing journalists during an inspection of road projects in the Ika South Local Government Area of the state, recently. PHOTO: EBENEZER ADUROKIYA.

Ogun partners UNFPA to reduce maternal death By Gbenga Olumide

OGUN State government has partnered the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths through training of health workers and in-depth investigation into previous occurrences in the state. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Nofiu Aigoro, stated this while addressing participants at the annual dissemination meeting on status of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response Implementation organised by the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board (OGPHECADEB) in collaboration with (UNFPA) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Dr Aigoro said government was determined to ensure efficient healthcare service delivery in the state, emphasising the need for coordination and harmonisation of programmes among development partners in order to achieve a common goal. Earlier, the representative of UNFPA, Dr Titi Duro-Aina, revealed that about 111 women die daily in the country which means five women die every hour due to preventable pregnancy and child-related complications. She, therefore, pledged

that her agency would collaborate with the state government to carry out in-depth investigation

into the causes and circumstances surrounding maternal and perinatal deaths, adding that infor-

mation obtained from each maternal or perinatal death case would help to reduce and prevent maternal mortality rate in the state.

Oyo APC chieftain empowers widows A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Oladiran Alabi, recently donated a huge sum of money to 14 widows during an empowerment programme, held at the premises of Baptist Secondary School, OkeAdo, Ibadan. Alabi, who was represented on the occasion by Mr Tunde Akangbe, disclosed that the gesture was aimed at assisting the underpriviledged, especially those who have lost their spouses and to complement the poverty alleviation policies of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He added that the beneficiaries were selected from the 12 wards in the local government area. Alabi further admonished beneficiaries to use the gifts for the purposes intended and urged party faithful to continue to support Governor Ajimobi in his efforts to turn the fortunes of the state around. Dignitaries in attendance include the party’s local government executives led by the party chairman in the council, Prince Adeniran Oni, all the 12 ward chairmen and members of their executive committees, youth leaders and others.

Kwara community charges Ooni on unity of Yoruba leaders Biola Azeez -Ilorin

EGOSI community in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State has charged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to give priority attention to unity among Yoruba leaders. The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Daniel Dada, gave the charge at a meeting with members of his Council of Chiefs in Egosi, on Thursday. He expressed the community’s joy on the selection and successful installation of Ogunwusi, saying that the issue of unity among Yoruba leaders should not be compromised. The traditional ruler, who noted that his forefathers were direct descendants of Ife, said the community had always maintained a close and cordial relationship with previous Ife traditional rulers. He expressed the hope that the new Ooni will bring his vast experience in business and international exposure to bear in ensuring the socio-economic development envisioned for the Yoruba race.

“I think we are lucky to have a young, vibrant and internationally exposed person in Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi as the new Ooni of Ife. “It is our sincere appeal to the new Oba to use these sterling qualities to ensure the desired unity and peaceful coexistence among Yoruba leaders, especially traditional rulers. “We are also optimistic and hopeful that the close rapport we have built and maintained as a direct descendant of Ife will be sustained by him,” Dada said. He urged Yoruba leaders, at home and in the diaspora to give the necessary support and cooperation to the new Ooni for him to achieve a successful reign. Oba Dada who extolled the virtues of the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, said the deceased monarch did his best during his reign. “His passion for the emancipation of Yoruba cultures and traditions endeared him to the people as a true descendant of Oduduwa, the father of Yorubas,” he said. Chief Sunday Adetona, the Odofin of Egosi, in his remark, attributed the town’s rapid development to the

dedication and commitment of the people of the community. He called on the state government to give consider-

ation to the community in respect of project allocation that has to do with roads, potable water, among others.

Monarch calls on contractor to repair damaged cables By Ronke Sanya

THE traditional ruler of Ilo-Olomo, a community located in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Olugbenga Ilesanmi, has called on the contractor, who handled Ilesa-Eti Oni Road project, to repair the cables and electricity poles damaged during the construction of the road in the community. Oba Ilesanmi, who made the call at Ilesa expressed disappointment over the development, noting that the contractor, at the commencement of the project, pledged that all damaged cables and electricity poles would be replaced with new ones, but did not fulfill the promise. The traditional ruler stated that the community had been in total blackout for the past one year as a result

of this development. He added that armed robbers, kidnappers and hoodlums use the opportunity to unleash terror on the people. Oba Ilesanmi, appealed to the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, to prevail on the contractor to replace the damaged poles and cables, adding that, “The community needs N1.2 million to purchase new cables to replace the damaged ones. So far, the community has made little effort. We have spent N650, 000 to purchase electricity poles and other items to fix the damaged poles.” In his response, the administrator of the contract, Mr Adewusi, told Community News on phone that he would ensure that the site engineer visit the community to dialogue with Oba Ilesanmi and on how to address the problem.

Friday, 25 December, 2015

features

Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 081 118 450 48

Christmas: One celebration, many hopes

Nigerians shopping for Christmas

ROM the feeling in the air to the food, the gifts to the holiday, Christmas has over the years provided Nigerians the privilege of unwinding. For Christians, the period provides the celebratory ambiance to appreciate the birth of the saviour Jesus Christ. However, Christians are not the only ones who are left in this celebration--other religious adherents have joined in the frenzy of the moment. For many Nigerians, the period provides its challenges. From a crashing economy to unpaid salaries, many families are left with the daunting task of making the best out of the period. In his message, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has called for more prayers for Nigeria. President Buhari felicitated with all Nigerians, especially the Christian faithful, on the “joyous occasion” of this year’s Christmas. “Let us also not allow current socio-economic and security challenges to dampen our expectations for a better Nigeria”, the president said. He said while his government had taken a number of steps to restore hope to the citizens; the 2016 budget, presented to a joint session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, defined his commitment to giving Nigeria a new

lease of life. Across the globe, Christian faithful join their hearts one with another in the hope of a new world where terror, insecurity, hunger and hate could be subdued. In many parts of the country, Christmas is met with various conditions are predicaments. For us in Delta, fuel crisis not helping —Residents For residents in the oil-rich Delta State, things are not the way they used to be. For Mr. Orakhere Jude, “The economic situation is not encouraging. People are not exactly very happy. The economy is not strong. The gifts that we used to exchange are not forthcoming. The fuel crisis has worsened. But the celebration must be carried out. It may not be as flashy as it once used to be. Our children do not understand that. They must celebrate.” Sharing a similar position, a trader who simply identified herself as Hannah, argued that she was confident that things would improve next year. “We are grateful to God that we are privileged to see another Christmas but the situation is really not encouraging. Things are expensive in the market, especially with items coming

from the North. People are hardly exchanging gifts and I’m not sure people are expectant this season. Not even the oil companies seem forthcoming in Christmas gifts for their host communities. However, churches are still holding their carol services. Ordinarily, the streets would be decorated but before you can find that this season, one would have to visit the main market. The fuel situation has worsened things and many homes are not what they used to be,” she said. ‘We are Igbos; we must celebrate’ For residents in the eastern part of the country, Christmas provides the needed avenue to reunite with family and friends. Many who had sojourned to other parts of the country return home to celebrate. The Christmas mood was ignited by the Imo State governor, Rochas Okorochas with the phenomenal Christmas tree that was raised. In an interaction with Fidelis Okoye, “The government has started decorating major cities, and while many of us are complaining of the general hike in prices of food items, the main market in Enugu daily excontinues

pg 44

Friday, 25 December, 2015

‘We celebrate despite economic downturn’

Fun seekers at the Millenium Park, Abuja continued from

pg 43

periences major patronage, as people make the best of what they have. People are already returning home. We are still expecting them. We must celebrate despite the economic harshship.” However, Cynthia Eze argues that despite the challenges that the renewed call for Biafra brought, Igbo indigenes are still coming home to celebrate. According to her, “The average Igbo man believes in the Biafra philosophy but sentiments differ on approach. The elite don’t seem much in support because they don’t want to lose face with the federal government, unlike the youths who are restive. The protests have died down now, along with the tension, and according to feelers, I don’t think further protests will affect the Christmas celebration. We are here to celebrate and that we must do.” A cleric who spoke on the general mood of the east and on the condition of anonymity stated that “Some people have not received their salaries and other allowances to enable them prepare for Christmas. Also, the Igbos are known for travelling to their villages during Christmas, but as things stand now, movement of people have been affected, because of the condition of things on ground now. Transportation fares are also on the high side, and fuel sells for over N150 in some places. Fuel is not available in some petrol stations and for the NNPC mega station where the fuel price is relatively low, people spend a whole day, and sometimes more, before they can buy fuel. For Christmas decorations, the governments are spening much to decorate major cities and towns and at the moment, the roads are being painted to show demarcation lines. The environment is undergoing beautification. Churches have been holding carols, especially as many of the residents are predominantly Christians. The Biafra agitation has reduced significantly as well and has not affected the Christmas mood.” In Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, residents hold various opinions. For Mr Adeoti Olugbenga, the economic situation is worrying. “We are worried that everything has not gone in the manner in which we expected. There is general unrest. There is general lack. People are not happy. Salaries are not paid. How do we come out of all these? The government must do something drastic by next year. “Yet we must not lose hope. We must keep believing in God that things will pick up. The Christmas period is a time to trust God and hope in his power.” Another resident, Angelina Gbolarumi, told Nigerian Tribune that “We are grateful to God for what we are witnessing because the Bible has commanded us to be grateful. Yet salaries are not consistently paid. We are going to celebrate no matter the situation. The Christmas spirit is not really in the air. Before now, when things were still okay, there would have been decorations in major cities across the state but this year, there isn’t anything like that. We just pray that things turn around for good as soon as possible.” For residents of Kaduna State, the recent attacks between the army and Shiite Muslims did not dwarf the spirit of the celebration.

Imo State Christmas tree For Issa Yakubu, “Shops have been opened, although there were fears earlier at the weekend that there may be reprisal attacks. The Christmas spirit is present but there is a major dent in the pockets of residents. Some people want to travel but because of financial constraints, they can’t. A female resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that “I have plans to travel to Offa for the Christmas but as things stand now, I don’t think I can go with the normal transport alternatives. So, I have decided to wait for the buses that bring eggs to Kaduna and will follow one of them on the return trip. I just must travel to visit my relatives this Christmas, economic hardship or no economic hardship.”

‘As Lagosians, we will celebrate’ In Lagos, the Christmas lights are out and shining. Despite the much touted financial meltdown, residents of the commercial nerve centre are out to celebrate. For Mr John Korede, “We will celebrate. Things may not be as fantastic as we expected but we are sure that things will improve. The fuel scarcity has affected things but we are happy that we can still celebrate. This is Lagos and we are known for celebrating.” In an interaction with Mrs Sophia Eke, a trader, “people didn’t really patronise us as expected. Things are not the way they were last year. Some of my customers had to come pleading to buy things on credit. The economy is hard.”

feature

Friday, 25 December, 2015

In Akwa Ibom, it’s an Xmas with a splash By Wale Ojo-Lanre

T was remarkably wonderful for both Christian and non-Christian faithful who gathered at Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State on Saturday 19 December 2015 for the now popular annual Christmas carol celebration. The venue, apart from being filled to the brim was heavily decorated. There was a brightly lit spectacularly tall and big Christmas tree which Peter Udom, a participant at the event described as “This is the biggest Christmas tree that I have ever seen in my life.” The lineup of artistes was impressive as it included both local and international gospel musicians. They were Donnie Maclurkin, Shirley Caesar, Angella Christie and Chevilie Franklyn as well as Asu Ekiye, Skala Wee, Sammy Okposo, Freke Umoh, Lara George, Aity Dennis Inyang, Chinelo Dillimono, among others. The Akwa Ibom State Government Choir started off by offering the theme song. In his remarks, the state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel welcomed all, saying that “We have come together as a people to renew our bond with Jesus Christ. This night, we have come to sing to the supreme God who alone can take us to the Supreme Court. Six months ago, providence offered me with a responsibility of being your servant leader with a divine mandate that you freely gave on April 11, 2015. You were the channel of the realisation of God’s plan. This was so by the unfathomable grace of God. Tonight, I am filled with more responsibility that I felt on May 29 this year when I took the oath of office that you gave me freely on April 11. I intend to keep the sacred trust in my ability as your servant leader. “I stand before you tonight to declare that this Christmas festival is one of the shining legacies of the last administration and we are proud to have it sustained and improved upon for the good of Akwa Ibom State. We opened the year with a solemn assembly and we are closing the year with praises and honour to God Almighty, realising that all things exist through Him alone. “We stand before the throne of grace to celebrate the birth on earth of God’s son. Let the birth of Christ represent the love and tolerance which we desire. We must all rise to peace and progress which the Akwa Ibom project is all about and all our hands must be on deck to move this nation to a point of success. “This is what motivates and drives us as we are irrevocably committed to building a golden future as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us acknowledge that our tomorrow will be greater and better than our today. As we raise our voices to sing praises, we must open our hearts to the love of Christmas. There are also reasons to lift our hands high for what God has done for us. “I commend our artistes. We are thrilled and blessed that you honoured

Gospel artistes performing at the event. our invitation. We commend Global Communications, Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa for their support to be part of this year’s celebration.” General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo who was the guest speaker, commended Governor Udom for building and improving on the spiritual platform where all, irrespective of ethnicity and even religion, praise God for past deeds and to seek His face for the New Year. He urged the people to always seek the face of God in whatever they intend doing. “I beseech you today to always put your trust in God and ask him for direction in whatever you are set to accomplish,” he said. He enjoined the people of the state to

I beseech you today to always put your trust in God and ask him for direction in whatever you are set to accomplish

seek peace and refuse to be used as agents of destabilisation. In his goodwill message, governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade who expressed joy for gracing the event, pointed out that, “The people of Akwa Ibom State have decided to lift God up and that God will equally lift them up too. God shall stand by you and take you to the Promised Land. The people of Akwa Ibom are known for their versatility, creativity, integrity and vitality. You have all come before God to serve Him in this solemn time and I believe that God is faithful. You should look up unto him, put your faith above your problems and God will follow you with success.” Former governor of Akwa Ibom State and now Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, whose entry to the stadium caused a stir, revealed that “I lost my voice while singing and dancing to God. Your Christmas will be splendid, your New Year will be wonderful, you will overcome in whatever situation that you find yourself.” Akpabio prayed for the people and commended the artistes. “This is one legacy that God cannot forget because you have kept faith in God. God will not forsake you and he will make you triumphant,” he said. He urged the people of the state not to seek help elsewhere, adding that “Our salvation as a state lies with God Almighty who has sent an Emmanuel in Jesus

Christ to save us spiritually and ordained an Emmanuel Udom to steer the ship of the state under the divine guidance of Jesus Christ.” Summarising the whole night, Alfred Akpan, a resident of the state, said “This is a night of extravagant carol festival which will be unforgettable in my life. Where should I start? Is it from how beautiful the stadium is? Is it the angelic voices of the singers who sang away problems and stress of the year? Is it the duet performance between Angela Christie, one of the finest saxophonists in the world and our 13-year-old David Eka who mesmerised us to no length? Or the warm affection and humility displayed by Governor Udom and the rare show of solidarity and support exhibited in deed and act by Senator Akpabio who was the immediate pat governor of the state? Should I speak about the dazzling fireworks that painted the sky with lovely colours? Or the collective prayer offered by almost over 250,000 Akwa Ibom indigenes who want stability in government or the shower of blessings which the Lord must have rained on Akwa Ibom and all the people that are here just because they gathered here to praise him? These and many others will also lure me to be here next year. Indeed, it was a blissful night of glory to Jesus and honour to God. I thank Governor Udom for this.”

features

Friday, 25 December, 2015

We are disregarding our ancestral heritage —Oba Akanbi Can you speak further on the area the Yoruba people are messing up? Are we not messing up when we easily forget our ancestors? If you go to the tomb of past kings in other towns you will be shocked the way the place is. It is not fair to the memory of those past kings. Having ruled the town and contributed their respective quotas during their lifetime, courtesy demands they are given respect even in death. In my town, for instance, I said it to you in an earlier interview that our disregard to the memory of Ooni Luwo and her son Adekola Telu had been counterproductive and an impediment to the development of the town. Same goes to the entire Yoruba.

Oba Akanbi

A rare innovation is going on in Iwo with Xmas lights adorning the palace of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi in the spirit of the yuletide. But Oba Akanbi in this interaction with TUNDE BUSARI says Yoruba culture is still paramount. Excerpts:

T is an unusual sight with your palace dressed in Xmas accessories. Why is this so? I think it is high time we embraced change and do away with conservative thinking. This is Xmas period and the palace belongs to Christians, Muslims and traditionalists. There is nothing wrong in showing and identifying with my Christian sons and daughters. This is the first time the town is witnessing this. You may call it innovation. The truth is that my mission is to bring about a lot of changes to the town. But I must emphasise that I will never compromise our culture because it is my responsibility to preserve it as much as I can. Your name reveals you are a devout Muslim; doesn’t it contradict your devotion to culture? Before I answer your question in detail, I hope you have not forgotten that my position does not and must not discriminate against any faith. By the virtue of the throne, I am the father of all. The palace door is open to Islamic scholars, pastors and traditional worshippers. An Oba is the father of all. This question you just asked is the main problem Yoruba people are facing. Why must my being a Muslim make me to forget my culture? Which came first? Is it my religion or my culture? It is high time we told ourselves the truth. We have got it wrong and we are still getting it wrong. And there is no doubt that if we fail to call ourselves back to where we started, we may not reach the promised land that God has long preserved for us as an ethnic group. Why did you say this? Why not? I am convinced that the almighty God loves Yoruba people. I am saying this not only in my capacity

I am very positive that the time of renaissance is here. The Yoruba nation is going to get it right and take our leadership position, especially in the area of our very rich culture. as a traditional ruler but also as one who have traversed all corners of the world. I have mixed and interacted with a lot of people of diverse cultures. This is telling you that I know what I am saying. We should be called God’s favoured people. Unfortunately, we don’t appreciate God’s love and are therefore missing a lot of goodies that God has for us. I am saying it that unless we reciprocate the love of God in us we would not get it right. But I am very positive that the time of renaissance is here. The Yoruba nation is going to get it right and take our leadership position, especially in the area of our very rich culture. Your assessment sounds subjective. Don’t you think so? As I said earlier that my journey through life exposed me to all kinds of people, I am saying it again that the Yoruba ethnic stock is a leading one. Don’t you see the Hausa people now wearing our style of agbada? Don’t you see the Igbos living more comfortably in the West even than their home? Don’t you see them at our parties wearing our caps and freely mixing with our people? What all this reveals is the supremacy of Yoruba culture. See the way we greet ourselves with respect and honour, do you think others who don’t have such don’t like it? I am saying it and even stressing it that we are specially blessed but only messing up.

How? Are we according our progenitor Oduduwa the right respect beyond a mention only when it is convenient or when we want to use the name to pursue political interest? Is that what one whose children cover different continents of the world deserve? I am saying that Oduduwa should be revered the way Muslims respect Muhammed and Christians Jesus Christ. Both Islam and Christianity were brought down to us here. Incidentally both have their roots in the Middle East. There is nothing stopping us from invoking the spirit of Oduduwa as we do when the name of Muhammed and Jesus Christ are mentioned. Both are messengers of God. Oduduwa was also sent by God to the Yorubas and made us one of the biggest nations on earth. It is sad we don’t appreciate the enormity of our strength as a nation. What I am saying is that we have to retrace our steps and give honour to whom it is due. Oduduwa deserves more than what we are giving him. That is why I am saying this as custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition that we have to rise and project the name of Oduduwa and also make it our song. That is why I am happy that the Osun State government set a day aside as Isese Day. This is quite unprecedented in the history of the state. The government with that policy has struck a balance and set a stage for religious harmony. The government realised the error in declaring holiday at Muslims and Christian festival but ignoring the traditional worshippers. That is the way to go and I am very sure that what I am saying as regards Oduduwa will one day come to pass. It is not asking for too much if a day is also set aside as Oduduwa day across all Yoruba speaking states. Traditional rulers in Yoruba land going by their appellation Kabiyesi are considered supreme. What is your view on this? Our culture says an Oba is a deputy to the deities or representative of God on earth. That is what we met and that is what it is. But I want to say that moderation preserves one’s integrity more than any other thing. Being an Oba does not make one God, the creator of heaven and earth. Regardless of the power and influence that go together with the throne, one needs to see himself first as a servant of his subjects. For a whole town to rise and pick you as their traditional ruler, it means there are high expectations from you. You then don’t see yourself as another God. You must be humble and give them the needed confidence to be proud of you at all time. You don’t just use all the power the throne confers on you simply because you are the king. You must remember the past kings who have passed on. You must remember that one day you too will leave while your legacy will speak for you. Bearing this in mind, an Oba won’t misbehave. He would always connect with his people. I am fortunate that my people are coming to understand my mission here. They are showing me the love and that is enough for me to reciprocate and be fair with them. An oppressive king must be reminded the story of Nebuchadnezzar. What happened to him? What was the end result of his misdemeanor? This should be a lesson not only to kings but also to political office holders. The news that some public office holders stole billions of naira is sad. It is disturbing indeed hearing that few people are cornering commonwealth with impunity. In fact, it is crazy. Nigeria is not a big country, except in terms of population. Our people should not be suffering at all. Those who are being paraded now are writing their name in the mud. History will keep the details for future generations.

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Friday, 25 December, 2015 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

FC Taraba players call off ‘sleep strike’ PLAYERS of FC Taraba have finally called off a nine-night sleep strike to press for the payment of their salaries running to 11 months after an assurance from the Taraba state governor and the payment of a month’s pay by the League Management Company (LMC). The embittered players took the decision after a frosty meeting with their sponsor, the Taraba state gov-

Oyo CP tourney ends By Olaoluwa Olowoyeye and Adebayo taoheed THE annual weeklong sports competition organised by the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Leye Olusola Oyebade, for men of the Nigeria Police and other security personnel in the state, has ended at the Police Headquarters ground, Eleyele, Ibadan. In his remarks, Oyebade disclosed that sport is vital as it helps individuals in terms of physical and mental growth, adding that it also helps individuals to keep fit. He stated that arrangements are in top gear to introduce other sports into the championship next year apart from football and tug of war. “I appreciate all your efforts (participants) in this one-week sporting event. For you to have participated, you are a winner. Sport is very vital and important when it comes to our activities as police officers, thus, we organise this to enjoy and foster good relationship and I thank God for the successful organisation of this year’s edition. “We are looking forward to introducing swimming, badminton, tennis in next year’s edition,” Oyebade stated. Meanwhile, in the football final of the Oyo State Police Commissioner’s Cup, Oyo Area Command defeated the State Headquarters team 1-0, while in the final of tug of war, the Nigeria Police Force team triumphed over the Nigeria Immigration Service team, as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) finished third. One of the guests at the event, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde (Fele), who is the Oyo State Chairman, National Union of Road Transports Workers (NURTW), lauded the police authorities for organising the competition among the security personnel in the state. He noted that such sporting event would help police officers to keep fit and help them tremendously in the discharge of their day-to-day duties.

ernment, on Wednesday. The players have been on protest against their unpaid wages of 11 months since December 14 by sleeping outside of the Taraba State Government House. After 10 days and nine nights of sleeping out in a peaceful protest over money owed them, two of the players met with the Taraba State governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, which offered little to cheer about. Supersport.com gathered that the Taraba State government promised to pay two months out of the 11 months. The players were assured that the remainder will be paid by instalment from January. “We have received a month salary from the LMC,” confirmed FC Taraba skipper Austin Obiora. “We have also received assurances from the governor he will pay us two months’ salaries and so we have left the Government House, where we have been sleeping for nine nights.” The LMC paid 34 players and 19 officials a month’s salary on Wednesday. “We have paid the team for a month,” said LMC chief operating officer, Salihu Abubakar.

Afelokhai

Enyimba completes Afelokhai signing R EIGINING Glo Premier League champions, Enyimba Football Club of Aba, have completed the signing of Kano Pillars goalkeeper, Theophilus Afelokhai ahead of the 2015/2016 season.

The media officer of the seven-time Nigeria league winners Alaputa Farriel announced this through the social media. “Enyimba FC have reached an agreement with Kano Pillars over the transfer of goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai,” he tweeted Afelokhai, a former Nigeria U-23 star has been at Pillars since 2006 and has emerged as one of the most consistent goalkeepers on the local scene though, he has often been overlooked by the national team selectors.

Enyimba boast top-rated goalkeepers in Femi Thomas, who is with the CHAN Eagles, U-20 star, Joshua Enaholo and veteran Chijoke Ejiogu. Afelokhai’s move could now pave way for one of the Aba-based club’s goalkeepers, Moses Ocheje, to link up with newly promoted, Niger Tornadoes of Minna. The Kadiri Ikhana-led side recently signed midfielder, Dare Ojo and Olufemi Oladapo from relegated clubs Kwara United and Bayelsa United respectively.

ITF/AJC: Nigeria invites 32 for camping NIGERIA has listed 32 players for camping ahead of the 2016 ITF-Africa Junior Zonal Qualifying Championship scheduled to hold from January 9 to 17, 2016 in Abuja. Nigeria junior tennis coach, Mohammed Ubale disclosed that the camping will hold from January 2 to 8 after which the final list of 24 players will be selected for the championship which will feature 12&U, 14&U and 16&U categories. Ubale revealed that Christopher

Adekuoroye

India Pro Wrestling League: Adekuoroye seeks final ticket NIGERIA’S sensational wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye zoomed into the semi-finals of the ongoing maiden India Pro Wrestling League in New Delhi, without battling with her opponent, Tatyana Kit of Ukraine. Adekuoroye of Mumbai Garuda will file out today in search of the final ticket after her category was blocked and failed to take her pound of flesh against highly-rated Haryana Hammers’ Tatyana who at the 2015 World championship, was ranked 3rd.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games 53kg gold medallist, Adekuoroye on her way to the semifinals defeated Ukrainian’s Liliya Horishna, Babita Kumari, Lalita Sherawat and Priyanka Phogat. The Nigeria Wrestling Federation female coach, Purity Akuh in an interview said the world championship bronze medallist, Adekuoroye, will now concentrate on how to perfect new tricks she has learned in the game. Akuh recalled that he had previously solicited for regular in-

ternational tournaments to make Nigeria wrestlers exposed. “If Nigeria can focus on making wrestlers attend invitational tournaments, they will not only win at the tournament but win at world and major championships like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics,” Akuh said. Akuh noted that with the experience of Adekuoroye so far, she will not only participate in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil, but win a medal for Nigeria.

Itodo, Chris Bulus, Michael Oshewa, Matthew Abamu, Angel McLeod, Adetayo Adetunji (South Africa), Oyinlomo Quari are some of the players who are listed for camping, adding that the players were chosen based on the combination of their rankings and performances in the outgoing year. He stated that the mission of the team is to consolidate Nigeria’s impressive performance last year ahead of the main championship billed for South Africa in 2016. “We are looking forward to a good championship as usual because we have produced the highest number of talents in the west and central African region in the last few years and through the support of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, we are set to make Nigeria proud once again,” Ubale said. Nigeria has been the superpower of the 14-country zone following its winning of the last two editions of the zonal qualifiers held in 2014 in Abuja and 2015 in Lome, Togo. Meanwhile Nigeria’s tennis sensation, Oyinlomo Quardri arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday.

SIDELINES

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FRIDAY, 25 DECEMBER, 2015

NO 16,400

A group of Kenyan Muslims accosted by Islamist gunmen refused to expose the non-Muslims among them. After disembarking from the bus which conveyed them, they dared the gunmen to kill them all. What a show of unity! Religion in itself is not the problem but those among the followers who hide under it to be bestial and brutish.

Chelsea hold talks with Drogba’s Montreal

Rooney (left) with Van Gaal.

Man U players fighting for Van Gaal — Rooney M

ANCHESTER United captain, Wayne Rooney declared on Thursday that he and his team-mates are “fighting” to save the job of embattled manager Louis van Gaal. British media reports claim Van Gaal is on the brink of the sack after a run of six games without victory and he stormed out of his weekly press conference on Wednesday after criticising the speculation about his job. But despite rumours of discord over his methods within the United dressing room, Rooney says that the players are firmly behind the manager. “We’re fighting for the manager and trying to get results to turn this around,” Rooney told Sky Sports. “You have a lot of people talking about things they believe are happening, when in reality the people writing that stuff don’t know anything that’s happening.” United slipped to fifth in the Premier League last weekend after losing 2-1 at home to promoted Norwich City – their third defeat in succession in all competitions. They visit Stoke City tomorrow before welcoming champions Chelsea to Old Trafford on December 28. Prior to cutting short his pre-game press conference,

Van Gaal said the rumours about his future had affected his family and Rooney sympathised with the Dutchman’s complaint.

“We all have families and sometimes things get written, which is not nice for your family to see,” the 30-yearold England captain said.

“It’s tough, but it’s part of football and part of being a footballer. It’s not nice when you’re getting criticism every week.”

Eagles coaches to get one-month pay SUPER EAGLES coaches are expected to enjoy at least a happy New Year celebration after they were assured of a month’s pay. The coaches are owed several months’ pay by the cashstrapped Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with the country’s sports minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung ordering the NFF to clear the backlog of salaries before the end of this year. “We have sighted the transfer papers of our payment of a month’s salary, but we are yet to receive the alert to show the cash is in our accounts. We have been assured that latest by Monday we will get the alert,” one of the coaches disclosed. Coach Sunday Oliseh is on N5million a month, while his assistants Salisu Yusuf and Jean Francois Luscuito earn N2 million each. Meanwhile, Oliseh has yet to give his approval for the invitation of the Dream Team stars who won the just-ended African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal, Oghenekaro Etebo and goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel to the Eagles training

CHELSEA is in talks with Major League Soccer franchise Montreal Impact over the future of striker Didier Drogba. Montreal say Drogba has expressed a “desire to help” his old club. “We understand his attachment, but our objective is to have him back for another season,” Montreal tweeted. Drogba who signed for Montreal in July, watched Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Sunderland last Saturday with interim manager, Guus Hiddink and owner Roman Abramovich. Hiddink on Wednesday refused to be drawn on whether Drogba would join his backroom staff. “I worked with him five or six years ago and I was delighted to have such a professional in the squad,” the Dutchman said. “He’s a legend already in this club. The only thing is at the moment is that he’s playing in Montreal. “The official process I don’t know but I spoke openly from the bottom of my heart that huge impact players can be key for the club.”

Oliseh (right) on duty camp for the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN), it has been gathered. Etebo was top scorer at Senegal 2015 with five goals, while Enugu Rangers goalkeeper, Daniel also shone at the championship and they have subsequently been recommended for the country’s CHAN build-up following their recent exploits. However, Oliseh has yet to sanction their call-up, insist-

ing with working the 26 players he has invited for next month’s championship in Rwanda. “It’s only Oliseh who will decide on the two U-23 stars and so far he has not done so,” a source informed. Even though he is still in his sick bed in Belgium, Oliseh has constantly kept in touch with the Eagles training camp, dishing out daily training schedules and other relevant instructions.

Drogba ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Saturday, December 26 Stoke City Aston Villa Bo/mouth Chelsea Liverpool Man City Swansea Tottenham Newcastle S/mpton

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Man Utd 1:45pm West Ham 4:00pm C/Palace 4:00pm Watford 4:00pm Leicester 4:00pm Sunderland 4:00pm West Brom 4:00pm Norwich 4:00pm Everton 6:30pm Arsenal 8:45pm