NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER
NO 1,118
SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER, 2015
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Shonekan, Fayose, Ibru, others pg8 eulogise HID in Ikenne
Ministerial list ready for Senate screening pg4
I hate to see female musicians slander one another —Emma Nyra pg30
Technocrats, politicians pass security checks Anti-Saraki forces plan mass protests
From left, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Dr Oba Otudeko, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Governor Ayodele Fayose, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran From left, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; The Guardian Publisher, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and the and the representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade, at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, on Friday. PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU Managing Director of The Guardian, Mr Emeka Izeze, at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos on Friday. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 2 & 47
Dignitaries in Ile-Ife for Oba Sijuwade’s 40th day service PHOTOS ON PAGE 46
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Hajj tragedy:
Nigeria tackles S/Arabia
Nigerian Army cries out ‘Politicians using marabouts against us’
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CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)
Saturday Tribune PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU
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(1) From left, Professor A. B. O. O. Oyediran; Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Chief Ernest Shonekan; his wife, Margaret and others. (2) Dr Gbolahan Dosumu (left) and Professor A. B. O. O. Oyediran. (3) A cross section of market men and women from Oyo State with Reverend Tola Oyediran (fourth right) and Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (fourth left). (4) A Cross section of members of National Council of Women Society (NCWS) with Reverend Tola Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. (5) From left, Chief J. K. Randle; Mrs Sade Ogunbiyi; Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Dr Oba Otudeko; Reverend Tola Oyediran; Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi and Dr Lai Ogunbiyi.
(6) From left, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Consultant, ANN Plc, Pastor Segun Olatunji; Reverend Tola Oyediran; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Professor A. B. O. O. Oyediran; Mr Emeka Izeze and the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, ANN Plc, Mr Edward Dickson. (7) The president, Ikenne Peoples Forum Association, Otunba Adeleke Adesina (left) presenting a letter of condolence to Reverend Tola Oyediran (right) and Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. (8) A cross section of members of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria. (9) From left, Mr Ben Murray Bruce; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Dr Oba Otudeko and the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose. (10) From left, Messrs Obafemi Awolowo; Bukola Awolowo; Olugbenga Awolowo and Olayinka Awolowo.
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Ministerial list ready for Senate screening
•Anti-Saraki forces plan mass protests •To move against Ekweremadu Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja and Taiwo Adisa - Abuja
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HE list of nominees into the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari is ready, and this is authoritative. President Buhari, it was learnt, ratified the list for transmission to the Senate shortly before his departure to the United States on Thursday. The list, according to an authoritative presidency source, is a mixture of technocrats and politicians across all divides in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The source added that the list would be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation “any time from now” ahead of the resumption of the National Assembly from recess next week. However, the source told Saturday Tribune that the list may be sent to the Senate in batches “for reasons not yet disclosed.” “The names were sent for screening and the screening was done. It is ready now. Everything you people (the media) have been writing is nonsense, government is not run like that,” the source said while referring to previous media reports on the conclusion of the screening of ministerial nominees. It was gathered that all the former parties that coalesced into the APC are represented on the list. “Even there is at least one PDP person there,” the presidency source, who did not want his name mentioned, added. “Some other interest groups and individuals were also considered by the president in order to ensure national and political balancing but it is a team of change,” the source said. The National Assembly had been on recess since last month and there have been anxieties as to whether or not the president would transmit the list to the Senate under Senator Bukola Saraki because of the seeming crisis between the two arms of government. Buhari had promised that he would get his cabinet ready by September 30 this year.
Anti-Saraki forces plan mass protests
Meanwhile, forces opposed to the leadership of
Senator Bukola Saraki as the Senate president appear to have concluded plans to embark on mass protests to drive home the morality of the need for the man to “resign honourably,” sources have said. Investigations by the Saturday Tribune confirmed that some groups of protesters are already mobilised and would start their campaigns from Monday, September 28.The Senate is set to resume on September 29 after a six week annual recess. Sources said that a prelude to the planned action
might have been witnessed in Ilorin on Thursday when some persons led the attack on the Senate president and other dignitaries during the eid prayers in the Kwara State capital. Investigations revealed that following the arraignment of Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), some leaders of the APC have perfected plans to move the battle against him to the second stage, which is to orchestrate campaigns that are expected to catch like wildfire across the country. Sources said that the
second stage of the move against Saraki is aimed at weakening his public image and popularising the idea that he needs to resign. It was learnt that many of the protesters are to campaign on the grounds that Saraki’s continued occupation of the chairmanship of the National Assembly and Senate presidency would amount to a stain on the anti-corruption war embarked upon by the government of President Buhari. It was learnt that the protests are to be sustained until the resumed hearing of the CCT suit against Saraki
on October 21. A source in the know said: “The real plan concerning the arraignment of Saraki was originally aimed at achieving two things. One was to keep him behind bars from Friday, September 18, the first day the CCT suit was to hold and then pave the way for the senators to remove him. The second was to orchestrate that campaign that his arraignment was bad enough for the anti-corruption war of the current government. But since Saraki did not appear before the CCT on September 18, the first leg
was affected. Now the arraignment on September 22 has emboldened them to start their street campaign.” It was also gathered that the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu is to come under special scrutiny to ensure he is also faced with threatening charges that would force him to resign. “The target really is Ekweremadu. If he agrees to resign, it would be easier for Saraki to continue. But Saraki became the target when he refused to lift a finger when told that he should sacrifice his deputy,” a source said.
Politicians using marabouts to fight us, Army cries out ‘200 Boko Haram terrorists surrender’ Chris Agbambu - Abuja and James Bwala - Maiduguri THE Nigerian Army on Friday accused some unnamed northern politicians of engaging the services of spiritualists to stop it from defeating Boko Haram terrorists as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari. A statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, said the army’s adversaries had employed the services of spiritualists, popularly known as marabouts, to reverse the gains made so far against terrorists in the North East. “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public and send a very strong and serious final warning to some prominent individuals and political groups who hail from Borno State in particular and North East generally, that there is information of plans by some highly-placed individuals and political groups to undermine and scuttle the fight against terrorism and insurgency in this country. “The unscrupulous individuals and their cohorts are determined to reverse the gains made and scuttle our efforts of achieving the presidential directive to defeat Boko Haram terrorists within three months. They are enlisting the services of some non-governmental organisations in this grand design. “It has come to our knowledge that they are employing every means to see that our operation does not succeed in order for them to continue to enjoy certain benefits. “It has been revealed that they are employing the services of marabouts and other unethical means in order to frustrate our efforts and the operations in addition to campaigns of calumny.
“We are aware of their clandestine meetings and other diabolical efforts to achieve their nefarious aims. This would not be tolerated. “Therefore, such individuals and groups should be warned in unmistakable terms that anyone found would be dealt with accordingly. “People should place the interest of the nation above any personal gain or ambition. The continued loss of lives and properties in this country through terrorists’ activities does no one any good,” the Army said in the statement.
200 Boko Haram members surrender in Banki
Two hundred members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect have surrendered after a fierce battle with Nigerian troops in Banki town of Bama Local Government area of Borno State. The Army revealed this on Friday, in an interaction with the press during a Sallah homage paid to the Commander of Operation, Lafiya Dole, Major-General Yusha’u Abubakar. Major-General Abubakar said with the successes being recorded in the fight to end the insurgency, the military is optimistic that it will meet the December deadline set by President Buhari. General Abubakar also said that the military has arrested a suspected member of the Boko Haram who was on surveillance at Madinatu Mosque, around State Low Cost estate, with the aim of planting Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the mosque. According to him, the arrested sect member is also helping the military with information, which has led to the arrest of three suspects that detonated bomb at Ajilari Cross killing several
people and worshipers in a mosque recently. He appealed to members of the society, particularly
members of the of transport workers union, market officials, churches and mosques to employ youths
to keep watch on those places against unsuspecting terrorists who might come around to plant bombs.
Taiwo Adisa - Abuja
Mr. Timi Alaibe might have been wooed by the likes of the APC national chairman, Chief John Oyegun, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Audu Ogbeh, among others, following counsel from President Buhari. The EFCC is challenging the suit in which Sylva, alongside three others, is allegedly involved in the N19 billion suit. Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja had dismissed the 42-count charge on the basis of the finding that the pros-
ecution’s application to consolidate the charges against the defendants amounted to an abuse of court process. But the Commission has since filed fresh charges. Sources in the party said that “the plot to stop Sylva is a party affair, notwithstanding his standing in the party and his role in the successes recorded by the APC in the March 28 election.” Sylva was initially declared the winner of the APC primaries in Bayelsa but the party in Abuja has announced its decision to nullify the primary and condct a fresh one.
Bayelsa guber: APC may dump Sylva over EFCC case IT emerged on Friday that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may dump former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva from the December 5 gubernatorial contest. Insiders in the party told the Saturday Tribune in Abuja that leaders of the party have communicated their resolve to field persons who have no known cases with any of the anti-graft agencies in the governorship polls. Sources at the party secretariat told the Saturday Tribune that President Muhammadu Buhari recently admonished the party’s leaders on the need to field a candidate with no known or ongoing cases with either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC). Though the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice A. R. Mohammed had in July dismissed a N19 billion 42-count suit bordering on alleged stealing and money laundering brought against Sylva by the EFCC, the commission has filed a fresh suit at another court. It was learnt that leaders of the APC are now relying on the N19.5bn suit to threaten Sylva’s chances as he was said to have been told to clear his name first. Sources said that the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC),
Saraki laments death of Hajj pilgrims Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja SENATE President Bukola Saraki, on Friday described the death of over 700 pilgrims in Mina, Saudi Arabia, as shocking, asking the Saudi authorities to review safety strategies. The Senate president, in a statement in Abuja said that the stampede, while pilgrims were stoning the devil at Jamrat in Mina on Thursday, was painful and regrettable. He also called on the Saudi authorities to review the safety rules governing activities around places where the hajj rites usually take place. In a statement by his Media Office, Saraki said he was shocked by the news of the stampede where over 805 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, adding that he is pained and saddened that such tragic incident could still occur
despite the safety instructions the Saudi Arabian authorities issued to pilgrims. The statement read in part: “We are pained. The death of pilgrims who came to worship from different parts of the world is too much for us to bear. We recorded over 100 deaths and 331 injured others when a crane crashed in Kaaba, Mecca, about two weeks ago and now, hundreds of Muslim faithful lost their lives while performing the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual. “My heart goes out to the families of those that lost their lives in this tragic incident as I pray Almighty Allah to grant Aljannah Fidaus to souls of all those who lost their lives. “I also pray for quick recovery for those that sustained injuries during the stampede. May Allah give the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
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Nigeria tackles Saudi Arabia over pilgrims’ death •Buhari urges authorities to correct poor organisation •Says incident monumental tragedy Clement Idoko - Abuja with Agency Report
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IGERIA has dismissed remarks by the Saudi health minister blaming pilgrims for “not following instructions” which led to the death of pilgrims on Thursday. More than 700 people taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage were killed and a further 800 were injured in a stampede at Mina, near the Islamic holy city of Mecca, on Thursday. Health Minister Khaled al-Falih told el-Ekhbariya television that if pilgrims “had followed instructions, this type of accident could have been avoided”. But the head of Nigeria’s Hajj delegation, the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, told the BBC the crush “happened on the designated ways for incoming and outgoing pilgrims to the site, [where they were] crossing each other” - something he said should not have happened. “We are therefore urging the Saudi authorities not to apportion blame to the pilgrims for not obeying instructions.”
Buhari urges Saudi authorities to correct poor organisation
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed deep sadness over the colossal calamity which occurred on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, claiming the lives of hundreds of pilgrims, including some Nigerians. He described the stampede at Mina in which a notable Nigerian journalist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, Professor Tijjani ElMiskin and others lost their lives as a monumental tragedy, not only for citizens of the countries involved, but for the global Islamic community. This was contained in a statement on Friday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu. President Buhari has accordingly asked King Salman of Saudi Arabia to ensure investigation into the flaws in the 2015 Hajj organisation with a view to avoiding a recurrence of such tragedies during the annual pilgrimage. He extended his condolences to the families of the over 700 pilgrims who lost their lives in the latest disaster which occurred less than two weeks after a crane collapsed in Mecca claimed more than a hundred lives. Buhari also commiserated with the Nigerian Guild
of Editors and the Nigeria Union of Journalists on the sad loss of Hajiya Bilkisu, an exemplary, dedicated, knowledgeable, very credible, highly-respected, outstanding editor and columnist who, even in death, would remain a glittering role model for journalists, within and outside Nigeria. The statement said: “The president has taken note of the assurance by the government of Saudi Arabia that Thursday’s catastrophe will be investigated and urges King Salman to ensure a comprehensive and thorough exercise that will identify any flaw in Hajj organisation with a view to avoiding a recurrence of such tragedies during the annual pilgrimage. “In the knowledge that it is not within our powers to question the will of God, President Buhari prays that Almighty Allah will comfort the families who lost their beloved ones in the stampede and receive the souls of all those who died in the holy land while fulfilling the religious obligation of the Hajj,” he said. Iran has led growing criticism of Saudi Arabia after at least 717 people died and 863 were injured in the stampede. One Mecca resident, Fathima Mohamed, told the BBC: “I was in the crowd and most people... are very peaceful. Then you get the young people and the heat
is quite unrelenting. People want to do it quickly, they want to finish everything and because of the fact that it would get hot, people were pushing.” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council accused the Saudis of “incompetence” and urged them to “take responsibility” for the deaths. King Salman has ordered a safety review for the Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrims throw seven stones at pillars called Jamarat, which stand at the place where Satan is believed to have tempted the Prophet Abraham. With temperatures around 46C, two massive lines of pilgrims converged on each other at right angles at an intersection close to the fivestorey Jamarat Bridge in Mina, a large valley about 5km (3 miles) from Mecca. This is the deadliest incident to occur during the pilgrimage in 25 years. It is also the second disaster to strike in two weeks, after a crane collapsed at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing 109 people. Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, has reported the greatest number of deaths among foreign nationals 131 - and has reacted with the greatest anger. On Friday, the spokesman for its Supreme National Security Council, Keyvan Khosravi, told the Isna news agency: “The unavoidable fact is that the Saudi government has been incompetent
in this regard and with regard to the management of the Hajj pilgrimage, and Riyadh must accept responsibility for this.” He was echoing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said on Thursday that Saudi “mismanagement and improper actions have caused this catastrophe”. Iran has declared three days of national mourning. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of an Iranian parliamentary committee for national security, called on other Islamic countries to lodge protests with the Saudis. The Saudis have spent billions on improving transport and other infrastructure since the last major Hajj incident nine years ago. The millions of pilgrims who come each year also bring billions of dollars to the Saudi economy. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayyef, who chairs the Hajj committee, has begun an immediate inquiry into the tragedy, with “fast” results promised. Offering his condolences to the relatives of the dead, King Salman said: “We have instructed concerned authorities to review the operations plan and to raise the level of organisation and management to ensure that the guests of God perform their rituals in comfort and ease.” The number of pilgrims was fewer on Friday, AFP reported, and there was more organisation from the authorities at entry points.
Oba Sijuwade’s 40th day remembrance service held in Ile-Ife Oluwole Ige - Osogbo THE Bishop of Ife Diocese of the Anglican Communion, The Right Reverend Oluranti Oluwole Odubodun, on Friday tasked Nigerians to live exemplary lives by impacting positively on others. He gave the charge in IleIfe during the 40th day remembrance service held in honour of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade who passed away in a London hospital on July 28, 2015. Reverend Odubogun noted that Oba Sijuwade lived a life worthy of emulation by assisting the needy and empowering thousands of people, including non-Ife indigenes, through his philanthropic activities. According to him, “Oba Sijuwade had passion for God in all his deeds and acts. His heart was with God because he lived well and died well. He also lived to fulfill his destiny because he served God with all his heart. Let everyone of us live a symbolic lifestyle the way Oba
Okunade Sijuwade lived his life by making himself available and helpful, not only to the people of Ife, but many others who are non-indigenes.” In his remarks, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran said “the death of the monarch is very painful to us; the Ooni who was the chairman of all Obas had proved himself to be an icon of peace and harmony in the entire Yoruba land.” “Oba Sijuwade stood till the end for the unity of Yoruba, Nigeria and Africa till the end. He left indelible marks in social and cultural spheres, most especially by being a source of inspiration and encouragement to all and sundry”. Giving the vote of thanks, the eldest son of the late monarch, Prince Adetokunbo Sijuwade expressed the family’s gratitude for the love and affection Nigerians had shown his father and the entire family of Oba Sijuwade. “My father had been a
source of inspiration to me. About two years ago, he gave me a Bible and he instructed me in the way of the Lord and I have never had any regret over it. I appreciate the coming of all those who made today’s thanksgiving programme a colourful one to the glory of God,” he said. Dignitaries who attended the service included Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran; Afenifere chieftains, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Admiral Akin Aduwo, the Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, wife of former governor of Osun State, Mrs Omolola Oyinlola; wife of the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr (Mrs) Bisi Fayemi; former deputy fovernor of Ekiti, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, who represented Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole and Evangelist (Dr) Bola Are.
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NNPC to sell Warri, Kaduna refineries Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stated that refineries that fail to meet the 90-day ultimatum to get fixed may be sold. Speaking with journalists on Thursday, the Group Managing Director (GMD), NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated that “by the end of December when the 90-day ultimatum will expire, any refinery that does not work optimally will be sold. “I am determined to make a difference during my stay. We are losing N10billion annually each on the refineries. As of today, the average refining performance is 30 per cent. “If by December, the refineries don’t work, I will export crude allocation and import refined petroleum products until we fix the refineries. Right now, the Port Harcourt refineries are showing signs they will meet the December deadline. “However, I am not saying Warri and Kaduna refineries will not meet the deadline, but I hope they all meet it so that we can continue to utilise our crude allocation to boost domestic refining.” Kachikwu argued that NNPC cash call arrears stood at $5billion and hopes to settle the arrears by end of December 2015. “By December, I hope to settle all the cash call arrears and grow NPDC to where it is supposed to be,” he said.
Victoria Island, Port Harcourt welcome Glo Slide N Bounce, Laffta Fest
GLOBACOM will this weekend continue to splash quality entertainment on its loyal customers as its twin mega shows, Slide & Bounce and Laffta Fest will rock Victoria Island, Lagos and Port Harcourt, Rivers State today, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 respectively. Eko Hotel and Suites will accommodate the large audience expected at the special Sallah edition of the Glo Slide n Bounce musical concert in Victoria Island, while the Atrium Events Center, Port Harcourt is the venue for Glo Laffta Fest. Both shows which began on August 29 and 30 respectively have had top Nigerian artistes and comedians perform live, to the delight of their fans. For instance, at the Laffta Fest show which was held at the Eagle Club, Surulere last Sunday, artistes such as I go Dye, Gordons, Osama and Julius Agwu performed creditably. This weekend, the Slide & Bounce musical concert will parade highly rated artistes and Glo ambassadors including Flavour, M.I, Bez, Di’Ja, Wiz Kid and Rekaado Banks while Okey Bakassi will anchor the show. Similarly, Laffta Fest will showcase comic talents such as Gordons, Dan D Humorous, Julius Agwu, 2 Can Talk, MC Casino and Basketmouth who will anchor the show. Salvador, an Ugandan comedian, will make a special appearance while Wande Coal and Korede Bello will perform their hit tracks. Laffta Fest will also feature top Nollywood stars, Chiwetalu Agu and Patience Ozokwor who will spice up the event with their special appearances. According to a statement released by Globacom, both shows, having been held cumulatively at eight locations, will tour the other cities around the country, including Abuja, Ijebu Ode, Egbeda, Ikeja and Ibadan. The statement added that “Glo subscribers who wish to attend the Laffta Fest show by using airtime worth N3,000 and above before the show and send ‘LOL PORT HARCOURT’ to 33001. Also, subscribers wishing to attend Glo Slide & Bounce should use up to N2,000 worth of airtime before the show and send ‘YES VICTORIA ISLAND’ to 3018”. Glo Laffta Fest and Glo Slide & Bounce were launched by Globacom to bring unlimited fun to millions of subscribers on its network across the country.
Stampede investigation: NAHCON wants Saudi authorities to involve affected nations ALHAJI Abdullahi Mukhtar, the chairman, National Hajj Commision of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Friday called on the Saudi authorities to involve Nigeria and countries affected by Thursday’s stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia. Mukhtar, who made the call at a news conference in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, said it was not fair for anyone to blame Africans participating at the pilgrimage for the fatal incident. “At this time of electronic age and the close circuit cameras installed in Mecca and environment, the authorities can easily know how the stampede started and who caused it,” he said. He, therefore, urged the pilgrims to follow the timetable provided by the Saudi authorities to prevent similar incident. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three Nigerians lost their lives, although NAHCON officials said they had yet to verify the development from Saudi government.
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Hajj tragedy: Amosun commiserates with deceased’s families
From left, gospel musician, Evangelist (Mrs) Bola Are; General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William F. Kumuyi and Evangelist Ojo Ade, at the Lagos City-wide crusade organised by DCLM, in conjunction with CAN and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian PFN, held at Ikeja Grammar School, Bolade Oshodi, on Thursday.
OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has commiserated with the families of the pilgrims that died in Thursday’s stampede at Mina, Saudi Arabia. The governor, who is also performing this year’s hajj, expressed his deepest condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State and Kashim Shettima of Borno State, whose pilgrims were victims of the tragic incident. In a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor described the deaths as regrettable, especially when they could have been avoided. While urging pilgrims across the world to always observe codes that would engender an incident-free pilgrimage, Amosun called on the Saudi authorities to further improve safety measures in order to prevent recurrence of the unfortunate incident. Amosun prayed to the almighty Allah to comfort the families across the world that lost their loved ones at the Grand Mosque and Mina and grant the deceased Aljannah firdaus.
Ilorin attack: Police intensify probe
Tribunal: INEC defence has silenced Rivers APC —Wike
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GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said testimonies by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the April 11 governorship election in the state was peaceful and credible have confounded and quietened the All Progressives Congress (APC). The national electoral body had opened its defence at the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja. INEC’s electoral officers and presiding officers from Obio /Akpor, Akuku Toru, Bonny, Tai and Oyigbo local government areas of the state testified that the election in the affected local councils was peaceful, credible and conducted in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant (Media) to Governor Wike, noted that since INEC opened its defence on the disputed election, propagandists, allegedly hired by Rivers APC, had taken the back seat and remained largely quiet. He said the weight of the evidence adduced by the electoral officers and presiding officers at the tribunal had helped to throw more light on the success of the election and the mandate of Governor Wike. “All the INEC officials who have testified so far directly conducted the election in five local government areas spread across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State.
Biola Azeez - Ilorin
HE Kwara State police command has said that it is yet to get “anything tangible” over the reported mayhem at the Ilorin eid praying ground on Thursday. The spokesperson for the police command, Ajayi Okasanmi, said men of
the command had continued to probe the cause of Thursday fracas during which hoodlums attempted to hijack the prayers and attack several dignitaries, including the Senate President. Okasanmi also said that no fresh arrest had been made on the crisis but promised that details of the investigation would be made available on Monday.
“We are still investigating but we are yet to see anything tangible; we are still dealing with those people we arrested but maybe by Monday we should be able to brief you,” he said on phone. On Monday, Commissioner of Police, Mr Esosa Amadasun, had confirmed receiving credible information that some people were planning to disrupt the
Police constable kills two officers, shoots self
THE Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe State, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Toyin Gbadegesin, said a police constable suspected to have gone insane on Friday killed two senior policemen. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nangere, Yobe that the suspect thereafter shot
himself. “A constable in Nangere went berserk this morning, grabbed a rifle and shot two inspectors who died instantly. “He shot himself too but did not die. He was rushed to the hospital. “The cause of his action is not known yet but investigation into the un-
fortunate incident has begun to unravel the remote and immediate cause of his action,” Gbadegesin said. Hospital staff who pleaded anonymity also confirmed the death of the policemen, saying that “the three bodies have been deposited at General Hospital, Potiskum.”
Glo-sponsored Dance with Peter hits airwaves today MILLIONS of television viewers across Africa will have the opportunity to follow Dance with Peter, the continent’s hottest dance reality TV show sponsored by telecommunications operator, Globacom. The company said in a press release that the programme would be broadcast on Saturdays on Africa Magic Urban (Channel 153) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays on Africa Independent Television (AIT) from 3 p.m. to 4 pm. The first episode of the programme, according to Globacom, is scheduled for broadcast this weekend. And would show highlights of the auditions held in Abuja, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana. Globacom assured that entertainment lovers would be able to see all the exciting highlights of the contest where thousands of aspiring dancers slug it out to make the final 30
to compete for the fantastic prizes offered by Globacom. According to Globacom, the programme would be quite entertaining as the episode parades talents with amazing stunts on the dance platform as well as purely comic characters who would have been best suited for a competition parading aspiring comedians than dancers. Viewers would also be able to follow the three judges of the show in their bid to outwit one another to have the best dancers choose them as mentors. “After the dancers sweated to impress the judges and be selected for the next stage of the auditions, the tables then turned with the selected dancers now choosing which of the judges they wanted to mentor them, particularly in instances where two or three judges indicate interest in mentoring a con-
testant. It is quite exciting watching the twist of fate with the judges wooing the contestants,” the press release said. Peter Okoye of PSquare, dance instructor and choreographer, Don Flexx, and Guinness Book of Record’s dance queen, Kafayat Shafau Ameh, popularly known as Kaffy are judges on the show. The best dancer will smile home with a brand new Toyota RAV 4 sports utility vehicle, N3 million cash prize and the rare opportunity of featuring in PSquare’s next music video, while the first and second runners-up will also receive fantastic prizes of a brand new Honda Civic car and N2 million cash and a brand new Kia Rio car with N1 million respectively. Each of them will also have the chance to feature in a top Glo Ambassador’s music videos.
Sallah celebrations in Ilorin, the state capital. Amadasun, who confirmed the development while answering questions from newsmen on the preparedness of the command for the festival, had hinted that those behind the plan allegedly intended to pelt some government officials with stone during the Islamic prayers at eid praying ground. He had said his command was not treating it as rumour but real information, and explained that in order to ensure safety of worshippers, his command was putting some 2000 officers and men on duty during the festival. “We got information earlier and we were poised for them,” the police boss said, adding, “we have over 2000 men on ground to prevent any untoward incident. We don’t call that rumour; it is not rumour otherwise we won’t take concrete action on it. It is information and we are acting on it.” There were conflicting reports as to what led to the Thursday crisis. While some claimed it was a protest against the nonpayment of salaries to local government workers in the state, the police said those behind the crisis were mere hoodlums. Eyewitness accounts claimed that the protesters threw sachets of pure water at the VIP stand where Saraki and the other dignitaries were seated. It was the attempt by the police to stop them by barricading the section that led to a face-off with the hoodlums who started to call the officials unprintable names. The state governor, Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed, was not at the praying ground as he was said to have observed the Sallah festivities in his hometown, Shaare, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt
Nigeria will be better under Buhari —Oyo APC THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has expressed the hope of a better Nigeria under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The party said in an Eid al-Adha message by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, that this year’s festival was unique to Nigerians in view of its celebration in an atmosphere of change. “For the first time in the life of the average citizen of Nigeria, a new country that one could be proud of is emerging. This, coupled with the joyous occasion of Eidel-Kabir, offers a golden opportunity to celebrate and at the same time pray for the timely manifestation of all the lofty programmes of President Buhari and the APC in the life of the nation,” the party said. Meanwhile, the Oyo APC has commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi “for averting what could have turned out a bleak festival in many homes” with the timely release of the Federal Government’s bailout fund and its prompt utilisation to offset arrears of salaries owed public servants and pensioners. “Governor Ajimobi has again demonstrated his strong commitment to the welfare of workers and other citizens in the state. This was in addition to his ability to channel his wealth of experience, personal virtues and leadership prowess towards promoting the cause of the Pacesetter State at all times,” the party added.
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HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
Shonekan, Fayose, Ibru, Otudeko, others eulogise HID Awolowo By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan
F
ORMER Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, the governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba (Dr) Samuel Odugade Odulana, publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru, business mogul, Mr. Oba Otudeko, the Senator representing Balyesa East in the National Assembly, Mr Ben Murray Bruce were among eminent Nigerians that paid tributes to the memory of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, on Friday, in Ikenne.
Awolowo’s name cannot be deleted from Nigeria’s history —Shonekan Chief Shonekan said that the nation’s political history would be incomplete without Awolowo’s and as such, it cannot be deleted from it. He described Mama Awolowo as a loyal and forthright personality, saying “both Mama and Papa have something that could be emulated and she was loyal not only to her husband, but to Nigeria as well.” No one can insult Awo’s name —Fayose Governor Fayose urged politicians not to play politics with people’s lives, maintaining that no one could insult Awo’s name. He said this while speaking with newsmen at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos during his condolence visit to the family, on Friday. Fayose, in company of Senator Ben Murray Bruce, noted that the sage and his wife had left their footprints in the sands of time because of their strong conviction for a strong and virile nation. He said, “The Awolowo couple have left a good legacy for us. Great lessons for our children and generation yet unborn. We love them and we are going to celebrate them, it is about celebration and not mourning. All I am trying to say is that it should not be one-off visits where politicians would come around and celebrate here but leave to never return, that is not the spirit. The spirit is to always identify with this family and keep Papa’s legacy in Ikenne, beyond Ikenne and beyond Nigeria. “Awolowo wants us to
be together, as a family and wants us as Yoruba nation to remain united. One thing that we cannot forget in a hurry about the name Awolowo is the legacy of a life well spent and the assurances of eternity for a woman who stood firmly behind the great Awo, especially in the last 28 years. “Awolowo left so much for us to emulate. In the country,you can go out and say whatever you like, but there is no one who dare insult the name Awolowo. He left us with memories generation yet unborn cannot forget. “I want to remind all of us that are politicians, it is in our ways to make politics out of people’s lives, to celebrate them only for political reasons, but this should not be the case with this family. We will continue to be here, we should continue to stand up, although Papa and Mama HID have gone,but they remain in our hearts. We should do everything to sustain this legacy. “It is not about taking pictures alone, or rushing down to Ikenne, we should remember that Awolowo lives on. Our generations unborn must hear this and we politicians must celebrate them always.” Senator Ben Bruce, representing Bayelsa East senatorial district while commending the effort of Mama HID in holding the family together, said Nigerians should learn to document its legends for next generation beyond the current moment. He described Mama HID “as a beautiful and great
woman who has passed on having served humanity” Oba Odulana, who was represented by the Osi Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun and the Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, said the deceased, who would have been a centenarian like him, was a woman with great wisdom and courage. “She lived a good life and she was a good ambassador to womenfolk in Nigeria. Her death is, no doubt, a great loss not only to her family but to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.” Mama was an embodiment of Christian love —Oba Otudeko The Chairman of the Honeywell Group of Companies, Mr. Oba Otudeko, said Mama lived a full life and described her as an “embodiment of Christian love, piety,wisdom and patience with which she fought and overcame life’s challenges. Now that the Labourer’s work is done,she is with the Lord savouring her well deserved rest.” She was mother to all —Ibru The Publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex Ibru, in her message, described HID as a blessed woman. Her words: ”Mama was a mother to all, you are indeed blessed. As you journey to your God and Creator, travel well.” In his own exhortation, the President of Apostolic Church, Pastor Gabriel
Odutola, told the gathering that the death of Mama should be a lesson to all. Odutola said that all mortal must be prepared for death at all times, revealing that he knew the deceased’s time was near when he visited her last,adding that the home she left behind had become a pride to everyone. “Awolowo’s house is a pride to us all. Awolowo himself was a secret disciple. The last time I came here, I told Mama the end is near and she asked how soon is the 100 years and we told her it was almost here. I thank God that the fear is gone and we are rejoicing today. Let her death be a lesson to everyone of us and by the time, it would be our own turn,we must be prepared.” In his tribute, a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Professor Soji Adejumo, said Mama toiled the soil of Nigeria for the country to be great, adding that her love for the country united all sections and tribes. “For eight decades, you tirelessly and quietly toiled the soil of Nigeria to be a great nation. No matter where we all came from in this country, your name and character bind all Nigerians together. You were courageous,audacious and a vibrant testimony to motherhood.” Also, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TANPAN), eulogised the virtues of Mama by saying that she had done beautifully well for all and sundry.
HID, best women leader in Nigeria —Olaniwun Ajayi THE leader of Afenifere, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, said the best women leader in Nigeria up till today remains Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. In a condolence message, Sir Olaniwun said “Mama HID was one of the best of women leaders in this country and she will be remembered with affection and profound gratitude for her commitment and devotion to justice, fairness and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. In consent with her late husband, they laboured hard and well for true federalism which in time will be our lot in Nigeria. “Mama, who was privileged to have a few days short of 100 years, left us as we were preparing for her 100 birthday anniver-
sary but God gave her a better celebration - life
eternal. Mama, goodbye,” he said.
Members of the association, who were led by their President, Mr. Dele Odule, who wrote in the condolence register opened by the family that, “success is not determined by the value of what you have in your bank account but the many lives you have been able to impact. Mama, you have done beautifully well. Goodnight.” Also, members of the Ikenne Peoples Forum paid a condolence visit to the Awolowo family, describing her as a mother of the nation. The chairman of the Forum, Chief Adeleke Adesina, said Mama’s role cannot be underestimated to the entire people of Ikenne and the town itself. In her response, Reverend Tola Oyediran said that in the last few days after the departure of her mother, the family has discovered that the love that Nigerians have for the Awolowo family has no boundary. She added that the children understand that the legacy bequeathed on them by their parents is a big one. Her words “The lessons I have learnt in the last few days is that the love
FG should immortalise her for exemplary life —Koleoso Bola Badmus - Lagos THE Federal Government has been urged to immortalise the matriarch of Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, for living an exemplary life and being a model to women. Senator Robert Koleoso made the call on Friday in his reaction to the death of the Yeye Oodua, who he described as a detribalised Nigerian, a strong pillar of support for her husband, a good listener, a rallying
Mama was a virtuous woman —Chairman, Oodu’a Investment Company By Kate Ani THE board, management and staff of Odu’a Investment Company Limited have commiserated with the Awolowo family, the people of Ogun State, the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune and the entire Yoruba race on the departure of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty and of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, who died last Saturday at the age of 99. According to a condo-
lence message signed by the chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Chief (Dr) Isaac Akintade, and made available to Saturday Tribune, “Mama was a great mother to millions of souls that came in contact with her. “She was a virtuous woman and a pillar of support to her husband and sage, foremost nationalist, politician par excellence, great Yoruba leader and our founding father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “Yeye Oodua, as she
that Nigerians have for the Awolowo family has no boundary. And the legacy our parents bequeathed on us is a very big one. We promise not to let you down. “Mama’s life is a challenge to women. She taught us to be good mothers and friends to our spouses and to be loyal as well. Mama died in faith,” she said. In his eulogy, Mr Iwilade Akinola, from Iwo, Osun State, who wrote the first poetic tribute to Mama HID - The story of the jewel of inestimable value - said “Awolowo had the dream but Mama felt the dream- Dream of new Nigeria. What a successful centenarian.” To Oba and Dame Olori S. Adesanya, Ijagba, Sagamu, Mama was “a great politican, a leader and a real mother in Israel. You lived a good and enviable life and served your God most sincerely.” Prophet J.B. Kumoluyi of the Word Bible Church described Mama HID Awolowo “as an epitome of peace and tranquility and also a pillar in the Christendom. Mama was a good listener to people’s supplications.”
was fondly called, will always be honoured and remembered for the indelible legacy of very significant contributions towards state, regional and national development which added value in no small measure to life and the cause of human being. Her exit no doubt will create a very big vaccum which only God Almighty can fill. “Our prayer in Odu’a Investment Company is that the Almighty God in his infinite mercies will grant our dear mother eternal rest,” Chief Akintade said.
point and a mother in Israel, whose flag, he said, would be carried as long as the opportunity manifests itself. According to the senator, who represented Oyo North Senatorial District of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, testimony upon testimony about Yeye Oodua since she passed on showed that it is good to be good because there is indeed a reward for such. “The lesson to learn from Mama’s death is that this world is not a permanent home and whatever we do, whether we like it or not, is what we shall be judged with, so why not do good while we are here on earth. “From all the testimonies we read and heard about Mama, they were enough to show that she lived an exemplary life for her immediate family and the generality of Nigerians irrespective of political, religious, ethnic or whatever belief. “She was a mother in Israel, she was there for all and sundry,” he said. For all of us who believe in political sagacity and doctrine, we will continue to keep the flag flying as long as the opportunity continues to manifest itself,” he said.
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26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
Edited by Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com
Love is the secret of my success —HID
10
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
With Toluwani Olamitoke 08050498504 toluwaniforever@yahoo.com
When Mama Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo clocked 85 years in 2000, a Saturday Tribune team made up of the then editor, ABIODUN RAUFU, YEMISI AOFOLAJU and MODUPE OLUBANJO, both Deputy Editors, spoke with her on her life; the secret of the longevity she enjoyed and her family, among other issues. The interview is reproduced here.
A
T 85 Mama, what is the secret of your graceful ageing? Well, I think it is the grace of God that makes one grow old and I also think that it runs in my family. My grandmother was over 100 before she died while my own mother died at 95. The Almighty God has made this day a reality. I bless Him. How do you feel at 85? It is natural. Let us say from last year to this year I am still strong by the special grace of God and for the singular fact that I have kept myself very well since my youthful age. First, my youthfulness can be traced to when I was in school because I used to work with my mother who was into business and she did not spare me at all. Although, I still read my books religiously, yet throughout all my holidays in Ikenne, my mother did not spare me. She liked me to work as hard as possible. When I got married to my husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, I also started working, although, before I got married, I was a teacher. Being a teacher, I also did some petty business until after marriage. My husband was a hardworking man and he wanted me to be hardworking too, although, he didn’t want me to do any business or anything, else. He wanted me to stay at home to look after the children and to see to the cleanliness of the house. But I didn’t allow myself to go back on what I had been doing before. But when we started politics, it also required a lot of hardwork for someone to make a success of it because it took much of our time. When electioneering started, I did a lot. We were both in the eastern and the northern parts of the country and we were going round and round and jumping up and down, saying ‘vote for me’ for one reason or the other. When my husband was arrested and jailed, I travelled all round Yorubaland and parts of the North and the East too. What are your expectations for Nigeria? Well, I am still praying for Nigeria because Nigeria goes forward and backward. When my husband was trying to help, people thought he was doing that because of his own selfish interest. But everybody knows now that he was not. And they are now saying that if Awolowo is still alive, things would not be like this. But when he was alive, most of our people didn’t realise that he meant well for the country but it is now that they know. So God bless Nigeria. I am still praying for Nigeria because I won’t say Nigeria is the same as it used to be. Mama, people were surprised when they saw you at the inauguration of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE). And in fact, that is a major reason why YCE is popular. Even
some of the dignitaries said that they were happy about your presence. Why I thought I should be there. It was what I had been looking for. (Yoruba ni agba kii wa ni ilu ki ilu baje) meaning elders’ presence in a particular setting would prevent such a setting from going into disarray. When Modakeke and Ile-Ife were at loggerheads, burning houses, cars and wreaking a lot of havoc on themselves, nobody stood up. There were no elderly people who could say, let us go to Ile-Ife and Modakeke and tell these people that we are all the same, let us settle this problem without resorting to bloodletting. Nobody tried to do that. Although, I tried my best here and there then to ask some people to call the people to order, it was too tough for a person if you can remember. Hence, I felt that we cannot sit down seeing our people killing themselves without anybody saying O to (enough is enough). You know when two children are fighting, the elderly person there is expected to pacify them by asking one of the combatants to go left while the other goes to the right. But nobody stood up. The same thing happened in Owo and Akoko, in Ondo State, I don’t know whether it has also stopped now. I thought the elders should rise and gather themselves together and see to the issue of settling the in-fighting among the Yorubas everywhere. When I was told that they were going to set up the Yoruba Council of Elders, I was so pleased. But when people read in the newspapers that I was not going to be present at the inaugural meeting, they were bothered, but when they saw me, they were surprised. Since we started now, we have done quite a lot of things. Although I didn’t go with them. Baba Alayande and Honourable Justice Adewale Thompson went to Osun State to settle matters between the governor and the lawmakers. If it goes on like that, there would be peace in Yorubaland. Mama, what advice would you give to young ones whose marriages are still young and those who are yet to be married? I have been telling people that love begets love and confidence begets confidence. If you show love and confidence to your husband, he too would reciprocate. And you would have to try because it doesn’t come naturally at all. When I got married for instance, my husband said, “no more
‘Love is the secret of my success’ business, although I know you came from a business family, in my house I want a housewife”. Then, softly, softly, I introduced some businesses. You know I was in the textile business, but then I told him, (kilo se ti e ko je ki nma mu nkan keke ke sita nibi yii) meaning, why don’t you (my husband) allow me to display some wares in front of our compound for sale. But his response was that, you want to make my house a supermarket or what? I said no, but later I said, when the children go to school, I would be alone in the house but if I have something for sale which people would be coming to ask for, I won’t feel the loneliness so much again and he said he would think about it. But if I had insisted that I was going to start a business of textiles tomorrow against his consent, he might not have agreed with me but I introduced the businesses gradually after receiving his blessings in an attempt not to offend him. I was into the distribution of a lot of things later. Later on, he too felt if I didn’t do all those businesses he wouldn’t have succeeded because when he was to travel to England, our own Segun had not finished primary school and my husband asked how we were going to cope then. I said, you go, God would help us. He knew both my mother and my grandmoth-
er and if I needed anything would go to them and they would give me money. So, he agreed and put a very, very tiny amount down for upkeep. But after some time, when he got to England, I had to send some few pounds to him. He would ask where I got the money from, then I tried to explain to him that all those things he asked me not to do, I had been doing them and I had been getting some profits and that was why I was able to send him the money and he said that the money came when he needed it very badly. And later in life, when he called me ‘His Jewel of Inestimable Value’, people were wondering, maybe that was one of those things that made him say that. Also, at the time when Segun was going to study in England, it was that time that the trouble in the Western Region started and he was arrested. He asked how we were going to survive but we survived by the Grace of God. The time Tola was going (to England), he was either in Calabar or in a sort of house arrest. While training the last two, Ayo and Tokunbo, he was in Calabar prisons. If I hadn’t been doing all those things, how could we have survived? He realised and he was very, very grateful and if you go to the Hall there (Efunyela Hall), you will see his writing and you will know what it means.
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26 September, 2015
BLESSING EKUM ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639
food&drink
‘Mama took time to enjoy her last meal of pounded cocoyam and egusi ‘ HOW long did you cook for mama? I was transferred from Babcock University in 2013 and I’ve been cooking for her since then.
Even at almost 100 years, Mama H.I.D. Awolowo made sure she not only enjoyed delicious dishes but everyone around her did same. Even the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunso Amosun attested to the fact that Ikokore served in Mama’s house was one distinct thing she’d miss. BLESSING EKUM speaks with Mrs Mary Akinboye, Mama’s chief cook and Mrs Deborah Agboola, sous chef on Mama’s culinary experiences. How many times did she eat in a day? She usually ate twice - breakfast and lunch and she took lots of fruits and vegetables. Did she have a favourite fruit? She loved apples. What was her favourite food? Mama loved amala and ewedu soup. She spent some years in Ibadan, Oyo State and I think she acquired the love for this delicacy from her stay over there. Was there a particular way she preferred it prepared? She liked her food to be well cooked with the right amount of ingredients. If she wanted a particular preference for an ingredient, she asked for it. Was there any non-local dish she also enjoyed?
Yes, she also liked eating chicken curry and rice. She ate chicken even at her age? She did. She still ate beef and fish but she liked chicken in particular. Was there a dish she didn’t like? Semo or wheat was her least favourite. What about other swallows? Besides amala, she also enjoyed pounded yam and eba. How did she like pounded yam? Did she eat pounded yam prepared from processed yam flour? She sometimes ate that but she preferred if yam was pounded. What was her first choice of food to serve guests? Ikokore. She enjoyed it and loved to serve guests ikokore. Was there a special way she wanted it prepared? It’s usually prepared the usual way but she liked lots of crayfish in hers. Who prepared her last meal? I did. What was it? It was pounded cocoyam and egusi soup. She had wanted it for breakfast but we advised her to have it for lunch and she took her time to enjoy it.
Mrs Mary Akinboye
Saturday Tribune
Mrs Deborah Agboola
How many of you worked in her kitchen? We are three.
What would you remember about her when it comes to the kitchen? I would remember her for her zerotolerance for nonsense even when it came to her food. If the food wasn’t well-cooked or wasn’t delicious, she’ll tell you where you went wrong and won’t eat it. She was also very timeconscious about everything including food. Once she asks you when a meal would be ready and you gave a specific time, she expected it to be ready at that time. Even in hosting guests, she was particular about us preparing their food before their arrival. Mrs Deborah Agboola, one of mama’s cooks How long did you cook for mama? I prepped her meals for four and a half years. How would you describe your relationship with her? Throughout the period I prepared her meals, we maintained a very cordial relationship. What would you remember her for in the area of cooking? She cared for everyone she came across and offered assistance when we needed help. She always made sure everyone had something to eat. She didn’t like people being hungry around her. Even among her cooks and workers, she insisted that we all had food to eat and also eat well.
12 HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)
We encountered HID while growing up —Ajoke Murtala Muhammed, Josephine Anenih
BLESSING EKUM, JOAN OMIONAWELE and KATE ANI engage some prominent citizens on their memorable encounters with the Yeye Oodua, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo. My father-in-law was best man at her wedding —Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) ‘I will miss her ikokore’ The last time I saw her was in March and as usual, she received me with great love and affection and ordered that they prepare ikokore for me. That was what she did every time I came to see her. I travelled in April and was looking forward to seeing her again. She was a wonderful person, highly intelligent. Her counsel was always very valuable. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. I will miss her a lot because she was a benevolent person who wanted what is good for everybody; not only for her family but for everybody.
Can you remember the first day you met her? Oh, you were not born then. It was over 50 years ago. My husband, the late Professor Solanke’s father, was the best man for Mama and Papa when they got married and when they celebrated their 25th anniversary, Papa Awolowo said to my husband, ‘Your father was the best man at my wedding, come and be the Master of Ceremony at my 25th silver wedding anniversary.’ Every year, we would come here for Christmas and she had gifts for everybody and in her golden years, she was always eager to see people and welcome them. I will miss her and Nigeria will miss her. Her support for her husband was legendary. She was an epitome of wisdom, intelligence and love for country. She possessed the intelligence to lead and was an honest woman. I will miss her ikokore.
HID took me as her daughter —Murtala Muhammed’s widow, Ajoke
What were your last memories of Mama? She was very affectionate. She never forgot people’s faces. No matter how long the time she saw you last, anytime she saw you, she would recognise you and greet you affectionately.
What was your relationship with her while she was alive? She took me just as a daughter. Her husband was my father’s friend. I usually went to visit them in Park Lane in Apapa, long ago. It’s not easy to forget her because the first day we met, she greeted me with love as if she had always known me, regardless of who I was. Continues pg13
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
13 HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
‘She used to give us water when ‘NEPA’ failed to give us electricity’ She stood by me —Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (retd), YCE chair
One of the most memorable experiences that I had with her was when I was the military governor of the old Western Region. She stood by me in Papa’s place. I had a very good time with the entire Awolowo family. Mama was good to me throughout the time, with my wife and children and since then, I have been very close to them. I will miss her so much.
She was a woman of all seasons —Sen. Oluremi Tinubu
Continued from pg12
Mama fed me as a young lady at the university —Josephine Anenih
For me, she was always a beacon. I had known her for many years, since my university years, in 1970. I used to go to her shop in Ibadan, all the way from Ife. She was a very industrious woman who was friendly and accommodating. If you were with her, you learned the fear of God and how to be industrious. She was also very consistent. There was never a time one had any negative thing to say about her. Who was she to you? People saw her as ‘mama,’ but she was way more than that to me. Without her strength and encouragement, I don’t think Nigeria would be what it is today. So, when we remember the founding fathers, we must also remember the founding mothers like HID Awolowo, standing beside people like Chief Obafemi Awolowo to fight for the independence of this country. We Nigerians must stop being patriarchal and remember that there is always a mother and a father, and she is a mother of this country. What personal experience did you have with her? In her later years, she did not lose her mind. She did not lose her senses and she remembered everybody and every detail. Can you remember your first encounter with her? That was in 1970, in Ibadan. I was at the University of Ife then and we went to her shop and her late daughter was also doing her master’s at the University of Ife and Mama would feed you and listen to you. She was truly a phenomenal woman.
protect; that no matter the insults, I should comport myself and be a peacemaker within the group. I also remember when we came here and she demanded to see me and talk to me. She shared a lot of things with me that day that I can’t share with the public, but I had a lot of interactions with her on the progress of the Yoruba race. She was a very good leader. After the demise of her husband, our leader, she took on the mantle of leadership. Although we felt the absence of Baba Awolowo, Mama was able to fill the vacuum to a great extent. Anytime we had a serious issue in Yorubaland, the late Ooni of Ife [Oba Okunade Sijuwade] would invite us to this house. It is either here or the palace of the Ooni. Most of our political discussions were done here. We formed the Yoruba Unity Forum with the name of Mama. If not for Mama, we wouldn’t have an organisation called Yoruba Unity Forum. She was a highly resourceful woman in Yorubaland. Her death is a big loss to the entire Yoruba race and I pray that God will fill the vacuum for us. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get as close to Baba when he was alive. Baba Awolowo died when I was 17. I came into limelight in 1993 but we met Mama and she counseled me well. You can remember her position as the Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland and I make name through Oodua Peoples Congress, so, we have to pay her our last respect with the little resources that we have at our disposal and make sure that the whole world knows her potential so that her name will be remembered.
I had several precious moments with her but the most memorable one was when I came here [Ikenne] bringing smoked fish and Mama saw my gold bag. She said ‘bag e yi maa de fine, Remi’ (your bag is fine, Remi) and I said, ‘Mama, this bag is too heavy, it is a bulky bag. I thought that it was bulky but it matched my shoes.’ Mama said, ‘Am I the one that will be carrying it? A girl will carry it for me to church.’ Even one of the granddaughters said that she saw these plastic shoes that ladies are wearing now, that have lots of bling-bling on them, and she expressed interest in buying a pair and Mama said she wanted one too. You know, most of the time she was on wheelchair, but she always dressed to the nines. A woman like her that has lived for almost a century, you would think that she She showed me love as a would live forever because you are so used to her. child —Alhaja Sinatu OjiIt is a great loss to not only the womenfolk but to Nigerians at large. Apart from the Awolowo kutu, ex-Lagos dep gov philosophy and political legacy, we looked Mama was an epitome of goodat the woman herself, what she had been ness. I first knew her when I was able to accomplish over the years, after the a teenager and friends with demise of her husband. You will see that Tokunbo and Ayo. She took this woman was a woman of all seasons; me to heart from the first is it at church, politics, or what have day she met me at age 12. She you? She lived well and showed me love and deep affecwe the younger ones tion. Politically, my father was in have a lot to learn the opposition but that didn’t deter from her lifestyle. her love towards me. She always had I happened to have a word of encouragement. She was a a close, personal refirm disciplinarian and supported her lationship with Mama by husband. I was really looking forward to celebratvirtue of my husband and ing her 100 years. my late mother-in-law. I was very close to Mama. Goodnight, Mama Sisi —Pastor Z. O. She was like a mother to me and I was able to gain from Odugbose, The Apostolic Church, Remo both sides. How many women Death is sure but we thank God for the fulfilled life. I can take up a cause for unselfish used to call her Mama Sisi and I say goodnight. reasons? But Mama did so much more that we have not even heard of, She used to give us water when ‘NEPA’ and that is how you will know the greatness of failed to give us electricity —Mrs Kemi a person when they die. The influx of people here tells you Samuel, a neighbour the story of a great human being. She came, she saw and She was a good woman. We are definitely feeling she conquered. She died well. I will greatly miss her. her passing in this community. We will reAgain, she was a fashion icon too. Her sense of ally miss her because whenever ‘NEPA’ style was unparalleled. refused to give us electricity for some
She was a great counselor —Gani Adams
I remember that when we wanted to form the Yoruba Unity Forum, I had a lot of memorable encounters with Mama. Also, during the turbulent times of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), I remember vividly when Mama called me to advise me. She said I had a future to
days, we were granted access to her house to get free water. During carnivals, Mama would invite us into her home and give us gifts and food to eat. Now that she is gone, we will not be able to do all that. Also, whenever there were visitors, we recorded huge sales, but now that she is gone, we will not have all that again.
14
Saturday Tribune
26 September, 2015
With Aunty Yemi 08056834515 ojeleyeoyeyemi@yahoo.com
Our plans in this new
Jumbled Words
Unscrable these words
1. NSUOD 2. YROTNCU 3. ADKYRBOE 4. RAIOD 5. NSEIO 6. NIOLIV 7. PITHC 8. EDRCOR 9. AKAKROE 10. TISENL
Get Inspired
Compiled By Akano Mosunmola
academic
Oyewinle Oreoluwa, 8yrs old, Pry3 My plan this session is to work hard in order to get hundred percent score in all my tests and examinations, so that my parents will be amazed by my performance. I also want to become the class captain.
session
Adeya Idara, 9yrs old, Pry 4 In this session, I want to be obedient to my teachers, parents, elderly ones and the school authorities. Also, I have made up my mind not to be part of noise makers so that my name will not be written in the bad book in my class.
Afaliokhai Caleb, 10yrs old, Pry5 I want to thank God for this opportunity to resume for a new session. I plan to be of good behaviour at home so as to encourage my parents to pay my school fees. My teachers will be happy with me because I intend to be obedient and work hard to win prizes. Asekun Precious, 10yrs old, Pry 5 I want to be the best student, a shining star in my class this session. I will also put up good behaviour and show good examples to my juniors.
Birthday
10
J
ke
recently. clocked Many happy returns.
Little Johnny was at football practice one day and the coach said: “Who here thinks they can jump higher than the goal posts?” Immediately little Johnny said, “Ooh me sir me” The coach then said, “But Johnny you are the worst in the team!” Then Johnny said, “I know, but goalposts can’t jump!”
Hurray! Timileyin Jimoh Israel
Hurray!
Akintomiwa
recently. 1 Many happy returns.
Jegede
clocked
Ifeanyi Favour,Pry 5 I thank God He kept me alive so I could resume with my classmates. I will ensure that my parents’ efforts to see me succeed do not become a waste. I will work hard to bring out my best in my academics and behaviour such that I will be among those that will receive awards.
Ashiru Oreoluwa, Pry 4 This new session I plan to be obedient to my teachers, always listen in class, study hard to pass my examinations and ask questions on what I don’t understand. I also want my parents and teachers to be proud of me.
Akioye Inioluwa, Pry 4 In this new session, I want to improve on my handwriting. Again, I will make obedience my watchword everywhere I find myself. This will help me achieve new things and become a better boy.
15
26 September, 2015
health&fitness
Saturday Tribune BLESSING EKUM
ekumblessing@gmail.com 08116954639
What your body is saying about your diet By Blessing Ekum
W
ITH our fast-paced world and busy lifestyles today, it is not rare for us to occasionally skimp on healthy, nutritional foods and rather feast on fast foods that can be gotten on the go. While these may provide calories and satisfy hunger, making this a regular habit can deprive the body of much needed nutrients. Fortunately, our bodies communicate with us and give us symptoms that all is not well. However, we tend to ignore such symptoms until the body breaks down in sickness. Some ways to detect certain vitamin deficiencies as shown in different parts of the body are as discussed below. However, it is important to note that these shouldn’t be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Always consult with your doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your health or the health of others. Skin The skin being the largest organ in the body is also a wide canvass that can showcase health problems and nutritional deficiencies. Dr Georgiana Donadio, founder and director of the National Institute of Whole Health in Boston, said “Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body’s internal needs, including its nutritional need.” Although it is sometimes tricky to link certain skin problems with vitamin deficiencies as a result of external factors such as use of harsh chemicals, exposure to harsh weather elements and the like, it is important to note that certain vitamins play a crucial role for optimum skin health. Some vitamins of note include vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex, which experts have found help improve skin health and appearance. In a study published in the 2008 edition of the journal, Canadian family Physician, entitled “Cutaneous lesions and vitamin B12 deficiency” pointed out that some skin problems associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyper-pigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis and hair changes. Vitamin E deficiency has been known to contribute to the development of wrinkles and stretch marks. Hair Loss of hair is natural but when it becomes a considerably huge loss, it could indicate an underlying health issue. Though there are other possible causes, sometimes vitamin deficiency can be culprit. According to a review paper published in the June 2009 issue of the “Cleveland
Clinic Journal of Medicine,” a deficiency in vitamin D as well as biotin, one of the B vitamins can cause thinning hair in women. The American College of Dermatology and the 2009 review in the “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine” equally report that iron or zinc deficiency can also cause hair loss. Although dandruff could be just dry skin of the scalp scaling off, sometimes deficiency in vitamins B2, B6, zinc, magnesium and biotin could cause cases of dandruff. Nails The nails can also provide quick insight into what’s going on in the body. However, fingernails tend to be more reliable in providing these clues than toenails owing to the situations the feet pass through that may alter results (e.g. wearing tight shoes). A spoon-shaped nail, in which the nail curves up from the nail bed like a spoon (a condition called koilonychia) can be an indicator of iron-deficiency anaemia. Sometimes, soft or brittle nails may also indicate a vitamin deficiency, though experts say excessive exposure to water or harsh, drying chemicals, such as nail polish remover and dish detergents may also cause dry and brittle nails. However, these vitamin deficiencies can affect nails, causing them to become brittle and more likely to split and peel. Some of these are Vitamin A, zinc and iron deficiency. Usually, upon pressing a nail, it should initially turn white or pale, but as soon as pressure is released, the nail should return to a rosy pink colour. But when it remains pale/white, it may indicate a deficiency in iron. For a lot of children in this part of the world, white streaks on the nails are usually attributed to flying cattle egrets popularly known as lekeleke in Yoruba. While trauma could cause the appearance of these spots, they may also
Fortunately, our bodies communicate with us and give us symptoms that all is not well. However, we tend to ignore such symptoms until the body breaks down in sickness.
be indicative of a deficiency in zinc Mouth Besides eating and talking, our mouth can show signs that indicate vitamin deficiency. Right from the teeth and gums to the tongue and corners of the mouth, certain pointers can not only indicate deficiency but also problems with other parts of the body. Dr. Michael Adewole, a medical practitioner, points out that “sometimes cracking or inflammation at the corners of the mouth can be a warning sign of either Vitamin B2 deficiency or iron deficiency. This condition is known as angular stomatitis in medical terms. Also, an unusually pale or swollen tongue may be a warning sign of iron or B-vitamin deficiency. Cracked lips may also indicate Vitamin B2 deficiency.” Moreover, experts have also stated that the condition called burning mouth syndrome may also be linked to vitamin deficiency. The United States of America’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that burning mouth syndrome is characterised by a burning sensation in the mouth and/or tongue and is often accompanied by dry mouth and/or a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. They say that in some cases, this condition may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, oral yeast infection (candida albicans), or irritation from dentures (dental prosthetics). The burning sensation may be aggravated by hot, spicy foods, but is not caused by them. Neck Iodine is an essential trace element that helps the thyroid gland function properly and a deficiency of this nutrient can affect thyroid functions. Experts say approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have this type of deficiency and roughly 29 per cent of the world’s population live in an iodine deficient area. This deficiency can cause goitre (an enlargement of the whole thyroid gland which is located in the neck region, known as ‘smooth goitre’, or part of the gland, called a ‘nodular’ or ‘cystic’ goitre.) Legs Muscle cramps in the toes, calves, backs of legs and arches of feet may be a sign of deficiencies in magnesium, calcium and potassium, especially if it happens frequently. Also tingling, prickling, and Numbness in the hands and feet can also be a sign of B-vitamin deficiency (particularly folate, B6, and B12). Dr Joseph Mercola said “the symptom is related to the deficiency’s effect on the peripheral nerves and may be combined with anxiety, depression, anemia, fatigue and hormone imbalances.”
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healthandfitness
26 September, 2015
My boyfriend’s mouth odour MY boyfriend, whom I love very dearly, has a terrible mouth odour which makes it difficult for me to enjoy being with him. Since I don’t want him to be offended, I have not been able to tell him directly about his problem, rather, I have bought him special toothpaste and mouthwash, all to no avail. Your kind assistance in this very difficult matter will be highly appreciated. Atika (by SMS) Your boyfriend’s condition is known in medical parlance as Halitosis. The condition may be due to an infection of the mouth, teeth, gum or tongue. It may also occur in some people who are in the habit of eating or chewing some strong smelling substances such as garlic, among others. The condition can also occur in people
Dr. Wale Okediran waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk
08055069356 (sms only)
My chronic catarrh SINCE 2009, I have been having catarrh which has persisted till date. The last time I visited a doctor he said that it was an allergy. I have used different types of drugs without any positive effect. Please can you recommend a drug that I can use? Itunu (by SMS)
who smoke excessively as well as those with serious cases of chest infections and lung abscess. My advice is for you to politely tell your boyfriend your observation with the request that he improves his dental hygiene with frequent
brushing as well as the use of mouth disinfectants. If he is a smoker, it will be a good idea for him to stop the habit. If after doing all these, the mouth odour continues, then he will need to see a doctor or a dentist as soon as possible.
The bump on my head I am 24 years of age, happy and graceful until I bumped my forehead accidentally on an object which left a swollen spot on my forehead. I was told that the swelling was a result of congealed blood. Although the bad blood has been drawn out, the swelling is still there. Please help me. Dimeji (by SMS)
Saturday Tribune
Head bumps are usually very prominent due to the closeness of the skin to the skull bone. Since the congealed blood has been removed, you will need to wait for a while for the bump to go down. If this does not happen in the next couple of weeks then you will need to see your doctor again for a review.
In the meantime, avoid massaging the bump so as not to disturb the resolving process.
If, as your doctor said, your catarrh is due to allergy, the best solution is for you to try and identify what you are allergic to and do all you can to avoid those things. Allergens range from dust, feathers, smoke, animal hairs to cold environment, food items as well as certain drugs and external chemicals. Since your case is a long stand-
ing one, it will be a good idea if you can also undergo some examinations which will show the true condition of your sinuses in case they are infected. In that case, your doctor may place you on some antibiotics and also clean out the sinuses for you.
What causes torsion of the testicles? MY younger brother recently had torsion of his testicles for which he had an operation. Although the doctor who attended to him gave some explanation, it wasn’t very clear. In view of this, I would like you to kindly expatiate on the causes and treatment of the condition. I also want to know how soon after surgery that a patient can resume sexual activities. Kunle (by SMS) The testicle normally sits inside the scrotum held in a longitudinal position by its muscular attachments from the abdomen and the scrotum. Sometimes, how-
ever, the testicle can twist about this longitudinal axis thus reducing itself into a hard painful lump of tissue. Although a few cases of torsion may subside spontaneously, most cases will need to be surgically corrected as an emergency procedure. Torsion usually occurs as a result of a sudden violent force to the groin as could occur during a contact sports event, horse play or exercises. Cases have even occurred when the victim is at rest. Once a torsion occurs, the immediate danger is that the blood supply to the testicle is cut off and there is the danger that the testicle may die off if care
L
EGITIMATE sexual relationship makes home heaven on heart. But when this link is broken, either by one disease or the other, the marriage becomes endurance rather than enjoyment. Most of the medications for high blood pressure indirectly affect the sexual performance of the man and worse still, the fear of death during intercourse makes many couple lose interest in the act. To be sincere, it is a big problem in many homes. Sometime ago, a young man came to the clinic and we discovered he had not been using his drugs because it affected the penile erection. When counselled on the implication, the man simply said he was prepared to die of stroke or heart attack rather than not being able to have sex with his wife. To some of us that sounded risky or stupid outright! But I share in his sentiment because we don’t know what he will face at home if he cannot perform this function. For some of us in this condition, the good news here is that with appropriate adjustment of your medications and with current research findings, sex is safe for heart diseases patients. If you are having this problem, extramarital affairs or divorce isn’t the solution! Explain to your physicians for counsel. Studies have shown that people who divorce or engage in extramarital affairs face a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) than those who remain married and that remarriage may not be the remedy, at least not for women. The advice is for the concerned to solve the problem together and prevent unnecessary tension at home. Many of us erroneously associate sex with a risk with heart attack, especially in those who had the disease in the past. But the truth is that sex is safe for people with heart diseases. There is no reason a person who has had a heart attack, or been diagnosed with heart disease, cannot work towards resuming a normal sex life. Whilst there is a need for caution, as with any type
is not taken. This is why a case of torsion is handled as an emergency case. Since it is believed that the likelihood of the other testicle to become torsioned is high, it is usually advised to also fix the second testicle during surgery. Sex can be resumed once the wound is healed and there is no more pain.
Dr. Abiodun Adeoye adeoyemoshood@yahoo.com
08056564360, 08072000017 (sms only)
Is sex safe for patients with heart disease? of exercise, in the initial recovery period, there is no need to fear sex. Often, people who have had a cardiac problem and their partners, may fear that the exertion of intercourse may cause chest pain that leads to another attack. But studies show that this fear is often unfounded. Sex is considered a mild to moderate form of exercise. If you are not having any serious breathlessness or other complaints of deterioration of the disease condition, then there is no reason to avoid sex. Sex raises the heart rate to about 120 beats per minute, which is the approximate equivalent of walking up two flights of stairs. The one thing that should be considered is the effect of stress. For this reason, extramarital relationships, sex outside of a loving, committed relationship and paid sexual activities should be avoided, as they are intrinsically more stressful than sex in a stable relationship. Research has shown that sex in a committed relationship where the couple are comfortable and familiar with each other is only of minimal risk for sustenance of home. If one or both members of a couple are concerned about the effect of sex on the heart, it is important to talk to each other about the fears they have. Dealing with this beforehand in an open manner will not only improve the quality of lovemaking, but help create a safe, stress-free environment during sex, keeping any heart risk to a minimum. In case of any further doubt,
discuss with your doctor. We don’t have to be timid in the presence of our physicians. A recent research letter in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found that sexual activity can be a concern for many heart attack patients, but that sex is rarely the cause of a heart attack and that most patients can safely resume sexual activity even after a heart attack.
Here are some tips to keep your heart safe during sex: • Pick a time of the day when you are relaxed and free of any stress brought up during the day’s regular activities.The ideal time for sex is early in the morning after a night rest. Sex is better avoided in the time of fatigue. • If you are doing meditation or relaxation exercises, try both you and your partner doing them together first • Choose a peaceful and familiar setting - and time where you won’t have any interruptions. • Avoid sexual intercourse immediately after meal (wait for a least three hours) • Do not have sex under alcohol influence • Avoid sex in the extreme of temperature In conclusion, is sex safe for patients with heart disease? The answer is yes but with caution. Happy weekend!
17
26 September, 2015
mediascope
WITH AKIN ADEWAKUN
akadewakun@yahoo.co.uk 08054683584
In this interview, Steve Babaeko, Chief Executive Officer of X3M Ideas, explains that the need to do things differently actually informed his decision to set up his three- year-old advertising agency, insisting that unless the stakes are raised in the industry, the next ten years may sound the death knell of most advertising agencies in the country.
Half of Nigeria’s ad agencies may die in the next ten years if… —Steve Babaeko, CEO, X3M Ideas
T
HREE years ago, you took that bold step of setting up X3M, an advertising agency in the nation’s turbulent marketing communications industry, since then to this date, how has it been? It’s been nice, interesting and challenging as well. Just normal challenges you face as an entrepreneur. As we all know, almost every company in the country did not do anything meaningful up till May this year, because of the general election. So I can say it is almost like we are all working half year, this year. That’s part of the challenges we had so far. But beyond that the two other years came with their own challenges but we are grateful to God that we were able to surmount most of the challenges and we are still here. So the last three years have been very interesting for us as a company.
You recently marked the third year anniversary of setting up this agency, the same thing you did in the first and second year, how come you’ve decided that every milestone is important to you to celebrate? Well, because we never even thought we would be here in the first place. It is like to whom much is given, much is expected. To be honest with you, contrary to public opinion, down then, we never really set up to do this. It is not that we’ve always had it in mind that one day we would go on and set up an agency. It was just a strong feeling we had at one point and we decided to go for it. So when one considers the fact that people who are much more connected than us tried this road and did not succeed and the fact that we have come this far and still growing stronger everyday makes every milestone very important to us. What would you say motivated you to venture into the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) terrain, an area a lot of agencies would not even dare to go? Apart from the fact that we have been inspired by so many people, if you look at the most successful businessmen in the whole world and even in Nigeria today, they are the biggest givers as well. If you know how much companies like Dangote and Etisalat spend on CSR, you will surely marvel. We looked at it from a totally different angle. It is not until you become a Dangote that you can offer a helping hand. We operate in this environment, in this community first and foremost. Charity begins at home, first scan the environment within the little resources that you have and look for area of intervention that can benefit this community. That was what we did in our first year. There is a secondary school when you are entering into the Estate, though it’s a government school, as I always say, the government cannot do everything alone, they need support. We scanned the environment and we saw that a whole block had its flooring totally off, kids were sitting on woods, stones and tyres,
Saturday Tribune
the roof was off, no doors, no windows. So we moved in and renovated that block of five classrooms that year. We’ve been doing it ever since. Last year, we bought IT equipment – laptops, desktop computers, UPS systems, airconditioning systems for the IT rooms of two secondary schools. This year, we felt there were some indigent students, who either ran away from homes or who are in conflict with the law who are in the boys’ correctional home in (remand home for boys) Oregun. Would you say there is a connection between CSR projects, the environment in which you do business and eventually the output? Yes, there is. The moment you decide to set up business as an entrepreneur, you see that the tapestry of the business environment you are creating internally inadvertently does not have anything to do with you, it’s automatically interwoven with the tapestry of what goes on in the larger environment. We set up this company three years ago, today we hire close to 75 people, that is taking 75 out of the 2 million people that come into the labour market every year. Now you can imagine if we have about 70,000 X3M Ideas set up out there, with each taking 70 people out of the labour market, we would have succeeded in reducing the number of unemployed young people out there. We have people in the correctional home for instance. We are talking about the future of this country. You want some kind of correctional situation to happen because if a young guy who is under 18 is in conflict with the law, you are hoping that he goes through the system, becomes reformed, acquires skills and becomes useful to the society. But if the environment within which they are supposed to be reformed is not suitable, they become a threat to even themselves, the business you and I are trying to build and the society as a whole. We see that connection, sadly
We have not upped our skills to be able to understand what is going on. Right now it is happening, until we all understand that this is bigger than all of us, we will never be able to key in and maximise the opportunities.
most people do not see it. We see it and wherever our interventions happen, it is at much younger age, schools so that we can create a better future for our children and, as a matter of fact, this country as a whole. The marketing communications industry in Nigeria is like a ‘warehouse’ of different schools of thought, but within the same context of the industry, are there conflict of ideas like the old conflicting with the new and the trends globally clashing with what is operational here? I will give you an instance that the clashes are becoming manifest every day. The Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON) made this rule that no foreign agency can own more than 25% of any local agency. At the time that rule was made, it made a bit of sense. But now, you have a different school of thought, as clearly demonstrated by Mr. Lanre Adisa’s paper at the just concluded Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN) 42nd AGM/Congress, when he talked about opening up a little bit more. Maybe expand the 25% to like 49%, because we need that foreign injection of capital into the local industry for us to be able to rise up and be at per with the global community. So even from these few basic instances you can see that the way the old, traditional agencies are going to think, I don’t think that way. I have a totally different business model that is totally in conflict with what is largely obtainable, my model is different from the classic model that you find. But is that classic model still relevant in today’s world? I think it is facing a major threat – internal threats. The goodness of the classic model is ‘Oh, this is how we have always done it’. And unfortunately, that is what makes it worrisome because you cannot continue to do it that same way; since the landscape has changed. The ecosystem of marketing communication has changed, the industry has changed. You have much younger people on the client’s side who are more in tune with current marketing communications realities because they are more well-travelled, more exposed. They are asking for a totally different approach to this business. If you continue to do it the same way because that’s how you’ve always done it, you and I know the result already. I do not need to tell you about that. What do you think should be injected into the industry that could actually turn around things? For instance, global agencies such as WPP have their pyramids in different companies, operating in different strata of the industry. When are we going to have such in Nigeria, or is it still the backlash of the old not being able to understand that an evolution has happened? Partly, but again we are going to get there though. One of the reasons why we have not got there is the old guys – respect to them because they built a whole industry out of nothing — they deserve that credit. But this is my opinion: they saw this business as purely to take care of the family, I mean at a subsistence level. They did not look at the big picture. A WPP does not look at business like that. They open up business and inject funds and if you restrict capital flow to 25%, how are we going to get the war chest that will blow this business from this subsistence level to become something substantial? We need the money to do this thing. Take a normal company out there for example, they can do an IPO to raise funds, banks do it all the time, why can’t advertising agencies in Nigeria be listed on the stock exchange? If you are growing concern and people believe in your vision, they can bring their money and support your vision by becoming shareholders. Then it is no longer something just for you and your family to just enjoy because in that sense you will never really grow and become a WPP. Currently the model is stunting the growth, we need to open up our minds more and understand that this an enterprise. To build an enterprise, it can no longer be about you and your family, let people who have that finance come in, invest money in it and we can all make it bigger. That is the way to go, either we like it or not, nature will find its way of making it happen. I had already recognised this challenge in 2013 I was at Howard where I did a two-week course on Management and Finance, last year I was in Colombia in New-York – I did advance digital marketing course for two weeks, this year I have already entered for Harvard to do Management and Finance. You have to be really blind not to know that what is going on now is really bigger than us. I can make a prediction if we are not careful in the next 10 years, more than half the population of advertising agencies in Nigeria will probably be out of work because we are not compliant to the new ecosystem that we have to deal with. We have not upped our skills to be able to understand what is going on. Right now it is happening, until we all understand that this is bigger than all of us, we will never be able to key in and maximise the opportunities.
18
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
crimeandcourt
He had sex with his father’s wife, impregnated another woman with 4 children —Wife It’s a lie, she’s a troublemaker —Husband Stories by Ayomide Owonibi, Tunde Adegbola and Oluwole Ige with Agency Reports
A
wife which is not true. Apart from this, she has formed the habit of coming to my office to cause trouble,” Odunayo asserted. Delivering his judgement, president of the court, Chief Popoola Bolarinwa
said “it is no longer in doubt that the marriage has come to an end, with the plaintiff living with another woman. The marriage, which was not properly constituted hereby stands dissolved immediately.”
housewife, Mrs Bukola Babatuyi, has told an Osogbo customary court sitting at 2, Oja Oba, Osogbo in Osun State, how his husband, Mr Odunayo Tunji Babafemi slept with his father’s wife and impregnated another woman who already had four children. Though, her husband, who was the plaintiff in the suit had approached the court for the dissolution of the 15-year-old marriage, Bukola said “my husband is a chronic womaniser who would go for anything in skirt.” Giving her evidence before the court, the defendant (Bukola) stated that “after our marriage, I got pregnant and he started to beat me. I know that he is a chronic womaniser, but I accepted him as he is. “It is not true that my brothers attacked him at a wedding ceremony in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State. They were trying to prevent him from assaulting me. He once had sex with his father’s wife and he impregnated another woman who had already had four children. He is such a shameless man.” But Odunayo lamented that his wife was a troublemaker, who often comes to his office to cause trouble, thus embarrassing him, stressing that “I am fed up with her unruly behaviour and I want this court to dissolve our marriage without further delay.” According to him, “when we got married, I was in the federal civil service in Ado-Ekiti before I was transferred to Osogbo. But I left her in Ado because I could not secure accommodation in Osogbo. “There was an incident in Ado-Ekiti during one of her relations wedding ceremony when her brothers attacked me and beat me up, tearing my clothes in the process. She accused me of sleeping with my father’s
She curses me anytime we quarrel —Husband
He looks for ways to create troubles —Wife A man, Mr Musefiu Anifowose, has pleaded with an Osogbo customary court 2, Oja Oba, Osogbo, Osun State, to dissolve his 10-yearold marriage to his wife, Mrs Olusola Anifowose, accusing her of cursing him anytime they had disagreement. He described the defendant (wife) as a stubborn woman, who never accepted her fault, saying “I cannot continue with this marriage and that is why I have come to sue for divorce”. In her defence, the wife, Olusola admitted that they often quarrel, accusing her husband of always looking for ways to create trouble and misgiving. According to her, “one day, I returned from work only to discover that the door was locked and the children were nowhere to be found. I later discovered that he had taken the children to his relation at Ilobu, Osun
State. I went to Ilobu to see the children and his relation told me to go away, a development which resulted in an argument between me and the man”. “When my husband heard about it, he was not pleased and he headed for a customary court at Isale Osun, where he filed for divorce. But, the court encouraged us to seek reconciliation of the matter. When I got to the house, he had packed out all his belongings and since then we have been living apart,” Olusola remarked. In his ruling, the president of the court, Chief Popoola Bamidele maintained that “this marriage has broken down completely. The case had been tried once in another court, which recommended reconciliation, but it did not work.” “This court has no choice but to dissolve this marriage as agreed to by both parties,” he submitted.
He sent me out, burnt my belongings, wife tells court He should be tried for cruelty —Court
She picks quarrels at slightest provocation —Husband He lacks patience, sides with his son —Wife
She prefers my SUV to our marriage —Husband He gives my bags of rice to associates, party members —Wife JOSEPH Ogbigo, 55, a retiree has dragged his wife, Rita Ogbigo, before an Igando customary court in Lagos State over alleged adultery and financial recklessness. He dragged her before the court on a five-count charge of lack of care for him and the children, lack of respect for him and his family, willingly abandoning her matrimonial home for days, financial mismanagement of business and lack of love. Ogbigo told the court that his wife never cared for him or the children. He said on 18 March, 2015, she left the house for 10 days and took his car to Dele Ara Street in Ikotun (a church environment). He said two days before she brought back the car, she lost her aunt and he gave her N22,000 for the burial. Since then he said he did not see her until 15 May, 2015 after she had crashed his Highlander SUV which made her abandon the car. Ogbigo said his wife prefers the car to the marriage. He claimed he opened a Coca-Cola depot worth N3.5 million and a rice depot worth N1.3 million for her. He also told the court that Rita owed Coca-Cola N500,000 which made him seize the shop and sell the empty crates of bottles in order to pay the debt. He also alleged that Rita owed a Pepsi dealer N270,000 which also prompted him to clear out the empty crates of bottles. The retiree further accused his wife of adultery, saying she has a boyfriend who sent her a romantic message seven years ago and when she denied, he had to ensure she proved her in-
Saturday Tribune
nocence by sending her to the village to perform the traditional rites of killing a goat. When Rita was called into the dock, she testified that her husband opened the depot for her, but did not spend the amount of money he claimed. She said the Coca-Cola depot he opened for her was worth N1.5 million, and not N3.5 million and that the rice depot was worth N200,000, and not N1.3 million, and Pepsi, N500,000. She also accused her husband of freely giving out bags of rice from the rice depot to close associates and to a political party. Rita claimed that she still loved her husband because he is the father of her children. However, Mr. David Abraham (uncle to the complaint) said that the family members had already decided that the marriage be dissolved. The president of the court, Mr. Oyekan asked both parties to maintain status quo till the next adjourned date.
AN electrical engineer, Mr Adeyemi Segun, has approached an Akure customary court, Ondo State, to seek the dissolution of his 20-year-old marriage to his wife, Bola, over alleged public nagging. Adeyemi told the court that Bola picked quarrel with him at any slightest provocation. According to him, Bola is fond of fighting with people in the neighbourhood without recourse to her status as a married woman. He gave an instance when she slapped him in public over a small matter, lamenting that there was no more affection between them. Segun also decried Bola’s habit of destroying property anytime there was quarrel between them, saying that this had taken
away his peace of mind. In her response, the defendant denied all the allegations, insisting on her readiness to continue with the union. She rather blamed the plaintiff for his inability to exercise patience in the course of disagreements. She accused her husband of turning her into a punching bag when she scolded his stepson for wrongdoings. Ruling on the case, Mrs Olayinka Falodun, the president of the court, urged the respondent to embrace her step son with love. Falodun, therefore, told the plaintiff and defendant to bring their father and mother respectively, to the next court sitting. She adjourned the case till October 5 for hearing.
He masturbates and sleeps with young girls in our area —Wife A woman, Mrs Titilope Akanbi, has dragged her husband, Rauf, before an Igando customary court in Lagos State over allegations of lack of care. She accused her husband of being promiscuous, failure to carry out his marital responsibilities of providing for the house and education of the children. The petitioner revealed that she left her husband
about four months ago when she got tired of his behaviour. She accused the respondent of not taking care of her and the three children of the marriage. “He does not pay our children’s school fees. He claims to be a devout Muslim but his actions are terrible. “He masturbates and sleeps with young girls
in our area. Everyone knows him and he once impregnated a young girl who almost died during childbirth. But the baby died a few hours later. “Please separate us. I am fed up with this marriage.” The husband was, however, not in court and the matter was adjourned till October 21 for mention.
AN Ado-Ekiti customary court, during the week dissolved the 15-year-old marriage between one Fagbamigbe Funmilayo and her husband, David, on the grounds of frequent beatings, public disgrace, threats to life and setting of property ablaze. Funmilayo, 38, a resident of Abusoro Ijoka, Akure, Ondo State, had told the court that David always beat her with a stick on minor issues. The mother of three also said David often threatened her with a cutlass in the presence of their children, recalling a time when he assaulted her and this resulted in chest pain. The complainant said David was also in the habit of cursing her brother, mostly at night on phone. Funmilayo said that David forced her out of their home and burnt all her belongings, noting that she left with only one cloth. She told the court that David was in the habit of formenting trouble on the pretence of visiting the two children living with her. Funmilayo, however, prayed the court to award her the custody of the two children staying with her, while the first child should remain with his father. The respondent has repeatedly shunned the court sessions for four times. The presiding judge, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, observed that the marriage had broken down irretrievably and consequently dissolved the marriage. He awarded the custody of the first child to David, while the other two children would remain with the complainant. Ogunsemi also ordered David to pay the sum of N5, 000 on each of the two children as feeding al-
lowance. David, he said, would also be responsible for the cost of the children’s education while Funmilayo would play a supportive role. Ogunsemi also recommended that David should be tried at the state’s special family court for alleged cruelty to Funmilayo. Access was granted to both parties to see their children, but with caution to maintain the peace.
We fight all the time ’cos he refuses to work —Wife
A 42-year-old wife, Odeyemi Joke, has urged an Ado-Ekiti customary court in Ekiti State to dissolve her 20-year-old marriage to her husband, Akintade for alleged frequent fighting and for not being ready to work. Joke, a resident of No 18, Oke-Ila Street, Ado-Ekiti, also alleged lack of care for her and the children as well as lack of rest of mind. She told the court that they fight almost on daily basis because she advised her husband to get a job. The mother of five said that her husband does not pay the children’s school fees or provide foodstuffs in the house because of his joblessness. “I have been responsible for the payment of the children school fees, clothing them and provide food in the house,” she said. The petitioner said there was a day the husband threatened to kill her with cutlass in the presence of his mother-in-law. Joke told the court that their landlord sent them out and her husband told her to secure another apartment where she could live with the children. She said that her husband went to stay in his parents’ house, adding that whenever he comes to visit them, he always causes trouble. The petitioner said that the matter was reported to the husband’s aged mother and junior brother. “But they told me that we should go and resolve our matter, that they are fed up with his behaviour,” she alleged. Joke said that her husband recently secured a security guard job, noting that he spends his salary on drinking without consideration for her and the children. She, therefore, urged the court to award her the custody of the children. The respondent was absent in spite of repeated summons by the court. The president of the court, Mr Ogunsemi Joseph, after hearing from the petitioner adjourned the case till October 5, for judgement.
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‘Her mum insulted me that I should allow her live her life’ ‘He beats me, says my private part is wider now’ MR Samson Olayiwola, 40, a craftsman, has instituted a divorce suit against his wife, Funmilayo, at the Grade ‘C’ Customary Court sitting at Inalende, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. Samson prayed the court to separate the 13-year-old marriage between him and his wife, over her troublesomeness. The plaintiff claimed he married the defendant as a virgin and the marriage is blessed with three children. According to him, “I want this court to separate us because the defendant is a troublesome and irresponsible woman. “My wife has never listened to any of my instructions; she prefers to go out with a couple of friends that will not add meaning to her life. “On May 21, she attempted to kill me; she stabbed me with broken bottles in four different parts of my body. She loves her work more than her family. On four different occasions she has packed out of the house and has come back after settlement. “Recently, after we had a quarrel, she angrily returned her wedding ring to me, including the phone I bought for her. When I reported her to her mother, instead of talking to her daughter, she came to insult me that I should allow her to live her life. “She will go to shop as early as 5:00a.m everyday and she will not come back home until 9:00 p.m. I am the one who bathes for the children in the morning “She doesn’t care about the education of the children nor about their well-being; all she cares about is her work and anytime I complain about her behaviour, she will quarrel with me and threaten to pack out of the house. “I have persevered enough, taking care of the children as if I don’t have a wife. Please separate us; I am tired of the marriage,” he told the court. Funmilayo, 37, a food vendor, while responding to the allegations, said she does not want to divorce the plaintiff because of the children. According to her, “the future of our children is very important to me to the extent that I bought a landed property in their names. The plaintiff is the one who always starts the fight in which church members used to intervene. “He knew the kind of business I am doing despite that he always gets angry whenever he sees any man with me in my shop. On his attitude, I reported him at a welfare centre to stop him from maltreating me. “One day, he asked me for sex in the midnight which I agreed, but when he penetrated me, he started complaining that my private part had become wider than what it was before and he started beating me. “That was how the problems started and since, he has abandoned me and my children to marry another wife. “My lord, I am not ready to release my children to him and allow another woman to take care of them. That’s all,” she told the court. In his ruling, the presiding judge Chief Agbaje Olasunkanmi, said: “Having observed what both parties have said, the court sees that the plaintiff is the one caring for the children, while the defendant is busy with her business. The court hereby pronounces that the 13-year-old marriage between the two parties is dissolved.” The court ordered that the three children should be in the plaintiff’s custody so that he can be taking proper care of the children morally and financially. The two parties were also ordered to stay away from each other to avoid anything that could cause the breach of peace.
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26 September, 2015
voxpop
Saturday Tribune With Kate Ani
08071080888
anikate92@yahoo.com
Is it right to discuss your extended family’s issues with your spouse?
Hmm...Iya Bola, guess what my husband shared with me concerning his family?
It is required of partners to radiate love and intimacy. However, it remains controversial if history or issues related to the extended family, should be shared between lovers . OLANIKE OLALEYE samples opinions.
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Samuel Morris O, it is not right because she does not have anything to do with my family.
Tosin It is really a bad idea; she may mock you later behind you or in your presence.
If it is a family issue that should be kept secret, I don’t think it is a good idea to discuss it with your spouse, no matter the love or trust that you have for him or her.
Olamilekan Olaosebikan It is wrong if she is the troublesome and nosy type, a good idea if she is a good wife that understands. Joshua Andy If you can’t share your personal issues concerning your family with your spouse, who else can you share it with? It is not ideal to keep things from your spouse, no matter how controversial or dirty the issue is.
If it is a family issue that should be kept secret, I don’t think it is a good idea to discuss it with your spouse, no matter the love or trust that you have for him or her. One day your spouse may not be your spouse again. Then what happens? Your issue gets exposed. Certain secrets are only safe with you alone. This is not the issue of trust; it’s the issue of uncertainty.
Damilola Ogunbiyi Since she is my wife, I can. I believe we should rub minds together. Timilehin Olatunji It depends on the character and how she behaves. Women can be very funny, next thing you know, she is telling all her own family and exposing my family.
Kunle Adeoye
Sina Bakare
Victory I can only discuss my personal family issues with her if she is the good and the understanding type. Olatunde Daniels It should be a personal issue that I should keep to myself. The other side of it is that if your spouse does not know certain things about your family and later gets to know, it could cause a crack in your marriage. Adumadeyin Kehinde I will say no because spouses are not the same. We all know that some may be very good at gossiping, she may spread the issue among friends, while some would show understanding when family issues are brought to them. They show maturity by giving advice when needed or by trying to shed more light on it.
Babalola Folusho
Henrietta George
Babalola Folusho It is right because your spouse is your spouse from whom nothing must be hidden. Bunmi Lawal
Olamilekan Olaosebikan
Bunmi Lawal
Kunle Adeoye There are certain things one need not tell them. What I’m insinuating is that such things that are NOT necessary, and that can sabotage your relationship, especially your marriage, should be sealed for love and trust to abide. Sina Bakare Tell your partner nothing of which you are not asked. If your partner has breached your confidentiality once, he or she will do it again. If your partner has a loose tongue, you are better off confiding in the devil. Study your partner for at least six months before you tell him or her personal things about yourself. Start with little things and see if it can be kept confidential. Unless it concerns your partner one way or another, you may have to tell. If not please learn to control your impulsive tendencies of ‘confessing’ everything out of joblessness. Choose wisely what you may choose to tell. Henrietta George No, In my last relationship, my boyfriend said I was too secretive, after running my mouth like basket, he said he didn’t like my past, my family issues, ex boyfriends and friends. That contributed to our break-up. Now I keep my personal issues to where they belong; in my stomach!
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26 September, 2015
CELEBRATION OF A LIFE OF OUTSTANDING GRACE OF PASTOR THOMAS OLUSEGUN OBAJIMI (B.Pharm)
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PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE
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10 .1. Cross section of the children and the (widow) Professor (Mrs) Millicent Obajimi, at the service of songs, during the burial ceremony of Pastor Thomas Olusegun Obajimi, at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Embassy, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, on Friday September 18, 2015. 2. Family members at the Christian Wake keep service. 3. Pall bearers and the corpse. 4. From left, the widow, Professor Obajimi, Dr Gbolahan Obajimi, Dr Yosola Obajimi, Mr Bayo Adenrele and Mrs Lara Adenrele.
5. Children of the deceased, Mr Kunle Daniel, Mrs Jumoke Daniel, Mr Kunle Alegbe, Mrs. Simisola Alegbe and Mr Bolaji Obajimi. 6. Professor (Mrs) Obajimi (widow) with Vice Chancellor, Igbineidon University, Professor Ehosa Osaghoy and his wife. 7. Children with the corpse. 8. Officiating ministers during the burial. 9. Family at the grave side. 10. Alhaja Bewaji Kuku, Professor Obajimi and family friends
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26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
Mogho Naba: Burkina Faso’s mediator monarch
Baongo II (left) regularly receives the great and the good.
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HE Mogho Naba played a key role in brokering the return of civilian rule to Burkina Faso after last week’s military takeover. The BBC’s Lamine Konkobo has this profile of the traditional ruler. Mogho Naba is the title of the reigning monarch of the Mossi ethnic group and reigns over a traditional kingdom that dates back to the 12th Century. The title means the “king of the world” in the language of the Mossi community, who constitute about 40% of the country’s population of 17 million people. Baongo II has been king since 1982 Once a powerful master over his Mossi subjects, the authority of the Mogho Naba was significantly curtailed during the presidency of anti-imperialist revolutionary Thomas Sankara prior to his death in October 1987. Nowadays, the Mogho Naba is seen as a symbol of tradition.
The influence of the king in modern political matters is based on the fact that the centre of power in Burkina Faso, the capital Ouagadougou, lies at the heart of his kingdom - the Mossi Plateau. Out of respect for tradition, it is customary for powerbrokers seeking to establish a foothold in Ouagadougou to seek his symbolic approval. MPs elected to the national parliament, ministers as well as ambassadors are known to respect that tradition. In times of crisis, the role of the “Naba” becomes even more important. Like the British Queen, he is supposed to be politically neutral, which is an asset when there is a breakdown of dialogue. Since the uprising of October 2014, when President Blaise Compaore was forced to resign by massive street protests, protagonists of the crisis have taken turns visiting his compound, seeking to benefit from his wisdom. For instance, the transitional Prime Minister, Lt-Col Isaac Zida, went to the king’s palace for a courtesy visit shortly after taking power following the popular revolt.
He later returned again when presidential guards, in July this year, stormed a cabinet meeting to demand his resignation from the government. And it was no surprise that the coup leader, Brig-Gen Gilbert Diendere, paid Baongo II a visit following the announcement earlier this week that army units were bearing down on Ouagadougou to disarm his soldiers. The king is said to have played a key role in helping Burkina Faso avoid a bloodbath as negotiations between officers from both sides of the military spectrum took place in pursuit of an end to the stand-off following last week’s coup. Baongo II is well suited to such diplomacy - he is Western-educated, speaks French eloquently, is an avid football fan and was a one-time boxer. But in official functions, he only speaks Moore, his mother tongue. He engages his various guests through his spokesperson, Larle Naba, his minister of communication and custodian of oral tradition and folklore.
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newsfeature
Sogidi Lake whose fish never cook
The front of Sogidi lake. Inset is the custodian, Pa Ojedele Stephen, talking about the plaque that has fallen off the wall, which he says is a sign that the mammy water does not want it there.
Sogidi Lake Adelowo Ojeyomi drinking Sogidi water
On seeing this body of water and the habiting fishes dance to the rhythm of the unknown drum beater yet it looks dirty and unsafe for drinking. In fact, some will even think it is of no good use for human being. Leaves, stump of trees and the like could also be seen on its surface like any one would on any stream or even an uncovered well. It looks deserted yet it is fenced because it is so special. It is mysterious. OYEYEMI OKUNLADE writes on the Sogidi Lake in Awe town, Oyo State.
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OD created everything for human dominion, says the holy book. But the case is different of Sogidi Lake in Awe town, Oyo State. Here, you can’t cast your net and catch a fish. You can’t cook Sogidi’s fish; In fact, you must not eat them — be you an indigene or a visitor. Anyone who dares any of these would have themselves to blame. Although the water in Sogidi Lake looks dirty, no indigene of Awe at home or abroad would deny they never ever drank from it. According to a septuagenarian, Pa Ojedele Adebayo Stephen, who is also the custodian of Sogidi Lake, Awe town came into existence in the year 1750 when Ilemolu, the monarch, together with his four younger brothers, led their people from Egba Gbagura to settle in the town. When they first arrived and were looking for a place to take refuge, they erected a tent under a tree called Aruwewe which original name is Asasa tree. Hence the name of the town, Awe, was derived from Aruwewe tree. (a tree whose leaves are very small). When they have made up their minds to settle in Awe town, it was necessary to get potable water for survival. So hunters were sent out to search for water. In the course of their search in the thick forest, they sighted some monkeys and ran after them in order to kill for menu. The monkeys jumped from one tree to another (trying to give a signal for the availability of water) until they jumped on a tree situated exactly where the lake is found. The monkeys then stopped. Not minding where the animal had jumped to, one of the hunters kept following it, until he stumbled on water. Immediately,
they aborted their plan of killing the monkeys and expressed their gratitude to God for using the monkeys to lead them to water. Soon after, the hunters spotted cherry fruit trees. In their curiosity, one of them plucked a fruit. He opened it to have a taste and then exclaimed “Eso gidi niyi,” meaning: this is a good fruit. It was from the statement made by the hunter about the fruit that brought about the name of the lake, “Sogidi”. At the centre of the lake located the source of the water. Of interest is the fact that the lake has never dried since the day it was discovered. Pa Ojedele said that no other water flows into it except drops of rain or water that flows after a downpour. On occasions when this lake overflows, he said the water level reduces by itself. On the wall of Sogidi Lake, there are many art works which have significance to the river and in Awe town. Some of them are about the hunters who discovered the river; cherry fruit tree from which the name of the lake was drawn; the lake’s resident mammy water and the ogungun tree; Aruwere tree, from which the name of the town was formed; Iya Mopo, displaying the pot of soap (ose abuwe), the type produced in the town; gbedu drum which is the ancient drum of Awe; King’s crown, opele, Osarowu, found in Akoda Oba’s house; calabash, containing snail with the knife used to sacrifice to Osarowu; staff of Osarowu; the konga type of drum which is beaten in Osarowu’s house with the person who does the ritual; cassava and Oyelaluba masquerade, who is the head of masquerade in Awe town.
As dirty as the water looks, a very small percentage of Awe native and visitors will tell you they don’t drink from the river. “Till now we still drink the water. The water is indispensable.” To show the degree of its importance, Pa Ojedele said that Awe indigenes in diaspora, on giving birth to a child, request that water from Sogidi be sent abroad for their children. He also said that till date, there has never been a report of cholera outbreak
When you compare the water from Sogidi Lake with sachet or bottled water people buy, it is very clean... since we’ve been drinking it till this moment, there has never been a report of cholera in the town or that a kid drowned inside it. It is better than bottled water.
in the town. “Nobody, not even a kid has drowned inside it. It tastes better than bottled water.” He also said that there have been cases of people who have problems and consulted oracle which asked them to go and pray at Sogidi Lake. Some of them have received answers to their prayers and they have returned with thanksgiving. The white clothes wrapped around the trees are done by (sign) these people. Interestingly, on October 10 this year, will be 71 years that Pa Ojedele has been living in Awe. When Saturday Tribune asked Pa Ojedele if he could see the water goddess, the septuagenarian said “the world has changed, it is no longer what it used to be. In the olden days when we felt the presence of Sogidi, those with spiritual eyes could see the goddess. The mammy water still makes its presence known because sometimes, after fetching water with agbe (calabash), when you turn to leave, the agbe would begin to roll on the head. In fear, the person would pour the water back into the river and run to safety. In another way, after fetching water, on turning to leave you would hear a sound as if someone climbed a tree and threw a stone inside the river. About six years ago, during an Awe Day festival, which hold every third week in November, we had the usual drama, artistes and cultural group performance. In the drama presentation, a woman would dress in white garment and sit at the centre of the lake. She would hold a calabash containing Sogidi water and a broom. She would dip the broom in the water and sprinkle on people as she blessed them. But things got out of hand that year as the woman could not stand up from her seat until some Olosa priests inter-
Ogungun tree, met by Awe indigenes and it is still existing.
vened and made certain rituals before the mammy water in the drama was able to get up from the seat. In that moment, Sogidi mammy water proved to everyone that she was still in the lake and no one could impersonate her, not even in a drama presentation. According to Ojedele, “until 1966, people could not fetch water between hours of 12 pm and 4 pm because the environment would be very hot. We fasted and prayed until the mammy water allowed us more access to the river. Our prayer was answered and I was able to build my house which is the first one in this area.” Saturday Tribune, on getting to the river, saw some fishes at the river bank and asked why it is forbidden to take a fish and make a meal of them. He replied “Awe indigene does not eat fish from Sogidi river, it is just needless because anyone who dares the belief will discover that the fish will not cook.” He relayed the experience of a soldier just back from the Nigerian civil war who dared to cook the fishes against the instruction of the reigning oba. “The oba’s style is that he would warn visitors not to catch fish from Sogidi Lake for menu as it is a taboo. But if he or she insist, he would instruct that there should be a written documented. “I witnessed a scene in 1973 after the war ended in Nigeria and soldiers were deployed to towns. A soldier acted against the law of the land and ate fish from Sogidi Lake. He saw the consequence as his three children died two days after eating the fish.’ Coincidentally, the sculptor, Adelowo Ojeyomi who has been assigned to beautifying the wall of Sogidi, especially when the Awe festival week approaches, paid a visit to Baba Ojedele when Saturday Tribune got there. Mr Ojeyomi is a Creative Art teacher at St. Joseph Secondary School, Awe. He shared his experience. “There was a day I was working together with my apprentices on the wall and wanted to finish in time. To our amazement as we
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were putting cement on the wall, it was falling off. Amazingly, the cloud was not cloudy but It was not long that rain started falling to the extent that all the work we had done was washed away. On seeing that, we left the lake. Also that day, I observed that different people came with white kegs, greeted me and showered me prayers. Interestingly, there was no known face among them. Some of them were afraid to enter and fetch water by themselves and they begged me to help them. At a point, I asked one of them that was the water so powerful that they all came for it? The woman replied that she had problem bearing children and she was told to come and fetch water from her origin, her hometown. It is as a result such people’s request and answered prayers that prompted them to tie white clothe around trees at the lake side. The plaque which bore the inscription ‘sculpture designed by Adelowo Ojeyomi’ has fallen off twice. We are just planning to replace it with one done by marble. When Saturday Tribune asked if there were plans by the government to develop Sogidi river into a tourist centre, he said: “Sogidi river is part of the tourist centers listed for development. “During the administration of the late Alhaji Lam Adesina as the governor of Oyo State, the chairman of the state’s Tourism Board, the late Chief EA Adeleye, bought concrete seats you see outside the river and also renovated the fence that was built initially by late Chief JA Ajao of Awe. The Okebata community erected the gate. Just two lines were written on Sogidi lake tourist centre in the list of tourist centres in Nigeria. We call on the government to pay attention to this tourist centre as it is being done to Osun Osogbo. There is need for the government to take care of these ancient things as they are not different from such places we travel abroad to see. The oba has acquired ten hectares of land for the purpose.” In order to preserve the history and culture, what effort has Pa Ojedele made to teach the younger generation all these so they will not be wiped out? The old man said he is willing and his door is open to any child who wants to have the knowledge. He also said that the history will be compiled in a book. Mr Adeyemi Oni, a staff of Bond Chemical Industry, who led Saturday Tribune to the river said “I’ve been living in this town for the past three and a half years but I’ve never joined the people of Awe to worship Sogidi river. This is the first time I enter this arena since I’ve been residing in the town. As you know, the dos and don’ts of a place, one must not take it with levity, unless one wants to face the consequence.” He however said the general saying of the town is that they don’t eat the fish in Sogidi lake. In addition to what has been said about the river, Madam Kanyin Odebode, also an indigene of Awe, testifies to Sogidi being a special lake that shows love and care to her children. “Whenever any of my children outside the town is about to be cheated or runs into trouble, she would rise to their aid.” Madam Odebode they related the experience of one of her relations who is into well-drilling as a business in Lagos long time ago. On the fateful day, her husband and his co-worker dug a well to a point and there was flame covering them. Immediately, mother Sogidi appeared to them and they came back up. Mother Sogidi saved the man from trouble. He came home and made a sacrifice to it. What are the things that get Sigidi river upset? Pa Ojedele said “the taboos of the river are that we don’t kill the fish in the river, we don’t enter the premise with footwear, we walk barefoot. Before you enter the place, you put off your footwear at the gate. Also, sacrifices are not allowed to be put there. We can’t just dip any type of basin into it, we use the container directly. On the other hand, if we notice that the river is getting dry to the extent that we see the fish, by the time about five days pass, the water would have been filled to its brink, even if it’s not during the raining season. However, indigenes derive so much from the river! For example, some family members who come for prayer with faith and sincerity receive answers. Nevertheless, if anyone perpetuates evil, such bounces back on the evil plotter. Some could be told to go and sacrifice an animal, such animal is tied there without anybody knowing what happened to it. The river is accessible to everybody to pray. According to Mrs Odebode Racheal, a native of Olla, Osun State, who married an indigene of Awe, “I heard the story but I’ve never celebrated the festival with others because of my faith.” Awe town holds a festival for a week in every third week in November every year. It’s usually a weeklong programme: Friday, we all go for Jumat, Saturday, we do fundraising for the town and on Sunday we go to church for thanksgiving, irrespective of your religion. Different groups perform at the occasion. Our kinsmen from Egba-Gbagura would perform a dance called gelede. Nollywood actress, Iya Rainbow’s husband, is a native of Awe. The man, Albert Ayanwale, leads his crew to present drama during the festival.
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Saturday Tribune
views.com
Wanted: Presidential committee on land search By Abiodun Awolaja
P
RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s Public Mail Bag, is a beloved poor old joyously forgetful and unassuming General. Far from a political rosinante (worn-out war horse), Buhari remains a dulcinea, masterfully caressing the emotions of Nigerian optimists. He wiped out corruption as military head of state, and is returned to trounce the demon once again. As revealed by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president’s 100 days in office witnessed milestones, not achievements, and Nigeria is on the road to glory. Ahead of the 2015 March 28 election, Buhari gloriously revealed that his school certificate was “with the army,” the first General the world over to be accorded this special privilege of military protection of private property. After reminding nosey Nigerians that he never pledged public declaration of his assets, President Buhari, who has dismantled the illegal Office of the First Lady and appropriately replaced it with a modest Office of the Wife of the President with just seven special assistants, eventually took the lid off his poverty, permitting a clinical gaze into his unblemished world of ascetic piety, Spartan discipline and patriotism. Prior to being sworn in on May 29, the beloved General had less than N30 million to his name and only one bank account with Union Bank. There you go, a miserly N29 million (or what is less than N30 million?) for a whole former head of state. Even akara sellers have more. I have more in my mind, and thunder fire the bank currently saying that my account balance is less than N15,000. To preserve the N29 million, Buhari had obtained N27.5 million loan to purchase the APC presidential nomination form. His words when he obtained the form: “I felt heavily sorry for myself because I don’t want to go and ask somebody to pay for my nomination forms, because I always try to pay myself, at least for the nomination. Twenty-seven million naira is a big sum, thankfully I have personal relationship with the manager of my bank in Kaduna and early this morning, I put an early call (and) I told him that very soon the forms are coming, so,
whether I am on red, or green or even black please honour it, otherwise I may lose the nomination.” Oh dear, oh dear, the president’s account was in colour riot, and the N29 million he has now declared failed to do its duty. This is obviously the handiwork of political detractors. As the assets declaration revealed, Buhari owns a miserly five homes and two mud houses. There is no semantic distraction between homes and houses, and no one needs to know the value of those homes and houses. Who cares about mud houses? As alleged by Breaking Times, one of the five houses owned by the president is a sprawling property located at 9, Udo Udoma Street, Asokoro, Abuja, with three duplexes valued at N300m each and the land valued at N2.1 billion. So what? This is nothing but bad belle. Everyone knows that only poor people inhabit Asokoro. The assets declaration says that Buhari owns a ranch, farm, cars and shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank. Is that not enough? Stating the value of the farms, ranch, cars, orchard, houses and shares will dis-
tract the administration. What can 270 head of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees do? Can they feed Ibadan alone? This deliberate poverty happened because General Buhari only collected 10 per cent of his entitlements as a former head of state. In fact, the helipad built for him in Daura once he was sworn in as president could be a bribe from the Army. However, there is an intricate issue of national concern. PMB has a plot of land in Port Harcourt but does not know where it is! Therefore, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, must be charged with attempted hiding with a view to fraudulent conversion of the president’s land. In view of the place of land in human affairs (if in doubt, ask Ngugi Wa Thiong’O) Nigerians must rise as one man against the Port Harcourt land hiders. He who hides another man’s land is a hider, and a hider is a thief. So why should these hiders not be hanged? In any case, it is not true that the president forgot the land’s location because he has plenty lands. He forgot because he had spent the last 30 years trying to rescue Nigeria from corruption and had therefore put his personal issues aside. What a supremely patriotic General of the Masses! In this connection, President Buhari should immediately set up a Presidential Land Search Committee, comprising a former IGP, a former CJN, a former Surveyor-General, two professional boxers, current service chiefs and three wrestlers, whose Terms of Reference shall be to: smoke out the thieves who hid the president’s land for so long and give them a serious beating prior to their trial, recover the said land in its full longitude and latitude, seal off the said land immediately and permanently until such a time when the president shall determine, heretofore, what to do with the land in accordance with Nigeria’s Millenium Development Goals; smoke out and prosecute all former governors of the state containing the said line for Treasonable Silence, and determine appropriate compensation by any group of persons as may be discovered to have trespassed on the said land. Many Nigerians would volunteer to serve the committee in advisory capacity for N29 million. Awolaja is on the staff of Sunday Tribune.
ISIS: Let us hear from defectors By Peter Neumann MUCH has been written about the young men and women who join the Islamic State. We are familiar with their biographies and pathways, backgrounds and motivations. But virtually nothing is known about those who quit: the “defectors” who didn’t like what they saw, abandoned their comrades and fled the Islamic State. Yet their stories could be key to stopping the flow of foreign fighters, countering the group’s propaganda and exposing its lies and hypocrisy. For a short paper, I collected all published stories about people who have left the Islamic State and spoken about their defection. I discovered a total of 58 -- a sizable number but probably only a fraction of those who are disillusioned or ready to leave. They are a new and growing phenomenon. Of the 58 cases, nearly two thirds of the defections took place in the year 2015. One third happened during the summer months alone. The defectors’ experiences are diverse. Not everyone has become a fervent supporter of liberal democracy. Some may, in fact, have committed crimes. They were all, at some point, enthusiastic supporters of the most violent and viciously totalitarian organisation of our age. Yet they are now its worst enemies. The quality of their testimony varies, and the precise circumstances and reasons for leaving the Islamic State aren’t always clear. What convinced me that, as a whole, their stories are credible is how consistent their messages were.
Among the 58 defector stories, I found four narratives that were particularly strong: One of the most persistent criticisms was the extent to which the group is fighting against other Sunni rebels. According to the defectors, toppling the Assad regime didn’t seem to be a priority, and little was done to help the (Sunni) Muslims who were targeted by it. Most of the group’s attention, they said, was consumed by quarrels with other rebels and the leadership’s obsession with “spies” and “traitors.” This was not the kind of jihad they had come to Syria and Iraq to fight. Another narrative dealt with the group’s brutality. Many complained about atrocities and the killing of innocent civilians. They talked about the random killing of hostages, the systematic mistreatment of villagers and the execution of fighters by their own commanders. None of the episodes they mentioned involved minorities, however. Brutality didn’t seem to be a universal concern: it was seen through a sectarian lens, and caused outrage mostly when its victims were other Sunnis. The third narrative was corruption. Though none believed that corruption was systemic, many disapproved of the conduct of individual commanders and “emirs.” Syrian defectors criticised the privileges that were given to foreigners, for which they claimed was no justification based on the group’s philosophy or Islam in general. While many were willing to tolerate the hardships of war, they found it impossible to accept instances of unfairness, inequality and racism. “This is not a holy war,” said a defector from India, whom the group had forced to clean toilets because of his color of skin.
A fourth narrative was that life under the Islamic State was harsh and disappointing. The defectors who expressed this view were typically the ones who had joined the group for “selfish” reasons — and who quickly realised that none of the luxury goods and cars that they had been promised would materialise. For others, their experience in combat didn’t live up to their expectations of action and heroism. One of them referred to his duties as “dull” and complained about the lack of deployments, while another claimed that foreign fighters were “exploited” and used as cannon fodder. These stories matter. The defectors’ very existence shatters the image of unity and determination that the group seeks to convey. Their narratives highlight the group’s contradictions and hypocrisies. Their example may encourage others to follow, and their credibility can help deter wannabes from joining. In my view, governments and civil society should recognise the defectors’ value and make it easier for them to speak out. Where possible, governments should assist them in resettlement and ensure their safety. They also need to remove legal disincentives that prevent them from going public. Not every defector is a saint, and not all of them are ready or willing to stand in the public spotlight. But their voices are strong and clear: “The Islamic State is not protecting Muslims. It is killing them.” They need to be heard. Neumann, a professor of Security Studies, wrote this piece on the Cable News Network, (CNN).
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Saturday Tribune
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HE matriarch of the Awolowo family, Mama HID Awolowo was no doubt, a force to reckon with on the fashion scene. Her attires, both in English and native, were not just stylish but a display of taste and elegance. Mama’s record of being the first person to import lace materials and other textiles into the country cemented her status as the fashion icon of our time. STYLE, here, presents stylish HID across decades.
26 September, 2015
style
Saturday Tribune With Kate Ani 08071080888 anikate92@yahoo.com
HID: Her style over the years November 25, 1985
January 20, 1988 November 12, 1989
PHOTO CREDIT: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE LIBRARY
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26 September, 2015
outofthisworld
Saturday Tribune WITH FEMI OSINUSI
osfem2@yahoo.com 08055069292
Shocking story of American woman found with skulls, body parts, 3,500 weapons
Some of the weapons and body parts
A
Series of weapons and parts of bodies
Some swords, knives, others seized by policemen
woman in Florida, the United States, was on Tuesday arrested after policemen found over 3,500 weapons, some body part and skulls in what they called a ‘satanic shrine.’ According to the Daily Mail of UK, the woman, 47-year-old Nickola Dykema, when policemen entered her home, took a machete and went after them. She was, however, overpowered and when they searched the home, they found those strange objects in what looked like a shrine. The battle between the woman and policemen who found the body parts, skulls and weapons lasted for five hours.
The woman
Skulls and other objects in the ‘shrine’
Skeletons and other things in the ‘satanic shrine’
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26 September, 2015
businessextra
How to make money from real estate investment Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos
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HEN piecing this report together, Saturday Tribune chanced upon a ‘testimony’ of an entrepreneur blogger, Darlinton Omeh, whose remarks showed that indeed investing in real estate might as well be the key out of penury and poverty for anyone. Omeh said, “I bought a plot of land in Ikorodu area of Lagos State in 2011 where I’ve wanted to develop something special, I paid N500,000 for it. “This year, I changed my mind and decided to sell it, when I asked the estate agents how much property is going in that area now, they told me the current price is two million naira and that my own which is very close to the main road will go for between 2.5 to 3 million naira. If I had bought five plots for N2.5 million, I would have been making N10,000,000 by now. “Just like that, N2 million to N2.5 million gained in less than two years for a greenhorn like me who is not in any way into real estate investment. Then imagine what the professional who know the ins and outs in the business will be making. I know a patent medicine seller who is now a multi millionaire through estate investment. He started almost with no money, few years ago. “I also know how some of the millionaires in the industry started. Some of them started as small real estate agents in a kiosk, but today, they control some of the finest estates in Lagos, Abuja and other major cities in Nigeria,” he said.
Indeed, if Omeh’s views are anything to go by, then real estate could be regarded as a viable investment option for any investor who does not have the financial muscle to invest in other highyielding businesses such as oil and gas. Real Estate has been proven to be one of the most profitable investment opportunities currently available in Nigeria with relatively low variability of returns. It involves the purchase, ownership, management, rental and/or sale of real estate for profit. However, investors must be aware of the relatively long tenure of holding period that may be required. The location of such an investment usually has an important impact on the holding period required for a rewarding transaction In a chat with Saturday Triune, a Lagos-based real estate expert, Mr Dipo Adeola, said, “Real Estate is currently on the rise in Nigeria and people are raking in millions from it. If there is any business in Nigeria that is truly lucrative and can be said to have a guaranteed high profit margin, it has to be the real estate business. Many of the billionaires in Nigeria are real estate investors.” One good thing about real estate business is that the investment opportunities are so diverse that there seem to be something for everyone. Anyone who wishes can invest whether he has thousands, billions of naira or even without a dime in your pocket. Ways to invest in Real Estate •Log into residential accommodation development This is where the ‘big boys’ in the indus-
Real estate could be regarded as a viable investment option for any investor who does not have the financial muscle to invest in other high-yielding businesses such as oil and gas.
try are making real money. They acquire properties in choice locations, develop it into luxury apartments, commercial structures, among others and sell at a very high profit margin. They invest N20 million to develop a property and sell for N40 million or even more. For cities like Lagos, Abuja, various state and commercial capitals, residential accommodation will remain under pressure, given the acknowledged low ratio of the housing stock. The population growth has continued to outrun the snail pace of housing development, leaving a huge, yawning gap. Little wonder that vacant property gets quickly snapped up. It is common knowledge in Lagos that you don’t delay to pay when you see a property you desire. Quite often, a number of other interested parties are queued up, a development often abused
Saturday Tribune
Edited by Sulaimon Olanrewaju
lanresulaimon123@gmail.com 08055001708 by mischievous property agents who end up collecting payment from multiple sources, leaving some buyers out in the cold. What this says is that residential accommodation will remain good business for a long time to come. To begin to meet market demand and come near market saturation will take long years and a special will from government, which is not evident yet. •Focus on commercial/market developments Some investors focus on developing commercial outlets (stores, shopping complexes, office space, warehouses, etc) in strategic business areas. The size of such investments would vary, but we are more concerned about where a small investor could find space in this market segment. The truth, really, is that there is reasonable room for the small player. The ‘magic’, as in many investment actions, is in being motivated, committed and focused. Building a string of shops, which will tomorrow command high rental value and strong market price may simply require identifying, well ahead, where sizeable settlements or access infrastructure like roads will emerge. When roads pass and people settle, shops will spring up. As demand pressure mounts on the stock, their value will go up. This happens every day around us. The question is, if you’d desire to make money from real estate, why couldn’t you run this simple formula that works? Besides, there are other creative ways the small investor can tap into investment opportunities in this segment. Of course, if you can undertake bigger projects or access established locations like major markets or commercial areas, your chances are even better enhanced. • Consider land flipping This means buying land and quickly reselling it for profit. This is one of the smartest investment moves in the industry and requires no effort whatsoever. With just your money and some knowledge, you can proceed. You will need substantial amount if you want to make hundreds of millions of naira but you can start small by buying just one plot and grow to buying tens of plots and acres of lands, selling all year round. •Open space leasing This works in a simple and unique way. Buy a property in a good location and lease it out for makeshift use. You can lease it to churches or businesses that want to develop a makeshift outlets such as car wash centre and mechanic workshop. They will be paying you monthly rents while the property still appreciates for future sale. •Invest in real estate agency This is one of the simplest and easiest property businesses to invest in. It is not investment in the real sense, rather it is service rendering. It requires one to move round and look for properties put off for let and outright sale, advertising your service and helping secure clients for the property owners,, after which you will be paid a certain percentage as commission. • House/office rent This is one of the oldest and most common ways of investing in real estate. Here you build a house, put it up for rent, and get paid all year for a life time. That is exactly how this works. ...With additional information from www.constative.com
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26 September, 2015
ntertainment News
Society Gist
Between Basketmouth and Sean Tizzele —P32
Nollywood mourns HID Awolowo —P33
I hate to see female musicians slander one another —Emma Nyra
Omotola’s big confession —P33
Saturday Tribune
J
with oan
Omionawele
jistwtjoan@yahoo.com Twitter:@joanbajojo 08054682201
Newton-Ray Ukwuoma
newtray2002@yahoo.com 08052271251
Celebrity Interviews
30 entertainment
26 September, 2015
I hate to see women slander one another —Emma Nyra
Stories by Joan Omionawele and Newton-Ray Ukwuoma
F
ORMER Made Men music act, Emma Nyra has come out to speak on unity of female musicians in the industry. In a few tweets she admonished female musicians to be united and desist from being enemies with each other. According to Emma Nyra “I hate to see women slandering each other on the internet. It’s literally so sad. Help your fellow women,” she said. She however continued “The sooner females realise that when one of us does well, then we all win. Men recognise this and praise each other. Women that work together get paid together. Every single show/ tour/ video that I’ve done in my career would not have been possible if not for the women that reached out to me.” The musician however did not point out the female acts that she was referring to , but later revealed that she was open to collaborations with any female acts and said “I would love to see more female collaborations because I know we got what it takes.”
Chika Ike releases new movie, Miss Teacher
NOLLYWOOD screen diva Chika Ike, has won the hearts of fans with great screen presence in films like Emotional Blackmail. The talented actress, who recently graduated from New York Film Academy, has stepped into the production terrain with the debut feature ‘Miss Teacher’ in cinemas. This romantic drama tells the story of Nwanne, a selfless and compassionate lady who due to a sad event finds herself in a community where there is no development. Rather than dwell on her past, she decides to accept her fate and find a teaching job in the community school where she teaches and encourages her students to embrace and overcome their struggles. However, when a handsome young man shows up in the picture, the intrigues and betrayal that follow make her decide the path she must take to overcome all odds. The interesting film explores the themes of love, success and self belief. It was directed by Serah Donald Onyeachor and stars veteran Nollywood sweetheart Liz Benson, Joseph Benjamin and two-time African Movie Academy Awards nominee Chika Ike. It has been hailed by pundits as an exemplary, highly motivating and visually refreshing film.
Tuface Idibia influenced my decision to postpone album launch — Wizkid NIGERIA’S wonder boy and Chief Executive Officer of Starboy Records, Ayodeji Balogun Wizkid, has postponed his third album launch. Wizkid, who promised to release his third album, featuring high profile collaborations such as Chris Brown and the two-time Grammy award winner, Angelique Kidjo, this month has shifted the date to “sometime next year”. The Glo ambassador made the announcement using his twitter handle during the weekend. According to Wizzy, TufaceIdibia influenced his decision. He said he changed his mind after the unprecedented 40th birthday anniversary
In a bid to promote his latest single, entitled ‘dodo’ Davido took to social media to unveil plans of a competition where the winner is set to go home with a whooping sum of N1 million.
celebration of 2face Idibia. He, however, will be dropping the Ep of ten tracks and videos next month. “They never stop trying to bring me down, but God’s light forever shines! Celebrated the legend @2faceidibia1 last night! Epic! Made me realise how much I need to f--- the game up! So I’m moving my album to sometime next year! But my EP drops next month” October! 10 tracks! 10 videos! What a time to be alive!” Wizkid says. He didn’t ascertain whether the foundation launch he had planned for the less privileged will still have to wait till next year or not. Nevertheless, September is the month of album
release for A-list artistes such as Davido, Orezi and Iyanya.
Between Basketmouth and Sean Tizzle
DURING the week, it was reported that popular comedian, Basketmouth blacklisted Sean Tizzle, a popular musician from his shows, both home and abroad. According to Hip TV, Basketmouth revealed that Sean Tizzle was invited for a show and charged a ridiculous amount when contacted to perform in his show in December. Basketmouth said “I called on Sean Tizzle and he was charging me a certain
amount of money, I didn’t know if it was him or his
management that charged me, but I don’t care, I had to tell my team to blacklist his name on any of my shows.” “I called on Olamide who’s even a more buzzing act, and he said I can pay him anything I feel like, and he didn’t even ask of his money until way after the show before I paid him,” he added. Saturday Tribune tried to reach out to his management at the time, but his phones where not answered as at press time.
Rita Dominic, Femi Jacobs star, in The Quest
TOP celebrities including Chika Chukwu, Rita Dominic, Femi Jacobs, and Somkele Idahlamah are few of the cast in a new flick titled; The Quest that is expected to hit the cinema before the end of the year. The guest, a movie directed by Christian Olayinka and produced by Foluke Olaniyi of the Banner Films Company, tells the story of a passionless but dedicated and faithfully mar-
ried couple who take in an old friend into their apartment. An
affair soon begins between the husband and the friend but when his adulterous partner starts to kill of members of their household who stands in her, the couple realise that they have it all in each other and that their family is worth fighting for. Still in its final editing stage, The Quest according Foluke Olaniyi is a movie to watch out for and destined for awards.
Omotola’s confession POPULAR Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade, amazed her fans with this stunning revelation on the 18th episode of ‘The Truth‘ with Olisa Adiba. During this interview, she aired many truths about her life, movie set and other issues about the entertainment industry. At some point in the interview, a surprising question popped up, asking the actress who her favourite
Davido set to dole out N1m AWARD winning pop star, Davido has announced his intention to give out a huge sum of money to a fan for his newly released single.
Saturday Tribune
Although the young musician didn’t release details for the big win, however announced that ‘Dodo Competition coming soon, the winner gets a million naira, watch out”.
male kisser was. A surprised Omotola laughed, grinning from ear to ear as she answered the presenter. She stated thus “I don’t remember how many kisses I have had on set. I think I remember one, Van Vicker. I know my husband is going to kill me for this (laughs). I have done like two to three movies with him, and we were meant to kiss on some romantic scenes.
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26 September, 2015
Nollywood mourns HID Awolowo By Newton-Ray Ukwuoma Kate Henshaw HID Awolowo should be celebrated for her longevity. Not many people these days get to live that long. May her soul rest in peace. Amen. Mimi Orjiekwe The late Mrs. Awolowo lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints on the sands of time. My condolences to the family, the government and people of Ogun State over the death of an extraordinary woman that deserves extraordinary accolades. Rest in peace. Angela Okorie I have heard a lot about her. She is a great woman. I would like to be like her. Her death should be celebrated, not mourned, at 99. I salute her courage and her life. Rest in peace, mama.
Yvonne Adokiye
Kehinde Bankole She is someone who has been noted for her immense contribution to the development of this country. Nigeria is what it is today because of her forthrightness. I really extend my condolences to Tribune and the Awolowo family.
Sola Kosoko-Abina
Halima Abubakar She lived a good life at 99. We do not need to cry for her, rather we should celebrate such a great woman, who lived to see the great future that is ahead of Nigeria even after being at the forefront of our independence. Sola Kosoko-Abina I rejoice with the Awolowo family and the entire nation for a life well spent of our Matriach, HID Awolowo, a mother of the nation. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Yvonne Adokiye Mama was a great woman who stood behind her man, through thick and thin. Her exit will forever be remembered. She’s ever golden in our hearts. May the Almighty God rest her soul in peace. Amen.
Angela Okorie
Halima Abubakar
Mimi-Orjiekwe
Kehinde Bankole
Saturday Tribune
33 entertainment My purpose in life is to make great music and help others take the stand —MI Abaga By Newton-Ray Ukwuoma NIGERIA’S lyrical lord and Chief Executive Officer, Chocolate City, MI Abaga, has addressed the issue of staying relevant as a successful artiste in the music industry. Mr Incredible said in an interview with Saturday Tribune that the famine of inspiration that is manifest among popular artistes in the music industry today is caused by the widening gap between artistes and the real life experience that greased their musical inspiration. The One Naira rapper explained how success takes the artiste away from the real life experiences that inspired his career in a graphic analogy: “You know, when you are in the room that has plenty mosquitoes you are a great mos-
quito killer. But if you have one mosquito in a big room, you can’t become a great mosquito killer. That is what inspiration is like when you are successful,” he said. The rapper did not exclude himself from the meleewhich most A-list artistes in Nigeria are caught. He, however, admonished that reconnecting with the society, planning music strategy and hard work were the steps musicians need to stay at the zenith of their career. “As I have moved higher in my career, I have realised that though the emotion is the same, I am no more in touch with the real life experiences that inspired my music career. My life has become less of a conduit for real experiences. And I have to be aware of that because I don’t smoke and I don’t drink in the studio. If I smoked and I am drunk, perhaps something I may have forgotten years ago might flash in. But I don’t do that. So, what happens is that I pay attention wherever I go. I now love to meet people. I try as much as I can to stop and talk to people. Yesterday, I was leaving somewhere when I met a guy, Victor. He walked up to take a picture with me. Then he told me he had three songs and he was twenty-three. “I spent thirty minutes talking to him. All the cars were waiting for me. Do you know what that did for me? It inspired me. He reminded me of what it means to be in Lagos, at his age and to meet someone you look up to. It reminded me of how I started. And what I had to go through myself. That is inspiration. You have to be very careful to allow inspiration to still flow towards you, even when you are successful. You have to plan and work twice as hard,” he said. The rapper, who is known for his smooth and slithering rap style, also said knowing the right time to bow out and project younger artistes takes off pressure to fight irrelevance in the industry. “My personal purpose in life is to make the best music I could make and help new people take the stand.” Meanwhile, MI Abaga is currently in the news for his civil tweet/comment on the abduction of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.
Rotimi Amaechi, Segun Arinze, others celebrate as Julius Agwu holds thanksgiving POPULAR comedian, Julius Agwu who was reported to have undergone a brain surgery a few months ago held a thanksgiving ceremony at his lekki residence during the week. The comedian, who has every reason to be grateful for a successful career spanning almost two decades, hosted his friends to a low key event which was attended by former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi as well as former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Segun Arinze, Adebola Williams and some close associates of the comedian.
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
‘We don’t play most popular songs on radio’ Moses Abiola is an inspiring On-air Personality on UNILAG 103.1 FM. His radio programme, ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola,’ has helped many marriages and relationships. He shares this and more in this interview with NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA.
M
Background Y name is Moses Abiola. I am an on-air Personality on Unilag 103.1 FM. I am the radio host for ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola’, a weekly show that comes up every Monday from 9:15pm to 10pm. I’m also an inspirational talk show host on ‘Ladder to Success’ an entrepreneurship show. An on-air personality in university Being an on-air personality on Unilag FM is very interesting and unique. Unique in the sense that Unilag FM affords people the opportunity to discover their talents. Your creativity is brought to the fore here. Being the most popular campus radio station in Lagos, the spectrum of our listeners is wide. On Unilag FM, you’re allowed to do what you want to do as long as it is informative, educative, entertaining and in accordance with the NBC policy.
NBC regulation NBC constantly alerts us to the kind of songs we can or cannot play. We don’t play most popular songs during our peak period which is usually the morning drive till evening drive time. The truth is NBC seems to be stricter with us than other commercial radio stations. This is because Unilag FM is a prime radio station for young people in an academic environment. Programme ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola’ is a brand that has come to stay. People listen and make contributions from different parts of Lagos. ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola’ is a mature show. The show allows people to divulge secrets about their relationships and marriages while they keep their identity anonymous. People who have issues they are afraid to share because they don’t know who might use it against them are welcome in the show. We discuss issues such as sexual problems, relationship and challenges people face daily in their marriages but are too afraid to talk about. Coaching Experience As a certified life coach, one thing I have come to learn is that some of the secrets people are too scared to share with anyone take the best part of their thought life. In other to help people open up about their challenges and express those things they are uncomfortable sharing with anybody and find prompt solution to those issues, ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola’ was created. We bring professionals and experts from all fields of human endeavour to help answer questions on air. We work with sexuality coach, clinical psychologists, emotional and relationship experts as well as people performance coach. We also work with lawyers, medical doctors, financial coach and pastors.
Handling issues on air We have handled several cases successfully. I will give three examples here. A man called during one of our shows while driving home. He said he was cheating on his wife and found it difficult to stop. He said incessant nagging, poor cooking and dirty dressing pushed him into the arms of another woman. However, he was fed up with this lifestyle and he wanted us to help him. The relationship coach on air arranged for a personal meeting with him. Meanwhile, he did not know his wife was listening. When he got home that day and as he opened the door to the living room of his house, he said he met his wife on her knees crying profusely and begging for another chance. And that was how the couple got back together. Another caller, a woman, called in to say she was not enjoying sex with her husband because his manhood was too big. Luckily for her, we had a couple on the show as our special guests that day. So we asked how long she had been married and she said two years and had a son already. It was as she opened up to us that we realised that the husband was not enjoying in foreplay before intercourse, thus making sex painful for her. She was told what to do to improve her sex life and advised to go for an ovarian cancer test as well. We later got to hear from her that her sex life is robust without pain since the husband started engaging in foreplay with her. Also, a lady once called in to tell us his father had been sleeping with her for over five years and had started doing the same to her immediate younger sister. We took the case up and kept counselling the man until he gave his life to Christ. The Future My dream has always been to have a radio and TV station even before I started ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola’. ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola’ will soon be on major radio stations in Nigeria. Broadcasting is something I will be doing for the rest of my life. If I am not on radio doing ‘Anonymous with Moses Abiola’, you will hear me using the radio and television to preach the word of God.
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26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
with Tunde Ayanda ayandaayotunde@yahoo.com 08034649018
Friends fete
Eric Osagie
I
T was all smiles for the newlyappointed Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers, Eric Osagie, as he was hosted to a party by some of his friends and colleagues in the media industry. Osagie, who succeeded Femi Adesina, was taken to the Western Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, where his friends hosted the party in his honour and presented
him with a portrait while they wined and wished him well in his new assignment. Spotted at the event were a former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh, Mohammed Fawehinmi and a host of other media executives who are friends and colleagues of the new Sun newspapers boss.
At Folake Akinruntan’s birthday bash
T
HE birthday bash of Folake Akinruntan, wife of Obat Petroleum Managing Director, Femi Akinruntan, is what many have not stopped talking about. The party which took place at the Maison Fahrenheit Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos had in attendance the who-is-who in the Lagos social circle. Dubbed ‘Christian Louboutin party’, it was a glamorous event where the couple treated the
guests to exotic drinks and intercontinental buffet. The likes of Shina Peller, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Seye Odunsi, Jibola Fagbemi and a lot of
other socialites were all present and joined the party train which moved to the prestigious Quilox Nightclub where another event took place.
Odunayo Akinrinsola’s rising profile ODUNAYO Akinrinsola, the Chief Executive Officer of SPIDS Logistics, could be described as a man touched by the gods. The Accounting graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife has assumed a new status, which now makes him the centre of attraction wherever he goes. Those in the know said that the logistics management expert has been tipped for a higher position in his state, thus explaining his new status and the increasing number of admirers. The businessman is said to have been nursing political ambition and has been perfecting some underground moves to achieve this.
High society stands still for Bisi Edionseri
Festus Odimegwu is back in the groove
IT was a gathering of the wellplaced in the social establishment when popular Ogun socialite, Princess Bisi Edionseri was conferred with an islamic title in Ijebu Ode recently. Princess Edionseri, popularly called ‘Cash Madam’ is a woman of substance and value that has
ruled the society scene for over five decades and she was recently honoured with the title of Iya Suna of Ogun State. The party, which had all the trappings of a society event, was celebrated with friends and admirers of the octogenarian.
FORMER Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Festus Odimegwu, is gradually finding his tracks back into the social circuit. The former NBL strongman suddenly disappeared from the social radar after his removal as the helmsman of the National Population Commission (NPC). The businessman also fought to retain his hold on the entertainment scene but he later sold his hangout and became a distributor of an international beverage drink. His efforts were said to have paid off and he has returned into public consciousness. People in the know claimed that Odimegwu is currently working on a project he is about to unveil and which he plans to use to re-launch himself into the social circuit from where he had been absent for some time now.
35 feature
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
Appraising the gains of Buhari’s visit to France
By Sani Adamu (NAN)
E
CONOMISTS observe that President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent visit to France, on the invitation of French President François Hollande, marks a new dawn for the evolution of a robust economic partnership between Nigeria and France. According to them, the visit opens new vistas for fostering partnership and cooperation that will enable Nigeria and its neighbouring countries to fight Boko Haram insurgents through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF). For the benefit of hindsight, in September 2013, Nigeria and France signed an agreement aimed at facilitating the collaboration between Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency and its counterpart in France, Banque Publique d’Investissement. The two countries also agreed to establish the Franco-Nigeria Trade and Investment Council as part of the process of driving the growth of their economies through mutual cooperation. Observers note that although the balance of trade between the two countries has, over the years, tilted in favour of France, the recent visit of the president to France will help address the issue. They call for effective implementation of the economic and military cooperation agreements reached between the two countries during the president’s visit to France. During the visit, Buhari met with Hollande at the Elsee Palace in Paris, where the France pledged to assist MJTF with intelligence gathering and provision of equipment to check the activities of insurgents in Nigeria. Hollande said that his government was concerned about the increasing spate of insecurity in Nigeria and the entire West Africa sub-region. He said he and Buhari discussed new partnership that would enable Nigeria and its neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad, Republic of Niger and Republic of Benin, to overcome the challenge of insurgency through the joint action of the MJTF. He also recalled that France hosted a regional summit on security in Paris in 2014 that brought together the neighbouring countries to chart the way forward on fighting insurgency. “We provide all of the support to the countries in the region which are affected by this cult and in Nigeria, we want to provide support and solidarity,’’ he said. Applauding Buhari’s directive on the movement of the
Observers caution businessmen against taking undue advantage of the new economic ties existing between Nigeria and France by importing goods and perishable commodities from France.
military command centre to Maiduguri, Hollande said that the decision had helped tremendously in weakening the insurgents. In the area of investments, Hollande said that France had concluded arrangements to invest 130 million euros in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria for rebuilding of roads, provision of electricity and water supply. He noted that in spite of the fall in the price of crude oil in the international market which had affected Nigeria’s expected revenue, the country’s economy still remained strong. “The Nigerian economy remains strong so, France wants to be doing business in the country,’’ he said Hollande said that France intended to increase the visibility of its investors more in Nigeria. In his remarks, Buhari thanked Hollande for his administration’s interest in assisting Nigeria. He expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with France for the overall development of both countries. Addressing a gathering of investors at the Nigerian-France Presidential Business, Buhari assured the investors that Nigeria had “all it takes to survive as a country.” “Nigeria is now at a new dawn to reposition its destiny for greatness; this administration is firmly determined to consolidate on industrialising the nation and diversifying the economy. “There is more to Nigeria than oil. It is a blessed land rich in agricultural and mineral resources coupled with skilled and low-cost labour, large market, robust and competitive private sector’’. He said the government would rebuild Nigeria into a competitive, virile and productive economy based on transparency, accountability, excellence, integrity and rule of law.
Buhari also assured the investors of environment conducive for business, robust economic activities and job creation for Nigerian youths. He recalled that the long-standing economic relations between Nigeria and France dated back to 1902 when the CFO set up a training programme in Lagos State. He said that his administration’s commitment to tackling the Boko Haram insurgency was aimed at ensuring safety of all citizens and guaranteeing investment opportunities According to the president, it is a positive development that at the moment, Nigeria is the largest trading partner with France in Africa. He noted that the existing cordial trade relationship between Nigeria and France notwithstanding, both countries should strive towards promoting a win-win sustainable business partnership. Buhari, therefore, urged the French investors to avail themselves with the abundant opportunities that abound in critical areas in Nigeria such as agriculture, energy, automobile and skill development in Nigeria. He said his administration would sustain Nigeria’s credentials as the preferred and number one investment destination in Africa. Buhari commended Mr Pierre Gattaz, President of the Movement of French Entrepreneurs; the organisers of the French-Nigeria Business Forum, for putting up the platform for the meeting. In his response, Gattaz assured Buhari to count on the support of French businessmen that he would lead to Nigeria soon. He described Buhari’s election as a launching pad for Nigeria to become great in democracy and developments. In the light of several business opportunities of the president’s visit to France, observers caution businessmen against taking undue advantage of the new economic ties existing between Nigeria and France by importing goods and perishable commodities from France. They also urge the Federal Government to evolve pragmatic means of turning Nigeria into a major manufacturing zone in Africa. Such measures, they add, will strengthen efforts to boost Nigeria’s economy, create employment opportunities and bridge the widening balance of trade existing between Nigeria and France. All in all, economists insist that the Nigeria-France partnership will be meaningful only if it impacts positively on the welfare of Nigerians.
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26 September, 2015
weekend cartoons
Saturday Tribune
Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638
Just a Laffing Mata
Homew or k
Teacher: “Kids, what does the chicken give you?” Segeluulu: “Meat!” Teacher: “Very good! Now, what does the pig give you?” Segeluulu: “Bacon!” Teacher: “Great! And what does the fat cow give you?” Segeluulu: “Homework!”
POLITICO
How were people born?
Segeluulu asked his father, “How were people born?” His father said, “Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on.” Segeluulu then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, “We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now.” Segeluulu ran back to his father and said, “You lied to me!” His father replied, “No, your mom was talking about her side of the family.”
FUNOLOGY
Sunday school qu iz
Segeluulu wasn’t the best pupil at Sunday school. He often fell asleep and one day while he was sleeping, the Sunday school teacher asked him a question. “Who is the creator of the universe?” John was sitting next to Segeluulu and decided to poke him with a pin to wake him up. Segeluulu jumped and yelled, “God Almighty!” The teacher congratulated him. A little later the teacher asked him another question, “Tell me who is our Lord and Saviour?” John poked Segeluulu again and he yelled out, “Jesus Christ!” The teacher congratulated him again. Later on, the teacher asked, “What did Eve say to Adam after their 24th child?” John poked Segeluulu again and he shouted, “If you stick that thing in me again, I’ll snap it in half and stick it up your ass!”
Marriage not as scary as people say —Nigerian Abraham ‘Father of many nations’
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26 September, 2015
motoring
Saturday Tribune With Seyi Gesinde seyigesinde@yahoo.com 08116954632
N39 million bulletproof, grenade-resistant, Kia Quoris, hits Nigeria market
Nissan fortifies 2015 Altima for improved efficiency as family sedan
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ISSAN automobile has added innovative features to its 2015 Altima, as a way of repositioning the car way ahead of competition, to make it remain one of the most engaging family sedans in this car segment. The automaker said it is targeting people who want more out of life and do not want a conservative or dull midsize sedan. The all-new Altima, now a favourite choice among family sedans, according to Edmunds.com, a foremost American online journal for automotive information, delivers excellent fuel economy, a rare blend of comfort and exceptional capacity that compares to most premium sedans. The online resource described Nissan Altima as stylish, bold and aggressive with long body lines that distinguishes the Japanese engineered sedan from rivals like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. Emerging from a total model change, the new Altima offers exceptional premium experiences and high technologies that could give mid-size sedans better value proposition and keep it fresh against rivals. Edmunds.com said while many manufacturers are offering different 4-cylinder engines with hybrids and diesels, the Altima sedan goes the traditional route by offering a base 4-cylinder and a V6, reaffirming Altima’s innovative features to reposition the car way ahead of competition. The Nissan Altima is mated to a lighter weight 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with improved efficiency while the 3.5-litre V6 version delivers better fuel economy, placing the car way ahead of competitions. Both engines however drive Altima’s front wheels through Nissan’s next generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drives engine revs ahead of vehicle speed during strong acceleration and
helps both specifications achieve tremendous fuel economy, the Japanese Automaker assured. Popular Mechanics, a United States classic magazine of popular technology, which attested to Altima’s uniqueness, said in one of its recent publications that “the new Altima remains one of the most engaging family sedans, and its fuel economy approaches 16 kilometres per litre of gasoline (pms) for the 2.5 litre engine and 13 kilometres per litre of gasoline (pms) for the 3.5 litre engine, on highway driving.” “Nissan Altima is no doubt a driver’s delight and should have no problem attracting the most discerning family-sedan buyers.” Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recently said in its commentary. “With its Maxima-like good looks, and
unique features such as the NASA-inspired zero-gravity seats, the Altima really does give shoppers a viable alternative to the Camry and Accord,” a UK-based automotive classified website, Auto Trader described the Family sedan. “The Altima’s driving dynamic which rarely sacrifices its mainstream family-sedan features conveys a measure of driving fun that’s uncommon in the mid-size segment,” AutoTrader said. Some auto analysts have similarly applauded the distinctive features of Altima’s “multilink independent suspension and best-in-class continuously variable automatic transmission as a testimony to Nissan’s ingenuity, especially when benchmarked against premium sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.”
KIA Motors Nigeria has introduced its shatterproof, grenade resistant, opaque anti-blast armour, and protective coated reinforced bulletproof Kia Quoris, into Nigerian market, specially produced for high-net-worth individuals and government officials. With this enhanced armoured technology creating comfort ride for its patrons, Kia Motors has created a niche in the super-luxury market, beating competitors in armour car segment. The bulletproof Kia Quoris, which the automaker said currently selling at N39.6 million has enjoyed an impressive outing and gained momentum amongst top chief executive officers and government officials, said Mr Olawale Jimoh, Assistant Manager, Events and Public Relations, Kia Motors Nigeria. He said with Kia Quoris armour-plating coupled with a sniper resistant roof fitted with special steel and shatterproof glass, the car is rated as one of the best bulletproof cars in the country. The armoured luxury sedan built with a V6 turbo-charged 3.8-litre engine, Kia Motors said boasts of enough protective capability to defend against rifle fire from military weapons, hand grenades, explosive charges, amongst others. “High-tech fibres and enhanced materials are used to implement the armouring process with top notch installation techniques to provide greater protection and exhilarating experience for our wellheeled, security-conscious customers” said, Sandeep Malhotra, Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria. He said Kia Quoris armoured luxury sedan provides an exceptional level of protection from the impact of collisions for all occupants and is outfitted with highperformance run-flat-tire inserts.
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politics&policy
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune With Saheed Salawu
0811 695 4643
yinkadejavu@yahoo.com
Those who called my father ‘Amala politician’ were always in his house to eat amala with him —Adedibu’s eldest son Professor Aderemi Adedibu is the eldest son of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu. In this interview with BLESSING EKUM and KATE ANI, Professor Adedibu, who holds a PhD in Mathematics, speaks on the similarities between him and his father, as well as the brand of politics played by the late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain. Excerpts:
C
AN we have an idea of the schools you attended? At the primary level, I went to Children House School, Ibara, Abeokuta [Ogun State]. At the secondary level, I attended Ibadan Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan [Oyo State], from 1967 to 1971. For my university education, I went to Indiana University in Indianapolis, United States of America, from 1972 to 1981. That is the school where I had all my degrees. As the head of the family, how has it been since baba died? It has not been easy, but we are taking solace in the fact that God is with us. That is why we are still able to perform. Many people that my late father helped have become helpless to the family because they believe they have gained all they wanted to gain when my father was alive. Only a few of them remember to come to the house but almost 80 percent of them have neglected us, which does not bother us. How many of you are in the family? We are 19 in number… How many wives? Seven of them… How have you been able to keep the family intact, there would be obvious challenges? There are so many obstacles and challenges within the family. The only way out is to be patient. God has given me the wisdom of being patient, which is why I have been able to handle the family successfully without any chaos. If I am not patient, things could have gone worse. Baba had many young children, are they still in school? The last child is the only one that is still schooling, the rest are all graduates. Eighteen graduates? Some are doing business. The majority of them are doing business and we have some that are graduates and have completed their NYSC. It is only Aisha, the youngest, that is still in school.
How was it like having Lamidi Adedibu as a father? Thank God that I am his eldest son, because my father was a very hard-working man and I gained that knowledge from him. If you are my father’s child, you should not be lazy. He was a very simple father, he wasn’t strict with his children, and hardly did he beat us. It was only our mothers that did the beating. As a father, he was caring. When baba was alive, especially during his last years, he was very popular and controversial and you were still in service then. Did it affect you in any way? It didn’t affect me in any way but people always assumed that I was as controversial as him. What experiences can you remember? Because of his controversial angle, people referred to me as being controversial in the ministry. Whenever I went out to represent the minister in any of the governing councils, I always disagreed with their requests. Politicians, being what they are, would come up with their own angle and would insist that that was what they wanted and I would
He made a lot of enemies but in this life, you can’t be 100 percent clean. If he didn’t have many enemies, he wouldn’t have survived as long as he did. The more enemies you have, the longer you live. always butt heads with them in disagreement. Based on that, in any of such gatherings, they would see me as be-
ing controversial because I am the son of a controversial man. If I see things that I don’t like, I would be vocal. If you bend the rules, when you retire, people would refer to what you have done in the past. Many people hustle for political appointments without knowing what it really involves. When you are looking for political appointment, you must know what your objectives and plans are and not to be used as a puppet in the hands of the same people that gave you the appointment. Why did you choose mathematics? Most young people dread mathematics but you pursued yours up to PhD level? My bachelor’s degree was in Chemistry and Mathematics, where I graduated with first class. My master’s degree was in Physical Chemistry\minor in Mathematics and my PhD was in Mathematics Education. Why did I pick MathematContinues pg39
39 interview
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
‘At 62, I can still ‘cope’ with a new wife’ leader, you should allow the people working under you to express their opinions. As a leader, you are also a follower. Most of the people that surround him fear saying the truth for fear of losing their jobs and that is what is killing us in this country. If somebody should ask me to become a commissioner tomorrow, don’t dictate to me; allow me to do my job. But many of them, maybe because they borrowed money from the bank, they lobby to gain a post and when they do, they look for ways to pay back their debts. I can’t go to the bank because I want to run for a political post. No way!
Continued from pg38
ics? You find out that today we are short of mathematics teachers not only in primary schools but also in junior and senior secondary schools, even in tertiary institutions. That was why some of us who had interest in mathematics had to ensure we bring up the youth to understand the problem of mathematics. But why didn’t you dread mathematics as a child? Right from the secondary school level, when people had phobia for maths, I scored hundred percent in that subject. I had A1 in maths in my school certificate examination. While in secondary school, sometimes I solved one mathematical problem for two hours and after I eventually solved it, I always had that exciting feeling and would smile. Sometimes I challenged my teachers when they got the answer to a mathematical problem wrong. At a time in 1968, I challenged my mathematics teacher on an assignment that he couldn’t even solve himself. I collected the chalk from him, solved the problem and he gave me one pound as reward. That encouraged me to brush my expertise in mathematics. How did the home front influence your education? I am from a disciplined family. The thing is, when you are from a disciplined family, you have to adapt yourself. Not all the children from rich families turn out successful like us. All of us were spoiled by my late father but in my own case, it wasn’t to the extreme. I thought that I should not depend on my father’s property right from my youthful days. I can recall that in 1969, when I was in form three, before my father became rich, he made one statement at his Molete residence, that if he died today, some of his children would pay part of his debts… (cuts…) Meaning that he would leave a lot of debt behind for you his children to grapple with? Yes, for us the children to handle, instead of leaving assets… So he would rather leave liabilities… (laughs) I was in form three when he made that statement and I grabbed it. But how many of his children are aware of that statement? They lived life as children of a rich man, not knowing what lay ahead of them when baba would be no more. How much debt did your father leave behind when he died? It can’t be quantified because we are still trying to find out. What about assets? It cannot be explained yet because we have not read his will. As a matter of fact, he didn’t have a will. That is why I am telling you that to handle this issue, as the eldest son, I have to be patient. Some people, if their father dies and is well known like my dad, they would ask his supposed children to go for DNA test. But as for me, why would I subject them to DNA test when I know the kind of father that I had? If I should tell all of my father’s children to undergo DNA test, that is stupidity. It is only ignorant people that would suggest a paternity test. Your late father made a lot of enemies while he was alive, did this shut doors of opportunities against you? He made a lot of enemies but in this life, you can’t be 100 percent clean. If he didn’t have many enemies, he wouldn’t have survived as long as he did. The more enemies you have, the longer you live. In life, if a parent made so many enemies, it has nothing to do with the children. It is left for the children to readjust themselves and not look at the part their parents played. I am close to some of my father’s enemies and they all have respect for me because of my neutrality in life. I don’t have to follow in my father’s footsteps. What character traits do you think you share with your father? The character traits that I gained from my father are obedience, and not allowing myself to be cheated; you
But some people did when your father was alive? And after that, what happened?
should fight for your right. So, you agree that you are stubborn? (laughs) No, I am just telling you. You asked me for the traits. Those are the psychological traits. One thing is that the respect my father had for me was because I was always obedient to him and I always respected him. But sometimes, we disagreed. For example, one day, I read reports in national newspapers like the Nigerian Tribune that Baba Adedibu ordered thugs to demolish some houses and I wasn’t happy with the reports. I came home and he said the reports were not true but told him that the reports were true as I did my own findings. We disagreed on many issues. How many times did you disagree with your father on such kinds of issues when he was alive? Several times. I always challenged my father and would say, ‘Daddy, what I saw was true,’ and he would claim that they just used his name and I would challenge him on how anyone would use his name and not my name or anyone else’s. Are you satisfied with Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s style of leadership? Governor Ajimobi is my senior brother. We belong to the same family. His middle name, ‘Ishaq’, was given to him by my father at his naming ceremony and my father played a vital role in his journey abroad to further his studies. So, we are relatives. As regards the question if I am satisfied with his style of leadership, let us face the reality, when you are a
They took the money to ‘Molete…’ That is part of life (laughs). Was he the one that asked them to borrow money from bank? He didn’t ask them to borrow money from bank. Those that went there with bags of money to lobby him were looking for posts and they got the posts. They were the ones that would pay back the bank loans, not Baba Adedibu. I can’t lobby for a post. If God says that I merit a post they give, don’t dictate to me. Allow me to use my brain… You said ‘give me the post, don’t dictate to me’. Baba disagreed with former governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, because he did not listen to baba. Did you at any point intervene in that crisis? See, the issue of Senator Rashidi Ladoja and my late father was more than what people were saying. His father was a senior brother to my dad, so, he is my brother. If you go into the depth of the issue between Senator Ladoja and my father, some bad people pitched them against each other. This is not a matter to explain in details. How many wives do you have? I had only one wife. She is late. I am preparing to get another wife. How old are you? I am 62 years old. And you think you can ‘cope’ with a new wife at this age? If God says! If my father was able to ‘cope’ at the age of 70-something with a new wife before he died, why can’t I? At 62, you cannot cope… That is your own theory. Scientific theory does not say that I can’t cope. We will wait and see… You will be there too (laughs).
Was he the one that asked them to borrow money from bank? He didn’t ask them to borrow money from bank. Those that went there with bags of money to lobby him were looking for posts and they got the posts. They were the ones that would pay back the bank loans, not Baba Adedibu.
What food do you like best? Well, as an Ibadan indigene, the most popular food, so far, is amala. And your father actually loved it too… It is because amala is soft and won’t make you sleep like eba or pounded yam. Are you aware that some people referred to the kind of politics that your late father played as ‘Amala’ politics? I am aware. How did you see that? Well, it is not a curse. Even those who called him Amala politician did go to his house to eat amala. So, whoever says that he was an Amala politician, he or she too is an Amala member.
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feature
26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
You can now see that none of us is safe in this place; we are all surrounded by danger. There must be always one fight or another. If it is not SARS and the vandals, it may be police, OPC, MOPOL, Civil Defence or SSS.
Arepo: The place of petrol and danger Naza Okoli - Lagos
A
REPO is a border town between Ogun and Lagos states. Buses charge 150 naira from Berger in Lagos to Arepo Junction. For that amount, the distance is too short. Indeed with little traffic, the entire journey can be executed in less than thirty minutes. “’Arepo’ is short for ‘A ri epo’ which means ‘we have found petrol,’” Fola who owns a small shop near Akogun Plaza at Arepo told Saturday Tribune. And indeed much of the news that has come out of this town in recent years has been about petroleum – or, more specifically, pipeline vandalism. Along the marshy area around the Ogun River are pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). This river also separates Arepo from Ikorodu, another part of Lagos. Attacks on this facility are known to have been carried out by vandals from both communities and beyond. In July, about one hundred vandals were reportedly killed after an explosion erupted at the site. Eyewitnesses told reporters that the thieves had come in speedboats, and had, in fact, finished their business, and were only trying to start the boats when the explosion occurred.
But it was the incident of Tuesday, September 15, that appears to have sparked the greatest furore. In the first place, it involved a shootout between the vandals and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). And then, nine of the operatives were said to have been killed, and their bodies taken away, by the vandals.
‘We live in fear’
When Saturday Tribune visited Arepo last Saturday, a semblance of normalcy had returned. Commercial motorcyclists conveyed people freely from Arepo Junction to the town. The town gate was wide open. A large sign that bore a portrait of the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Solomon Atanda Oyebisi, stood regally over the gate. “After those soldiers (DSS officials) were killed,” Fola told Saturday Tribune, “Security men began to stop vehicles at the gate and to search their boots before they were allowed to enter. For the motorcycles and the pedestrians, they stopped them only if they noticed that they were carrying something suspicious. If it was a jerry can, they would ask you where you were going.” Another shopowner at Akogun Plaza who did not disclose his name said they live in fear because they are “surroun-
ded by danger”. “Earlier this year, a pregnant woman was killed by a stray bullet when she was returning to her house,” he said. “She was in her car, and still the bullet hit her, and she died instantly. It was while those vandals were fighting with OPC members that it happened. That Arepo Gate was closed for two days because of it. You can now see that none of us is safe in this place; we are all surrounded by danger. There must be always one fight or another. If it is not SARS and the vandals, it may be police, OPC, MOPOL, Civil Defence or SSS.” Another friend of Fola’s owns a barber shop somewhere close to the creeks. According to Fola, his friend was, last year, arrested, along with others suspected to be vandals, by officials of the Civil Defence Corps. “He was locked up for days,” he said. “The law enforcement agents arrest whoever they want to arrest in the name of fighting vandalism, but the problem is still there. My friend is a normal barber. He is new to this place. That’s why they took him. But they released him and some others after two days. They know who the real thieves are, but it is either they are afraid to arrest them or they don’t know how to go about it.” When the barber was contacted on the phone on Saturday, he said: “Ah no, I cannot speak with you about that here. I am already at Arepo. If you had called him earlier, I would have asked you to come to my house at Magboro. I cannot be talking about that thing with you here; it is dangerous.”
They live in water
According to residents, the oil thieves are not members of the Arepo community. “They are Ijaw people,” explained Fola. “We have them in Arepo and Ikorodu. They live in the creeks. They can enter inside the water, and you won’t see them again. You cannot catch them. That is why they do it in the night, and then run inside the water again. But that killing of SSS people was done by the vandals from Ikorodu. Those ones are more dangerous than the ones in Arepo.” Asked if he knew or could identify any of the vandals, he laughed. “You have to be careful,” he said. “People have disappeared just by simply asking questions about the vandals. Oil money is a lot of money; believe me, people can kill because of it. Nobody knows who is who around here. But the truth is that many people are involved in the business. There are many black market sellers in Arepo and the surrounding towns. The vandals sell their products to them. Those are the ones who can tell you about the vandals.” Clampdown Residents say there has been heavy security presence since the last incident, particularly around the creeks. According to them, even though roads leading to the facility have been sealed off, people have, on their own, chosen to stay away. When contacted over the phone on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ogun State, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi said that security around the facility was a direct responsibility of the Federal Government. “Arepo issue is a national issue,” Adejobi told Saturday Tribune. “I would not like to speak on the Arepo issue. You should contact the Force PRO; let the Force PRO speak on behalf of the police. It is not an Ogun State matter alone.” Attempts made to speak with the Force Public Relations Officer, Acting ACP Olabisi Alofe Kolawole were unsuccessful as several calls placed to her line were not answered.
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26 September, 2015
intimacy L
Saturday Tribune
With Bosede Ola-Samuel 08112658560 bosedeola_samuel@yahoo.com
STRICTLY FOR ADULTS
OVE keys are different ways of expressing love to one another that bring about the best romantic marriage anyone can experience. I term them keys because without them, you are denied access to your spouse’s heart and they can terminate a marriage of many years. Remember that with the right key, access to a door is guaranteed, while the door remains permanently inaccessible without it. Couples must realise that for marital harmony and enduring love in marriage, they must know what love keys are, understand how they work and discover which of these keys works for their partners to ensure the fire of their love burns till death do them part. This holiday period offers willing couples the opportunity to put the love keys into use as a way of sustaining the marriage. I also hope this will satisfy the curiosity of my readers who desire to understand what love keys are. Love turns sour in marriage because before marriage, lovers don’t take enough time to understand what their love keys are. That is, they do not understand what makes each partner feel loved. Rather, we assume that the nice looks, tender care, loving comments, caring acts, and even emotional tearful demonstrations are all what make us feel loved. While all of us need all the above ingredients of love, the one that makes a person feels most loved differ from partner to partner. The fact that we don’t know and understand this difference accounts for the many heartbreaks we see in marriage. For instance, a husband keeps slaving himself to provide for his home, spending most of his time outside the home. Yet, his wife seems unappreciative of it. To her, slaving himself to provide all she needs is not what makes her feel loved. She prefers that out of his hardworking effort, time is created for a regular sessions of closeness with her in the house. And this is driving the husband crazy. He just cannot understand why she seems not to appreciate all of his effort and every attempt by his wife to make him reason with her, is seen as a misplaced priority on her part. The problem here is simply not knowing each other’s love keys. As earlier said, love keys differ from person to person and everyone who cares to
Why your spouse does not accept your love make a success of his/her marriage must make an effort to discover his/her spouse’s love key. Discovering your partner’s love key will help to draw the best out of him or her because it will communicate your true feeling to him/her. It works like magic, turning a hopeless marital situation around for good. Dr. Gary Chapman called these keys “five love languages.” But for me, I prefer to call them “love keys.” This is because with them, you can get your partner’s attention naturally and effortlessly. When used in the right way, you get maximum response and cooperation; but when you neglect it, you can be assured that there will be fire on the mountain. These keys are basically five in number, just as Gary Chapman puts it in his book, ‘The Five Love Languages.’ However, for purpose of clarity, I chose to name them as follows: Key 1: Good words or verbal compliment. For some people, nothing more convinces them of their partner’s love for them than his/her verbal appreciation of their conduct, looks, mannerism, etc. Key 2: Undivided attention. A partner with this love key requires not only the other partner to be by him/ her, but to focus all of his/her attention on him/her at a particular point in time, talking with, looking at him/her, and touching parts of his/her body.
Key 3: Physical contact. A spouse whose love key is physical contact wants most from their partner, regular body touches: holding hands, hugging, kissing, holding hands, tickling, cuddling, leg romance, and even sex. This is what drives home the point that “I am loved by my spouse.” Key 4: Gifts appreciation This means giving gifts of various kinds, sizes, and shapes to the partner whose love key is gifts appreciation. Such gifts do not count for the quantity, size, and quality, but for their frequency, and the manner of presentation.
Love turns sour in marriage because before marriage, lovers don’t ... understand what makes each partner feel loved. Rather, we assume that the nice looks, tender care, loving comments, caring acts, and even emotional tearful demonstrations are all what make us feel loved
Key 5: Good deeds This means doing what your spouse will love you do for him/her. You do those things to make your spouse happy and feel loved, not just because you want to do them, but as an act of assurance of love and a way of helping your spouse out. Such deeds include cooking, washing and ironing, laying the bed, cleaning the house, washing the car, repairing the blocked sewage, arranging the shoes on the rack, doing children’s home work with them, cutting the grass, washing dishes, helping with cooking etc. Having understood the fact that every spouse has a love key that will unlock the door of his/her heart, the next thing is to learn how to discover which of the five love keys discussed earlier unlocks the heart of your spouse, so as to help you enjoy marital bliss, instead of stress which has ruined many marriages. I believe this knowledge will strengthen most marriages and save many others at the verge of breaking up. Since a spouse cannot have all the keys as his/her primary way of love expression, it is necessary for each spouse to discover which key is relevant to his/her partner out of the five keys of verbal appreciation, undivided attention, physical contact, gifts appreciation, and good deeds. This will also help every spouse to discover what his/her love key is. In response to my readers’ request, I have packaged some of my previous articles into a book with the title: ENJOYING GREAT SEXLIFE. You can call me on 08112658560 for the book.
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26 September, 2015
Saturday Tribune
yemiaofolaji@yahoo.com
08078891815 (sms only)
For Him
Lanre, 38, AA, graduate, self-employed, Ibadan-based, needs a responsible lady/woman with high libido, for a relationship. Call 08165017775. Folape, 54, civil servant, from Kogi State, needs a single, graduate, Christian, working class/civil servant, tall, slim lady, aged between 35 and 45 for marriage. Call 09052334345. Niyi, 29, from Ibadan, needs a Muslim lady aged between 24 and 29 for a marriage-bound relationship. Call 08160405819. Kunle, 50, Ogun State born, needs a working class woman aged between 40 and 50 for a relationship. Call 07057348717. Daniel, 40, tall, fair, based in lagos, neat, responsible godly, needs a responsible, beautiful lady as wife. Contact 0812515566.
Re: ‘I prefer another man to a transplant’
M
ADAM, my advice for you is to adopt a child, don’t go to another man because this is sin against God. Low sperm count is not a big case for God. Just believe in God, you will sooner than later conceive -- 08033269498.
Woman, there is no need for you to go for any transplant since you have been told that your man is responsible for your inability to get pregnant you due to low sperm count. I will advise you leave the man and marry another man since he doesn’t believe that he is the one with the problem as he is threatening to get another woman. Please, woman forge ahead and file for divorce suit and remarry rather than be in bondage forever. I wish you the very best as you will soon carry your children. — T Ade, Mokola, Ibadan, 07087601820. Madam, if your husband has been diagnosed with low sperm count by a doctor, there is insincerity and deceit in your marriage and the union is not lawful and God does not have any hand in such a union. Low sperm count is almost the same with impotence. Since each of you has known his/ her status I will counsel you to adopt a child and also wait for your man to marry another wife before you think of remarrying. You should pray to God to compensate you with twins, triplets no time is wasted before God. —Pastor Olusegun Oluwaremilekun, 070837881902. Woman, I will advise you to go and marry another man since your man has decided to marry another wife. —Sesan, Kabba, Kogi State, 07032664057. Madam, I will want you to trust God the more. Before next year, you will carry your baby. There is nothing that God cannot do. Your case is too small for God to handle. —Israel Taru, Kaduna, 08074348429. Woman, as a lawyer, I have seen this type of case before. Your man is running from the truth. Encourage him to take a second wife. If you can wait do so, if not get out now! You can still have a baby . I wish we could talk…08032870121. Madam, I will urge you and your husband to pray and have faith in God. You will be healed and bear children. If it is possible, install a satellite television decoder and watch gospel programmes to build your faith. I have personally hundreds of similar cases solved through such programmes. 08023659766.
Madam, what you can do as a couple is to actually put your cards on the table and communicate your feelings and resolutions. Communication is what I think is crucial. When the right words of endearment are used, things will get better—08184368572. Dear Worried Woman, I will advise you to carry along your-in-laws as events unfold. If he insists on marrying another wife and you have made up your mind to have another man, there is no point patching up the union. The two of you appear to be tired of each other, then wanting to impose adoption on your man might not work, neither will he submit himself for any transplant since he has not accepted the fact that he is responsible for your being childless. His threat to get another woman as wife is a decoy to cover up his inadequacy. If you cannot cope with a rival, please handle the situation with care as you do all necessary to separate formally. Good luck, Anjola, Lagos.
Kola, 41, self-employed graduate, needs a working class woman for a relationship. Call 08038341039. Dipo, 33, civil servant, needs a serious, single lady aged between 24 and 31 for marriage. Call 08140616493.
For Her Omolayo, needs a caring, honest man aged 50 or above for a relationship. Call 09082664997. Adejoke, 26, Christian, self-employed, from Ondo State, needs a caring, responsible man, Christian, God-fearing, aged between 27 and 35 from Ondo State for a relationship. Call 08105800949. Bola, 32, in Abuja, needs a nice, caring, responsible, employed man for a relationship. Call 08168247081. Uche, 27, tall, fair-skinned, graduate, self-employed wants a God-fearing guy, gainfully employed aged between 30 and 40 for a relationship. Call 09026697866. Darasimi, 43, single mother, divorced, needs a God-fearing, divorcee, working class man aged between 50 and 55 for marriage. Call 09052717182.
How can I forget my ex-boyfriend? Dear Yemisi, I am 24 years old. I am in a relationship with a 30-year-old man who is so much in love with me. I have seen in him that he is so fond of me and will do anything to make me happy. He is a warm human being. The way he treats me suggests as if he had never fallen in love in his life. He is so much concerned about my future that he keeps monitoring my plans wanting to know my goals and what I actually want out of this relationship. We met almost nine months ago and it appears he wants to marry me. He keeps referring to me as his wife. He is not too keen on premarital sex and what else can I ask for in a man? But Dear Yemisi, I have an issue that is bothering me now that I feel you are the only one I can share it with. I called it quits with the first love of my life almost 11 months ago. Since we bade each other bye, I have not been able to get him out of my mind. I keep
seeing him, though from the bottom of my heart I have no place for him in my heart because he played the fast one on me severally. I even caught him in action on several occasions. This is the problem I am having as I continue to see him. Dear Yemisi, what do you think I can do? I don’t have plans to go back to him and I will never because he is a chronic cheat! What do I do? I cannot afford to miss the man in my life now. Tito, Abuja. Dear Tito, The experience you are having is nothing unusual as long as one remains a human being. There is no amount of counsel from others that will do the work. The only person who can stop this thinking of yours is your good self. You are unconsciously still thinking and clinging to your
past. You have, out of no fault of yours, deliberately kept memories and the good times you had while your affair lasted in your subconscious which keep steering you in the face. To get out of this problem before you lose the new man is to pause and ask yourself why you are finding it difficult to start a new life. You have signed off the affair almost a year ago and you still keep getting troubled. Have you taken time to take stock and forgive your ex for cheating on you? Did you at any time tell him the reason why you were no longer interested in him? Did you at any time confront him with your discovery? If you have not, kindly get in touch with him so as to have a clean break. Afterwards, you have to seriously work on yourself and move on with your life.
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Saturday Tribune
26 September, 2015
Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060
Brazzaville 2015: Ex-athletics coach, Akinrodoye
lauds Team Nigeria Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja
T
HE leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Team Nigeria athletes received a pat on the back for their efforts which ultimately culminated in the second place finish of Nigeria on the medals table of the just-concluded 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Giving the commendation while speaking with sports journalists in Abuja, a former athletics coach, Timothy Akinrodoye, noted that the Mallam Alhassan Yakmut-led NSC and Team Nigeria did not disappoint the country at the Brazzaville 2015. According to the retired Comptroller of Immigration, NSC Director-General, Yakmut, really dem-
onstrated his acumen as a sport technocrat with the way he piloted the affairs of Team Nigeria before and during the Africa Games. Akinrodoye, who served as an interpreter to Team Nigeria during the Games in Congo, stated that he was particularly impressed with Yakmut’s decision to introduce basic French Language to Team Nigeria athletes two months to Brazzaville 2015. This, he noted, helped the athletes, who he said were able to communicate effectively at the Games, declaring that this had never happened in the annal of Nigerian sports. “First and foremost, we owe every appreciation to the Federal Government for extending all the support to the Team Nigeria,
especially for the confidence they have in the leadership of the National Sports Commission led by Alhassan Yakmut. “My happiness is that NSC did not disappoint the country at the Games. Yakmut really motivated the athletes and was able to convince all that he is capable of the job and a
thorough-bred technocrat. “One thing that really impressed me most was that two months to the Games, he introduced basic French Language to all the athletes before their departure for the Games. This really paid off as many of them were able to communicate effective-
ly at the Games. This has never happened in Nigerian sports,” Akinrodoye stated. With the performance of Nigeria at the Africa Games, the best since the country hosted and won the African version of the Olympics in 2003 in Abuja, Akinrodoye submitted that the appointment of
Yakmut as NSC DirectorGeneral was a right decision. “I am of the opinion that the appointment of Yakmut is a round peg in a round hole. If such appointments are made in the various sectors of the economy, Nigeria would soon attain its greatness among comity of nations,” he said.
FCT Principals Cup draw holds Oct 6 Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja THE draw for the 2015 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Principals’ Cup has been scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 6 at the Government Secondary School, Tudunwada, Wuse, Abuja. According to a press release made available to Tribunesport by the
chairman of the main organising committee of the competition, Patrick Ngwaogu, the draw would be preceded by a seminar for games masters and coaches of all participating schools. “The organising committee has fixed October 6 for the draw of the 2015 FCT Principals
Cup. The draw would be preceded by a seminar for all the games masters and coaches of the participating schools. “At the seminar, we would be able to interact with the games masters and coaches who have a major role to play in the competition. They would be introduced to the rules of the competition and
some basic laws of the game of football. We are aiming at a perfect competition, which everyone would be proud of in the future,” the release stated. It informed that 65 schools had so far indicated interest in participating in the competition scheduled to commence on October 12.
44 sport
Saturday Tribune
26 September, 2015
I
KE Uche’s goal-scoring debut for Mexican club, Tigres was marred by the recurrence of a knee injury that has sidelined for several weeks. Uche’s injury recurred in added time of the game and the striker was forced leave to leave the pitch as a result of the development. The extent of the injury is yet to be ascertained, though. Tigers thus finished the game with 10-men as they had exhausted their substitutions before the injury occurred. Uche said he was disappointed by this latest injury setback. “Happy for the debut and victory! Too bad the injury. Thank you for the messages of encouragement. Go Tigres Go!,” Uche tweeted. Former Real Zaragoza star Uche was a 59th minute substitute for Jairo
Ik Uche knee injury recurs in Tigres debut Gonzalez and scored the winner in the 64th minute, when he capitalised on
defensive error of the opponents and scored from a bad clearance in their goal area.
IK Uche
Wenger is a coward —Mourinho CHELSEA boss, Jose Mourinho has launched a series of thinly veiled digs at Arsene Wenger, claiming his Arsenal counterpart can “cry” all the time about referees while he cannot speak out for fear of reprisal. The two managers have had a long-running feud which stretches back a decade, and Mourinho was clearly in no mood to reduce the tension after the Football Association this week decided to retrospectively ban Diego Costa for his actions in last Saturday’s match against Arsenal. feature
This followed an earlier decision to rescind the red card handed to Gunners defender Gabriel for his clash with Costa, and when asked for his reaction on the rulings he ranted that the rules seemed to different for him than every other Premier League manager. “It’s not normal,” he told reporters in Friday’s press conference. “I don’t answer. Because if I answer I will be suspended. I don’t want to touch the thing that surrounds this situation. I want to be on the bench. “In the rulebook, it says
some managers can speak about the referee before the game or after the game, and some others cannot. And I am in the list of managers who get punished before or after the game. I have to stick to that rulebook. “It’s an imaginary list, but clearly (you know what I mean).” And when questions moved on to Steve McClaren, the manager of Saturday’s opponents Newcastle, coming under pressure for a slow start to the season, Mourinho brought up Wenger in all but name.
The making of new Olu of Warri: The intrigues, the politics
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outofplay Bale, girlfriend savour Madrid lunch
GARETH Bale was spotted leaving a Madrid restaurant after enjoying lunch with girlfriend, Emma Rhys-Jones. The Wales star joined his girlfriend 24 hours after Real Madrid’s 6-0 win over Espanyol, during which teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo scored five
Saturday Tribune
Bale (right)
goals. The couple were joined by Emma’s sister Charlotte and were spotted by The Sun leaving a restaurant in Madrid after enjoying lunch together. Bale was seen to be in high spirits when he returned to Real Madrid’s first-team training session.
Hamilton rubs shoulders with New York star LEWIS Hamilton joined a host of Hollywood celebrities at the Alexander Wang Fashion Week show in New York, as the Formula One world champion enjoyed another night of glitz and glamour in the States. The Mercedes racing driver, who has previously hinted at launching a music career, attended the star-studded show to show his support for the edgy Wang’s spring summer collection 2016. According to motorsport.com,
Hamilton is used to being at the front of the grid given his handsome lead in the Drivers’ Championship standings, but the 30-year-
old swapped the cockpit for a front row seat alongside music royalty to pay homage to the very latest in fashion.
Neymar (left)
Neymar teams up with supermodel
N
EYMAR will be looking to put future opponents in the shade this season after agreeing to be the face of Police Eyewear for the third year in succession, Ranking reports. On the pitch the Barcelona magician is cool in front of goal and his new deal with the eyewear firm means he will look just as good off it. Neymar is used to lining up with the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez – but he has swapped both for Uruguayan supermodel Constanza Saravia in the brands latest pictures upload on Instagram.
Hamilton (right)
Khan displays special edition
Martial makes Traffic Warden’s day
Martial (left)
Manchester United striker, Anthony Martial was spotted at popular city-centre Chinese restaurant Wing’s after last weekend’s 2-3 win over Southampton where he scored a brace of goals. This time the French international stopped to pose for selfies with a starstruck traffic warden. Wing’s is a well known hotspot for several United players and manager Louis van Gaal was also pictured at the venue earlier in the week. Martial has become accustomed to sampling Mancunian cuisine after being spotted at bargain pub-chain Wetherspoons before his debut against Liverpool. The Daily Mail reports that the £36million summer singing from Monaco made his first start in the 2-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
Khan (left)
British boxer Amir Khan’s special edition Range Rover was in full view last week as the former WBA and IBF light welterweight champion visited a spa in Manchester. The Mail reports that the Bolton-born fighter, who purchased the ‘King Khan’ edition of the 4x4 earlier this year, has a personalised licence plate made to look like ‘boxing’. In a video uploaded to his official Instagram page, Khan was snapped leaving Skin Health Spa last Wednesday and was even seen posing with a traffic warden outside the premises on St James’s Square.
Saturday Tribune 26 September, 2015 46 TOMMY 40TH DAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR LATE OBA OKUNADE SIJUWADE ADEGBITE PHOTOS:
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1. From left, Prince Adegbite Sijuwade, Princess (Dr) Teniade Sijuwade and Olori Morisola Sijuwade, at the 40th day thanksgiving service for the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, at Gity Events Centre, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Friday. 2. Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland and Olori Morisola Sijuwade. 3. From left, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Prince Aderounmu Aderemi and Chief Ayo Adebanjo. 4. From left, representative of former governor of Osun State, Deaconess Omolola Oyinlola; wife of former governor of Ondo State, Chief (Mrs) Funke Agagu and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran. 5. A cross section of traditional rulers on the occasion.
6. From left, Olori Sijuwade, Evangelist Bola Are and Mrs Victoria Olufunke Oluwayose. 7. From left, Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Pastor Sunday Folaranmi Ajala, Regional Overseer, Deeper Life Bible Church, Ife and The Right Reverend A.I. Dawodu, Bishop, African Church, Ife/Osogbo Diocese. 8. Mrs Folashade Odubogun (left) and Chief (Mrs) Remi Olowu. 9. Representative of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Omosebi Ajayi Ohutu - Oliha of Usen (left) and Chief Julius Ewubadia, Eson of Usen. 10.Professor Bamitale Omole, Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (right), greeting Princess (Dr) Teniade Sijuwade. With them is Olori Sijuwade.
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26 September, 2015
CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)
Saturday Tribune PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU
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(1) From left, Reverend Tola Oyediran; Publisher, The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru and Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. (2) From left, Managing Director, The Guardian Newspapers, Mr Emeka Izeze; Publisher, The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Dr Gbolahan Dosumu. (3) From left, Yeye Olufunke Akanke Wilde; Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Yeye Funmi Arikawe. (4) From left, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Managing Director of ANN Plc, Mr Edward Dickson and the Consultant, ANN Plc, Pastor Segun Olatunji. (5) From left, Mrs Olufunke Ogundipe; Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Chief (Mrs) Abba Fo-
lawiyo. (6) From left, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Dr Oba Otudeko and Reverend Tola Oyediran. (7) From left, Mrs Remi Folawiyo; Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Alhaji Folawiyo. (8) From left, Mr Ben Murray-Bruce; Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu; High Chief Layi Balogun; Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose and Reverend Tola Oyediran. 9. Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association executives with Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. 10. High Chief Layi Balogun (left) presenting a condolence letter from the Olubadan of Ibadanland to Reverend Tola Oyediran.
ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES
Saturday September 26
NO 1118
SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER, 2015
N150
Tottenham Leicester Liverpool West Ham Southampton Stoke City
vs vs vs vs vs vs
Man City 12:45pm Arsenal 3:00pm Aston Villa 3:00pm Norwich City 3:00pm Swansea 3:00pm Bournemouth 3:00pm
F
vs Sunderland 3:00pm vs Chelsea 5:30pm
Sunday, September 27
Watford
vs Crystal Palace 4:00pm
West Brom
vs Everton
Monday, September 28
8:00 pm
2015 AfroBasket Women:
Action recorded during the group game between Egypt and Guinea at the ongoing 2015 AfroBasket Women championship in Cameroon. Nigeria will today face Egypt in a group B match. PHOTO: fiba.com
IFA president, Sepp Blatter is to face charges of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation by the Swiss attorney general. The head of world football’s governing body has been under heavy scrutiny in 2015 following the FBI indictment earlier this year of a dozen current and former members of the organisation which he has run since 1998. So far, no criminal proceedings have been brought against Blatter, but that changed on Friday when the Swiss government announced its intention to try him over his dealings with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and UEFA chief Michel Platini. “Criminal proceedings against the president of FIFA, Mr Joseph Blatter, have been opened on September 24, 2015 on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and – alternatively – misappropriation,” the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) said in a statement.
Man United Newcastle
D’Tigress face Egypt today By Ganiyu Salman
Blatter faces criminal charges “Additionally, Mr Joseph Blatter is suspected of a disloyal payment of £1.34 million to Michel Platini, president of UEFA, at the expense of FIFA, which was allegedly made for work performed between January 1999 and June 2002; this payment was executed in February 2011. “On September 25, 2015, representatives of the OAG interrogated the defendant Joseph Blatter following a meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee. “At the same time, Michel Platini was heard as a person asked to provide information. Furthermore, the OAG conducted on September
25, 2015 a house search at FIFA Headquarters with the support of the Federal Criminal Police. The office of the FIFA president has been searched and data seized.” Earlier in September, allegations emerged which suggested Blatter had signed off on selling World Cup broadcasting rights to the CFU - which was run by disgraced former FIFA vice-president, Jack Warner - for a fraction of their value. FIFA released a subsequent statement insisting it has helped - and will continue to help - legal enquiries from Swiss law enforcement over its investigation into
Blatter and other members of staff. “Since May 27, 2015, FIFA has been cooperating with the OAG and has complied with all requests for documents, data and other information,” it said in a subsequent statement. “We will continue this level of cooperation throughout the investigation. “Today, at the home of FIFA, representatives from the OAG conducted interviews and gathered documents pursuant to its investigation. FIFA facilitated these interviews as part of our ongoing cooperation. We will have no further comment on the matter as it is an active investigation.”
NIGERIA women’s senior national basketball team, D’Tigress will today take on group B leaders, Egypt in their second game at the ongoing 2015 AfroBasket championship in Yaounde, Cameroon. The Egyptian ladies are leading the pack following their two consecutive wins in the competition which serves as the qualifiers for the 2016 Olympics, where the eventual winner will pick the automatic slot to the Games in Brazil. The outcome of D’Tigress game against Angola was being awaited as of the time of this report. Egypt which had on the opening day defeated Algeria 96-55 also on Friday subdued Guinea 81-73 to remain undefeated in the tournament. The turning point of the match was when Guinea tied the game at 23 early in the second quarter after trailing by as many as 13 points early in the game. The North Africans’ rotation style later paid off as Soraia Deghady and Fatma Aly came off the bench to retransform coach Tarek Elkattan’s team to carry the day. The Guineans arrived in Cameroon a few hours before the game as late arrival compelled the organisers to reschedule their initial opener against Nigeria to Sunday. Meanwhile, some basketball stakeholders in Nigeria believe that the D’Tigress handled by Scott Nnaji have what it takes to hold Egypt given their performance at the just-ended 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, where the team won the silver medal against all odds. It will be recalled, that Nigeria has won the Women AfroBasket championship twice, in 2003 and 2005.
Falcons drop nine places in FIFA rankings
Blatter
AFRICAN champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have suffered the biggest slide in the world after they dropped nine places to be ranked 38th in the latest FIFA rankings. And this was despite playing the most matches (seven) in September. The Falcons, under caretaker coach, Chris Danjuma, failed to qualify for next year’s
Olympics in Rio after they were eliminated by Equatorial Guinea. They also failed to win a medal at the just-ended 11th All Africa Games after losses to Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire. There was no change at the top of the September FIFA/ Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking as the leading teams have not played many matches
since the publication of the last edition of the ranking shortly after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 which means that reigning world champions the USA continue to hold a lead over Germany and France. Two teams have this month achieved their highest-ever rankings – Equatorial Guinea (50th, up 5) and New Caledonia (94th, new).
Falcons’ striker, Desire Oparanozie
Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: saturdaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: LASISI OLAGUNJU. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 26/9/2015.