28th February 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

Devaluation: pg4 Nigeria postponing evil day — Ex-CBN gov NO 2,035

SUNDAY, 28 FEBRUARY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

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N200

How I am

investing my money —Harrysong

•FG won’t devalue naira, Osinbajo insists •We must diversify economy — Buhari 1

Nigerian Tribune

2

Cybercafe operator arrested for duping UTME candidate

•Candidate in Nasarawa got slip belonging to another in Ekiti •CBT has come to stay

3

— JAMB registrar

Pic 1: UTME candidates writing the Computer Based Test (CBT) in Abuja, on Saturday. Pic 2: JAMB Registrar, Professsor Dibu Ojerinde addressing candidates in Abuja. Pic 3: Candidates being screened before the examination at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre, Ibadan. PHOTOS: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI AND MOSES ALAO.

APC govt plans to Islamise Nigeria, •Sheriff blames FG for economic woes Fayose, PDP allege •FreshcrisishitsPDP pgs3&4

pg49

Osun workers meet, demand full salary payment pg5

Fraudsters turn actors •Perform how they duped victims pg6

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28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

news US plans special mission against Boko Haram

3

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

•To station platoon, advisers in Borno THE United States has offered to send a special operations mission to Nigeria to help fight the insurgent group, Boko Haram, the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) said on Friday.

“At the request of the Nigerian government, the SOCAFRICA (Special Operations Command Africa) component of USAFRICOM conducted a preliminary assessment regarding the feasibility of resuming a limited advise-andassist mission alongside select Nigerian units,” USAFRICOM said in a statement.

The statement added that the proposals envisaged a ‘platoon-sized’ team, typically meaning a group of between 12 and 30 troops. The proposals are pending approval from various government departments and military officials.

The New York Times earlier reported that the advisers would be based in Maiduguri, Borno State, that last month was targeted by Boko Haram suicide bombers.

In recent months, the United States has been expanding its support for African governments as they fight a growing Islamist insurgency in North and West Africa.

It is near a new security deal with Senegal, and has increased the number of elite special operations forces in Africa to about 1,200.

Washington said in October it was sending 300 US military personnel to Cameroon to operate surveillance drones.

A Nigerian presidential source confirmed that the United States had proposed additional military assistance against Boko Haram, without giving details.

Boko Haram gained global notoriety for kidnapping more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria in 2014 and is thought to have killed over 15,000 people, making it the most lethal militant group in the world by some estimates.

It pledged allegiance to ultra-hardline group, ISIS in 2015, raising fears that the two may start collaborating more closely.

“There is an urgent need to prevent Boko Haram from regenerating and possibly coming back more virulent, destructive, and globally connected than before,” Jennifer Cooke, Africa Programme Direc-

tor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee last week.

Its Chairman, Ed Royce, welcomed the proposals, adding that the United States “can provide the high-level guidance that is crucially missing in the fight against Boko Haram.”

Meanwhile, Cameroon’s army has killed 92 members of Islamist militant group Boko Haram and freed 850 villagers in a joint operation with Ni-

gerian forces, the government of Cameroon said on Friday.

The operation in the Nigerian village of Kumshe, close to the border with Cameroon, was conducted under the auspices of a multinational force fighting Boko Haram, the statement from Cameroon’s Communications Minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, said.

Also, troops of 7 Division Garrison, 112 Battalion and Army Headquarters Strike Group, on Saturday, carried out a clearance operations against Boko

Haram terrorists at Kotokuma, Dikwa Local Government Area.

The troops, according to a statement by the Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, cleared the terrorists camp which was equipped with medical facility, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) factory, fuel dump, mechanical workshop, generators and several water points.

According to the statement, troops also destroyed three vehicles laden with IEDs meant for suicide bombings

somewhere and killed 37 Boko Haram terrorists.

“The troops also recovered 12 vehicles, 27 motorcycles, nine AK-47 rifles, two Fabrique Nationale rifles, fabricated rocket bomb and a Sniper rifle.

Other items recovered included four dane guns, solar panels and other household items. In addition to that, they also rescued 20 persons held hostage by the terrorists.”

“Unfortunately, two of our soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. The wounded soldiers have been evacuated to 7 Division Hospital

From left, a student of Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State, Miss Belinda Darah; alumni of the school, Professor Godini Darah; Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr Barnabas Bala; a guest, and another student, Miss Fatima Adewoyin, during one of the programmes lined up for the 50th Anniversary of FGC, Warri, on Saturday.

where they are receiving medical care.

“We wish to state here that buoyed with this unprecedented success, the troops morale is very high.

“We would like to assure the public that the troops would continue to do their best to clear all the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be to successfully bring to an end the menace of the terrorists.”

“Two Cameroonian soldiers were killed (during the operation) by an accidental mine explosion. Five other soldiers were wounded,” Bakary said, adding that the army captured weapons and ammunition and found a centre for production of homemade mines.

There was no immediate comment from Nigeria or independent confirmation of the operation or toll.

Boko Haram seeks to carve out an emirate in northeastern Nigeria and has staged a campaign of suicide and other attacks in Cameroon, Chad and Niger over the past year, including killing as many as 1,000 in Cameroon.

“This is a challenge we must tackle going forward but the other challenge is the over two million people displaced by insurgency who need resettlement,” he added.

Fresh crisis hits PDP, as group plans court action Taiwo Adisa-Abuja

FRESH crisis appears to be brewing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the appointment of the former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, notwithstanding the intervention of the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF), which secured some calm during the week.

Investigations by Sunday Tribune revealed that some aggrieved groups of PDP followers had concluded plans to institute a suit to compel the National Working Committee (NWC) headed by Sheriff to quit office not later than March 28.

Sources in the party said that the Board of Trustees (BoT) had succumbed under pressure from the Governors’ Forum and announced its agreement with the decision to give Sheriff and the incumbent NWC members three

months to organise a national convention.

But feelers from chieftains of the PDP confirmed that the party was not about to know reprieve on the Sheriff matter.

It was gathered that some chieftains have looked into the books and discovered that the decision to allow Sheriff three months in office would run contrary to the constitution of the party.

They have, therefore, concluded that the life of the incumbent NWC cannot be extended beyond March 28, 2016.

“There are three clear issues . One is the fact that the life of the NWC terminates on March 28.

There is no way the lifespan of the NWC will just get extension through the fiat of the Governors’ Forum.

“Again, Dr. Ahmed Gulak secured a ruling which states that Prince Uche Secondus cannot preside

over any meeting of the NWC. And it is on record that he supervised the election of Senator Sheriff. That action is already illegal.

“Apart from that, the emergence of Sheriff did not follow the laid-down rules of the party, in that he did not emerge through the normal procedure where the relevant organs of the party would nominate or endorse him.

“The Governors’ Forum is not an organ of the PDP. In fact the constitution says six governors would be members of the national caucus and three ministers or exministers are supposed to be members of the national caucus but so far, the governors have seized the space,” a source told Sunday Tribune.

Another source said that aggrieved PDP chieftains are already finalizing the plans to write the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) with the claim that the body should not recognise Sheriff beyond March 28.

“Some people are set to go to court on the matter,” a source also said.

The source, however, confirmed that the PDP had remained intact so far in view of the work being done behind the scenes by former President Goodluck Jonathan; Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Henry Seriake Dickson, on the matter.

Governors and some leaders have been sending messages around to tell the aggrieved party members to calm down and wait for the next three months but the PDP exministers’ forum, which met during the week, has remained insistence on Sheriff leaving the chairmanship seat.

It was learnt however

that while the ex-ministers were planning to relax their opposition, the threat issued by Sheriff against former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi FaniKayode, had upset the group again.

“The ex-ministers are worried on the threat issued by the National Chairman against one of their own, Femi Fani Kayode. They believe that the chairman should be seeking peace rather than orchestrating division in view of the reconciliation being worked on by the Governors’ Forum,” a source said.

It was also learnt that some pan-Yoruba groups are not taking the threat against Fani-Kayode by Sheriff lightly.

Groups, including the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and others are said to be reviewing the threat, with a view to communicating Sheriff on the import of his message.

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news

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Devaluation: Nigeria postponing the evil day —Ex-CBN gov BolaBadmuswithAgencyreport

V

ICE President Yemi Osinbajo and a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Joseph Sanusi were sharply divided on Saturday over the devaluation of the naira.

Vice President Osinbajo, on his own part, reaffirmed the position of the Federal Government that the country’s currency would not be devalued in spite of pressures to act otherwise.

However, the former CBN governor, Chief Sanusi, said that delaying the devaluation was akin to postponing the evil day.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the positions were taken at a town hall meeting that the vice president held with other residents at the Victoria Garden City (VGC) on the Lekki-Epe expressway in Lagos State.

However, Sanusi, a VGC resident, advised the government to either devalue the currency or stop the confusion between the official and parallel market exchange rates.

He added that allowing an official rate at N197 per dollar while the parallel market sold for over N300 was not okay.

“Naira is already devalued and government not accepting it is postponing the evil day,” Sanusi said.

Osinbajo, however, insisted that devaluation was not on the table, saying “that is the position of government.”

According to him, the CBN will operate in line with the speech delivered

by President Muhammadu Buhari, after he was elected, to come up with flexible exchange rate to be supported

by strong monetary policies.

He said that the foreign exchange policy of government was to stop unnecessary consumption of imported goods and promote

local manufacturing.

Osinbajo also said that government met a falling revenue profile in May 2015, which was down by about 70 per cent compared to the same period of the

spent on importing petroleum products.

He also said that the previous administration was spending about N20 billion on food importations annually, which reduced the

nation’s foreign reserve drastically from about $40 billion to about $25 billion.

As a result, he said the present administration was bent on diversification of the economy from crude oil to agriculture and solid minerals production.

Osinbajo said the focus on agriculture was to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice, poultry and palm oil production as well as develop the entire agriculture value chain to create wealth and jobs for the teeming youth.

The vice president further said that the administration targets 2018 for complete reliance on refined petroleum products, adding that the petrochemical industry, railway infrastructure and provision of other infrastructure were atop the priority of the Federal Government.

He told the VGC community that the major areas of focus of the Buhari administration were security, governance, anti-corruption war and economic rejuvenation.

From left: Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and PDP National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff during the PDP thanksgiving and victory celebration programme in Port Harcourt, on Saturday.

APC govt planning to Islamise Nigeria —Fayose

•Military invasion of Rivers community due to desperation for power —Wike DapoFalade-PortHarcourt

EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has accused the government of President Muhammadu Buhari of planning to Islamise the country through some of its policies in a subtle way.

Fayose, who was speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday at a thanksgiving service to mark the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike, at the Supreme Court, alleged that a similar

attempt was made in 1984

by President Buhari, but it failed.

“We have all summoned courage. They have deceived us to take our inheritance.

We are going to get our inheritance back. I want to say one thing; they have started again.

“I want to reveal one secret here. They have started subtle moves to make Nigeria an Islamic nation. But God will not allow it. This was done in 1984, but it failed.

African health ministers pledge to improve access to vaccines WITH one in five African children lacking access to all needed and basic lifesaving vaccines, ministers of health and other line ministers countries committed themselves to keep immunization at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality, morbidity and disability.

At a landmark Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa held from 24-25 February, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia the ministers signed a declaration to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine preventable diseases and to close the immunisation gap by 2020. The conference, which was hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional

preceding year.

He also said that in spite of the high cost of about $22 to produce a barrel of crude oil now selling at about $33, no fewer than 38 per cent of the foreign reserve was

Offices for Africa (AFRO) and the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC), was the first-ever ministerial-level gathering with a singular focus on ensuring that children across the continent can get access to life-saving vaccines.

“Our children are our most precious resource, yet one in five fail to receive all the immunisations they need to survive and thrive, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable disease,” Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu, Minister of Health for Ethiopia, adding that: “This is not acceptable. African children’s lives matter.

We must work together to ensure the commitments we make in Addis Ababa

translate into results.”

A new report issued at the conference paints a mixed picture on vaccine access, delivery systems and immunisation equity in Africa. Routine immunization coverage has increased considerably across Africa since 2000, measles deaths declined by 86% between 2000 and 2014, and the introduction of new vaccines has been a major success. However, one in five children still do not receive all of the most basic vaccines they need, three critical diseases— measles, rubella and neonatal tetanus—remain endemic, and many countries have fragile health systems that leave immunisation programmes vulnerable to shocks.

“I cannot run away; I am Ayo Fayose. If you hit me, you hit trouble, if I hit you, you will be in trouble. Nigeria is a free nation and this nation will not be taken for an Islamic nation. Today, I decree the return of a PDP government in 2019,” he said.

At the same event, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Governor Wike also attributed the present economic woes confronting the country to the promised ‘change’ by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The trio took turns to condemn the President Buhariled administration for the present national crisis.

They, however, commended the Supreme Court for its courageous landmark judgement on the Rivers State governorship legal tussle, saying the entire country had been saved from crisis because of the position of the state in the nation’s economy.

They also expressed optimism that PDP would reclaim the presidency in 2019, saying that Nigerians could compare the administrations of the two political parties.

Fayose, however, declared that Rivers State would not go back to Egypt, saying that APC deceived Nigerians to steal their inheritance but “they are here by chance, they will go by chance.

“Rivers State is the soul of Nigeria and it is governed by a man that fears God. You people will never go to Egypt; you will never go back to Egypt. I want to appreciate the Supreme Court justices who were courageous enough to clear the mess.”

Aligning himself with his Ekiti State counterpart and the PDP national chairman, Governor Wike said the apex court was courageous by delivering a judgement that saved the state and the country from imminent collapse.

He also said desperation for power was the rationale behind the killing of people through an ill-fated military operation last week Monday and Tuesday, but assured that his administration would continue to protect the Ogoni people.

Wike also restated his affirmation that potential election riggers would not be spared in the rerun legislative election, scheduled to take place in the state on March 19, 2016.

He said only those in support of political armed robbery were against his declaration that the state would resist attempts to rig the rerun election.

Governor Wike said he would stand for free and fair rerun exercise, asserting that nobody would be allowed to subvert the mandate of the people with the use of the military.

He noted that it was the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct credible rerun elections, adding that any INEC official who plans to rig the election would pay for it.

“Let me reiterate, if any INEC officer is bent on rigging the rerun elections, let him first tell his wife and children where his will is located because he will be treated as a political armed robber.

“I will continue to threaten political armed robbers. I will stand firm against those who use guns to steal votes.

“Popularity is tested on the ground. It is not by using soldiers to intimidate voters. As your governor, I don’t go about with soldiers.

How can a politician be campaigning with soldiers?” he asked.

The governor also assured that no matter the number of soldiers introduced into the state, the people would protect their votes and that PDP would emerge victorious in the rerun election.

Efforts made to get the Federal Government to react to the allegations yielded no fruit as calls made to the mobile line of the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed went unanswered.

His phone line kept responding with ‘busy’ message. As of press time, the unanswered calls had not been returned.

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south-westnews

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Epe, Ikorodu residents groan over power supply

The Pastor-in-charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Oyo Province 1, Pastor Moses Amure, flanked by Assistant Pastor-in-Charge, Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), Oyo 1, Pastor Segun Olatunji (left); Pastor-in-Charge, RCCG, Seat of Praise Parish, Pastor Sam Adeyemo (second left), Assistant Pastor (Mrs) Ronke Adeleke and medical officer, Mr Seyi Olanipekun, at a free medical for neighbourhood at RCCG, Seat of Praise, Oyo 1, Anfani Area, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: ALOLADE-GANIYU

Osun workers meet, demand full salary payment

T

HE Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded for full payment of salaries of the workers on levels eight and above from the state government.

The leadership of the NLC made the demand at an emergency meeting between labour and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Saturday.

Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Osun State chapter of the NLC, Jacob Adekomi, said that the labour leaders never signed any agreement with the government to reduce salaries of workers on levels eight and above by 50 per cent.

Mr Adekomi said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into by labour with the government on July 13, 2015 ?was based on the prevailing circumstance, especially on paucity of funds at that time.

He said the state workforce had shown much understanding on the financial challenges of the govern-

ment, but queried government’s commitment to the said agreement.

The labour leader main-

tained that since government is able to pay workers on grade levels one to seven full salaries, work-

ers on grade levels eight to 17 would no longer be disposed to collecting half salaries.

FG ends first round of malaria treatment campaign in Lagos THE Federal Government says it has concluded the first batch of training on the national malaria control policy in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the campaign was initiated by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) in conjunction with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

The training is seeking to promote the Test, Treat and Track (TTT) policy on malaria patients.

Dr Nnenna Ezeigwe, the National Coordinator of NMEP, said at the collation centre in Lagos that the training was designed to monitor and support Community Pharmacists and Patent Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) in eight local government areas of the state.

According to her, the pro-

gramme is fashioned to update participants on the National Policy on Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria in Nigeria.

Represented by Mr Tim Obot, Assistant Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, NMEP, the coordinator explained that the programme was designed to ensure that every case of fever was tested and confirmed to be malaria before treatment could be administered.

Ezeigwe said that reports for the end of the PPMVs training in the eight selected local government areas were being collated by NMEP for analysis.

She said that collation would be done to facilitate the production of the final reports which would be shared with the Lagos State Ministry of Health for their input.

“We noticed a lot of things during the cause of the training. Part of the things was that a lot of PPMVs were not registered with the National Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMDs).”

Abeokuta, said the event would foster development growth and unity in the country, being the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa.

Amosun said further that the Nigerian Drums Festival would also promote cultural heritage and tradition of the people as it would draw participants from the 36 states of the federation and Abuja, apart from showcasing their talents and skills on drum

beating, dancing and performances.

He stated further that it would enhance tourism opportunities and avenues for the state to create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Muyiwa Oladipo, expressed optimism

stock in her shop worth N150,000 due to lack of power supply.

Sanusi called for government intervention to stabilise power supply in the state and save the business community from the hands of exploitative managers of power, saying it had not been easy using alternative sources of power like generators.

“I pay not less than N25,000 monthly for my shop as estimated bill. I have been disturbing the managers of power in my area to supply me with meter, but to no avail. I am getting tired of estimated bills,” Sanusi said.

Mr Akin Adejuyigbe, Chairman, Agbede Transformer CDA leader in Ikorodu, said that many homes and offices in the community expend substantial part of their income on self-generation of power as a result of poor electricity supply.

Adejuyigbe said that in spite of efforts by successive governments to improve on power generation and distribution in the country, power allocation to the community has remained low.

“The noise and humming of generating plants at nights and in business and public places during the day have been daily experiences every resident in Agbede have to cope with,” said the leader.

Farmers’ associations laud FG’s single-digit interest rate on loan SOME farmers associations in Lagos State have lauded Federal Government’s single-digit interest rate on farmers’ loan through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the country’s economy tilts towards nonoil development.

The presidents of the associations, in separate interviews told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was a laudable step towards improving commercialisation, processing

Ogun to host talent hunts for drummers THE Ogun State government has unveiled logo and launched the raffle draw of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drums Festival which would hold between April 19 and 21, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, during the unveiling of the initiative at the June 12 Cultural Centre,

RESIDENTS of Epe and Ikorodu local government areas of Lagos State, on Saturday, expressed concern over epileptic power supply in the last few months and called for urgent government’s intervention.

The two communities made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos State.

Community leaders told NAN that the people of Epe and Ikorodu environs were not spared in the epileptic supply.

Mr Demeji Kaka, a leader in Epe community, said that the sudden drop in power supply in the community for some months now had not only affected the beauty of the areas, but it had also posed negative consequences on business operations.

Kaka said that residents were faced with the additional search for alternative source of power to earn a living.

Mr Sulaimon Ajenifuja, an iron welder at Aiyetoro market, said that the management of Ikeja Electricity Company had not been favourable to business operators in the community.

Ajenifuja said that they are posed with estimated bill even when low power was provided.

Mrs Mulikat Sanusi, a cold room owner who deals in frozen foods, said life had not been easy with her business as she lost

about the event, saying “the Nigerian Drums Festival would turn around the face of culture and tourism not only in Ogun State but in Nigeria and Africa.

“Drum is a common factor that binds tribe and ethic groups with different cultures and traditions in Nigeria and the Nigerian Drums Festival will be an avenue to bring the different type of drums together,” Oladipo added.

and self-sufficiency in the agriculture sector.

Mr Sola Adepomola, President of Farmers Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria (FEDAN), said that the rate would be less than nine per cent.

Adepomola explained that the package was that the CBN would pay 70 per cent of the loan, while the farmer and the bank would pay 30 per cent.

He said “we heard that government is giving farmers less than nine per cent interest rate on farmer’s loan; we have been to CBN on many occasions.

“The director in charge of finance development told us what to do; and we have approached some banks.

“The banks we approached are requesting us to pay a certain amount of money; so, we want to pay the money so that we can get the loan from them.”

Adepomola said that FE-

DAN would be accessing the loan as a group for a more organised process.

Chief Femi Oke, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State branch, also stressed the need for farmers to form groups or associations to access loans.

Oke said government should encourage farmers’ associations to apply for these facilities in group for proper identification and data capturing.

According to him, most banks are complying and the only challenge is the demand for Certificate of Occupancy which very few farmers will be able to afford.

Mr Segun Atho, the SouthWest Zonal Coordinator of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) also lauded government’s effort toward easing farmers’ access to loans.

6

28 February, 2016

crimereports

Sunday Tribune

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

Fraudsters turn actors in police custody

Act how they dupe victims

green colour at Akinyele area.

“The people he took me to insisted on selling it for N600,000 and I went with my motor boy and the woman to withdraw N550,000 from the bank. I told them to give me receipt and they pretended as if they were searching for it. The woman asked me not to worry, saying that the receipt would be ready by the time I would bring the balance. I had to agree with her since she was a known face whom I be-

lieve would not harm me.

“Three days after, I went with the balance and I met some men who told me that the owner was an old man who would sign the papers.

They took me in the vehicle to a village. Though I was afraid, I comforted myself with the thought that the woman I knew would not do me any harm.

“We got a hut where an old man was speaking with his face covered with cloth.

He started making some revelations, saying that I needed spiritual help, as my mother was a witch. He said that I needed cleansing, warning me against revealing my visit to the village to anyone. He asked me to bring N1million for the job.

“At that point, I became suspicious, and I started perceiving the odour of marijuana and saw many bottles of gin. I knew if I made it known that I was suspecting them, they could break the bottles on my head and kill me.

“After leaving the place, I informed an elderly person and he advised me to report the case to the police. I did so with reservation but was amazed at the prompt arrest.”

while it also generated N954,590,613.01 as revenue.

Saying that he was anticipating better results from revenue generation in the months ahead, with the recent visit of Mr Eporwei Edike, the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Zone A, to various outposts of the Command, Ogunkua charged his officers and men

on compliance to duty payments.

He assured legitimate importers of cooperation as they pass through the Oyo/ Osun borders while doing their businesses, stating that his command’s duty was to facilitate trade, just as he warned that economic saboteurs would have a raw deal with the law.

Stories by Oluwatoyin Malik

O

NLOOKERS at the headquarters of the Oyo State Police Command broke into a gale of laughter recently when members of a fraud syndicate arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the command went into the drama of how they used to deceive their victims by acting as an aged native doctor and his ‘omo Baba’ (native doctor’s boy).

The suspects – Ahmed Adedoyin (39), Taiwo Kareem (36), Romoke Akande (38), Abiodun Onifade (34), Sarafa Musifiu (36) and Nurudeen Kasumu (45) – were accused of deceiving their victim, one Abiodun Adedayo, into believing that a vehicle was available for sale at N600,000.

The Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, revealed during a press briefing that the suspects, after collecting N550,000, lured their victim to a shrine at Obatedo village in Akinyele community in the guise of getting the owner to sign the necessary documents and receipt.

“The fraudsters further demanded a sum of N1million from their victim and strictly warned him against revealing what transpired at the shrine. Realising that he had been conned, the victim reported the case at the anti-kidnapping section of the command, and the operatives immediately commenced investigation which led to the arrest of the suspects,” he said.

The police commissioner further revealed that the suspects had been involved in the criminal act for over 10 years, with many people as their victims. Items recovered from them include criminal charms, fake documents and assorted handsets. He added that they would be arraigned in court at the completion of investigation.

The female suspect, Romoke, claimed that it was her first time of getting involved in such crime. According to her, “I have never done this before. It was the victim, who happened to be my brother-in-law’s master,

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, showing the suspects to journalists who said he wanted to start auto sale. I took him to Adedoyin, and he, in turn, took him to their leader. I was given N30,000 as my share.”

Taiwo, who played the role of a native doctor, said: “I am a Quranic teacher but in reality, I am a fraudster.

I act as native doctor in the syndicate. Our latest victim came to us with a request for charms that would make his business prosper. We did the charms but he came back to say he did not see any result.

That was how he brought the

police to arrest us.

“We asked him to bring N1million but he was able to give us N200,000. We have our shrine at Obatedo Village in Akinyele Local Government. I have been committing the crime for about three years. I also used to travel about to do the job.”

Ahmed Adedoyin told Crime Reports that his role was to play the native doctor’s boy. “This is the first job we would do together. I have my own office and the victim was brought

to my office by the woman,” he said.

Narrating how he fell victim of the fraudsters to Crime Reports, Adebayo (35), said: “I discussed with my motor boy that I wanted to buy a used Toyota Sienna which I would use for transport business, since I could not afford the one imported as fairly used. He told me that his brother’s wife could help me, promising to link me with her. After he linked us, the woman took me to a vehicle painted in army

Oyo/Osun Customs intercept smuggled rice, oil Arrest suspected vandal with petroleum products

IN its bid to carry out its statutory duties of generating revenue and preventing banned goods from being brought into Nigeria, the Oyo/Osun Area Command during the week made a seizure of a total 98 50kilogramme bags of imported rice along Saki-Odo and Ijio-Ayeigun axes, Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.

Also intercepted were 71 gallons of 25 litres of vegetable oil along Saki axis.

Disclosing this to Crime Reports during the week, the Area Controller, Tolulope Ogunkua, said that the seizures were made inside the smugglers’ hideout in thick forest areas.

Vandals were not spared as the anti-smuggling patrol team of the agency arrested a suspected member of the syndicate in a blue Toyota Dyna 200 with registration

number XB 307 LEW while smuggling petroleum products suspected to have been siphoned from vandalised pipelines to neighbouring countries. Ogunkua said that the suspect was nabbed with the products at Ile-Apena Okeho axis.

The Area Controller added that a white Iveco Ford truck with chasis number SBCA75A1002296673, which was smuggled in with fake Customs documents, was impounded along Idi-Ayunre-Ogunmakin axis.

Handing over the seized petroleum products to the representative of the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the area command headquarters in Ibadan, on Wednesday, the Area Controller said it was disheartening to note that despite the nation’s cur-

rent economic situation, especially with the fall in oil prices and recourse to other revenue sources, especially revenue generation by the Nigeria Customs Service, unpatriotic Nigerians were still engaging in smuggling and duty evasion.

Ogunkua reiterated that the current management of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), would not condone any form of corruption and revenue leakages, adding that the Oyo/Osun Command would leave no stone unturned in upholding this through the strategies employed in its anti-smuggling activities and revenue generation.

He also revealed that his command had recorded 30 seizures with an estimated duty paid value N25,943,353 from January till date

One of the intercepted vehicles in which smuggled bags of rice were concealed with tubers of yam

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28 February, 2016

Man’s stolen car found with co-landlord Stories by Oluwatoyin Malik

R

ESIDENTS of Ewu Oluwo area of Sagamu, Ogun State, were shocked recently when the car of a landlord in the community which was stolen with its keys and original documents was found in the possession of a co-landlord, Oludayo Adekunle.

But Adekunle, who has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command, claimed that the car was sold to him by one Akeem, saying that he did not know that it was the same car that was stolen from his neighbour.

However, the owner of the car, Mr Opeoluwa Saka, of Hospital Road, Sagamu, has rejected the suspect’s claim, saying that Adekunle had been given a ride in the vehicle before it was stolen.

Speaking with Crime Reports on the arrest of the suspect recently, the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, said that unknown hoodlums broke into the house of Mr Saka on January 11, at about 10.00 a.m., stealing a Toyota Carina car with registration number LNB 961 BU and a sum of N130,000.

Ali said that Adekunle was suspected to have committed the crime, as he took the vehicle to Akoko in Ondo State to sell it to an unsuspecting buyer.

Crime Reports learnt that the act of the suspect, who resided in his personal house at 6, Caroline Street, Ewu Oluwo, Sagamu, was exposed when the intending buyer called the number of the car owner which, unknown to Adekunle, was written at the back of the vehicle documents.

On receiving the call, Mr Saka, who was surprised when told that his vehicle was already in Ondo State, told his caller that his car was stolen. On hearing that, the intending buyer immediately gave Adekunle’s number to Saka. Saka, in turn, was again shocked when, on dialing the number on his phone, discovered that it was that of his co-landlord.

Saka reportedly went to the chairman of landlord’s association to report the matter and a meeting was called. Adekunle was also at the meeting; and each time his number was dialed, he would cut the line where he sat. Crime Reports gathered that he was one of the sympathisers who went to console Saka when he learnt of the theft of the car.

The car owner also told the police that his wife had given Adekunle a ride in the car before, but when inter-

•It was sold to me —Suspect

viewed by Crime Reports, the suspect claimed that he did not recognise the car brought to him as his neighbour’s, though he confirmed to have seen it before.

According to Adekunle (42), “I am a bricklayer and also do POP in buildings. I bought the car in question from one Akeem in January.

I knew Akeem at the site of a hotel I was constructing at Sagamu Toll Gate. He said he wanted to build a threebedroom flat and I wrote the materials he would need to put the structure in place.

“I did not see him after the encounter until he brought a car that had no number plate to me in January, saying he wanted to sell it. When I asked of the owner, he replied that it belonged to his aunt and she has travelled to the United States. He gave me the car documents and two keys.

“Akeem sold it to me for N350,000 but I paid him N200,000, telling him that I would give him the balance after I must have sold it.”

In response to the question on how he knew where to take the car to, less than 24 hours after it was brought to him, the suspect said: “What happened was that the intending buyer once bought a car which he lost. The loss was affecting his mental state, so his mother, whom I used to buy palm wine from, promised to help him in getting another car.

“After Akeem showed me the car, I called the woman and she asked me to bring the car to Ondo so that executive members of the cooperative society from which she was getting a loan would see it. That was what gave me the confidence to make part payment to Akeem. I

sold it for N450,000.

“When I got to Ondo, I gave the buyer my number.

I could not have done that if I had known that the car was stolen. A phone number was also written at the back of the documents given to me by Akeem. He said it was a dealer’s number, so I told the intending buyer to call the number to be sure the transaction was clean. I didn’t know that the number belonged to my neighbour.”

When asked how the business involved a dealer since he said Akeem told him the car belonged to his sister who was in the US, Adekunle had no convincing explanation, as he just mumbled that he could not have stolen his neighbour’s car.

The police commissioner said that the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.

The suspect, Oludayo Adekunle

We’ll start implementation of agreement to curb herdsmen/farmers clash in Oyo, CP assures IN continuation of his moves to ensure that peace and security continue to be the mainstay of Oyo State, the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, recently toured the Oke Ogun area of the state, where he reiterated his resolve to end the incessant herdsmen/ farmers clash by enforcing the content of a communiqué signed in 2015 during a stakeholders’ meeting.

The police commissioner was in Iseyin, Saki and Kisi, where he held meetings with farmers and Fulani settlers, as well as other stakeholders, during which he preached peace to all the parties.

Oyebade, who was welcomed to Iseyin by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Seyi Okenla, supported by DPOs in adjoining towns, seized the opportunity of the meeting to tell the stakeholders that his command would start the implementation of the 2015 agreement signed by concerned parties to curb the incessant clashes in March 2016.

Stating that a committee had been set up to that effect, Oyebade said: “We are going to ensure the proper implementation of the communiqué. We are going to ensure that the two parties respect the provision and dictates of the communiqué.”

Some of the points of agreement in the communiqué were that underage persons should be banned from being herdsmen; any herdsman found with gun is deemed to be a criminal; ban on night grazing; while farmers should desist from

CP Leye Oyebade (right) addressing chiefs in late Okere of Saki’s palace

poisoning water along farmlands and plants with herbicides.

Speaking on the herdsmen/farmers clash, the police boss noted that it had generated a lot of controversies. He made reference to the communiqué that came out of the town hall meeting held in October, 2015, saying that it was expected that it would bring peace.

He said it was unfortunate that the agreement listed in the communiqué was not being adhered to. He appealed for patience between both parties, as the government had pronounced that a grazing area would be created for cattle. He also enjoined all DPOs to replicate the town hall meetings in their respective divisions and make it a regular occurrence.

The leader of the Fulani settlers in Iseyin, Mallam Yakubu Bello, told Oyebade that the problem of the herdsmen was being caused by some of the indigenes of

the town who would accommodate them after taking a token from them, without recourse to the Fulani head who would scrutinise them and tell them the dos and don’ts of the community they found themselves. He also appealed to the CP on the issue of kidnappings being carried out by the Fulani against their own.

A farmer, Mr Fehintola Sunday, who spoke on behalf of others, also said that it was cattle that were coming to their land, not vice versa, hence the need for the herdsmen to be cautioned against grazing on farmlands. He said their wives and children were also victims of attack on their way to farms, as they were usually molested sexually and robbed.

The Commissioner of Police was also at the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Salau, Ajinese 1, where he appreciated the monarch’s fatherly role and the assistance being ren-

dered to the police division to keep crime at bay in the town.

In his response, the Aseyin assured the police commissioner of continuous support by his palace, noting that wealth acquired by anyone could not be enjoyed without peace. He pleaded with Oyebade to save the Iseyin farmers who were being attacked by herdsmen on their farms, noting that the farmers were at the receiving end by being arrested over the death of cattle, after their farms must have been destroyed by the cattle.

Oyebade was also at the palace of the late Okere of Saki where he was received by chiefs. The representative of the palace notified Oyebade of the incessant robbery attacks being carried out by the Fulanis, pointing at a victim who was robbed of his phone on his farm by four of them. He pointed out that four out of five armed robbers caught were usually

Fulanis.

Oyebade was also well received at the palace of the Iba of Kishi, Oba Masoud Oyekola Lawal, where the monarch promised that the town would build a befitting police station in replacement of the current which was built in 1956 and is in a deplorable condition.

The Kisi monarch also gave documents of an expanse of land to the Nigeria Police Force through the Commissioner of Police, saying that it would be a delight to have the presence of the police in the town through their schools and barracks which could erected on the land.

In his address to officers and men of the police divisions in the towns visited, Oyebade admonished them on the need to be humble, hardworking and honest.

He enjoined them to be alive to their responsibilities, saying that they should always position themselves in a way to respond when the need arises. The police commissioner also reminded them of the need to protect themselves while doing their job, while he also charged them to monitor the banks within their jurisdictions.

He also recognised sister agencies that had been working hand in hand with the police, saying that it should be the normal practice.

“We are members of the same family and we must work together to achieve the common aim of combating crime,” he said.

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Mimiko to speak at Lagos Business School conference

From left, President, CAC Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun; General Evangelist, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara and Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, during the New Year Blessings for All Nationals Holy Prilgrimage held at Apostle Babalola Prayer Mountain, Odo-Owa, Kwara State, on Friday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN

Buhari insists economy must be diversified Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

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RESIDENT Muhammad Buhari has reiterated the resolve of his administration to diversify the economy by assisting both local and international entrepreneurs, as well as by promoting the country’s rich mineral resources, in order to boost growth and development in the country.

He made this known in Kaduna on Saturday while declaring open the 37th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

The president, who was represented by the Minister of State for Commerce, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, noted that the country could not afford to be dependent on oil.

According to him, the country was blessed with abundant mineral resources which had not been harnessed.

He added that the Federal Government would not only diversify the economic potentials of the country, but would encourage private participation.

He urged prospective investors to key into the theme of this year’s trade fair which is “Promoting Solid Minerals for sustainable development and exploring the potentials of the country.”

Earlier, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State said that his government

had taken bold steps in rehabilitating ailing industries in the state for attainable economic growth.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Balarabe Shehu, he disclosed that an enabling environment had been provided for investors to come and develop the

mining sector.

He said the state government had acquired a massive land for the final take-off of the industrial village and had recently invited stakeholders to rub minds on the dry port, adding that when fully operational, it would not only serve the state but the entire Northern Nigeria.

NCC charges telecoms operators on unsolicited messages THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has mandated telecommunication operators to create awareness on the existence of the ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND) database, which shields subscribers from receiving unsolicited messages or calls.

The regulatory body made this known in its 2015 Q4 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Reports, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, in Lagos.

According to the report, the commission had received

various complaints from subscribers regarding unsolicited text messages and nuisance calls from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the industry.

Following these complaints, the telecommunication umpire said it had monitored the networks to ensure that MNOs created a DND database for subscribers who do not want to receive unsolicited messages on their lines.

“The commission’s compliance checks revealed that most MNOs have set up the DND facility on their net-

works.

“However, the awareness of existence of this facility is very low, because the MNOs are reluctant to sensitise their subscribers on the availability of this facility and how to opt into same.

“Further investigations suggest that operators are not actually keen on the DND, as this may affect their revenue stream from Value Added Services (VAS).

“The commission has, therefore, commenced the process of issuing a directive that MNOs dedicate a Short Code on their networks.

International Women’s Day: NDDC set to discover, celebrate women in Niger Delta region AS part of activities designed to celebrate the 2016 annual International Women’s Day (IWD), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has decided to inspire and celebrate the achievements of women within the Niger-Delta region of the country.

Celebrated globally every March 8, the day is set

aside to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations.

Also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, it is a day to celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women, while focusing world attention on areas requiring

further action.

Highlighting women development as part of the objectives of the commission, the acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Seminitari noted that, “the NDDC facilitates all-round development of the NigerDelta and its people; and the mandate for women development is an aspect

that is equally given huge priority by the agency and must not be neglected”.

“As part of the agenda for women development in 2016, the commission will mark the International Women’s Day with activities that will help inspire and celebrate women of the Niger Delta region and their endeavours”, she added.

THE Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has been named the keynote speaker at the 2016 edition of the Africa Business Conference (ABC), being organised by the Lagos Business School.

Previous keynote speakers at the conference were the respected business mogul, Aliko Dangote; Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, among others.

The theme for this year’s conference is: “Africa Rising: Leveraging the power of a Younger Generation.”

In a letter intimating Governor Mimiko of his choice as speaker at the Lagos Business School conference which was signed by the Dean and President of the school, Dr Enase Okonedo and Oladiwura Oladepo respectively, the organisers said the gesture would afford the governor the opportunity to be at the forefront of educating and enlightening business leaders on opportunities that were available in Africa while he would also showcase his government and its economic contribution to the continent.

Stallion Group targets 80% Nigerian content for its cars in 4 years —Manager Ademola Adegbite - Abuja THE Business Development Manager of Stallion Group, Mr. Abah Ben has said that the company was targeting 80 per cent Nigerian content for the cars to be manufactured in the country within the next four years.

Mr Ben, who stated this when he led the management team of the company on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu in his office, in Abuja, also announced that the cars assembled so far in Nigeria had about 17 to 25 per cent local content, as all the leather seats were locally sourced.

He disclosed that the group had acquired the Delta Steel Company at Ovwian-Aladja, in Delta State, which was undergoing total rehabilitation to enable it supply the company the steel needed for production process.

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28 February, 2016

N/Delta youth leader cautions FG on Tompolo Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

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HE Federal Government has, again, been urged to tread softly on the thorny issue involving Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, to avoid returning the region to the dark days of militancy.

Comrade Sheriff Mulade, who gave the warning in a statement made available to Sunday Tribune in Warri, Delta State, said there remained many loyalists of

former warlords in the region who were ready to resort to violence or destroy oil facilities, as had been witnessed recently because of the issue Tompolo had been having with the antigraft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the youth leader, the alleged ‘persecution’ of the former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) was an act of provocation.

He raised the alarm that the factor that stoke up militancy in the region was gradually resurfacing under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, advising politicians to be guarded by their utterances and not use Tompolo’s predicament to settle personal scores.

He noted that it had become “so obvious that the aim is fighting Tompolo personally because attacks on him are seen by the peo-

ple of the region as an attack on the Niger Delta.”

He also condemned the current wave of attacks on pipelines, saying that “whoever is responsible for such destruction should be arrested and prosecuted.”

“The Niger Delta is no longer using violence means as a way to agitate for development. We should now be talking about strategic advocacy, peaceful dialogue and reaching out to others,” he added.

Sunday Tribune

My alma mater, FGC Warri shaped my life —Ambode THE Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturday, said his achievements in life can easily be attributed to the lessons he learnt and gained at the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State.

The governor, who spoke at the golden jubilee grand reunion of FGC Warri, his alma mater, said all the knowledge and discipline impacted on him during his secondary school days in the college contributed largely to who he is today, just as he urged his old school mates to come together and ensure that the vision of the school is kept alive.

Ambode, who went down memory lane to recall some of his good old days, said: “Indeed, my becoming a governor can be attributed to what I gained and learnt from this school. We must come together, all of us, to ensure that the vision of the establishment of the school does not die.

“So, it is a great honour to all of us to return here after decades and celebrate this 50th anniversary. We are benefiting from the vision planted years ago. I want to assure the principal that we are going to bring back the good old days of this school.”

Governor Ambode also used the occasion to restate the commitment of his administration to revamping the education system in Lagos, saying that it would go a long way to shape the future of the next generation.

Kaduna govt provided 125,000 jobs in 9 months —el-Rufai Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

From right, the Assistant Controller General of Customs, Zone A, Mr Eporwei Edike; the Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Mr Tolulope Ogunkua and the Deputy Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Hassab Abdusalam, during the ACG’s visit to the area command.

Teaching, research must be emphasised— Buhari

As Ekwueme, Tinubu bag UNIABUJA honorary degrees PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has stated that it is pertinent to emphasise on the quality of teaching and research in Nigerian universities, as it affected the quality of graduates from the universities.

The president, who was represented by the Director, Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Hindattu Abdullahi, stated this on Saturday, at the 15th to 20th combined convocation of the University of Abuja.

Buhari, who is the university’s Visitor, congratulated the governing council, Senate, management and staff of UniAbuja on recording progress in achieving the objective for which it was set up.

Meanwhile, former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, have been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees at the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Idris Kutigi and Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, were also conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.

NAN reported that 25,878

students were awarded various degrees at the combined convocation of the institution.

Ekwueme was said to be unavoidably absent as he was represented by his daughter, Mrs Chidi Onyemelukwe.

Speaking at the event, the president enjoined the institution to take re-

search seriously as it was key to economic development, saying: “I therefore urge Nigerian universities to ensure that the quality of the graduates produced compares with graduates produced from other universities globally.

On his part, UniAbuja’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Michael Adikwu, said

that the graduands had brought honour to the institution by distinguishing themselves in various fields of study.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of other recipients of honorary degrees, Tinubu thanked the institution’s authority for deeming them worthy of the award.

Support Sheriff, Osun PDP urges members

By Moses Alao THE Osun State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on members of the party to support the leadership of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the national chairman of the party, even as it congratulated the Borno politician on his emergence as the leader of the party, noting that “his leadership will, indeed, take the party to the prom-

ise land.”

The chairman of the party in Osun State, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, stated this in a statement he made available to newsmen at the weekend, noting that “the Osun PDP is confident that the emergence of Senator Sheriff is a good omen for the party at this crucial period when all hands are on deck to ensure that the party get its footing.”

This is just as the party

commended the PDP national secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, for holding the party together at such a critical period like the last few months, adding that Osun PDP “has not been disappointed with how Prof.

Oladipo has been handling the affairs of the party.”

The statement further stated that the Osun PDP remained solidly behind the new leadership of Sheriff.

Ex-CEO, Yanju Adegbite, named project director of BCOS OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has appointed Mr Yanju Adegbite as the project director of the ongoing restructuring of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

His appointment is in fur-

therance of the governor’s quest to turn round the fortunes of the state-owned radio and television stations.

Adegbite is an accomplished broadcaster with many years experience.

He was a chief executive

officer of the BCOS until May 29, 2015.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr Yomi Layinka, said the appointment takes immediate effect.

GOVERNOR Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state has provided 125,000 jobs to its citizenry since it assumed power nine months ago.

The governor dropped the hint on Saturday during a town hall meeting at Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area, saying: “The job impact of ongoing interventions is over 125,000 direct jobs in Kaduna State within less than one year of the APC being in office.”

According to him, under the school feeding programme, 85,000 jobs were provided for vendors, their staff and supervisors,while the sewing of school uniforms provided jobs to 11,100 people.

In the same vein, the governor disclosed that the rehabilitation of schools gave jobs to 7,542 people, while the construction of toilets gave jobs to 6,285 people.

“Solar boreholes provided 5,028 jobs, KASTELEA provided 2,550 jobs, waste collection gave 6,700 jobs and the recruitment of science and Maths teachers provided 2,300 jobs,” he declared.

Traditional rulers partner NDDC to stop illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

THE Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities (TROMPCON) has declared its willingness to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to host a national conference aimed at combating illegal oil bunkering and vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

The national chairman of TROMPCON and paramount ruler of Ngbirichi, Imo State, Eze Akuwueze Ikegwuruka, made this known when the NDDC acting Managing Director, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace, on Friday.

This was contained in a statement issued from the office of the Head, NDDC Corporate Affairs, Port Harcourt, on Saturday.

Eze Ikegwuruka said TROMPCON had identified the strength and challenges facing NDDC and was eager to build bonds of partnership with the commission in the interest of the people of the Niger Delta region.

He pledged the assistance of the traditional rulers in the efforts to maintain a peaceful environment for the activities of development agencies and contractors.

Under the NDDC Act of 2000, the responsibilities of NDDC include identifying factors inhibiting the development of the Niger Delta region, as well as tackling ecological and environmental problems that arise from oil exploration.

Eze Ikegwuruka said TROMPCON was also reaching out to various agencies to get support for the development of the region, which he said had been neglected and underdeveloped.

28 February, 2016 Sunday Tribune 10 OYO STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, CP LEYE OYEBADE’S TOUR OF PHOTOS: OLUWATOYIN MALIK OKE OGUN ZONE, OYO STATE

The Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade with the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Salau in his palace.

CP Leye Oyebade in a group photograph with the Aseyin, his council of chiefs and police officers.

From right, chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Iseyin, Mr Azeez Badmus; the head of Iseyin Local Government Administration, Mr Adewale Taiwo; CP Oyebade; Area Commander, Oyo, ACP Yemi Oyediran; Divisional Police Officer, Iseyin, CSP Seyi Okenla and DPO, Otu Division, CSP Elisha Bawa, during meeting with stakeholders in Iseyin.

CP Leye Oyebade in a group photograph with chiefs, police officers and officers from other security agencies at the late Okere of Saki’s palace.

CP Oyebade in handshake with officers in Saki Division.

Sentry guards on parade to welcome the police commissioner to Kisi town.

The National President of Kisi Progressive Union, Chief Bayo Adesope, JP, (second left) handing over document of land donated to the Nigeria Police Force to CP Oyebade, while Oba Lawal and ACP Sylva look on.

CP Oyebade addressing stakeholders in a town hall meeting in Saki.

From left; CP Oyebade, the Iba of Kisi, Oba Masoud Oyekola Lawal, Arowoduye II and the Area Command Ogbomoso, ACP Chinedu Sylva.

CP Oyebade in a group photograph with officers and Fulani leaders at Igbeti Division.

CP Oyebade in a group photograph with officers and men at Ikoyi-Ile Division.

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28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

PHOTOS: OLUJUWON AWODIPE

IKENNE STANDS STILL FOR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, AT THE 13TH EDITION OF IKENNE TOTAL RECOVERY CRUSADE

Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu welcoming some elders, shortly before she launched the Ikenne Total Recovery Crusade Magazine.

Arrival of the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to the venue of the crusade.

A section of Ikenne Elders at the crusade: From right, Chief J. Osibamowo and wife Chief (Mrs) Ayo Osibamowo; Chief (Mrs) Comfort Olutunda, Chief(Mrs) Mercy Owolana, Chief (Mrs) Awodipe and Chief (Mrs) Ebun Oronti.

A section of the crowd that attended the crusade.

Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, preaching at the crusade.

Reverend Dr Ayanlowo (in white), praying for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and Nigeria.

A section of the Mass Choir at the crusade.

Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Pastor Bola Onadipe (right), Pastor Douglas and other members.

The Vice-President presenting trophy to the Winner of musical Competition, Ikenne Choral Group.

Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, also took time and visited the Federal Strategic Grain Reserved (SILO) on Ikenne-Ayepe Road.

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life&living Burukutu: Medicinal brew of the ‘common’ man

ISAAC SHOBAYO writes on the popular burukutu drink including the socio-economic issues surruounding it and why some people just can’t do without it.

A burukutu seller.

Inset: A pot of burukutu

I

T is perhaps the most popular local brew in the country cutting across the states in the Middle Belt zone of Nigeria. Just like Yvonne Chakachaka sang the praise of Umqombothi, not a few local musicians including young upcoming local talents in the hip hop world have waxed records singing its praise.

Dancing competitions have also been held in its honour. The love of revelers for it has nothing to do with the fact that it is cheap. They just love it. It is called Burukutu or BKT or if you like, ‘push me I push you’.

In Plateau State, virtually every community has a designated spot for the sale of the local drink called ‘Burukutu.’ Such rendezvous are always beehives and cynosure of eyes of passers-by and those who for one reason or the other do not patronise the drink, due to high level of patronage by connoisuers and revelers. The age-old local drink, serves as an alternative for those who lack the financial means to patronise refined brews like beer and other foreign or imported liquor. A full calabash of burukutu goes for between N25 to N50 depeneding on the size of the calabash or the container used for measurement.

The local alcoholic drink is brewed from sorghum and millet, which after fermentation makes the drink highly intoxicating. A mother of four who said she has been in the business for over twenty years, Hannatu Dauda, while describing the brewing process said the millet is some times soaked for three days to allow it ferment to the taste of her customers, adding that the alcoholic content will depend on how long the fermentation was allowed to take place.

According to some of the producers who spoke with Sunday Tribune, producing Burukutu involves five basic stages, which include steeping, malting, mashing, fermentation and maturation. The production begins by malting, which is the conversion of the guinea corn or millet grains into malt.

This process is followed by steeping, which involves the soaking of the grains in water for at least three days to allow the grain to absorb moisture and to begin to sprout.

When the grains have absorbed enough moisture, they are transferred to the malting floor, where they are constantly churned over and over for up to about five days while being air-dried. This procedure is followed by

mashing, in which the milled grain known as the “grain bill” (malted grain) is mixed with water known as “liquor” after which it is put on fire for heating.

This process allows the enzymes in the grain bill to decompose the starch into sugar (maltose) to form a wort. The product is allowed to ferment using the sugar fungi form of yeast. Maturation is later allowed to take place for two days.

A visit to some of the ‘joints’ within Jos, the Plateau State capital revealed that the brewing of the local liquor commenced as early as 6:00 am to the late hours of the night.

Most of the patrons spend long hours from the early to late hours of the evening savouring their favourite local drink.

Some, however, have become so addicted to it that they often have more than enough and are only able to stagger home when the seller decides to close shop. Some have also taken their addiction to the drink to a higher level by starting and ending their day at burukutu joints thus socially constituting themselves into a nuisance.

Continues pg 38

13

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28 February, 2016

HE Unity Party of Nigeria is a party dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life of the citizens of Nigeria. The pillars of our policy towards the achievement of these goals are the programmes which we have enunciated for the radical reordering of the priorities of this nation. In view of this, our commitment, we have come to the conclusion that the UPN should give special consideration to the needs and interests of women who constitute over 50 per cent of our population.

Firstly, some of the programmes and policies which the UPN has already proclaimed to the nation will have a direct impact on males and females alike. Examples of such policies and programmes include free and compulsory primary and secondary education, and free postsecondary education for all the young people of Nigeria.

Others are our programmes for adult education, health care, and integrated rural development. It is well known that in the present circumstances in which the financial burden of secondary and post-secondary education weighs heavily on parents, girls and usually the victims, because when parents have to decide, for financial considerations, to send some children to school and leave others at home, it is the girls who are usually left at home.

This has produced the familiar consequence of greater illiteracy among women than men. Therefore our policy of compulsory and free primary and secondary education will have a more profound effect on women than on men.

Secondly, the UPN realises as a mass party that there are rights and interests which are peculiar to women and which must be catered for in the interest of social justice, harmony, and balanced development of the nation. The UPN will fulfill these needs through the following programmatic actions: Enforcement of existing laws which specially protect the interests of women but have remained dormant in the law books of the nation. Examples include laws of inheritance and laws against child marriages.

Amendment or abrogation of existing laws which are discriminatory to women. Examples include laws of contract and suretyship, and the discriminatory aspects of laws and regulations on taxation, travel documents, and some of the conditions of service in the public and private sectors, for example: maternity leave, children’s allowance, housing allowances and loans, allocation of land to women.

Initiation of new legislation for the more effective promotion and protection of Nigerian womanhood and family life. Such laws will deal with inheritance, pornography or obscene materials and language in local and foreign

Awo’s thoughts PATH TO NIGERIAN GREATNESS

On the rights of women

films, music and literature marketed in this country.

Other legislations will deal with the rights of children, child abuse, and child abandonment. We shall strive for the full and effective equality of women with their men counterpart in all spheres of our national and community life.

Termination of the present practice whereby a couple employed by the same Government or Authority are posted to places or stations far apart from each other.

This practice tends to break homes which are otherwise

Secondly, the UPN realises as a mass party that there are rights and interests which are peculiar to women and which must be catered for in the interest of social justice, harmony, and balanced development of the nation

Sunday Tribune

happy.

Thirdly, the UPN accepts the U.N. Declaration on the Status of women and believes in total emancipation of women and in the full mobilisation of all the men and women of Nigeria for the development and progress of the nation. To that effect, the UPN when elected into power in 1979 will make a special point of appointing women to positions of high responsibility as Ministers in the Federal Government, Commissioners in the State Government, Chairpersons and Members of Boards, Corporations and Panels, Directors of State-owned Companies and nation’s foreign service. Already the UPN has a good number of women among its nominated candidates for the elections to the various legislatures and gubernatorial offices in the land. Women will also be given adequate representation in all committees and organs of the UPN. Fourthly, the UPN recognises the fact that a very large proportion of housewives all over the country are engaged in petty trading. Since no serious consideration has ever been given by any government to the organisation of this pattern of trade, the women petty traders have usually had to put up shacks and similar trading facilities in front of their houses or simply hawk their wares from door to door. Unfortunately, these practices have come under attack in many leading urban centres, for the reason that they tend often to pollute the streets. We of the UPN believe that a positive approach to the problem is called for. We have therefore, after very careful consideration of the matter, decided that wherever we are elected into government, we will pursue a programme of building neighbourhood markets in all the urban areas. Such neigbourhood markets will have modern stalls and the latter shall be allocated only to the women resident in the neighbourhood. The use of kiosks for roadside cooking and selling of foods will be given serious consideration.

An impressive number of women is already active in the UPN. The UPN therefore calls on all women in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria to rise and identify themselves with the UPN and its programmes and activities.

Our policies for the nation calls for the full, effective, and total mobilisation of all citizens, men and women, youths and adults. It also calls for radical departure from the past attitudes to, and prejudices against, women and women’s rights in our society. We, the members of the UPN, have decided and are determined to champion that radical and necessary change so as to raise women to their proper rank of respectability.

Concluded

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28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

feature Osun Doctors’ Strike: When patients turned to herbal medicine OLUWOLE IGE writes that as the effect of the doctors’ strike in Osun State bites harder, relatives of patients in government hospitals have moved them out, even as patients have shifted attention to herb sellers to cure their ailments.

F

OR the people of Osun State, most especially those battling health challenges, the past six months had been harrowing and frustrating in the face of the industrial action embarked on by doctors in the employ of the state government.

From this foregoing, the effects of the strike action by doctors in public hospitals in Osun State is fast taking its toll on health services in the state as many relatives of the sick have withdrawn patients hitherto on admission in hospitals to private medical centres.

Doctors and Governor Rauf Aregbesola currently are at loggerheads over salaries among other issues. It is recalled that medical workers in the state, under the aegis of OSAMDO, NMA, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), had on September 28, 2015 embarked on an industrial action to press home their demand on some contentious issues.

Since the declaration of the industrial dispute, meetings and negotiations has been held between the unions and government representatives, but efforts made to broker peace had failed to end the strike.

Sunday Tribune authoritatively gathered that contending issues, which precipitated the industrial action, mainly bothers on the payment of half salaries to the doctors and medical personnel since June, 2015, including non remittance of pension deductions from the doctors’ salaries to their accounts with the Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs), among others demands.

However, the situation worsened recently, when Governor Aregbesola at a public function directed the state Head of Service (HoS), Mr Sunday Owoeye to issue sack letters to the striking doctors by next Monday if they failed to resume duties on Friday.

However, the striking doctors dared the governor and continued with the strike action, arguing that they cannot be cowed by government’s intimidation and sack threat.

The unions contended that the threat to sack the doctors would not offer any solution rather it will exacerbate the issue.

When our correspondent visited Osun State Specialist Hospital Asubiaro, on Thursday, the hospital had become deserted as virtually all the wards were empty, with only a handful of nurses, render-

Mrs Adejoke Ogunbunmi, a herbal medicine seller ing skeletal service.

The same scenario played out at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Osogbo, where medical service had been paralysed.

Commenting on the doctors’ strike, the Chief Nursing officer of Osun State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Mrs C.O Adetunji said “though the doctors are currently on strike, our infant welfare clinic and ante natal clinic are functioning. The only thing is that we cannot admit patients because of the doctors’ strike.”

Investigation indicated that majority of patients, who cannot afford the exorbitant medical bills of private hospitals have now resorted to patronising local herbs sellers in treating their ailments.

A local herb seller at Jaleyemi area of Osogbo, Mrs Adejoke Ogunbunmi, also known as Teledalase said “we have recently noticed an increase in the number of people who come to our shop for herbal concoction to treat diseases.”

She added, “I think this is caused by the strike embarked on by the doctors.

Though we were selling very well before because our herbal concoctions are very effective, but we now sell more than before. We have herbs for pile, thypoid fever, hepatitis, staphylococcus and other diseases”.

Perturbed that the government was not forthcoming on resolving the impasse over the strike action, the doctors under the auspices of the Nigeria Medical As-

sociation (NMA), Osun State chapter last week Tuesday embarked on a protest to Osun State House of Assembly, condemning the nonchalant posture of the state government to the crisis.

Similarly, the South West caucus of the NMA recently called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently intervene in the face off between Governor Rauf Aregbesola and doctors in the state public health sector, who had been on strike since September, 2015.

This is coming against the backdrop of the state government, which insisted that the striking doctors remained sacked for abandoning their duty posts for more Continues pg15

15

feature

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Osun govt avoiding payment of outstanding salaries’ Ayanburen road, Ikorodu

Continued from pg 14 than six months.

Rising from an emergency meeting held in Osogbo, the state capital, the South West caucus of the NMA, which include the state chairmen of the body in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Ondo State said President Buhari’s intervention in their crisis to avoid an unpalatable fallout.

In a communique signed by the chairmen of the NMA in the South West, namely Dr Suraj Ogunyemi (Osun), Dr Olatunji M. B (Oyo), Dr Betiku O.B (Ondo), Dr Akinbote J.A (Ekiti) and Dr. Odewabi A. A. (Ogun), the caucus lamented that it was sad to note that “a government saddled with the responsibility of moving a society forward, saddles herself with the act of decimating the exact population from which she canvassed her votes for reasons best known to her.”

The communique reads in part: “there is a need for intervention of parties outside the state and especially the Federal Government to halt the genocide of the people of Osun State by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his cohorts.

The news of the “tug of war” between the doctors in Osun and the government of Osun State amplified by Mr. Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is no news to the populace.

“It is a fact, albeit unknown to most Nigerians that the issue of backlog/non-pay-

ment of salaries in Osun State dates back to periods of excesses in national revenue (buoyancy) as far back as 2011, contrary to what the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola wants people to believe. All along, the NMA had watched with keen interest while seeking a peaceful solution to the situation without any improvement.

“In June 2014, just prior to Mr. Governor’s re-election, a governor who had claimed unavailability of funds (in period of excess windfall) and was owing about 4 months salaries suddenly paid three months salaries, in quick succession, within a period of about 10 days possibly to cajole the teaming masses and make reelection more likely.

“All this time the government claimed that their inability to pay salaries was due to injustice meted out to it by the Federal Government at that time, especially as an opposition state. The government maintained that its allocation was being unduly reduced to stifle it. The question which remained unanswered by the government was the real reason for any reduction in allocation, if indeed it was true. The government of the state moved a step further by increasing arbitrarily the tax of our members.”

“The Federal Government in 2014 approved a corrected salary scale for doctors, which was subsequently implemented in hospitals across the country. Osun State

government which refused to implement the new salary scale began to implement its own version of the Federal Government Tax System, PITAS (Personal Income Tax System). This meant that doctors in Osun were paying twice the tax of doctors in other Institutions while earning a quarter of their salaries as a result of the stipend the government started dishing out to doctors.

“Much to the “apparent” relief of the people of Osun State and thanks to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, a bailout plan was implemented and funds were released for the purpose of offsetting outstanding salaries which in Osun State at the time stood at seven months. To the dismay of the people of the state, the government withheld the fund and started its world acclaimed negotiations with Nigerian Labour Congress (Osun State chapter) in order to avoid full payment of outstanding salaries.

“Let it be known that doctors in Osun were never a part of the negotiation which was loudly communicated to the government while stating that Labour Unions have never and will never negotiate for doctors.

“In truth, the hospitals around the state have been non-functional, with patients resorting to private hospitals. The resulting effects of this include an increase in quackery across the state, increased ma-

ternal mortality and other forms of mortalities as a result of the intentional neglect of the state’s secondary and tertiary health institutions by the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

“In addition, there has been a mass exodus of skilled manpower including very senior doctors, as they cannot fold their arms and have their children sent out of school, their families sent packing for outstanding rents, their electricity disconnected, aged parents going hungry, not to talk of their inability to pay examination fees.”

“The above necessitated increased efforts at dialogue with the government, all to no avail and this finally led to the industrial action which commenced on September 28, 2015. With the commencement of the strike action, continued effort was made to speak with the government and other stakeholders towards finding a lasting solution. To our dismay the government came out with its first sack threat on December 18, 2015 which was to take effect on December 25, 2015. What a Christmas gift from an insensitive government.”

“Thereafter, a Board of Management was inaugurated which engaged our members in dialogues. In the course of the series of dialogue, the association shifted ground severally following which there were propositions by the Board for consideration which the association magnanimously accepted in order to bring an end to lingering crises.

“As it is the culture of this government, the governor unilaterally ignored the resolution between the board and the NMA and instead, on January 7, 2016, at the 75th birthday of the revered former NLC boss, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, the governor issued the second sack threat publicly to take effect on Monday, January 11, 2016.”

Reacting to the doctors’ position and the NMA stand on the issue, the governor last week Wednesday described the action of the striking doctors in the state as selfish and uncaring vis-a-vis the citizens and residents of the state in the face of the present economic hardship.

He admonished the striking doctors to recognise that the state is in a very special time of serious economic challenge and be willing to make sacrifices like every other worker in the state always at his or her duty post.

He maintained that government in spite of the great financial challenges had given the welfare of the people priority attention, saying it is high time all realised that the state is in a special period where sacrifice must be made.

According to Aregbesola , there are however some of our health workers at the state level who think only of themselves, who do not care a hoot whatever happens to the rest of us.

“They have refused to recognise that we are in a special time and would insist that we give to them alone all the money in the state, even while other government workers are willing to make sacrifices.

“By their own action of indefinitely abandoning their duty post, they have demonstrated that they have no place in our hospitals and the reasonable thing to do is to fill the void they created. Nature abhors vacuum,” he said.

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28 February, 2016

I

love playing with words. It is linguistically called pun.

If literary license is maximally applied, pun can be punitive. Writer’s immunity however should ordinarily cover any impunity that comes with literary freedom.

If you add an ‘n’ at the end of the surname of incumbent lion of Idiagbon House (EFCC headquarters), Ibrahim Magu, you will get ‘magun’. It is African science of catching those in illicit affairs, especially married women who are shaving their legs outside. When an adulterous wife is laced with it, any man that ‘climbs’ her, is a goner. Such covetous philanderers, if lucky to survive, are eternally shamed. The commonest form of manifesting its arresting potency is for the man-on-top to crow like a cock thrice, followed by somersault at each crow and the third acrobatic display is meant to send him to hell. When held from completing the tumbling, the antidotes are disgusting, with the most popular being the woman peeing into the culprit’s open mouth, to be swallowed in squirming jollity for survival. The ‘booming’ effect got the English calling it thunderbolt.

Whoever was the originator of the charm, must be of extreme sadism. You will almost want to ask ‘kilagbe, kilaju’ (a sense of killing ant with sledge-hammer). But the curse of God for the iniquitous act is even by far more extreme than magun’s maker.

If we can linguistically make Magu, magun, it means the anti-corruption Czar can’t be demulcent for anything illicit. Magu is in good roaring company. One of his former bosses is Ribadu (linguistically-converted riba dun--bribe is sweet but not with Nuhu). The other is Farida (more like forifa in Yoruba, meaning steal and bear the consequences). So much for names in EFCC. Apart from friends, associates, ministers and party chieftains of President Muhammadu Buhari, Magu is pulling in illicitness wherever he finds it, especially in the opposition PDP and not letting go, until they have tumbled thrice by returning the loot, or being publicly, pissed on, in a way that the rest of their lives, may be lived in shame.

Without doubt, Nigeria is a wayward woman. The cuckolds marrying and divorcing her are worse than philanderers. They are plunderers, raping the daylight out of her.

From well-starched uniforms to babaringa, to wigs, gowns and barons, they come with accounts running over with illicit wealth and stomachs burdened by everyday cursed five-star buffets.

If Buhari has decided to rescue the wayward nation from her illicit lovers, using Magu’smagun, that should be good news even if some illicit lovers who are friends with the president, are being warned ahead of the raging thunderbolt, thereby allowing them to have ‘illicit’ climb on the nation without having to shamefully tumble.

NIGERIANS are a hopeful lot. In Nigeria, we hope against hope. This attitude is evident in every facet of life. A driver with a very bad tyre embarks on a long journey with the hope that something will hold the bad tyre together until he arrives his destination. When the tyre bursts on the journey and limbs and lives are lost, somebody else is blamed for the carelessness. A student who failed to prepare adequately for an examination goes for the examination, hoping that something would happen to make him successful in the examination. When the result runs contrary to his expectation, he blames everyone but himself. When our national teams go into camp a few days before a major competition, Nigerians are full of hope of a sterling performance from an ill-prepared team and expect same to defeat a better prepared opponent.

This attitude is also exhibited by the leadership of the country. Since 2014, the price of crude oil has been gyrating southwards, sliding from its peak of $114 per barrel to the less than $30 per barrel it currently is. Late last year, economic watchers and experts, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), warned that oil price would be “lower for longer” and that it might find equilibrium around $20 a barrel. Yet, the Federal Government prepared a budget with a benchmark of oil price at $38 per barrel. What is even more befuddling is that by the time the budget was being presented oil was selling at about $32 per barrel. What is more, the daily production was put at 2.2million barrels, a feat that had not been achieved in a long time.

But those who prepared the budget knew that the benchmark was highly unrealisable just as they were aware that the daily output target would most likely turn out to be a mirage. But they were relying on hope. They were hoping that something would happen in the Middle East that would precipitate a rebound of oil prices. They are also hoping that somehow oil theft in the Niger Delta region would decline and the target of 2.2million daily output would be achieved.

Now, where has that hope left them? It has left them

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

Magu’s thunderbolt

To escape magun and still have illicit sex with a laced woman, all you need is a foreknowledge and African science antidote of temporarily suspending the potency. But mistakes do still happen and a shielded plunderer still get to somersault. Does that say anything to those men who romanced our commonwealth illicitly and still being shielded?

Magu is raiding hitherto hallowed places to wide applause. He has in particular shown scant regard for the sacredness of Bar and Bench and invisibility of the media.

These third and fourth realms of the governance estate, until now, were largely seen as allies of reforming administrations like Buhari’s. Despite their shortcomings, governments anywhere make concerted efforts to have both on their sides, especially when embarking on needful but unpopular policy journeys. With the exception of a few

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lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Hope as national economic strategy

with a budget of over N3trillion deficit before its approval by the National Assembly. There is every likelihood that the deficit will still get higher as the cascading of oil price continues.

The President and the CBN have insisted that the Naira would not be devalued when economic theories and economic realities suggest that depreciating the currency would give it some respite. As politically correct as their position is, neither the President nor the apex bank has come up with any plan to shield the currency from further plummeting. What they both are banking on is hope.

They are hopeful that somehow something (maybe a di-

Sunday Tribune

within, the two institutions were resolute on the making of a Buhari presidency, particularly the inner Bar (senior lawyers) and the traditional media.

But Buhari isn’t just any leader and the media institution has always appeared to him, more as a sacrilege than sacred. His frustration with the judiciary is even well communicated to the world beyond our shores. Are both institutions free of sleaze? That would be like whitewashing a sepulcher. A tomb remains a cold unattractive place with or without external beautification. Should what is left of the integrity of both be destroyed on the altar of expediency? Then, we would simply not have a country again.

Whatever damage Magu is doing to the media and judiciary today with sweeping statements to hang them dry in public opinion court is taken as a reflection of Buhari’s mindset, focus and goal. An EFCC’s boss is as powerful as the C-in-C wants.

Magu will have to watch it. If those two institutions fight back as they appear to, Buhari won’t have a choice than meeting them halfway. A fall-guy must always go with such a truce. An errand boy who isn’t applying wisdom is always an easy pick. Magu should not be the mugu.

It is Buhari’s choice to go after those not on his side.

Consultancy fees and suspicious contracts must also be questioned. Anyone standing in the way of justice, must also face justice. But Magu’s thunder must not strike recklessly as it has been doing, obviously to impress his employer. It is good that he is retracing his steps and recanting earlier hare-brained sweeping indicting rhetorics. It is also excessive for him to be meeting with judges before who the commission is a party in trials, without the accused, promising to send them on training. Isn’t that subtle bribery and coercion? Chief Judges that allowed the misguided visits are to be blamed.

He should be watchful of aligning allies. Learnt two SANs have made his office a second home, squealing on both truths and outright falsehood about colleagues, encouraging him to dismantle the judiciary. If Magu cares to look properly, he may discover to his shock that the integrity of the younger of the two might not worth a penny.

Caution is apt at this juncture. A hurting man without a voice but power to hurt, is danger-full. More like a dehumanised cook, with access to chalice.

Magun could be dangerous for the person laying it.

When nobody climbs outside, the owner could, in a moment of raging phallic indiscretion. The woman being laced also faces death if both husband and lover do not climb within a certain period. If the magun symbolism says nothing to Magu, he should simply look at the faces on the wall in the new office he occupies.

vine intervention) will happen and the currency will gain some strength.

Without hope, living will not be worth the effort. It is the hope that a cure would be found for cancer that every patient hangs on to; that is what keeps them alive for as long as possible. It is the hope that the future holds a promise that keeps the downtrodden going. But hope is only useful when there is a strategy in place. Hope does not operate in a vacuum. Hope is always hinged on a well thought-out plan of action. It is when there is a strategy in place that hope can effect a change. Hope that is hinged on nothing births forlornness, disappointment and frustration.

Bill Gates dreams of ending malaria before he breathes his last but he does not just sit down, hoping that somehow the dream would be realised. Rather, he has put a strategy in place. It is strategy that gives hope a wing.

Without an appropriate strategy, hope is dead on arrival.

Isaac Newton’s first law of motion states that an object will remain at rest or continue to move at a constant velocity unless it is acted upon by an external force. The import of this is that nothing changes until something contrary is done. Until a new thing is done, the old holds sway.

Former American president, Abraham Lincoln, said the best way to predict the future is to create it. Getting out of the economic rut we have found ourselves should not be hinged on the hope that something awry will happen in the Middle East, it should be based on putting the right strategy in place. It is strategy that changes situations, not hope.

Talking about strategies, the President does not need to convoke a national economic conference to get the right strategies. What he should instead do is to form an economic team comprising of the best 10 or 12 economic heads within the country and share with them his vision for the economy. An economic conference will not be any different from a constitutional conference with every member bent on getting something for his region. So, a national economic conference will most likely create more problems than engender economic solutions.

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28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Wizkid avoids question on baby mama allegation

What many Nigerians don’t know about toning —Tayo Shobola

AY flays marriage break-up rumour

How I am

investing mymoney —Harrysong

18

28 February, 2016

AY flays marriage break-up rumour

Malaika releases ‘Nana Dance’

Stories By Segun Adebayo

I

F the news flying around is anything to go by, then popular comedian, Ayo Makun, is currently battling to save his marriage from crashing. AY and his wife, Mabel are reportedly not having a rosy affair as their eight-year marriage appears to be heading for the rocks.

A report had it that AY’s wife had reportedly packed out of their matrimonial home but it was not certain if the movement was permanent.

Reacting to the marriage

break-up rumour on his Instagram page during the week, AY who is getting ready for his comedy show, AY Live on Easter Sunday, denied the report, saying that people would continue to hear negative information

Yemi Blaq to headline US carnival NOLLYWOOD actor, Yemi Blaq, is to headline Nigeria Carnival scheduled for Maryland, United States of America.

This was disclosed at the unveiling ceremony of the carnival logo in Lagos State.

According to the organiser of the event slated for July this year, Benson Akinkuebi, the nomination of Yemi Blaq as the face of the carnival, “will help us to achieve the needed drive for the event. His choice, as a versatile actor and man of arts and culture perfectly fits into our projection for the carnival.”

The carnival, he revealed, is different from others because, “we want to showcase the best of Nigerian tradition in the areas of

Sunday Tribune

from many sources against anything that showcases blessings and pride.

According to him, gossip is just a tool to distract people who have nothing better to do from feeling jealous of those few who are still remaining in the institution called ‘Celebrity Marriage’.

His statement read in part: “Some blogs are, for the most part, the bringers of bad news… and it’s not entirely the bloggers fault, bad news gets higher ratings, travels faster and sells more than good news.

languages, dressing, craft, music, dancing and many more in a more unique way, with in-depth analysis on how we find ourselves where we are today in the area of culture.”

Akinkuebi also said, “we must not allow our culture to die, therefore we need to do something urgent to arrest the situation. That is why we are inviting corporate bodies, individuals SOMETHING new is coming on board to celebrate the from Nigerian rapper and singer, best of Nigerian arts and Mo’Cheddah. After a long hiatus culture come July this from music, many people who have year.” been following her career have been Top artistes witnessed wondering what could have taken the unveiling ceremony her away. with pomp and ceremoIn fact, it was rumoured that the ny. rapper might have dumped music for something more lucrative as her long absence fuelled the rumour that she was done with music. Unconfirmed reports also had it that the University of Lagos graduate of Creative Arts had relocated abroad. While she was away, a number female rappers and singers have taken over the scene she once dominated.

Mo’Chedda has now returned with a new song. She has teamed up with talented music producer, Cobhams Asuquo, on her new project-’Survive’.

The latest single according to Mo’Chedda, who floated her record label, Cheddah Music, when she parted ways with Knighthouse Entertainment, said the magic of Cobhams’ brings about Survive. “This is that upbeat tune that promises to be next Survivor’s anthem,” she said.

“The reality is that you will continue to hear negative information from many sources against anything that showcases your blessings and pride. Gossip is just a tool to distract people who have nothing better to do from feeling jealous of those few who are still remaining in the institution called ‘Celebrity Marriage’.

“It lies in our will to decide whether to discard them into the waste bin or record them into our brains!. The question is… whose report will you believe?.”

FUJI music star, Alhaji Sulaiman ‘Malaika’Alao Adekunle, has released his new song , Nana Dance, featuring Hyperteck label singer, Dammy Krane.

As Malaika revealed, the song is a dance hall. It is meant to celebrate party riders.

“The song is a party song. It is meant to celebrate party riders.

Lyrically, It is very rich. Before we recorded this song, we did random selection. And Dammy Krane came into the picture due to his creativity and dexterity as far as my kind of music is concerned. He delivered the song.

“It also sampled opinions from my management team before we finally dropped it. There has been anticipation to release the song. Right time is the key.

And this is why I am releasing the song in February, my birthday. In fact, it is my birthday gift to my fans worldwide. I’m very optimistic that this is another song that will rock you,” he said.

It would be recalled that Malaika has duet with Oritsefemi, Olamide, Dude Tetsola, Cashson and others before his collaboration with Dammy Krane.

Mo’Cheddah wants to ‘Survive’

19

razzmatazz

28 February, 2016

Wizkid avoids questions on second baby mama allegation

Project Nigeria:

Ministry of Information to partner EMCOAN

By Segun Adebayo SOME weeks back, news came to town that Wizkid might have welcomed a son from a US-based video vixen, Diamond, but since the news filtered in, the Pepsi ambassador has refused to address the issue.

His management, led by Sunday Are, also issued a statement that the Omo Jaiye Jaiye crooner was yet to officially inform them about the news of any new born baby, saying that he would not want to comment on the matter since Wizkid has not told him about it.

“If Wizkid had told me about it, I would have told you what I know about the issue. To me, it is not an issue because the man in question is not saying anything about it, so why are we making it a big issue? I don’t believe it is true,” he had said weeks back. At a recent public function, Wizkid was approached by some journalists who attempted to ask him about the authenticity of the baby mama allegation, but the singer avoided the question and refused to comment on it.

He, however, walked away smiling when probed further on what he thinks about the allegation.

Timi Dakolo joins Bryan Okwara as OUCH brand ambassadors

By Joan Omionawele OUCH unveiled its 2016 collection with a star-studded event on Thursday at the rooftop of BLD

By Play in Lekki, Lagos State.

It was a day of frenzy, glitz and glamour as Style influencers, fashionistas and other friends of the brand were on hand at the event.

The event which doubled as the

Sunday Tribune

finale for the OUCHMan 2016 search was hosted by Zina Anumudu and OUCH and Martini ambassador, Bryan Okwara.

Speaking at the event, the creative director of OUCH, Uche

Nnaji, said “the 2016 collection themed ‘My Way’ is for the man who loves exclusivity in style. I am very happy to be associated with Bryan Okwara and Timi Dakolo this year and very proud of our new Ouchman.”

Award-winning musician and the Voice Nigeria coach, Timi Dakolo, was also announced as the new brand ambassador. The night was attended by a host of stars and media personalities like Audu Maikori of Chocolate City Group, Adebola Williams, Noble Igwe, Ifeoma Williams, Victoria Kimani, Mai Atafo, Denola Grey, Shade Ladipo, Tewa Onasanya, Remi Adetiba, Swanky Jerry, Yomi Casuals and many others.

Model and actor, Charles Ujomu emerged as the OUCH man 2016 ahead of other three finalists including Odache Obe, a banker, Francis Egwuatu, Mr Universe Nigeria and Otto Cannon, winner Gulder Ultimate Search viewer’s choice.

AS part of efforts to engage the players in the Industry, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, recently met with different stakeholders in the information industry to further push The Nigeria Project.

Thus, he had a chit-chat with the Electronic Media Content Owners of Nigeria (EMCOAN) leadership to fashion a way forward on the need for collaboration with relevant players in the media space, especially for the forthcoming PROJECT NIGERIA. EMCOAN is the umbrella body of Chief Executives Officers (CEO) of Content Owners in Nigeria, especially over 85 per cent of content/programmes on TV and radio in Nigeria.

The minister, in his opening remarks, said “the Federal Government is poised to bring the desired change into the lives of our people, hence, the change mantra “it begins with me.” All hands including that of your members must be on deck to ensure that we bring about re-orientation of the people. Not everybody that is rich is a role model, the average Nigeria youth has no respect for hard work again”.

The minister stressed the national re-orientation campaign to change the mentality of the people in the global community about the perception of Nigeria, while buttressing the importance of war agaist corruption and the need for all hands to be on deck against the insurgence of Boko Haram and the need for Nigerians to be more conscious.

In her response, President of EMCOAN, Mrs Debbie Odutayo, expressed appreciation to the minister for inviting the body as a stakeholder to be part of the team to proffer solution to the challenges affecting the broadcast industry.

She said “as stakeholders in the industry, we have the historical responsibility to fulfill in ensuring that we play our role in educating, entertaining and engaging the society positively via our different content/programmes,” she said.

20

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune With Segun Adebayo &Seyi Sokoya tegbollistic@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08116954644 08053789034

For Harrison Tare Okiri, otherwise known as Harrysong, life could not have been better enjoyed than it is right now. Since he released his tribute song for late Nelson Mandela a few years ago, he has gone to drop more popular tracks that have registered him in the minds of many people as one of Nigeria’s finest songwriters. The Delta State born entertainer, who was named as Most Creative man of The Year at the 13th edition of Sun Awards ceremony last week, in this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, speaks about his music career and what to expect from him in 2016.

Y

OU won Sun Awards Most Creative Man of the year last week, how do you feel?

How do I feel? If I begin to tell you how I felt about that award, you won’t be able to ask me another question before this session runs out. Let me say that I felt very honoured and extremely humbled by that award. If you know the story of my life, especially where I was coming from before I got to this level, you would agree with me that God has been good to me and this is evident in the good things that have been happening in my life in the past few years. The award came as a surprise to me. I never expected it, and what thrilled me most was the fact that I never knew some people are actually paying attention to what I have been doing. What that taught me is that hard work pays a great deal.

Did you see it coming?

I don’t do songs with the motive to win awards. I do whatever I do to make sure that my fans are satisfied. Before I sing any song, I am always conscious of what the listeners will say when they hear it. I am always mindful of my fans’ reactions, whether positive of negative. The award has come and gone and I am back to doing what I love doing best.

My dad’s death influenced me to write Reggae Blues —Harrysong

The award has placed you on a different pedestral in the music industry; don’t you think you could cave in to the attendant pressure that comes with it?

I don’t see anything as pressure in this game. I have come a long way and I am very sure that this is not even the last phase of greater things to come. Whatever pressure that comes with this new height, God will give me the wisdom to handle it. He brought me to this level and He will not leave me alone. This is an industry that I have been operating and growing for more than a decade and I can boldly say that nothing scares me again. I wouldn’t have come this far if I didn’t give it my best, so I am ready for anything that comes my way; I am not expecting anything worse anyway. I am rich today but I will never move away from the presence of God. How are you sure you won’t fade away with time?

As long as I remain on the path that I have been following and my team stays grounded, trust me, nothing is shaking me. Let me also tell you this, I know that I can’t be here forever. I will be foolish to think that people will continue to listen and dance to Harrysong’s songs forever, but I am very sure that I can remain evergreen in the minds of the people by the virtue of the quality of songs that I release to my fans out there. I don’t know what tomorrow holds for me, but I am very much aware of what I am doing today and I know it is going be successful as long as it can get to.

When you were leaving Delta for Lagos in search of greener pasture, you could not have predicted that your music career would grow this big that you would be rated number one most creative artistes in Nigeria, what does this mean to you?

It means that I have to keep believing in my ability never to give up on myself.

Continues on pg21

21 glitz

‘I’m investing my money in properties’ Continued from pg20

Have you ever considered giving up?

There were times when you would look at yourself and your career and ask if you are actually doing the right thing with your life. There had been days that I felt like would things ever be alright; will I ever get to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many questions were constantly agitating my mind, but in the midst of it all, something kept telling me all will be well. Keep pushing on. I am happy that hard work and creativity are being rewarded today in Nigeria, especially among entertainers. That is one big sign that the future is looking brighter for me.

Talking about the journey from Delta to Lagos state, it was a mixture of the good and the bad, but I thank God that the good has overshadowed the bad, so let’s leave it like that.

You seem to always have a special way you go about composing and releasing your songs. Your single track on late Nelson Mandela earned you a place among Nigerian celebrities who are MTN ambassadors, you have equally got other endorsement deals with the latest being your recent unveiling as Gala ambassador. What do you think is working for you?

To be truthful, before I write any song, I pray and ask God for guidance. All the songs I have dropped and the one I am about to release are testament of God’s guidance and direction. I was at home when I heard that Nelson Mandela was dead and the next thing that came to my mind was to do a song in honour of the great man. That song was a big success and I am grateful for that. The song that brought the Gala deal to me was Reggae Blues. I never knew Gala was going to contact my management because of a line in the song where I said share the Gala share the blues…When I heard about the

I have come a long way and I am very sure that this is not even the last phase of greater things to come. Whatever pressure that comes with this new height, God will give me the wisdom to handle it.

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

deal Gala from my management, I was very excited. I was excited not because they called me, but for a brand like Gala, that has been in existence for decades to have come for you, it shows God is at work and all I needed to do was to remain calm and let Him execute what He has started about my life. My songs are inspired by God. Where were you when you were composing Reggae Blues?

I was still in Delta preparing for my late dad’s burial. It was a sober moment for me and in the middle of my loneliness, I felt I could bring something special out of it, and it turned out to be the Reggae Blues song. I wrote the song in less than two hours and I started thinking of who to jump on it because of the uniqueness of the beat and lines. I decided to bring Kcee, Olamide, Iyanya and Orezi on the song because they are all talented musicians who are unique in their styles. You can tell from the song that everybody delivered their lines perfectly. The song was produced by Dr Amir and the video was shot by Adasa Cookey.

There had been talks about your new album, but you have been postponing the release date. When will you be dropping the album and why have you been postponing its release date?

The album is ready. The only thing that we have changed is the title. We have changed the title to Spontaneous…

Why Spontaneous?

Let me explain it this way. Everything that has been happening to me has an element of spontaneity. Apart from the fact that I have worked hard over the years, everything is happening in a very fast manner. So, I have to release my album in that nature so that everything can work together. As I said, the album is ready. All things being equal, we should be dropping it by the end of next month. You know I have just dropped a new single, Akagum, which featured Duncan Mighty. Nigerians love the song. I have also dropped the video a few days ago and the responses have been massively positive. I am going to drop another single before releasing the album. The album is sold out already.

How have you been investing your millions?

You have to show me the millions first. The way you are talking about millions, you seem to know about it than I do.

Are you saying you are not worth millions of naira as we speak today?

You still have not told me where the millions are kept, because if I know, I really need them now.

Okay if music does not pay again, what would you be doing?

If you are talking about how I am investing my money, I will tell you I am not losing sleep over it. I am investing in properties.

What is the state of things at FiveStar Music now?

We are very fine together. The family still remains one and everybody is happy. Kcee, Harrysong and Skiibii are doing fine. FiveStar Music is taking over, watch out.

What do you think about awards in Nigeria?

I have been praying that you would not drag me into that, but since you have asked me, let me say that every artiste in Nigeria is looking for a platform to showcase what they have got.

Award organisers are also trying their best to put Nigerian artistes on the road map.

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28 February, 2016

entartainment I’ll take DGN to higher height, says Amata, new president

A

with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

LIJF honours Benson Idonije at 80 INSPIRO Productions, organisers of Nigeria’s premier Jazz festival and the largest Jazz festival in West Africa - The Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF) has released plans for this year’s event.

The festival with the theme: ‘Jazz In The Megacity’ holds between April 29 and May 1 2016. This coincides with the end of the April Jazz Appreciation Month and the April 30th UN recognised International Jazz Day. This year’s festival is dedicated to honour veteran broadcaster, music writer and Jazz critic, Benson Idonije who turns 80 this year and is also a prelude to Celebrate Lagos@50 in 2017.

Student bands from several of the city’s leading music schools will feature in this year’s event. The schools include the Span Academy of Jazz And Contemporary Music, 10 Strings Music Institute, The Peter King School Of Music and others.

The first Lagos International Jazz Festival was held in 2008 and is now its fourth edition. The event seeks not only to position Lagos State as a global jazz tourism destination, but also showcase the best of the city’s jazz and jazz related music practitioners on an international platform.

Stories By Segun Adebayo

CTOR and director, Fred Amata, has emerged the president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), beating Lancelot Imaseun, Dickson Ireogbu and Kingsley Omefe.

The keenly contested election held at Tourist Graden Hotels and Resort, Asaba, Delta State.

For weeks, there had been talks about the battle of the soul of DGN with many people looking forward to what was described as tough contest between the trio.

All the contestants put forward their best legs prior to the election as the contestants canvassed for votes from their friends and movie practitioners.

Speaking on the outcome of the election, Fred Amata described the election as a peaceful one that really gave him the confidence that

Sunday Tribune

he would do well as the new president. He said that in the history of DGN, there has never been a time that all the congratulated one another even before the announcement of the winner.

“I feel very happy about the outcome of the election. It was a keenly contested election that gave every contestant to showcase what they have got. There was no rancour before and after the announcement of the winner. Now that I have emerged winner, I am ready to work in the best interest of the people, so that we can take DGN to the best heights,” he said.

Why I can’t shave my beard now —Banky W

A-list singer, Banky W, is not a new name in the industry. He has successfully stamped his feet in the industry, drawing enough fan base with his music.

He is the CEO of EME label and has released a new song making waves entitled Made For You, which is currently enjoying massive air-plays and downloads.

In a recent interaction on social media, the singer cum director revealed that he would not shave his beard because he would no longer be recognised if that happened.

He also said he has maintained his signature look right from when he was 20 years old and losing the look he has been known for , would make him unrecognisable by his family and other love ones. “ I don’t think anyone would recognise me...not even my family members. Had some sort of beard since I was like 20.”

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28 February, 2016

sundayzest

Sunday Tribune

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

Equal pay or trophies:

The dilemma of Hollywood black actors T HE #OscarsSoWhite fire has raged on since the Academy Awards nominations were announced with actors both black and white speaking about diversity in Hollywood and calling for boycotts.

While there will be no empty seats at the 88th Academy Awards Ceremony today as live television does not permit such things, here are some guarantees about tonight’s award show. There will be lot of missing faces, winners will use and abuse the word “humble” and for the second year running, no black actor will get to shed happy tears while clutching a gold statuette. Although those not in the film industry may want the drama over and done with, but winning an Academy Award is the pinnacle of success for actors and it is only natural to deal with suggestive racism in whatever manner it presents itself with whatever tool is at your disposal.

Though it cannot be conclusively stated that the Academy’s 6’000-odd voting members are racist, with 94per cent being white, and the all white nomination with good films being passed over seems to suggest racial discrimination.

“Straight Outta Compton”, a hit film about a black hip-hop group with a black director and producer, was nominated only for its screenplay, the writers of which are white.

“Creed” was a favourite of both fans and critics with high expectation of Oscar winning but both the black star Michael B. Jordan and black director Ryan Coogler were snubbed despite the film making $100million at the box office.

Idris Elba was so good in “Beast of No Nation” that fans and critics were pre-

pared to trade in the traditional white James Bond for him. The film also shed light on the plight of child soldiering in West Africa but was also ignored by the Academy.

While many might debate the accuracy of the science in Will Smith’ s Concussion, the emotional resonance of the film should have gotten it a nomination at least.

No doubt, Hollywood and the Academy Awards was established by whites for whites and while it has changed since the time of Hattie McDaniel, the first African American star to win an Oscara best supporting actress award for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind (1939). Minorities are still being sidelined. Blacks might be allowed a seat at the table but their talents are not being fully harnessed neither is it being appreciated or recognised as much as their white counterparts.

The depth of Hollywood prejudice against black actors was evidenced in Sony Pictures email hack where executives said Denzel Washington should not get lead roles in international films because he is black.

The Oscar-winning actor was the subject of emails sent shortly after the release of his film, The Equalizer, with an unnamed producer telling Sony chairman, Michael Lynton, that they hoped the shocking comment was not “inappropriate or provocative.”

“I am not saying The Equalizer should not have been made or that African American actors should not have been used (I personally think Denzel Washington is the best actor of his generation),” wrote the producer.

“Casting him is saying we’re okay with

a double [baseball term] if the picture works. He’s reliable at the domestic [box office], safe, but has not had a huge success in years.

“I believe whenever possible the nonevent pictures, extra ‘bets’, should have a large inherent upside and be made for the right price. Here there isn’t a large inherent upside.”

Despite grossing $191 million in cinemas globally, with just under half of all ticket sales coming from outside the United States, the leaked emails argued that overseas takings were not good enough because of Washington’s race and called international motion picture audience racist.

“I believe that the international motion picture audience is racist – in general pictures with an African American lead don’t play well overseas,” the producer added.

However, Washington is not the only actor with box offices flops if you call $191 million a fail. The rational of this produce is disturbing and gives an insight into why blacks are seldom cast in lead roles.

The same Sony executives also made racist jokes about US President Barack Obama’s film taste and white celebrities adopting babies. Sony chairwoman, Amy Pascal, apologised for her describing them as “insensitive and inappropriate but not an accurate reflection of who I am.” But it is. If it was not, she would not have made the comments.

The struggle of black actors in the film industry is deeper than trophies. The biated notion that black actors do not sell movies is causing talented actors casting roles. Left to Sony pictures, blacks would be parking cars at the Oscars

not sharing the same table with them.

Monique’s- best supporting actress for precious in 2010- argument that the problem runs much deeper than Oscars So White controversy is not without evidence, as some producers would rather cast white in lead roles than black in order to increase profit. “the focus should not be on the trophy” she said during an interview. “The focus should be on the paychecks and unequal wages…anytime you hear Patricia Arquette and Gwyneth Paltrow say.’ we are not getting equal wages’. Well if they are saying it what do you think we are getting?

Paying black actors lower than their white colleagues is the same as saying whites are superior. And Hollywood is notorious for such innuendos.

First black Oscar winner had to sit by herself away from her colleagues on the biggest night of her life, her only wish was to be able to contribute to her race. “I sincerely hope I will always be a credit to my race and the motion picture industry.”

Seventy five years on and blacks are still being treated like second-class citizens in Hollywood. Like Hattie McDaniel, if they do not take the low pay, then they can find work elsewhere. “‘Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn’t, I’d be making $7 a week being one,” said Hattie in defence of her role when she was criticised about her typecast roles and for not fighting enough for civil rights.

The Oscars is not the only diversity offender other awards too have failed to recognise black talents. Brit Awards recently came under fire for ignoring black artists. Only two non-white acts were nominated this year.

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28 February, 2016

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

By Temitayo Iliasu

T

HOUGH human beings have the same features, the shape of the face differs from one to other. Therefore, each face shape has its own best hairstyles that enhance its look maximally. Knowing your face shape will help you pick the best hairstyle, because a particular hairstyle may look good on a lady with oblong face but might not look that great on you just because you have an oval face. There are six different face shapes namely, oval, round, square, oblong, heart and diamond. What really differentiates a shape from another are; the forehead, the cheekbones, jaw line and the face length. Below are tips on how to determine the shape of your face and the best hairstyles suitable for each shape.

•Oval shape: if you have an oval face shape, the length of your face is about one and a half times its width.

Your face is therefore shaped like an inverted egg; wider at the top than the bottom. You tend to also have wider forehead than chin. If you fall into this category, you don’t need to worry, just consider it the perfect face shape when it comes to pulling different hair looks. Other face shapes have limited selection of hairstyles but if you have an oval shape, you need to maintain the shape by not choosing a style that could make it appear longer or wider.

•Round shape: you can include yourself into this category if the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are equal. Your jaw is slightly rounded as opposed to angular. Also, round faces tend to be soft with non angular features and full cheeks. It becomes more obvious when you gain weight but there are still a lot of slim people with round faces. You can definitely rock these shape by trying hairstyles that will make your face appear longer and leaner and less round and these hairstyles include: long bob hairstyle, shoulder length hairstyles and side swept bangs because they make your face slimmer and tends to remove weight from the sides. You must avoid short hairstyles such as classic bobs because not all short hairstyles will look good on you.

•Square shape: you are likely to have a square face if your face falls into the following requirements: the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are equal. You have sharp angular features including a sharp jaw line. Women with strong angular features tend to age well.

Long bobs and side swept bangs will do well on you and likewise super short edgy cuts will also fit well on you. You

r i a h r u o y e l y St according to

e c a f r u o y

will do well if you can avoid one length bob hairstyles especially chin length and wide, blunt bangs because all they do is highlight your angular features.

•Oblong shape: They are also known as long face and are around one and a half times longer than they are wide. The cheek lines running from temple to jaw line are straighter, but have a more tapered feel going towards the round chin. They are very similar to the rectangle shape but have smoother chin and jaw line. You can do well with this type of shape if you stay off extra long hairstyles that end beyond the shoulders. You will look great with short or fringed bangs, chin length bobs be-

cause they tend to highlight your jaw line showing off your bone structure.

A shoulder length straight hairstyle is the best length for an oblong shaped face.

•Heart shape: if you do not find yourself in the aforementioned faced shapes, then probably you fall into the category of people under this shape.

Heart shaped face are wider at the brow and narrower at the chin, which typically adds up to give you a killer cheekbones. Soft side swept bangs accentuate your eyes and draw focus away from a pointy chin. Choose a style that will create volume around the bottom of your face. But whatever your hair type, don’t have your hair too long and

ask for soft layers to soften your chin area. Long curly locks will look fantastic on you; a short bob shape is also a safe style. Don’t let it longer than your jaw line, a shorter wispy fringe is low-key but will look gorgeous on you.

Avoid soft, full styles that emphasise upper face because they will make you look top heavy.

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28 February, 2016

relationships

… Issues, family, sex

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 07039394917 rosarumese@gmail.com

6infidelity steps for

overcoming

I

N order to help you work through any infidelity issues you may face in your relationship, below is a list of suggestions for couples to use when confronting such breaches of trust. This list, which was adapted from the book After the Affair, by Janis Abrahms Spring, is specifically designed for couples to use when they have experienced a physical or emotional infidelity. It can, however, be used as a template for coping with any of the forms of infidelity identified.

Six steps for overcoming infidelity Understand that you will experience a wide range of feelings and that all of them are normal. When a spouse discovers that his or her partner has engaged in any type of aberrant behaviour, the range of emotion he or she experiences can be tremendous and can include any or all of the following feelings: • A loss of identity: “Who are you if you do this, and who am I if I am in a relationship with you?”

• A loss of feeling special: “I thought we had something special, but now I feel like we have nothing.”

• A loss of self-respect: “I’ll grovel or do anything to repair this relationship” or “I’ve become mean-spirited in order to punish my spouse for this behaviour.”

• Anger at yourself for missing the clues: “How could I have been so stupid?”

• Feeling emotionally out of control: “How do I stop myself from constantly thinking about this and endlessly worrying about it?”

• A fundamental loss of stability: “I used to believe I had a pretty good handle on the world I live in, but now I feel like I have absolutely no idea of what is right, wrong, or even what to do next.”

• Anger or confusion regarding your re-

ligious faith or sense of purpose in life: “How could God have abandoned me this way?” or “Why would God punish me in this way’ • A profound sense of isolation or loneliness: “I can’t share this with anyone, and even if I did, no one could possibly understand my despair or fix it.”

• Loss of hope: “I’ll never experience true love again and I’ll never trust again.”

Embrace those feelings and talk with your partner or a therapist about each of them. It is important to explore each of those feelings and to engage your partner in that discussion. Avoiding these feelings or denying them only makes them stronger and puts a further wedge in your relationship. Since the infidelity involved withholding information, in order to fix things, everything must now be shared between spouses.

If your spouse refuses to discuss the subject in any meaningful or productive way, it is best to seek counseling to help you identify and work through these feelings.

I must point out, however, that if your spouse refuses to discuss the subject, that doesn’t bode well for your relationship. As I mentioned above, repairing the damage done in these circumstances usually has to be done together. It’s not impossible to do it alone, but your spouse’s refusal to join you in the repair process typically only makes matters worse.

Give a name to each of those feelings and make a commitment to identifying them and working through them every time they occur. The difference between this step and step two is that in this step you have to commit to digging deeply into those feelings and working through them productively. Since the feelings associated with infidelity are so severe, merely identifying them is not enough. You must

explore them and cleanse them from your mind (and heart) in a healthy way or they will continue to invade your psyche and damage you and your relationship. As painful as it may be to discuss these feelings over and over, it is imperative that you and your spouse share a common language about the incident and sew together, one at a time, the frayed ends of your trust.

Decide whether to recommit to the relationship or quit. In time, regardless of the infraction, you have to make a conscious decision either to stay in the relationship or get out. Given the volatile emotions attached to this decision, this can be a difficult step.

However, it has to be a conscious, stated choice that you commit to wholeheartedly.

Just as you can’t be half pregnant, you can’t be half committed to your relationship. If you choose to stay, you must remain true to that course. This doesn’t mean you have to feel completely content with your decision; it just means that if you pick the recommitment path, you have to stick with it even when you feel frightened or angry.

Think of it this way: when you commit to mending the relationship, this commitment becomes the cornerstone of rebuild-

Even if the infidelity that occurred was beyond your control, there are still things you can do to improve the way you behave in the relationship.

ing the relationship. If you waffle on this decision as you go along, you are, in a way, knocking down the new foundation over and over again. This is especially problematic when you are in the process of attempting to rebuild trust.

Commit to rebuilding trust and repairing the relationship in whatever way is necessary. There are two parts to this step: • Agree to specific changes in behaviour.

Building trust takes time, but it begins with changes in behaviour. The spouse who is responsible for the breach of trust must not only recognise his or her unhealthy behaviour, but also actively change that behaviour.

• Agree to change the interpersonal dynamics of the relationship. No relationship is perfect and no spouse is without fault.

Even if the infidelity that occurred was beyond your control, there are still things you can do to improve the way you behave in the relationship. Dig deep within yourself and consider what behaviors you engage in that undermine the overall health of your relationship. You are still an active participant in your relationship, which means you always have room to grow as well.

Forgive your partner. In the end, in order for your relationship to recover fully from this event, you have to find a way to forgive your partner. There are many ways to accomplish this, and everyone has to find his or her own way of getting there.

However, in order for the wound to be fully healed, this step has to occur, even if it takes many years.

Courtesy:www.tipsonlifeandlove.com

26

28 February, 2016

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

On July 16, 2016, dele jegede will hold a solo exhibition, Transitions, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. In the preface to the exhibition catalog, Professor Niyi Osundare offers intimate reflections and insightful ideas.

O

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Boy NE afternoon in 1959, Omodele paid me a visit at my home in Ule Asa, Odo Oja, Ukere Ekiti. (We were both from the same part of town, and our respective family houses a mere stone throw from each other).As soon as he took his seat, he saw my younger brother, then a late toddler, greeted him warmly, and told him to pose for a graphic portrait. He asked for a pencil and a sheet from my 2D exercise book, steadied himself in his seat, and instructed my brother to stand fairly close to the window where his face could benefit from the generous light from the cloudless sky. He went to work, his penetrating gaze moving back and forth from the wondering subject a few feet from that gaze and the piece of paper on which he was he was assiduously trying to reproduce his image. Sole witness to this epiphany and in utter wonderment, I watched Omodele wield the pencil with a near-miraculous ease, his inchoate, tentative lines coalescing into recognizable forms: a nose, two eyes, two ears, a mouth whose lips were in a state of half-smile and partial closure. I savoured– or eavesdropped - the creative, conspiratorial rasp issuing from the dialogue between pencil and paper as the artist realized the vertical stripes on his subject’s shirt. I watched as the artist straightened up from his bending posture, touched his lips with the tip of the pencil, took another look at the subject of his inspiration and compared what he saw with his re-presentation on paper. The artist then invited his ‘model’ to take a look at his new image, and the young boy responded in a wonder without/beyond words.

Beyond words. My mother took a look at the new portrait, gasped, and exclaimed ‘Hee, ooomoomo gun o’ (Wonderful; this artist’s hand is perfect). When father returned from the farm and was shown the portrait, his response was equally appreciative (O modaa o; isenidabifoto. (Oh, this is beautiful; it looks like a photograph). This portrait remained part of the family heirloom for a long time, and my father never stopped referring to awe re olooara (your friend with the artistic hand) each time his inquiry fell on Omodele.

If my parents were surprised at Omodele’s artistic feat/ talent, my own feeling was a combination of awe and astonishment. And a healthy dose of admiration. For, the question that kept popping up in my mind is: where did Omodele learn his art? Who taught him?

What Angel sprinkled this miraculous flair on his pillow at night, tutored his hands, and fortified him with talents beyond the ordinary? I had every reason for asking these questions. For Omodele and I attended the same St. Luke’s Anglican Primary School at Uro, Ukere, a well organized and modestly provisioned school where the Christian Scriptures, were taught daily, English and Arithmetic virtually every day, and Yoruba, our mother tongue, was dubbed ‘vernacular’ and accorded a brief mention once or twice

dele jegede: The Total Artist

formance provided part of the inspiration for my own star role in our school drama the following year, in the same school, and directed by the same Mr. Olatona.

With the St. Luke’s phase over, Omodele stayed on briefly in Ikere before moving on to Lagos where he worked and lived by his art, then on to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he honed his creative hunch and roared out of the undergraduate cadre with a widely acclaimed First Class degree.

From that time on, the world became his stage, the sky his canvas, the sea his pot of paint, and ideas the rippling population of his thronged universe….

dele jegede in his studio a week in the upper classes. Art, the teaching, creation, and appreciation of it, never had any noticeable place in the curriculum, though we had a weekly class called ‘Handwork’, an omnibus session for all kinds of ‘work’ from basket-making to a random play with clay-moulding. Although we lived in a town where blacksmiths, carvers, bodybeautifiers/decorators, drummers, singers, dancers, and incredibly imaginative festivals abounded, none of these creative agents was permitted to shed their impact on the school curriculum. As a matter of fact, the indigenous festivals were considered heathen practices and condemned as barbaric obstacles on that straight and narrow way that led to the Christian paradise. In spite of all this, where then did Omodele get the fire that propelled his imagination? Who were his models so early in life? Who were his silent teachers?

How did a country boy whose artistic career began on such fortuitous grounds turn out to become one of Nigeria’s most original, most versatile, and most conscientious artists and art teachers?

There is yet another side to the versatility of this artist that is not known to the ordinary world: his powerful singing voice and dramatic/acting prowess. As far as the cultivation and showcasing of the talents in this capacity are concerned, St. Luke’s did a memorable job. For it was here I saw Omodele on the stage for the first time, under the directorship of the tirelessly creative, amazingly intriguing, and unforgettably inspiring

Mr. Olatona. The year was 1958, Omodele’s final year in primary school. Early that year, as part of the activities marking the Health Week Programme in Ikere, St. Luke’s School presented the play, Omo Alaigboran (The Disobedient Boy), to a large gathering of townspeople, at the Holy Trinity Primary School, Odo Oja, right in the centre of Ikere township. Omodele played Omo Alaigboran, the main role in this play, and did so with a spirited verve and virtuosity that got many people in the audience asking with envious curiosity: omoi see yi? (Whose son is this?). The young actor earned the credit as a star, Mr. Olatona the recognition as a great teacher, and St. Luke’s its laurels as one of Ikere’s distinguished schools. I was a grateful member of the audience, and the resonance of Omodele’s powerful voice excites me to this day! Any wonder, then, that later that year, when Mr. Olatona selected the cast for the annual end-of-year play, for which he was famous throughout Ikere, Omodele again came up as the star actor.

The play this time, was Jacob and Esau, based on one of the popular stories from the Bible’s Old Testament. With Omodele as Jacob and Ebenezer Babatope Ojo (another honey-throated singer – and personal friend) as Esau, Mr. Olatona orchestrated a virtuoso performance which the town remembered for many years after. Again, I was a fortunate member of the audience of that play in December 1958; and I must confess that this amazing duo’s sterling per-

From Dele Jegede to dele jegede: daring, dissonance, and dissent The foregoing biographical narrative (brutally brief though it is) justifies its telling by its own significance. For it provides one or two helpful revelations about jegede’s childhood years that most people do not know and about which he has been silent all these decades because of his decency and selfeffacing modesty. The phenomenon now famously known as dele jegede is by no means an accidental artist who happened upon creative prodigy in his adult years, or one bearded nerd who discovered his artistic calling in the stuffy catacombs of university studios. Starting out as a spontaneous, natural artist, singer, actor, dancer, and verbal aficionado, nurtured by the profoundly vibrant, diverse, and inspiring culture of Ukere in the pre-Independence, pre-Pentecostal days, he has had, right from the early years, all it takes to be a total artist. The seeds were there, raw and ready, awaiting germination, growth, fruition, maturation, and harvest. Here is the origin of the music of jegede’s Muse: that flow to the splash of his paint that reminds us of the melody of his voice; that unique lyricism of his lines; that ineluctable vitality of the characters in his cartoons that brings intimations of stage presence and enactive possibilities; that unsettling eloquence in the dialogue of those cartoons that parallels their author’s public/political interventions. We are forcibly confronted with the creed and calling of the Artist as Public Intellectual.

And what an artist, what an intellectual dele jegede has turned out to be in the past 50 years! Raised and rooted in Yoruba culture whose aesthetic principle is based on a symbiotic relationship between ewa (beauty) and iwulo (usefulness), jegede’s art is the kind which connects and contests, which condemns and commends, which adds and subtracts. Idle beauty, facile prettiness, and sterile attitudinizing and other rigidly formalist encumbrances may have a place in certain climes and certain times, but jegede’s charge is the kind of art which is and does; the type whose terrible beauty (to borrow W.B. Yeats’s unparaphrasable phrase) arrests and liberates, repels and attracts; the type whose ear is close to the pulse of humanity, whose Continues p27

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consciousness draws its strength from the intelligence of the universe.

Arimadake (The one that cannot see/observe without talking/commenting), town crier, and troubadour of the Fine Arts, jegede has rattled the world’s jungle of silence for several decades, enabling muted masses to come to voice, helping lamed Justice back to its puissant feet. From the theory of Art to its practice; from the closet to the marketplace, jegede’s art has been the kind that says the unsayable, the kind that tells the naked Emperor that he is walking the streets without clothes. In this philosophy of relevance and social answerability, he confronts us and our consciences with the kind of art that shocks and awes, the kind that makes sure we do not forget, very much in the league of other Nigerian academic artists and art educators such as the muchadmired Obiora Udechukwu, the early Olu Oguibe, and Victor Ehikhamenor.

Thus, as amply illustrated in Art, Parody, and Politics: dele jegede’s creative activism, nigeria and the transnational space*, that magnum opus assiduously ‘curated’

Boko Haram and edited by aderonke adesanya and toyin falola, no major (or minor but significant) happening in the world in the past 40 years has escaped the creative-critical gaze and comment of dele jegede: Nigeria’s twin plague of electoral malpractices and military dictatorship; the IMF ‘conditionalities’ and the pauperization of the Nigerian peo-

ple; crumbling educational system; epileptic power supply; the travails of Abuja, the country’s beleaguered capital city with its broken lineaments, the Niger Delta as the aching fingers of Nigeria’s swollen foot. On the continental level the hyphenated horrors of Rwanda-Burundi; on the African diaspora, Kwanzaa and the celebration of

Praises for ‘Successes Don’t Fail’, life enriching literature Creator of the Live Abundantly! brand, Amam Onyerinma, presented her first published work at a well attended event in Lagos

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T was a pleasant fusion of the literary and visual arts on Friday, February 19 when educationist, coach, strategist and advocate, Dr. Amam Onyerinma, presented her book, ‘Successes Don’t Fail’ at Red Door Art Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Paintings by master artists including Ben Enwonwu, Jimoh Buraimoh and Georgina Beier, and contemporary artists like Lemi Ghariokwu, Tola Wewe, Segun Aiyesan and Victor Ehikhamenor, adorning the walls welcomed guests to the event.

Fittingly, those interested in the works had the privilege of purchasing them at an auction that rounded off the presentation anchored by Isaac Moses of the Goge Africa fame.

Given the genre of the book - education, human relations and management- it was not surprising that speakers dwelt mostly on living a good life and achieving one’s purpose in their speeches.

Movie producer and director, Andy Boyo, noted that it was a befitting occasion to celebrate Onyerinma, “advocate of all things for the improvement of humanity.” He described the book published under the author’s Live Abundantly brand, as “life enriching literature.” Boyo, the producer of movies including ‘Last Night’, ‘Spirit of the Assassin’ and ‘Untamed’ added that apart from the book’s title telling a story, he discovered himself reading it.

Popular life coach, Lanre Olusola, who delivered the keynote speech, spoke in the same vein. He said the book contains several wisdom nuggets and it is written by a very deep spiritual author and coach. “Dr. Ama is such a wonderful soul,” noted Olusola who went ahead to discuss how to live a better life by posing 22 questions including ‘Are you living a life of purpose’; ‘who’s in the driving seat of your life’; ‘what’s your life vision’ and ‘do you have harmony in your life?’ amongst others.

The author, Dr Amam Onyerinma (left), Nneka and Isaac Moses at the presentation of ’Successes Don’t Fail’.

The book reviewer, Tolulope Sadipe described going through the chapters of ‘Successes Don’t Fail’ as a life changing experience. She enjoined others to read it conscientiously because they will readily identify with the contents.

Explaining how she came about writing the book, the author said “‘Successes Don’t Fail’ is the first book in a series that I have created under the Live Abundantly Brand and the Live Abundantly brand is focussed on inspiring people to live better lives. The book, really, is allowing people to fully understand themselves and their purpose in life and aligning that to their missions, their goals. It is also helping people to understand that life is filled with intricacies; all kinds of things happen in our life. It is all part of the human experience and we have to embrace that part of our journey as human beings.”

On her target audience, Onyerinma who has lived in Europe, Africa and North America said they are people aged 18 to 80. “I have

65- year- old reading my book and enjoying it tremendously; I have 80 -year- old reading my book and enjoying it tremendously.

It’s the message; the message is very simple: enjoy, achieve happiness and success in life.

We were born with the gift of happiness and success. Our goal is to manifest that and to do that you have to know who you are and what your mission is,” she said.

Continuing, the author said ‘Successes Don’t Fail’ tells the story of all human beings. “What I’m saying is that we are all born successful. Some of us don’t achieve it because our fears and doubts stop us from achieving what we care for and others do on a grand scale. But it’s about being able to embrace what life offers you because if you are knocked down and you don’t get up... “ On why she accompanied the presentation with an exhibition and auction, Onyerinma said apart from being a verbal artist herself, she wants “us to embrace and encourage our artists in every possible medium.”

African memory; the bling-bling blast of hip hop; the ironic variation on the Obama Yes We Can. Then, One World with MacDonald’s yellow ‘M’ dominating its sole window in a manner which mocks the Globalization mantra and its peddlers! A pageant of images, pathetically unnerving, pitilessly funny, helpfully useful. .

But in addition to, and oftentimes beyond, these topical engagements are matters of deep cultural and mythological fascinations: Esu the complex deity and his confounding crossroads; Sango the King who hanged but did not hang; mystic peregrinations, ancestral spirits, and the supplication(s) so achingly needed to cleanse the Nigerian/global ‘anomie’. It is impossible for somebody like me to encounter these images in jegede’s works without remembering our common Ukere origin.

The spirit of Olosunta and Oroole breathes through these paintings, as do the haunting ululations from the shrine of Orisagisa. When I behold jegede’s owl-eyed Masquerade, my inner voice shouts Ira orunkininkin (Spirit/ Denizen of the Other World, utterly).

Oni Esi Dee De (The One who Came Last Year Has Come Again) That Masquerade metaphor spills over to the discourse of the present exhibition. For the time-defying trajectory of dele jegede’s vision and works brings powerful memories of the song which both typified and announced the outing of one of my favourite Ikere masquerades: Ori okal’oka (The cobra’s head is the cobra) Aremojaajaa jo (Aremo, dance your dance) Ori ere l’ere (The python’s head is the python) Aremojaajaa jo (Aremo, dance your dance) Oni esi dee de (The one who came last year has come again) Aremojaajaa jo (Aremo, dance your dance) Oni esi dee dee (The one who came last year has come again) Aremojaajaa jo (Aremo, dance your dance) Now, unlike other egingun (masquerades), Aremo came out alone in a shroud that was uniquely his, trailed by singing children and cheering adults. Unlike other egingun, he carried no whips, chanted no frightening incantations, nor ran through the streets like a bull cut loose from its tether. His exquisite dance swelled the ranks of his fans as the small gourds (urere in Ukere dialect) tied to his ankles produced a rattling sound which both dictated and blended with the melody coming from the crowd. His dance steps were intricate, his body rhythm a marvel to behold. But more than any other attribute, what distinguished Egigun Aremo was his capacity for ‘re-inventing’ his dance steps every year, his uncanny ability to impress his fans and followers differently season after season. What followed was a case of modulated predictability, varied regularity, movement without monotony.

These, precisely, are the attributes which tutor my reflexes as I watch, study, and ponder these new images from dele jegede, Oni Esi Dee de, unarguably one of the most versatile, most socially engaged and engaging artists Nigeria has ever seen. The artist who gave us those haunting images of an ecologically devastated Niger Delta, and topped them up with images of Abuja, the capital city in which ‘Things Fall apart’, yes, that artist is here again, this time, with stunning images of our displaced conscience. continues next week

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Sunday Tribune

Sunday Tribune

28 February, 2016

glamour

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With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 08054727801

What people don’t know about toning —Tayo Sobola

Tayo Sobola, popularly known as Sotayo, is a dancer, model, actress, presenter and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / MD of Sotee Entertainment. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the graduate of Public Administration from the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, speaks on life as a model, television presenter and actress, how she handles negative press and her fashion preferences. Excerpts:

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Growing up T was okay. The only challenge I had was not being able to mingle with many people. My mum was always locking me in the house. She didn’t allow me to visit people. I grew up in a polygamous setting with my mum, so there were restrictions.

Foray into acting I started acting in 2003/2004.

It was Emeka Okoro who pushed me into it. I was studying Law at Lagos State University, while he was studying Theatre Arts. I was into modelling and was dancing in musical videos (video vixen).

He encouraged me to join acting. He registered me with Actors Guild of Nigeria and that was how I became a member and started doing movies.

Choosing between acting, modelling and presenting Acting is quitedemanding for me because most times, you get to meet a lot of people with different characters and not many people appreciate your personality. They think you are just trying to be smart or you are trying to overshadow them but if you are presenting, you are in your own world. For modelling, you just pose for photographs and that is it. Personally, I just find them all easy to do. I am cool with them though they have their different challenges.

Challenges faced What made me to pull back from modelling was that many people would have to audition for a job meant for just one person. You will see many beautiful ladies waiting to be auditioned, but most times, none of them would not even get the job because the organisers already had someone in mind that may not even be at the auditioning. So I just got tired of staying in a spot for hours. Ever since then, what I do is; if you want me for a job, give me a call. I will come, do the job and leave. For acting, there are so many challenges that I would not want to talk about here but I am pushing on despite the challenges. Some people look at me and say that I am proud, I am not. I just like to stay out of trouble. I give respect to whom I feel is due, I don’t disrespect anybody.

Why I am able to act in both English and Yoruba movies As I said earlier, I joined acting through Emeka Okoro. Along the line, when they would give you a script and ask you to come and meet them at the movie market, I became discouraged and I decided to put acting on hold. It was then I finished my Diploma at the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State and gained admission to Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, to study Public Administration. After some time, I started doing comedy skits with Bovi, Basketmouth and others. It was then that producers started calling me again to feature in English movies. A colleague, Femi Ogedengbe, too called me that a producer needed a new face for a Yoruba movie. I told him I couldn’t speak Yoruba very well, but he insisted I could act the role, so I said I would think about it. Later, I went to see the man and he gave me the lead role. That was how I started acting in Yoruba movies. After that, I produced Arewa Onijogbon and later Corper Jide. I still act in the English movies too. They don’t see me as a Yoruba actress, they know what I am capable of doing.

How I cope with competition I am a simple person. I just like to be on my own.

I am not in competition with anybody.

How I started Sotee Entertainment Before now, I do some other jobs aside acting and entertainment. I don’t believe in putting all my eggs in one basket. I have a lot of friends outside the industry who always tell me that I belong in the corporate world and not in the entertainment industry.

I used to tell them that I was ready to do business with them, so they should bring the business, we

will do it together and share the profit. That was how I started doing contract jobs. I had also worked in some corporate organisations in the past. I am into acting because of the passion and talent I have for it. Later, I decided to have a proper company and that was how Sotee Entertainment came into being.

Favourite pastime I hardly find time to relax. The only time I can relax is when I travel for two or three days.

Definition of style Style is trying to portray whatever you are comfortable in. I wear anything I like. I go for anything I am comfortable in.

Favourite designers I like Michael Kors, Gucci and LV. But really, there is nothing I can’t wear. If they sell something for N100 and I like it, I will buy it and wear it. Though, I go to shops to buy things, I am not so particular about designers to be honest with you.

Beauty regimen I am very careful to watch what I eat because I don’t want to be too big. I have discovered that even if I don’t eat much, I sometimes get big. What I try to do is to drink lots of water and because I break out a lot, I go to the spa once or twice a month, depending on how stressful my schedule had been for the month.

Special treat If I am in Nigeria, I will leave my house and stay in a hotel for two or three days just to be alone.

Coping with advances from male admirers It is a normal thing. So, I just laugh it off. That way, I don’t allow it to get to me and I don’t get carried away.

What I will like to change about myself I like everything about myself. I like the way I am.

The only thing is that I have bad eyesight so I am always in recommended glasses no matter the colour or shape. When people see me they tell me they like my glasses because they always think I am wearing fashion glasses.

Greatest physical asset

My lips.

My take on cosmetic surgery I think everything in this life has an expiry date, so if you buy something and they tell you there is no side effect, it is a lie. I am against anything that has to do with surgery.

On provocative dressing To some people it is acceptable, to others, it is not.

I just believe you need to dress in a way that is suitable to the environment you live in. Some women go all nude because they saw Kim Kardashian go nude in a video forgetting that Kim is not in Nigeria. She dressed based on what was suitable for the environment she was in. Before now, I used to wear a lot of skimpy things. I was extremely crazy but I didn’t know it then. I think it has to do with age at times, because now, I am no longer comfortable wearing clothes that are tight anymore.

My opinion on toning I was never this light before, but if you see me, you won’t say I am bleaching. Some people go to the extreme when it comes to toning and don’t really know when to stop. I just believe you need to take care of your skin but not to the level that people find it to be irritating.

Marital status I am engaged but not married yet.

Qualities I want in a man All I want in a man is for him to understand my

person and lifestyle. Some people pretend to understand you in order to get you but after they do, they show their true colours. The person I am engaged to understands me.

Most embarrassing thing a fan has ever done to me I meet a lot of people every day and they do a lot of crazy things. Some will see you and start shouting. I meet a lot of ‘crazy’ people in and outside Nigeria.

Gains and pains of acting The pains are many. People will offend you but you can’t fight. I have never been a fighter. I am not a lousy person. You have to be careful of what you do because of the nature of your job. If you cough, somebody will write it. Where you go, whom you are seen with are important. You are not living your life for yourself again. You are living your life for people.

Even if you are in your house and they don’t see you for two days, they will start making insinuations. So, the major pain is that you are not living your life for yourself but for people. The gain on the other hand is that you have access to eminent personalities. You also get preferential treatment from people.

How I handle negative publicity Any sensible person who has been in the system for some time should learn to look away from such things. You don’t have to respond to every thing that is written about you. When you do, you will just be expanding the issue. So, just look away and pretend as if nothing happens. It is not easy looking away but that is the best way to deal with it.

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aspire

28 February, 2016

Your Life Counts

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

Babalola Seun Bamiro is the Chief Executive Officer of YNORTH Shoes, a Nigerianmade shoe company based in Lagos State with branches across Nigeria. In this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, he speaks about his mission and vision for the company and how he intends to remain on top of his game. Excerpts:

duction that our market demands now. I had to travel to get some machines, employ more hands and start producing on a bigger scale. Today, we have several people who now produce for us because we have the market but they have the machinery.

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How did you come about the name YNORTH? When I told the man to stop using a foreign name on home-made product, we started thinking about a name we could give our brand. We came up with different names, but at the end of the day, we settled for YNORTH. We actually started production in 2010 at the Redemption Camp where we sold a lot of products to the congregation. After the massive sales at Redemption Camp, we started going to supermarkets and stores to sell our shoes. Since then, we have taken our shoes to virtually every part of the country.

How is your relationship with the man who introduced you into the business?

When we started in 2010, he was producing for us, but when the market expanded, we started our own production professionally. We don’t have to wait on them to produce for us anymore because the quantity of what we are producing now is higher than when we started. The man does not have the capacity to produce the massive pro-

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

BB pin: 290B9652

How I discovered my passion for shoe-making—Bamiro

ow did you conceive the idea of making shoe?

The journey started in 2010, but before then, we have attended a lot of programmes and trainings that are related to what we are doing today. The story of YNORTH actually started when my girlfriend, now my wife, bought me a pair of leather slippers some years back. I noticed that everywhere I wore the slippers to, people kept asking me where I got it from and begging me to get one for them. So, I told my wife to invite the man who made the slippers for her. The man produced about five slippers for these people and before I knew it, more people kept requesting for more. So, I was forced to call the man to see how I could partner with him. I asked him how I could be making #500 from every production he makes for people through me. That was how the journey started for YNORTH, and we are grateful to God for how far we have come.

Sunday Tribune

What are the challenges you are facing producing made in Nigeria shoes?

One of our major challenges is getting to higher people who will buy into your idea. It has not been easy producing Nigerian-made shoes that can compete with foreign brands. Another problem is in the area of finance-buying the equipment that can enhance our production has been a big challenge for us. We need to get a bigger machine to produce. Even though we have all the equipment and machinery at our disposal, the epileptic power supply is seriously affecting our business. It is very worrisome that despite our efforts to give Nigerians something they can be proud of, power supply has never been regular.

Fuelling our generating set is a big problem that is draining our finance. When I am thinking about buying a bigger machine, I am also thinking about buying a bigger generator to power the machine. Of course there is joy in delivering our products to people, because by and large, more people are beginning to buy from YNORTH shoes.

We have moved up the ladder. The sales have increased but the pains and stress of getting the shoes ready are better imagined.

You once said that you are not competing with any Nigerian shoemaker but you are looking at how you can make your shoes compete with other foreign brands. How realistic do you think that is?

We have come a long way in shoe production and I can tell you that YNORTH has moved on. I don’t see us competing with any Nigerian-made shoe manufacturers, but the foreign brands. If we have the necessary machinery that produces what we want, nothing stops us from calling the bluff of foreign brands. As I speak with you, YNORTH has the largest fan base in Nigeria today. In fact, we are struggling these days to meet up with the demands people are placing on a daily basis. If we are able to get the machines and import the raw materials, I strongly believe that we have the market already in Nigeria. When we concentrate on our locality, we will win over other areas. We are not having problem with made in Nigeria products.

How well do you think Nigerians have accepted your products?

Honestly, we are doing very well in the Nigerian market and I don’t think we have competitors in Nigeria today. I don’t think we have competitors in Nigeria as I speak with you. The rate with which Nigerians have come to accept our shoes really amased me but I believe we have earned our place in Nigeria. The capacity of what we produce and the branding of our products is one of our unique selling points. The marketing arm of our business is not something most of our competitors can beat. I am actually thinking big right now, because we have seen what others have been doing and I can tell you that we have surpassed that state. The branding, production, capacity and marketing of our products stand us out.

A look at adversity (part 11) Last time we began looking at the issue of adversity.

We saw that our perspective of life is a great determinant of how we will go through life. If we see life as a battle we will always be fighting. If we see life as a party we will always be looking for fun and never take life serious. If we see life as work we will always be working and hardly ever have time to relax and enjoy the fruit of our labour. If we see life as unfair we will always be a victim.

Life is a mixed grill and we must develop skills to properly navigate through the different terrains we find ourselves. There will be times we have to work, times to play, times to do battle, etc. We must have the right perspective and the appropriate approach and strategy per time. A wrong perspective will lead to undesirable consequences. Problems, adversity and crisis are indispensible issues of life. To think otherwise is to live in a fool’s paradise.

We must not maximize adversity neither must we minimize it. Maximizing adversity is giving it a-largerthan-life image while minimizing adversity is underrating the power of adversity. Both are wrong perspectives of looking at adversity. Adversity can be a tool to unlock some doors that ordinarily will remain closed in good times.

“Adversity has the same effect on a man that severe training has on the pugilist: it reduces him to his fighting weight.” Josh Billings.

There is hardly any great person who did not have to cross the bridge of adversity before making any appreciable impact with their lives. Adversity, many times, puts us under pressure, which if well managed, will bring out the best in us. Adversity pushes us to the wall and forces us to look at options we would never have considered if things were rosy.

“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” ~Arthur Golden.

No matter the adversity we encounter we must not allow it to stop us.

“Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34;19.

We must see adversity and respond appropriately.

Sometimes we just need a little help.

“The healthy and strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he’s got an abscess on his knee or in his soul.” ~Rona Barrett. Other times, we just need to persevere.

“For thirty years now, in times of stress and strain, when something has me backed against the wall and I’m ready to do something really stupid with my anger, a sorrowful face appears in my mind and asks... “Problem or inconvenience?” I think of this as the Wollman Test of Reality. Life is lumpy. And a lump in the oatmeal, a lump in the throat, and a lump in the breast are not the same lump. One should learn the difference.”

—Robert Fulghum.

Our dreams are needed to make this world a better place but we must not allow adversity to steal or cut short our dreams.

What you are today is as a result of the things you did in the past. Today’s harvests are due to the seeds you previously planted. The great taste of orange you enjoy is because somebody planted an orange tree. You are a doctor today because you have finished medical school. Your bank pays you interest because you saved some money with them. The seeds of today will surely produce a harvest for tomorrow. A popular saying goes; “As you lay your bed so shall you lie on it”. What you do today is a fundamental building block to what you will turn out to be tomorrow. If your life will count you must live deliberately. You must understand that nothing in life just happens. You must not be complacent.

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

31

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

thepolity PDP govs’ arrogance will no longer be tolerated —Ex-ministers’ spokesperson

Dr Sulaiman Abubakar is the immediate past Minister of National Planning and spokesperson for the ministers who served in the government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan. The university lecturer and doctoral degree holder in international relations and strategic studies speaks with DARE ADEKANMBI on what the face of a new PDP should look like, why former ministers opposed Ali Modu Sheriff as PDP national chairman, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, among others. Excerpts:

A

T a time Nigerians, especially the rank and file of the PDP, are looking for a virile opposition from the PDP, they appear to have been let down with the incessant bickering and wrangling in the party. Why is this so?

The incessant bickering and wrangling are symptoms of democracy. Democracy is all about conflict and conflict resolution, interest and a counter interest. The way and manner we go about resolving the issues without recourse to chaos or anarchy helps democracy as a system of government. So, what you are seeing now is normal in a democracy and it tells you that, more than any other party, PDP remains a democratic party in the true sense of democracy. Some people took a decision and some people rejected such decision because it is not in the best interest of the party and they used the opportunity to express contrary opinion, which is what democracy is all about. So, what we have done is an attempt to position the party in the manner that we will be able to give power back to the people, which is what PDP is all about. So, power now must truly reside with the people and that is what we stand for.

In taking decision on the emergence of Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff as the national chairman of the party, there wasn’t any wide consultation. Now, the people themselves were not consulted and their wishes, opinion and interest were not considered. We are saying in the spirit of founding principles and ideals of the party, let the wishes of the people prevail in whatever we are doing. So, what Nigerians have just seen in democracy in action. A situation where one or two people will sit in Lagos and decide who becomes the chairman of the party will no longer be tolerated. From now on, the people will determine who administers the party and embrace internal democracy in leadership recruitment at the party level.

The PDP has all along been structured in such a way that the governors always hold the ace.

They are the leaders in their states and they take decisions on behalf of the party. So, why is your group trying to challenge what has come across as the status quo?

The governors do not constitute the National Working Committee of the party and it is not only the governors that are members of the National Executive Committee or even the caucus of the party. As a matter of fact, the governors you are talking about are about 12 out of the 36 of 37 federating units. So, they can’t decide for the majority. The impunity of the past years must come to an end.

The oligarchy and autocracy of some few must come to an end. This was why we said that, in an attempt to reposition the party, the attitude whereby the governors will believe their opinion is superior and want to force their decision on the people will no longer be permitted. Such attitude obtained pre-2011. We must put an end to the arrogance of some people in the party. The governors have only 12 or 13 votes and can’t dictate to the majority. They can’t just sit somewhere and force a leadership of the party on the people without recourse to the aspirations of the people. They have to look at the person they are bringing.

Perception matters a lot in politics. As a matter of fact, perception is stronger than reality in politics. What is the mood of the nation? What is the people’s perception about the man they are bringing? What colour or benefit is he going to add to the party? Public opinion matters in

Dr Sulaiman Abubakar

politics. It is weighty. The era of arrogance of governors in the party is gone for good. The era where some people will just go to the Villa to decide for people is also gone.

The founding fathers of the party chose the appropriate name for it. Peoples Democratic Party, which was done in recognition of the fact that the people should be at the centre of the activities of the party. The ultimate beneficiaries of democracy should be the people. Decisions and policies should emanate from the people. What the governors have done is a nullity. By the time they were bringing Sheriff, they agreed he would stay as the chairman till next year. But today, they have been boxed into a corner and have conceded to the fact that he should not go beyond three months. That shows that the wishes of the people have prevailed. If we had not risen up to challenge them, they would not have taken the decision that Sheriff should not stay beyond 100 days in office. That is democracy at work. I would like to tell Nigerians that the impunity of yesteryear has gone for good.

The ex-ministers that met in Abuja cut across all the states of the federation. We had ministers from every nook and cranny of the country in attendance. In terms of reflection of the wishes of our party members, the ministers are more of true representatives than the governors.

So, what the ministers are doing is the true reflection of

the wishes of Nigerians, our members and the mood of the nation. We are on the right track, which was why the governors had to hurriedly meet before on the same day we met to shift their position, which was that, though they have made a mistake, they are assuring Nigerians that Sheriff won’t stay beyond three months. Despite that decision, we the ex-ministers are insisting that Sheriff should go now and not in the next three months because within the 100 days he will stay, he could do some damage to the party.

In your opposition to his emergence, did you consider the fact that the governors who brought him in are the ones funding the party, which power they will always deploy to continue to hold the ace and scheme things in their favour?

The governors themselves now are short of funds in their states. In fact, one of the theories that explain why they had to concede to Sheriff is the fact that they believed Sheriff has money to run the party. The governors don’t have money to fund the party again. Sheriff cajoled them that he has money to spend. So, the issue of funding has been a major means for the governors to display arcontinues

pg 32

32

thepolity

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Why Buhari is not getting it right’ ing towards dictatorship, without recourse to the rule of law. In this face of despotism, there must be a virile opposition on ground to rescue the country form the disaster that awaits us. To save Nigeria and democracy therefore, we must come together to ensure that we sustain PDP as a vibrant opposition party. Any element, force, factor that will inhibit the sustainability of PDP should be resisted and that is what we are doing in this forum. If democracy fizzles out in Nigeria, we shall all be victims. If democracy today does not stay as the only political system the country can embrace, then we are in a serious problem.

We have a duty to help the people in APC government in our constructive engagement of issues. If they can’t get that from us, where will they get it from? For those in the Villa to be abreast of the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians outside the Villa, opposition parties and pressure groups must perform their roles passionately and objectively in the interest of the nation. This is what PDP must do. Some of us in PDP today are trying to do that and we must continue. The only thing that makes it unnecessary for us to join the APC is that, if everybody joins the APC, who will perform the role of an opposition party, which is a critical ingredient in a democracy. When some are in government, others must be in the opposition party.

This will make Nigerians to make informed choices when election comes.

continued from pg 31

rogance and that era is gone in the new PDP that we have now. The founding fathers of the party saw this challenge and they had it in mind that members of the party should contribute towards the administration of the party. As a matter of fact, we are talking about 12 to 13 governors.

What is needed to run the party runs into billions of naira. The governors can’t provide such huge money. I wouldn’t know what is happening behind the scene as we speak, but they have realised their mistake.

Funding or no funding, what we need is how to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

What we need is how to get our party endeared to the minds of Nigerians. What we need at the moment is to restore confidence in Nigerians and that goes beyond the issue of money from any governor. And that is what the new PDP is all about. When you look at the selection, Sheriff did not emerge from the North-East Caucus of the party. If we are to be legalistic about it, his emergence is a nullity because he wasn’t from among the five candidates that were nominated from the NorthEastern part of the country. His name was smuggled in. If we are to go by the court order secured by Ahmed Gulak, the North-East caucus should come up with either Gulak or any other candidate from the caucus. Sheriff was not among those so nominated. That in itself is a violation, contravention of the order. If we are to go back to court, it could further create issues that could stalemate the whole process. So, it is not about the governors. It is about due process, about democracy and respect for the constitution of the party and respecting the judiciary. So, what we have done as ex-ministers is to call the governors to order and normalcy. They have realised that they goofed and so they have been pleading and imploring and pacifying the various stakeholders.

What do you make of the projection in the camp of the governors that Sheriff is a compromise candidate whose emergence will bring back governors who left the party to join the APC in the build-up to the last election?

It is an insult on our sensibilities for anybody to justify the emergence of Sheriff on the basis of some extraneous forces outside the PDP. The oligarchy of the governors will not be condoned any longer. With due respect to some of them, because some of them were ministers before they became governors, they are governors in their states. When it comes to structure and political functionaries and officeholders at the national level, we are talking about the ministers and we have a wider coverage and mileage than the governors. The international community sees us before they see the governors. We know what the governors don’t know and they should listen to us.

This attitude of recourse to extraneous forces for consideration in decision-making process will not be tolerated any longer. We have to bear in mind that Nigerians are watching and anything that will not be in the interest of Nigerians, we will not allow it. Some of us have come of age and we have products that look up to us for direction and leadership and we can’t afford to disappoint them.

PDP must have a new face. The faces of irredentists, of some rascals that used to be before now have gone for good. We must parade new face, new products that are sellable and can be advertised to Nigerians and to which Nigerians will respond positively and buy. We don’t need products that will end up in the dustbin of history and this is what we are trying to tell the governors. We are all stakeholders and we must be key factor when it comes to taking decisions that have to do with the leadership of our party. We are staring a new beginning in the administration of the party and that will come with so many things. This informed our resistance to the unilateral decision of the governors. We are going to convince Nigerians that the PDP of today is truly a new PDP, a party that will be people-based, masses-oriented and one that will have the interest of the people at heart. As we move towards 2019, PDP will be in the good record of Nigerians.

Do you see scheming for 2019 elections as playing a part in the emergence of Sheriff?

That is not unlikely. People have come up with a lot of theories to explain his emergence. Some have talked about the extraneous forces. Some have talked about

Dr Abubakar

governors. Some have even said Sheriff too has interest in the 2019 presidential ticket of the PDP. Whatever the theories are, we are saying in the perception of Nigerians, Sheriff is not the right person to be chairman now. We do not have anything personal against him. In terms of weighing the mood and perception of Nigerians, Sheriff is not the right man for the job. He could be in the future, but not in this era.

In all honesty, do you see the possibility of the congresses and the convention going ahead as your group demanded, when these altercations are yet to be resolved?

It is not impossible. Before we arrived at that resolution, we had worked out things. If they want it done, it is do-able and realizable. The congresses can be conducted within two weeks. It is matter of just releasing the timetable. People are willing and Nigerians are already mobilised and our party is more energised. The developments in the last two weeks have shown that PDP is still a party to be reckoned with as the only true political party in the country. We are not going to bring people from the mountain to come and conduct the congresses. And people that can do it are ready.

Do you agree with those who see the current crisis as a supremacy battle between those of you who are ex-ministers and governors; a kind of crisis inspired by political self-preservation?

Self-preservation in what way? We are not just talking about minister who served under Jonathan, but ministers that have occupied ministerial office since 1999.

Some of our members are governors, ex-governors, Senators and ex-senators, some are members of BoT. So, what are we preserving? That argument does not hold water.

In terms of universality and having tentacles everywhere, it is only ministers who have such spread. We are not talking about the interest of the ministers as a collective.

We are looking at issues from national interest perspective. Don’t forget that democracy can only thrive in this country if there is a virile opposition. It is only the PDP that can give that vibrancy and virility to the APC government. If there is no vibrant opposition party on ground, then democracy is dead. More so, when the APC that is in power now has not really addressed some salient economic issues that have direct bearing on the welfare of Nigerians. More so, that there is a logjam between the executive arm of government today and a critical organ of government-Judiciary. More so, that the country is head-

You mentioned that APC has not addressed salient economic issues that touch on the welfare of Nigerians. But the ruling party has always said that that is the consequence of the mess it inherited from the 16 years of misrule under the PDP. It is almost one year since the APC took over power.

If after almost 10 months in power, they are still complaining that they could not get it right because of the last administration, then it is too bad. They told Nigerians they had the magic wand; that they would equate a naira to a dollar; that Nigerians will get jobs; that nobody will be victim of terrorism again. They said a lot. If after nine months they still see their failure on account of the legacies of the last government, then it is too bad. It is time for Nigerians to continue to shine their eye and think whether the APC government truly has the magic wand.

Rather than investment, what we have seen so far is disinvestment. We have seen what they made of the foreign exchange; we have seen how construction companies are laying off workers almost on a daily basis. We have also seen the inflation rate.

Whether we like it or not, under the last government, the country’s economy was ranked number 1 in Africa and number six in the world. But today we are in number sixteen or so. Nigeria was investment destination under Jonathan. It is high time APC admitted failure. They are not getting it right at all. They should see how people can help them get it right rather than blaming past government at every occasion.

The other day, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, that Nigeria was a pariah country under Jonathan. I just laughed and wondered if my brother knows the meaning of the word pariah. How could the country be a pariah nation when a Nigerian was elected a member of the United Nations Security Council under Jonathan? Under Jonathan, Nigeria played an active role in African Union and ECOWAS. Under him, Nigeria chaired ECOWAS two times and played active role in peacekeeping operation in Sudan and other countries.

Nigeria hosted the G-8 meeting under Jonathan and the country did everything possible to secure the emergence of a Nigerian and former minister as President, African Development Bank. I don’t know whether Lai Mohammed knows that pariah means isolationism of nation.

There is nothing to suggest that Nigeria was isolated. If anybody gives birth, it is Jonathan. If there is an abortion, it is Jonathan. It is time the APC leader went back to the drawing board to see where they got it wrong.

President Muhammadu Buhari should see himself as a statesman and rise above partisanship for him to really capture the essence of governance and appreciate the magnitude of the crisis at hand. As long as he holds on to this primordial perception of the problem and sees things from partisan angle, it will be hard for him and his party to get it right. A child just born in Nigeria today knows that APC is not a political party properly so-called. Many of its leaders are one leg in, one leg out of the party.

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thepolity

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Kogi: Hope rising for PDP? The results of the last rerun elections in Kogi State gave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) an edge over the All Progressives Congress (APC). YINKA OLADOYINBO writes on the election and its implications for the two parties.

K

OGI State has, in the past six months, been constantly featuring in headlines, particularly for political reasons, whether positively or negatively, with the gladiators trying to outwit themselves.

One of the issues that have made the state hit head line was the outcome of the last general election and the consequences of the results as so declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The results showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all the three senatorial seats and six of the nine federal constituency seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the remaining three at the election held on March 28, 2015. But at the state house of assembly election held two weeks after, the PDP won 14 seats and the APC secured 11 seats.

However, many of the results were subjected to integrity test at the tribunals and at the end of the day, two of the senators from Kogi East and Kogi Central were removed, while the APC also lost the Okene/Ogori/ Magongo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. Four of its members of the House of Assembly were sent packing, while the PDP lost one seat in the assembly. The courts thereafter ordered that fresh elections should be held in the areas where elections results were cancelled.

In the case of the APC, the occupants of the seat were removed because they failed to go through the process of primary before they emerged as the candidates of the party. When the cases were to be decided at the Court of Appeal, the party was prevented from presenting candidates for the rerun elections. However, the PDP candidate for the Idah House of Assembly seat was removed because the difference in the margin with which he defeated his close opponent was less than the cancelled vote during the election.

This necessitated the electoral body to fix the rerun election in the confluence state for February 20, with the stakeholders expected to fully participate. At the end of the exercise, Hammed Ogembe of the PDP was declared winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial district, while Senator Attai Aidoko, was comfortably leading with 46, 310 votes and his closest rival, Ibrahim Itodo of the Labour Party (LP) scored 11, 802. But INEC went ahead to declare the election inconclusive without any explanation on the reasons for its action.

Also, the PDP candidate for the Okene/Ogori/Magongo Federal Constituency, Yusuf Damisa, was returned unopposed thereby increasing the number of the PDP members in the House of Representatives to four.

However, the House of Assembly elections went the way of the Kogi East senatorial rerun as only three out of the five results were released, while three were declared inconclusive. Ahmed Mohammed of the PDP won the Ankpa I State Constituency, while the APC candidates won the two seats in Dekina. However, election into Ofu and Idah State Constituencies, where PDP was leading, was declared inconclusive.

On a general note, the rerun election showed that PDP had an edge over the APC and pundits are of the opinion that the opposition party might use the election as a springboard to launch itself back into reckoning in the state. To them, with a majority in the state assembly, two members in the upper chamber of National Assembly and four members in the lower chamber, the party could conveniently regain power in the nearest future.

Speaking after he was declared the winner of the Kogi Central election, Ogembe said he was not surprised that the electoral body reversed itself and announced him the winner. Ogembe, who is the incumbent chairman of Okene Local Government Area, said it was wrong for INEC to have declared the election inconclusive based on the submission of the presiding officer that cancelled votes during the election.

Senator Ogembe

Senator Aidoko

He, however, said his victory had shown that the PDP still remained relevant and the party to beat in the state.

Ogembe said the results showed that the PDP was still a party to reckon with in the state. He said the development was a pointer that the party had put the loss of the last election to the APC behind it.

But the APC believed the results of the rerun election could not be used as a yardstick to measure the performance of the party and ability to manage its success in recent elections. The state secretary of the party, Salam Adejo, said the seeming victory of the PDP would have no effect on the APC, arguing that there was no election in the rerun with the prevention of the APC from presenting candidates for the election.

He said, “there was no election at all in Kogi State. APC is in the majority across the state. So, the result of the election will have little or no effect. PDP can only bounce

back in a dream and not in reality. The PDP is in disarray from the national level to the ward levels. The people of Kogi are tired of them. They gave them 12 years and they failed. So, how can they bounce back so early?”

However, one thing is the outcome of the elections, but another thing was the manner it was managed by the INEC. Many people are of the view that the electoral umpire was part of the institutions giving Kogi a bad name in the comity of states in the country. They argued that it was wrong for the commission to have declared the election inconclusive and thereafter changed its decision on that of Kogi Central senatorial district.

Speaking on the development, the chairman of the state chapter of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ibrahim Itodo, while faulting the commission, held that rerun election in global reckoning is usually won by simple majority especially as people cannot be coerced to come out to vote.

The chairman said he was at a lost as to the inconsistencies of the electoral umpire in its management of election, especially as it concerns Kogi. He cited the recent rerun election in Benue South senatorial district where Senator David Mark won by simple majority and in Bayelsa Governorship election where Seriake Dickson was declared winner by simple majority. He said in the two instances, the number of cancelled votes in those states was more than the difference between the winners and runner up and that yet, those elections were not declared inconclusive.

“INEC should put their house in order and take a cue from the Bayelsa governorship rerun election and the just concluded Benue South Senatorial district rerun election and declare the winners in Kogi East, Idah and Ofu state Assembly rerun election”, he said.

But the APC believed the results of the rerun election could not be used as a yardstick to measure the performance of the party and ability to manage its success in recent elections.

34

thepolity

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

The Niger Delta dilemma on Tompolo Deputy Editor, LEON USIGBE, writes on the current controversy in the Niger Delta surrounding the warrant of arrest issued on MEND ex-leader, Chief Government Ekpomopolo, alias Tompolo.

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ENSION is again at an uncomfortable level in parts of the Niger Delta fueled by the arrest warrant issued by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Chief Government Ekpomopolo, alias Tompolo, former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). MEND was at the centre of years of virulent militancy in the Niger Delta that came to an end only after the Federal Government had initiated the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme after prolonged negotiations with the militants.

The order for his arrest followed a case brought against him by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along with former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and others.

The EFCC is pursuing a 40-count charge of fraudulent conversion of several millions of naira, dollars and property belonging to NIMASA, to personal use. Specifically, the charge includes the conversion of N601, 516.13 and $1, 766, 428.62, property of NIMASA, into private concerns; conversion to personal use, of NIMASA’s N27,690,113.79 and $17, 491, 378.64, as well as another N27, 690,113.79 and $17, 491, 378.64, belonging to the agency.

Before the charge was slammed on him, he had failed to honour EFCC’s invitation to appear before it, denying though that he refused the invitation. He argued that he was being witch-hunted because he bluntly refused to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as to support their governorship candidate in Bayelsa State.

He has since gone underground followed by renewed sabotage of oil and gas installations in part of the Niger Delta that the authorities are suggesting are linked to him. The Federal Government has since deployed more military personnel to the region not only to stop the upsurge in the vandalism of the installations but also to fish him out from his hideout. Inevitably, innocent civilians are being caught up in the crossfire, raising tension. The military is asking Ijaw leaders to produce Tompolo and are being accused in some quarters of holding the communities accountable for the alleged transgressions of the former militant leader. But is it really a witch-hunt or an attempt at resolving criminality? This is dilemma facing the leaders of the region.

Calls to hand him over Foremost Ijaw statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, raised alarm recently about the President Muhammadu Buhari administration engaging in harassment and persecution of Ijaw people over Tompolo by his trial and the cancellation of the proposed Maritime University in Delta State.

This sentiment was echoed by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). But the Presidency promptly denied it as it warned that whoever violates the law should be ready to face the consequences.

Clark had, in an open letter to Buhari, described Tompolo as a gentleman who could not have been responsible for the recent pipeline attacks in Delta State, saying: “In the course of my interactions with these militant leaders, I discovered that Tompolo is one of the most responsible and peace-loving militant leaders. This

Tompolo was also observed by the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“That was also one of the reasons why during one of the discussions I had with the former President, Chief Obasanjo in February, 2007, he said to me that he learnt that Tompolo was not well educated, that he was wondering what appointment or position could be given to him to keep him engaged and to effect permanent peace in the area. I suggested to him that because of his dexterity, he should, for a payment, be engaged to provide surveillance for the oil pipelines and supervise oil installations together with his colleagues in the various communities.” Clark, however, did not condone the pipeline vandalism that trailed the arrest order issued against Tompolo.

Other Ijaw leaders have weighed in, describing as impracticable, the order for them to hand him over to security agencies because they claim they neither have the power to do so nor know his whereabouts. They are also saying that they do not have any information as to whether Tompolo was involved in the bombing of oil and gas pipelines as suggested by the security forces. According to the chairman, Ijaw (Izon) Okosu –Otu (Ijaw Council of Elders), Delta State, Chief Bare Etolor, “It is unfair for the Federal Government to ask Ijaw communities to handover suspects that carried out the bombing because we do not know them. In addition, I do not see how anybody expects us to handover Tompolo to security agencies because we do not have the power to do that, except they want to humiliate us.”

Another prominent chief in Tompolo’s Gbaramatu kingdom posited that it was impossible for them to handover Tompolo to the government. Ditto the Niger Delta Security Watch Organisation of Nigeria (NWSON) and Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) which all alleged that government was persecuting Tompolo because he refused to join the APC. South-South ex-lawmakers› position Their views are at variance with that of the Coalition of South-South Emeritus Legislators, a group of former members of the House of Representatives from the

Edwin Clarke region led by Honourable Halims Agoda from Delta State. Other members are Mercy Almona-Isei (Delta); Samson Osagie, Ehigie Idahosa-West; Abubakar Momoh (Edo); Mike Epengule, Christopher Enai (Bayelsa); Patty Etette, Ikperikpe Ekpo(Akwa Ibom); Alex Ukum (Cross River); and Promise Abibo (Rivers).

They want Tompolo to surrender himself to the authorities to answer to the charges brought against him. They believe that he should be patriotic enough to give himself up as he is still presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. According to the former lawmakers, “We are calling on our own son and brother who is being called by government to come and answer to any perceived infraction to come out as a gentleman, as a true son of the Niger Delta region, to give his own side of the story. We all know nobody is presumed guilty until you are proven so. We believe that rather than pull down the trees, he should be man enough like the patriot that he is, he should be nationalistic, he should be altruistic and come out and answer to whatever he is being accused of.”

Their leader, Agoda, was keen to stress at a press conference in Abuja last that the perceived injustice to the people of the Niger Delta has not been addressed, despite the existence of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. Their neglect, he observed, is exemplified in the abandonment of federal projects including the Coastal road and the East-West traversing all the states of the region that would have made life more meaningful to the people. But he commended the Buhari administration for not only retaining the Amnesty Programme but also appointing a prominent Niger Deltan, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (retd), as the coordinator who he believes has brought renewed hope to the programme.

The ex-federal lawmakers want the South-South to embrace the reality of new government’s change agenda even as they dismissed the notion that the region was detached from the changing dynamics of the current political development in the country. “On the contrary, the people of the South-South zone, as democrats and unwavering believers in the nation-state,

Nigeria, remain committed to the Nigerian project,” Agoda said.

Support for President Buhari The former legislators observed that the election of Buhari has redefined the national life by doing away with “injustice, impunity, unbridled corruption and all such vices that characterised weak governance thus threatening the very fabric of the nation” and called on the people of the region to have faith in the new government. The group condemned the renewed bombing of oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta and called on militants involved to desist from the acts, saying: “Our consolation today is that there has been a consistent reaffirmation by the president to continue with the implementation of the Amnesty Programme and indeed underscoring the administration’s zeal to reinvigorate it for greater impact.”

Saddened by the spate of pipeline vandalism, they want the perpetrators to desist from the act and embrace dialogue. “It has worked before and it remains the only sure way to consensus building, the sine qua non for the much needed development of the region,” they counseled, as they pledged their unflinching support to the Federal Government’s efforts to promote the sustainable development of the South-South region.

Justice Buba has now authorised the EFCC to seize some assets belonging to Tompolo, pending when he makes himself available to answer the charges preferred against him. The judge said if Tompolo failed to appear within three months of the order, the Federal Government may proceed to auction the assets and other properties.

But the former militant, whose lawyers have challenged the court decision, has remained underground, while the government has massed up troops in the region hoping to smoke him out by force. Observers say the situation is getting more complicated and fear that if not properly controlled and adequately managed, it may return parts of the Niger Delta to the dark days of militancy and economic sabotage with serious consequences for the country.

35

opinion

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

2016 budget: How Buhari can rescue the nation without oil revenue

By Tajudeen Kareem and Remi Adebayo

T

HE passage of the 2016 budget was at a breathtaking pace, expectedly after it was laid by President Muhammadu Buhari before the joint sitting of the National Assembly on 22 December, 2015.

Presenting the document before the lawmakers, the president said he would secure the country, rebuild the economy, and make the nation stronger than it has ever been. He also reassured that the budget, tagged “Budget of Change” was going to kick start the economy and stem its further slide.

His words: “This budget proposal, the first by our government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritising the welfare of Nigerians.”

Continuing, the president restated the believe of his government to help industry, commerce and investment pick up; and as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

As Nigerians look up to the president to make real these promises, the budget, for many Nigerians, remains the vehicle through which those promises can be realised.

“The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.

As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work,” Buhari said.

Hanging their hopes on these, despite being oblivious of the finer details of the budget, the anxiety on the passage shifted to the legislative theatre for scrutiny and endorsement.

The drama No sooner had the National Assembly resumed from the yuletide holiday than the Senate raised the alarm of a missing budget. Ensued controversies witnessed buck passing between the Senate and the Presidency in a drama that was later settled amicably but not without its political intrigues.

Meanwhile, the disclosure that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang facilitated the backdoor amendment of the budget drove the discussion into the political realm and when the confusion on the evasive document was being resolved, another clog was thrown in the wheels.

The controversies The defence of the federal budget commenced with different ministries, departments and agencies appearing before separate committees of both chambers of the National Assembly.

Revelations from the exercise suggest that the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, newly created to man the budget window, was seemingly overwhelmed in handling the budget, being the first in the life of this government.

From the Education, Power, Works, to Health sector; State House and Office of

the Vice President, figures being reeled our were mindboggling, forcing the ministers to disown them and the Senate stopping earlier resolve to pass the Appropriation on February 25.

In reaching this decision, the upper chamber said the budget was full of errors that it could not continue to deliberate on it until it is corrected.

Reactions trail budget padding With the admittance of errors by the Presidency, working a new date for the passage of the 2016 budget has become imperative, provided corrections have been effected on the grey areas.

“We want to remove all ambiguities; we want to remove all padding. We want to produce a budget that is in line with the constitutional provision. During the budget defense, a lot of issues based on the padding of the budget, arising from overbloated overheads and in some instances cases of over-bloated personnel cost,” Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Danjuma Goje, said.

Alarmed, the Presidency blamed the errors on those it called ‘Budget Mafia’ within the civil service promising to identify and sanction them.

Way out A good part about the whole controversy is that for once, the nation is offered an opportunity to witness the dissecting processes of its annual budget, carried out in a transparent and democratic manner.

The independence of the legislative arm of government is also protected as the Presidency stood aloof, resisting the temptation to interfere in the damage control mechanism, that is a far cry from the past.

The vigilance of both the Presidency and the members of the National Assembly saved the nation from what would have been another monumental corruption spree. Now, it is commendable that President Buhari, in exercise of his powers, moved to rescue the situation by removing the Director General of the Budget Office in a change aimed at correcting the anomalies and embarrassment the budget imbroglio has caused the government.

Tijjani Abdullahi was appointed as the new Director General of the Budget Office while Mr Ben Akabueze steps in as Special Adviser on Planning, and designated to work with the Minister.

Budget financing In the 2016 budget proposal, the Federal Government intends to borrow $2.5 billion from the World Bank and another $1 billion from the African Development Bank; inspite of the debt profile of $64 billion. The loan, according to the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, will be used to finance the N2.2 trillion deficits in the 2016 budget.

Alarmed by this, lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana has threatened to sue the Federal Government if it proceeds with such plan. Falana told the president to recover Nigeria’s stolen funds as a way out of the current paucity of funds.

How government intends to fund the budget is still a puzzle to many. Addressing Nigerians in the United Kingdom recently, President Buhari lamented why he sought leading Nigeria at a time that oil, the mainstay of the economy daily lose values, raking in scanty resources.

The dwindling resources have contin-

ued to plague this government amidst huge debt and dwindling revenue from oil. Experts say government must begin to seek alternatives outside oil to earn income.

From the federal to the state levels, the story is the same and in fact more worrisome in more than 22 states, including Osun State where workers are owed salaries spilling into months. Many states cannot fulfill their financial obligations to their workforce, causing disaffection across the country.

As part of measures aimed at beating the malaise, experts are of the opinion that the search for a strong currency backed by an enviable economy would continue to elude Nigeria until an enduring economic foundation is built and deployed for governance.

In view of this, the Basic Registry and Information System in Nigeria (BRISIN) is one timely project for President Buhari to leverage on in providing an alternative to oil. The BRISIN system is designed to provide a National Integrated Data and Information Infrastructure as an encompassing solid platform in tandem with the change promised by the President.

“BRISIN in Nigeria is extra vital because it is the only instrument that has no colour, religion, ethnicity or gender; the only instrument for strong and vibrant economy with monitoring and control system; the only instrument that reduces the gap between the rich and the poor; the only instrument that would give Nigeria a strong currency value,” Dr. Anthony Okorocha, a development expert said.

Reasoning further, he said, “The underground economy in Nigeria is 70 per cent and IGR is 30 per cent. The reduction in oil price is sending fever to Nigeria because we diverted from following the principles of economic development.”

If the federal and state governments can collect just 80 per cent of accruable internal revenue, they will find it less stressful paying salaries, experts have argued.

“With prudent management, I see no reason why Nigeria cannot provide free health and education to the less privileged. It is also possible to provide unemployment and social welfare benefits,” Professor Yemi Adeola, an Abuja-based economist argued.

What is now left for this government is the will to press further on this solution; a system that seamlessly captures data and information on all individuals and enterprises of social and economic value within the country.

Implementation of BRISIN in Nigeria is perhaps the smartest way for providing appropriate and sufficient data gathering and sharing as solution to assist in national planning, including the much sought job creation.

Through this initiative, about 2 million jobs can be created by establishing documentation centers in all the 8,812 wards in Nigeria from where information will be shared to the 774 local governments, to states and at the federal level. Experts even reckon that BRISIN can generate 10 million jobs in five years.

With these at the fingertips of this administration in its quest for driving effective national planning, generating funds to finance the budget and stimulating aggressive creation of jobs and wealth, there should be no ambivalence in adopting the BRISIN system.

36

opinion

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Dogara on nexus between security and development

By Iliya Habila

I

N whatever form of government: autocracy, democracy, and so on, there is an inextricable nexus between security of lives and property of citizens and development of the society. The relationship between security and development becomes more closely knitted in civil rule that governments the world over cannot afford to play with the issue of security.

It is in the light of the imperativeness of security of lives in democracy that the Constitution of the country unequivocally provides that the first responsibility of the government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens. That apparently explains the reason the Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Dogara Yakubu, has been harping on the need for inter-agency collaboration, rather than competition in the current campaign against insurgency and other criminal activities in the country.

The speaker believes that if we must win the war present against terror, then the challenges of inter-agency rivalry in intelligence gathering, dissemination, analysis and interpretation must be addressed. According to him, the need for the synergy between and among the security agencies has become more important in view of the challenges faced in curbing terror in a dynamic society like ours.

To buttress this fact, Dogara, while receiving the 50-member Course 9 of the Executive Intelligence Management Course of the Institute for Security Services (ISS), Bwari-Abuja, who visited him in his office recently, called on security agencies to unite and fight crime. Interestingly, the participants of the course 9, comprises not only personnel of the State Security Services and the Police, but also those of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Services, Nigerian Customs Services and other security outfits. The members also include pharmacists and other quasi-organisations, which are also seen as stakeholders.

“Instead of the interagency competition that we had in the past, if you pull these agencies together like this,

you can build bond and manage intelligence well,” he said. The speaker, who said Nigeria had strong men and women but lacked strong institutions that could enable the human resources achieve the desired goals. He therefore, stressed the need for the country to strengthen the institutions for optimum productivity.

“Without institutional independence, we cannot move democracy forward; but if we have organized system and strong institutions, they will support growth and social security as well as provide good leadership,” the Speaker said. Undoubtedly, one institution which over the years has been weak is the local government, which is the third tier of government. For years, this tier has suffered under the clutches and whims and caprices of administrators of the state governments. Therefore, so long as the constitution is not amended to provide for autonomy, the council will continue to suffer devastation in the hands of state administrators.

The Speaker, therefore, stressed the need for constitutional amendments to give both the state Houses of Assembly and the local governments independence and autonomy. According to him, when this is done, credible and good leaders could aspire for elective positions in the local governments, thereby engendering good leadership at that tier of government.

During the graduation of course 8 of the institute on November 28, 2016, Dogara urged the participants to use

the knowledge gained during the training to secure the country better. According to him, “in these days that we are struggling with insurgency, you already know that the only way we can win the battle against this insurgency in Nigeria is when we are ahead in terms of intelligence.

I sincerely believe that as you deplore all the tools that you have acquired as a result of this training in national service, by the grace of God, we will succeed in defending this country to make democracy succeed, which is the best form of government ever invented by man.”

The Director-General of the State Security Services, Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura, said the participants were equipped with the necessary skills and resources to effectively manage emerging trends in intelligence gathering and analysis. Daura said the curriculum of the ISS had been reviewed to make the course content highly responsive to and reflective of the rapid nature and character of threat profile.

“EIC graduates must necessarily be intellectually able and possess a mindset that is adaptable and knowledgeable and technology-friendly,” he said. The DG said given the trans-border character of our threat profile, ranging from Boko Haram, smuggling of arms, narcotic trafficking, human trafficking, the security managers needed to have understanding of their regional players, hence the introduction of tours to neighbouring countries. Worthy of commendation is the fact that during the course, a seminar was also organised on corruption, which x-rayed issues, characters and manifestations of corruption.

This, will no doubt, ensure good governance, transparency and accountability, thereby reducing causes of unrest and conflict in the quest to develop the country. The Speaker strongly believes that for development to take place, security of lives and property of the citizens must be guaranteed. This cannot effectively be achieved without collaboration and synergy by both the security agents and other stakeholders as a whole in order to have a prosperous nation.

• Habila is Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives

Lasun Yussuf: A Deputy Speaker on a mission

By Lekan Olawoyin THE Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Sulaimon Lasun Yussuf, is a man on a mission. That mission, for those who know him, he has set out to achieve through various platforms and opportunities available to him. It is a mission for the betterment of Nigeria and its teeming people. A mission to restore the country’s glorious heritage in every sphere, particularly in ensuring placing the legislature at the centre of the move for the change and transformation of the country, which are the cardinal programmes of President Muhammadu Buhari and the House under Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

For Yussuf, achieving excellence through the legislature has always been the focus, as he strove hard to not only ensure the success of the 8th National Assembly but also the progress of the country and indeed, the legislature in Africa. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise to those close to the lawmaker when recently he emerged as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The 5th of February will remain memorable to followers of the Osun State-born politician.

The emergence of Honourable Yussuf as the Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament is not only providential but a wise and highly welcomed development that will be of good to West African countries. His colleagues in the parliament must have seen ahead, as the other candidates unanimously elected him. Given the wealth of knowledge and experience garnered over the years as a revered legislator, there is no doubt that Yussuf will, indeed, harness his experiences to sustain stability in the ECOWAS sub-region and also deepen democracy through the legislative institution.

Hon. Yussuf will, by this election, serve in the Fourth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament for the next four years alongside Hon. Aminata Kamara Toungara of Côte d’Ivoire, who was elected 2nd Deputy Speaker. Jefferson Kanmoh of Liberia and Hon. Orlando Pereira Dias of Côte d’Ivoire were made 3rd and 4th Deputy Speakers respectively.

Speaking after his inauguration, Yussuf had clearly set out his agenda for progress and excellence, noting that the new ECOWAS Parliament will focus on the enthronement of powers of the parliament to ensure that proper oversight functions are carried out in the institution for meaningful achievements to be recorded in the West African sub-region in the next four years. The ECOWAS Parliamentarian also expressed his passion about expanding economic exports of Nigeria in the sub-region. According to him, “I aim to ensure that Nigeria’s benefit from the ECOWAS directly impacts Nigerian citizens and reduces poverty. We must make sure to provide a market for whatever is produced in Nigeria among West African sub-region so as to expand our frontiers. This ECOWAS Parliament is the specific place to advance such ideas. It is a step to ensuring that Nigeria spreads across the West African coast.”

Without doubt, Yussuf has a clear-cut agenda for the growth of Nigeria’s and West Africa’s economies through the expansion of trans-border trading between Nigeria and other West African countries, because if the agenda is vigorously pursued, it is capable of bringing about economic buoyance in the sub-region. With this agenda, Yussuf will come across to observers of political developments in his home state, Osun and Nigeria as a 21st century leader blessed with insight and passion to better the lot of his people. Of course, for the people of Osogbo/

Olorunda/ Ifelodun/Orolu Federal Constituency of Osun State, this cannot be strange, as Lasun Yussuf has continued to empower many of them and bringing positive development in various sectors. And in order to benefit more from the Deputy Speaker, his people must have recognised the need to continue to give their support and co-operation to a man who has proved to be a worthy leader for his people.

It must be to the pride of his constituents that while still demonstrating exemplary leadership in the National Assembly, Yussuf has stepped up and added more feathers to his cap by becoming the Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. His people must have seen him for who he is; a son to be proud of and a leader to support in future elections in Osun State.

Apart from his constituents, the Deputy Speaker will also need the support of his colleagues in the National Assembly in the next four years.

As Yussuf begins the journey as Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, observers have expressed confidence in his capabilities and chances of succeeding, noting that as an erudite and dynamic leader and grass-root politician who not only believes in philanthropy, but also in carrying people along, the Agbaakin of Ilobu will not be found wanting in the new and daunting task committed into his hands. Yussuf had, recently, showed his humanitarian side while marking his 55th birthday last year, by visiting the Internally Displaced Persons’ camp in Abuja, where he donated relief materials to Nigerian citizens, mostly women and children, rendered homeless by the Boko Haram crisis.

• Olawoyin is a political aide to the Deputy Speaker.

37

S

O far, I have been reluctant in joining those who have been singing the praise of this government for launching the anti-corruption war upon its assumption of office in May last year. Don’t get me wrong in my saying so.

My cautious approach so far is based on the conviction that the government has taken up the war against corruption from the wrong end. It’s like walking to the preferred answer and I am afraid the courts may disappoint the war mongers in a number of cases.

Mind you, there is every need to tackle corruption in this country. The scourge of corruption has degraded the lives of many Nigerians and crippled several developmental programmes. It is giving the Nigerian nation a bad name in different parts of the world. In several ways, corruption is killing Nigerians, knowingly and unknowingly.

It means that in designing a way out of the corruption quagmire, a government must not only show the will, but must combine that with tact, diligent and painstaking investigation. But it must carefully separate politics (or what is done for political reasons) from outright stealing of public funds.

I recognise two routes in this fight: the Applause route and the Hardwork route. If you go for the former, you quickly get noticed because you are going for those whose names easily ring a bell. By going the applause route, you dramatise your findings and in the minds of the public, the suspect is guilty as charged.

The danger here is that public opinion drags you along on the Applause route. The public is easily thrilled (not disgusted) by the daily revelations and there is the risk of losing sight of key ingredients that would help ensure water tight cases in court.

The Hardwork route is a much more strenuous process. It takes its time to get to the roots of the matter before launching out at the suspects. Such was the process that gave the former Governor of Delta state, James Ibori out to the British and today, he is serving jail terms out.

That is despite the fact that a case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had gone through the Nigerian Judicial system and a No case verdict had been returned.

IT is a step in the right direction for this government to send packing heads of parastatal-agencies who worked with the former government; it is long overdue. We need fresh brains and hands to move these agencies forward, as they would work under the guidelines of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government and make these agencies profitable. The government should use this opportunity to scrap or merge with others, any agency that is not profitable in order to eject life into such agencies so as to maximise resources meant for infrastructural development.

Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State. 07084644222 I am happy that Front Row deemed it fit to bring up this important issue. Indira Gandhi said, “you cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo must not lose sight of their God-given vision to give Nigeria a positive turn-around. These two focused men should not allow politicians to truncate their divine mandate. One of the steps in the right direction is the sack of DGs appointed by the government of former president Goodluck Jonathan. It is, indeed, commendable. President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC should, however, appoint those diligent men and women who worked tirelessly to ensure the victory of the APC in the last elections. Doing this may set a solid foundation for greater success in 2019.

Sesan Oyende, Somolu, Lagos. 08073887783 Indeed, the sack must be expected in Nigeria as that political propensity ‘to sack the previous’, had always been there! What we did not have was anyone resigning voluntarily irrespective of being a conservative or progressive. If we agree that it is our tradition not to resign, then the disgrace that follows must be tolerated.

28 February, 2016

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046

Is it operation kill PDP or corruption war?

The government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has chosen the Applause route instead of the Hardwork channel. So far they have thrilled the people with salacious stories such as how $1m was recovered from a soak away (which was denied) and so on.

But not much has been heard from the courts. The

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

Re: Sack of DGs of parastatals

However, the treatment meted out to Onyeka Onwenu was childish, wicked and crude. In a decent country, an investigation panel should have been set up to unravel those who perpetrated Onwenu’s maltreatment.

In a united country, the National Council of Women’s

Sunday Tribune

cases involving the former National Security Officer, Col. SamboDasuki (retd) has not really taken off. I doubt if the Applause Route will get Nigeria close to the roots of the corruption tree.

Then this question came to mind; is the anti-corruption war a battle to “finish off” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rather than battle corruption scourge. Recall that two chieftains of the APC, Alhaji Lai Muhammed (now Information Minister) and Mallam Garba Shehu said at the start of this administration that the APC would shame the PDP. While appearing at separate times on Channels Television, they claimed that by the time the APC finished with the PDP, Nigerians would be ashamed to hold the party’s (PDP’s) flag.

So when the anti-graft war breaks out and the top hierarchy of the PDP become the immediate target, you‘ve got to ask again: are we out to tackle the PDP or aiming to fight corruption.

During the week, we heard of the arrest of the former Acting National Chairman of the PDP, UcheSecondus for receiving car gifts. I want to believe that the EFCC will not just charge the man to court on such allegation because we read sometimes ago that even Mr President declared several car gifts from friends and well wishers in his asset declaration form.

In fighting the corruption war, the government is not in any way handicapped. But it’s been a matter of selective perception so far. There are big contracts awarded in the last 16 years, there are so many avenues for corruption gapping at you within the over 600 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). These are projects whose execution and lack of it have claimed lives. Why is there no focus on such?

By resting attention on PDP’s campaign funds, the APC could be opening itself to endless questions. Many may want to ask how the party raised its huge campaign funds in the last election; who gave what, where and what are his or her sources. Many out there are ready to best their lives with the claim that in the last election, every politician that gave N2 to the PDP equally gave at least N1 or equal amount to the APC. It could be a difficult battle getting to the roots of campaign funds, especially when its balance sheet is not in the open.

Societies and other women’s organisations would have protested and it is not too late to do so.

Lanre Oseni. 07030303636 The sacking of DGs by President Muhammadu Buhari is a welcome idea, which all Nigerians must embrace. What President Buhari is telling the nation is that he can never work with hypocrites or anybody whose political ideology is different from his. An adage says, ‘’what the skirt saw in the body of a female is more than the fabric covering it.’’ What Buhari saw in these people before sacking them is more than what we the ordinary masses know or can decipher. Another adage says, “there is no way a vehicle will kill a dog without exposing the owner of the vehicle.” President Muhammadu Buhari knows that if his administration lets the nation down politically and economically by working with sycophants, posterity will never forgive him. His name will go down into the annals of history as the man who had the opportunity to turn the fortunes of this country around but missed it. We must all give President Buhari the necessary support he needs to re-engineer the nation.

Taiwo Sangotikun, Iseyin, Oyo State.

08056309372 It is worrisome that for almost 17 years of democratic system of government, we are still facing so many challenges, which truly means that we still have a long way to go! For us to make realistic progress, we must remove all the bottlenecks of political, tribal, religious and ethnic sentiments from our midst and most especially from the government. If we do not do this, we will discover that this giant of Africa will only remain so in name and we will continue to find ourselves in the list of under developed nations of the world.

Lekan Oladeji, Ilora. 08053049443

38

life&living

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘It cures light fever, migrane, others’ Continued from pg 12 The good and the bad Most of the joints across the state are beehives with local musicians on the standby to entertain customers. The drink is often served with pepper soup laced with delicacies such as dog meat, pork and other assorted bush meat.

Apart from being a rendezvous for socialisation, such joints also serves as avenue for social integration and mobilisation for political activities. Politicians also take advantage of the burukutu joints considering the number of people that throng such centres in order to be able to reach out to as many people as possble. A prominent politician in the state who would not want to be named recently told Sunday Tribune that those who patronise the drinking joints cannot be ignored in the quest for votes, saying that with just N50,000 most of the joints in Jos could be covered.

“When I was contesting, I traversed virtually all burukutu joints in this town.

At each joint I visited to canvass for votes, I don’t think I spent more than N3, 000; the people are simply not expensive to maintain, what they want is identification.

While other candidates were busy running expensive campaigns, I concentrated on this set of people and eventually won the election, “ he said.

Crime and other unholy acts thrive in most communities where burukutu is being sold as most of the youths who habitually drink it hide under the influence of the local alcoholic drink to perpetrate crimes.

Apart from this, some of the communities had turned Soddom and Gomorah where girls are deflowered and free sex thrives.

Sunday Tribune findings revealed that in places like Tundun Wada, Jenta Adamu, Angwan Rukuba, Eto Baba, Gongo Russia, Kabong where there is a concentration of burukutu joints, there is high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV due to a promiscuous lifestyle allegedly influenced by the alcoholic drink.

In spite of the wide range of condemnations trailing the locally brewed drink, most of the patrons told Sunday Tribune that they cannot do without it because of the benefit derived.

Dog meat, sex and burukutu Danjuma Gyang said the drink when gulped with dog meat is highly medicinal and has potency of curing ailments such as epilepsy, high fever, migraine and other diseases. He also said the drink could enhance sexual performance.

The sellers, mostly women, told Sunday Tribune that in spite of whatever negative things people may say about burukutu, it is a legitimate business through which they feed their families and send their children to schools.

Janet Peters who brews and sells burukutu in Kungiya in Jos South Local Government Area of the state said most of her customers are civil servants and business men who throng her shop to ease off tension after a hectic day at work.

“Every day people come here to relax after the close of work. They like to come here mainly because of the drink which they love very well. After taking burukutu they feel relieved and they are always in a good mood,” she said.

A social problem Those who are against the liquor say some of the civil servants, especially those at the lower cadre are so enmeshed in the

Ayanburen road, Ikorodu

A foreigner savouring the taste of Burukutu

Revelers enjoying the drink

drink thereby becoming a social nuisance to their colleagues in the office through offensive odour that often oozes from them coupled with the habit of sleeping on duty while others abandon their duty posts to drink during office hours.

A cleric, Reverend Joseph Momoh said the drink has become a way of life for many, especially in the rural areas. He said the patrons are often at the risk of being robbed. According to him, gunmen often take advantage of their vulnerability as a result of heavy drinking to unleash mayhem of them.

“This local alcoholic drink called burukutu has destroyed many homes and made many communities vulnerable to attacks by herdsmen or gunmen. A situation whereby most able and agile men in a community are drenched in alcohol or having drink themselves into a stupor, how would such people defend their communities in case of attack in the night or any time of the day?

“At times it is the women that often rise to the occasion while men snore away,

hence we often hear ten killed without any counter attack in most cases. Another dangerous dimension is the consumption of another illicit drink called “Goskolo”, that is a combination of local gin and other substances. This has sent a lot of youths to their untimely graves. The government however, needs to address the issue and check the excesses of drinking among its people,” he said.

It is recalled that in the heat of the fratricidal crisis in the state, former governor, now a Senator, Jonah Jang, charged the youths of the affected local government areas to desist from drinking alcohol and form vigilante groups for the security of lives and property.

Jang had said: “I want to call on the youths to stop engaging in drinking alcohol. You should form vigilante groups to climb the rocks and hills to protect women and children in the area from being attacked.”

Prior to that, the former governor during his tenure had attempted to tackle the malfeasance associated with drinking when he came up with the novel idea of limiting

the number of hours people can buy, sell or consume beer and other alcoholic beverages in the state. He restricted the sales and consumption of alcohol to the hours of 4 p.m to 10 p.m daily. He also directed that beer and other alcoholic drinks must also not to be sold to underaged persons.

However, Jang’s efforts to curtail excessive drinking through restriction of activities at burukutu joints, bar and beer parlors were frustrated. Those addicted to the drink including youths and especially the women sellers saw it as a ploy to deprive them of their source of livelihood. Even the intervention of the paramount ruler of Jos, who is the Chairman Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang did not help the situation.

The traditional ruler blamed women in the state who sell the drink for being responsible for the insecurity in the state, saying most of the unlicensed beer parlours were being operated by indigenes of the state, a situation which he said was getting youths drunk and making them vulnerable to social misconducts.

39

feature

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Our concern over the dollar/naira exchange rate’

In the last few weeks, prices of goods in the markets have increased. TEMITAYO ILIASU reports that many Nigerians are concerned because the reason given by traders is that the naira value is falling against the dollar even when the goods involved are locally produced. Excerpts:

MUINAT ARIYO Personally, this situation is affecting me because the last time I went to the market, what I used to buy for N500 is now N1200 and generally it is also affecting us and our business. People are complaining that there is no money and yet the prices of goods are getting higher, even nylon that we use in packing things for our customers is now expensive. Virtually everything is now expensive ranging from groundnut oil, palm oil, to condiments and so on. I don’t know if the world is coming to an end that we have to endure this hardship or is it that some people are just deliberately raising the prices of goods in the market?

YINKA BOLADE The exchange rate of naira to the dollar is really affecting everybody and even our businesses. If you go to the market, everything is very expensive. What I really don’t understand in this matter is that even if the value of dollar is higher compared to our own naira, does it affect goods that are being produced in the country? Why is the price of tuber of yam rising? Are they also importing yam into the country now? I really hope things will get better in this country because the common man is suffering.

OLAJUMOKE OLAJIDE

TUNJI OGUNSEINDE In fact, this foreign exchange situation has really caused much havoc in this country to the extent that Nigerians are no longer patriotic; everyone is just taking advantage of one another. Everyone is just looking for the slightest opportunity to increase the prices of commodities in the market. I don’t blame them at all, I only blame the government who cannot put a price regulatory body in place that will see to price control in the market so that nobody can just decide to increase the prices of goods.

This economic problem is really causing serious problem for we, the masses. We can’t buy just anything again, we have to select what we want to buy, you must do serious calculations before you buy anything. Our business and work are suffering. For instance, the price of pure water nylon is now expensive and if you ask, they will say price of dollars has increased. I just hope our government will find a solution to it before it gets out of hand

BISOLA KOLAPO MRS OSHOBA

AYOBAMI BABATUNDE What I see in this dollar and naira situation is that Nigerians like making life miserable for others, if not, this foreign exchange crisis should affect only imported goods. Why is it affecting the people. If this crisis should affect anyone at all, then it should be the bureaux de change people.

Moreover, one thing I know is that if Nigeria will be better, then we have to experience what we are passing through now because nothing good comes easy. Again I will like to say that for now, our government should stop selling crude oil because that is the number one problem of Nigeria because it is being sold in dollars and that is why our economy is suffering today.

I don’t know what I can say to this problem but I know that the Bible says if the world is coming to an end, everything will become hard and that is exactly what is happening today in our society and the only thing we can do is to call upon the name of the Lord to save us because He is the only one that can save us from this crisis we have found ourselves.

Everything in the market that the common man uses is now expensive; the price of rice we buy now has also risen. The worst part of this problem is that we do not have any choice than to buy it. You can’t say because the price has increased I won’t buy it. If one wants to survive, one will just buy it even with the few money in one’s hand. I pray that things will get back to normal because the common man is suffering while our leaders do not even face one quarter of the hardship we are facing and yet they are also complaining

EZEKIEL OMOLAJA Anyone who is not affected by this crisis is a fortunate human being because as far as I know, everyone is complaining and I know that it is not our fault, it is the fault of the government because they are the ones marketing our crude oil that is causing trouble in our country today. There are a lot of things that we do not get right in this country; if not, why is the dollar having an effect on our economy? It shows that our leaders are not capable and if they do not have any solution to this problem, they should just allow us to go back to trade by barter system.

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28 February, 2016

language&style Put on a Pedestal

S

AMPLE 1: “Sagay, who spoke with journalists at the palace of the Olu of Warri, Delta State, warned that the rulings, which gave victory to candidates regardless of copious evidence of irregularities and heavy human and material casualties, constituted a dangerous precedence.”(Sagay Slams Supreme Court, SANS Over Election Petition, Anti-Corruption War, The Nation, Sunday, February 14, 2016) The word requiring attention is precedence which occurs in the following context: “Sagay…warned that the rulings…constituted a dangerous precedence.” It should be obvious that the reporter intends the word precedence to mean: an example serving as a reference point; an action, a development that is likely to be cited in the future. At least, that is my own understanding of that word in the context under review.

However, that is a wrong idea of that word. The word required in the context is not precedence but precedent. The two words look alike but they are clearly semantically different. Let’s illustrate the usage of the word precedent in sentences: 1) Granting a loan to a person servicing a previous loan will be creating a bad precedent. 2) The government refused to pay the striking workers because, according to it, it would set a precedent that would be difficult to break from. 3) Citing numerous precedents, the lawyer urged the court to release his client on bail. 4) Even if there is no precedent, the company can set one by paying the hospital bill of its worker who sustained injuries in the course of his duty. 5) Although there is no precedent for releasing the official car to a person going on leave, we will be willing to do it provided you will be willing to cut your leave short as soon as your attention is needed. 6) Without any precedent, the military Head of State just transformed to a civilian president.

As for precedence, it is about priority, order of importance. Now let’s read the following sentences: 1) It is the duty of the Protocol Officer to ensure that dignitaries sit in order precedence. 2) We have come to a time when our higher institutions should give precedence to science and technology.3) It was a show of shame as government officials fight over precdence in public. 4) In our family, education takes precedence over material possessions. 5) In defending his decision to keep the patient in the hospital, the doctor claims that the patient’s health takes precedence over other matters. 6) Political independence of a nation should take precedence over its economic strength even though politics and economy are inseparable.

Sample 2: “She combines both charm and beauty to produce wonderful stories that have put her on a higher pedestrian not only in the USA where she resides but in her home country, Ethiopia.”(In Ethiopia, Literature Thrives---MaazaMengiste, The Nation on Sunday, December 27, 2015) The expression that interests us is “put her on a higher pedestrian.” This is a distorted version of an authentic English expression. The word that plays a critical role in the distortion is pedestrian, a word that has been put in a wrong context by the reporter.I guess the word that eludes the reporter ispedestal.

The expression that exists in the English lexicon is: set/put on a pedestal. If you set or put someone on a pedestal, you have a high regard for him/her.

The following sentences illustrate the usage of the idiomatic expression: 1) Many years ago, teachers at whatever level were put on a pedestal by the entire community. 2) She may be disillusioned now, but before she married him she actually put him on a pedestal. 3) Medical doctors are set on a pedestal by their patients. 4) I have yet to see a child who does not set his parents on a pedestal. 5) There used to be a time in this country when political leaders were set on a pedestal. 6) Judges and first-rate

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

Sunday Tribune

line

life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues lawyers are put on a pedestal by society. 7) Up till today, white people are put on a pedestal by the black race. 8) When members of a congregation stop setting their leader on a pedestal, a critical leadership crisis has occurred. 9) Before he allegedly emptied the treasury, the chairman was set on a pedestal by all members. 10) In a sad inversion of value, people who looted the treasury are set on a pedestal by the people of his constituency.

A person can be knocked off his pedestal, by which is meant that a formerly respected person has lost some of his respect: 1) Those terrible allegations served to knock him off his pedestal.

2) It was his marriage to another woman that led to the press knocking him off his pedestal. 3) After losing the election twice, he was knocked off his pedestal. 4) Wrong political calculations can result in a politician being knockedoff his pedestal. 5) His political enemies are trying to create situations that will force the electorate to knock him off his pedestal. 6) Admired for a long time as the best mechanic in town, he was knocked off his pedestal following his inability to fix what seemed like a minor mechanical problem. 7) The day he was unable to solve a simple mathematical problem, he was knocked off his pedestal.

The word pedestrian is the one used by the reporter instead of pedestal. It is difficult to say whether the confusion arises from the pronunciation limitation on the part of the reporter or whether it is an error arising from another level of language. At any rate, having demonstrated how the word pedestal is used, we are in a position to identify the meaning of pedestrian.

A pedestrian is a person who travels by foot. It is often used as the opposite of motorist. It can be used both as an adjective and as a noun: 1) At this point, vehicles should stop for the pedestrians to pass. 2) There are bridges constructed for pedestrians. 3) Two pedestrians were knocked down by vehicles as they were crossing the road. 4) The house has two gates: one vehicular, the other pedestrian. 5) All road users, pedestrians and motorists, should endeavor to obey traffic rules. 6) Pedestrians should be careful and patient when crossing a very busy road.

The other major sense in which the word pedestrian is used this: dull, drab, uninspiring, unimaginative. Of course, it is normally used as an adjective. Read the following sentences: 1)The analysis is wordy, clumsy and pedestrian. 2) Some nollywood films are brilliant, some are average, and others are simplypedestrian. 3) The first few scenes of the play are lively and enthralling but the last two are disappointinglypedestrian. 4) Clever use of language prevents the novel from being totally pedestrian. 5) He claims that he is an accomplished storyteller, but almost all his stories are pedestrian.

Sample 3: “But Mbaka who spoke to Sunday Sun through his Personal Assistant and Media Chief of the Adoration Ministry, Mr Maximus Ugweke, a lawyer, said the attacks on the spiritual director was uncalled for as prophets of old like Mbaka had at one time or the other visited their leaders.”(My Visit to Buhari Scriptural, Sunday Sun, December 27, 2015) Let’s pay attention to the verb-form, was, which occurs in the phrase, “was uncalled for.” It is obvious that the verb (was) is in its singular form. But what is the nominal item to which this singular entity owes its form? There is the noun director occurring immediately to the left of the verb. The noun being singular, is it the nominal entity whose form should influence the choice of the verb-form? Not at all.

That noun is not relevant to the form of the verb. Grammar and logic point to the nounattacks as the one whose form is relevant to the number-verb agreement. Since the noun is plural, the verb has to be in its plural form as well: were.

The word required in the context is not precedence but precedent. The two words look alike but they are clearly semantically different

Silence wielded the loudest voice A compliant thunder betrayed the sky Yes, Silence had the loudest voice A compliant thunder betrayed the sky The walls shifted their feet Waiting for the door’s compliant sigh

The rafter saw it all And mused through its lofty laugher Yes, the rafter saw it all And mused through its lofty laughter Its sloping grip never fails the roof From this shaky moment to the thereafter

The mirror’s silent photograph The shower’s inquisitive spray Say, the mirror’s silent photograph The shower’s inquisitive spray Our guarded secrets and private fears Naked to them all like an open day

Some private parts not so private Some closet whispers are screams in the marketplace Hear? Some private parts not so private Some closet whispers are screams in the marketplace The tyrant tramples the face of History Can his terror ever go without a trace

What Night hides Day will seek Say, what Night hides Day will seek What some say is bright To others may look forlornly bleak

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28 February, 2016

tribunechurch

C

OULD you tell us what God has revealed to you about Nigeria?

The only major thing God revealed to me is to tell people to make it a priority to tidy and beautify His home and I have been passing this across to my members and people I come across, because God mandated me to tell as many people as possible. God said He will only decorate the lives of those who beautify His house which is the church of God. He also made me understand that people are fond of living a good life with various amenities, while they neglected where they seek the face of God for wonders and miracles. We can no longer rob God; it is only those who know and serve Him diligently that will enjoy God most and also receive divine mercy this year.

With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

God is angry ‘cos our hands are full of blood —Akinade Pastor Joseph Akinlolu Akinade is the younger brother of the late popular cleric and founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Lion of Judah, Prophet Elijah Olufemi Akinade. He is the current assembly pastor of the Ibadan, Oyo State branch of the ministry. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the cleric who is also the husband of the popular gospel artiste, Evangelist Bukola Akinade, a.k.a Senwele Jesu, speaks on national issues, Christianity, among other issues. Excerpts:

churches and crusades are fake. It is sad that many pastors now preach about themselves instead of proclaiming God. Clerics now envy one another and fight dirty over members. Many pastors have also used lies to ruin people in the name of God. When has Jesus turned to a beggar? God speaks to hearts Himself to do whatever pleases Him. But many clerics now hide under the name of God to steal and achieve their personal needs.

Could these be part of the reasons we hardly see instant miracles these days?

God is my witness; I am confident that there are still instant miracles. I am a proud son of a prophet. We were taught and believed in instant miracles.

It is obvious that the country is faced with a lot of challenges, what solution will you proffer for all these to be a thing of the past?

God’s anger awaits any country that refuses to know and reverence Him. The truth must be told; God is really angry with Nigeria. We got it wrong in 1977 when FESTAC 77 was held-various idols were gathered as well as celebrated; we neglected God and embraced idols. Don’t forget that the Americans we are trying to copy still reflect God in their slogan; they respect Him despite their problems. But here, we don’t see God as our upmost solution. Our leaders and the powerful men in the country don’t fear God. The major thing we so much have confidence in this country now is charm. Herbalists are currently getting more patronages and many lives are being cut short on a daily basis because of political ambitions and affluence of life. Heavy tax is being placed on religious bodies that erect banners or paste posters for crusades, but nobody will query them when they flood everywhere with political posters during elections. In Lagos, they even go to the extreme to use law enforcement agencies to arrest any cleric who pastes posters.

We need to get things right in this nation. It is only when we put God first in the affairs of this nation that He could give us a good leader that will make us experience absolute peace as a country.

Are you saying our leaders are not God sent?

The secret is that it has become a façade that there must be visions and prophesies every year. God has decided to keep mute over the situation of this country and there is nothing we can do about it. Many visions and prophecies have been revealed even before January, but dollar kept increasing.

Some even claimed that the president is a novice, though President Buhari is doing his best to make the country better, but his best won’t show because God is angry with us. Nigerians hands are full of blood; crime rates are increasing by the day. Kidnappers have taken over the country. Research also shows that the high and the mighty are the root of many evils perpetrated in the country. We need to pray hard so that things won’t to get worse in Nigeria. Our bad roads will be worse before June, because it is not even in their agenda for now; they are currently faced with bigger problems.

We need to come together as a nation if we

Sunday Tribune

Why do men of God still want to cut corners?

The reason many pastors seek diabolical powers is because they want to make name.

They want to make what the true prophets have been building years overnight. No man of God wants to serve under anyone; they claim that they are being called. Indeed, they have the calling, but if truly you are called, God must reveal your calling to you. Many have mistaking their personal relationship with God and the fact that they work in the house of God as a divine call.

We need to have a clear understanding of our calling. We need to start and end in Jesus Christ. A lot of clerics don’t even want to be addressed as pastors anymore. They now address themselves as prophets. Honestly, there are many dirty games going on in the church; some pastors now do all sort to make names as well as draw crowd.

really desire a definite solution. We should all pray and fast for at least three days to seek God’s intervention.

We need to get things right in this nation. It is only when we put God first in the affairs of this nation that He could give us a good leader that will make us experience absolute peace as a country.

Christianity has witnessed development in recent times, is this a sign that the religious body is on the right path?

We need to be careful about this; the

development is relative. The true believers are few, while those who have turned God’s work to gimmicks are many. Some pastors now rent testifiers; recent confession has made us know that the fee has increased from N5,000 to N8,000.

Many people who give testimonies in

What do you think could help people from falling into the hands of fake prophets?

We need to be extra careful as Christians.

Some people prefer to be told lies. What is currently happening all over the world today is a sign that the second coming of Jesus Christ is very near. The social media are one of the typical examples. Thousands of lives have been lost through Facebook.

People through this medium travel to commit adultery. There are a lot of ungodly things that go through the social media and it has affected many lives and the country negatively. However, any prophet that takes God’s glory is not a true prophet and whoever places himself above God will perish with his glory.

You started as a singer, but along the line you became a pastor. At what point did you decide to switch?

God blessed us with the gift of music in our family. My late brother and I initially started with music, but God instructed him to save souls through his pastoral ministry.

Meanwhile, I continued with music and I have my own band. I later discovered that Continues on pg43

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28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews

CAN election: Group calls for transparency As Oritsejafor quits in July

F

OLLOWING the preparation of the election of a new President and executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a Christian group, Christ Redeemers Union (CRU), has called for a transparency and free and fair election for the coming election.

Church News learnt that tenure of the current president of the Christian body, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, will end in July, while tension is already mounting within the Christian community following alleged plans by the presidency and All Progressives Congress (APC) to install a Northern successor.

The group further advised that no one, especially the government or any political party, should interfere in the election.

The National Director of CRU, Dr Ebenezer Olusola Abednego, told newsmen last Sunday in Abuja, that Christians would resist any plan by outsiders to impose candidate as CAN President.

He added that the group had learnt that leading political party, All Progressive Party (APC) and the Presidency are said to be interested in sponsoring a pro-Buhari cleric from the North so as to avoid any radical opposition to his administration from the Christian community.

He said, “Our determination to resist President Buhari and APC in determining who becomes the President of CAN is a battle

of ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’. A top official in the Presidency, who is spearheading the campaign, has started deploying resourc-

es for logistics towards ensuring the emergence of a church leader in the Northern part of the country believed to be friendly

to Buhari.

“The government official funding some religious leaders in the North who have been recruited as

foot soldiers to perfect the strategy; There is tension now in CAN and the action of the Presidency has polarised the association along

Uganda Anglicans threatenanother boycottofchurch of Englandevents

?????????????????

Nollywood actor, Osita Iheme, a.k.a Pawpaw, (second right) and his South Africa-based Malawian pastor and founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG), Prophet Shepherd Bushiri (third right) and others, during their birthday ceremony held in Pretoria, South Africa, last Saturday.

A cross section of women elders of the redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mount Zion, Bolumole, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, at a special service to honour elders and widows recently.

Pope wants pregnant secretary’s death probed THE leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has called on the police to investigate the death of the seven-month pregnant secretary of the church who was reportedly found dead at her apartment in Rome.

The Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, noted that Pope Francis was bitter over the death of the church’s secretary when he was informed, while he added that, “We

North – South dichotomy as Northern religious are being lobbied to support the plot.”

Olusola explained that the APC government was desperate to ensure the emergence of its candidate in CAN who will lead the Nigerian Christians community.

are all pained by this news,” The Mirror of UK noted that the 34-year-old Miriam Wuolou, who is of Eritrean origin, had worked for years at the Santa Marta guesthouse, where the pontiff lives. Francis had opted to live at the more humble guesthouse instead of the lavish papal apartments when he was chosen as Pope in 2013.

It was also gathered that Wuolou suffered from a

serious kind of diabetes, which doctors had warned could put her pregnancy at risk, but it is not yet known if that is related to her death. The secretary is believed to have missed several weeks of work due to her condition.

She was found dead at her apartment last week by her brother who came to see her.

The prosecutors have ordered an autopsy to be carried out on Wuolou’s body,

as there were no signs of physical violence discovered at her Rome apartment.

“A DNA test will also be carried out on the foetus.

Wuolou’s body was found

by Carabinieri police at her flat in the Pisana area south of Rome after her brother raised the alarm.

It allegedly presented no signs of violence,” the report stated.

The Vatican has also promised to follow the case

closely, but officials are not expected to be directly involved in the investigations.

Catholic culture suggested that questions have been raised about her exhusband, who did not live with her, and whether “their union was arranged simply to enable her to become a citizen.”

DNA tests are also set to be carried out on the foetus, with investigators seeking to confirm the paternity of her unborn child.

The Ugandan Church will boycott global Anglican events yet again – after the church’s leader accused Western Archbishops of ‘betraying’ Biblical principles.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has gone to extremes to keep the global Anglican Communion from fracturing, despite the deep divides between hardline homophobic African churches and its more liberal members.

In a bid to appease the anti-LGBT churches, last month the Anglican Communion voted to ‘punish’ the US Episcopal Church for its affirmation of samesex weddings.

But in an address this week, the Archbishop of Uganda said that leaders hadn’t done enough on the issue – and that his church will boycott the next Anglican meeting as a result.

He said: “It was only a symbolic vote; it was not a substantive vote. Recent statements from TEC and other leaders in the Anglican Communion have since made this clear.

“The Presiding Bishop of (The Episcopal Church) stated during the Primates Meeting that TEC would not change its position on offering ‘marriage’ to same-sex couples, and he has repeated TEC’s commitment to a definition of marriage the Bible does not recognize.

“In other words, the Primates decision will have no impact on TEC.” Referencing a previous boycott over the consecration of a gay Bishop, he said: “Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is like we are back in 2003 where we continue to be betrayed by our leaders.”

43 tribunechurch

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Govs, Oritsejafor, Omobude, Adeboye, Okonkwo, others celebrate PFN at 30 •As OBJ, Gowon, Osinbajo, others bag awards

By Rita Okonoboh

T

HE national secretariat of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Bishop’s Court, located at Isolo, Lagos, witnessed the presence of governors, general overseers, among other dignitaries, on Thursday, as the PFN dedicated the new bishop’s court as part of activities marking the organisation’s 30th anniversary.

The event, which began with a worship session anchored by musician, Sammie Okposo, was attended by Governors Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, represented by Pastor Ayotunde Sodeinde; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State represented by his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere; former governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang, as well as a representative of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

Clerics present at the event included: the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and his wife, Helen; President, PFN, Reverend Felix Omobude and his wife, Abiola; Reverend (Dr) Felix Meduoye; Bishop Mike Okonkwo; Pastor E.A. Adeboye represented by Mrs Adetola Oretayo; Pastor Paul Adefarasin; Revd and Revd (Mrs) Ezekiel of the Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM), among others.

We have much to be thankful for –Omobude In his welcome address, Reverend Omobude appreciated everyone that contributed to the success of the event, a feat which he attributed to the glory of God, just as he also expressed his gratitude to the governors of Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Imo,

Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State (third left) cutting the tape at the dedication of the Bishop’s Court of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), held at Isolo, Lagos. With him are President, PFN, Reverend Felix Omobude (second left); Bishop Mike Okonkwo (fourth left); Senator Jonah Jang (third right) and other dignitaries, on Thursday. and Edo states, as well as members of the Christian community for their support and sacrifices towards the success of the fellowship.

According to Omobude, “Thirty years on, we have so much to be thankful for as a body. We have discharged our roles in building our people and serving as an agent of national development. We have continued to uphold the nation in prayer, engage with the political leadership to further national development and we have made critical interventions to assist our people in times of crisis.

“Our Emergency Response and Intervention Directorate has disbursed over N17 million to victims of Boko Haram in-

surgency in the North, with relief materials worth millions of naira sent to states in the North-East, in aid of internally displaced persons.

“As a global prayer, the PFN has responded to the international call for assistance by extending support to victims of natural disaster.”

There were special prayers said for the dedication of the Bishop’s Court by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Bishop Mike Okonkwo and a Bible reading by Revd (Mrs) Omobude.

A job well done –Gov. Udom Governor Udom of Akwa Ibom State, in his address, noted the efforts of the

PFN, and Christian ministers, especially in their prayers for the state and the nation “PFN has played a major role in the peaceful multi-religious country that Nigeria is. Although, it is a job well done, more still need to be done. I pray by God’s special grace that the church will rise up to the challenge of upgrading societal morals in line with the proliferation of churches.”

“The Bible has taught us how what and where to preach, but the PFN has taught us how.”

He also expressed commitment to continue to support the PFN and the Christian community.

‘Fee paid for fake testimonies has increased from N5,000 to N8,000 ’ Continued from pg41

my wife had the same gift, but has no helper. In fact, she is more satisfied with music than any other thing in life. Music is her hobby. But she was struggling to survive with music during this period. So, I decided to be at the background to support her. I am part of her team and I was the one that introduced Fuji into her style of music to make it different from other gospel artistes. I thank God that this has become a success and our greatest joy is that all the records we have produced are accepted.

Aside my pastoral work, I am a producer and an artiste manager. Above all, I have subjected myself to God’s directive. For instance, about two years now, God has ordered me not to collect a dime from any ministration I make outside my church irrespective of the distance as well as sow a seed wherever I go and He has been wonderful to me, especially in my finances.

How come you were the one that took over from your late brother?

It has not been easy, but Jesus Christ has been manifesting Himself through the ministry. Don’t forget that the teeth and the tongue fight. There were storms when the owner of the vision died, but God finally had His way at the end. I am glad that his son, Obafemi, is also following his father’s path; he has added to the growth of

after the person behind it and he was interrogated at the Iyaganku police station in Ibadan, Oyo State, on the issue. He replied that they wanted to ‘eat’. Incidentally, I paid the bills of his wife’s delivery when he lamented that he had no money when he was interrogated at the police station.

The government had earlier told us to sue everyone behind it, but I felt I would be flogging a dead horse, so, the family left everything to God. Can you imagine that Baba Lion did not have a property in Lagos despite his popularity? He impacted into many lives positively; he dashed out about 42 cars, among other things.

the ministry. He is based in Lagos heading our Egbeda assembly. We have a cordial relationship and there is peace in the family.

It is even a plus for us that he knows Christ and that tells you the covenant God has with the family. Baba Lion is the first born while I am the last; we have two sisters between us. I can tell you categorically that the entire family is at peace. I have nothing to hide, in fact, I am not on the payroll of the church.

How did you feel about various allegations against your brother after his death?

The act of giving is in our blood, many people could testify to this that Baba Lion used 80 per cent of his money to help people. The N200 million alleged to be in his house after he died was a blatant lie. He is not a kind of person that keeps money, he would hold crusade if he has N1 million. He sold his cars to stage revivals. How many pastors will do that today? They would rather go and get loans from the bank. Our mother used to tell us that she would curse any of her children that deviated from Christ. I could remember that he once told our mum that his ministry should die after his death if he added any other thing aside God to it. To the glory of God, the ministry still stands and has grown in leaps and bounds. That was why I was not moved by

Akinade and his wife Bukola various allegations against him. He was a true man of God who believed in God’s miracle. Despite the fact that he is no more, his works still speaks.

The entire family was not moved about the allegations either, but we had to react when the issue became messy. We went

How much do you miss him?

It will be five years in April that he died and I know he left at his own time. I cannot quantify how much I missed him. I love three persons in my life; my mother, Elijah Olufemi Akinade and my wife. We were very close and I learnt so much from him, because he was a true prophet who did not add any other thing to God’s work.

I will forever miss him. His shoes are too big to step into. He used all his assets to serve God. I want to advise clerics to take a cue from him. God has not called us to make money as pastors, but to impact and affect lives positively. We should also stop the idea of castigating or envying one another.

45 tribunechurch with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

The Church: A called-out people

The test of our Christianity

Pope and Trump That is why one must commend the direct and scathing remarks of Pope Francis about the Republican Presidential candidate hopeful, Donald Trump not too long ago.

Interviewed on his flight back from a trip the Pope challenged Mr. Trump on whether he is a true Christian given that all he seems to do is build walls with his words and plans.

Indeed, Mr. Trump’s claim to fame in the American Presidential race so far, apart from his business success, is the capacity to rally votes and following through very alienating comments on many sensitive issues including immigration and religion.

The Pope knew very well that he would receive a backlash by challenging Mr. Trump to show more Christian qualities. And Mr. Trump did give the Pope a piece of his acerbic tongue, though he has since toned down

How many religious leaders live a modest life to challenge the culture of waste and extravagance eating away at our society today? Yet these practical issues are the real litmus test of our Christianity.

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

The Pope was right Every Christian necessarily believes in judgment day. All may not agree on the format of the final judgment but on the principle of retribution, there can be no doubt.

In order to stay on the path of righteousness on earth we need road-markers and milestones to help us measure the genuineness of our claim to Christian identity. Such can be occasions when we hold a mirror to our life and sincerely evaluate where we stand because an unexamined life is simply not worth living. Jesus taught as much in the Bible through different parables, which he told the people. Just think of the Parable of the unforgiving servant (Mt. 18: 23-135), the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10: 25-37) and perhaps most clearly and coherently, the parable of the final judgment (Matt 25). In our own experience today it is not difficult to see those who truly try to live Christian lives and those who do not. What we find difficult to do, for fear of being labeled hypocrites and judgmental fanatics, is to point such out such failings to those who are concerned. Yet even the Bible puts on us the responsibility of calling our brothers and sisters to order whenever such is found necessary. These days the witness of John the Baptist who told King Herod to his face how wrong it was for him to marry Herodias, the wife of Philip, his brother, is regrettably not commonplace. Hazy declarations, political correctness and doom-saying, disguised in prophecies and visions, have become the more common way of speaking truth to power.

28 February, 2016

his attack, thereafter calling the Pope all sorts of nice-guy names. The focus of this reflection, however is not on the details of the exchange between the Pope and Mr. Trump.

It is rather on the imperative of rousing Christian leaders and consciousness to the urgent responsibility of “walking the talk” and speaking up for the truth whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Christians have social responsibility No excuses are at all acceptable for Christians today especially those who are in positions of leadership. For the umpteenth time it must be said that evil thrives because good people are quiet. All Christians are baptized into Jesus Christ and by implication, into the truth. Jesus himself said that the reason he came is to bear witness to the truth (Jn. 18:37). The opportunities to stand up and speak up for the truth are not rare or far between. They present themselves daily and indict all Christians, especially leaders who can, but do not take them. For example, how many Christian leaders are doing all they can to speak and act against policies and activities which undermine human life in all its forms in their daily dealings? How many are acting against poverty, child abuse, women trafficking and superstition in our society? How many, given the platform have looked into the eyes of powerful politicians and businessmen and told them to stop cheating and stealing from the mouth of the poor? Did Jesus not say I am the way, the truth and the life and did he not demonstrate his option for the downtrodden? How many religious leaders live a modest life to challenge the culture of waste and extravagance eating away at our society today? Yet these practical issues are the real litmus test of our Christianity.

Whoever denies me Jesus clearly declared in the Bible that there will someday be consequences for standing by him or against him. “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before people, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But the one who denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God” (Lk. 12: 8-9). There are two main recognized forces in the world, the force of light and the force of darkness. Truth belongs to the light and falsehood to the darkness. Those who worship God and love Jesus will naturally align with the forces of light. Jesus himself declared that the devil is the father of lies and prince of the world. In confronting the elements of evil he told his followers that they will have troubles which will not be in vain. “You will have trouble in the world; but courage! I have overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). The thoughts of G. K Chesterton are relevant here. To paraphrase him, he said we do not need a Christianity that moves with the world but one that moves the world. it all boils down to the need for Christians to do an examination of conscience from the least to the biggest. The question is: Wherever we are, do we deserve to be called “salt of the earth”?

Continued from last week AT another place, he wrote: Ephesians 2:5-7 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

In other words, the reason why Jesus has called us out is that he wants to show the world something through us. What is that thing? Apostle Paul calls it “the exceeding riches of his grace”. It is this radiation of the exceeding riches of his grace that the Lord refers to as being fruitful in John 15: 1 – 5. It is living on earth as if we are already in heaven. The more we manifest Christlikeness, the more fruitful we are for the kingdom, and the Lord shall prune us to bear even more fruit. But if we do not show Christ to the world, He would count us as unfruitful branches, and he may cut us off.

It was that same thing – God’s purpose for calling us out – thatPeter the Apostle was referring to when he wrote to the saints of the dispersion. He said to them: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his

marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

As we proceed into the year that we described asa new year last month, let us realize that we are, and live as new people.

We are not the same as the people of the world. Jesus Christ has called us out of the world.

We do not have the same nature.

We do not have the same destiny.

We are not headed towards the same destination.

Therefore, we cannot be pursuing the same objectives. We cannot be manifesting the same character traits.

This is important because the things that we see around us in our politics and in many other sectors of national life show clearly that under pressure, many Christians forget that they are Christians.

They start acting like those who never met the Lord. Some even act worse than godless people. They simply forget that they have been called out to bring glory to Christ, and to the kingdom of God. One day, Jesus and his disciples entered a village to preach, and they were resisted (Luke chapter 9). In a fit of anger, James and John said something that illustrates the point we are trying to make today. Luke 9:54 says, To be continued next week

livingword

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

Engaging the covenant for financial dominion! (4) IN concluding this four-part teaching series, let’s understand that the covenant of giving and receiving not only guarantees our financial dominion as established in previous editions, but it also provokes the restoration of whatever we may have lost in the past. For instance, when the Shunammite woman’s son died, God restored his life, because the woman and her husband gave Elisha a place to stay (Philippians 4:15-19; Joel 2:23-26; 2 Kings4:8-35; Psalm 126:1-6; 2 Samuel 24:24-25; 2 Chronicles 15:3-6, 11-15). Let’s examine restoration channels that guarantee our redemptive dignity.

Restoration channels The Salvation Channel: This is a call to a life of restoration. As children of God, we are entitled to the restoration of whatsoever the devil might have stolen from us.

As it is written: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). In light of the scripture above, we understand that the thief (the devil) cometh not but to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came to restore all that the thief has stolen, in its perfect form (Proverbs 6: 3031).

The End-time Church Channel: “Church” here connotes you and I, not a building.

Thus, we are members of the End-time Church, and as such, are ordained for supernatural restoration (Joel 2:28-29; Acts

2: 17-18).

The Prophetic Platform: Prophets are ordained for the restoration of the saints, among other things. As it is written: And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved (Hosea 12:13). In the account of Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel prophesied and a mighty army arose from the dry bones. Hence, prophets, among other things, are agents of restoration (Ezekiel 37:1-14).

The Blood Covenant Platform: The Bible says: As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee (Zechariah 9:11-12). When the Blood was sprinkled by the Israelites, Pharaoh could not hold them anymore.

He did not only set them free, they spoiled the Egyptians and their wages of 430 years were restored to them (Exodus 3:20-22; 12:21-23; 29-36). Therefore, whatever is missing in our lives, by the power of the Blood covenant, they are restored in the name of Jesus Christ!

In conclusion, we cannot break forth into realms of financial dominion, except we practice the covenant of giving and receiving. Therefore, let us enlarge our coast and give to those in need and God will in turn change our level of financial dominion from glory to glory. Remain ever blessed!

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feature

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Beyond Lassa fever: ‘We are not afraid of rats, we eat them’

TADE MAKINDE reports that to some people, Lassa Fever is a rumour, though it is said that the disease is caused by a certain species of rats. But to some people, all species of rats are food and they are not afraid of living with them.

A

S Lassa fever continues to pose a threat to public health in Nigeria there seems to be no end in sight to the epidemic unless drastic measures were taken to eliminate or, at least, reduce to the barest minimum, the causative agents. Though the federal and state governments are making efforts to rid various localities and communities of the diseases by embarking on awareness and enlightenment campaigns, little effort is being geared towards reducing the population of rats generally.

However, some people are not threatened by the presence of rats in their homes or around them. In fact, they consume rats, something they see as a way of decimating the rat population.

Lassa Fever is a contrived story Agbelero ni lassa fever' "It is Iba Orere," says Olukayode Joshua, a native of Iseyin, in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.

"Ohh? So that's what we have been hearing that it is killing people all over Nigeria," his elder brother, Isiak Owula, injected. "Egbon, e fiyen sile. Agbelero ni lassa fever (my brother forget it, Lassa Fever is a contrived story),” Kayode said.

Owula, an okada rider, ate rat few days earlier. He couldn't care less about the call by health officials that certain species of rats spread the killer virus.

“I took someone to his site recently. As I parked my okada, I saw a rat raise its head from inside a small opening among the blocks there. I smoked it out and killed it.

Right there, I grilled it and ate it,” he said.

Joshua whose nickname is Majashan, does not believe that lassa fever is new and that it kills as it is being widely reported.

He believes that it is an old disease being repackaged as something new by the elite and medical practitioners to make money.

“In this country, we kill ourselves before we actually die. We should watch our mouths. If you believe that something will kill you, it will. There is nothing in the bush that I can't eat. In Iseyin where I come from, we eat all kinds of rats. I live in Ibadan mostly and I don't eat house rats. Maybe it is because I see them more at home and not in the bush. So, I don't eat house rats. But as long as it is from the bush, I will eat it.

“Be it Ango, Malaa, Emo, Eda, Egbara, Larinka (black), Olorogbo (white), I eat them all. When I’m at Oke Ogun, I kill an average of 40 different rats anyday I go to the bush. I snack on it till I go back to the bush to do the same thing again. Even till now,” he said.

Joshua added: “Why I say lassa fever is fake is because we have always known that Iba Orere has been with us from time immemorial. It is now that its killing those living in the cities that people are shouting. Look at what happened with Ebola.

Nigerian officials knew that a passenger had ebola and they still allowed the man to board a plane into the country. Why would anyone do that if its not pure mis-

Owula

Joshua

Ayegbajeje

"Besides, where is the food to waste these days? Regularly, I eat rats at Ansar Ud Deen area. These days, I don't go all out to kill rats, but if I was served rat anywhere, I won't ask if it has Ebola or not because I don't believe there is Ebola. Farmers don't do sakaat. The rats, monkeys and other animals that eat their yams and cassava is enough sakaat. I have never known any farmer who has been hit by lassa since doctors started talking about it,” Adunbarin said.

Rats

chief? Even when foreign governments were giving out money to most African countries for support, some of us knew we have the traditional cure for it. There is a mist-like substance on the back of some old male monkeys that causes Ogbele when people come in contact with monkeys that have it. We use Tagiri to treat it. I won't give you the details anyway.

Again, Owula joined in the conversation.

“Man, irrespective of social status, has been living with rats as neighbours for long. When rats pee in our foods, we scrape the stained areas and eat what is left,” Joshua continues.

“If it is in rice or beans, we remove the droppings and cook what is left. Do you expect people to throw their food away because of rats when they don't have anything to eat? I am sure I have taken gaari that rats have ‘pissed’ in because I see the droppings. If there could be droppings in the gaari, there can be piss in it. If I won't throw away the lot when I can clearly see the droppings, why would I bother about

its piss? I will drink it my brother “Malaa (a species of rats) lives close to damps and is fatty, compared to Ango.

Rat soup, especially obe ege, is sweet, says the man who never eats any food unless there is meat on the menu, hence his nickname, Majashan.

Opeyemi Adunbarin a resident of Ijebu-Ode, said: I live with rats. From my youth, all I can remember is sharing my foods with rats. Till now, we still have rats at home. You can't leave your food, turn your back few minutes and not see rats swooping on your bread. I will just cut the touched part, throw it away and eat the rest.

“Most times when I am so hungry, I don't even cut that part too deep. When I was young, I would buy day-old chicks and feed them well. After five days, I would start taking them out. They would follow me anywhere. They helped me to hunt locusts. I am only trying to let you know that there are some people who will eat anything. If I can eat locusts, why wouldn't I eat rats?

‘Ata Ijosi will kill any lassa, ebola virus’ Let’s even agree that many are dying in Lagos, why has lassa not killed anyone in the villages? I know why. Because the cure is in ata Ijosi and also because the village people who eat these rodents can tell sick ones from the pack. “How do they do that? Majasan was asked. “When you look at the underbelly, the openings of either the male or female rats, you squeeze that opening. Once a whittish substance comes out, we throw the entire rat away. It is diseased and not good to be eaten.

“Apart from that, we garnish rat, monkey, bat soups with ata Ijosi. Compared to knorr, maggie and other imported spices that you oyinbos in cities eat, ata ijosi will kill anything that is poisonous in any of these animals. In rats, monkeys and animals generally, poison is stored mostly in the intestine, especially in the trite (shaki onigba awe, etc). That is why we remove the intestine and smoke (roast) dry the rat before we eat it.

Nuru, a roadside mechanic at Boluwaji area of Ibadan, prefers house rats to bush rats (okete). "They have less fat." People tell me that my dark skin is shiny. I think the oil from house rats is good for me.

House rats are easy to catch, especially for those who know their movement pattern.

They like to run close to house edges. That Continues pg47

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feature

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Viral diseases more deadly than bacterial —Adeyefa

Dr Joshua Adeniran Adeyefa, son of Late Barrister G.A Adeyefa, Belgium University product who specialised in medical sciences. He worked at different medical institutions before setting up his own private practice. The Ile-Ife native speaks with TADE MAKINDE on the dangerous disease known as Lassa Fever.

W

HY do you think that it is so difficult to eradicate Lassa fever given the fact that it has been with us for a long time?

I believe that it is our way of life. We are not hygienic enough. The disease is caused by a particular species of rats, but people now claim that it is all rats because they cannot identify the particular rat. They believed that when the virus that causes it in the rat comes in contact with human beings, or through what we ingest, the virus will eventually result in fever. Peradventure it is not taken care of, it leads to death. In fact, I thought I won’t hear of Lassa again, but it is a pity that is coming back.

ticular place, why not call those in charge to clear it immediately? There are usually rats in the refuse and if it is not cleared, these rats will find their way into the house and cause serious damage to health. I thought lassa has finally been eradicated until recently that there were records of loss of life. However, I guess it can be fully eradicated only if our preventive medicine is proactive.

How come a rat’s urine can be so potent to damage human’s health when they come in contact with it?

This is because it is a virus disease, not bacteria. You cannot see a virus through an ordinary microscope. Only electronic microscopes can detect some virus. Anything viral is more damaging than bacteria. Any viral infection can be damaging because it destroys the immune system and it can only be cured systematically. That is why antiviral drugs are distributed in Nigeria freely. These special drugs are very expensive.

How will one know that he or she has contracted Lassa fever?

That is the problem. Some people who are affected with the fever would be treating malaria because of the accompanying high temperature and headache. They even tend to use self medication or local herb when they start to notice blood spilling out of their skin or from their sex organs, instead of visiting a doctor. This virus has between 10 days and two weeks incubation period.

What would you suggest that the science departments in Nigeria’s institutions should be doing?

They should continue in research, but the painful thing is that there is no funds to carry out these researches.

Professors have not earned their salaries for the past two months, just as staffs of the University of Ibadan, who are working at UCH, have not been paid for months talk less of making provision for researches. The Bursar recently said that the allocation of salaries of the institution has been reduced from the initial amount and that was why they could not pay salaries in December as well as January. This is why a protest was staged recently where the entrance of the university was blocked.

Why has it been difficult for scientists or medical practitioners to tackle this virus for over 40 years?

Part of the reasons we still have this virus in our midst is that people don’t consult doctors and if you don’t do that, doctors cannot be aware of what one is passing through.

Another problem is that many doctors are not trained for it. As for me, I was in the medical school in Belgium forty years ago and we never heard about HIV until recently.

Since it broke out over 30 years ago, we have been making consultations to tackle the disease through regular reading and research.

Are we still at risk following recent media report that the rate of infection has increased?

Yes, we are at risk as long as we are not able to rid our homes of rats, and as long as the virus touches our body.

The fluid in our foods can still transmit the virus into our body system. We pray that the government and the ministry of heath provide funds for research and detection to get rid of this disease in the country. Sorry to digress. Nigerian doctors diagnosed the late Gani Fawehinmi, who never smoked all his life, of pneumonia when he started coughing. It wasn’t until he travelled oversea that it was discovered that he had cancer, which had advanced to a higher stage. This is why the Ondo State government constructed a cancer diagnostic center in the state.

Who should be blamed for such errors?

I think the doctors should be blamed. It is the responsibility of a doctor to examine and cross examine any patient. If I treat a case of cough for two weeks and it still persists, I will demand for an x-ray from the patient and I am sure that it will reveal some things. Also, it is ideal for people to cooperate with the doctors too because it has to do with life. Doctors should not be rigid when diagnosing patients. However, I don’t see doctors as being lazy. My concern is that a lot of them are not aware that minor sicknesses such as diarrhea and skin rashes are connected to other ailments more serious than ordinary skin problems. Fela had skin problem for months and wouldn’t stop coughing. No one knew whether he was battling with cough or diarrhea only for him to later know that it was HIV that he had. One must be alert when one begins to discover these things in one’s body before it gets out of hand.

Why is it that we always wait until some health

Dr Adeyefa

issues have become obvious?

I have always said that prevention is better than cure.

Someone who studied preventive medicine will have an insight into this. When we see heaps of refuse at a par-

The way out Research and preventive medicine. That’s the only way.

Have you ever wondered why malaria drugs are mostly produced in UK and exported to us? A country that has a temperate weather that is harsh to mosquitoes. They did extensive research on mosquitoes when they were here, you know it was killing them. They eventually, through research, discovered that the life span of mosquito is about two weeks? That is research. We should begin to engage our scientists in researches. We should also have the habit of regularly cleaning our surroundings. No open gutters for rats to breed.

‘Eating a species of rats will make snakes run away from you’ Continued from pg46

is where I set my traps. I use that trap that is laced with gum. I am surrounded by bushes. Most times, the trap can catch two, three rats. Because they are also smart animals, they soon start to run through other paths in the house after lying low for a while. Because they have to eat, they will leave their holes in search of food. Rats are rats. I eat all kinds of rats. Even those with four or six teats “It is a known fact that rats are led by their snouts and they never miss their ways in the bush. That is why someone like me will not even cut any spot that a rat has eaten from my food, especially on a loaf of bread. In fact, I eat that portion first before I go on to eat the whole piece. I have never lost my way anywhere I have been to, even if it is the first time I am visiting the place. It is a traditional

thing,” Nuru added.

For Gbade Ogundipe, who would not like to have his photograph taken, no mouse can outrun his pot once he sights any right in the bush. "Eku agabara is the fastest of the rats. Only hares can outrun it in the bush. I catch them with traps and I eat them. Any time my trap catches shrews (asin), I eat them too. Shrews are the most effective to fence off snakes from any surrounding. If you could eat just one shrew, you will immediately begin to smell like one and my brother, even from afar, snakes will run away from you. If you are sharing your house with snakes, at the smell of you, they will flee. Neighbours will also be able to smell you from afar. Some can keep away from you, but all types of snakes will keep off you. Please, let us stop this lassa noise and enjoy life eating and drinking. One thing will kill every one of us at the end of it all," he said.

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28 February, 2016

children’sarena

Sunday Tribune

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

Brief history of shower

Words From Kids

What will you tell your governor if you meet him 1. Opeaye Demilade, Basic 5 The name of my governor is Senator Ibikunle Amosun. If I meet him, I will tell him to make education free and accessible to the people in the state in order to reduce the level of illiteracy. We also need more schools in Ogun States. The governor is the leader of the state, therefore, he should be in charge of providing all social amenities such as hospital, good roads and pipe borne water to the citizens.

2. Damilola Aiyedun, 11 years, Basic 6 If I meet Senator Ibikunle Amosun today, I will urge him to provide good roads for us in Ogun State. I will also tell him to make electricity more stable. We also need social amenities such as pipe borne water and free health service for children.

Mediterranean and as far as modern-day England. The water and sewage systems developed by the Greeks and Romans broke down and fell out of use after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Students of Peak International School, Ikenne Remo, Ogun State.

2

1

3

4. Fuad Shittu, 11 years, Basic 6 If I meet my governor today, I will ask him to improve the health services in the state. There is need for more hospitals to be built and qualified doctors should be employed so that those who cannot afford to go to private hospitals will have access to health care.

Shark

humans, and were often used as tools themselves • Sharks are closely related to stingrays • Sharks wounds heal quickly • Unlike most animals, sharks can move both their upper and lower jaws

Rauf-Lateef Abdulhaad

Adedamola clocks 3 Many happy returns

3. Aluko Tunmise, 8 years, Basic 5 The name of my governor is Senator Ibikunle Amosun. If I meet the governor today, I will ask him how he intends to improve the quality of education in Ogun State and his plans towards the creation of employment for those who are yet to get jobs.

• There are over 400 different species of sharks • Baby sharks are called pups • New research shows that sharks may be colour blind • Shark teeth have been thought to inspire the first tools created by

at the site of the city Pergamum and can also be found represented in pottery of the era. The depictions are very similar to modern locker room showers, and even included bars to hang up clothing.

The ancient Romans also followed this convention; their famous bathhouses can be found all around the

of C th hi e wld ee k

A shower is a place in which a person bathes under a spray of typically warm or hot water. Indoors, there is a drain in the floor. Most showers have temperature, spray pressure and adjustable showerhead nozzle settings.

The ancient Greeks were the first people to have showers. Their aqueducts and sewage systems made of lead pipes allowed water to be pumped both into and out of large communal shower rooms used by the elites and common citizens alike. These rooms have been discovered

Proverb

4

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater Meaning: Be careful to not throw away good things with bad while cleaning.

F o r example: She deleted some useful files also along with the useless ones while cleaning her computer. I had advised her to be careful and not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

• Funnily enough, the largest sharks tend to be the most harmless, they eat plankton by swimming with their jaws wide open • Shark’s skin is tough and hard and before the invention of sandpaper, it was used to polish wood

• Shark’s have a sensory organ called ‘ampullae of Lorenzini’ that allows them to feel electrical currents in the water • Sharks can smell a drop of blood in one million drops of water

• Sharks never run out of teeth, if they lose one, another spins forward from rows and rows of backup teeth –

A shark may grow and lose 20 000 teeth in i t s lifetime!

• A shark can hear a fish in the water more than a million miles away • Most of today’s sharks developed 64 million years ago– when the dinosaurs were.

49

news

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Cafe operator arrested for duping UTME candidate

Duped candidate in Nasarawa got slip belonging to another in Ekiti Clement Idoko - Abuja

A

cyber cafe operator in Masaka, Nasarawa State, has been arrested for duping a female candidate for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), of N17,000.

The nabbed operator gave the lady a registration slip which belonged to another candidate in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, for the examination.

Registrar of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor

Dibu Ojerinde, discloded this during an interview with newsmen shortly after monitoring the conduct of the examination at one of the designated centres for the exercise in Abuja.

According to him, the victim detected this when she entered the registration number given to her only for another person’s name to come up.

“Of course, she discovered

this earlier today and she came to our office to complain and we discovered that the person who has that number is from Ado-Ekiti, and registered in Ado-Ekiti and she is living in Abuja.

“She has the code of someone from Ado-Ekiti, and that girl does not even know anywhere in Ado-Ekiti. She was duped but because we allowed further registration, she was able to re-register

NSCDC deploys 84 personnel to monitor UTME in Kano THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State said it deployed 84 of its officers to 21 designated centres of the ongoing UTME in the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Ibrahim Idris, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, on Saturday.

According to him, the command deployed four officers to each of the 21 centres across the state to ensure the success of the exercise.

“Each centre has four officers, three males and a female to monitor the exercise,” he said.

He explained that the officers were deployed to the examination centres to monitor the exercise and to provide security at the designated centres.

Idris said the officers had also been mandated to arrest any candidates found in the act of examination malpractice or fraudulent activities during the exercise.

He said the command had not received any negative report on the ongoing examination across the 21 centres.

From left, chairman of Social Media Week, Lagos, Mr Obi Asika; Senator Foster Ogola; chairman Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Dino Melaye; Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; co-founder of Red Media/State Craft Incorporated, Mr Debola Williams and the chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Abudullahi, during the Social Media Week, in Lagos, on Friday.

System failure causes hitch in Lagos centres SYSTEM failure caused hitches and delays in the commencement of the examination at some centres in Lagos State.

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the examination, reported that it was a mixed grill for candidates, with some complaining, while others commended JAMB. Some of the candidates praised JAMB for the smooth arrangement at some centres, while others poured scorn on the board for its alleged untidy arrangements.

The test could not start at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Oshodi as scheduled because of system failure that made accreditation of candidates to commence at 10.30 a.m. instead of 8.00 a.m.

A JAMB supervisor at

the centre, Mr Stephen Ignatius, told NAN that the delay was due to a system failure from Abuja.

“Nevertheless, we will ensure that we have the exam for the two and a half hours as stipulated

by JAMB. 350 candidates are expected to sit for the exam at this centre,” he stated.

A blind candidate, who was relocated to the Yaba College of Technology, Mr Adeniyi Omoare, said

there were many lapses on the part of the organisers of the examination.

Omoare expressed worry over his relocation from the DBI, lamenting that lapses on the part of JAMB could mar his performance.

“I came from Ondo State to take the test. But I must commend JAMB for calling me earlier to notify me of the date, time and place to take the test,” he said.

However, the examination was devoid of hitches

Sanitation exercise forces exam to start at 1.00 p.m. in Kano THE monthly environmental sanitation in Kano State delayed the commencement of Saturday Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the state.

The zonal coordinator of the Joint Admissions and

Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Kano, Hajiya Karimatu Abubakar, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), shortly after the commencement of the examination at about 1.00 p.m.

“The examination was to

Tight security at UTME centres in Edo THE 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), began, on Saturday, across 19 centres in Edo State, including Benin City, the capital, amidst tight security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited some of the centres in Benin

reported that men of the police force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were present at the centres.

NAN reported that the police and the NSCDC officials jointly deployed a total of 169 officers to various centres across the state.

at most centres in Ikorodu, near Lagos.

Mr Ayomide Fafiolu, an official at a centre at the Elihans College in IgboOlomu, Ikorodu, told NAN that the exercise commenced at 9.50 a.m.

“Most of the candidates arrived early at this centre, a few of them even came as early as 7.00 a.m. The candidates proceeded to their respective computer labs to take the examination in an orderly manner.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Abiodun Osifo and the NSCDC spokesman, Mr Efosa Ogbebor, who both spoke to NAN, said that they provided 101 and 68 personnel respectively to ensure peaceful conduct of the examination.

They said that the personnel would be on ground throughout the six days the examination would last.

They said that unlike the hitches that followed the conduct of the computerbased test (CBT) in 2015, that of 2016 would be devoid of such hitches.

commence at about 11 a.m., but due to the sanitation exercise that took place in the state, the examination was delayed to 1.00 p.m.,” she said.

The coordinator said due to the change of time for the commencement of the examination, the closing time had to be shifted by one hour to 4.00 p.m from 3.00 p.m.

She added that the remaining nine centres would hold the examination on March 7.

Abubakar also disclosed that men and women of Civil Defence Corps were deployed to all the centres while other security agents went round to ensure peaceful conduct of the examination.

but of course, she had lost N17,000 which that man took from her. It’s a pity but we have handed him over to the police,” he said.

Ojerinde said the conduct of the computer-based examination was an improvement over that of 2015.

Ojerinde, who said that CBT had come to stay, disclosed that results of over 72, 000 candidates that sat for the kick-off examination across the country on Saturday would be released same day.

He said some innovations were brought in this year to curb examination malpractice as well as make the exercise hitch-free.

The Registrar disclosed that the board deliberately commenced the examination at noon nationwide on Saturday with only one session before going fullblast with two sessions on Monday, in order to correct whatever hitch that might emanate from any centre.

“Over 72,000 candidates sat for the examination nationwide today (Saturday).

By the grace of God, their results will be release before the end of the day. On Monday, we will go full-blast with two sessions so that it will double that number and by 12th of March, we will finish the examination.

“This year, we have more centres than we had last year. We had just 380 centres but this year, we have accredited over 540 centres. Although, more centres wanted to join, but they were late,” he said.

He disclosed that most centres contain about 250 carrying capacity unlike last year where the board accepted between 100 and 150.

“This year we did not accept many below 250 because we want to reduce the number of days for the conduct of the examination,” he said.

He noted that if the board had got enough staff who are computer literate, the examination would have been conducted in a week instead of the two weeks to be used.

Some candidates who spoke with Sunday Tribune at the centre said they were at the examination venue as early as 5.30 a.m. in readiness for the exercise.

They, however, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination.

It was observed that the biometric screening of candidates started about 10.00 a.m. while examination commenced at noon across the centres in Abuja.

50

utme

news

Parents, candidates decry postings Clement Idoko - Abuja

S

OME parents and candidates writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have bemoaned the posting of candidates by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) outside their areas.

Some of the parents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos State that the situation was inconveniencing and destabilising.

This, they said, was especially so for candidates who had no relatives where they were posted to.

A parent, Mr Mohammed Nasir, said that his son registered in Lagos in October 2015 and was posted to Tai Solarin College of Education in Ogun State.

Nasir, who is a civil servant, described the situation as unfair, adding that his son had registered early enough to avoid such posting.

“Despite JAMB’s policy of posting within one’s vicinity, he was still not consid-

ered,” he said.

According to him, his son who will be writing the examination on Monday, will have to travel to Ogun State a day before to the examination to avoid lateness.

A candidate, Mr Ebuka Chinedu, said that he had been posted to write the examination in Abeokuta and would be leaving Lagos as early as 4.30 a.m to beat the examination time.

Another candidate, Mr Uche Osuagwu, told NAN that he had been posted to Ibadan, Oyo State, to write the examination on Monday first batch.

According to him, he knows no one in Ibadan and would be lodging in a hotel with his father.

A blind candidate, Mr Adeniyi Omoare, said he resides in Ondo State and was posted to write the examinations in Lagos State, adding that he registered while on a visit to Lagos.

He further added that while in Ondo for the examinations, he was redirected to Yaba College of Technology to write the examination

on Monday.

According to him, he had not made adequate preparation for the change in date and place of examinations.

Meanwhile, a JAMB official who spoke on condition of anonymity, gave reasons for such posting, attributing it largely to the intending candidates.

According to her, some candidates while filling forms may not have specified accurately the place where they would be as at the time of the examination.

She added that most times, some candidates misunderstood place for the exams with their place of residence.

She said that the other issue could be the cyber café operators who assisted candidates in filling the online form.

Such operators, she said, might have filled in wrong information following pressure of work.

The official said that the other major issue was that Lagos portal for JAMB registration was closed down two weeks before the deadline.

No hitches in Ibadan centres

By Laolu Harolds and Moses Alao IN Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the examination was held without any hitches.

Centre managers, officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and some candidates at the three centres visited informed Sunday Tribune that there were no observable hitches.

It will be recalled that this year’s exercise is the second fully computer-based

UTME. At the University of Ibadan Distance Learning (CBT) Centre, candidates, who started filing in at 11:13 a.m. for the examination scheduled for noon were frisked (and scanned) at two different points before they were allowed into the hall.

Sunday Tribune gathered that there was only one session of the examination scheduled for Saturday, as a deputy director with JAMB, Mr Emmanuel Wambai, explained that this was as a result of the

Exams held in 30 centres in Lagos Naza Okoli - Lagos OUT of the 53 accredited centres in Lagos State, a total of 30 centres (which make up the Stream 1) hosted candidates on Saturday. The remaining 23 centres, which make up the second stream, will begin on Monday, March 7.

The examination, which lasted 2 hours 45 minutes, was conducted without any hitches in most of the centres visited, except for a few cases of temporary network problems.

Some of these centres

included Bafuto College, Egbe; the West Midland Communication Limited Electronic Test Centre, Ikeja; and the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Centre.

The coordinator of the national headquarters Lagos Annex of JAMB, Dr. Beatrice Okorie, who monitored the examination at YABATECH, said out of the 180 candidates assigned to YABATECH, only the candidate with number 157, Akinola Jolayemi Damilola, failed to come for the examination.

national environmental sanitation day.

Wambai said: “The board does not have the muscle to ask the Federal Government to set aside the sanitation exercise. So, we felt we should just do one session today (Saturday). By virtue of our CBT examination, we normally do either two or three sessions per day; but all over the country today, it’s just one session.

We are Nigerians; we also need to observe our laws, particularly as it deals with cleanliness.

“However, we had asked candidates to come by 10.00 a.m. We did the normal accreditation, we did the normal procedure and we started on time. There are no hitches here as you can see. In fact, we have a deaf and dumb candidate who is writing the examination and there has been no issue so far; there is no security or parental issue,” he said.

Sunday Tribune observed that parents and guardians were kept outside the vicinity of the expansive DLC CBT centre.

At both the Adebayo Akande Centre and the University of Ibadan CBT Centre opposite the Faculty of Technology, the examination also went without hitches.

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

NDDC completes 242 roads, hostel projects in Imo —MD Clement Idoko - Abuja

A

CTING Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Ibim Semenitari, on Saturday, said the agency had completed 242 road, electrification and hostel projects in Imo State.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by Mr Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, the commission’s Head of Corporate Affairs unit, disclosed that the projects were completed since the commission came into existence in 2000.

The statement quoted Semenitari to have said this during her visit to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.

It said the commission

was committed to addressing challenges confronting the region by repositioning from physical infrastructure needs to human capacity development.

“Since inception, the commission has tried to meet expectations of the people by completing 242 projects in Imo State.

“The commission have constructed several roads; undertaken rural electrification projects in communities such as Okigwe, Umuenyi in Isiala-Mbano and Awa/Akabor communities.

“We have also donated over 400 transformers to many other communities in the state, donated medical equipment and drugs to hospitals and carried out free medical missions in rural communities.

“Recently, NDDC also built and donated 522-bed space hostels each to Imo State University and the Federal University of Science and Technology,” Semenitari was quoted as saying.

The statement said the commission was concerned with dualisation of the Avu to Etekwuru road project that would connect six communities in the state.

It said the project, when completed, would increase economic activities around the Amafor market and the general Owerri West and Ohaji/Egbema local government areas of Imo State.

It noted that NDDC as an interventionist agency was focused to bridge the development gap in the region and improve livelihoods of the people.

Provost threatens to hand over cultists to police THE Provost of Hill College of Education, Gwanje, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Mr Musa Jwan, has threatened to hand over any student caught indulging in cultist activities to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

The provost issued the threat on Saturday at the 2015/2016 matriculation ceremony of the eight set of students of the college at

Gwanje village of Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the decision was necessitated by the alarming rate of social vices in the country.

He warned that students caught indulging in other vices like examination malpractice, drunkenness, drug abuse, indecent dressing, idolatry, among others,

Army reopens Borno highways 3 years after THE Nigerian Army announced, on Saturday, that it had reopened all major highways linking Maiduguri, Borno State, with other parts of the country after being shut for about three years due to suspected Boko Haram terrorist attacks.

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), announced this at the launch of Army Combat Motor Bikes in Damboa, headquarters of Damboa Local Government Area of the state.

Buratai said that the army would work towards securing the lives and properties of motorists plying the roads.

“From today the Maiduguri-Damboa and Damboa-Biu highway will be opened. The road is going to be entrusted into the hands of the Brigade Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade,” he said.

Buratai added: “I do not want to hear any case of attack on innocent civilians or motorists on the road henceforth. Our troops will be on alert 24 hours to ensure that the road is kept open.”

would be sanctioned accordingly.

He stressed that such students would be made to face the school’s internal disciplinary committee.

“I want to advise all our students, most especially those that are newly matriculated, to shun all social vices and stay away from bad companies.

“Those guilty of one bad thing or the other before getting admitted in this college should desist, because the management has set machinery in motion to do a background check.

“Anyone who has not stopped and is caught indulging in any of the acts that contravened the rules governing the college will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

PDP leaders disown online portal THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disassociated itself from a fake online portal opened in the name of the party.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Richard Ihediwa, Special Assistant to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, on Saturday in Abuja.

It stated that the fake online portal: www.pdpmembership.org/register; was demanding Nigerians to register as members of PDP through an electronically

guided form.

“The PDP states categorically that this online portal does not belong to it; it is not associated to it, and has nothing to do with it at any level and in anyway whatsoever.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP has not commenced its proposed online registration of members,” the statement said.

It added that the party would adequately and officially inform the public through its relevant organs once it was ready for such.

51

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28 February, 2016

OPC/Bakassi clash looms at Ladipo market Olaleken Olabulo-Lagos

W

AR between suspected Bakassi militants and members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), looms at the Ladipo auto spare parts market in Lagos State as the Owoyemi family has promised to do everything possible to execute the court judgment that confirmed their ownership of the market.

A source close to the Owoyemi family told Sunday Tribune that the family might be forced to

find an alternative means of executing the court judgment.

The family source also enjoined the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, to shut the market since he had confirmed court judgments on the land.

“We learnt and confirmed that the traders have brought Bakassi Boys to the market. We will also bring OPC to confront them.

“We have submitted judgements, including an appeal court judgement,

which have been confirmed by the police and the Ministry of Justice, yet the traders are insisting on not leaving the market.

“This is what usually leads to breakdown of law and order in the world. People disregard court judgements,” he said.

He stated further that “the best thing for now is for the Commissioner of Police to close the market These traders are aware that there are court judgments. They are just being lawless.”

He called on the police

to comb the entire market and arrest the armed hoodlums, whom he claimed had been stationed at the market by the traders.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms and allow them to cheat us. For more than six years, they have not been paying rent to anybody.”

Meanwhile, investigations by the Sunday Tribune revealed that the state commissioner of police convened a meeting of the two parties on Friday as parts of the efforts to resolve the matter.

Sunday Tribune

Maitama Sule tasks Nigerians to support Buhari’s anti-graft war Kola Oyelere-Kano

THE Danmassanin Kano and former permanent representative to the United Nations, Dr Yusuf Maitama Sule, has urged Nigerians to render spiritual, physical and moral support to President Muhammad Buhari to ensure the success of the anti graft war launched by his administration.

Maiatama Sule stated this at the 40th year commemorative event marking the killing of former military head of state, General Muritala Mohammed.

He, however, commended President Buhari over his doggedness in the pursuit of recovering money looted from the government treasury.

According to Sule, President Buhari had embarked on a mission to salvage Nigeria from the claws of looters and dictators.

He said that General Muritala, on assumption of office as head of state in 1975, staged a merciless war against corruption, a template which had been copied by President Buhari.

He added that it deserved all the support that could be garnered from Nigerians and beyond.

Modu Sheriff: PDP group backs Fani-Kayode, ex-ministers Taiwo Adisa-Abuja

THE PDP Solidarity Group(PSG), a group of loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has said that it was in firm solidarity with the PDP Ex-Ministers’ Forum and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode in their decision to reject the appointment of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the national chairman of the PDP. The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Taiwo Olaiya, said that it was in solidarity with Fani-Kayode, a former Director of Media and Publicity of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation, in rejecting the new PDP Chairman.

The statement read in part: “We believe that the PDP Ministers Forum, a group in which Chief Fani-Kayode is a leading member, has taken the right step by rejecting Ali Modu Sheriff and we stand with them in this struggle.”

From left, bride’s father, the Executive Director (Finance), Masterstroke Parckages Limited, Chief Adebowale Ogunleye; groom’s mother, Dr (Mrs) Motunrayo Adebayo; the couple, Mr and Mrs Segun and Aderinsola Adebayo; representative of the mother of the bride, Mrs Folake Ogunjimi and the groom’s father, former chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Oyo State, Barrister Segun Adebayo, during marriage between Olusegun and Aderinsola Adebayo at All Souls Church, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

End of Social Media Week: FG promises partnership with youths Bola Badmus-Lagos

MINISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured that the federal government will partner with the youths to ensure the actualisation of their potentials.

The minister gave the assurance on Friday night when he formally closed

the fourth edition of the annual social media week, which was held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos State.

Mohammed said he was confident that the country had great potentials in the creative industry and the infinite possibilities that an empowered young Nigerian could spin, adding

that the federal government would partner with the youths to make it possible for them to actualise their dreams.

“In our efforts to diversify our economy away from oil, we will partner with the youths to make it possible for them to actualize their dreams,” he said.

The minister said there

Buhari ends lesser hajj, heads for Qatar PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, concluded the lesser Hajj to end his visit to Saudi Arabia.

The president and his entourage performed the final Dawaf, which is the going round the Holy Ka’aba seven times, and offered supplications to God to round off the pilgrimage.

Buhari and members of the delegation had since left Saudi Arabia for Qatar to attend the meeting

of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) before returning to Nigeria on Monday.

The president departed for Doha, the Qatari capital, from Jeddah International Airport at about 3.00 pm local time.

Before his departure, Buhari was received at the King Abdulaziz International Airport by a delegation of Saudi officials, led by the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Mishaal bin Majed

bin Abdulaziz.

Others at the airport to bid farewell to the president included the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Emir of Maradun in Zamfara State, Alhaji Garba Tambari, Oba of Lagos, Alhaji Rilwan Akiola and the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh.

Nigerian diplomatic officials in Riyadh, Madina and Jeddah were also at the airport to bid farewell to the president.

was no better platform than the social media week, which had garnered five million mentions on social media, and attracted 30,000 people, in addition to 500 speakers, over four years, to engage with the youth who, he said, formed the vanguard of those who helped to bring about the much-needed change in the country.

“In this respect, we hope to play a more active role in subsequent editions of the Social Media Week,” he said.

The minister, who also fielded questions from the audience on issues ranging from Boko Haram to tourism and the country’s image, congratulated the organisers of the award that provided the ideas, trends, insights and inspiration to help people and businesses understand how to achieve more in a hyperconnected world.

FIRS boss charges Plateau govt on new approach to IGR Isaac Shobayo-Jos

THE Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler, has enjoined Plateau State Government to consider the peculiarity of the state in terms of tax revenue potentials and economic activities as an added advantage in generating needed revenue for the state.

Mr. Fowler, who gave the advice at the 2016 Plateau State Stakeholders on Taxation and Tax Performance Awards in Jos, said both the states and federal government relied largely on the efforts of various tax authorities more than before, given the dwindling revenue from oil.

To optimally enhance the operation of FIRS, Mr. Fowler said the Federal Inland Revenue Service and State Internal Revenue Services had outlined areas of collaboration through exchange of information, staff capacity building, joint tax audit and enlightenment among others.

Kaduna govt frees 19 prison inmates THE Kaduna State Government has announced the release of 19 inmates of Birnin-Gwari Prisons, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest prisons in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna by Mr Barau Emmanuel, the Technical Assistant on Media to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ruth Dyeris-Sijuwade.

It said that the prisoners were released after evaluation of their cases by the Committee on Prisons Decongestion, headed by the commissioner.

According to the statement, those released were mainly first time offenders for non-capital offences and those held for offences not found in law.

“Members of the committee are of the opinion that such offenders were better given a second chance to change their ways and turn good citizens, instead of allowing them to be in jail with hardened criminals,” the statement added.

52

28 February, 2016

sport

SUNDAY

Nigeria opens campaign with Turkey

Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

We don’t owe Oliseh salary

ITTF Championship:

THE two best teams in Africa, Nigeria and Egypt will today begin their campaigns at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Team Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Due to their world ratings, Nigeria and Egypt will be aiming at promotion to the elite division as they will be playing in division two of the men and women’s event at the eight-day tournament holding at prestigious Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam in Kuala Lumpur.

Ninety-one Men’s Teams and 81 Women’s Teams across the globe will ignite the city of Kuala Lumpur as matches begin at the biggest table tennis tournament in the world.

Drawn in group F, Nigeria’s first group match in the men’s event will be against Turkey, while the team will also battle for the top place in the group against India, Vietnam, Switzerland and Slovakia.

The Egyptians led by its star, Omar Assar will be campaigning in group G against Hungary, Slovenia, Mexico, Norway and Argentina.

Egypt’s first group match is against Mexico.

Just like their men’s counterparts, Nigeria and Egypt will also be only African teams playing in top division as they will be aiming at promotion to the Championship division this year.

Nigerian ladies will compete against India, Croatia, Portugal, Puerto Rico and Columbia in group G, while Egypt will battle against Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Mexico and Lithuania in group F. Algeria, Congo Brazzaville will be competing in division three of the men’s event, while Congo Brazzaville, Algeria and Ethiopia will also be in the same division of the women’s cadre.

Other African teams like South Africa, Mauritius, Togo and Tunisia will be playing in division four.

For the championship division, European champions, Austria face a Herculean task as they have been drawn against world champion, China, Greece Chinese Taipei, Czech Republic and DPR Korea in group A.

Sunday Tribune

—NFF

Ikeme

Ikeme thanks Oliseh for Eagles chance

N

IGERIA goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has expressed appreciation to former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh for giving him the chance to play for the country.

However, the Wolverhampton Wanderers first-choice goalkeeper said he is disappointed to see the former Ajax and Borussia Dutmund player quit his post on Thursday.

“Sad to see Sunday Oliseh resign.

Would like to thank him for all his

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have announced they have cleared all the outstanding salaries of Sunday Oliseh, who on Thursday quit as Nigeria coach.

In an official statement, the NFF disclosed: “Contrary to claims by Oliseh that he was being owed wages and did not receive support from the NFF, top officials confirmed that he was paid the sum of N20 million, being salaries for three months (December 2015, January 2016 and February 2016) and halfyear rent for July-December 2015. He was signed on July 2015.

“The only money he is owed is the bonus for the World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in Port Harcourt in November 2015, which the NFF had promised to pay players and officials on resumption of camping for the matches against Egypt.”

efforts and giving me the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles,” Ikeme tweeted.

England-born Ikeme, 29, made his Eagles debut last September in Tanzania, where he kept a clean sheet.

He has since established himself as Nigeria top-choice goalkeeper after Lille shot stopper, Vincent Enyeama retired from international football.

Renard’s agent revealed NFF talk —Babangida EX-NIGERIA international, Tijjani Babangida has revealed that it was Herve Renard’s agent who informed Sunday Oliseh his client has been contacted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in connection with the Eagles coaching post.

“They were talking with Renard about him replacing Oliseh and it was his agent who told us,” said Babangida, who was the ex-Eagles coach special assistant.

“The agent wondered what was wrong with the NFF, but he assured him Renard won’t be coming to Nigeria.”

The former Ajax Amsterdam winger also gave details of Oliseh’s frustrations when he was in charge of the Eagles.

“It was always going to end this way because he was disappointed his contract was violated and there were many problems at the CHAN and he was not supported.

“He planned to go and watch an interesting striker (Fanendo) Adi in the United States of

America, but they did not approve it, claiming there was no money.

“They did not reply his emails and they kept insisting he should attend the technical committee meeting in Abuja, even when he had yet to compile his list of players for the Egypt matches.

“It was like, If he did not show up, they will sack him again after they recommended for his sack at their first meeting.”

Babangida said there was a more harmonious working relationship with the former technical committee chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, but added this changed for the worse when Chris Green was reappointed the committee’s boss last month.

Renard

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28 February, 2016

THE

Sunday Tribune

Fabio Lanipekun 08050498512 lanipekunfabio@yahoo.com

Rise and rise of Segun Toriola

Toriola: Symbol of enduring legacy

B

Y the time the Nigerian contingent arrived in Harare for the 1995 All Africa Games, there were two Toriola brothers whose performances were eagerly awaited. Professor Toriola had left the Nigerian shores to teach at the University of Zimbabwe and his commitment and knowledge of table tennis propelled him to head the all important technical committee of the table tennis tournament of the Games.

The other Toriola was his youngest brother, Segun, who in 1992, had made his debut at the Barcelona Olympic Games. There are nine Toriola brothers with Ilorin background and all into table tennis, but not all as successful as 41-year-old Segun whose baptismal name is Moses.

Last week Segun Toriola broke new grounds by becoming the first Nigerian, indeed, the first African, to feature in seven Olympics when the 2016 Games hold in Rio in August. Toriola debuted in Barcelona 1992, was at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 where he made it to the fourth round of the men’s singles. He was also at the London Games 2012 and will be looking forward to excel in Rio 2016.

Why am I dwelling so much on table tennis? The answer is simple. Since organised table tennis began in Nigeria (Lagos) especially, in 1951, certain indisputable facts have emerged. The game is well entrenched in the south west than any other part of the country. Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states are clear leaders. Players brought up in Lagos have been more successful than others. Representing Nigeria at international tournaments has always been based on trial matches when players are picked after hectic round robin matches. Picking of players is strictly based on current form and on no other sentiments. Since Nigeria

have been playing international championships 95 per cent of players were from the south west, based purely on merit, as there is no room for federal character or quota system.

Apart from Chinwuba in 1951, all the men’s single champions have all been born and bred in the south west and in the women’s category, Ethel Jacks resigned briefly before Lawunmi Majekodunmi took over in 1976. The story of Ethel Jacks and the Hathiramani’s Cup will interest readers. In those Nkrumah’s days in Ghana when sports was placed on a high pedestal, Ethel Jacks, born of Nigerian parents, but resident in Ghana, remained the West African women champion for several years and terrorised Nigerian women until Majekodunmi unseated her

in Cotonou in 1976.

Thereafter Jacks relocated to her origin, Rivers State to strengthen the Nigerian squad. The Hathiramani’s Cup was donated by an Asian businessman resident in Ghana and who had been an ardent follower of the close rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, especially in table tennis. The Cup was to be contested by men and the winner will walk away with the golden trophy.

Space denies me of narrating the full story and we shall conclude the dramatic story of the Hathiramani’s Cup next week.

Rounding off we should ask ourselves.

If Nigeria had known of their natural strength in table tennis, why have we not been paying attention to the sports instead of concentrating on football, football, football?

SEGUN Moses Toriola, born on 18 September, 1974 in Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria is a Nigerian professional table tennis player.

He is the youngest of nine brothers.

Since 1995 he has been ranked as the best Nigerian player. He has been amongst the top table tennis players in Africa since the mid-1990s. Ranked number one in Africa from 1998 to June 2008, when Egyptian Eli Saleh Ahmed became the leading African table tennis player. However, since 2009, Toriola has again been the number one in Africa. Renowned for his unusual style of forehand play, which makes him an awkward opponent for many. Despite lacking good footwork has an excellent topspin, which has allowed him to pull off many upsets with top world players.

During his career he has won multiple medals in international singles tournaments. Some of his important achievements are: *4 African Table Tennis Singles Championships (1998, 2002, 2004, 2006) and 2 Doubles Championships (1994, 1992). *A Commonwealth Singles Championship (2002) in Manchester (United Kingdom). *A Commonwealth Doubles Championship and Singles Bronze Medal (2006) in Melbourne (Australia). * 4 All-African Games Singles Gold Medals (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007), 4 doubles gold medals (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007), 1 Mixed doubles gold medal (1999, with Bose Kaffo; they also won silver in 2003) and 3 Team gold medals (1995, 1999, 2003).

He represented Nigeria at six Summer Olympics debuting at Barcelona. His biggest achievement at the Olympics has been reaching the Men’s Singles 1/16 final at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, beating amongst others, former world number one Jean-Michel Saive as well as David Zhuang. His 1/32 matchup with Jean-Michel Saive was seen by many as one of the highlights of the Men’s Singles Tournament. He narrowly lost 4-3 to heavily favoured Oh Sang-Eun in the 1/16 final.

His fifth Olympic appearance in 2008 made him the first Nigerian man to appear at five Olympics. This feat was achieved four years earlier by sprinter Mary Onyali and also in 2008 by fellow table tennis player Bose Kaffo. By the end of the 2008 Summer Olympics, only 13 table tennis players worldwide had appeared at least five Olympics. With his participation in 2012 Olympics in London he became the only Nigerian athlete to appear at six Olympics. He therefore joined João N’Tyamba of Angola and Maria Mutola of Mozambique as only third ever African athlete to compete in so many Summer Olympics.

54 sport

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Oliseh, after his unveiling in Abuja, last July.

Oliseh’s resignation letter Dear General Secretary of NFF, Object: Letter of Resignation.

Oliseh (right) with one of his assistants, Jean Francois Losciuto, during a training session before his resignation.

NFF doesn’t care about Super Eagles —Oliseh Many Nigerians were apprised of Sunday Oliseh’s resignation as Super Eagles coach on Thursday, via his news personal handle on Twitter @sundayooliseh, where his reason for resignation is basically that of a breach of contract by his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The former Nigeria captain in this interview with Supersport shed more light on why he threw in the towel ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double header against the Pharaohs of Egypt. Excerpts:

H

OW are you holding up sir?

Oliseh, Thank You very much for asking but I am well.

Thank you for granting us this audience, and we pray that you go ahead and speak from the heart on the matter of your resignation.

Yes, I will. I resigned because the NFF have refused to take the business of the Super Eagles seriously.

We have two games against Egypt shortly and I have requested time and again for technical reports from the NFF so as to prepare, I did not receive any. I consequently followed up with several emails, still no response. And this is their general practice, so I finally realised they (NFF) do not actually care about the qualifiers, Super Eagles or our tournaments.

My players, staff and I have not been paid our entitlements, as I speak to you, my bank is yet to receive payment from my erstwhile employers. Some of my former staff and players are being owed six months. What then will motivate these players? I have not been paid for eight months. Players bonuses, daily expenses, gear for the national team, Staff allowances for food, transportation, daily expenses for me and my players, nothing has come. In short I’ve been mostly spending my money on all these things.

How can a Nation as big and blessed as ours, day-in-day-out and from time immemorial not have the sense to finance her pride - namely the Super Eagles?

For instance at the last Nations Cup in Rwanda, the NFF did not show up for a very long time. We were all left to our devices, no support and no jerseys, boots, or even food. I won’t even talk of my health and ticket fees.

But Sir you were aware of the situation having witnessed your predecessors’ struggles and issues and such, why take the job?

I accepted because I wanted to serve my country. I wanted to stop the downward trend I had observed where the Super Eagles was concerned. I was aware that one of the causes of that trend was the interference of the technical committee which selects players for an incumbent coach. Knowing that no coach worth his salt anywhere would want anybody to select players for them, I deliberately had it stipulated in my contract before signing it will not be the case for me and my staff. Even so all these time, I have been clamoured at and pressured to use players that will not serve our purpose any good.

The team we were building is very young , with a lot of potential.

In fact in 2015 the Super Eagles were voted the third youngest

I finally realised they (NFF) do not actually care about the qualifiers, Super Eagles or our tournaments.

nation and not being called back to play for their country. Is this a Cartel or are we in the Army?

What’s next for Sunday Oliseh?

I don’t know yet, but when I do I know where to come and share it.

Thank you very much, God Bless and good luck.

Due to incessant Violations of our signed agreement (Contract) I am hereby informing you of my decision to terminate our working collaboration signed in July 2015.

The most important objective is for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify to the next AFCON and the World Cup 2018.

Since so little help is being rendered me in getting the players to give their best and very vital conditions and advantages to the team play are also being sacrificed coupled with non redress of the aforementioned despite my several e mails and others, seeking your aid to effectively carry out my duties were ignored.

These unconducive working conditions that my coaching crew and myself have to live with, your contractual violations and the interest of the nation necessitates that I tender my resignation and recourse to the termination of our working agreement.

Many thanks for the opportunity to serve my fatherland.

Sunday Oliseh Chief Coach Super Eagles of Nigeria

national team in the world, but people do not see that or praise the boys’ efforts.

Did you also notify your employers, the NFF via social media?

No. I spoke with the Minister (Barrister Solomon Dalung), in fact I wrote politely to the NFF via email, reminding them to pay for the services rendered so far. I also had the letter physically couriered to them. I listed 11 items which my salary is one.

Have you now been paid?

As at the time I had my last encounter with them (NFF) till now I am speaking to you, my bank is yet to notify me of any payments.

I have now suited up legally. What kind of administration is it that you are hushed, threatened for asking to be paid what you are being owed? Many of my players cannot speak for fear of recrimi-

Oliseh in a pep talk with Bature Yaro while in charge of the Super Eagles.

55

sport

28 February, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Ivanovic’s header nails Southampton BRANISLAV Ivanovic’s late header capped a stirring Chelsea fightback as the visitors scored twice in the last 15 minutes to win 2-1 at Southampton on Saturday.

Cesc Fabregas cancelled out Shane Long’s first half opener in the 75th minute before Ivanovic completed the comeback in the 89th minute to extend interim manager Guus Hiddink’s unbeaten domestic run to 13 games since he took charge last December.

The victory moved Chelsea up to 11th in the Premier League, while a first defeat – and first goal conceded - in seven league games dented Southampton’s hopes of challenging the top four, with

Ronald Koeman’s side falling to seventh.

Hiddink has made no secret of the fact Chelsea’s priorities now lie with the FA Cup and the Champions League.

But with last season’s champions still in the bottom half of the table coming into this game, the Dutchman was clearly anxious to maintain the momentum generated since he took charge.

There were, however, few signs of the growing confidence that has been a feature of Chelsea’s play during the last two months and particularly in last weekend’s 5-1 FA Cup defeat of an understrength Manchester City.

Real Madrid midfielder, Isco (left) in an unsporing challenge on Atletico Madrid striker, Fernando Torres during Saturday’s derby.

Zidane suffers first defeat at Real

M

ANAGER Zinedine Zidane suffered his first defeat since taking charge of Real Madrid as Antoine Griezmann’s solitary goal kept Atletico Madrid’s faint La Liga title hopes alive with a 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Griezmann finished off a lovely team move eight minutes into the second half, as Atletico became the first visiting team ever to win at the Bernabeu three seasons in a row.

Diego Simeone’s men move to within five points of leaders Barcelona, while Real’s chances of landing just a second title in eight years now look completely gone as they now trail Atletico by four points in third.

Barca can restore their eightpoint lead at the top when they face Sevilla today.

An error-strewn first half was played at a pace that suggested both sides had already given up on their title hopes.

The first shot on target didn’t arrive until the half-hour mark when Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick was beaten out by Jan Oblak.

The rebound eventually found its way to Karim Benzema just inside the area, but the Frenchman pulled his shot past Oblak’s far post.

Atletico were quite content to frustrate the hosts with 10 men behind the ball for long spells, but the visitors ended the half the stronger and were unfortunate not to be in front when Keylor Navas produced a brilliant save to tip Griezmann’s

drive from 25 yards over.

Navas also had to be aware moments later to prevent Koke’s drive sneaking in at his near post.

Real were dealt a blow at the break as Benzema had to be re-

placed by 18-year-old Borja Mayoral – who starred as Los Blancos reached the quarterfinals of the youth Champions League in midweek with a 3-1 win over Manchester City – at halftime.

Chelsea players jump on top of Ivanovic after scoring the late winner against Southampton.

Jimoh nets hat-trick in 3SC’s first win

By Olawale Olaniyan

Jimoh

JIMOH Wasiu on Saturday became a hero at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, as his hat-trick gave Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) a 3-0 victory over the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) of Lagos, in a match day three Nigeria Premier League game.

It was the first victory of the season by the Oluyole Warriors who lost their first home game 0-1 to Lobi Stars, last Sunday.

The last time a 3SC player scored a hat-trick in a game was in the 2008 season when Timothy Idogbe went on the rampage against visiting First Bank of Lagos.

Jimoh opened the scoring barely five minutes into the match as goalkeeper James Adeyemi misjudged his feeble grounder in a close range.

The former national U-20 player increased the tally in the 21st minute while he completed the hattrick in the 38th minute to give his team an unassailable lead which they maintained till the end of the proceedings.

Jimoh, while speaking with Tri-

bunesport after the game expressed joy at his feat, which he says would boost his career.

“I think in recent times no 3SC player has recorded a hat-trick in a match and to have achieved that today, it is a landmark in my playing career and I give glory to Allah.

“We still have an outstanding match against Enyimba and we hope to win the game to make up for the home defeat we suffered at the hands of Lobi Stars. Our morale is high now through the encouragement from the management,” he said.

Osimhen, others for Brazil U-23 friendly THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the ‘Dream Team’ will play an international friendly with the Brazilian U-23 side on Thursday, March 24 in Brazil.

Reigning FIFA U-17 World Cup adidas Golden Boot winner, Victor Osimhen is among the 30 invited players for the game.

“The CBF is happy to host the champions of Africa, the Nigeria Olympic team, on the 24th March FIFA date at 7pm at the stadium of Kleber Andrade in the city of Cariacica, Vitoria, Espirito Santo.

“The match will serve as preparation for both teams for their participation in the Olympic Games Rio 2016,” The Confederation of Brazil Football (CBF) said in a statement.

Nigeria are reigning African champions at under-23 level after lifting the crown in Senegal last year and will look to replicate the feat of the class of 1996 which won Olympic gold at Atlanta ‘96.

Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, who is the NFF’s FIFA match agent, also confirmed to thenff.com that the game has been sealed.

“The match is sealed. We are happy to be able to swing this one and it will serve as good preparation for the Nigeria Olympic team ahead of Rio 2016.”

Consequently, coach Samson Siasia has invited 30 players, including Etebo and Osimhen, to camp to jostle for shirts for the international friendly against Brazil.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

NO 2,035

28 FEBRUARY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

N200

As the Supreme Court finally gave its verdict that Revd Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, popularly known as Reverend King, should die by hanging for setting his church member ablaze in 2006, some would say justice has been served after 10 years. But who will serve justice on those who ruined the Nigerian economy this badly, such that the dreams and aspirations of millions of children and youths have been set ablaze?

President Buhari and our future

B

BY seriously waging a war against corruption at the top of our country’s public life, President Buhari is opening a big door to healing, order, progress and prosperity for our country. He is calling on us all to act together to reorder our country, and to recognize and heal the wounds which various peoples in our country have suffered from being parts of Nigeria. Nigeria has been hurting and brutalizing most of its peoples and nationalities.

Here now comes our chance to stop that.

I take it, therefore, that the time for honesty and frankness has come. I take it that those who understand the hurt and anger that their peoples feel are now duty-bound to make it clearly known to the rest of us.

I take it that those who know what their peoples really feel but prefer to continue to deal in Nigerian “patriotic” platitudes are betraying a trust. The Bible says, “Woe unto them that call evil good - - - that call darkness light - - - that call bitter sweet”.

I am a member of the Yoruba nation of southwestern Nigeria. I can testify to the long stretch of my people’s experiences in independent Nigeria since 1960. I was already a teenager and a high school student when Chief Obafemi Awolowo became the leading manager of the affairs of our Western Region in 1952. I remember how, under Chief Awolowo and his team of leaders, our Western Region bounced from development to development. My own father was a prominent member of the opposition party (NCNC) in my hometown; but I remember that he often honestly admitted (among us his large family) that the Awolowo government undoubtedly deserved the thanks of all of us (even though he hardly ever voted for Chief Awolowo’s party).

My hometown and Division belonged to one of the remotest parts of the Western Region, but even there we saw many of our roads widened and solidly surfaced.

We saw totally new roads constructed.

We were given pipe-borne water in some of our towns (including mine). Then there were the big Regional development programmes – the first television establishment in all of Africa, a mighty stadium in Ibadan, an industrial estate in Ikeja (the first of its kind in Africa), the Western Nigeria Development Corporation with holdings in industries, banks, real estate, etc (the largest accumulation of Africanowned investment capital in Africa), extensive plantations of rubber, palm trees and citrus in parts of our southern forests, farm settlements for nurturing a new class

of modern farmers, experimental farm centers, etc.

My father owned a fairly large cocoa plantation where we his sons worked side by side with farm labourers on our weekends and school vacations. Father and other cocoa farmers like him were forever grateful for the different kinds of help that the Regional Government was giving to cocoa farmers – such as low-cost (government subsidized) pesticides for improving the productivity of our cocoa trees, and supply of seedlings of new kinds of cocoa trees that were better-yielding and more disease-resistant. With these, we were able to keep expanding our cocoa plantation.

Father belonged to the local cocoa farmers union which was very strongly supported

was meant to be the base for our faster progress. And then we built at Ife a very special university for ourselves, a university ambitiously designed to be one of the very best in the world – in physical properties and in academic excellence.

Above all, our Region’s political life was stable and orderly. None of our leaders (of any party) tried to rig our elections. When elections approached, it was never certain which party would win, and even our biggest politicians (like Chief Awolowo himself) were confronted by strong opponents in their home constituencies. We heard news of candidates of opposition parties being molested by governments or arrested in some other parts of Nigeria, and of elections being rigged there, but we were

diranapata@yahoo.com

and assisted by our Regional Government.

Father and the other cocoa farmers were always prayerfully grateful for the efficiency and integrity of our Regional Government’s handling of our cocoa export functions.

They awaited the seasonal announcement of cocoa producer prices as if they were expecting a special visitor from heaven. There was so much order and pride and dignity in our parents’ cocoa farming occupation. Not surprisingly, they became, according to the records, the most productive African farmers on the African continent. Their cocoa exports poured money into the life of our Region, provided most of the money for our Region’s development programmes, and supplied much of Nigeria’s foreign exchange. Needless to say, other regional and local authorities were helping their farmers to produce similar successes in other export crops – like groundnuts and cotton in the North, and palm produce in the East.

As peak to our development, our Western Regional Government started a programme of Free Education for our children – the first of its kind in Africa. This

sure that such things could never come to our Region. Our Region was developing into a strong modern democracy.

All in all, our Region was the leader, and the pace-setter, in virtually all spheres of development and modernization in Nigeria.

We the youths proudly called our Region “First in Africa”. We were proudly confident that we were going to become a highly developed part of the world – and that we would help Nigeria to develop faster also.

But since independence in 1960, we Yoruba people have been losing very heavily in virtually all directions, thanks to the hostilities of Nigeria – and the manipulations and distortions of Nigeria’s affairs, and the often deliberate obstructions of us as a people in Nigeria. We have been made to take many steps backward. Most of our roads have disintegrated, and so have water installations in many of our towns.

To pull us back, the Federal Government seized our cocoa economy and put it in charge of a federal board, resulting in the collapse of the government support systems that had served our cocoa farm-

ers so well. Discouraged and denied their usual profits, most of our coca farmers abandoned their cocoa plantations, and our cocoa economy virtually died for years – and has never fully recovered. Similar disasters were made to befall other export crops in the other Regions.

We, like other parts of Nigeria, have been deterred from providing electricity to our towns, and from achieving countless technological advances that we were poised to achieve. Our school system, once our great pride, has been made to decline terribly. Our Regional university which we built at great expense and with great love and care, was taken over by the Federal Government and, under hostile federal handling, has been made to decline abominably in every respect. Our Yoruba pride and morale, and our confidence in our ability to achieve and develop, is continually assailed in Nigeria. Consequently, we now live in a degree of poverty that is alien to us and that we do not deserve.

Our youths used to hurry back home after studying abroad; now most of our educated youths are unemployed, and large numbers of them are fleeing abroad.

That is the heritage of Nigeria in our lives. Some persons may respond that we have not been without some gains. Yes, we have had some gains, but not nearly as much as we could, and should, have made at our known pace in Nigeria, operating freely and without all the resistances, inhibitions, outright push-downs, and the destructive centralization of all power and development initiative in Nigeria since independence. Our losses have been horrendous - in the quality of life, morale, confidence, focus, momentum, and pride.

We want to stop the decline and the pain, and to propel ourselves upwards and forwards again. And we are not asking for favours from any Federal Government; we demand the regional and local autonomy to achieve progress in our own way and at our own pace in Nigeria. We know that other Nigerian nationalities want the same for themselves too. Some of these have resorted to various kinds of violent confrontations with Nigeria. We Yoruba prefer not to do that. We seriously urge President Buhari to start to consider how we Nigerians can restructure the Nigerian Federation so as to enable each section of Nigeria to develop at its own pace and in its own way and thereby make its own kind of contribution to the overall prosperity of Nigeria. This is critically important.

NFF doesn’t care about Super Eagles —Oliseh ...Says Nigeria can beat Egypt FOLLOWING the resignation of Sunday Oliseh as Super Eagles coach, he has shed more light on why he took the decision, saying the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) does not care about the survival of the national team.

Oliseh, however, says that seven-time African champions, Egypt are beatable because they are not as good as they were four years ago.

The former Nigerian captain quit as

Eagles coach on Thursday after claiming several contractual breaches by the NFF. The Super Eagles will welcome the Pharaohs of Egypt, to Kaduna on March 25 in the first leg of an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double header.

Oliseh quit a month to this all-important, but he has restated his belief Nigeria could triumph to get their AFCON qualifying campaign back on track.

“Egypt are not as good as they were four

RESULTS years ago, we can beat them,” he maintained on a radio interview on Saturday morning.

He however, reserved his comments on the coaches who have been appointed to replace him ahead of the matches next month.

“It doesn’t matter who is there, what matters is that Nigeria advance,” Oliseh said when asked about the Samson Siasia-led coaching crew named to lead the Eagles against Egypt.

Turn to page 54 for the interview.

Nigerian Premier League 3SC

3

MFM

0

English Premier League West Ham Leicester Southampton Stoke City Watford West Brom

1 Sunderland 1 Norwich 1 Chelsea 2 Aston Villa 0 Bournemouth 3 C/Palace

0 0 2 1 0 2

POOLS: 5, 21, 22, 25, 30, 33, 35, 44, 45 Today’s Matches: 02 and 04

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 28/2/2016 MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR : SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712.