29th November 2015

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 2,022

SUNDAY, 29 NOVEMBER, 2015

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

Fresh crisis looms in Osun

pg5

•As govt’s decision to stall admission causes confusion in tertiary institutions •14 lecturers quizzed •Thousands of post-UTME candidates stranded •We are only restructuring — Osun govt

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

N200

Buhari’s ministers to earn same salaries as Jonathan’s — Presidency pg4

FALEKE DARES PARTY, SAYS:

I’m APC’s gov candidate, not running mate Why APC settled for Yahaya Bello

pg4 Looted fund controversy

Fayose carpets FG again

pg52

•Recovered loot with CBN —Presidency

Appeal court nullifies David Mark’s election •No cause for alarm, says former Senate President

John Odigie-Oyegun

Bola Tinubu

James Faleke

Yahaya Bello

Gunmen fire rocket at UN base, kill 3

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pg4

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HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

PHOTOS: ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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10 1. Former Oyo State govenor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala (right) and Honourable Ladi Adebutu at the burial service.

2. From left, Funke Awolowo; Tumu Banjo and Joke Osodi.

3. From left, Mrs Adepeju Alakija; Mr Ladi Soyode and Mrs Oluremi Ajayi.

4. Onijagba of Ijagba, Sagamu, Oba Samson Adesanya (left) and Life President, Photographers’ Association, Ikenne, Chief Timothy Ola Akinsanya.

5. From left, Mrs Toyin Oshinyemi; Mrs Mobola Adedimeji and Mrs Bunmi Mosuro.

6. Members of Remo Country Club, from right, Mr Femi Kayode Oduntan; Alhaji A.

Folarin; Mr Olufemi Awobodu; Mr T. T. Adewole; Mr Pearse Odunlami and Mr Akin Fajolu.

7. From left, Mrs Victoria Onatemowo; Prince David Osho, his wife, Taiwo and Honourable Wole Adeniyi.

8. Cross section of Iyadunni - Jakande Group.

9. Major General Joseph Soboiki and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Jangbe Soboiki.

10. Cross section of YWCA and Anglican Christian Fellowship of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne Remo.

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

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news

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Kogi election: I’m APC’s gov candidate, Faleke insists • Why APC settled for Yahaya Bello From Taiwo Adisa and Moses Alao

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HE deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 21 November, 2015 governorship election in Kogi State, Honourable James Abiodun Faleke has insisted that he is the party’s governorship candidate, following the death of his principal, Prince Abubakar Audu.

This is just as he rejected his nomination as running mate to the governorship candidate picked by his party contest the supplementary election, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

Faleke, in a letter dated 27 November, written

by Wole Olanipekun & Co and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun, maintained that the nomination of any other candidate to serve as Faleke’s principal would be strange to law and the constitution, warning the party not to toe that path, which it said would be full of legal land mines.

He had, in a separate letter he personally signed, also rejected the party’s submission of his name as deputy governorship candidate to Bello, noting that he would remain committed to the ticket, which he and the Audu contested on through which they defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This is coming on the heels of the APC’s nomination of the first runner-up in the governorship primary that produced Audu, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, as the governorship candidate of the party ahead of the December 5, 2015 supplementary election in 91 polling units across the state.

But Faleke maintained that in the face of the law and the constitution, he is the governorship candidate of the party, saying: “The issue involved is that of constitutional, formal and legal imperatives, rather than political expediency.

In the eyes of the Constitution and the law, our client is the governorelect of Kogi State. There is no gainsaying this fact. It is a truism that cannot be discounted.”

Faleke’s letter, a copy of which was obtained by Sunday Tribune, stated that bringing another governorship candidate to contest election in 91 polling units rather than the deputy governorship candidate to the late Audu, is laden with legal land mines.

The letter added that Faleke could not be

jettisoned by the party or have a fresh governorship candidate imposed on him as his principal, because “law does not recognise this type of supplementary election in 91 polling units, with a total number of eligible votes with PVCs not more than 25,000 or thereabout...Put bluntly, there cannot be any legitimate governor of Kogi

•Party moves to placate Kogi East

State who would emerge from supplementary election outside (our client) with a maximum of 25,000 votes, assuming all the registered voters with PVCs cast their votes for the anticipatory supplementary candidate.

Faleke’s lawyer cited the example of how former President Goodluck

Jonathan became acting president through the Doctrine of Necessity, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC to subject themselves to the “doctrine of constitutional imperative and/or necessity” to allow Faleke become governorelect of Kogi State.

However, the need for religious balance and the quest to escape the hammer of the courts on the imperative of candidates emerging from primaries was said to have informed the decision of the APC to field Bello as the replacement for Audu in the supplementary election fixed for December 5.

Buhari’s ministers to earn same salaries, allowances as Jonathan’s —Presidency

By Moses Alao

MINISTERS serving in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari will earn their full salaries and allowances as approved by law of the land, contrary to the report that appointees of the president would be subjected to austerity measure.

President Muhammadu Buhari and his vicepresident, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, upon assumption of office, had announced

their willingness to take 50 per cent salary cut as a result of the economic situation in the country.

The decision had prompted mass reactions that the government might apply same measure to other political appointees.

But the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement on Saturday, made the clarification in response to a media report that

the ministers would earn less than former ministers who served in the administrations of Presidents Goodluck Jonathan.

According to Mallam Shehu, “President Buhari has not tampered with the salaries and allowances of Federal Ministers. They remain as they have been prescribed by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission under a law passed in 2008.”

He noted that the

decision to take 50 per cent salary cut by the president and vicepresident was a voluntary one and “does not apply to ministers and other political appointees,” saying that “reports to the effect that the president has imposed an austere package on the ministers are unknown to us.

The administration has not tampered with the salaries of ministers and that remain as prescribed under the law.”

Boko Haram claims responsibility for Kano attacks, as death toll rises to 22 •Jihadists kill three in Northern Mali Kola Oyelere -Kano, with Agency Report

TERRORIST group, Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for last Friday’s suicide attack on a procession of the popular Islamic sect, Shiite, along Zaria road, with the death toll already rising to 22 while 38 were injured.

A source hinted that the Boko Haram has vowed to continue the attack on the Shiite sect “until they cleanse the filth off them.”

21 were earlier declared dead following the deadly attack. But an informed source said the casualties have risen to 22 dead and 38 injured.

Despite the attack, however, the Shiite sect has vowed to remain resolute and continue their journey to Zaria, where they were expected to meet the leader of the sect, El Zakzaky.

In a similar development, suspected Jihadists have reportedly killed three people at a United Nations base in Northern Mali.

According to the UN, the unknown attackers fired rockets at a U.N. peacekeeping base in Kidal in northern Mali on Saturday, killing three people inside, in the latest sign that the West African country’s Islamist

insurgency is intensifying.

French troops and the 10,000-strong U.N. force are struggling to stabilise the former French colony where Islamist militants attacked a hotel in the capital on November 20 and killed 20 people, in their bloodiest attack yet in the country’s south.

Desert-based jihadists regularly launch rockets and missiles at northern U.N. bases, especially around full moon when the lighter nights make it easier to target the camps, although it is rare for the missiles to land inside the camp.

“They fired rockets from around 4 a.m. inside the

MINUSMA camp,” Olivier Salgado, Deputy Chief of Communication in the peacekeeping mission, told Reuters.

“We have three dead and four seriously injured,” he said, adding that there were a total of 20 wounded and that medical evacuations were underway.

Past administrations’ impunity, cause of oil sector corruption —Buhari Leon Usigbe -Abuja

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has told the international community that the impunity of previous governments is to blame for the corruption in the Nigerian oil sector.

He pointed out that corruption in the oil sector and outright theft of Nigeria’s crude oil had been exacerbated by the culture of impunity which reigned under previous administrations.

The president has, therefore, appealed to the developed world to help the country to tackle the menace by not providing haven for proceeds from such acts of corruption.

Speaking at a group meeting of Commonwealth leaders on corruption chaired by Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, President Buhari maintained that corruption

in the sector had also thrived because of the ease of transferring illicit funds abroad and the institutional protection given to corrupt officials in the past.

According to him, “now that we have the political will to stop impunity, we need the cooperation and assistance of the international community.

We must all work together to compel multinational oil companies, international financial institutions and international shipping lines to stop aiding and abetting corruption in the oil sector in Nigeria.”

The gathering included the leaders of Australia, Canada, Singapore, Malta, Sri Lanka, Botswana and Trinidad and Tobago.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Cameron said that the Commonwealth and the international community

must do more to fight corrupt and promote good governance.

He added: “We care passionately about this issue of fighting corruption. In my view, this issue needs to have a much higher billing on the international agenda, not just because fighting corruption is right in itself, but because all the other things we want to achieve as countries and members of the Commonwealth depend on our success in doing so.

“If we want fair economic growth, we need to reject corruption. If we want to see fair and sustainable development, we need to deal with corruption. I think this is an absolutely vital issue. It is an issue for all of us because so much of the money stolen from developing countries is hidden in developed countries.

Sources in the party told Sunday Tribune that the party had considered that the best option before it was to pick a candidate from amongst those that participated in the primaries ahead of the November 21 election.

The party, it was gathered, settled for Bello so as not to run foul of the Electoral Act, which indicates that a candidate for an election must have been properly nominated through primaries.

Besides, the party also considered the fact that the second runner-up in the primaries, Mr. James Ocholi, who hails from Kogi East as the late Audu has already been sworn-in as a minister.

When asked whether the party was unmindful of the feelings of the people of Kogi East senatorial District, who had clung to power all along in the state, the APC chieftain insisted that the votes on ground limits the agitation that could come from Kogi East.

“The thinking of the party is that the PDP cannot overturn the lead already established by the APC and that in any case, whoever replaces Audu would have been sworn-in early next year. So, whatever happens, the governorship seat would be occupied by the APC,” a source close to the party said.

It was also gathered that the leadership of the APC plans to further placate Kogi East Senatorial District through other appointments at the federal level, so as to reduce the tension in the area.

“A number of strategic appointments are to be lined up for the people of Kogi East once they support the Bello/Faleke team and bring the APC back to Kogi Government House. The party recognises that fact that as the majority ethnic group in the state, the zone has held on to power for so long and its candidate was at the verge of another victory but for the death of Audu. APC will surely do the needful and the zone would be happy,” a leader of the party said.

Kogi politics was thrown into a deep constitutional crisis last Sunday following the death of the governorship candidate of the APC, Audu just as the November 21 election in which he was leading was declared inconclusive by the INEC. The party, on Friday, forwarded the name of Yahaya Bello who was the runner-up to Audu in the primaries to INEC as his replacement.

29 November, 2015 5 news Fresh crisis looms in Osun tertiary institutions

•We are only restructuring —Dep gov

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fresh crisis looms as the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has converted the four tertiary institutions in the state to vocational institutions and tutorial centres, as part of his administration’s restructuring policy.

The affected institutions, namely Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke; Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State College of Education, Ilesa and Osun State College of Education, Ila-orangun have been or-

dered not to admit students for the 2015/2016 academic session.

In the same vein, applicants into the four institutions have been prevented from writing the post-UTME examination which they had already paid for.

However, the state deputy governor, Mrs Titi Laoye Tomori, declared that the state government would not merge the institutions, but might not admit students in the next academic session, saying that “What we are doing is restructur-

ing.”

Following the controversial decision, 14 lecturers of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, were allegedly arrested by the State Department of Security Services (DSS) over their condemnation of the new government policy and removal of the provost of the institution over his initiation of admission processes for the 2015/2016 academic session of the institution.

The lecturers were reportedly taken to Osogbo,

the state capital, for interrogation, after being accused of threatening the life of one of the institution’s top shots and sabotaging the government’s policy.

Sources disclosed that the provost of the state College of Education, IlaOrangun, Dr .O Gbadamosi, was allegedly sacked by the governor for flouting the order restraining the institutions from going ahead with the admission process, while a professor was brought from Lagos

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (third left); Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (left); Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi (second left); Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume and Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria, Mr Job Esono, during a visit by the Bureau to the Senate President, in Abuja.

to take over the mantle of leadership of the college.

Dr Gbadamosi, Sunday Tribune learnt, had conducted the post-UTME examination for about 4,000 applicants for the National Certificate in Education (NCE) programme in October and later sent the list of the successful candidates to the JAMB office in Abuja.

Sunday Tribune gathered that about 10, 000 candidates applied to the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke for various courses, but the management of the institutions could not proceed on the admission for fear of being sanctioned by the state government.

The governor, Sunday Tribune learnt, had invited the chairmen and chief executives of the four tertiary institutions to a meeting where he briefed them on his plans to proscribe National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes in the polytechnics and colleges of education.

Governor Aregbesola was said to have mandated the institutions to embark on remedial and tutorial programmes for secondary school students who could not pass their ordinary school certificates, IJMB, Cambridge Advance Studies and UTME, while mandating the four institutions

Appeal Court nullifies Mark’s election, orders rerun •I’ll win rerun over and over —Ex-Senate President From Johnson Babajide And Taiwo Adisa

THE Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State capital, on Saturday, nullified the election of former Senate President, Senator David Mark, into the Upper Chamber during the 2015 general election.

Candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the March 28 National Assembly election, Mr David Onjeh, had filed an appeal at the appellate court after he lost at the state/national assemblies election petition tribunal held in Makurdi on October 6,2015.

The lead judgment read

by Justice Peter Olabisi Ige declared that the election of the former Senate President failed to comply with the Electoral Act, setting aside the judgment of the lower tribunal and ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold a rerun in the senatorial district within 90 days.

Justice Ige declared that since the results of seven out

of nine local governments in the senatorial district were still being collated as of the time Mark was declared winner of the election, “this court hereby sets aside the judgment of the lower tribunal and invalidates the election of Mark.”

Justice Ige averred that none of the 10 witnesses of the respondent could controvert the arguments of the appellant that the result of the election was not announced before the collation of all the results,

especially from seven local governments.

According to the judgment, “the appellant showed by oral evidence that collation of results were still ongoing in seven local governments as at 29/03/15 when the first respondent was declared winner of the election.”

The three-man panel including Justice Peter Olabisi Ige, Justice Mensen Domgba and Justice Husseni Uttah had a unanimous decision.

Meanwhile, Senator Mark said on Saturday that he would win the Benue South Senatorial District election over and over again, even if the election was nullified 100 times.

Mark, in a statement by his media assistant, Paul Mumeh, said that he won the last election clean and clear and was assured of winning again anytime.

He called on his supporters to remain calm and lawabiding, adding that the nullification of his election was

a temporary setback.

The statement read in part: “Whatever the situation may be, one thing I know is that my people are solidly behind me. They also appreciate the fact that I have done more than enough to lift up Idoma nation to a position of eminence in the contemporary political history of Nigeria.”

He insisted: “I won the election clean and clear. If we go back to the polls 100 times , I will still win convincingly.”

Sunday Tribune

to venture into vocational courses like bricklaying, carpentry, hair dressing, electrical installation, air conditioning and refrigeration, shoe making, soap making and production of disinfectants, which would earn the artisans a three- month certificate course or a year diploma programme. The intention is to reduce the four institutions to two by merging Osun State Polytechnic Iree with the State College of Technology, Esa-Oke and Osun State college of Education Ila Orangun with the Ilesa campus, which would reduce the management staff and governing councils.

The development, which had forced the institutions to be advertising the vocational education and remedial programmes on various broadcasting stations in the state, had generated ripples within the host communities, as monarchs and community leaders had paid courtesy visits to the governor to rescind his decision, but to no avail.

The chairmen of the two polytechnics, Mrs Olu Maduka and Professor Fagbenle had vowed to turn in their resignation letters if the governor insisted on proscription of admission for all categories of students in the schools, saying the policy could tarnish their image.

Meanwhile, a group, Concerned Parents of Applicants into the institutions, has indicated its plan to sue the State government and authorities of the Institutions for what it described as “fraudulent acts of the institutions to sell POST UTME and NCE and HND forms to the applicants without offering them the admission, while those who also went through the preliminary programmes in the 2014/2015 session may not also be allowed to proceed to the regular course.

A parent who spoke with Sunday Tribune said: “The state government ought to have written JAMB since two years ago to remove its institutions from the brochure.

By this, our wards wouldn’t have chosen the institutions.

At the appropriate time, we shall take them to the court.”

Stallion Group honoured at Nigeria Agriculture Awards MULTINATIONAL conglomerate, Stallion Group, was honoured for its pioneering efforts in promoting agriculture in Nigeria, at the annual Nigeria Agriculture Award event held on the 25 November in Lagos.

Stallion Group won two major awards for its performance in Nigeria’s fully integrated rice value chain, contributing to the country’s goals for self-sufficien-

cy in rice production.

Notably, Stallion has announced plans to expand capacities in Nigeria to 1.5 million tonnes in collaboration with farmers, institutions and other stakeholders in the rice value chain.

Stallion was awarded as the “Corporate Achiever in Agrculture” The central Committee of the Nigeria Agriculture Awards (NAA) recognised Stallion Group’s

“efforts in maintaining the largest rice processing business in Nigeria, with a well articulated and implemented backward integration framework”.

Stallion Group was also honoured as the “AgroBrand of the Year”.

The Central Committee again noted that Stallion’s brand “Royal Stallion Shinkafa had maintained an unassailable Rice brand,

providing unparalleled quality to the Nigerian consumer, such as outstrips even imported brands.

We identify your success and commend it with this award”.

The annual Nigeria Agriculture Awards (NAA) honours performing Nigerian farmers in the various agricultural sectors. The award is aimed at recognising and rewarding men, women,

businesses and institutions that have contributed to Nigeria’s re-emergence as a veritable force in agriculture.

The organisers said such special recognition of individuals and corporate organisations that had distinguished themselves as critical actors in the agricultural sector would serve as motivation to other stakeholders to follow suit.

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29 November, 2015

crimereports

Sunday Tribune

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

Smugglers devise new methods to beat Customs Conceal bags of rice with yams, planks

By Oluwatoyin Malik

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MUGGLERS who have persisted in bringing banned items into Nigeria using different methods to beat eagle-eyed customs officials recently had their smartness reduced to nothing when trucks, loaded with bags of rice and kegs of vegetable oil but concealed with planks and cows, were intercepted and impounded by the Oyo/ Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Speaking with Crime Reports during a press briefing, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Area Command, Hassan Abdulsalam, said that three suspects were arrested along with some trucks that were loaded with smuggled bags of rice and kegs of vegetable oil. He added that the smuggled goods were concealed with tubers of yam, planks and cows.

He gave the suspects’ names as Nurudeen Owoiya, Adegboyega Kehinde and Saidi Tenibegiloju.

Giving the details of the arrest, the Acting Controller disclosed that a fairlyused DAF truck with registration number SH 81 XA was intercepted along Iseyin-Ibadan road on November 2, 2015 conveying 393 50kg bags of rice and seven loose bags of rice.

He added: “On November 6, 400 bags of 50 kg rice were intercepted along Saki-Ago Are axis of Oyo State. These were loaded in a DAF truck with registration number APP 529 XD. On November 9, another DAF truck with registration number LSR 856 XG was intercepted along Saki-Iseyin road, loaded with bags of rice concealed with planks,” saying that the quantity was yet to be ascertained as at the time he was briefing the press.

Continuing, Abdulsalam said: “On November 17, at about 6.20a.m., a Mercedes truck with registration number FST 96 XR was

The Ag. Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun command, Hassan Abdulsalam, showing journalists one of the intercepted trucks with bags of rice

trailed from Ilesa-Baruba axis, a border town between Oyo and Kwara States, and

arrested at Saki-Oyo road.

The truck was loaded with rice and concealed with

cows placed on planks.”

He pointed out that the new Controller General

of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), had removed the restriction on

the collection of duty on rice imported through the land borders, stating that patriotic importers had leveraged on this to boost their businesses while the recalcitrant ones devised concealment patterns to continue in their unpatriotic deals.

The Acting Controller therefore warned that eagle-eyed customs officials and continuous intelligence sharing would continue to cause them nightmares that would eventually put them out of business.

Speaking on revenue generation in the area command, Abdulsalam said that over N11.9 billion was realized between January and October, this year while 154 seizures, with duty paid value of N377 million, were also made within the same period.

Area boys kill father of two over egunje in Lagos Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

PANIC has continued to grip residents of Ekoro community in Lagos over the death of a resident of the area, who was stabbed to death by a group of Area boys, who were demanding for “egunje” from a landlord in the area.

The residents are not only clamouring for justice but also scared by the likely return of the hoodlums to the community as a result of their insistence on justice.

The 31-year-old deceased, identified as Samuel Omotayo, was on the fateful day returning home, when he ran into the hoodlums, who were protesting the refusal of a landlord in the area to give them money, after selling one of his buildings.

It was gathered that the hoodlums, numbering over ten, had accused the deceased father of two for daring them by walking into their midst while other residents were scared of them and running away from their side.

A younger brother to the deceased, Olorunfemi, while

The late Samuel Omotayo speaking with the Crime Reports, appealed to the state police commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni, and the state government to ensure that the killers of his brother are brought to book.

Olorunfemi, who claimed he was with his brother a few hours before he was killed, narrated that: “I was with him around 9am when he told me he was going to Olorunda Street at Vulcanizer bus stop to buy something; I was shocked only to receive a phone call a few minutes later that he had been killed.”

The deceased’ s younger brother said further that

“Samuel’s death should not be swept under the carpet like other murder cases; his wife is pregnant with their third child. Who is going to take care of them now?”

The deceased’s step mother, Mrs Omotayo, while speaking also stated that eye witnesses at the scene of the incident all stated that Samuel had no issue with the hoodlums.

The woman, who claimed she was at home when the incident happened, said that “before I got to the scene, Samuel had been rushed to the hospital, and the assailants had also fled the area.

Some residents and I rushed to the General Hospital at IleEpo, where he later died as a result of excessive blood loss.

“I want the Lagos State Police Command to fish out Samuel’s killers; we want justice. Samuel must not die in vain. He was an easy going person in the community, and I don’t know why they chose to kill him?

A resident of the area who simply identified himself as Fusnho, narrated that “the boys, about ten of them, were shouting and asking that a landlord who sold his house should settle them; they were just harassing residents of the community with their behaviour.

“Samuel was unfortunate to be coming at this particular time, he did not know what was happening, but they felt he did not accord them due respect because he didn’t run; all of them then pounced on him.

“After they pushed him inside a gutter by the side of the road, they stabbed him on different parts of the body, including the neck,

before they left the scene.

“Nobody could stop them; even when they were beating him, everybody kept a distance.

Crime Reports gathered that it was when the hoodlums had escaped from the scene that some residents rushed to where Samuel was lying, “he had lost so much blood before sympathisers rushed him to the hospital.”

Funsho, while speaking on the activities of the hoodlums in the area, said “they are called Omo onile, but in actual fact, they are area boys.

“These criminals are making life miserable for the people of the area.

“Till now, people are stiil afraid to open their shops.

Many are scared that these criminals might come back to continue from where they stopped; the police and the Lagos State government should save us, ” Funsho said.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joe Offor, confirmed the death of the deceased, while saying one of the suspected killers had been arrested.

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crimereports

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Ibarapa tour: When Oyo CP took message of peace to Oke Ogun area

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N continuation of his familiarisation tour to police formations in Oyo State, the state Police Commissioner, Mr Leye Oyebade, last week, visited Ibarapa area, where he met with police officers, traditional rulers, members of the Fulani community, farmers, and residents of the area.

On getting to Eruwa, one of the seven cities in Ibarapa, Mr Oyebade went to the palace of the traditional ruler of the town, the Eleruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, who, along with his chiefs, welcomed the police boss.

In his brief remarks at the Eleruwa’s palace, the police commissioner said as part of his familiarisation tour to police formations across the state, “it is still important I meet with traditional rulers and the people so that we can rub minds on how to continue to sustain peace in the state.

“Sustaining peace is the effort of everybody, while the police are just to maintain it; this is the reason I am meeting with everybody who matters,” Mr Oyebade said.

In his response, the traditional ruler, Oba Samuel Adegbola, thanked the police commissioner for visiting him, saying it would go a long way in fostering the police-public relationship.

“I want to thank the Commissioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade for visiting us despite the fact that he is on a tour to police formations in Ibarapa. I am, therefore, using this opportunity to inform him of our support always.

“However, I want you to look at the issue of the Fulani herdsmen and farmers’ altercations in Oke Ogun area; it is so painful when Fulani herdsmen move into farms with their cattle, destroying crops.

“I think more should be done to sensitise these herdsmen on where to graze and where not to graze; even, I think the National Assembly should enact a law which will make cattle owners graze only in enclosed spaces as it is done in developed countries,” the Eleruwa said.

Responding to the traditional ruler’s concern, the police commissioner said he had taken steps to ensure that Fulani herdsmen and farmers co-habit in peace.

“We need one another for survival; the Fulani need the farmers, and vice versa.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade, inspecting a Guard of Honour at Eruwa Police Division during his tour to Ibarapa.

I held a peace conference in Ibadan, the state capital where I invited farmers and Fulani leaders from different parts of the state.

“After the meeting, a communiqué was released, which states that both parties have pledged to work together in order to sustain

the peace in the state.”

After visiting the traditional ruler, the police boss proceeded to the palace of the Onilala of Lanlate, Oba Abdulateef Olagoke, where he explained the reason for his visit to the town.

Just like the Eleruwa, Oba Olagoke also ex-

pressed concerns on the destruction of farm crops by cattle, but the police commissioner said there would soon be an improvement, “since the leaders of the Fulani community have promised to take the message to their people.”

Mr Oyebade then moved

to the Eruwa Police Station, where he met with officers stationed there, while admonishing them to police with the fear of God. “You must always discharge your duties with the fear of God; it is only by doing this that you can do the right things at all times.”

In his brief remarks, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Eruwa, Mr Kayode Adigun thanked the police boss for the support he is giving to the Eruwa division.

“I want to tell you that this is a morale-boosting visit, as you have come to impact in us your leadership knowledge for effective policing,” Mr Adigun said.

At the station were community elders, motorcycle and commercial bus operators, farmers, Fulani, among others, who were around to welcome the commissioner of police.

After this, Mr Oyebade moved to the palace of the Olu of Igbo-Ora, Oba Jacob Oyerogba Oyewole, who also expressed concerns about the activities of herdsmen.

The traditional ruler called on the police boss to help stem incessant robberies on the Eruwa-Igbo-Ora and Igbo-Ora-Abeokuta Roads.

From the palace, the police boss moved to the site where the community had proposed for the Police Secondary School since the 1980s.

While formally handing over the school documents to the police, Mr Oyebade expressed gratitude to the community for the donation, while promising to convey the message to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase.

Mr Oyebade then visited the Igbo-Ora Police Station, where he met and discussed with officers stationed there.

Crime rate has reduced drastically in Niger — CP Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

THE Niger State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abubakar Marafa, said that since he took over the administration of the state command about two months, crime rate has reduced to the barest minimum.

Mr Marafa stated this during an interactive session with newsmen in his office at the state’s police headquarters, Minna.

The police boss said when he arrived in the state, he warned criminals to steer clear of Niger, as anybody

caught troubling the peace of the people would be severely dealth with.

“I warned cattle rustlers, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals to leave the state as soon as possible.

“I told criminals that the police would soon go all out, taking the battle to their hideouts across the forests areas of the state.

“The good news is, however, that since then, there has been no single case of cattle rustling in any part of the state, while cases of kidnapping have reduced to the barest minimum.

“If you could recall, I

came from the Osun State Police Command, and during the handing-over ceremony, I told criminals in the state, in the presence of Mr Olusola Amore, the immediate past Commissioner of Police here, that I am in Niger to fight crime; I said I would take the war to the criminals, to their homes and their hideouts.

“For this reason, since my arrival, we have not recorded any single case of cattle rustling; they might have been scared with my warning and left the state,” the police boss said.

“On kidnapping cases,

this has also reduced drastically. In the last one month, we have only recorded a case, and I am glad to tell you that the victim was rescued without paying any ransom, and the police were able to arrest the three suspects who were involved in the operation.”

Speaking further, Mr Marafa noted that the command once had challenges as regard cattle rustling, which was prominent between Suleja and Lapai axis of the state, but this has been nipped in the bud.

“We were also able to arrest another gang of cattle

rustlers with three cows inside their truck.

“This arrest led to the recovery of 80 more cattle, while we also pickedup another three cattle rustlers on that axis,” Mr Marafa said, while urging the people of the state to continue to furnish the police with information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.

“We are not angels; we need the support of the people in order to curb crime, and I am sure the people are also ready to partner with us,” the police boss said.

NSCDC parades fake policeman, pickpocket

By Oluwatoyin Malik

AS dignitaries from different states came to honour late Chief Mrs HID Awolowo during a lying-in-state ceremony in Ibadan on Monday, November 16, 2015, a hoodlum who came to Tribune House to pick the pockets of visitors, Ali Sule (26), was nabbed by officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State.

Also arrested was a suspect, Ajibade Gbenga (42), who had been impersonating as a police officer and had allegedly been collecting various sums of money from unsuspecting members of the public in the

guise of helping them to be recruited into the NSCDC. Briefing journalists on the arrest in his office last Friday, the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr John Adewoye, said that the suspect was caught in the act of picking people’s pocket and was immediately arrested.

Adewoye said that the man confessed to the crime and had been arraigned in court.

Speaking on the arrest of Ajibade, the Commandant said that some members of the public came to report at his office that Gbenga, residing at Gbelenkan Iremo in Ile-Ife, Osun State collected money from them under the pretence that he would get

them jobs in NSCDC. “We set an investigation in motion and he was arrested on November 19, at about 7p.m.,” the Commandant stated, adding that the suspect had made confessional statement.

Adewoye said that Gbenga confessed that he operated an illegal edu-consult firm through which he collected money from unsuspecting candidates who wanted to sit for GCE and WAEC exams.

Items recovered include a fake police identity card, a GTB ATM card bearing another name, several passport photographs of applicants, FCMB deposit slips used to pay into the suspect’s account and a

fake letter head of Federal Civil Defence Corps.

He advised members of the public to always verify information about recruitment exercises into different security agencies from their offices in their states, saying that this would help in preventing their falling victims to criminals who are out to fleece them.

He assured that the suspects would be taken to the court after the conclusion of investigations into their activities.

Speaking with Crime Reports, the fake policeman said he had been in the illegal business of fake recruitment and that he took the ID card from a police officer who was his friend and imposed his

own picture on the card after removing his friend’s passport.

He however said he was not sure his friend knew when he took the ID card from his house because he had many of them.

Gbenga refused to disclose the names of his syndicate members, saying that he was ready to bear the consequence alone. He eventually gave a name of one of his accomplices as Arasanmi and said the man was based in Abuja.

In his own confession, the suspected pickpocket admitted being caught with a purse he picked during the lying-in-state ceremony at Tribune House, claiming that it was his first attempt.

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

At Sir Olaniwun Ajayi’s granddaughter’s wedding, cleric preaches love Chukwuma OkoparaochaLagos

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ove, forbearance and perseverance have been identified as key virtues needed in the building of families, communities and ultimately the nation.

This was the view of the Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese of Methodist Church, Nigeria, Reverend Michael Kehinde Stephen, at the marriage solemnisation of Muyiwa Lawal and his bride Oluwagbeminiyi Ajayi at the

Methodist Church, Tinubu Square, Lagos Island on Saturday.

Premising his words from various passages in the Bible, Rev Stephen posited that no family, community or nation could reach lofty heights

of economic growth, development and progress without given adequate attention to the role played by these important virtues.

He further urged the newly wedded couple to shun and disregard all ges-

tures and overtures from any quarters telling them to put worldliness and all forms of materialism above the principles set by God Himself as spelt out in the Bible.

The clergyman was also quick to point to the new

couple that there would be challenges, as all marriages are bound to face good times and bad times, but he said working together and having absolute faith in God would help them push through the hardest of all times.

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7 1. The newly wedded couple, Olumuyiwa Lawal and the bride former Miss Olugbeminiyi Ajayi.

2. From right, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi; his son, Dr. Ola Ajayi and his son’s wife Mrs. Mope.

3. The Archbishop of Ibadan, Methodist Church, Most Reverend Michael Stephen presenting the wedding certificate to the newly wedded couple, Olumuyiwa and Olugbeminiyi.

4. From left, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr. Olusegun Odugbogun and Mr. Kolapo Sogbetun.

5. From left, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Mr. Abimbola Ashiru and Pro-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Segun Oshin.

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8 6. Methodist Church Bishop of Lagos West, Right Reverend Sunday Ogunlere, Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Right Reverend A.I Olawuyi; the couple, Olumuyiwa and Olugbeminiyi, the Archbishop of Ibadan Methodist Church, Most Reverend Michael Stephen; the very Reverend Prof. Konyin Ajayi and Bishop of Evangelism, Right Reverend Edoka Amuta.

7. The Archbishop of Ibadan, Methodist Church, Most Reverend Michael Stephen praying for the newly wedded couple and their parent.

8. From left, bride’s uncle, Mr. Remi Sogbetun; Bavin Epega and Mr Folusho Phillips.

PHOTOS: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

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news

29 November, 2015

We must pray against World War III —Prophet Abiara

By Tunde Ogunesan

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HE General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church, World wide, Prophet (Dr) Samuel Kayode Abiara, has emphasised the need for the whole world to pray against third world war, going by the series of attacks, rate of terrorism and bloodshed across the globe.

He also added that Nigeria and Nigerians needed serious prayers to break away from the shackles of problems confronting it as a nation.

Prophet Abiara made this known in an interview with the Sunday Tribune, at the weekend, while speaking on the annual Jesus Festival International, 2015 edition, which kicks off tomorrow, at the International headquarters, CAC AgbalaItura, City of Peace, Olode, New Ife Road, Ibadan.

The clergyman disclosed that God revealed to him that Nigeria and all the countries of the world were currently experiencing a terrible time as recorded in the scriptures in 2 Timothy 3:1.

He said, with this year’s theme: ‘‘His Presence,’’ the only way out was to seek the face of God, noting that human wisdom had failed the race, hence the option of turning to the creator of the universe him self for a permanent solution.

The special prayers, which will be anchored by Prophet Abiara, President CAC worldwide, Pastor A.O. Akinosun, and other 15 ministers of God, he said, was to stop the spread of calamity that was currently hanging over the country.

According to him, “We must pray against World War III. There is no good news coming from our media people again. Any newspaper you pick, it is

death, death and death and the same goes for the television. There is terrible situation going on around the world now. Terrorism has become the order of the day. From Boko Haram, which has caused restlessness in Nigeria, to the ISIS that is currently tormenting the Western world and even the crisis in the Middle East, peace has eluded the earth. As men of God, we can’t fold our hands, pretending that nothing is happening. Our contribution is to lead the people before the most high God and seek his face.

“What is happening again in the world is worse

than what happened during the time of Noah and Sodom and Gomorah.

There is increase in man to man and woman to woman co-habitations and sex. That is not God’s wish or plan for the human race. He commands us not to move near it in Leviticus 18:22-24.

What we are experiencing now, even among topplaced people is not biblical, an abomination and a very terrible development in the society. I want to call on the National Assembly to hammer this law against gay marriages or women marrying themselves or people having intercourse with animals.”

Ondo trauma centre begins kidney transplant ONDO State government has announced that its Trauma Centre will begin kidney transplant in the new year as part of measures to make the centre live up to its billing as the best medical centre in the country.

The centre will take off in the new year with its Cardiac Intervention Centre, Radiotherapy and Cancer Institute, as well as what has been described as a purpose built Opthamological Hospital.

The state Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, while speaking with newsmen in Akure, Ondo State, at the weekend, on the new services that would be available at the centre from the first quarter of next year, said the emergency surgical intervention in the country was being transformed with the state taking a lead role.

He noted that the trauma centre was a level 1 centre with personnel across all surgical specialists, adding that about 3,000 surgeries haad been carried out in the yet-to-

be commissioned Trauma and Surgical Centre, with 2,400 dialysis done at the Kidney Care Centre between March 2014 when the facility became operational to date.

Akinmade mentioned that 1,000 new cases had been received, adding that the centre had so far performed 50 spine surgeries, 350 plastic surgeries, over 1,000 Ophthalmology, 800 Ortho, 100 ENT, 100 neuro and over 400 general surgeries, among others.

The commissioner said the Olusegun Mimiko-led administration, was from inception, determined to make Ondo State the best administered state in Nigeria and the cynosure of all eyes, of which its citizens shall be proud of and to mobilise the people to harness all her Godgiven resources, create and use wealth for the ends of individual happiness.

To achieve this, he said, government considered the health of the citizens of the state as a priority.

Ambode to attend global African investment, climate change summit IN furtherance of his administration’s effort to boost foreign direct investment, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, will join other participants for this year’s edition of the Global African Investment Summit taking place in London, next week.

He is expected to deliver a keynote address on investment opportunities in Lagos.

According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, the summit will afford the

governor the opportunity to intimate willing investors on the various opportunities that abound in the state.

“At the commencement of his administration, Governor Ambode set out by putting structures in place that will create an enabling environment for local and foreign investments to thrive and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks which hitherto discourage investors from doing business in the state.”

“With the creation of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, the governor is leading from the front to ensure

that Lagos continues to be the choice destination for investors. This will, no doubt, create job opportunities for our teeming youths. ‘‘The governor is also expected to attend the Lagos Investment Roundtable, a business meeting put together by PriceWaterHouseCoopers Global Forum opening in London, on Monday,’’ Ayorinde stated.

The statement also said the governor was also billed to attend the Climate Change Summit where about 40 major cities of the world would be represented.

Sunday Tribune

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interview

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Mental problems not caused by demons —Adeyemi

Professor Joseph Dada Adeyemi is of the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Currently the president Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Adeyemi speaks with NAZA OKOLI on the problems plaguing mental health practice in the country. Excerpts:

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OU were recently quoted as saying that 800,000 Nigerians commit suicide yearly...

Well, what was reported in the press is a bit different from what was said. We come across that from time to time. The figure, 800,000, is a World Health Organisation (WHO) figure. The gloabal figure is the report for the period 2000 to 2012. Having said that, I must add that Nigeria is a major contributor to that. Low-middle income countries of the world are supposed to contribute about 75 per cent of it. When you now consider the rate for Nigeria, you have between 5 and 9.9 per hundred thousand. We are not a country that is very well given to record-keeping. So, some of the figures you see are not accurate. But given the taboo that is associated with suicidal behaviour in the country, I am sure there is a lot of under-reporting. That is the situation.

Why would a Nigerian want to take his or her own life?

Well, I must tell you that the cause of suicide tends to be quite diverse. There are many factors. The low-income countries of the world seem to have a higher rate of occurrence – about 75 per cent.

There is a lot of speculation on the impact of economic factors on the rate of occurrence. However, why is it that the suicide rate in the 1960s and 50s was much lower than what we are beginning to have now?

Our economy really is supposed to be a little bit better.

Perhaps, it is just because we report it more commonly now. Maybe the press houses we have in the country are much more than before. Maybe there is more press freedom? Or maybe it is sensationalism. But whatever the case, it is good that we are having more reports on suicide these days, because we need to know these things. Government needs to make it a major policy issue.

We are in a country where people graduate from school and there are no jobs for them. A lot of our people certainly have emotional problems – be it depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and many of them. Many of these people are not able to get attention or have access to treatment. The stigma associated with these illnesses can lead to suicidal behaviour. Among young people, there is the issue of substance abuse, or conflicts at home. People also commit suicide out of frustration: perhaps someone is denied promotion in his place of work. Urbanisation is also a factor: when one is further away from the kind of support that one’s kith and kin would have provided. You let them know about how you feel and they proffer advice. A problem discussed is almost half solved.

You are a professor of psychiatry,

Professor Joseph Adeyemi which isn’t a very popular field of medicine. Are there adequate health personnel to take care of high rate of mental cases in Nigeria?

Certainly, we cannot say we are anything near what is required. The number of psychiatrists we have in the country, while still very poor, is better than what it was when I left medical school. We were fewer than 30 in the whole country at that time. That was in 1981. Today we are about 250. That is the ratio of one psychiatrist to about a million. But even this

small we are not well taken care of. There ought to be a psychiatrist in every General Hospital in this country.

The attitude of some of the heads of those hospitals doesn’t even help matters.

They would say: “A psychiatrist? No, there is no mentally ill person here.” In primary health care, between 18 and 27 per cent of the people you find in the clinics have emotional disorders alone or a combination with some physical problems. Or they have other psychological problems that require attention – depression, anxiety

disorders, and adjustment disorders.

So, these doctors just see them and treat their malaria, pneumonia, hypertension and so on, without considering the psychological problems that many of them may also have at the same time. So, we have a lot of challenges in many of our facilities not employing psychiatrists; and some governments don’t even think it is priority. For example, in Kogi State, there is only one psychiatrist to a population of Continues

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interview

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘I never said 800,000 suicides are committed yearly in Nigeria’ Continued from

people to study psychiatry?

It is when you are exposed in the course of your training to a field of medicine that you become aware of it. If you have no exposure, it is very unlikely that you would go for that field. During my undergraduate years, we had three weeks of exposure to psychiatry in all. In that class, we had the highest number of medical students who chose to specialise in psychiatry. We had very important people who were invited to speak to us including Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo. Sadly, however, the NUC recently took a decision to reduce the amount of exposure, and I think that is very unfortunate. You see, psychiatry is relevant in all branches of medicine. A diabetic patient, for example, may find it difficult to continue with his medication because he is depressed; he may even stop coming to the hospital, and his condition may get worse. Stroke may set in. But if these signs were observed earlier by a psychiatrist, the patient could be helped.

pg 10

more than 2 million.

But there are psychiatric hospitals all over the country?

Yes. But do we have enough bed spaces in all the eight of them we have in the country that are owned by the Federal Government? We don’t. Some states have done well by making sure we have such services. But they are very few. I know that some of the teaching hospitals in the East do not have bed spaces for psychiatric patients. So, we have a lot challenges in this country.

But a major part of these problems is legislation. We do not have laws in this country that can make it possible to admit a patient and respect all the human rights of the patient. The laws we have are those put together in the early 1900s. The last amendment occurred in 1959. The time when those laws were made, human rights were not an issue. All over the world, these laws are regularly reviewed and upgraded to ensure that patients’ rights are respected. We have presented bills based on best practices across the world, guided

by WHO. But right from 1999 till today, we have not succeeded in getting the law passed and signed.

Were you given any reason why that hasn’t happened?

Well, we have always routed it through the Federal Ministry of Health. The ministry has always promised without delivering. We were often told it would be presented to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill. That never happened.

Many people who take care of mentally ill patients are not qualified to do that. Some of them abuse patients; you have heard that some impregnate their patients. We hear rumours about rituals. Many of the patients are tied to stakes like rams. Some are tied to trees and left there all day and all night. Some are bitten by snakes, and they die. So, we need a law that can specify who can take care of a mentally ill person.

Many mentally ill people are taken to churches for healing. Is it your suggestion that churches be barred from taking care of these people?

People are misled into all kinds of beliefs…they say this person went there and got well, whereas we know that many mental illnesses remit spontaneously. Just like you can have malaria, and if your immune system is strong enough, you may get well without taking medication. Some of these people would now give it all kinds of connotations – miracle interventions, and things like that. So it is a question of not knowing one’s limits.

When we talk about treating mentally ill people, we are not talking only about medication. There are other things like psychological intervention. There is something we call “talking cure” or psychotherapy. We talk about counselling; we talk about giving the patient the impression that there is a superior being that can help to take care of their problems, which we call spiritual intervention. It helps. In other words, someone who has anxiety dis-

Professor Adeyemi orders may find that after going through all of these activities, like jumping around and dancing and believing that the Holy Spirit has healed them, may begin to feel better. That belief may serve as a kind of auto-suggestion that can lead to healing for someone who has a disorder that can respond to that.

But somebody who has a condition like schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, severe depression, someone who believes she’s a witch that has been killing children in the neighbourhood – that will not be enough kind of intervention. So we have to figure out how to work with these people to make them recognise their limitations, so that those who need help are referred. That is not to say there cannot be miracles, but we ought to have evidence of their manifestation. So, what we need is to enlighten the clergy; to train them, so that they do not end up doing more harm to the patients.

Let’s consider this ratio once more: one psychiatrist to one million people. That leaves you with a lot of work. But doesn’t it also mean you are rich?

It is good for anybody to think that way.

I think, generally, how much a doctor in private practice makes depends on their

disposition. In other words, services are valued based on what the doctor thinks he has done, and how much to accept. Scarcity does not necessarily bring wealth.

If anything, you find that that specialty would not be recognised at all. So, it doesn’t translate to wealth.

Are there things that your association has done to encourage young

Many people who take care of mentally ill patients are not qualified to do that.

Some of them abuse patients; you have heard that some impregnate their patients. We hear rumours about rituals

Many parts of the world are ravaged by terrorism—people are killing people for no clear reasons. In Nigeria, Boko Haram has proved difficult to tackle. Does the field of psychiatry offer any answer?

There is something we call brainwashing. If you are exposed to a particular doctrine for a long time, it is always possible to make you believe something strongly.

Again, when some people feel aggrieved, there is the tendency for them to come together, because they feel they are being persecuted. So, if you have someone who is influential among them who tells them to kill, they are prepared to do that. You can see how malleable the human mind can be. People claim to have had deliverance because their breasts were sucked.

So, yes, it can be a disorder when someone highly influential is ordering his followers to kill based on his own distorted and pathological mind.

On a final note, the popular issue of demonic attacks – are they real?

You know that in black Africa, and the rest of the primitive world, what people cannot explain they easily attribute to the metaphysical. A lot of people that I look after have anxiety disorders, and various forms of depression like schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorders. In some cases, it is even alcohol dependence. And people say they have spiritual attacks. But luckily, even these spiritual attacks, we treat using modern methods of intervention.

You said “spiritual attacks” – meaning that there are really spiritual attacks?

I don’t know what they call it – spiritual attacks, demonic attacks, and so on. All I know is that when they come, and I give them medication, they get well. Sometime it is just psychotherapy that they need.

That is social intervention. So we have to enlighten the public. It is just ignorance.

In a nutshell, demons don’t attack humans?

Where are the demons?

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

feature Plateau snake invasion: A trail of sorrow, tears...

Recently, five local government areas of Plateau State witnessed the invasion of snakes and dangerous reptiles, leaving many died and many injured. ISAAC SHOBAYO, who recently visited the areas, reports how the residents are battling hard to save their communities from the poisonous fangs of the reptiles.

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NAKES and other dangerous reptiles have invaded five local government areas in the Southern and Central parts of Plateau State. With this ugly development, farmers seldom go to their farms without arming themselves with sticks and other implements which they could use to protect themselves should they come across the reptiles terrorizing the communities.

Sunday Tribune’s investigations revealed that the menace of snakes was not restricted to those going to the farm alone; in many instances, the reptiles crawled into people’s homes. Those most prone to snake bites are people living beside the rock formations which dot the affected local government areas of Pankshin, Kanke,

Kanam, Langtang North and Langtang South.

A lawmaker’s antidote Worried by the rampant cases of snake bites, a member of House of Representatives representing Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke federal constituency of the state, Honourable Timothy Golu, recently disclosed that over 50 persons were bitten by snakes in his constituency, some of whom he said had died while others were in critical conditions and currently on admission in various hospitals and traditional snake treatment homes in the constituency.

According to him, 13 victims are currently receiving treatment at Zamko Clinic in Langtang, 20 in traditional

healers’ treatment homes, seven in herbalists’ centres, while some visited the centres for daily treatment owing to lack of bed space.

“Some have even been treated and discharged, but a woman from my village, who was treated and discharged, still has pus gushing from the cut and we have advised her to return to the hospital for fresh checks and we have the fear that something worse may result from the wound if not properly treated because she is already limping,” he said.

The lawmaker, describing the situation as very scary Continues pg14

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29 November, 2015

W

HEN this Conference was inaugurated on 10th March, 1961, I had the pleasure of addressing you personally. But believe me when I say that, though in gaol, it is still a pleasure for me to address you vicariously. According to our Constitution, another Conference should have been held more than a year ago. But the stirring and perplexing events which began since the Jos Conference of February last year have engaged the full attention of most of the leaders of our party. I am happy, and deeply grateful to the Regional Secretary, Chief J.A.O. Odebiyi, that this Conference has been arranged in the face of distractions of a new order and complexity. I do not intend to send a presidential address to you. All I am doing here is to send you a message of good wishes, and to add a few words of advice for the guidance of the Western Regional Branch of the Action Group of Nigeria.

Those of you who have found time to attend this Conference, as well as millions of others who do not attend, but remain loyal to our great party are the happy warriors in the fight for the triumph of democratic socialism. It is from the bottom of my heart that I send to you and those you represent my very warm and fraternal greetings. There are important points on which I would like to touch in this message. In the first place, whilst the Conference now in session represents the Yoruba portion on the Western Region, all of you must bear it in mind, now and always, that you are nothing more and nothing less than an inseparable segment of a nation-wide organisation which has branches not only in every part of Nigeria but also in countries of Europe and America, and in many parts of Africa. Consequently, the welfare of the ethnic groups in the other Region of Nigeria is as much of paramount interest to the Action Group of Nigeria as is that of the Yoruba people.

Anyone who tries to limit the interests and activities of our party within the confines of Yoruba land is a traitor to the cause to which the Action Group is solemnly dedicated. Within the past few days, a good deals of words and ink have been expended in propagating the unity of the Yoruba, as if the Yorubas are disunited. Time was when there was real disunity among the Yorubas. But since the birth of Egbe Omo Oduduwa in London in 1945, this objective has been relentlessly pursued and, accomplished.

Those who, however, believe in the unity of the Yorubas, of the Ibos, of the Hausa, etc., must never rest on their oars. But the line has been drawn, and must be kept indelible, between a cultural organisation like the Ibo State Union, Ibibio State Union, Egbe Omo Oduduwa, etc., on the one hand, and political parties like the Action Group and the NCNC on the other.

Awo’s thoughts VOICE OF REASON

The just shall live by faith The message sent to the Western Regional Conference at the Action Group held at Ibadan on 6th July, 1963.

It is my considered view that what is lacking among the Yoruba people is NOT Unity but FIDELITY among Yoruba leaders.

The Ibos or the Hausa are in no way more united than the Yoruba. But what makes it appear that they are more united, is the simple fact that there is greater FIDELITY among the Ibo leaders and Hausa leaders than there is, if at all, among the Yoruba leaders. It has been suggested, with unabashed falsity, that the Yorubas are being relegated to the background in the affairs of the Federal Government, partly because the Yorubas are not united, and partly because the Action Group has not participated in the affairs of the Federal Government like the NCNC and NPC. It is erroneous to equate the Action Group of Nigeria with the Yoruba people, or to regard our party as being a Yoruba organisation. Furthermore, whilst the Action Group does not participate in the Federal Government since January 1960, some outstanding Yorubas have been in the Council of Ministers since the last Federal elections. There are others in the NPC. These persons are as loyal to the cause of the Yoruba people as those of us in the Action Group. The other day when some Yorubas in the North complained of discrimination against them by

Sunday Tribune

the NPC Government of the North, we were told that the sufferings of these Yorubas were due to the unfriendly attitude of Yoruba leaders to NPC, and the promulgation of Democratic Socialism by Yoruba intellectuals. But quite recently the Ibos in the North made similar complaints in stronger terms; and yet the Ibos are well represented on the Council of Ministers. It follows, therefore, that the cause of discrimination against the Yorubas in the North are to be found in some phenomenon other than the absence of the Action Group members on the Council of Ministers.

It must be recalled that the Action Group did participate in the Federal Government from 1957 to 1959; and it would be interesting to know what the Yorubas gained especially because of this participation. In connection with this first point, I urge it very strongly upon all of you that it is too late in the day for any professed or true Nigerian patriot to speak in terms of Yorubas as if they are separable in their destiny from other ethnic groups in Nigeria.

It is imperative for the success of the onerous task of nation-building that any political party that is worth its salt should not openly think in terms of Nigeria as a whole but also in terms of international brotherhood. In winding up this first point, I charge you to cultivate FIDELITY and FELLOW-FEELING among yourselves, eschew any acts of treachery among yourselves, work for the unity, welfare and greatness of Nigeria, and promote brotherhood among Africans in particular, and among other people of the world in general.

In the second place, the ideology as well as the identity of the Action Group of Nigeria must be preserved at all costs. In spite of more than one year of crushing oppression, our great party has been growing from strength to strength. It is well known that our party is much stronger today than it was at the beginning of the Emergency in 1962, thanks to the loyalty of many leaders and the unabated devotion and fanatism of the masses of our members and supporters.

The ACTION GROUP is a household word throughout the length and breadth of the Federation. It is a name to conjure with. Besides, the deal - Democratic Socialism— for which the Party stands has become engraved in the hearts of millions of youths and adults.

You should, therefore, regard as fatal allurement any suggestion that the name ACTION GROUP should be changed either now or in the future, especially when such suggestion emanates from quarters obviously hostile to our continued existence.

To be continued

AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founder: CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)

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feature

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Establising anti-venom factories

One of the local communities invaded by snakes

Governor Simon Lalong, Plateau State

Professor Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health

Continued from pg 12

for the rural dwellers, who were mostly the victims, declared: “Government should, therefore, take this suggestion seriously because of the danger posed by the bites on citizens; the carpet viper, black cobra, black mamba and puss adder are particularly dangerous. Their venoms kill the victims if there is no quick medical attention. This is why government must intervene so that the poor victims can get assistance,” he said.

The expert said countries like Sri-Lanka and Papua New Guinea were producing their anti-venom locally, adding that the outcome of a research had revealed that establishing the anti-venom outfit was the best way government and other stakeholders could minimise the number of deaths from snakebites.

“If we have our own company here, we can be very specific about the type of snakes for which the anti-venom will be produced. We were told that France, which has been Nigeria’s major supplier of the drugs, has stopped producing it. By June next year, their last product of antivenom will disappear from the market.”

Durfa disclosed that in 2006, President Olusegun Obasanjo, approved N2 billion for the establishment of the anti-venom factory, but regretted that nothing had been heard of the project since then. He warned of imminent danger unless the Federal Government reviewed or upgraded the cost earlier approved to facilitate the establishment of the factory or increase the importation from alternative sources such as Wales in United Kingdom and Costa-Rica in Central America.

“We have a range of between 14 and 22 people being bitten on a daily basis and between 420 to 600 people each month. Four hospitals; Comprehensive Health Centre, Zamko, Langtang North, Wuyep Spe-

and pathetic, stressed that the snakes, which moved openly and always in pairs, were washed into the communities by flood.

And a farmer’s testimony...

A farmer in Kanke, Mr Danlami Uba, said cases of snake bites in the local government were quite alarming and pathetic, being prevalence after the rainy season. He said as the flood pushed the reptiles from the overflown tributaries of Rivers Benue and Niger, some snakes climbed trees, others entered holes, while some just held unto any available straw and later descended into residences and farms where they have been wrecking havoc.”

He said the commonest species were the black mamba, carpet viper and cobra, declaring that most victims usually depended on luck to survive.

Treating snakebites With snake bites getting more and more rampant in these local government areas of Plateau State, some medical experts recently called on the Federal Government to establish an anti-venom factory in Nigeria to ease the treatment and lessen fatality rate of victims. A former Chief Medical Director of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Managing Director of Echitep Study Ltd, Dr Nandul Durfa, said the treatment of snake bite was very expensive, costing between N60,000 and N70,000. The least is N23,000 per ampoule, and the minimum ampoules required is two per patient.”

Durfa, who said the cost was too high, especially

cialist Hospital, Mabodi, Langtang South, Miko Memorial Clinic, Amper, Kanke and General Hospital, Shendam, each record an average of between two and five victims everyday,” he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, Dr Sylvester Gaknung, Medical Director, Miko Memorial Clinic, Amper in Kanke Local Government, said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration should urgently consider establishing the anti-venom factory to save the situation. Gaknung said: “In fact, there is the need for the federal, state and local governments to, in the interim, provide funds for free treatment of victims considering the high cost of treatment of the venom.” He noted that the victims were mostly poor farmers without funds to treat themselves, which had often forced them into resorting to traditional medicines that hardly help.

A pharmacist, Dr Ike Nwosu, said apart from the fact the treatments were expensive, the anti venom drugs were difficult to come by in the country because most pharmacists did not want to import them, and they were not the type of drugs that sell fast, adding that those who purchased them were often frustrated because they get expired on their shelves.

“The best thing is for the government to establish anti-venom factories in the country to meet the needs of people. There is no market for it as such in Nigeria, because it is not all states or local government areas in the country that are prone to snake bites. Most of those who export them often get frustrated because the drugs often gathered dust and expired without buyers.”

Attempts to get the reaction of the Plateau State government through the Ministry of Health proved abortive, but a source close to the ministry told Sunday Tribune that the government had purchased a reasonable number of anti-venom drugs and shared them among local governments that were ravaged by snakes, especially at Zamko Hospital in Langtang.

However, Honourable Golu urged the Federal Government and the Plateau State government to treat the snake invasion as a national medical emergency and give it the same response given to HIV/AIDS and the Ebola virus.

“Government must come in with full force and ensure that the anti-snake venom is provided to the people free of charge, because it is expensive for the rural poor. Other world health bodies like WHO and UNICEF should also step in because it is a serious situation that requires all hands on deck.”

He also called on the federal and state governments to fumigate the homes, farmlands and the general environment of the communities to reduce the number of snakes, especially since they appeared to be reproducing, adding that the fumigation would also reduce the number of crocodiles washed into the communities, pointing out that the weather of the area was naturally attractive to such reptiles.

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29 November, 2015

homes&interior s r A dinner with friends?

Keep the table setting simple,

attractive

W

HEN you have guests coming over for dinner, the table setting is as important as the food, and the setting sets the tone for the dinner. For a dinner with friends, the ideal is choosing an informal setting, simple and, if you like it, with some cute details.

Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems.

The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; that is, from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. And finally, only set the table with utensils you will use. No soup; no soup spoon But beyond just knowing where everything goes, it’s important to keep in mind why you’re putting so much effort into setting a dinner table in the first place. Each guest’s experience relies just as heavily on the atmosphere as it does on the taste of the food.

And the atmosphere can affect their manners too.

Tips for setting an informal dinner table First, lay down your main plate -- this will be your home base. As you might suspect, it sits in the middle of the entire setting. The napkin can be placed virtually anywhere you’d like in this setting -- on the center plate, but also to the left of the plate under the forks, or even to the left of the forks all on its own. If you’ll be serving bread, the bread plate can sit to the left of the entire place setting, above the forks, just as it does in a formal setting. A specific bread and butter knife, however, is optional.

Next come the utensils. The fork goes to the left of the plate, and the knife and spoon

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go to the right. Remember that knife blades traditionally face the plate, and, just like in the formal setting, utensils are placed in the order in which they will be used, with the one that is to be used first placed in the outermost position. Any drink glasses or stemware should be placed on the right of the setting, above the knife.

Setting a standard table for a threecourse meal The following is a standard table setting for a three-course meal. Note the basic

“outside-in” rule. The piece of flatware that will be used last is placed directly next to the plate you are using.

Forks: Both forks are placed on the left of the plate. The fork furthest from the plate is for salad. The fork next to the plate is for the dinner.

Dinner Plate: The dinner plate is placed on the table when the main course is served and is not on the table when the guests sit down.

Large plates, such as the dinner plate and luncheon plate, are laid about one (1) inch in

Sunday Tribune

Remi Anifowose And Seyi Sokoya oluremi_anifowose@yahoo.com seyi_sky@yahoo.com 09090652322, 08141986123 08075166585

from the edge of the table.

Salad Plate: The salad plate is placed to the left of the forks.

Small plates, such as the salad plate, fish plate, and dessert plate, are laid about two (2) inches in from the edge of the table.

Dinner Knife: The dinner knife is placed on the right side, and directly next to and one (1) inch away from, the plate. The blade should face the plate. If the main course requires a steak knife, it may be substituted for the dinner knife.

Spoons: The soup spoon is on the far right of the outside knife.

Bread plate with Butter knife: A small bread plate is placed above the forks, above and to the left of the service plate.

The butter spreader is laid on the bread-and-butter plate.

Glassware: Usually one wine glass is used along with a water goblet. If the table setting is uncrowded, there is room to arrange glassware in any way you like, such as in a straight line parallel with the edge of the table or a diagonal line angled toward the table’s edge.

Water Goblets: The water glass is placed in a position closest to the hand, approximately 1 inch above the tip of the dinner knife.

Wine Glasses: At least one wine glass should sit to the right and possibly above the water glass.

Napkins: Place the napkin in the place setting’s center, or left of the last fork.

Coffee Cups: Place a cup and saucer to the right of the place setting. The coffee spoon goes to the right of the saucer.

Salt and Pepper: Since more people use salt than pepper (and most people are righthanded), the salt shaker is placed to the right of the pepper shaker, in a position closer to the right hand.The placement of the pepper shaker is to the left of the salt shaker, and for added definition, it is angled slightly above the salt shaker.

They are placed above the cover or between two place settings.

Because salt is finer than pepper, the lid of the salt shaker is punctured with smaller, more numerous holes than a pepper shaker.

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29 November, 2015

D

ESPITE the high approval rating for last week’s musing on Edogate, I had to drop its concluding part for something more cheering. Personally, it is gratifying that the distaste of Edo pudding and the sour sight of cheer-leading women who should be rioting naked over the mortgaged future of their children, would give way to a bright happening that speaks to strong hope that a distant future may not produce the likes of new Edo Aninis.

Last Sunday, as I received of readers, crippling messages of hopelessness in reactions to the tale of two Edo trans-accused robbers, I had to turn to grocery shopping for an escape. A mall in Magodo was my pick. As we formed a wonky queue before the cashier, a man and his two kids joined us.

Moments before, a female kid whose mum wasn’t done shopping, had in child’s way, placed her mum’s fizzy drink before the cashier for payment, jumping ahead of me. I simply laughed it off, jokingly egging her on to be attended to before me, since she had shunted the queue on her mum’s behalf. Fortunately for me, the mum said she wasn’t done shopping and we all laughed again.

Obviously encouraged by the scenario, the other male shopper’s female kid almost of the same age (between six and seven years) with the queue-shunting kid, equally jumped ahead of me to place some of her dad’s planned purchase before the cashier. Again, acting the Dad that has got her ilk, I laughed and encouraged her to go ahead with paying before me. What followed was totally unexpected.

The father who was done shopping and waiting patiently behind me and another male customer, roared his disapproval, jerked the kid back violently with a stern warning that she must learn to take her turn.

Though flushed with great admiration for him, I protested pleasantly that it was nothing since I have got her likes.

The customer next to me was ostensibly on same page with me. Perceivably, because deep down, I was celebrating the scenario, though the other customer obviously saw a very harsh father.

The lean, ramrod man turned to me and said, “please, let us start training them now on what is good and what is bad.

We should not indulge them. It is better for them to start learning now and it starts with things like these that are considered nothing”.

It was obvious that the man wasn’t pulling a public stunt because the bubbling kid suddenly recoiled onto the queue, which was indicative of a pattern at home, though the rebelling spirit which the scripture says has made a home of

LIFE begets death. The day a person is born, the race to death tees off. For some, it is a dash; 100 metres or 200 metres. For others, it is a mini-marathon; 1,000metres or 2,000metres.sFor yet some others, it is a long-winding marathon. But short or long, it is as certain as taxes that every living being is a candidate for death. It is to the eternal shame of man that despite his strides in science and technology; the conquer of the moon and the galaxy, the advancement in medical science as well as information technology, he has failed to demystify death, the grim reaper.

Death is a leveller; he is no respecter of person or status.

Whenever he shows up, nothing else matters but his mission. He is a sharpshooter that never misses target. He strikes with absolute precision; his darts always hit the intended spot. He goes for the powerful with the same zeal he guns for the feeble. He seeks out the celebrity with the same gusto he plucks the nonentity. He chalks out the governor the same way he mows down the governed.

One amazing thing about death is that he is adept at avoiding those who seek him the most. The mad man drinks water from the drainage, sleeps in the open, at the mercy of mosquitoes as well as the elements and eats from the garbage bin but is never admitted to the hospital. He is never down with malaria or struck by cholera. But not so the one who takes distilled water and never sleeps anywhere except under a treated mosquito net; he is assailed by malaria, troubled by dysentery and attacked by liver cirrhosis, all agents of death. The mad man struts on the highway, gives no care about cars or lorries, yet death hardly goes for him but picks on the man who is jogging to keep fit and healthy as he is smashed on the walkway by a hit and run driver who veers off the road under the authority of excess liquor.

It is surprising that surprise is expressed when death occurs. Does certainty spring surprise? Can we be shocked at the manifestation of our expectation? If we know that we are

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youngsters’ hearts, isn’t easily tamed.

The impact of the corrective measure was reverberating.

The catalystic kid also quietly fell in/on line even before her mum joined the queue.

If anyone was involved in public stunt in the arena, it was yours truly. The visage of the next man to me betrayed his disgust at the conduct of this supposed “father from hell”. But in my heart of hearts, I loved to scold the queueshunting kids. But who does that in this age without being labelled a mirage of X-generation fatherhood. I was restrained by societal perception. With benefits of hindsight now, I should have worn a scowl instead of a smile. Can we just return to the days of yore when the proverbial four eyes would bring forth a child and two hundred-albeit countlesswould nurture him?

Just like the disavowed man directly behind me, two guys had wondered aloud years back, when I insisted that my kids should not stomp ahead them to pay for their snack

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Racing to death

born to die, why should we be taken by surprise when death occurs? Nothing is as certain as death, yet man continues to express surprise when death shows up. The reason is that death is a reality man always tries to wish away.

At the height of his accomplishments man is tempted to think that he is immortal. He wants to believe that nothing gets done unless he is around. In his mind, he thinks that the world would cease to exist when he exits. So, he

Sunday Tribune

at an eatery in Abuja, simply because they were rearing to have their meal.

Succumbing to the expectations, perceptions, demands, indulgences and judgements of a dysfunctionally perfunctory society has been the major undoing of generations lost to the same living they tried to align with. That is why the ilk of the unconventional Dad at the Magodo mall should be celebrated and encouraged and I completely agree with his “harsh” methodology of rescuing the yet-to-be-lost generations like the two six-year olds at the mall.

Whatever the “change” rhetoric is worth, the government of the day should also be encouraged to keep mouthing the theories, in expectations that once the “delightsome” noise settles in the consciousness of an average Nigerian, practical change could begin at homes, which are the first line of defence in the battle to restore values, discipline and order.

Though the man at the mall appeared to have developed his arsenal of depleting the society of delinquents long before the “change” mantra became a national fad, deliberate encouraging policies at self-recovery should be evolved by the Muhammadu Buhari administration for the nation and the citizenry. One major plank to make such policies fly, would be the entrenchment of the culture of reward and punishment for public conducts. This should not be limited to successes in sports.

Thankfully, Buhari as the current symbol of Nigerian leadership still retains the right public perception to push this through. It would be easier for him as a perceived disciplined person to reward and punish public conducts accordingly. Such punishment should also not be limited to the corrupt in Naira.

Moral corruption fathers graft. The plan by the federal government to wage moral war against the infamous “Nigerian Time” syndrome as announced by Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is a step in the right direction.

Lateness to work and going AWOL should equally be viewed as corruption because it is getting paid for doing nothing.

Government-backed programmes that would encourage round-the-clock disciplined lifestyles should be evolved.

People get morally debased before getting light-fingered.

I was encouraged that we can still save our little world around here after the mall encounter. It isn’t about the rod all the time. The “butty” kids we are raising now react more to body languages. A little stern in the voice could change a likely lifetime of major embarrassment to the family and nation. I see hope, rebirth, recovery and a new beginning. A new Nigeria is possible. It begins with you.

begins to have a larger than life perception of himself. He becomes boastful and vainglorious. He gets late to ceremonies because he knows that the event will not start unless he is seated. He gives appointments and deliberately fails to keep them. He becomes the lord at whose altar everybody must worship. But it is all a sham; it is a mist; as futile as grasping for air; as unreal as a fantasy; as frustrating as waiting for Godot.

So, what is the basis of the boast of the powerful or the rich or the influential if the same death that kills the overlord kills the underdog? Why should anyone look contemptuously at another if the same fate awaits the two? Why should anyone walk as if the whole world is in his pocket when tomorrow he could be swallowed by the earth?

The purpose of living is leaving a legacy. The only one who does not die in vain is the one who bequeathed a worthwhile legacy; the one who made an impact on those who had contact with him or her. Legacy is not the birthright of the high and mighty; it is the responsibility of everyone who lives. It does not require a high office or oodles of funds; all it needs is a loving heart and a pair of caring hands. John Wesley puts it best, he says, “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”

If all the good you can do is to give a smile to a despondent soul, give it with all your heart and you will have acted well your part. To fail to help because you can’t do much is to slide into insignificance.

No life is eventful if it fails to have a positive impact on at least another one.

Note: This article was first published on September 14, 2014. It is reproduced for its current relevance.

17

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

I don’t know who

posted Gerrara hie video online

—Francis Odega My professional integrity is very important

—Iretiola Doyle

2face Idibia gets chieftaincy title

I was induced into labour —Tiwa Savage

18

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

2face Idibia gets chieftaincy title

2

FACE Idibia has been awarded a chieftaincy title as the ‘Tafidan Kudendan of Kudendan’ by His Royal Highness Galadima of Kudendan Chiefdom, Kaduna State.

He was honoured for his role in the ‘Vote Not Fight’

Taye Currency gears up for new album APESIN of the fuji kingdom, Taiwo Akande Adebisi, a.k.a Taye Currency is set to release his new album anytime soon.

According to Tope Eluyefa, Currency’s media spokesperson, the new album, entitled Birthday Bash and Message (BBM), will be released after almost two years.

Currency is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares to take over the fuji industry.“He works everyday to improve on his music and injects change in the fuji system. That is why he has taken his time to come up with an evergreen albums for all categories

campaign during the last general elections. The chieftaincy title, ‘Tafidan Kudendan’ means an ‘Ambassador of Peace’.

He was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Annie Idibia and Chocolate City boss, M.I Abaga.

Consulate hosts TFAA nominees U.S Consulate hosts exclusive reception for The Future Awards Africa nominees today, as TFAA unveils official TVC The United States Consulate will today, November 24, 2015, host The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) nominees to an invitation-only reception at the Consular-General’s

residence in Lagos, Nigeria.

This follows the unveiling of 56 nominees spread across 11 categories including the Ford Founda-

Brain features Ma’Cherie in new video BRAIN, who few months ago dropped a remake visual to his hit song, Salute, has released another video, Recogize. The song featured female rapper, Ma’Cherie.

The new video is coming ahead of the release of his first EP titled Hurricane Season, which will be released on December 15, 2015.

Brain said he was excited about this new video, so as also the EP. Explaining the concept of the EP, the label CEO, Abiodun Caston-Dada revealed that Brain had grown in the past two years, having just gone through the label development process. He’s now ready to take on the world in full throttle”, he stated.

tion Price for Youth Employment on EbonyLife TV and Channels TV last Sunday.

As it counts down to the 10th anniversary of the Awards, TFAA has also released its official TVC highlighting the inspiring journey of young Africans bringing socioeconomic change to their communities through innovation, creativity, and enterprise.

With over 1,000 nominees and 120 winners since inception, TFAA has taken nominations across the continent identifying young people with a track record of accomplishments within their community and/or globally in the last one year.

The 10th anniversary event holds on December 6, 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria.

DavidB drops ‘Iwo Nikan’

By Seyi Sokoya RIDING high on the success and critical acclaim of his remix of Tiwa Savage’s classic single

Cross River names Iyanya as Ambassador IYANYA has been announced as an ambassador of his native state, Cross River.

The ‘Applaudise’ crooner was unveiled as an ambassa-

dor by the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ay ad e d u r ing t he of f icial u nveiling of the 2015 edition of the annual Calabar Carni-

of people.

The coming album is 2 in 1,and BBM preaches peace and integrity in every individual.

The album is produced by Golden Point production.

val.

It was gathered Iyanya’s appointment comes with an office in the state, a new car and a monthly remuneration.

‘Kele Kele’ which was championed and supported by Tiwa Savage herself among other tastemakers, Manchester-based Nigerian R&B/Soul singer, songwriter and musician, and MOBO Award nominee DavidB is proud to debut his brand new single titled ‘Iwo Nikan’.

Written by DavidB and London-based singer-songwriter Fola as part of songwriting duo Pensouls, and produced by Manchester-based Dalet, ‘Iwo Nikan’ is an instantly captivating and infectious Afrobeats love song, led by DavidB’s buttery smooth vocals, excellent melodies and catchy lyrics, all perfectly laced together over a futuristic drums-heavy musical milieu, with Afrobeats sensibilities.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his new single, DavidB says of ‘Iwo Nikan’, “I spent Christmas in Nigeria last year for the first time in a long time... I became obsessed with Afrobeats and got inspired to write my first ever Afrobeats love song. ‘Iwo Nikan’ is simply about appreciating the love of one’s life”.

19

29 November, 2015

My professional integrity is very important —Iretiola Doyle

By Tayo Gesinde

O

NE reason Iretiola Doyle has remained a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry is due to fact that she gives her all too each production. For her, it doesn’t matter if it was an EL production, Mnet production or an independent production being produced by a 21-year-old girl.

Iretiola, while speaking with R in Lagos on Thursday, said,” if I am committed to your project then I am committed to your project, and I will put in hundred and fifty percent of myself, my time, my focus, my energy. That’s just the way I am, my professional integrity is very important to me so I don’t do more or less than I will do anywhere else. That’s the only way I’ve arrived where I am today.”

The talented actress and presenter while speaking on the movie, Fifty where she played the role of Elizabeth; a celebrated obstetrician whose penchant for younger men has estranged her from her daughter disclosed that’ “It wasn’t too much of a stress for me and in the

Tyme Out With Tee-A holds today BASKETMOUTH, DJ Spinall, Iyanya, are among others who will perform at this year’s edition of Tyme Out With Tee-A. Today in Lagos, the comedy show will record the biggest celebration of Nigerian talent as Tyme Out With Tee-A Lagos Concert: Dance Party Edition showcases some of the hottest Nigerian DJs, music icons and comedians on the entertainment scene.

Holding at Intercontinental Hotel, VI, Lagos, comedy and music lovers will see DJ Neptune, DJ Xclusive, DJ Spinall and others go head to head.

The annual event will also witness explosive performances by Iyanya, Sean Tizzle, Sammie Okposo, Sound Sultan, Basketmouth, MC Abbey, Seyi Law, Lepacious Bose, Eddie Kadi, Princess, among many others.

areas where I wasn’t too sure and didn’t know how far to go, my director was on hand to talk and walk me through so it was that much of a stress.”

Talking about her experience on the movie set, she enthused that”

I thoroughly enjoyed it; it was five weeks of hard work. The cast was great. Our relationship was fantastic; it was wonderful working with everybody. You know when you are going to work and you are really happy looking forward to see-

ing the people you work with that was how it was, we really had fun.

It was hardwork but it was work that you really enjoyed, it was work that was carried out with like minds so the energy was positive.

EbonyLife Films ‘FIFTY’ will premiere in Nigeria with a special grand Lagos premiere on the 13th of December 2015 at The Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and will be released in cinemas nationwide on the 18th of December 2015. The movie stars Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Omoni Oboli and Nse Ikpe-Etim.

Directed by Biyi Bandele and executively produced by Mo Abudu, FIFTY, captures a few pivotal days in the lives of four Nigerian women at the pinnacle of their careers.

Tola, Elizabeth, Maria and Kate are forced at midlife to take inventory of their personal lives, while juggling careers and family against the sprawling backdrops of the upper middle-class neighbourhoods of Lagos.

Sunday Tribune

DJ Caise remakes ‘Hello’ THE first dance-able version of Adele’s “Hello” has been produced from the stable of Chocolate City’s DJ Caise.

Originally a piano ballad with soul influence, STO Beats did a good job with the new production. The song, after attaining global success, and reaching number 1 in 28 countries, including the United Kingdom, the artiste and his label are sure they would get a competing response from night crawlers even as Tupengo dazzled accordingly Tupengo has gladly taken on Adele’s “Hello” as he presents a club version as produced by STO Beats.

Fitila night relives Yoruba music of old ON Friday evening, the poolside of Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos honoured good Yoruba music as the November edition of Fitilah Night was hosted by the hotel.

Femi Water and the Kenery band and Adedeji and his Praise Apostle Juju Band were on hand to dish out tunes after tune to the joy of Adeshina Adekanmbi,CEO of Fitilah Global Entertainment Ltd. According to him, Fitilah Night aims at reviving the culture of quality night life and relaxation with good music, which he said was fast disappearing especially in Lagos.

“Even if we say the young ones like the type of music one hears everywhere,” Adekanmbi worried about the lot of old people.

“Shouldn’t they be able to enjoy themselves,” he queried.

Fitilah, presently in its fifth edition, started in July and holds every third Friday at Excellence Hotel.

All through the night, songs from Orlando Owoh and Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, were among those played. As the night wound down,Taylor also entertained guests dishing classic tunes from Tunji Oyelana.

Other guests present at the Fitilah Night included Jide Osinubi, Tolani Owolabi, Popoola Wasiu, Rasheed Adewale Barrister, son of the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.

Also present was Abideen Yusuf Olatunji, grandson of the late Sakara exponent, Yusuf Olatunji.

A high point of the night was the cutting of the birthday cake for those born in the month of November.

So far, the Fitilah show has featured Funmi Sax, Wale Thompson, Bertola Juju, Abideen Yusuf Olatunji, Wunmi Sax, Alariwo, Amofe Ayinde’ among others.

The special guest of the evening was Chief Lekan Alabi who recently celebrated his 65th birthday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

King Sunny Ade, royals,celebrities and people from different walks of life graced the occasion.

Also at Ajorosun Social Club, Ibadan, Mrs Adedeji Bolatito Adedayo, held a retirement party for her friends. It was attended by many Ibadan indigenes on Wednesday

Simi releases new video SIMI has released her new video for her single entitled “Open and Close”. The video is from her upcoming sophomore album which has ‘Jamb Question’, a track she released earlier this year. The video also harps on the power of self-confidence, and in a way, it reflects the Mass Communications’ graduate.

Simisola Ogunleye wrote her first song at the age of 10. Her passion for music informed her decision to launch her debut album in 2008. The album was produced by Samklef and spawned hits such as Ara Ile, Ogaju, Iya Temi, to name a few.

In 2011, she met talented producer Oscar Heman-Ackah, but she officially signed a production contract with Oscar Music Production in 2013 and now signed to X3M Music.

The singer won Best Promising Act at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Award and the Most Promising Act of the Year at the 2015 City People award.

She has two nominations at the 2015 Headies for Best Alternative Song and Video of the Year Jamb Question

20

29 November, 2015

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

I’m now reasonably

expensive

—Francis Odega

Francis Odega’s name was largely unknown to many people until recently when a comic video clip of a movie he starred in surfaced on the internet. The fifteen seconds video immediately brought a lot of attention to Odega and made him a very popular brand in the entertainment industry. That clip also earned him what Odega described as a ‘shocking deal’ with telecommunications company, Etisalat as he was named as its brand ambassador. In this revealing interactive session with SEGUN ADEBAYO, Odega opens up on the secret behind his success.

Y

OU have been getting a lot of attention lately and this came as a result of your comic video clip that went viral on the internet some months back, is responsible for all the good things that have been happening to you in recent times?

I can only tell you God has been good to me. I have been in the movie industry as long as Nollywood itself, but not many people know me. I have been very consistent with my work. I only concentrate on my work. It was this same work I was doing that eventually brought God’s blessings my way. I am grateful to God. I don’t even know how to describe the goodness of God upon my life right now; it has been very overwhelming.

What can you say about that video clip?

That clip was a scene from a movie we shot about four years ago. It was not a new video.

What’s the title of the movie?

Welcome to South, Agony of South and Back from South.

I was actually doing what I know how to do best. I didn’t know somebody would cut a clip from the movie and post it on the internet. It was not what I expected. I am still asking myself what the person was thinking about, but I have come to the conclusion that the person found that scene hilarious and come to put it out.

Do you know who put it on Instagram?

Honestly, I don’t know. I wish I knew. I am still looking for the person that posted the video on Instagram. When people started telling me the video had gone viral, I didn’t believe it but when I saw it and the aftermath attention, I changed my mind. It was at that point I discovered that it was serious.

How have you been handling the attention coming your way now?

I have been fine with it. I am still the same Francis Odega, except that I now have more popularity than before. A lot of people now know me and many people want to meet me everywhere I go. My followers on social media platforms have greatly increased. When you put all these things together, you will realise that God has a hand in it. I will tell you more about that later. Please fire the next question.

That same 15 seconds video also earned you a deal with Etisalat as its brand ambassador, how would you describe the experience?

I believe in God’s time. It came at the right time and I am very sure God actually delayed my blessing till now, so that I can know how to handle it. One thing that also shocked me about the deal was that the concept of the advert was built around the Gerrarra Hie video.

That means I might not have been an ambassador if I had not played that role in the movie. So, everything worked perfectly well because God was involved in it.

started talking about endorsement and what they would want me to do for them as an ambassador.

So, after looking at the deal, I liked the terms and I gladly signed it.

How did you seal the deal?

I got a call from them asking me to come over to their office for a meeting. When I got there, they

When you first got a call from Etisalat, where were you and what was the first thing that came to your mind?

I was actually on location doing what I love to do when I got a call from them. I didn’t really believe it when the person at the other end of the call started talking. At first, I thought it was a call from these scammers, but something told me not to drop the call, so I listened to what the caller was saying and after a while I discovered it was true.

Shortly after the call, I received a text message to that effect asking me to come down to their office.

When I got there, I knew it was real. The first thing I did was to thank God, because it was a rare opportunity.

At first, I thought it was a call from these scammers, but something told me not to drop the call, so I listened to what the caller was saying and after a while I discovered it was true.

How long did it take you to sign the deal or it was immediately?

It was not something that happened immediately even though it appeared as if everything happened in one day. I got the documents and I showed my lawyer, who went through everything critically before I appended my signature. Since then, I have Continues on pg21

21 glitz

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Continues from pg20

been doing a lot of promotional adverts for them and I am very happy to be working with Etisalat. I have been using my name and popularity to sell their brand in a big way. That’s what is expected of me and I am happy doing it.

Today, I am happy that my perseverance is really paying off.

My family is happy now and they are grateful to God because they are not lacking anything again.

Was Etisalat the only brand that approached you before you signed?

Yes. No other brand came to me.

What’s your relationship with the producer of the movie that changed the story of your life?

We have been doing movies together. In fact, that clip made the movie sell more, because a lot of people started buying to watch the full movie. We are very fine together. The man has made a lot of money from the movie after that clip went viral.

Where did you get the ‘Gerrarra hie’ concept from?

It was my creation. I coined it. If you follow the line of the movie, you will know that I had to be very creative with it. For somebody who travelled out of the country and came back. You have to let people know that you have been to that part of the world by speaking the way they speak.

That’s exactly what I did.

Apparently, your status has changed, you now have more followers on social media platforms and you have been attending a lot of social events. How are you handling your new fame?

Everything is changing very fast. I now feel like a superstar. The truth is that when that video was posted on Instagram, I hadn’t joined Instagram them.

My friends told me go and join, but I was not interested. I decided to join less than three months ago and I already have almost fifty thousand followers. I know that to be a star is one thing and to be able to manage stardom is another thing entirely. I am trying everyday to manage fame.

There were things I used to do that I don’t do anymore. I don’t do things anyhow again, anything I want to do now; I take my time before venturing into it, because all eyes are on me now.

I know the deal must have taken you up financially, you must really be feeling proud now…

Well, before I signed the deal, I was not poor. I won’t deny the fact that it added to my finance in a big way, but I have been handling money before now. I have been a top actor for years and I have been involved in different projects that I can’t begin to explain what they fetched me to you. Of course, I rendered a service and I am supposed to be paid for it. If at this stage of my life, I am signing a mouthwatering deal, I believe I should be able to handle it wisely without any friction.

Is it true that your appearance fee has increased since you became an ambassador?

Yes, it has to be. There is nothing anybody can do about that. When you step up to a new level, everything about you changes. I don’t think that should be a problem for anybody. If I am charging 10 naira before, be rest assured it will be 20 or even 30 naira now.

How much do you charge per appearance now?

I don’t think I will tell you unless you want to tell me how much you earn in Tribune. I am not terribly expensive, I am

That’s why I am the pioneer member of Night of a Thousand Laugh. I am happy about how far God has brought me, but we are still progressing. I am still struggling to get there, but we are making a remarkable progress at getting to the top level.

Forget the millions, I’m still struggling.

‘I don’t know who posted Gerrara hie video online’ reasonably expensive. I charge producers based on my need. If you come with a particular amount of money and I feel it will meet some of my obligations, I don’t mind. I really don’t have a fixed amount.

How did you find your way into acting?

I have always had the passion for acting.

Even when I was in school, my friends always wanted me to crack them up. At a point, everything I said made them laugh and my friends would tell me to take comedy up as a profession. I actually started my career in Enugu State. I came to Lagos in 1990 in search of greener pasture.

Could you remember any experience that really challenged your stay in the industry?

I remember that there was a time that I didn’t get any script to act for two years.

It was a very challenging period for me, because I didn’t work for two years and there was nothing I could do. It almost frustrated me out of the business, but I had to persevere and move on with my life. It was very hard for me that I had to eat from hand to mouth through the help of my friends. I decided to stay on because this is the only thing I have a very strong passion for, so it was hard for me to leave.

Today, I am happy that my perseverance is really paying off. My family is happy now and they are grateful to God because they are not lacking anything again.

I have seen you in a couple of musical videos; will you also be going into music anytime soon?

Yes, I have featured in several musical videos, but I don’t believe music is my way. I don’t even think I have the voice for music in the first place. Acting is my life; it is a profession that I am very committed to. Every other thing I do is a hubby.

Since you became a brand ambassador, how have your colleagues been relating with you?

I love this question. In this industry, there are friends and colleagues. My friends have been showing me so much love and support. As for my colleagues, some of them care and others don’t. I have few friends in the industry but I have many colleagues. You don’t expect everybody to be happy for you or be your friend. There are people who are wishing that what Francis got could have come to me. Some are very happy for me and some will not even bother to call to ask you how far. The Lord has pointed his torch at me now and it is a divine one; nobody can put it out. You know that when God points His torch at you, even if it has no battery, it will still shine and keeps shining. God does not sleep. He remembers one when it pleases Him, and I am very grateful that He has remembered me.

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29 November, 2015

entartainment

Sunday Tribune with Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Burna Boy shuts down Industry Nite, launches ‘On A Spaceship’ album

By Segun Adebayo

I was induced into labour —Tiwa Savage

By Segun Adebayo

MAVIN records first lady, Tiwa Savage, is the cover star of the November edition of Genevieve magazine and she openly talked about what she went through during her nine months journey.

Narrating how the journey was, the singer stated that though it is the same challenge every woman goes through, she never enjoyed the whole challenges.

Tiwa disclosed that she had high blood pressure and the pregnancy was over due by about eight days before she was induced to labour.

According to her, “Well, it’s a condition some women have towards the end of their pregnancy. For me, it was a period where I had high blood pressure, my feet got terribly swollen and I could hardly walk.

Plus, my baby was overdue by about 7-8 days! At the end, they decided to induce me to labour because they were worried about my condition. It was a painful ordeal but I thank God everything went.”

Glo Dance with Peter: PSquare, Don Flexx confident of team’s chances

By Rotimi Ige

A

HEAD of tonight’s broadcast of Dance with Petersponsored by Globacom, the show judges, Peter Okoye, Don Flexx and Kaffy, are boasting about the chances of their contestants to win the grand prize.

The housemates are divided into three teams. Team Peter has C-Fly, Da Octopus, Miracle and Teejay; Team Flexx comprises Marion X, Nekky, G-Extreme, Kelvin, T-Rubber, while Team Kaffy has Messiah, Amazing Amy and Julius Faktah.

Don Flexx says he is confident of his team’s ability to clinch the coveted prize. “I feel my team members are the strongest in the show.

I’ve watched them grow in this show and they deserve

to be in the finals” he enthused.

The show’s dance director, Wale Rubber, disagrees with Flexx. He is of the opinion that “Team Kaffy have the desire to succeed and win and they indeed have what it takes to win the competition.

Show originator, Peter Okoye, however, insists that his team members are exceptional. “The audience can attest to the fact that my team members are exceptional. All I have to say to them is get out there and make it work.

Viewers will find out which of the dancers will prove their mentors right during the show on Africa Magic Urban (Channel 153) at 7 p.m. tonight and African Independent Television (AIT) on Sunday at 5 p.m.

In this weekend’s episode, the contestants are at liberty to bring their own dance style or risk being evicted from the academy. With the theme “Bring your own thing or Go Home”, the housemates will battle to retain a slot in the academy.

Of the 12 remaining housemates, Marion X, Nekky, Messiah, Teejay and Miracle were put up for eviction last week after the week’s performance which was based on Africa dance steps including skelewu, galala, alanta andazonto.

Glo ambassador and Marvin Records protégé, Korede Bello, will feature as guest judge on the show. He says he simply wants to be entertained by the dancers. “I just want to see a great show and be entertained,” he declared.

BURNA Boy has officially launched his highly-anticipated sophomore album, On A Spaceship (#OAS), with a mind-blowing performance on stage at the 25th November 2015 edition of Industry Nite at Spice Route, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a super charged night at the weekly event, hosted by Spanky and Dj Consequence, with Burna Boy headlining. A number of upcoming acts opened the show with thrilling performances including YCee and Saeon, who performed together, as well as Phenom and Milli.

Burna Boy arrived on stage in grand style and to a rousing reception from ecstatic and kicked off with the intro of #OAS setting the tone for the anxious expectation of the album by the capacity crowd. He delivered track after track with his trademark energy and dexterity including the hugely popular “Soke”, the album’s only bonus track.

The highlight of the show was the performance of the track; “On A Very Good Day”. During the perfor-

Why we are accepted —TJB

By OLAKUNLE TAIWO

MEMBERS of Trinity Jazz Band, popularly known as TJB, after an event, held recently in Ibadan, told E a few reasons why jazz

Remi Surutu in tears as brother opens multi-million naira music studio for her

By Segun Adebayo

IT was an afternoon of celebration for popular actress, Remi Surutu in Lagos on Thursday as her London-based immediate younger brother, Babatunde Raji, popularly known as Tunde Baba gave her sister a surprise gift when she opened a multi-million naira music studio for her at 49,oluwaleyimu Street, Off Allen avenue ikeja.

E gathered that Surutu and her London-based brother, Raji had not

seen each other for almost 15 years. This was said to have prompted Surutu’s brother to open a modern and well-equiped music studio for her.

The event which was well attended by popular actors, actresses and music stars in the country saw Surutu shed tears when Raji handed over the new edifice, named Everblue Studios to her care. It took the intervention of some of her colleagues to console her. According to her, Surutu said she never knew her brother was planning something

mance of the song, Burna Boy was joined on stage by a host of artistes including Iceprince, Dammy Krane, Small Doctor and even the show’s compere, Spanky.

The performance wowed the crowd so much that a clamour erupted for an encore!

Burna Boy fans and celebrities who were in attendance were unanimous that the show was the best ever industry nite at the Spice Route they had ever witnessed. Lots of people leaving the show were overheard saying that after watching Burna Boy on stage and listening to him perform songs from the album, purchasing the #OAS had become a must.

big like that, adding that it was one of the most beautiful moments of her life.

“Seeing this today makes me feel extremely happy. I don’t know how to express how I feel about this huge surprise from my brother, but I am sure that by the time we start working here, he will be proud to see the good things that would be turned out of here. This is something that I am very passionate about, and now that it has finally happened, I can’t wait to start making stars in this studios.

music is unique and why the band is widely accepted in the country.

Speaking with E, one of the members, Mba Joshua, said the band’s unique style of jazz music informed its popularity across the country, and more so, diversification of instrumental skills of members cum creativity have, no doubt, finetuned the output of the band whenever it delivers.

Mba, however, noted that although jazz music is not popular in this part of the world, because “people always embrace what they are familiar with. So, we make people enjoy jazz music by performing tunes that they are familiar with in the jazz style of music. Why jazz is unique is because it permeates through any genre of music,’ he said.

23

29 November, 2015

sundayzest

With Victory Oyeleke victoryoyeleke@yahoo.com

Kenzie Kilpatrick

Afrocentric hairstyles

How suitable for the workplace?

A

S majority of us who have suffered from good and bad hair days know, hair is much more than just a look.

It is an expression of who we are and speaks volume without uttering a word.

Have a braided or twisted hairstyle and the world would see you differently from those with a mane of wavy or straight lustrous tresses. A realisation most of us are not prepared for and which annoyed Lara Odoffin so much that she took her ranting to Facebook.

Posting the discrimination on Facebook, the graduate from Bournemouth University claimed she had a job offer withdrawn by a company just because she wears her hair in braids.

In the note she shared, the undisclosed company said; ‘Unfortunately we cannot accept braids – it is simply part of

the uniform and grooming requirements we get from our clients.

‘If you are unable to take them out I unfortunately won’t be able to offer you any work.’

In her own post, which has been shared more than 3000 times, she wrote: ‘So after being accepted for a position within this company, they have Taken Back the offer of a position on the grounds that I did not take my braids out.

‘Naturally I simply cannot work for the company.

‘This type of discrimination should not still be happening in this day and age and any establishment still condoning such practices deserve to be shamed and criticised.

She added: ‘Being a black woman means that to have a long term hairstyle that stays neat is always going to be a

Sunday Tribune

problem.

‘Having braids that lasts for 2-4 months and can be packed neatly and styled to however a workplace requires is the solution to this problem.

‘No workplace has any right to forbid you from this.

Ms Odoffin’s case echoes that of Simone Powderly- a popular blogger and model who made headlines earlier this year after a recruiter requested she takes down her braids or else miss out on a lucrative modelling opportunity.

Ms Powderly from South London had braids in her hair when she went for an interview at Elite Associates and passed the first stage of interview. She was called back and asked if she would take down her braids, as they were not suitable when selling “high end” products.

Confused by the company’s request, she

was undecided on what to do. She told The Voice. ‘I couldn’t decide what to do; if I took them out then I wasn’t standing up for equal rights and basically saying it’s ok to discriminate against me.’

Both employers in this case, have ignored the candidates’ abilities to carry out their responsibilities and have instead focused on appearance and applied company’s dress code thereby, created a distinction between what is normal and what is different and as unfair as such distinction is, it is not illegal.

Ms. Odoffin while appreciatiing her supporters in another post said she would seek legal advice and also contact the company. Unfortunately, there is little or nothing she can do as companies are private entities, and have the right to impose a dress code which conveys the image of the company and provided the code is applied evenly across all employees, it is perfectly legal. Also, there is currently no remedy in the UK where this unfortunate incident occurred, for discrimination based on appearance, as hairstyle is not a protected characteristic.

British Airways cabin crew for instance, are required to wear their hair no longer than collar length, clean and clipped back, worn up hairstyles must be neat and tidy with no wispy bits, I stud ear ring in silver, nail varnish must be either red or very natural pale shades, and lipstick must match uniform colours. These requirements surely, cannot be suitable for everyone but it is not discrimination.

Some have argued that braid is the natural form of Afro-Caribbean hair and cannot be treated like tattoos, and outrageous hair colours. However, this notion is wrong. Braids is a style not hair texture and not quintessentially AfroCaribbean if was, white people won’t be able to braid their natural hair.

Braid is a changeable feature unlike race, which is an immutable characteristic. Ms. Odoffin simply needs to change her hairstyle for employment.

As discriminatory as it might seem, the corporate world has a dress code and it applies to your hair. Dreadlocks, braids twists and cornrows are out and sometimes an Afro is too political to be welcomed in the workplace.

In Africa, braids have their place in the work place but in the West it does not.

Tattoos, piercings, are also on the list of most company’s unacceptable list.

As an impending employee of a company, it is your responsibility to research the company to find out if you would make a perfect fit or not and how much you would have to compromise to fit in.

While British Airways might not employ you as a cabin crewmember, your braided mane might just be what Apple needed to energise its workplace.

According to Jean Haner, an expert in face reading and author of The Wisdom of Your Face, Curly hair equals a funloving, warm-hearted personality. Women with curly hair are also generous and tend to complete tasks faster than other people.

If she is right, then black hair, which is mostly curly, would make blacks great employees.

24

29 November, 2015

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Building a bigger chest in one month

M

ANY men desire impressive bodies, which is usually the reason behind intense work-outs.

It is in line with this activity that the question of how to acquire bigger chests comes in. Fitness instructor, Anthony J. Yeung, and founder of GroomBuilder, the 8-week fitness program to transform the way you look for your wedding, shares some tips for men to get the to-die-for look.

According to Yeung, “if you want a barrel chest, you need to add mass all over. You’ll never build a “big chest” if you’re 6’0” and 160 pounds – add another 20 pounds and then we can talk about sculpting a huge upperbody. Muscle growth isn’t about the exercises you choose; it’s about consistently adding strength and using set/ rep/rest schemes that deliver results.”

Below is the 29-day guide to add size and strength to your chest.

Photo: www.getingo.com

Workout A A1) Barbell Bench Press Sets: 6, Reps: 3, 3, Rest: 60s Lie on a bench with your chest up, shoulders squeezed together, and feet flat on the ground. Grip a barbell shoulder-width apart and press, keeping your shoulders together.

Drive through your heels as well, keeping your glutes on the bench.

A2) Chest Supported Row Sets: 6, Reps: 3, 3, Rest: 60s Lie down on a bench, chest facing down. Start the movement by squeezing your shoulder blades together and row. Don’t let your elbow pull past your ribcage.

B1) Dips Sets: 5, Reps: 10, Rest: 30s Get on a dip bar, keep your chest out, and lower yourself until your elbows make a 90-degree angle. At the bottom, drive back up. To keep pressure off your neck, look at a spot on the ground a few feet in front of you.

C1) Bear Crawl Sets: 2-3, Reps: 20 yards, Rest: 30s Get on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips; keep your knees an inch above the ground. Crawl forward by taking a small step with your right arm and left leg at the same time and alternate. Keep your hips low and your head up.

C2) Wide-Grip Push-ups Sets: 2-3, Reps: 15, Rest: 30s

Get in a push-up position with your hands WIDER THAN shoulderwidth apart. Keep your lower back flat and don’t let your hips sag. Lower yourself and keep your elbows close to your body as you descend.

Workout B A1) TRX Push-ups Sets: 12 minutes, Reps: 2-3 every 10 seconds, Rest: 0s Hold TRX straps and get in a pushup position with your hands about shoulder-width apart. Keep your lower back flat and don’t let your hips sag. Lower yourself and keep your elbows close to your body as you descend. Keep your heart rate between 130 – 150 bpm!

B1) Wide-grip pull-ups Sets: 5, Reps: 5, Rest: 30s Hang from a chinup bar with palms facing away from you and wider than shoulder-width apart. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull yourself up until your chest touches the bar. Go heavy. Use a weight belt or vest if you can.

B2) Dumbbell Bench Press Sets: 5, Reps: 5, Rest: 30s Lie on a bench with your chest up, shoulders squeezed together, and feet flat on the ground. Drive the dumbbells upward, keeping your shoulders back. Drive through your heels, as well, keeping your glutes on the bench.

C1) Slideboard Chest Flyes Sets: 2 – 3, Reps: 10, Rest: 30s Place both palms on a slideboard or separate Valslides. While in a pushup position, lower yourself by spreading your elbows and hands far apart.

Once you get to the bottom, slide those arms together to drive yourself up. To make it harder, elevate your feet, throw on a weighted vest, or put a plate on your back.

C2) Double Waiters Walk Sets: 2-3, Reps: 30 yards, Rest: 30s Grab a heavy kettlebell in each hand and hold both overhead. Keep your shoulders down and back and walk while keeping your hips and shoulders level. Keep your wrists and elbows as straight as you can.

P.S. If you want to add an inch to your chest, eat a lot of good, whole foods.

Focus on doing more each time you lift.

Alternate between workouts and do only two chest workouts per week.

25

29 November, 2015

relationships

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

. . . issues, family, sex

Photo: www.blackloveadvice.com

Why you are always the

‘other woman’

F

OR many women, consciously or otherwise, they find themselves playing the role of mistresses and even hook-ups for married men and single men who are in a serious relationship. This position, no matter the perks that come with it, is almost always insecure, and places the woman in a disadvantaged position, no matter how comfortable she seems with the situation. However, some women actually encourage themselves to remain in this position without knowing it, especially as they make themselves available to always be lesser than the real deal. According to Dating and Relationship coach, Ravid Yosef, “The thing is, if a man wants to be with you, he will do whatever it takes to have you. There are reasons you’ve remained a hook-up and not his girlfriend — here they are: You enabled the hookup mentality He was passive in his approach, and you enabled his behaviour. Maybe you started out as friends, or met through

Random Fact

mutual friends, which made you comfortable hooking up right away. Maybe you weren’t looking for more than a hook-up at the time, anyway. Since your relationship didn’t start out on a course to commitment, there was never an expectation to commit. There’s never been the expectation for him to take you out or treat you as anything but a hook-up, and so, there you stand.

You never told him what you wanted You wanted to be the cool girl because you didn’t want to pressure him. You were just having fun, but then, you started feeling things. Even then, you didn’t say anything because you were afraid to do so. He can’t read your mind. Unless you clearly express how you feel and what you want, you’ll never get it and you’ll be stuck in a cycle of unfulfilled expectations.

You didn’t make him a priority Hanging out and hooking up once a week or every now and then was okay with you.

There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. —Martin Luther

You were busy, he was busy, and neither of you wanted to put any pressure on the situation. You didn’t prioritise each other, and he needed more attention from you to figure out if you were worth settling down with. Now, he’s spending more time with the person who did prioritise him.

You ignore the signs that he’s emotionally unavailable He never slept over because he always

He can’t read your mind.

Unless you clearly express how you feel and what you want, you’ll never get it and you’ll be stuck in a cycle of unfulfilled expectations.

had an early day at work the next day, or whatever other excuses he gave you. You never went on dates because

he only communicated when he wanted to hook up. He didn’t share his days with you and you never got to know much about him. He only gave you enough to keep you holding on to hope. Those are the signs of the emotionally unavailable man and you missed them.

You “gave him the milk for free” We’ve all heard the saying, “Why buy the cow, when you get the milk for free?”

This normally refers to sex, but there’s more to it. He’s getting all the benefits of being your boyfriend without having to commit. You’re cooking and cleaning for him. You’re supporting his dreams. You’re giving him your time and your heart. Why would he commit when he’s already getting all of the perks?

He’s just not that into you We’re not all meant for each other. Maybe he’s just not that into you, but the sex is good so he keeps hooking up.

No matter the reason, if you’re looking for more, it’s time to talk about it. Get on the same page with the man who is getting your time, mind, and body. Don’t let fear, comfort, or selfishness keep you from getting what you ultimately need and deserve. No matter the outcome, you’ll live to love another day.

26

29 November, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

I encountered Shakespeare on the streets of Ikere-Ekiti —Osundare Journalist and writer, Kunle Ajibade, engaged Professor Niyi Osundare in an in-depth conversation that many didn’t want to end at the Ake Arts and Book Festival

E

MINENT poet and scholar, Professor Niyi Osundare, was at his vintage self during a conversation with Kunle Ajibade at the 3rd Ake Arts and Book Festival (AABF) which ended last Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Many participants converged to hear one of the headliners of the festival with ‘Engaging the Fringe’ as its theme, bare everything about himself, writings and world views in the riveting session that lasted almost two hours. Ajibade, who came fully ‘armed’ with Osundare’s books and questions, met his match in the poet who was at his analytical best in his responses.

Rather than answering Ajibade’s first question on how he discovered the pleasures of reading given his parents modest background, Osundare, like all griots, began with ‘Ijuba’ (homage), appreciating Lola Shoneyin’s BookBuzz Foundation for organising a unique festival. “What my eyes have seen in the past two and half days I have been here have been wonderful. I have never attended any conference, literary, political or cultural in Nigeria that is so organically connected as this,” he said before answering Ajibade whom he also appreciated.

“The first line in my preface to ‘The Eye of the Earth’ is ‘farmer born, peasant bred.’

My father was a farmer; my mother was a cloth weaver. It was a polygynous family; everybody had to go to the farm,” Osundare began. “About five years ago, an American friend of mine, a white American asked me: ‘Niyi, what book did your parents read to you when you were a child?’ I said none. He said common, let’s get serious; what book did they read to you? I said none. My father had a library, that library was full of yams. I heard my mother sing as she worked on the loom which leaned against the wall. I watched threads and threads of cotton become piec-

Cross section of people at the chat

Prof Osundare and Mr. Kunle Ajibade during their conversation. es of fabric. That was actually how the first uniform I wore to St. Luke’s School in 1953 January; that was how it was made. It came from my mother’s loom and went straight to my Uncle’s machine.

“I had very proud parents. Both of them often said, ‘It is book knowledge I don’t have, I know my inside.’ They taught me the difference between good and bad, between right and wrong. My father was either working, or eating or sleeping. It was difficult for him to rest. The only time he went to the hospital was when he died. He was such a hard worker and I kept on asking him, why do you work so hard? And he will say the hand that doesn’t work must not produce the mouth that eats.

And as he was working on the farm, he was singing. Many of those songs translated into ‘Village Voices’; many of them translated into so many of the poems that I have been writing.

“Actually, ‘the word is an egg’ (eyin lohun), that was my mother’s favourite saying. She was a cloth dyer too. When I was reading ‘Ake’ and I read how Mama, the Wild Christian’s room was always smelling of indigo and fermenting ogi, that was what my mother’s room was like too. So, my parents were not of the book world. In those days when Nigeria was a country and we had an educational system; the kind of school I attended,

every Friday there must be a report sheet. If you came first, your first will be red. If you came second, blue; if you came third deep black. My father saw that thing only once and he memorised the colours. So, the first thing my father will ask you when he returned from the farm is where your report? And if he sees it, ‘this black colour? Last week it was red, the person who came first, did he come from heaven?’ They made us ambitious without necessarily being aggressive. So, there is no magic to what I have been able to achieve, I see it as the job of my parents and teachers.”

Meeting Shakespeare in Ikere On the books he read at that young age, Osundare, who does not profess any religion, mentioned the bible as one of them. “The Bible. Yes, I love the Bible, those stories. Why? Because they correspond easily with our folktales; I didn’t see any difference between Jabesh Gilead, Amalek and so on, and in the evening or at night it will be something like Ijapa and Iyannibo. So, those really engaged my imagination. I often say that I became literate ever before I put pen to paper and that I encountered Shakespeare on the streets of Ikere ever before I went to school. This was it.”

Asked to clarify his encounter with Shakespeare on the streets of Ikere-Ekiti, the Pro-

fessor of English at the University of New Orleans, US said: “Our culture, Olosunta Festival- Olosunta is central to my basic ethos. Ikere is so rocky; there is Olosunta, there is Orole, there is Ugele. The three of them compete for your sight when you enter Ikere. You look at Olosunta from one part of Ikere, it looks like a pumpkin, you look at it from another side it looks like an elephant; you look at it from yet another side, it is non descript. That imagination and the festivals in Ikere. Osun festival; Osun is worshipped in my family; then Ologun, Yeye Sango. We all celebrated all these festivals. I never heard anyone say my god is superior to yours. There was no war. There was Alawiye, Odunjo and Fagunwa. Fagunwa also came to us on radio; through Redifusion boxes. We will all stand below the Redifusion box and hear ayoka (excerpts) from Fagunwa.

“All these books sharpened imagination.

Then, when it was time for me to start reading, Alaawiye and so on; reading them and enjoying them. Later on, English but there were no African books produced at that time written in English. ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’, ‘King Solomon’s Mine’, ‘Alan Quartermain’, ‘She That Must Be Obeyed’ but the mangling of the African personality in those works struck me. This was it until secondary school when I came across ‘Things Fall Apart.’

“People ask me why do I like Achebe so much, it’s not just a matter of liking him; I was speaking with him virtually every last Sunday of the month before he died. 1965, my class discovered ‘Things Fall Apart’. Fortunately, it was on the school syllabus and we took to that novel. When I write, I feel the impact of Achebe’s style in my work the same way I feel the impact of the style of Soyinka and JP Clark. Soyinka and JP Clark are poets, Achebe is not known as a poet but it is the linguistic mentality I’m talking about. The way he has been able to bend the English language to accommodate the African experience. So, I took to books, oh yes, voraciously and anywhere I went, I wrote. I practiced my literacy on walls all over the place and my Continues p27

27

arts&culture

R

EVELLERS and entrepreneurs worried that the 2015 Calabar Festival will not hold can now breathe easy as Governor Ben Ayade has assured that not only will it happen, it will also be bigger and richer.

Ayade gave the assurance at the unveiling of ‘Climate Change’ as the theme for this year’s festival at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos last Sunday Given the downturn in the nation’s economy, its effects on states and his own background as an academic, some had thought that the Governor would cancel the festival introduced 10 years ago by ex-governor Donald Duke and nurtured by Ayade’s immediate predecessor, Senator Liyel Imoke.

However, Ayade fully endorsed the festival and introduced some novelties at the glamorous evening organised by Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

The Governor gave no indication of what he was up to when he invited beauty queens at the event to join him on the stage. “Today, a new band is born. We shall have a new band, which is called The Governor’s Band. As part of innovations, we are going to have this team as Governor’s Band for 2015,” Ayade began after the ladies had joined him on the stage.

“We are going to appoint a consultant who is going to train them and put them up to speed to ensure that they participate in the 2015 carnival. You must start working very hard, you must practice because I will like to see the Governor’s Band come tops,” he continued, adding that: “Irrespective of their states of origin, they represent the beauty, elegance, style and class of the average Cross River youth.”

The Governor’s Band was not the only novelty. Ayade also announced that this year’s festival will include a Bikers’ Parade and Disco Fiesta featuring leading Nigerian musicians.

The Professor of Environmental Science further disclosed that up to 16 countries

29 November, 2015

Prof. Ben Ayade (right), Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a beauty queen and Mrs Nike Okundaiye at the unveiling.

2015 Calabar Festival: Something groovy this way comes including the US, China and Thailand will participate in this year’s Calabar Carnival while the state government will inaugurate a garment factory in Calabar on December 15. This, the Governor said, arose out of the need to localise the production of costumes used during the carnival to boost the business component of the festival.

“The carnival is not just about dance, it is an opportunity for business as Cross River is a hotspot for business in Africa by its location. Essentially, the festival is a calibration of business and pleasure,” said Ayade who also disclosed that his administration will inaugurate a monorail before the commencement of the festival.

‘I encountered Shakespeare on the streets of Ikere-Ekiti’ continued from pg26

mother would be cleaning. It was from this very humble beginning; we started reading the big books after we had mastered the vocabulary well enough.”

The people’s poet On why he pledged to himself that the common people will find their voices in his poems, plays and journalism when he started out, Osundare said: “The world I saw before me was bent and I was presumptuous enough to think that I could be part of the company that would straighten it. Again, my background: My mother’s favourite saying, one mouth does not feed while the other mouths are just open to hunger. If you have your fill and your neighbour is hungry, the grumbling of his or her stomach will disturb your sleep.

“Yesterday morning at one of the panels we were talking about anger. In phenomenological terms, anger is very important, a vital ingredient in our inspiration. Once you

lose your anger, you have lost something of your personality. You can no longer get angry when you see others being oppressed. So I would ask why is the world like this and my mother would say, there are questions you ask now whose answers you will find later.

Yes, I’m still trying to find the answers.

“When I started reading, I read voraciously. In addition to African writers, I was introduced to writers from other parts of the world, especially the Pablo Nerruda, the poet of Chile and others. I then go back again to Yoruba philosophy; no matter how beautiful money may appear to be, it is not as beautiful as human beings. Everything that I saw put humanity first; so when I grew up and started reading the big books, I had something to look back on. I have no problem linking up what I gained from this men with what my Yoruba, my African background have provided me.

Indebted to teachers The soft spoken Ajibade, who can tease

American Corner screens Femi Amogunla’s The Bargain FEMI Amogunla’s short film, ‘The Bargain’ will be screened on Friday, December 4 at American Corner, Jericho, Ibadan as part of activities marking the United Nation’s The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The screening, which will be followed by a conversation on the manifestations of violence against women in the society, is being organised by the American Corner, the Nigerian Society for International Arts and Culture, Firm Media Production and Liveinibadan.com.

The 16 Days of Activism is an annual in-

The Governor did not fail to assure all participants in the festival of maximum security, noting that the state has the lowest crime rate in Nigeria and that, “Our people are emotionally stable and content with what they have. However, a full team of security will be mobilised for the festival.”

Earlier, Chair of the Carnival Calabar Band Leaders Association and leader of the Seagull Band, Senator Ita Giwa, disclosed that she, like others, was initially worried about the disposition of the new administration to the festival, but that Ayade has allayed all fears She said, “When Donald was leaving, we thought that would be the end of the carnival but when Senator Imoke came in, he took the carnival a notch higher. With time, the carnival also became capital intensive, but despite the challenges, he managed to keep it going. When Professor Ayade came, the same fear was entertained but it is obvious the carnival can only get better.”

Chair of the Calabar Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, also spoke in the same vein while touching on some of the festival’s activities. Onah, who noted that culture, is the palm oil with which tourism is eaten in Cross River, said the state was blessed with Ayade who deemed it fit to sustain the legacy of his predecessors.

The Bomas Dancers from Kenya, singers Waje and Inyanya, who was discovered at the first edition of the carnival 10 years ago and a group from Rwanda, were among those that entertained guests at the evening.

Guests at the unveiling include actor John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, Mo Abudu, Guy Bruce, Blackky, Olu Maintain and founder of the Akwaaba Tourism Market, Ikechi Uko, who is collaborating with the Cross Rivers State government to get more countries into the carnival.

ternational campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare of the University of Ibadan; On-Air-Personality at Splash FM, Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi; lawyer, development practitioner and founder, Mentors Assistance for Youths & Entrepreneurs Initiative, Edem Ossai; another lawyer interested in women’s human rights, Abiade Abiola and Amogunla will speak after the screening which commences by 10am.

Amogunla’s first short film, ‘The Bargain’ chronicles the life of a Nigerian woman from childhood to adulthood, and shows the many manifestations of gender-based violence against her. The film is about how the Nigerian woman negotiates her existence daily, the way she bargains with reality, with stereotypes. It is a call from one woman to another on the price they place on their lives, on their value. It also raises questions: what are the lessons women learn while paying this price? How much or with what will you trade your worth?

water out of stone next asked about the teachers who nurtured Osundare’s poetic sensibilities and interest in literature. In responding to the question, Osundare recalled how Spectrum Books contracted him to do a three volume book of poetry for junior secondary classes in 2002 after noticing a lacuna in that area and how he proceeded to dedicate them to his teachers in acknowledgement of their impact on his life.

He said, “Book one is dedicated to the teachers who taught me in primary school; St Luke’s Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti, 19531959. Book two to those who took over from 1961 to 1966 and 1967-1968, Amoye Grammar School Ikere and Christ School AdoEkiti. All those teachers, I mentioned their names. Then Book three, all those teachers that taught me at tertiary level; from Nigeria to the UK, to Canada. I remember all the names of teachers that taught me from January 1953 to May 1979 when I obtained my PhD in Canada.”

The recipient of the 2014 Nigerian National Merit Award, the country’s highest honour for intellectual and creative achievement, also acknowledged the impact of Professors Ayo Banjo, Ayo Bamgbose and Dan Izevbaye on his life. He disclosed that this was why he specially recognised them at a reception hosted in his honour last year by Dr. Lekan Are in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He also added that, “This is one of the reasons I have stuck to teaching; I have had offers but I didn’t look at them. There is no way I will be where I am today without teachers; teaching is the most important job. No, it is not a job; it’s a vocation, a calling. You have to give your all to it. I had teachers who gave their all to me.”

28

Sunday Tribune

Sunday Tribune

29 November, 2015

glamour Celebrating HID with unique headgears

By Rita Okonoboh

It was a colourful atmosphere at Ikenne-Remo, the hometown of the Awolowos, when Dr (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo was finally laid to rest. Mama, who was known for her unique dress sense, especially with geles was also stylishly honoured.

Many who came to pay their last respects at the burial of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty paid their iconic tributes with various fashion statements, ranging from Kojusegbe, Abebe to Oleku, among others. It is not uncommon for many women to get tired of lugging around their headgear all day but for Mama, they were not in a hurry to take their geles off. They displayed an array of various texture, shapes, sizes, colours and styles.

Below are a few unique geles that stood the test of time in honour of Mama’s memory.

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE AND RITA OKONOBOH

29

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 08054727801

30

aspire

29 November, 2015

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

BB pin: 55CBFA49

Always embrace positive criticisms — Kola-Amodu

Abraham Kola-Amodu is a blogger and public speaker. He is also a financial consultant in one of the biggest audit firms in the world. In this interview with JOAN OMIONAWELE, he talks about intricacies of blogging and public speaking as well as its benefits. Excerpts: talk was both humbling and ecstatic.

What was the experience like when you started?

With the positive reviews I received as a writer, I'll say I had a fairly good start. Personal blogging could be tiring at times because the stories are original, and not just gossip. Thus, one must be constant, and also be inspiring, to keep audience on the blog. As at today, I have readers in over 30 countries (including Iran and St. Kitts which I find amazing, considering the fact that I've never been to most of these countries).

What were the things you put in place to get the business started?

My writing and speaking isn't a commercial business, per se. It's a lifestyle. It's my avenue to reach out to people, and make the society a better place, a place I dump what's in my head and mind, while contributing my two cents. My blog is a non-profit blog where I share my ideas on relationships, career, attitude and daily living.

Speaking is fun. Getting an audience's attention and impacting them is my idea of corporate social responsibility.

Abraham

H

OW has it been as a blogger and public speaker?

As a blogger, it's been exciting. Inspiring people is fun and even inspiring myself. One of the fulfilling parts is when I get emails, people were commending me, wanting to meet me or correct a point of view. That, to me is the essence of my being a blogger.

Another very satisfying feeling is when I go to some places, or engage in conversation, I discover someone there has heard about me, or has read or reads my blog which blows my mind every single time. As a public speaker, it is usually difficult to merge my shy nature with the confidence of the person who holds a microphone to talk.

Speaking to teenagers and youths is a major cause I strive for. I want to ensure they avoid making the same mistakes my predecessors and I made and that they take the most rational course of action.

What circumstances led you to do what you currently do?

First, I will like to state that I'm a person whose mind is always busy. I barely know what it feels like to be bored.

I started speaking in 2011, while on my youth service. The zeal started from my university days, where I used to (and still do) read a lot and attend motivational talks. I had gained quite a lot and saw the need to reinvest back in lives. The major determining point was when my friend, Dayo Isreal (an advocator and speaker) came to speak at an event I attended. We talked about it, and before long, I was being invited to speak at schools, functions and churches, which all yielded good results. Ever since, it's been invitations and appraisals.

I learnt an organisation gave you some kind of recognition for your work recently, can you shed more light on it.

Oh, yes. I attended Christ the King Catholic College, Odolewu for my secondary school education. The zeal for reading emanated from there, and we were strongly encouraged to write articles. During its 20th anniversary, I was awarded the alumni of the year, for career achievements and positive contributions to the society. Standing in front of the students and parents after giving a career

What are its challenges.

The challenge of a personal blog is having to keep up with constant stories for readers. If they lose touch due to inconsistency in available write ups, one might soon be forgotten.

For speaking, making a name is a challenge. People would mostly want to hear from a well known person.

The blog has really helped this though. However, a major advantage I've had is that being young, youths and teenagers feel more receptive to hear from me, as they see me as being able to relate with them.

What does it take to be a successful personal blogger?

Constant reading is the key. Ideas emanate from vast reading. Also, being able to see the other side of situations and critical thinking. For instance, I once saw a car driving on its own, really fast, and I decided to chase it subconsciously. After some minutes of chasing this driver who didn’t know I existed, he turned off and faced a different route. Then an idea struck in my head that many of us engage in competition with people, who's life stories, history and journey have nothing to do with ours. We end up writing our drama based on someone else's story. Above all, the write ups must be constant and impacting.

What does it take to be a good public speaker?

Personal development. Stand in front of a mirror and practice. Grab every chance to speak to an audience, be it in church, classroom or with peers, start small and start now.

What's your educational background I have a bachelors degree in Agricultural Economics and certification in Project Management and oil and gas trainings. I'm currently running my accountancy program under ICAN. What's your advice for aspiring bloggers and speakers?

Depending on the path you want to face, start developing topics and release them for people to read or hear.

The key point is 'start now'. Sieve backlash received, take out the negatives and embrace positive criticism.

Your Life Counts

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

Appearances Matter

LIFE is a web of relationships and to succeed we must acquire requisite skills. One issue which sometimes can be down played is the issue of our appearance.

“Appearance matters a great deal because you can often tell a lot about people by looking at how they present themselves.” Lemony Snicket There are two extremes. Some think appearance does not matter as long as you have something to offer. The problem with this view is that an inappropriate appearance can turn people off from even giving the person with something to offer a chance to speak.

“Your appearance, attitude, and confidence define you as a person. A professional, well-dressed golfer, like a businessperson, gives the impression that he thinks that the golf course and/or workplace and the people there are important.” Lorii Myers The other extreme is when too much premium is placed on appearance at the detriment of other factors.

Such people say the way you dress will determine the way you will be addressed. This statement is half truth.

The whole is that much as appearance is very important it is when we hear you address us that will determine the way you will be addressed.

“There is no actual law that says that a person of inner beauty cannot also maintain an appearance.” Robert Brault We must have the right balance. Human beings are wired to judge based on appearances.

“GOD judges persons differently than humans do.

Men and women look at the face; GOD looks into the heart.”. 1 Samuel 16:7b. The Message People say don’t judge a book by its cover but people will hardly give much attention to a book with a bad and unattractive cover. Appearances matter.

The first basis on which you are judged by people is your appearance. This is followed by your speech which would confirm or cancel their judgment.

“The difference between a man of sense and a fop is that the fop values himself upon his dress; and the man of sense laughs at it, at the same time he knows he must not neglect it.” Lord Chesterfield Here are some tips for creating a good impression on appearance.

10 TIPS ON PROMOTION OF A GOOD APPEARANCE 1.

Dress appropriately for the occasion – know the difference between formal, semi formal and casual.

Know the right dress for each occasion - dinner, cocktail, wedding and church.

2.

Dress to gain respect and never to attract attention.

3. Dress for your future. The way you dress will determine the way you will be addressed. Your appearance which includes your hairstyle, colour combination, state of your beard, general co-ordination and comportment goes a long way to determine the extent to which you will be taken seriously.

4. Avoid body and mouth odor. Brush your mouth in the morning and in the evening; brush your tongue, use mint before speaking, drink water. To avoid body odor, keep personal hygiene and always use a deodorant.

5. Maintain eye contact with your audience as this creates authenticity and honesty.

6. Have a right body posture.

7. Facial expression – let your face support what you are saying – smile, frown as appropriate.

8. Gesticulate appropriately.

9. Fluency is not a luxury – whatever language you speak must be spoken well.

10. Vocal tone modulation – modulate your voice to suit the intent of your words.

FOR ENQUIRIES/COMMENTS PLEASE SEND EMAIL TO charismokola@yahoo.com For enquiries/comments please send email to urlifecounts@yahoo.com

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity A nation in distress: Saving Nigeria before Armageddon In this report, MOSES ALAO takes a look at the controversy generated by the position of state governors that they would no longer be able to pay the N18,000 minimum wage with the present decline in oil resources and the need to diversify the country’s economy.

A

S the booming guns of Boko Haram terrorists tear fleshes, wreck hopes and turn hundreds of Nigerian citizens to Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs), warranting a massive inflow of relief materials from different donor agencies and individuals, governors of Nigerian states recently demonstrated that relief materials were not only for the IDPs. They shouted that even states needed help, crying out that they could no longer pay salaries, culminating in the now-popular bailout by the Federal Government to the tune of N222 billion.

A breakdown of the bailout given to 19 of the 27 states that applied for the funds, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spokesperson, Mr Ibrahim Mu’azu, showed that the states, which accessed the loan included Abia (N14.15 billion), Kwara (N4.32 billion), Zamfara (N10.02 billion), Osun (N34.98 billion), Niger (N4.31 billion), Bauchi (N8.6 billion), Gombe (N16.46 billion), Adamawa (N2.38 billion), Ondo (N14.69) and Kebbi (N690 million).

Other were Ekiti (N9.6 billion), Imo (N26.8 billion), Ebonyi (N4.1 billion), Plateau (N5.4 billion), Nasarawa (N8.3 billion), Sokoto (N10.1 billion), Edo (N3.2 billion) and Oyo (N26.6 billion).

But while some of the governors have made effort to convince Nigerians that the bailouts were, indeed, loans, that will be repaid within 20 years, Sunday Tribune can authoritatively report that the governors may soon return cap in hand to beg for more of such loans, as the economic situation in the country worsens with the continued decline in international oil price.

Investigations revealed that apart from some state governments’ inability to pay salaries for months not covered by the bailout, developmental activities across states have stopped indefinitely, with states said to have stopped implementing the capital expenditure segment of 2015 budgets several months ago.

While no state could be singled out for performing exceptionally in the current crisis, a larger percentage, Sunday Tribune findings revealed, have been more hit harder by the economic hardship, with Osun State reportedly collecting a paltry N55 million as allocation for September after several deductions had been made. A quick look at the September allocation had also revealed that the states that got the highest namely Akwa Ibom and Delta states got N12.2 billion and N9.7 billion respectively, a sharp contrast from what obtained in September 2013, when they got N27.1 billion and N19.5 respectively as allocations for August 2013. Even the least paid state in that month’s allocations, Ebonyi, got N4.1 billion, an equivalent of what one of the eight highest paid states got in the September 2015 allocations.

Also in September 2011, the least paid Ebonyi State got over N1 billion above what it got in 2015, while most states got an average of N4 billion in 2011.

In 2013, the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, had depicted the height of financial buoyance across the states when she revealed that most states got more allocations for the year than the budget of some countries, with Akwa Ibom reportedly said to have collected N260 billion, while Rivers State got N230 billion.

Others, according to her, were: Delta State, N209 billion; Bayelsa N173 billion; Lagos, N168 billion; Kano, N140

President Muhammadu Buhari

billion; Katsina, N103 billion; Oyo, N100 billion; Kaduna, N 97 billion and Borno, N94 billion, among others.

But that season of buoyance appears to have become history, a development that recently made state governors to take the stand that they could no longer pay the N18,000 minimum wage.

At a meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) held in Abuja penultimate week, the governors had resolved that they could no longer pay the minimum wage, citing the dwindling incomes accruing to their states as a result of the dwindling oil prices.

The chairman of the Forum and Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Yari in a communiqué he read at the end of the meeting said: “The situation is no longer the same when we were asked to pay N18,000 minimum wage, when oil price was $126 (per barrel) and we continued paying N18,000 minimum wage when the oil price is $41, while the source of government expenditure is from oil, and we have not seen prospects in the oil industry in the near future. We will diversify our economy in the area of agriculture and mining. But at the same time, we should understand our situation where some of us (states) today are taking N100 million as monthly allocation and then have salaries of over N2 billion to pay.”

Though there had been a few dissensions, with a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Edo State governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole and Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, taking a different line of reasoning, Sunday Tribune investigations revealed that many states do not currently pay. But those dissensions were not enough to calm the frayed nerves of workers, who had, through the NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, threatened a showdown with the governors, noting that the decision of the governors was an invitation to

Ayuba Wabba, NLC President

war. The labour union has consequently informed President Muhammadu Buhari to prepare to receive its proposal for an increment of the minimum wage, noting that this was part of the agreement the NLC signed with the Federal Government under former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

Wabba said: “We wish to make it abundantly clear that this attempt to reverse the national minimum wage is a declaration of war against the working people of this country, and we would have no alternative than to mobilise to respond to this act of aggression by the political class on our welfare.

“For us in the Nigeria Labour Congress, we know as a fact that ability to pay minimum wages is not the problem of the economy.”

However, political analysts have called for a wholesome analysis of the situation, noting that the NLC and the governors would need to meet and reason things out if the present economic situation continues, noting that the current reality facing the country has warranted the need for the government and the labour union to “sit and discuss.”

Sunday Tribune findings revealed that only a few states would have funds left after paying workers’ monthly salary, with more than half of the states having to source for additional funds to augment the federal allocations before they could pay workers in the state. A quick summary of the wage bills across the state showed that Oyo, which got N2.5 billion as total net amount for September, has a wage bill of about N4.6 million; Kogi got N2.7 billion but it has a wage bill of N3.2 billion; Osun’s wage is about N3.6 billion but the state has consistently got allocations below Continued from

pg 33

interview

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Fuel subsidy is madness, it should be removed —PDP chieftain

Dr. Oluwole Oludaisi Aina was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Osun Central Senatorial election in the last general election. He speaks with MOSES ALAO on how government could effectively fight corruption and how the high cost of elections could derail the anti-corruption fight.

Y

OU contested the last senatorial election in Osun State and you lost. How painful was that experi-

that is N1.5million, and that is in the minimum. That is despite the fact that I am not in the position. You can imagine the pressure if I had won the election. So these are the things that are fairly aiding corruption in this nation. And until we do a structural change, our fight is nothing.

There is a moral dimension to the issue of corruption, but unfortunately successive governments have been looking at the administrative and the structural aspects.

ence?

As far as I am concerned, there was no pain in contesting and losing that election, because from the outset when I accepted the pressure to contest, I knew that I would either win or lose the election. So I had prepared my mind to any of the options that could come. So it wasn’t painful.

It was even a great opportunity for me to learn, because it felt as if I had gone back to school to receive a second Ph.D. in six months.

The experience I gathered during the period of campaigns and elections was tremendous and it has made me a better person. It has also made me see politics in a different dimension from what I used to know, and made me see governance in a better perspective.

It also made me see the core problem of our national facet. So, if that is the only thing I benefited, then I consider myself the most grateful person for the opportunity I had to have contested.

Considering the fact that you must have spent a lot of money during the electoral process, which must have come from your businesses, do you feel sad about the loss as regards the financial implication?

There is no pain as far as I am concerned. For instance, going to school is not about how much you had paid for your education, but what you were able to take from school after graduation. So for me, I came out from the political race a better person. I went into the race with some level of integrity, faith and credibility about my person and the truth of the matter is that I came back with all those three intact. So all these didn’t allow me to have any pain.

The day the result of my elections was announced was a Sunday. My supporters that were at home with me were in a gloomy mood, but I immediately told them to kill the cows we had bought to celebrate if I had won and I just laughed it off. I placed a call to [Senator Sola] Adeyeye immediately to congratulate him. So for me, it was no pain at all, no matter the amount I had spent. I see it as an investment into a cause I so much believe in.

The cost of prosecuting the election might be high, but then I didn’t have a choice because that is the system in Nigeria. If I have any regret, it is simply because the electioneering process in this country is too expensive and that is why we will find it difficult, if not impossible, to fight corruption in this nation. As long as we continue that way, there is no way that we can truthfully and sincerely fight corruption.

You said the cost implication was high. Although many people don’t come out with how much they had spent on elections in the long run,

Dr Oluwole Aina

how much did it really take to contest the senatorial election?

I cannot give you the exact figure because it varies from one individual to another and one location to the other. It varies again on what it is the pursuit of that person. As for me, when I accepted to contest, I felt by the time I spent between N30 to N50 million, I would have been done with the election. But when I got there I found out that I was the greatest joker because I spent much more than that.

So in terms of the expenditure, it depends on the individual, or who is spending the money. There were certain things they wanted me to do which I refused; I was even advised to borrow money, but I didn’t; I didn’t sell my property. I spent within the limit of the resources I had. So to me that was sufficient. But to me election expenses in this country is too much and senseless.

You said the high cost of prosecuting elections could make it difficult to fight corruption. How? It is very simple; if a man contests an election for governorship for instance, and ends up spending about N3billion, which

is the real thing they do. First, where did they get that money from? Sometimes they may have borrowed that money; sometimes he may have sold his property.

So the question is what would such man do when he gets there? The man will simply recoup his money. If he had borrowed the money, he would work hard to get the money so as to pay back.

So the problem is politics in Nigeria today is that it is business enterprise, it is not about service, and that is the way I see it unfortunately. And that is the way I’ve come to understand it. It is an investment and people get there, hoping to get more than they have invested. And if you don’t get it, you do all manners of things to ensure that you don’t go out of it poorer.

In addition to that, you have tremendous pressure from your people; your constituency, that is the electorate. I contested an election and I lost gallantly, and till date, I still receive one request or another on an average of five daily, with people soliciting for help. So if I give out an average of N10,000 everyday to every request I get, with five of such, that is N50,000 every day. If I do that for 10 days that is N500,000; for three months,

But President Muhammad Buhari promised to fight corruption, and he has been doing that one way or the other. Are you satisfied with the way he is going about it?

If you say that President Buhari has been fighting corruption, I have not seen it, because the governance in Nigeria has not taken off. We are only hoping that it will kick off this week [last week]. I have not seen how much corruption he is fighting, but I suspect that this particular government, maybe, never expected to win the election, so they were not actually prepared for governance. So when they won the election; they are now putting their house in order to prepare for governance.

Of course we have heard so many things they are claiming to have done, but I wonder how rotten the system has been, and what they have been cleaning, because to me, I have not seen anything that is different from the past. The people who had managed Nigeria in the past are not different from the people who are managing the present government. And we keep on hearing stories here and there that PDP has done this or that, that it ruined this nation for 16 years. But the question I keep asking is has PDP turned to a human being? Is PDP the president? Is PDP the state government? Is PDP the civil servant? Is PDP the head of EFCC or ICPC? The issue is that we must identify those individuals that have corrupt tendencies, that have been corrupted and let us deal with them according to their person, not according to the group they belong to. It is unfortunate that this government is looking at PDP and not individuals. They can’t fight corruption successfully that way, because they will be secluded from personnel.

Who are the majority people in APC today? Where did they come from? I am not saying that those people are corrupt, but when you say PDP, it means that we must identify those people who were members of PDP, right from President Olusegun Obasanjo who was the first PDP president in Nigeria. Where is he today? Is he not in APC? The majority of the governors today are from PDP; the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai was a strong PDP minister and DG of Bureau of Public Enterprises. These are the people who ran the government of PDP. You can mention so many of them. Even in the National Assembly, where did [Yakubu] Dogara come from, where is he today? Where Continues

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‘How Nigeria can overcome current economic challenges’ Continued from

pg 31

N2.5 billion since the decline in allocations, with September’s allocation said to be abysmally low after deductions.

In Rivers State, which got N6.1 billion in September, the wage bill stands at about N7 billion; Kwara, according to the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ademola Banu, has a commitment of N2.4 billion monthly but now receives about N1.4 billion as a result of the decline in revenue. Zamfara State, it was gathered, used to N1.6 billion monthly as wage, which has reduced to about N800 million because the governor has refused to make political appointments since he was reelected into office.

Though the ostentatious lifestyles and ridiculously high cost of taking care of political office holders have been mentioned by the workforce as being the problem with the economy, Sunday Tribune can report that the harsh reality across the states as reflected in the inability to meet governance demands, has shown that the governors’ supplication for a bailout and the recent position on minimum wage were, indeed, May Day calls.

That May Day call, which indicated the distressful state of things, was well-captured on 24 November, 2015, when the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) declared that its daily basket price for a barrel of crude oil stood at 39.59 US Dollars. Bad news for Nigeria, political and economic analysts would conclude, as a barrel of crude, only months ago, sold for between 70 USD and 58 USD. In fact, as the governors noted in their communiqué, a barrel had been sold for 121 USD when the minimum wage agreement was reached years early.

But things had, indeed, been worse. The price stood at N38.35 USD a day earlier and Nigeria is not the only country affected, as the new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela), among others.

These, indeed, are bad times for the country, whose economy is over 90 per cent dependent on earnings from crude oil sale, and which had, while planning for the 2015 budget, used a benchmark of 53 USD per barrel to calculate its expected revenue, which will drive the budget.

Annually, Nigeria uses the oil price benchmark to plan for financing its budget, with economic analysts warning of impending danger all along, a warning which successive governments failed to heed until now.

With the fluctuation of the international oil price, the country’s 2015 budget has suffered massive setbacks, with states and Federal Government struggling to even meet the demands of the recurrent expenditure segment of the budget, as the crude oil has, for most of 2015, sold below the benchmark price. The attendant effect of that development has been the country’s disgraceful descent financially. The free fall, analysts noted, was also aided by gross mismanagement and corruption in government circles, a development that nearly brought the country to its knee after the last presidential election, culminating in the now-famous “Nigeria is broke” statement of President Muhammadu Buhari. The proof of that statement was the bailout package for states, with many of them finding it difficult to hitherto pay salaries for four to eight months prior to that period.

However, if things fail to improve in the oil market, analysts fear that the Federal Government might continue to give handouts to states in form of bailout packages every quarter, with many of them alluding to the worrisome lull across states of federation ever since the May 29 transition date when governors were sworn in. While some states have not constituted cabinets, many others have had ministries and parastatal-agencies pruned to cope with the harsh economic situations, with many states operating what analysts have referred to as pseudo-government. This development, it was noted, would, in the long run, not be in the interest of a majority of the citizens, because governance is no longer taking place across the country. Even at the federal level, it was noted, no tangible governance might take place this year, as the president recently appointed ministers, most of whom

Governor Abdulaziz Yari, Chairman, Nigeria’s Governors Forum

are still grappling with the realities of their offices and the economic hardship facing the country.

But while it might already be too late in the day to raise questions about the 2015 budgets, however, political observers have begun to raise serious and fundamental questions about the 2016 budget, which the present ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government noted might be to the tune of N8 trillion given the huge financial demand of most of its electioneering promises, querying as to where the government expected to raise such huge funds and what might even become of the country if the current decline in the oil market continues into 2016 as some experts have predicted.

However, the current economic situation has been described as an eye-opener and a wake-up call for the country to shift from its monocultural economy and take the bull by the horn at this distressful moment in its life by developing its other potent sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals and culture and tourism exports. This, according to experts, is the only way to avoid the impending economic Armageddon.

The NLC chairman as well as Governor Yari had also made reference to the need to diversify the economy of the country, pointing specifically to agriculture and mining. Agriculture, it will be recalled, was the mainstay of the country in the 50s and 60s before the oil boom, with experts recommending a return to agriculture as the way out of the present economic conundrum.

Also, the solid mineral sector is said to be capable of generating trillions for the country if appropriately harnessed, with the country said to have several minerals including

But as things stand, the governors and, indeed, the Presidency, in hushed tones, made the May Day call, despite appearing as if things were normal and no one should mistake their talks about the economy as tea shop banters

gold, iron ore, limestone, marbles, theodolites, colombites, tin and other mineral resources in abundance across the states. For instance, Plateau State is renowned for its large deposit of tin; Oyo State has several mineral resources such as marbles, tantalite, granites, kaolin and others, while Ondo State’s deposit of bitumen is reputed to be the second largest in the world after Canada. Experts noted that the bitumen deposit in the state can sustain the country for decades without oil revenue. In Osun State, gold, kaolin, granite, among others, are said be among the mineral deposits.

Of course, the lead deposit in Zamfara State is no news, with its mining leading to lead poisoning several years back. The state is also said to have an abundant deposit of gold.

However, a former Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Solid Minerals, Hon. Mathew Oyedokun has stated that though the diversification of the economy has become highly necessary, corroborating the governors’ position that mining could be a major source of revenue generation, a lot needed to be done in the mining sector.

According to him, the agitation for the moving of mining from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent List had been on for a long time and could have saved the day for the country at a critical period like this if mining had been decentralised. He stated that as a result of the centralisation of mining, the country loses about N3 trillion annually to illegal mining and leakages, noting that the Federal Government must move to block these leakages by creating mining offices across geopolitical zones and also creating selling points, which will have all agencies of government concerned with exportation.

Oyedokun, who noted that there had been an advocacy for such selling points to be in places like Ibadan, which he described as a large market for precious stones and other minerals, stated that for too long, millions of Naira is being lost to illegal sale of Nigeria’s mineral deposits, which often found their ways to international markets, only for Nigeria to discover that the minerals had indeed been smuggled from the country through those African countries. He further stated that there was also the need for feasibility data on the mineral deposits across the states in the country as well as equipment and effective policing to ensure efficiency in the sector and to curb illegal mining and block leakages.

Oyedokun stated that by the time mining is decentralised, not only would it become more effective, the federal and state governments would generate needed revenues to drive development.

The exploration of these solid minerals has been said to be a major solution to the financial crisis across several states, with political analysts noting that the time might, indeed, be right for the Buhari administration to revisit the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, which touched on the subject of states and natural resources, recommending that the Federal Government should set up a Technical Committee to determine the percentage that should accrue to states with mineral deposits while the former should coordinate explorations. If this is done, most of the analysts who spoke with Sunday Tribune stated that the states would become independent and free of the long term maniacal beggarly tendencies that have ensured that states could not develop without federal allocations.

But as things stand, the governors and indeed, the Presidency, in hushed tones, made the May Day call, despite appearing as if things were normal and no one should mistake their talks about the economy as tea shop banters or the May Day call for the May 1 celebration of workers’ day; far from it. The current development in the country might, indeed, become workers’ doom and the country’s gloom, as no one could accurately predict the economic future of the country in the face of the current decline in the international oil market. Undisguised, unabated, Nigeria is hemorrhaging from economic injuries and, indeed, tethering on the brinks, needing a divine intervention or what Christians call a miracle to survive the onrushing economic tides. No, maybe the country does not need a miracle; maybe all it needs is a leadership with plans and purpose ahead of the coming economic Armageddon. But one thing is clear in Nigeria today, governments at all levels are shouting May Day, May Day and it is in the best interest of Nigerians to hear those shouts loud and clear.

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Sunday Tribune

Kogi: One election, varied results

Which way Kogi? That is the question on the lips of many as the death of the leading candidate in the November 21 election, Alhaji Abubakar Audu was announced before the election was determined. Even now, the gulf of controversy and confusion about the election keeps widening. Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA traces the key points of the endless controversy.

T

HE legal tango in Kogi got messier last week as two claimants emerged to the governorship seat.

Governor Idris Wada, who was trailing the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abubakar Audu, before the demise of the latter asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare him the winner of the election, in the event of the death of the leading candidate. He has since approached the Federal High Court for that declaration.

But the running mate to the late Abubakar Audu, Hon. James Faleke also threw some spanners into the works when he also asked INEC to declare him the winner of the election, having run on the same ticket with the late politician.

Faleke, had in a letter by his counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) sent to INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu stated that he should be declared the winner of the poll earlier declared as inconclusive by the electoral body.

In the letter addressed to chairman of INEC, Faleke argued that the election had been concluded and completed in compliance with the provision of the constitution, adding that it was unconstitutional for INEC to have declared the election “unconstitutional.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission through the retuning officer to the November 21 election, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha said on Sunday November 22 that the election was inconclusive even though Audu of the APC had scored 240,861 votes, compared with Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who had polled 199,514 votes.

Audu was leading Wada with 41, 353 votes but Prof.

Kucha declared that since some 49,953 were outstanding across 91 units in 18 local governments, the return could not be made until a supplementary election is conducted rerun in the affected areas.

But Faleke said in his letter to INEC: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted election to the office of governor of Kogi state on Saturday, 21st November, 2015. The election was held in all the 21 local government areas of the state: and to the best of our knowledge, information and belief, the said election was peaceful, and also in substantial conformity and compliance with the provisions of the electoral act, 2010 (as amended),” He further stated: “In law and logic, no new candidate can inherit or be a beneficiary of the votes already cast, counted and declared by INEC before that candidate was nominated and purportedly sponsored.

“Assuming without conceding that INEC is even right to order a supplementary election, the votes already cast, counted and declared on Saturday, 25th November 2015, were votes for the joint constitutional ticket of Prince Abubakar Audu and our client.

“Therefore, no new or supplementary candidate can hijack, aggregate, appropriate or inherit the said votes.

“Our client believes that election to the office of governor of Kogi state had been conducted and completed in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

“Therefore, INEC has no alternative or discretion other than to announce the result of the election and declare our client as the winner.

“INEC is enjoined to declare a winner of an election based on lawful votes cast. Thus, the cancelled results by INEC, for whatever reasons, and assuming without conceding that INEC could legitimately cancel such results, amount to unlawful votes.

“In effect, INEC cannot declare a well conducted election as inconclusive based on unlawful votes. INEC is inadvertently prompting an avoidable political and legal crisis.

“What INEC should do is to obey, respect and comply with the letters, spirit, intendment and tenor of the constitution, by not only declaring APC as the winner of the election,

Governor Idris Wada, Kogi State

Honourable James Faleke, APC deputy governorship candidate

but by also declaring our client as the governor-elect.”

Governor Wada, in a move seen as curious by APC loyalists, approached the Federal High Court to seek an order to stop the APC from replacing its candidate, Audu and also an order seeking to in the alternative order a fresh election between him and other political parties.

In a 15-page originating summon filed by his counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), the governor and the PDP want the court to determine the legality or otherwise of the decision to substitute the APC candidate after the election had been concluded in many polling units. They also want the electoral body order a fresh governorship election which would exclude the APC. In all these, no one can pin point a particular constitutional or Electoral Act provision that clearly provide the direction to go in this circumstance. What the INEC and the APC have had to rely on so far as inferences from provisions that are close to the issue. The lacuna at hand, close to the situation Nigeria found itself in the days leading to the invocation of Doctrine of Necessity that made Dr. Goodluck Jonathan an Acting President in February 2010, has provided a huge ground for lawyers and legal minds to ventilate.

The Constitution and the Electoral Act fails to contemplate that a candidate to an election can die in the middle of that election. The nation’s laws recognized that a candidate can die after his nomination or after emerging a governor elect but fails to take care of the interregnum between the period of casting the ballot and declaration of results.

That being the case, all stakeholders were left with guess work on the way to go. Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) however chose to stoke the fire last week when he offered an opinion that was eventually adopted

by INEC. Malami, who was speaking at a seminar organised by the Nigerian Law Reform Commission in Abuja declared that the election the supplementary election must go on, while the APC should be allowed to replace its candidate.

His opinion, which has now become controversial went thus: “The issue is very straightforward,” he explained that, “Fundamentally, Section 33 of the Electoral Act is very clear that in case of death, the right for substitution

by a political party is sustained by the provisions of section 33 of the Electoral Act. “And if you have a community reading of that section with Section 221 of the Constitution, which clearly indicates that the right to vote is the right of a political party and the party in this case, the APC has participated in the conduct of the election.

“It is therefore apparent that the combination community reading of the two provisions does not leave any room for conjecture.

“APC as a party is entitled to substitution by the clear provisions of section 33 of the Electoral Act. “Also Section 221 of the Constitution is clear that the votes that were cast were cast in favour of the APC. Arising from that deduction, it does not require any legal interpretation.

“The interpretation is clear: APC will substitute, which right has been sustained by Section 33 of the Electoral Act. “So be it, the supplementary election that has to be conducted along the line.”

INEC, a few hours after the declaration by the AGF announced the decision to enable APC replace its dead candidate, while the supplementary election was fixed for December 5.

Bu the PDP took the matter to a new height on Thursday when it announced that the APC had been technically knocked out of the Kogi governorship race having lost Audu before the result of the election could be declared.

The party, which released a communiqué after an emergency National Caucus meeting, insisted that the claims by the AGF were not only partisan but off the cuff.

The PDP caucus stated in a communiqué signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh stated that it: “Completely rejects the decision of INEC in yielding to the unlawful prompting of a clearly partisan Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mallam Abubakar Malami, to allow APC to substitute a candidate in the middle of an election, even when such has no place in the Constitution and the Electoral Act. “Insists that with the death of its candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has legally crashed out of the governorship race as no known law or constitutional proContinues

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The legal conundrum in Kogi Continued from

pg 34

vision allows the substituting of candidates, once the ballot process has commenced.

“Insists that with the unfortunate death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has no valid candidate in the election, leaving INEC with no other lawful option than to declare the PDP candidate, Capt. Idris Wada as the winner of the election.

“Notes that the combine reading of the provisions of the constitution and Electoral Act does not in any war whatsoever support the substitution of candidates for election in the middle of the ballot process.

“Notes that if APC is allowed to substitute its original candidate, then the party would have fielded two separate candidates in the same election, a scenario that is completely alien to our electoral laws and to any known democratic norms and practice world-over. “ Caucus observes that the APC, fully aware that it has no case before the law is now orchestrating confusion in the polity with a view to diverting attention from its glaring incompetence and failure of governance.

“Observes that the leadership of INEC as presently constituted under the Chairmanship of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has demonstrated that it is incapable of neutrality and as such cannot be vested with the conduct of the Kogi governorship supplementary election as well as the December 5, 2015 Bayelsa governorship election.

“As a result, caucus demands the immediate resignation of the chairman and all national commissioners of INEC to pave the way for a new non-partisan commission to conduct the forth-coming elections.”

The party also alleged that the AGF misled INEC into arriving at the decision to allow APC substitute its candidate in the inconclusive election adding that the AGF, INEC and APC might be creating a scenario “where a loser in a primary will patiently wait for the winning candi-

date to finish election and then have him either poisoned or assassinated before the final collation of results.”

From all angles, the contentions appear endless and the legal interpretations remain discordant. The contentious issues in the law are woven around widespread sections of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. But the key words remain “duly elected” and “inconclusive.”

There are contentions as to the validity of Section 31, 33 and 53(2) of the Electoral Act to the situation at hand.

There are also contentions as to the validity of Section 181 and 221 of the 1999 Constitution to the issue at hand.

Section 33 of the Electoral Act permits a party to replace a dead candidate before the election. Section 31 of the same Act had laid the background to that by stating that political parties shall submit the list of their candidates to the Electoral Commission not later than 60 days before the date appointed for the election.

Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended states: “A political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate whose name has been submitted pursuant to Section 31 of this Act, except in the case of death or withdrawal by the candidate.”

But Section 34 of the same Act says that a candidate can only withdraw his candidature not later than 45 days before the date of election, while section 36 of the Electoral Act also states that if a nominated candidate dies after the nomination and before the commencement of election, the electoral Commission shall appoint some other convenient date for the election.

In the contention of the AGF, Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution had guaranteed that the votes earned by Audu belongs to the political party, the APC and that the party can replace its candidate in line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act. But lawyers have pooh-poohed this position, with divergent positions emanating from different lawyers.

Some including Ebunoluwa Adegboruwa have insisted

that the votes of Audu should not be transferable to any other candidate except Faleke, while others fear that fielding Faleke as replacement for Audu might trigger another crisis, especially the indication that the PDP might approach the courts to nullify such candidate since Faleke is not known to have emerged through a primary election.

Lawyers have further contended that the party, being the legal being can only sponsor the candidate who is the human being and that none of the two legs can stand alone. In that wise, such legal minds have insisted that since none of the two legs can stand alone, the death of one automatically affects the other. They contended that if the party is declared non-existent, the votes earned by the candidate would be void and where the candidate is no more, the votes won by him would become void.

On Friday, the APC forwarded the name of its runner up in the primary election won by Audu, Yahaya Bello to INEC as Audu’s replacement. That in itself opens another dimension as to whether another candidate can inherit the votes won by the late Audu. The matter obviously will not end there. We may end up having different suits from all stakeholders involved. The PDP has kick started the matter on one hand, while the Faleke camp, even though its man remained the running mate could approach the courts to follow through the letter it wrote to INEC. The APC on the other hand could go to court to enforce its victory and preserve the votes already won by Audu, while the other 18 political parties that participated in the November 21 election could also take up legal issues as to the need to conduct fresh elections.

Though in announcing its position, INEC failed to announce the relevant sections of the laws that guided the decision, the contention out there remains that the final word on the logjam in Kogi can only come from the Supreme Court, which in itself would be treading an uncharted path.

interview Buhari should remove subsidy if he is serious about fighting corruption Continued from

pg 32

did [Rabiu] Kwankwaso come from, where is he today?

Saraki was a PDP governor for eight years, today, he is a senate president in an APC government. Are you now saying that the moment they defected to APC, their morale, character and mindset completely changed?

The important thing is that we must be sincere to what we are preaching. We must look at the individual, and deal with them according to what they had done, and not the group they belong to.

If you are saying that Buhari is not fighting corruption, how do you think he should fight corruption, because sometimes people tend to criticise and not provide solutions?

I am putting up a paper which should be out soon, but I will give you a glimpse into it. There are several papers that have been written in the past; there have been several attempts that have been profound and part of it setting up of institutions that could help fight corruption. But beyond that I believe strongly that the issue of corruption is more of a moral issue.

If a man is not greedy, and does not have a tendency to steal, no matter where you put such person, if he has the right values, he will not take something that does not belong to him. But unfortunately, we have jettisoned moral values and religious teachings in our schools to our children. And we have made them believe that material things are of great values.

So I strongly believe that we must look at the moral aspect of corruption. Richard Branson once said in an inter-

view that Nigerian leaders and politicians are wicked and have mental issues in the area of corruption. He said that they are very corrupt and are mentally derailed. I believe that any man who by the virtue of the fact that he is in power begin to amass more than he is supposed to, he is insane.

We must also look at those institutions aiding corruption and deal with them. Some people have advocated that civil servants should be paid well and I believe that is good, but what is happening to our welfare programme?

It will take a man with a very strong moral character to be able to resist the temptation of being corrupt. So we must take care of our elder statesmen and provide a good welfare scheme, whereby people will have hope of a good life after they serve the nation and retire. That will help in reducing corruption.

Another area the government can work on in reducing or eliminating possibly corruption, is to look at some of the institutions that are prone to induce corruption. The issue of subsidy in this nation to me is madness. Government should remove subsidy from petroleum products.

The truth of the matter is the people that are enjoying the subsidy are less than 20 per cent of the society. The average farmer in the village does not have a car, so what subsidy is he enjoying? If the labour unions are sincere, and it is because the leaders of labour, PEGASSAN and the likes are benefiting from the corrupt tendencies in oil subsidy. Let us remove subsidy and they can now divert it into building schools, good roads and hospitals; these are what a common man needs. Build good schools and educate the children of the common people so that they can become greater men tomorrow. You are just feeding

the over fed few and you think you have a good nation.

That is why you have crime all over the place.

If this government is serious about fighting corruption, they should remove subsidy on petroleum products.

Thirdly, there is another thing the government can do, which might be difficult because it will affect everybody.

I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Singapore and someone said corruption itself is not evil, it is what is done with the proceeds of corruption that is evil, and that is the simple analogy. He said in Africa, for instance, especially in Nigeria, the leaders will steal the people’s commonwealth and take it out of Nigerian shore, where 80 per cent of such money never go back to Nigeria. And these are the monies meant to be invested into agriculture, to build schools, hospitals, roads, provide electricity, and the likes.

So if our past leaders and anybody who have had the opportunity to steal from our commonwealth, has gone back to the village with that money, and acquired several acres of land and engage in agriculture, build schools, factories and hospitals, the simple logic is that such a person is redistributing the income already and he would employ the unemployed youth. These are what the Asians did to develop their nations. So how can we do this? I know two presidents that came from the same state and the same town in the North; go to their state today; there is no development at all. There is no industry at all. So what is happening to us?

For us to be able to correct this, government should simply make a legislation to make it illegal for any Nigerian to own a foreign account. That would make it difficult for anyone who has stolen money to take it out of Nigeria. I don’t know how they can do it, but I know it can be done, because other countries have done it.

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interview

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Nobody can betray Yoruba and go scot-free —Gani Adams

The National Coordinator of Oodu’a People’s Congress (OPC), Mr Gani Adams, speaks with newsmen on various issues of national interest, including the recent position taken by Yoruba leaders on the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the South-West. BOLA BADMUS brings the excerpts:

H

OW would you justify the recent position of Yoruba leaders and elders on the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the South-West?

What we said at the meeting was that as citizens of Nigeria, we have right to protection. We realised that the Fulani crisis with our people has been on for close to 18 years and there have been lots of incidents that attest to that. We also realised that most of the kidnappings in Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo states are being perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen. We took a decision that if the Federal Government fails to protect us, we have right to self-determination. We are not saying anyone should leave the SouthWest, because we want development and the contribution of non- Yorubas cannot be quantified. But that does not mean that some of them should threaten our territories. We have so many Yoruba people in the North and I have not heard of a situation where a Yoruba man will kidnap a commoner, not to talk of a personality in that area. They will not go beyond their boundaries. We cannot say, because we want development, we should, therefore, allow our territories to be threatened.

It is uncalled for that the caliber of Chief Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, should be kidnapped. After paying ransom, he was released and some few days later, the Fulani herdsmen still invaded his farm and destroyed his crops. Any sensible race will not keep quiet over such an incident. Three days after the Yoruba summit, the kidnappers were apprehended by the security agencies. We have right to self-determination and it is a position that we will continue to push if the Federal Government refuses to provide us with enough security. The South- West is the economic nerve centre of the country and when you allow such security lapses in the South-West, it will affect the country.

The former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, recently justified the activities of the Fulani herdsmen, arguing that they needed education in order to dissuade them from criminal activities.

What is your take on this?

I agree with him (Kwakwanso) that the Fulani herdsmen need education. Most of the people, who are educated in the SouthWest, did not get that with the help of government, it is an individual or family effort.

But for Kwakwanso to condemn our position, he does not have the right to do so. I have never heard or seen Kwakwanso condemn the activities of Boko Haram. For him to support those who kidnap in the SouthWest, it shows that he would not have been a good leader if he had emerged president of Nigeria. I will advise the former governor that he should be careful with his words, because Yorubas are too sensitive. Can anyone from the South-West go to Kano and make statements against the Arewa Consultative Forum and not be lynched? How can someone come to the South-West and

saying you bringing gun, how much are they selling gun? You can get gun everywhere, but the consequence is very grave. You can prosecute your struggle through use of gun, but the consequence is very grave and how are you sure you will win the struggle? So, we have to be very careful. We have to do it tactically and intellectually, because it is not only Yoruba that are living in the South-West. What of other ethnic nationalities living with us who may not even share our ideology. So, we have sensitised them to share our ideology, so that we can have tactical support from them. Even though they may not join us directly, we have them in the media at least, 70 per cent of the war is being won. We have a lot of Igbos, NigerDelta as editors, so when you don’t sensitise them, they won’t support you. They support you in the media without joining you as an organisation unlike the cultural promotion and OPC, we have a lot of non- Yoruba who are even more sympathetic to us than even Yoruba and by the time we send our stories, they celebrate them. And we have some Yoruba who do not believe in our cause and they are Yoruba, and because of one political reason, will play down our stories. Definitely, you have to move and sensitise them and gain their support, because no matter what you do, anything the media push to the public is what the public would understand.

No matter how powerful you are, all over the world, the Forth Estate of the Realm is very, very important to be your partner.

Chief Gani Adams

condemn what its leaders and elders have said? Yoruba is a unique race that nobody should toy with, because we contributed to the survival of democracy.

I am disappointed that some younger Yoruba people supported what Kwakwanso said. Some of them do not have political orientation. All they do is support any cause without having any background information. One of them is Professor Daudu Noibi, who in an advert in one of the national newspapers, hurled abusive words at Yoruba leaders and elders over their position. He is disguising under a religious organisation to make his comment, but this is not a religious issue. Where is he coming from to condemn the position of Yoruba leaders and elders? Why is he pretending to be a Yoruba person? Why must he say that those who kidnapped Chief Falae are from Niger Republic and not Fulanis? The Fulani in Nigeria did not deny that those arrested are not Fulani herdsmen.

I see him being used for political gain.

I know some people are using Professor Noibi for political gain, but he should be careful and I also want our leaders and elders to beam their searchlight on him.

There is no way you betray the Yoruba race and go scot-free.

If Falae had been kidnapped in the 1990s, what would have been the reaction of the Yorubas?

Well, I think the reaction would have been the same. The Yorubas have a way of fighting their cause. Our way of fighting our cause is different from the way other ethnic nationalities fight their cause.

When you are fighting a cause and you fail to carry your people along with you, they might go against your cause and not support you. By the time you sensitise your people, they will back you up. Olu Falae is a former SGF and it is unfortunate that he was kidnapped. We believe in diplomacy in fighting our cause, because we cherish the lives of our people. We have to be careful in engaging in a violent struggle, you must do it in a tactical and intelligent way.

So, definitely, a region like that has to be very, very careful in involving itself in a violent struggle. A struggle is in sequence, by the time you are pushed to the wall, you can now over- react, but if they are still pushing you gradually, you fight gradually, not by

The issue of Fulani herdsmen is not peculiar to Yoruba race, but in this situation, what do you think is the lasting solution?

Well, Nigeria is a country where we love to deceive ourselves. I have never seen any country in the whole world that deceives themselves like we do or that its politicians find it easy to toe the wrong path, I have never seen it. I have travelled to many countries, and what I discover is that by the time the citizens of those countries see a popular cause or popular position, they drive to that position. And no matter how powerful you are in those countries, you cannot convince them, but in Nigeria, it is the reverse. You will see them here, when you are fighting a good cause, they understand it by the time they see another person doing or talking another thing in the media, they begin to have different opinion, and that is why our politicians take them (Nigerians) for granted during elections.

You’ll see that politicians would not romance with many sectors of the society, but when it is three or four months to elections, they would now become friends to those they have abandoned for a period of three and a half years. Even in the civil society groups, it is the same thing. So I think, to solve the problem, the Federal Government has to look into the recommendations of the national conference. I think the recommendations of the national conference are about providing good security arrangement for the country, because when you are talking Continues

pg 38

opinion Nigeria: Facilitating resilient and sustainable infrastructural development 37

29 November, 2015

the provision of the Electricity Sector Reform Act and this is what it should be; Also, NERC should be professionalised and focused on effective regulation of the sector; meting out punishment for infractions in the sector rather than attempting to administer the sector as it is currently doing.

Lastly, a cost-reflective and fare electricity tariff must be put in place that guarantees reasonable return on investment and satisfies the consumer that he/she has been fairly charged. It is my assumption that an Industrial consumer will be willing to pay a reasonable price for what he/ she consumes rather than spend N90/kw on self-generation. The wide spread use of pre-paid meter must be implemented immediately to make this regime work.

By Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

N

IGERIA is great not just because it is the 7th most populous country on the planet. It is an important nation not only on account of her oil wealth. Nigeria is significant more because of the energy of her people, whose creativity and resilient spirit of enterprise, continues to assure her progress even in the face of seemingly hopeless situations.

A number of studies in the recent past have highlighted the extent of decay and decline in the Nigerian infrastructure. A 2014 World Economic forum report ranks Nigeria 140th out of 160 countries surveyed.

A 2013 AFDP publication entitled “An Infrastructure Action plan for Nigeria’’ reported that the Nigeria infrastructure accounts for 20-25 per cent of the GDP compared to 70 per cent of the GDP in most other middle-income economies with comparable size to that of the Nigerian economy.

To drive the story home, one only needs to compare Nigeria’s 4000 MW available electricity capacity to South Africa’s 45 000 MW to a population of 53m. To be at the same electricity generation capacity per head, Nigeria will need to achieve an estimated 160 000 MW available capacity for her 170 million population. Water supply is not any better, as only 4 per cent of the citizens had access to pipe borne water as at 2012 compared to 16 per cent average for Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a matter of fact, the country has not witnessed the construction of any new green field port over the last four decades, despite a rapidly expanding economy. According to the AFDP 2013 study, of all the freight that arrived Nigerian port, only 0.2 per cent throughput travelled by rail.

The reasons for the infrastructure decay are not far-fetched. They include; lack of adequate investment from both the public and the private sector, lack of adequate maintenance programme and capacity building issues.

In order to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure for the purpose of supporting the desired economic growth target and socio-economic development objectives, the AFDP forecasts Nigeria requires $350 billion USD CAPEX investment over a period of nine years. It also estimates that $100 billion USD is required over the same period as OPEX investment.

Challenges of building a resilient and sustainable infrastructure The task of building a resilient infrastructure that will meet the developmental needs of the country are many but I will limit myself to five critical areas as I assume that this audience will be more interested in how to scale the hurdles than an exhaustive list of the problems.

For our purpose I have identified; funding, administrative and bureaucratic impediments to private sector participation in infrastructure development, manpower challenges, lack of industrial base to locally produce the component of infrastructural facilities and re-calibrating the electricity sector reform.

To further explain these challenges of funding, among others, Nigeria has been severally referred to as a rich country whose income has been ravaged by ram-

Sunday Tribune

pant corruption, this assumption is only half the truth. The revenue collected by the Federal Government, even when not stolen, is grossly inadequate to cater for a population of about 170 million people.

Ancillary to the small revenue base of the country is the misapplication of the revenue collected through a consistent disproportionate allocation of about eighty per cent of revenue to recurrent expenditure leaving little or nothing for Capital Expenditure.

On lack of funding for infrastructure, manufacturing and industrialisation is compounded by the shallowness of the Nigerian banking system. The existing banks have proved incapable of lending to Infrastructure and the real sector.

Policy makers will have to examine whether it makes sense for banks to hold licenses for merely charging a premium on the economy without adding the needed value for infrastructural growth and development of manufacturing. It may be time for decision makers to examine the propriety of encouraging successful global banking brands with reputation for infrastructure financing to bring more depth to the Nigeria banking sector.

Impediments to private sector participation remain a challenge. Dismantling the unnecessary administrative red tapes and multiple agencies’ interventions in administrative processes is one of the simple but crucial step Nigeria must take immediately in order to receive the desired private sector investment in her ailing infrastructure.

Meanwhile, on the challenge of manpower, there is an urgent need to reform educational curricular with a desire to emphasise the acquisition of technical skills required for the development of infrastructure and industrialisation of the country. Particular attention must be paid to the development of middle level manpower such as welders, mechanics, builders with up to date certification in modern vocational training centres. The training of accountants, engineers, lawyers with project development and management skills are also urgently required.

It is trite fact that most modern infrastructure, machines tools and equipment are largely- after invention and design- a product of the coupling together of metals, iron, steel, glass, aluminum and petrochemicals. The absence of sufficient local production of these items means that a nation will be forever consigned to mass

importation of finished goods at prohibitive cost and condemned to the status of a primary producer.

This particular challenge of the Nigerian economy is perhaps its most fundamental impediment to industrialisation and infrastructural growth. The quantity of steel produced in a country is a signal to its technological and industrial advancement. Nigeria currently produces only 2.5 million tonnes per year and imports about 17 million tonnes- very low quantity produced and consumed- compared to other middle-income economies. Turkey produces 34 million tonnes per year, India 86.5 million tonnes and Brazil 33.9m tonnes per year.

On re-calibrating the electricity sector reform, building sustainable infrastructure and a new industrial economy is impossible without adequate electricity supply at the point of need. The burden of high cost of production could be lighter if electricity supply can be assessed at the grid price on a stable basis and even at a price a little higher than the current grid cost.

Ten years running, this power sector reform has been hampered by the difficulties associated with the private sector participation in infrastructure development identified previously.

As an operator in this sector, I have outlined hereunder some immediate steps to be taken to recalibrate the power sector reform: First is to dismantle the delay in licensing of IPPs and the signing of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through an executive guideline for the industry that defines Standard Operating Procedures for agencies and institutions. Processing license applications and signing of PPA should not take more than 90-120 days.

Currently it takes 2-3years when in fact, a complete Power Plant could be delivered between 18 -24 months; Secondly, the Federal Government should make Sovereign Guarantee available to all PPAs that the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) concludes and with the requisite 90-120 days LC to ensure bankability of such agreements; Thirdly, distribution companies and eligible customers, once licensed, should be able to sign PPA with the Generating Companies (GENCOs) and IPPs for the supply of Power without the undue meddlesomeness of the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC). This is

Surmounting the challenges to rapid infrastructural expansion Though obstacles to accelerated infrastructural expansion in Nigeria are daunting they are surmountable once policy makers and implementers summon the will to immediately take far-reaching actions along the following lines; Reordering government expenditure to allow for commitment of at least 50 per cent of government revenue to capital expenditure in the 2016 budget and with the aim of increasing to 60 per cent and seventy per cent in 2017 and 2018 budget cycle respectively.

The Federal Government should embark on contractor financed infrastructure projects based on internationally benchmarked pricing; in the construction of rail tracks, supply of locomotives and coaches, and other critical infrastructure. Such selected projects must have the necessary projected cash –flow to pay back to qualify for approval.

There should be an immediate bid process for the concessioning of two sites for the construction of two green field ports in areas with the natural port depths.

The Federal Government should use its Sovereign Financial Instruments to give credit guarantees to strategic private sector investments in key areas such as power generation and transmission as well as other urgent infrastructural priorities.

The current external debt profile is comparably low and puts Nigeria in a good position to leverage its sovereign instruments for infrastructural growth.

While the above suggestions would suffice to kick start the process of rapid infrastructural development, they are inadequate to do so on a sustainable basis. The task will require the restructuring of the national economy with new set of goals, objectives, organisation and structure.

Nigeria has all it takes to confront the urgent task of turning around her infrastructure and building an economy that will surpass all predictions. The country has the most important asset a nation needs to be at the top - a very determined people - never giving up when even no one gives them a chance to pull through.

The country has the energy to confront her challenges coming up stronger and better even sometimes from behind. With strong determination and positive actions we will surmount our challenges!

• Olawepo-Hashim, chairman, Bresson AS, delivered this paper at the annual symposium of Nigerian Students’ Society, Imperial College, London.

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29 November, 2015

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari in far away Tehran, Iran, on November 24, confirmed what had earlier been restricted to Facebook talks and the rumour mill, when he told Nigerians living in that country that some suspected looters have started returning their loot to the government.

This was the same message earlier credited to a Northern governor and others in some Facebook posts. But such insinuations lacked official seal until Buhari actually spoke in that regard last week.

A while ago, when the rumour became strong, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said in a media interaction that since some APC chieftains have claimed that looted funds are being retuned, the government should share the money with states and local governments that are grappling with paucity of funds.

Even at that, the president’s assertion left some gaping holes in the emerging scenario, especially these days of TSA, where all funds are supposedly coalesced in the central account.

How did the said looters return the funds? To which account? Through which banks and who received the said funds? These are some of the questions Buhari failed to answer. He simply said that the government was willing to get “all” even though the said looters have voluntarily returned some. He added that the culprits would still be prosecuted even though they are seen as innocent for now.

He said: “on corruption; yes, they are still innocent.

But, we are collecting documents and some of them have started voluntarily returning something. But we want all.

When we get those documents, we will formally charge them to court and then we will ask Nigerians to know those who abused their trust when they are entrusted with public funds. So, the day of reckoning is gradually approaching.”

But the self appointed opposition leader, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State would not allow the issues go unnoticed. In a statement on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose questioned the veracity of Buhari’s claim and insisted that the claim cannot be true.

Fayose challenged the president to tell Nigerians how much was returned and asked him to name the looters who returned the stolen funds. He stated that “Since the purported looted funds belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it ought to have been paid into the Federation Account and shared by the Federal, State and Local Government.”

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046

Loot recovery: Between Buhari and Fayose

The question truly remains; has anyone actually returned any supposedly looted fund and if that is confirmed, where is the money.

Perhaps, the President did not weigh the true intent of his Tehran statement before telling his obviously excited audience the “good news.” The reality is that Buhari’s claims have opened a fresh vista for claims of transparency and openness in the management of the nation’s resources.

I will not join Fayose to discountenance the President’s claims. As the custodian of classified information in the country, the President should be granted the benefit of the doubt in the hope that he had real reasons for making that statement.

What he needs to show is the proof of the said returned

Sunday Tribune

loot and where it is being kept.

When that is done, the President should expect further questions bothering on accountability. Should the return of any looted funds belonging to the Federation be shrouded in mystery? What about the fears of being re-looted?

But is it possible the statement was a spur of the moment comment aimed only at engineering hope among the Nigerians in the Diaspora.

If that is the case, it would mean that the President might have enjoyed a long honeymoon from Nigerians in this second coming to the extent that he could be mistaking the culture of silence that greeted his return as the real Nigerian circumstance.

Perhaps, the loud silence he has seen from the usually vociferous segments of the society had led him to misread the national scenario. Now that he has spent six months in the saddle, he should not expect the culture of silence to continue.

He should note that a number of citizens apparently took the decision to force patience down their own throats so as not to get accused of not allowing the government found its feet.

Henceforth, he should expect every word that comes out of him to be thoroughly dissected and criticised. He should expect angry comments due to obvious frustration and condemnations of his perceived slow pace.

Since Buhari has confirmed the news of loot return, he needs to promptly inform Nigerians of the whereabouts of the funds and why the said money is being kept outside the TSA, which he is vigorously pursuing. He also needs to quickly inform the National Assembly of the details.

If some funds have actually been returned and they are kept outside the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, will Buhari and his economic managers not be exposing themselves to questions about contraventions of 1999 Constitution, which guarantees that all monies belonging to the federation must be paid to the Consolidated Revenue Account and not to any other account. Will he not be opening himself up to questions from the National Assembly, which has the power of appropriation over the nation’s wealth?

It would indeed be strange to discover at the end of the day that Fayose is right and that the President is wrong.

If that happens, the President would have taken Nigerians back to the campaign era of half truths and unbridled propaganda targeted at whipping emotional sentiments.

interview Buhari should implement National Confab recommendations Continued from

pg 36

of state police, it is one of the factors out of several factors that would solve insecurity in the country.

I think going by the recommendations of the national conference, if Buhari means well for the country as he is mouthing anti- corruption war, he should implement those recommendations; we are watching. You have corrupt people, including former governors, some on the board of parastatal agencies, who have been in the system for a long time and yet you shout anti- corruption. You have some people in the Senate, who are former governors, some of them have ruined their states. We have some people in the House of Representatives, who are of questionable characters and you are saying anti- corruption. We have some people in the Judiciary, who want to make money at all costs, so you will ask yourself, when would this man start? Where will he start to fight corruption? The aides surrounding him, they don’t have the same mindset Buhari has. A tree cannot make a forest. I, as Gani Adams, if I have an ideology and Segun (his aide) does not have the same thing, I am in trouble. So, definitely when you are talking of anti- corruption, the first thing you should try to change is the system, so that the institution can work better. Then the institution would ship out most of the bad products in the system. But by the time you want to use the same system that drove them to corruption, there is no way you can make any headway. I have never seen the angel that would stop corruption in this country.

The institutions are the structures. When you see the contents of the recommendations of the national conference, you will see that we fell back to just the way we took

the federalism from the United States. That is not the way it is being operated in Nigeria now; what we are operating in Nigeria is completely Unitary System of Government.

I am living at Omole, Lagos, hardly do we have 10 hours of electricity supply in a week, I have two generators. What is electricity generation and distribution doing with the Federal Government? Why can’t we allow Lagos State government handle electricity matter of its state? What is the Ministry of Water Resources doing with the Federal Government? What is the Ministry of Agriculture doing with the Federal Government? Why can’t we have federal and state police and even local government police? Why are we having only one Supreme Court with all these Tribunals that we have in different places? We have only one Supreme Court and we want to have quick dispensation of justice and most of the justices there are elderly people, Why? We have land matters; we have criminal matters; we have litigation in different angles and one Supreme Court, how can we attain justice in this kind of a country? Some states don’t have Appeal Court till now; a good example is Ekiti. Maybe Ekiti State would now have an Appeal Court.

When you file a case to Appeal Court in Ekiti, you have to go to Ilorin. I am not a soothsayer, there is no way Buhari can move this country forward without approving and implementing the recommendations of the National Conference. We will be deceiving ourselves. How many thieves can Buhari arrest. How many people can he jail?

By November 29, Buhari will be six months in power and that is one eight of his four- year tenure. Some of them in office now, including those in the Senate and House of Representatives, want to make money. So if he

doesn’t change the system through implementation of the national confab that would touch on the institutions of government, there is no way individual efforts can make any meaning to move this country forward.

Buhari’s admirers would say he has done very well within the time limit and that solving the nation’s problem requires gradual approach, even as they laud him on corruption war, which they say is not lopsided while citing Senate President Bukola Saraki’s case with CCT as an example.

What do you say to this?

What do you expect of politicians? Politicians are greatest liars in any sector. Most of the things they promised before the elections, do they follow them now? Buhari told us that technocrats would be his ministers. How many technocrats can you find out of the 36 ministers he nominated?

He said there would be free meals in the schools, does he talk about it again? He promised that he would give those who don’t have jobs N5,000 monthly, do you hear about it again? And at the same time, he said he would reduce the pump price of petrol. A lot of things were said and promised that within two months, they would do them. They brought video clips, we watched all these promises made on youtube in their campaign, they couldn’t mind.

Although I did not support or canvass for Buhari as president, but I respect him in certain aspects. But when Jonathan was there, do you know how those who had patronages in the PDP were praising him, it is the same way they are praising Buhari now. So, what do you expect from the APC? Their own interest supersedes those of other people’s.

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29 November, 2015

ON THE

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday

NSCDC’s horrifying corruption profile

N

IGERIANS and foreigners alike agreed that corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into this country’s fabric. In fact, the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari came to power riding the crest of an anticorruption crusade. The new president is not only seen as Mr Clean but also as someone who will fight the monster of corruption. The slogan now is: “Kill corruption before it kills Nigeria”. It would appear as if the problem of corruption has got so serious that virtually all Nigerians are on the same page – feigned or real - on the need to tackle it head-on. Even the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which lost power on account of its temerity in the fight against corruption that even bordered on acquiescence or open romance, has signed up for the anti-graft crusade. Its voice has been as loud as that of anyone else on the need to fight and defeat the monster that, since independence in 1960, has been the recurring decimal that has, to quote the leader of the first coup, Major Nzeogwu Kaduna, “made this country look big for nothing”.

Opinion is, however, divided on whether APC and Buhari are well-positioned to fight corruption to a standstill. For one, the party appears to have lost its internal cohesion as it has, so early in its sojourn in power, been riddled with divisions brought about by in-fighting over the spoils of office that have weakened rather than strengthened it. For another, corruption surely fights back when you take the fight to it.

More dangerous is that it acts proactively, anticipating and moving fast to secure itself and safeguard its interests before any attack. And so it was that while Buhari was still gloating over his success at the polls, making soap-box oratories that are now returning to ensnare him, corruption had moved far ahead of him to corner a critical section of the platform needed for the prosecution of the anti-graft war. In his first six months in office, it will be right to say that those opposed to the anti-graft war have not relented in the strenuous efforts to diminish this president.

Witness how such forces are masterfully engaging the president and drawing his attention away from pressing state functions, including the war against corruption!

Spanners are deliberately being thrown into the works for him. The on-going fuel scarcity, said to be artificial, could be one of such spanners. Someone called it the flying of kites by those testing the waters; another described it as testing the resolve or will of Mr President. The presidency itself has used the word “sabotage”. Care must be taken or else this president will be demystified in no time. The Buhari presidency, which embodies the hope of the citizenry, especially so the downtrodden, may unravel before it has had the opportunity to make a dent in the country’s skyhigh mountains of problems. And that will be sad. It will also be futile not to expect that despondency and frustration, with all its attendant shenanigans, would then take over and set the pace.

Opportunities that must be seized upon by this administration to demonstrate that it will match action with words or, as they say, walk the talk, must not be allowed to pass it by. One such opportunity broke last week. It will be shocking if it passes the

Presidency by or if anyone in the corridors of power regards it as trifle. It has to do with an agency of government, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, a quasimilitary formation which, recently, was given the legal right to bear arms. Under its former Commandant-General, Dr Ade Abolurin, the NSCDC or Civil Defence was highly rated as a disciplined force but the incident in question has called its integrity into question, rating it even lower than the much-reviled Nigeria Police Force on the integrity ladder. The story, as it was told in a national daily, was that the Lagos State government engaged some operatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, among others, and promised to pay each officer N1, 500 per day. When it was time to pay, only the Air Force came out clean, paying each of its men that took part in the assignment the accumulated amount due to them, which was N90,000 (100 per cent). The Army came second as it paid each of its officials N75,000 (83.333 per cent). The Police Force paid each of its own officials N60,000 (66.666 per cent) while Civil Defence paid each of its own officials N20,000 (22.222 per cent).The agencies are all government agencies involved in security operations and, therefore, very critical to national security and the security of the life and property of the citizens. We therefore expect a high level of integrity and responsible behaviour from them. To ensure that they did not compromise, the Lagos State government that contracted their services decided to remunerate them. The remuneration was channelled through superior officers but, along the line, the right amount failed to reach the right source, except in the case of the Air Force.

Now, the implications are really dire. If

gold rusts, what will silver do? If higher authorities can cream off what belongs to lower ranks, what are they teaching these subordinates? And how can we expect the right attitude and conduct from those so callously cheated? How can they be expected to perform diligently the task set before them? And how will they not make efforts to cut corners to make up for the “losses” suffered through the disgusting and disgraceful act of their “Ogas at the top”? This incident must not be swept under the carpet! Fighting corruption is not only about running after ex-governors and the fat cats.

Institutional corruption, as well as corruption in medium and lowly places, must also be factored into the equation.

Fortunately, this incident should be very easy to investigate. Let the Lagos State government disclose how much was due to each official; how much was so released by it; and to whom it was released. Let us determine who collected the monies; who made the payments; and who shortchanged the officials concerned. The cheats must be punished! To fight corruption, we necessarily must get our reward system right. Those who offend must be punished while those who do the right thing must be appreciated. In this case, the Air Force authorities that came out clean must be saluted while the other agencies that cut corners must be shamed. The Army, Police, and Civil Defence deserve the stricture.

The officials responsible for this must be fished out by all means and be made to face the music. The case of Civil Defence is especially shocking. The percentage creamed off was outrageous. This is a clear case of the monkey working while some nasty baboons somewhere creamed off their sweat.

It will amaze many that even the Police came out cleaner than Civil Defence in this

regard.

Reports also had it that the whistle-blower in the NSCDC Lagos state command was clamped into detention by superior officers for crying foul. Now, the victimization of the fellow is said to have continued unabated. The authorities, if truly they are desirous to fight corruption, must not allow this to pass unnoticed. It is trite that the success of any anti-graft operation rests squarely on the quality of protection thrown around whistle-blowers. Without information, how can we fight corruption?

That had been our bane, not only in the war against corruption but also in other wars, for instance, against insurgency. If whistleblowers are left at the mercy of forces trying to suppress vital information, then, the war is dead on arrival. It is impunity of the worst order thrust in our face by the Civil Defence authorities responsible for this show of shame; rather than lower their heads in shame and silently return what had been stolen from the junior officers, they engaged in rigmaroles, cover-ups, and blatant acts of audacity. They must be brought to book! Let them know it will no longer be business as usual!

LAST WORD: It is getting messier in Kogi state as the election debacle there is fast turning into a maze. James Faleke, running mate to the late Abubakar Audu, is threatening hail and brimstone if he is not declared the governor-elect. He has not only joined issues with INEC and his party, APC, he has also threatened court action.

Beware! Another rebellion may be afoot.

The fire kindled in the National Assembly by a similar rebellion by over-ambitious APC chieftains is still smouldering! The late Audu’s supporters, on their own, are rooting for his first son, Mohammed, as the new flag bearer. It must have become what the Yoruba call “oye idile” or the Benin Kingdom\British succession system where the first son\child ascends to the throne.

On its own, PDP’s National Caucus is up in arms against the Minister of Justice and Federal Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, SAN, for his legal opinion advising or authorising or directing INEC to let APC replace Audu through “supplementary” primary. PDP not only accuses the Minister of partisanship, it also dropped subtle hints that Audu might have been poisoned or assassinated.

The latter, I dare to say, is weighty! PDP must have proof because an allegation such as this must not be flimsily made. But I agree that Malami should have been more circumspect in the circumstance and err on the side of caution. Since INEC had a legal department headed by a SAN and also the opportunity of seeking independent legal opinion from other sources, Malami should have let the child die from the mother’s hands, so that INEC can truly be seen to be “Independent”. I, however, consider PDP’s logic of APC “legally crashing” out of the Kogi governorship election on account of Audu’s death as queer. With the law forbidding INEC’s annulling of any election – except the law court so pronounces – we may have to recourse to the court to find a way out of this quagmire. Two simpler options, though: Allow the tickets as they were before the death of Audu, conduct the supplementary election, and announce the winner or return to Ground Zero!

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29 November, 2015

language&style Altar call

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AMPLE 1: “They express their willingness to repent, drop their past and become new creatures when Evangelist Igbokwe, the coordinator of the ministry in Nnewi zone made an alter call at the conclusion of his sermon. Virtually all the inmates whose age brackets would be in the region of 18 and 30 years except for very few who might be a little above that rushed to the improvised alter in the prison yard, going down on their knees to be prayed for.” (Ex-prisoner Becomes Fire Brand Preacher, The Sunday Sun, November 8, 2015) We are interested in the word alter which occurs twice as follows: “made an alter call at the conclusion of his sermon” and “rushed to the improvised alter in the prison yard, going down on their knees to be prayed for.” The contexts in which the word alter is used in the two instances definitely point to the table used by the priest in a church service. In addition, the syntactic slot occupied by the word alter is that of a noun. These two facts help to establish the fact that this word has been selected in confusion with another word which, unlike alter, is a noun. The noun whose syntactic slot the writer has ignorantly ceded to the verb alter is altar.

Please note thatat the level of spelling the only difference between the two words is marked by the difference between letters e and a occurring in identical positions: between letters t and r.

Besides, they have identical pronunciation. Yet, the words are as semantically far apart as any two words can be. It is not our place to blame the arbitrary nature of the English spelling system for the sort of confusion in evidence here. What should we blame?

We should blame laziness, pernicious ignorance.

Now what is the difference between the words alter and altar? A verb, the word alter is used to communicate the idea of change. When something alters or is altered, it changes or is changed. The following sentences illustrate its usage: 1) Advanced technology has altered the agricultural production system. 2) Modern economy and social practice have altered the traditional relationship among members of the extended family.

3) The ecological features of the land have altered considerably over the years. 4) Repeated failures have altered his attitude to life. 5) The lecturer fraudulently altered the students’ results. 6) His entrance into national politics altered all political calculations. 7) The theory of Chomsky has altered in a fundamental way the traditional linguistic methods of analysis. 8) Many intervening years have altered the essence of the story. 9) In a string of dubious arguments, the lawyer has succeeded in altering the facts that are well-known to everybody. 10) A series of misfortunes have undermined and altered her faith. 11) Years of hunger and affliction have altered her appearance very badly. 12) He was alleged to have altered the accounts of the association.

The word altar (please note the spelling) denotes the table used by a priest in a church during ministration. The following sentences illustrate its usage: 1) A huge bible with a bold print lay on the altar. 2) Following the altar call, a huge crowd rushed to the front of the church. 3) In the old Jewish Temple, non-priests, not to mention non-Jews, were not allowed to come anywhere near the altar. 4) Three priests surrounded the altar. 5) The bread and wine meant for the Holy Communion service were placed on the altar. 6) In many orthodox churches only men can minister on the altar. 7) In most traditional religions, the concept and use of the altar are not essentially different from those of the Christian church. 8) Before you can touch the altar in some churches, you have to go through certain purification rituals. 9) In some rich churches, the altars are made of gold or marble or any precious stone. 10) On the instruction of the charismatic preacher, members of the congregation trooped to the front to touch the altar as a way of receiving divine blessing. 11) People who minister on the altar should endeavour to live exemplary lives. 12) Though presided over by human agents, the altar really belongs to God. At any rate, the word altar should replace alter in each of the contexts under review.

Sample 2: “In the heat of the Taraba governorship re-run held on April 25, 2015, what was uppermost on the lips of many people was the probability of the emergence of the first female elected governor of a state, Dame VirgyEtiaba who held forte for her boss Peter Obi during the impeachment saga in Anambra State in 2006…” (Alhassan: Between Wasted Votes and Scoring First, the Sunday Sun, November 8, 2015) The expression of interest is held forte which occurs in the following context: “Dame VirgyEtiaba who held forte for her

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

Sunday Tribune

line

life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues boss.” The context does show the expression is intended to mean: take responsibility while the person in charge is away for some time. That word, forte, has been selected in confusion with fort.

Note that the one has a final e and the other does not. Actually, the idiomatic expression is: hold the fort. It is important to note the definite article (the) occurring between the words hold and fort. That article is mandatory.

In their attempt to use this expression, some Nigerians end up offering several erroneous or defective ones like the following:*hold forth; *hold fort; *hold forte; *hold the forte.

Next we illustrate the usage of the authentic expression: 1) I will soon forward a letter to the chairman about the officer who will hold the fort while I am on leave. 2) The management has taken a decision on the man who is to hold the fort in the absence of the MD. 3) I have held the fort twice in the last five years when the manager was out of the country. 4) It is unfair to ask such a junior officer to hold the fort when there are at least four highranking officers around. 5) The MD has not gone on leave in the last ten years because he thinks there is no capable hand that can hold the fort in his absence. 6) The incompetent hands were hurriedly employed during the brief period that the man held the fort for the manager. 7) I cannot take such a drastic policy decision while I am holding the fort because I don’t want to create any problem for the substantive manager when she comes back from leave.

8) The manager did not suggest his name as the one to hold the fort while he is on leave because he has no confidence in him. 9) Many people objected to the idea of him holding the fort during the MD’s overseas trip because he is believed to be arrogant, corrupt and self-seeking. 10) He did so well when he held the fort during the manager’s illness that many workers actually dreamed of him becoming the substantive manager. 11) All the money accumulated in preparation for the second phase of the project was squandered when MrAdenijiheld the fort during the period of the MD’s suspension. 12) When I was holdingthe fort, I was careful not to tamper with the existing structures, realizing, as I did, that my leadership of the company was temporary.

How do we use the word forte?

A person’s forte is an activity or area of life in which he has strength, which he finds easy or enjoys. Please read the following sentences: 1) Mathematics not being my forte, I try to avoid any activity requiring extensive mathematical calculation. 2) Realizing quite early in life that singing is his forte, he has gone to the university to study music and formed a band which he leads. 3) Although he studied medicine, he keeps going back to fine art which has always been his forte and which he still loves with a passion. 4) Although there are people whose forte is writing, every educated person should be interested in developing the skill of writing. 5) If your forte is talking, traditionally people would counsel you to train either as a teacher or pastor. 6) I was almost certain that you would become an engineer given the fact that your forte had always been mathematics. 7) Should men whose forte is cooking take over the kitchen while their wives engage in other activities beneficial to the family? 8) Pupils whose forte is football should not be prevented from making a career out of it for footballers are now respected worldwide. 9) Achebe had a great literary mind, with story-telling as his forte. 10) I love literature in general, but poetry is my forte.

Next, we illustrate the usage of the word forth. The word means forward, going out. Now read the following sentences: 1) We set forth as early as 5 am so that we could arrive there before dusk. 2) He was restless, pacing back and forth. 3) This is the season the plants bring forth leaves and fruits. 4) From there the cows went forth, destroying farms and gardens. 5) The church prayed for them and sent them forth.

To make the point absolutely clear, let us note the following.

Do not say: “Ayo is holding forth during the chairman’s leave.”

You should say: “Ayo is holding the fort during the chairman’s leave.” Do not say: “The Administrative Officer has held the forth twice this year when the MD was out of the country.” You should say: “The Administrative Officer has held the fort twice this year when the MD was out of the country.” Do not say: “We will not allow an incompetent person to hold fort the next time the manager goes on leave.” You should say: “We will not allow an incompetent person to hold the fort the next time the manager goes on leave.” Do not say: “The company made rapid progress last year when the Engineering Manager held forte for the MD.” You should say: “The company made rapid progress last year when the Engineering Manager held the fort for the MD.”

(Eebu+ Blues) Club-head, porcupine-skin Crocodile-teeth, ponmon*-lips Heee, club-head, porcupine-skin Crocodile-teeth, ponmon-lips Just one stanza in your song of abuse You giraffe-neck and hippo-hips

Your every step a wobble Your whisper a screeching scream Hunnn, your every step a wobble Your whisper a screeching scream Your mattress a slab of scorpions Nightmares usurp your dream

You crease up your face Like a half-remembered yawn See how you crease up your face Like a half-remembered yawn Between clumsy gasp and aborted release You walk the street like a princely pawn

Trouble looks out of the window And instantly beholds Palaver Hunnnn, Trouble looks out of the window And instantly beholds Palaver A house made of madness in a nowhere town Where Laughter dies and leaves no cadaver

Look three times Before you leap Awe*, look three times Before you leap Hidden traps and silent noises Life’s many slopes are dark and deep

+Abuse, tease *Meat made from cowhide **Friend

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch

The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (right); General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church Worldwide (DLBC), Pastor W.F. Kumuyi (second right); wife of DLBC Osun State Overseer, Mrs Omowumi Adeniran (second left), and wife of the General Superintendent, DLBC, Mrs Esther Kumuyi (left), during the courtesy visit of the DLBC to the Ooni of Ife recently.

Kumuyi visits Ooni of Ife

As Aregbesola, CAN, traditional rulers, others grace crusades

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SUN State, since last week, played host to the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, who was in town to hold a two-week crusade scheduled to end today.

During the crusades which held across various communities in Osun State, such as Ife, Osogbo, Ijeshaland, among others, miracles were recorded and dignitaries from all walks of life were present.

Pastor Kumuyi’s visit to Osun State also saw the DLBC pay courtesy visits to the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, whom he congratulated on his ascension to the throne, and the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, HRM Oba Gabriel Aromolaran.

During one of the crusades, taking his bible text from Psalms 62:11 on the message titled “The Great Possibilities

of God’s Unlimited Power,” he reiterated the fact “God has unlimited power to attend to all.”

According to him, “Nothing created by God should be used against us and that whatever the enemies have used to bind us shall be broken down,” just as he charged the worshippers to embrace freedom by turning away from all known sins.”

The crusades witnessed the presence of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Esther Kumuyi, wife of Pastor W.F. Kumuyi; Baale Augustine Odedire, Baale Ajebamidele, Ile-Ife; Prof . Victor Adetiloye, Chief Medical Director, OAU Teaching Complex, Ile-Ife; Dr Kayode Olabamiji, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, OAUTHU; Evangelist Toso Oluborode, Chairman PFN, Ife Central; Chief and Princess Aramide, Jagunmolu of Esa Oke; Pastor Simeon Oyedokun, National Overseer, DLBC, Russia, DLBC

Osun State Overseer, Pastor John Biola Adeniran; HRM Oba Samson Adelabu Akanni Adeyeye, the Lesi-Ekun of Ominfunfunland, Ife, and HRM Oba Rev. Dr. Solomon Adeyeye Adenipekun (Ademakinwa1) Olosi of Osiland, Ife. Others were Ife South CAN chairman, Pastor J.O. Oladimeji; Pastor David Adebiyi DLBC Kwara State Overseer; Pastor Jacob Asubiojo, DLBC Ekiti State Overseer; Pastor J.B. Adefila, DLBC Oyo State Overseer; Pastor Kayode Oguntuyi, DLBC Ondo State Overseer; Region Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church in Ilesha, Pastor Gabriel Olorunninbe Esho, representatives of the Egbe Atunluse of Ijesaland and the Ijesa Progressive Council; Ope Fatinukun, Deputy Comptroller of Prisons; Pastor Balogun, PFN Osun State Vice Chairman, among others.

Clerics pay respect to late Oyo CAN Chairman, Pastor Olabisi

By Olaide Sokoya “TO everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was, on Tuesday, thrown into mourning due to the sudden death of the District Co-ordinating Council (DCC) Superintendent and Chairman of the Oyo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Johnson Ayo Olabisi.

Olabisi, who was serving his second term as the state chairman of CAN, was reelected early this year at an election held

at the state secretariat of the association in Ijokodo, Ibadan.

The President of Christ Apostolic Church (Worldwide), Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun, in his speech at the service of

Pastor Olabisi

songs and tribute held at the CAN (Oyo State Chaper) Secretariat, described the death of Pastor Olabisi as very shocking and painful; but acknowledged God’s wisdom. He appealed to members of the church to take solace in the fact that Pastor Olabisi devoted his life to the service of his maker and he was always found on the side of what is just and right. He therefore encouraged all to live righteous lives since no one knows when the end would come.

Representative of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Reverend Olugbemi, in his remarks, who described the late Pastor Olabisi aas a great man who fought for CAN, especially in Oyo State, noted that “He was a good Christian who lived a faithful life; he was a dynamic visionary leader who was there when people needed him.

In his message, the Bishop of Ibadan Anglican diocese, The Right Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, also described Olabisi’s

death has a rude shock, stating that “It is very painful that he left suddenly; it is unbelievable but let us rejoice and give thanks to God for a life well spent. Pastor Olabisi served as an ecumenical that died in an active service of God.” Bishop Akinfenwa outlined ten rewards for great men of God who died in service like Pastor Ayo Olabisi, including internal life; reception of a new body; reception of the crown of righteousness, crown of life, crown of incorruptibility, crown of rejoicing, and crown of glory.

Describing Olabisi, who was his successor as a man who served God energetically, Akinfenwa noted that he loved and served God faithfully. He was also excellent with handling crises.

In his vote of thanks, the first son of the deceased, Mr Olakunle Olabisi, thanked everyone, especially members of CAN for the love shown towards the family.

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29 November, 2015

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews

Don’t slash minimum wage, cleric warns governors Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

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HE General Super-intendent/ President of the Rivers of Life Prophetic and Miracle Ministries, Bishop Olusola Ladega, has cautioned governors of the federation against proposed plan to slash the N18,000 minimum wage being paid workers in the country.

The cleric said this at the ordination of 20 deacons and deaconesses of the church, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, recently, noting that the claim by some governors of their inability to pay the wage was totally not acceptable.

Bishop Ladega noted that reduction in the take-home pay of the workers, in view of the current economic challenges, would further aggravate the suffering of the workers, just as he blamed political leaders for mis-managing the fortune of the country.

He said: “Well, what is happening in our nation today, I think, is some kind of mismanagement. It’s not because the funds are not there but the management is not good enough. You know in our nation today, the people in governance are self-centred. And that is why things are going the way they are going now.”

The cleric however charged the state governors to handle the issue of the minimum wage with the fear of God at the back of their minds.

“I believe if they can be committed and have the

fear of God, things would be better in our nation,” he stated.

Ladega also warned those

making life unbearable for Nigerians to desist or risk the wrath of God. “They should know that

THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has tasked the senator representing Kaduna Central in the Upper Chamber, Senator Shehu Sani, to consider the Christian community in his subsequent empowerment programmes.

Speaking during a visit to his office in Kaduna, the State General Secretary of CAN, Dr Sunday Ibrahim, said the body was in his office to congratulate him over his victory at the polls.

Leading the forum of Local Government CAN chairmen

know God will take charge and the right people will take over government,” he said.

Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, The Right Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa (second left), with the sons of late astor Ayo Olabisi, Seun Olabisi (right); Olakunle Olabisi (second right); Segun Olabisi (left), and wife of the deceased, Mrs Titilayo Olabisi (middle), during the service ofsongs held in honour of the late CAN Chairman, Oyo State Chapter, Pastor Johnson Olabisi, held at the CAN Secretariat, Ijokodo, Ibadan. PHOTO: OLAIDE SOKOYA.

Prophets calls for prayers for Buhari Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti PROPHET Olatunji Omitade, the founder and General Overseer of Holy Trinity Authority Prophetic Church, Ado Ekiti, has called on Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari, and warned that Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions must show empathy with their fellow citizens, noting that only this would ensure peace in the country.

Prophet Omitade, who stated this in Ado Ekiti, said selfishness was increasingly pushing Nigerians of various levels of the society apart, saying this would not augur well for the country in its quest for development.

He said: “Until every force

that has more grace than others put themselves in the position of those with less grace, Nigeria will not know peace.”

According to him, “those in positions of authority must put themselves in the position of the governed; those who are happy must mourn with those who are

and secretaries to Sani’s office, Ibrahim noted that “As our representative, we have followed your contributions on the floor of the senate and we are happy at the way you make meaningful contributions.

So, we implore you to sustain the tempo.

“However, we want to draw your attention to the fact that Christians in the zone also voted for you.”

Continuing, the CAN scribe noted that “you have initiated many empowerment programmes towards alleviating the sufferings of the people in your zone but we have not

mourning; landlords must empathise with tenants, until then, Nigeria will not know peace.”

Speaking on the current economic reality in the country, Prophet Omitade held that “the Buhari administration can achieve only to the extent to which God has ordained it. So

we must pray for this government to work hard to ensure that hardship will not throw this nation into one in which insecurity of the rich would be high.”

He charged clerics to “act and speak the truth of God without fear or favouritism because it is only agape love that can save Nigeria.”

NLC rallies support for T.B. Joshua A delegation of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, unravel the truth behind the collapsed Synagogue, Church of All Nations Building.

According to the group, led by its chairman on a solidarity visit to the SCOAN

CAN tasks lawmaker on empowerment Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

nemesis would catch up with them. A divine revolution will happen in our nation one day and I

seen anything done for the Christians.

“While, we want to assure you of our unflinching support, we want you to consider our members in your subsequent empowerment programmes and also to sponsor some of our members to Israel.”

Responding, Senator Shehu Sani said he felt highly honoured for the visit, saying the Christian body was one of the associations consulted by his party during their campaigns, and expressed his readinss to partner with the association in the work towards a better Nigeria.

headquarters in Ikotun, Lagos, “the way government has handled the issue suggests that there is some foul play. It insisted that government should dig deep into the mystery aircraft that hovered over the building moments before it collapsed.”

In a solidarity letter sent to the General Overseer of the SCOAN, the group posited: “we have seen that you employ a lot of Nigerians

to serve in various capacities in the church, thereby reducing the level of unemployment in the country. In view of this, we use this medium to sympathise with you and call on the Lagos State Government to seek western assistance to unravel the mystery surrounding the collapse of the building.”

The group also appreciated Prophet T.B. Joshua for his humanitarian efforts.

Motailatu Church ordains 92, holds harvest today THE third Adoption Service (Adult Harvest) of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Restoration Parish, Akute, Ogun State, holds today at the church premises.

Ninety-two members of the parish will also be ordained at the event.

A statement by Senior Superintendent Gabriel F. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu II) notes that a seven-page calendar to honour the Patriarch and

Sunday Tribune

Matriarch of the 51-year-old church, His Most Eminence, Archbishop Dr. Isaiah M. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu) and Superintendent General Apostolic Mother Mary A. Akinadewo will be unveiled.

General Overseer of Christ Pentecostal Evangelical Mission, Pastor David Adeoti, is the preacher, while the Regional Manager of Nestle Nigeria Limited, Elder Isaac Adegboyega, is the chairman of the occasion.

CCC City of David Parish holds harvest THE Celestial Church of Christ, City of David Parish, Diocese “G” Headquarters, Onireke, Ibadan is set to hold its 23rd Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service, from Monday, November 30, 2015 till Sunday, December 6, 2016, with the theme, “Transition.”

The programme will have Prophet G. A. Evans, Diocesan Head of Diocese G, as the host, and the programme of events is as follows: Monday, Nov. 30, there will be Bible quiz at 5p.m.; on Tuesday, Dec. 1st, Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, and Thursday, Dec. 3rd, there will be revival at 5 p.m respectively. On Friday, Dec. 4th, there will be a dinner night which will hold at E99 Event Centre, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, from 8p.m. till dawn and on Sunday, Dec. 6th, the harvest thanksgiving service will hold at the church auditorium at 10a.m.

Holy Cross Church of C&S holds Mercy 2015 HOLY Cross Church of Cherubim and Seraphim (St Michael), located at 18 Adesina Crescent, Bola-Ige Bus Stop, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, will hold Mercy 2015 tagged “Salvation in Jesus Christ” from November 30th to December 5th, 2015 at 6pm daily.

There will be vigil on Friday, December 5th, while thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, December 6th, 2015.

Ministering are Pastor Kola Adile; Prophet Adeku, J.P.; Pastor Tokunbo; Snr Apostle F.M. Adeleke; Snr Sp. Apostle S.K. Popoola; Evangelist P. Lowen; Mother-in-Israel Agarau; Church Mother Elegbede; Pastor Alewi; Pastor Adejuyigbe; Pastor Niyi Enufo; Lady Evang. Y. Kuboye; Gen. Father S.O. Enufo; Sp. Ap. Dowone; Sister T. Adefehinti; Sp. AP. Alimi; Sup. Ap. T.A. Idowu (Minister-inCharge), and Pastor V.O. Kuboye (Host).

Pastor Kuboye

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Sunday Tribune

There has been no leader after Awolowo

S a Professor of Theology, how do you hope to bring that experience to bear in an academic setting?

Theology is popularly described as the queen of all sciences. It is the most important field in the world because it encompasses all other fields. For instance, for Law, most of the laws of the Western society that came to us are from the Bible; for Philosophy, there is no philosophy richer than what is found in the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; for Science, Science is the knowledge about humanity, natural things, and God is the author of science; for Medicine, God is the greatest healer – as far back as the time of Adam, God made him fall into deep sleep (anaesthesia) and performed bone surgery and transplant and made Eve out of Adam; for History, nobody knows the origin of man and the world, emergence of nations, wars, insurgency, all traceable to the clash between Ishmael and Isaac. All knowledge emanates from theology. Being a Theologian gives me the opportunity as a vice chancellor to ensure the development of every discipline in a godly manner.

Based on your text, Religion as a political motivator: Christian Influence on Obafemi Awolowo (19091987), what should be the role of Christians in politics?

Politics is governing the affairs of human society, a society created by God. So, politics is the business of the Christian. The tendency for good people not to be involved in politics is the greatest disservice to humanity. What you call darkness is nothing but the absence of the light. When good people abstain from politics, bad people will rule. In Nigeria today, 98 per cent of people ruling over us are bad people because good people think that politics is evil.

In the Bible times, God was the chief politician. He appointed and removed kings.

King Nebuchadnezzar once said, “Now I know that the Most High God reigneth in the affairs of men.”

Democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people.

God is not in that equation at all. It is a rebellion against God. In those days, God ruled through kings and prophets. We lost that. Therefore, we should understand that if the church gave birth to civilisation and the system we use to rule, then the church has a say. The system of democracy used in America and England is based on the Bible. According to the book of Jeremiah, “The Lord Your God is your king – that’s the executive; “The Lord is your Law Giver – that’s the legislative; The Lord is your righteous judge – that’s judiciary. So, the system of governance is taken from God. Those who have brought changes to society are people of the church. When we were fighting for independence for African societies, the church was at the forefront. When there was slavery, it was William Wilberforce, a layman of the church, who pushed for its abolition. When the killing of twins was trending, it was Mary Slessor, who advocated for its end. Mission schools are also responsible for education of many. Obama is there today because of Martin Luther King jr., a full-time Southern Baptist Minister. The church is described by Jesus Christ as the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Christians must not be in hiding.

They must go out and sacrifice. As a personal philosophy, I was the chairman of the academic union of Lagos State University.

During the struggle, involving Professor Attahiru Jega, I was the main arrowhead of the struggle, leading the battle against Abacha and Babangida. I believe that when you are a Christian, you don’t say things are bad when you’re not ready to join the struggle to make things better. Christians should be

29 November, 2015

—Bishop Asaju The Right Reverend Dapo Asaju is a professor of theology. He is also the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University established by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. He shares with RITA OKONOBOH, his thoughts on churches establishing universities, solutions for eradicating insurgency, and the role of Christians in politics.

Excerpts:

involved. The article was written around the time Awolowo died and I must tell you that there has been no leader after Awolowo. Nigeria is a leaderless country. Mention one Nigerian leader you respect and you will see that there is none. We used to have three – Nnamdi Azikiwe for the Ibos; Ahmadu Bello for the Hausas and Obafemi Awolowo for the Yorubas. Above them, Obafemi Awolowo was the towering figure. My point in that article was to portray that Christian values was what made Awolowo excel. He was the greatest philosopher among them and was ahead of his generation. He was a faithful church man and an Anglican and even participated with people of other denominations. The church used to be very involved in leadership but we have lost it because most Christian leaders are joining the society to steal and exploit people. The business of the Christian in politics is to save souls and transform society.

You attended a Muslim primary

The situation where churches establish universities that the underprivileged cannot attend is a misnomer. We are all supposed to do what we do for the glory of God and for the good of the society. When you disconnect from the masses, you’re on your own.

school and you have written articles on religious undertones in war situations. With the December deadline as earlier promised by President Muhammadu Buhari, what would you recommend as the solution to insurgency?

African societies accept plurality and we have a tradition of tolerance. I think the problem of insurgency arises from misunderstanding by segments of religions who try to apply extreme dimensions of their religions and I blame those who teach them.

Christian and Muslim leaders must be objective when teaching people. Scriptures have evolved over centuries and must be properly balanced and interpreted according to their times. In the Old Testament in the Bible, there are certain prescriptions for justice such as going to war and they are similar to what we have in the Quran which was a period. When such instructions are given, they don’t have to be taken hook, line and sinker. As there are denominations within Christendom, so it is with Islam.

The problem is when one denomination wants to implement their beliefs and lord it over others without minding what others think. What is going on with the claims of terrorists is an abuse of Islam. And to understand that violence is blind, they have started turning against the Muslims as well.

That is to tell you that we are dealing with satanism. It is a spiritual problem and we cannot fight it with physical weapons. Even America cannot promise to end insurgency in December. Only theologians can understand. The battle going on has been there for thousands of years. You can’t interfere unless you understand the history. We will keep praying for President Buhari. With his military background, he will do the best he

can. Let us also pray for our soldiers for God to grant them victory. We need to drop our individual idiosyncrasies. When we stand before God in judgment, it won’t be about denominations. Believe in your own faith and allow others to enjoy fundamental human rights. T.Y. Danjuma said something in 1979 when he was Chief of Army Staff: “I don’t know any country that can survive two civil wars.” Nigeria survived Biafra and now we are toying with a religious war. If we allow this to happen, there may be no Nigeria afterwards. I pray we will not get to that point. We need to cooperate. This country is the most beautiful in the world.

We have such liberty and comfort. Here, a person can survive without a job for five years. We need to allow peace to reign and bring back our original Christian heritage.

Some people say the church is a major factor regarding many societal problems. As a theologian who has produced many ministers of God, how would you assess the seeming imbalance between church proliferation and moral decadence?

There is no justification for the proliferation of churches we have now. Sometimes, church proliferation is not because they are interested in evangelism. It is simply because they want to have their empires and means of control. Many people don’t want to be under anybody’s control. Christianity is about service. There is no room for family business as far as the church is concerned.

Proliferation of churches is a terrible problem but there is little that can be done about it because there is freedom of the individual.

Besides, some of these churches have been beneficial to the society, so there are advantages and disadvantages. The church should be a good model for the society to emulate in every area of life and should not just be about building empires. The situation where churches establish universities that the underprivileged cannot attend is a misnomer.

Many of these ‘super’ Pentecostal preachers who are buying planes are crooks. They have no business doing what they are doing because the money is for the poor. Many who build empires and universities are not even doing it in the name of the church but as personal investments. There is no room for idol worshipping of any individual in the church. We are all supposed to do what we do for the glory of God and for the good of the society. When you disconnect from the masses, you’re on your own.

44 tribunechurch

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘We use comedy to preach the gospel’

Adeyemi Akanmu, popularly known as Swagger Papa, leader of renowned gospel dance-drama group, Glorious Vision Dance Drama Ministry, in this interaction with SEYI SOKOYA, speaks on his enthusiasm to work for God and the group’s mission. Excerpts:

H

OW has your ministry affected people positively?

We are working according to God’s command, especially with the scriptures, Mark 16:15 “Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature...” This we want to achieve through the grace of God, because He has sent us. The vision was ordained by God and the entire members of the group can really see that it has God’s backing. Personally, I never had passion for drama, but I love music so much. But the vision made me fall in love with the whole thing and I am glad to be a vessel unto honour. God has been faithful through his grace and he has been helping us throughout our ministration which has been affecting lives positively, depopulating hell and bringing souls to the kingdom of God. I think this is our main vision.

How has the group balanced comedy with passing the gospel message?

We have tried to strike a balance between the comical and spiritual aspect. The group has a concept of the Holy Ghost. These days, people are usually triggered by the comic aspect, because they

opinion

Adeyemi Akanmu love to be entertained. The secret is that the infusion of entertainment is to catch peoples mind towards the message we are passing across. We are very conscious of what we do and ensure that people get the messages we are passing across.

As the leader of the group, what is the experience like since you started?

It started in 2008 while I was still a student at Ibadan Grammar School. In 2007. I was summoned by, a friend of mine on cultural project to arrange something such as cultural dance and cultural play-let for the whole students of Ibadan Grammar School then. I organised other

events which was recommended by the principal at UMC. Subsequently things began to take shape; we formalised it and performed at churches and Christians gatherings. Fortunately, we did our first concert and we are glad that we eventually made headway in the industry. We have also spread the message beyond the shores of the country.

Also, God has been faithful to us by sending those that are willing and are ready support us, though it has not been easy to manage and fully finance the group. As for the members, everyone passes through screening, vigorous and spiritual training. We are glad that God has continuously brought sheep into his vineyard and we also show commitment as members. We started with about 8 members; we thank God that it has grown to about 14 acting vessels unto honour with exception to a great founding member that has contributed immensely to

What are the challenges like since you started?

It is a prevalent thing just like corruption and poverty; no reputable organisation or person would want to reckon with an up-and-coming artiste. There had been stigmatisation and discouragement; we hardly get shows, because we are not yet recognised, but to me, I see it as a phase of life, now the rest his history. The group has paid its dues and the coast is getting clearer.

So, we don’t see whatever challenge we come across as a problem, but a step to forge ahead in the ministry. Our works are now

speaking for us and this is a great sign that our impact is being felt.

What was your growing up like?

I grew up to be a ‘God-digger’.

I was born into a Christian home and was taught the ways of the Lord by my parents’. I have always been in the front-line of the children department of my church; CAC Oke Irapada, Idi Arere, Ibadan, Oyo State. I also led drama ministrations. I also preached during children anniversaries. Growing up was inquisitively awesome because I have always questioned my mum on various church practices, such as why we fast before Sunday service, why we go to mountains to ask for the Holy Ghost Power, etc.

What is your advice for fellow dance ministers?

A dispensation of the gospel has been committed into your hands.

Be spiritually conscious about what you build on the first foundation. Engage the Holy Spirit in your research to see beyond the literal meaning of dance-drama as a drama performed through dance movements, frequently with dialogue. It is the concept of the Holy Spirit and it takes the engagement of Holy Spirit rather than your mind and intellect to affect this sinful generation positively. The world awaits your manifestation.

Members of the Glorious Vision Dance Drama ministry

Exceeding grace for fruitfulness

By Reverend (Dr) Abel Adeleke Gen 43:34; Act 4:33 THE word “exceeding” in our theme literarily means something extraordinary, or exceptional. Grace is a function of the abundant life that Jesus has come to give to those who believe Him (John 10:10b).

Some other attributes of the exceeding grace include Redemption – a recovery of destiny from eternal destruction; Divine Inspiration through the Holy Spirit; Wisdom, which is a divine application of what we know; Fruitfulness, which is a covenant blessing to all the children of God as ascribed unto them in Genesis 1:29-30; and Divine Health– the delight of God as a practical index to the prosperity of their souls. If a child of God is lacking in any of these things, he’s poor.

In Genesis 43:34, we read how the exceeding grace brought exceptional favour to Benjamin, five times beyond his brethren. He was the youngest, but the exceeding favour of God distinguished him beyond his brethren. May the Lord our God visit you with such five-fold favour that will turn the story of your life around for better in the mighty name of Jesus. In Act 4:33, we read how the exceeding grace of God upon His children erased lack and poverty. Do you know that the exceeding grace of God can attract some goodness into your life, even when it seems you don’t deserve it? You might need to pray after now that the exceeding grace of God will attract greater blessings beyond your comprehension, as you continue your journey back to your maker.

What is fruitfulness? In the spiritual

the progress of the ministry, the late Mr Oluwatobi Akande, who died last year. I also want to use this privilege to send a condolence message to the family and also to appreciate them for their godly act for bearing with us in Christ and their support for the ministry.

sense, fruitfulness means success, selfsufficiency, increases, good health, prosperity in the soul and flesh, reaching your full potential (Psalm 1:3). May you become that tree of fruitfulness, planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth its fruits in due season; whose leaves also shall not wither and whatever it does shall prosper.

Amen.

However, we must note that there are different kinds of trees (Matthew 7:17): some are fruit-bearing tree; some are not meant to bear fruit and they cannot. There are some trees that bear undesirable fruits (no one eats the fruit); whereas, some are supposed to bear good fruits but are barren. Some trees produce poisonous fruits, people are warned to avoid them. Each of these is represented by the people in the church, but then we love to hide under some spiritual explanation. If you can believe God, your season has come and you are due for a turn-around. We must also note that a fruit contains food for eating

and seed for sowing. The scripture says, ‘Bread is for the eaters seed is for the sower ((2 Cor 9:10). The divine arrangement is for you to eat the food and sow the seed. Children of God should recognise that tithing, offering, and other financial commitment to the church as their seeds. Don’t eat it! If you do, it can close down the heaven upon you. If anybody disrespects this scriptural revelation, he’s heading for failure.

In the church, some believers are very fruitful while some are stagnated; yet they share the same words, prayers, anointing service, communion service and prophetic blessing. Three quick things might be responsible: attack of the enemy of their soul, living in sin, and/or living in disobedience to the word of God. To be honest with you, the enemies of God’s people are terrible ones. They do all they can to make themselves blazing terrors to God’s people. However, like a mere wind, it is under a divine check. God holds the winds in his fist. God will be such a shelter to his people that they shall be able to stand the shock, keep their ground and maintain their integrity and peace. God will shelter those that trust in him from the insolence of their proud oppressors.

In Isa. 25:5, we read that God shall bring down the noise of strangers. The oppressors of God’s people are called strangers.

Their insolence towards the people of God is noisy and hot. They are like the heat of the sun scorching in the middle of the day; but where is it when the sun has set? Their noise, heat, triumph will be humbled and brought low when their hopes are baffled and their honours laid in the dust. I charge you to come out of your sinfulness. Repent and turn to the Lord for your salvation and you shall be saved. You must also learn to follow the Lord with uttermost obedience.

John Sammis, in a song, says, “Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus; but to trust and obey.”

Truth in Action: Beloved, as we brace up for the exceeding grace for fruitful lifestyle, I charge you not to forget the core values of Zion Faith Mission. We are saved to impart others.We have access to God through our faith in the Lord Jesus.

Let us redefine the purpose for living. Let us come together to work for him while yet it is day time. Night will soon come when no one can work. Let us tap our zeal with patience. We cannot continue to live in fear and perpetual anxiety after Jesus Christ has given us a key for a victorious living. Salvation has opened the heavens to us that we may prosper and bear good fruits that will abide unto eternity. As you ponder over what you have read above, I fervently pray that your life shall become a shining example of what Favour can accomplish; the extent that Grace can go; the rage Mercy can cover; the goal that Faith can achieve and the exploit that Prayer can accomplish in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. At your prayer time, you might also need to ask the Holy Spirit to help you reorganise your life and destiny, taking it away from the destroyers. You need to ask for God’s mercy to remove every curse streaming into your life because you have not kept your financial obligations towards God and your church.

Pray that the Good Lord may help to shut down every door of wastage and turn every bad tree in your life to a tree bearing its fruit in season. I hope to meet you regularly on this platform by the Grace of the Almighty God. Remain blessed! Amen.

Reverend (Dr) Abel Adeleke is General Overseer of Zion Faith Mission

45 tribunechurch with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

Harvest of new songs

All hail the King of kings

The Kingship of Christ By today’s standards, the Kingship of Jesus seems absurd. Kings are expected to be powerful and strong, willing when necessary to enforce their power and command respect. The humble, lowly manifestations of Jesus’ life completely fly in the face of such requirements. God chose a peasant woman to be his mother.

He was born in a lowly manger and lived an itinerant life. He died a dishonorable death and had just a borrowed grave to lay in when he died. His disciples even got a tough lesson when they argued about who among them would be the greatest. He told them: .. “the one who is found to be the least among you all, is the one who is the greatest” (Lk. 9: 48). When he was challenged on his way to Jerusalem, his disciples, James and John offered to “call down fire from heaven to reduce them to ashes” (Lk. 9:54), he rebuked the disciples. They obviously knew that he had the power and must have been disappointed that he did not use it. He washed the feet of his disciples and told them “If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet. I have just given you an example, that as I have done you also may do” (Jn. 13: 14).

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

Matters arising There are kings and there are kings! The kings of this world parade cute names, awesome power and intimidating credentials. The Bible however declares that Jesus has been given a name that is greater than any other name. “God exalted him and gave him the name which outshines all names, so that at the name of Jesus all knees should bend in heaven on earth and among the dead, and all tongues proclaim that Christ Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2: 9-11). The Universal Church, last Sunday, formally celebrated the Solemnity (eminently special day) of Christ, King of the Universe. It is the Sunday that closes the official Liturgical Christian year before the beginning of Advent which is the start of a “new spring” in the Christian calendar and life. Of course Jesus is King of every day and every minute of the life of true Christians. The Bible shows that human beings live on symbols and only the blind or the recalcitrant can deny that fact in human life even today. God asked Moses to lift up the brazen serpent as a symbol of salvation in the desert (Num 21: 4-9). Jesus wept over Jerusalem because of its lack of repentance. He surely was not weeping for its paved roads or greenery but for the people of Israel and their depraved ways (Lk. 19 41-44).

That same symbolism is what Catholics powerfully express on Christ the King Sunday, processing in the streets with the Holy Eucharist, praying and singing about the kingship of Jesus Christ and the sanctification of the world.

29 November, 2015

Standing before Pilate to be sentenced to death, Jesus formally declared: “Just as you say, I am a king. For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (Jn. 18:37).

These few indications leading to an ignominious cross define the countercultural kingship of the King of kings who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The kingdom of this world Of course the kingdom of this world is totally different. The tragedies and terror of the present, the wars and struggles of our day and the fears and anxieties of our times are caused by the fierce competition between powers and civilizations, dominions and principalities all angling for influence, wealth and territory. Islamic State (ISIS), Al Quaeda, Boko Haram, or Al Shabbab are really not the only terrorist groups of our contemporary world. Long before them were the terrorism of slavery, mindless exploitation and capitalism, of totalitarianism and dictatorship, of institutionalized corruption in the highest places of governance, the judiciary and administration, of racial discrimination and domestic violence and many more. All provided the environment and nurtured the overall bloody and brutish manifestations of terror which we find today. In short we are punished more by our sins than for them, What manner of men But now as the curtains come down, it seems that time is ripe for the roll call.

Now everyone must own up and stand up either for Jesus or for his adversaries. When Jesus stood before Pilate, the chief priests declared: “We have no King but Caesar” (Jn. 19:15). There, like at the foot of the cross, was hardly anyone to claim him as king. Christians must know that bringing about God’s kingdom requires their commitment and is a game of numbers. They must by their works and actions claim Christ’s kingship and dominion. Christ the King Sunday was a moment of grace for Christians to vocalize that fact. Jesus knows well the perils that put his kingdom at risk. That is why he declared to his disciples: “You will have trouble in the world; but, courage!

I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16: 33).

Those who declare to belong to Jesus as a matter of conscience, must respond to the King-subject logic, which implies that there exists a kingdom and that the king has the right to make laws for his subjects to obey. Those who do so are the manner of men and women who can reign with the king and claim the world for him. “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (Jn. 15:14). So said Jesus Christ, “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth... to him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen “ (Rev. 1:5-6).

Continued from last week Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

That was what Hannah did in 1 Samuel chapter 1. The Bible says, 1 Samuel 1:1718 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

A new song is a figurative and collective expression meant to represent everything that you do to show appreciation to the Lord. It is a metaphor for your sacrifice of praise to the Lord, which can be material or non- material. Let us spare a moment to relate this new song to the material side of our thanksgiving. Can we ask, dear people of God - what song is your harvest thanksgiving offering singing?

One day, the Lord sat and watched as people were bringing their offerings (Mark 12: 41 - 44; Luke 21: 1 - 4). He taught us in that story that our offering should be commensurate with our blessings. I ask you today - is your sacrifice of thanksgiving commensurate with the blessings of God in your life? If not, please do something about it.

Every born again child of God wants to make heaven. Revelation 5: 9 and Rev 14: 3 give us insight into what we shall be

doing in heaven. We shall be singing new songs to our God. Let us start practicing from here.

And on that note, let us quickly remind ourselves of the final harvest. A great day is coming, when those who lived for Christ shall be harvested into the Paradise of God, and those who rejected Christ shall be harvested into eternal damnation in hell. People of God, heaven is real; and hell is real. You have celebrated Harvest in the church - the kingdom of God on earth; please don’t miss the kingdom of God in heaven. Don’t let the devil harvest your soul into hellfire. If today you cannot confidently declare that if death closes your eyes NOW, those eyes will open in the Paradise of God, God is giving you a fresh opportunity to sing a new song. Will you come to Jesus this now and receive a new life? The old life you have lived up till now will only lead to destruction. But the word of God says, John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Come and receive that everlasting life today. Let God harvest you into his kingdom, so that the devil will not harvest you into hellfire. Sing a new song of salvation today, so that you will not sing an old song of condemnation on the day of judgement.

Just as I am without one plea Just that the blood was shed for me...

livingword

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

Accessing Heaven’s order of financial fortune! (5) WELCOME to the last edition of this fivepart teaching series for this month. Since this month began, we have explored what heaven’s order of financial fortune is and how we can access same. Furthermore, we examined the qualities we must possess in order to proof our love for God. Last week, we began to explore what made father Abraham an epitome of financial fortune while he was on earth. In this concluding edition, we shall look at more of the Abrahamic qualities that connects us to heaven’s order of financial fortune.

• He was a liberal soul: Though God blessed Lot as He was blessing Abraham, nevertheless, he liberally gave Lot all that he wanted. It is written: The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself (Proverbs 11:25).

Abraham was a liberal soul; no wonder he was blessed and prospered supernaturally (Genesis 13:5-13).

• He was a lover of men: When Lot was captured, Abraham rescued him even though he (Lot) previously cheated him (Genesis 14:12-16).

• Abraham was also a tither: The tithe that Abraham paid to Melchizedek brought Abraham into the realms of supernatural blessings (Genesis 14:1920; Hebrews 7:1-8).

• Abraham was a lover of souls:

When God confided in Abraham that He would destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, he interceded for the rescue of souls in that city (Genesis 18:23-33).

For these reasons, Abraham was supernaturally blessed in all things and he became a symbol of blessing. We are told from scriptures that Christ died to bring us into the Abrahamic order of blessings by redemption (Genesis 24:1; Galatians 3:13-14).

Abraham commanded financial fortune not only in his lifetime, but also secured it for generations after him. We must understand that obedience to God’s commandments today is an investment into posterity (Psalms 112:1-3).

As we all know, it is following the steps of giants that makes a giant. Thus, if we are Abraham’s children, then, we must walk in his steps to command the same order of financial fortune that he commanded (John 8:39).

God is not an enemy of the prosperous; He is the Author of prosperity. Riches and honour come from God and it is released on the basis of our genuine love for Him. Therefore, let us establish real, unquestionable and undefiled friendship with God beginning from now and we would be launched into realms of supernatural blessings after the order of Abraham.

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

The big purge in Customs What pains, gains for Nigeria?

Since its inauguration in May, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has effected major shake-ups in government agencies, ministries and parastatal agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). SALIU GBADAMOSI writes on the implications of the recent purge in the NCS for the nation.

Customs officers at a conference

W

ITH the increasing dwindling resources accruable to the Federation Account following the free fall in the global oil market, all eyes are on all revenue generating agencies in the country, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Given the stance of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration on corruption, Nigerians expected much from the Federal Government in fighting the hydra-headed phenomenon. Nigerians expected that the government would beam its searchlight on the revenue generating agencies with a view to ensuring that more revenues are brought into government coffers, which in turn would make resources easily available for government to bring about the much-desired change in the lives of Nigeria.

When the immediate past Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Abdullahi Inde Dikko, gave notice of resignation on August 17, 2015, many had expected President Buhari to name his successor from among the top echelon of the NCS but to the surprise of all, the president named a former military administrator of Kaduna State, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retd), as the new helmsman at the NCS with a clear mandate to reorganise and reposition the Customs for efficient and greater service delivery.

Ali’s mantra and the shake up Since his assumption of office in August, the Bauchi State-born Army officer has not minced words in articulating his mandate to reorganise and restructure the NCS, saying it is not going to be business as usual at the Service. On Friday, October 30, after weeks of taking briefs from the management, zonal commands and necessary stakeholders, Ali approved the immediate retirement of 34 senior officers, including all the five Deputy Comptrollers-General (DCGs) who had, on the previous

day, turned in their joint voluntary resignation letter to the CGC, as part of the reorganisation mandate.

Sunday Tribune gathered affected,DCGs, namely John Atte MFR (Finance, Administration and Technical Services); Ibrahim Mera OON (Human Resources); Musa Tahir mni (Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection); Austin Nwosu (Strategic, Research and Planning) and Akinade Adewuyi (Tariff and Trade), had earlier been asked to proceed on a two-week leave but sensing that the move could be a prelude to their being eased out of service, they met and jointly took the decision to voluntarily retire.

A statement announcing the retirement of the officers, signed on behalf of the Comptroller-General by the Service’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Wale Adeniyi, a Deputy Comptroller-General, also included three officers of the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACGs), including the Secretary, Customs Board, Madu Mohammed mni; the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Lagos, Victor Gbemudu and Bello Liman (Headquarters). The remaining 26 officers were of the rank of Comptrollers serving in Customs headquarters in Abuja, zonal offices and various area commands. It added that the retirements were part of measures to kick-start the repositioning of the Service for improved performance.

By last Monday, the Customs announced the appointment of six acting Deputy Comptrollers-General and eight acting Assistant Comptrollers-General (ACGs), four of whom were announced as zonal coordinators to head the four zones of the NCS. The appointments took immediate effect. The newly-appointed DCGs, who until the appointment were of the rank of Assistant ComptrollersGeneral, were appointed DCGs in acting capacity.

Those appointed are: Idris Suleiman (Finance Admin-

istration and Technical Service); Iya Umar (Tariff and Trade); Dan Ugo (Enforcement Investigation and Inspection); Grace Adeyemo (Excise, FTZ & Industrial Incentive); Austin Warikoru (Human Resource Development) and Paul Ukaigwe (Strategic Research and Policy). The eight ACGs appointed, who were of the rank of Comptrollers before the new appointment, were also put in acting capacity. They are Umar Sanusi (ACG Headquarters); Funsho Adegoke (ACG ICT); Mohammed Abbas (ACG Board) and Olatunji Aremu (Command & Staff College).

Others are Charles Edike (Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’ Lagos); Abubakar Dangaladima (Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘B’ Kaduna); Azarema Abdulkadir (Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘C’ Port Harcourt) and Chidi Augustine (Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘D’ Bauchi).

As part of the exercise, seven officers were redeployed .

According to the statement, those redeployed were: ACG Adesina Odunmbaku (Finance and Technical Service); ACG Robert Alu (Tariff and Trade); ACG Ade Dosumu (Enforcement and Drugs) and ACG Monday Abueh (Excise & Industrial Incentive). Also redeployed were ACG Ahmed Mohammed (Human Resource Management); ACG Patience Iferi (Strategic Research and Policy) and Comptroller Aminu Abba (Technical Service).

More to go...

The rumour mill was rife with insinuations that 400 officers had been sacked by Ali in the ongoing restructuring of the NCS, but the CGC denied this while fielding questions from journalists on Monday in Abuja, declaring: “I am not aware of any sacking. You are just telling me, I don’t know.”

Sunday Tribune learnt during the week that more Continues pg 47

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29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘You don’t make money in Customs...’

President Muhammadu Buhari Continued from pg46

officers might go in the restructuring process, with those mostly to be affected being those who falsified their results to gain promotions. A source claimed that, already, some officers had been investigated and their case was already on the table of the Comptroller-General.

He said, “What some officers who entered the Service with lower qualification normally do is to upgrade their academic qualification with a view to being promoted. For instance, some may enter as Customs Assistants with the school certificate or as Inspectors with National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) and want to move to Superintendent cadre after acquiring a university degree. It is among these officers that we have some who falsified their results. If there is going to be sack, these are the ones that may be eased out of the Customs.”

The source added that some whose files showed evidence of corruption, insubordination, indiscipline or absenteeism, particularly those who turned down posting and refused to report at their new duty posts, might also be affected. He however added that the figure would not be up to 400, as speculated in some quarters. The source further informed that there was going to be mass redeployment of officers as part of the ongoing restructuring in the Service.

Ali’s riot act The restructuring plan was confirmed by the Comptroller-General himself confirmed last Tuesday when he addressed officers and men of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the NCS during his familiarisation visit to the command as part of his visits to major stakeholders of the Customs. Ali told them that anyone who had spent up to three years at a posting would be posted out to other places. He told them that the time of rejecting posting was over and declared that, “You should

Colonel Hameed Ali (retd), Comptroller-General of Customs

henceforth see every Customs posting as a good posting.”

He further told them that the era of getting promoted based on godfatherism was gone for good in the Service. According to him, from now on, every Customs man and woman had to earn his/ her promotion based not only on writing promotion examination but also on good performance. The Comptroller-General acknowledged the fact that the general perception in the society was that the Customs was the most corrupt in the Nigeria today, telling the officers and men that they had to put the idea of joining the Service to make money behind them. He said: “You don’t make money in Customs, you earn money.”

The anti-corruption stance of the Buhari administration, the Customs boss said, had to be taken very serious by Customs personnel, warning that anyone caught would be dealt with in accordance with the law of the land. Ali further warned that he was not going to tolerate indiscipline in the Customs, saying that discipline was at its lowest ebb when he assumed duty as CG. According to him, indiscipline was unheard of in uniform, noting that, “whatever you are doing cannot work if you are not disciplined.”

The cost of reorganisation The concern in some quarters is the cost implication of the retirement of the top echelon of the NCS. Many are of the view that the exercise must have cost the country some form of losses in terms of the training which the affected officers had in the course of service.

But to DCG Adeniyi, Customs’ PRO, the country could not talk about the cost in absolute monetary terms, which he said could be huge. He claimed that the implication of the ongoing reorganisation in the NCS was that the Service would ulti-

mately benefit for it, saying that it was an avenue for officers to prove their mettle.

“In realistic terms, we can’t really talk about the cost in absolute monetary terms because they (the retired officers) are all experienced officers, they have years of experience in the Customs, some of them spanning over 30 years. I would say in terms of absolute cost, it is very difficult to quantify but the cost must be huge.

“But on the flip side, you also want to know that the Service has an hierarchical structure. They ( the newly-promoted officers) were all Asstistant ComptrollersGeneral (ACGs) of Customs, who have undergone different training programmes.

Once you are on management staff in the Nigerian Customs, you are exposed to the same level, same scope, same type of training. The guys who stepped up to be acting DCGs are management staff and they have undergone training programmes before,” Adeniyi told the Sunday Tribune.

He, however, added: “I would say we don’t have any cost that the Service would suffer as a result of the reorganisation.”

Adeyemi said the reorganisation would positively rub off on the Customs, as it would create room for promotion for younger officers and serve as a tonic for the personnel to prove themselves.

According to Adeniyi, those promoted on acting capacity “are younger people; these are younger blood who bring fresher ideas up to the table. So, you will expect that because they were put on acting capacity, they will want to prove themselves. You will expect that they will redouble their efforts to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“You also know that when such vacuum is created, vacancies exist; people move up. When people move up, it is a kind of uplift and promotion. As bad as it may be that some people lost their jobs, for those kind of people who are moved up, it is an opportunity to prove their mettle, having

attained higher level. Eventually, it is the Service that will benefit from it.”

The tasks ahead Meanwhile, Colonel Ali assured that given the relative peace achieved in the North East where the military isengaging in a fierce battle against insurgency, the NCS would return Customs border posts to the zone, provided there is adequate guarantee of safety from the military and police.

The Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral Yusuf Buratai had, while receiving the Comptroller-General of Customs at the Army headquarters in Abuja, requested that the Customs should return to the border posts, particularly at Gamboru-Ngala and Banki, to further support the war against insurgency.

“We will look at the atmosphere. They are there and should provide the enabling environment for our people to operate. So we will consider that (request to return Customs posts),” Ali told newsmen.

While noting that insurgency was the biggest problem facing Nigeria as of today, Ali stated that people no longer imported small arms but bigger ones, declaring that if the number of arms coming into the country could be reduced, there would be security in the country.

“Small arms importation is endemic. It is a problem to all us: the Customs, police and the military. We are all doing everything to make sure that we stop this thing. We know today, our biggest problem is insurgency and this thing has gone beyond small arms.

“Now, people import big arms, people import machine guns, rocket propelled grenade launchers and so many others through the borders, through the waterside. We have the responsibility to be able to stop these things from coming in because insurgency is our biggest problem today,” the Comptroller-General said.

48

29 November, 2015

children’sarena

Sunday Tribune Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

Words from the kids

Where do you wish to find yourself in another three years?

Awemakinde Favour, SS3, 16yrs In the next three years, I would like to find myself as a 300 level student studying law in the great University of Ibadan.

My goal and attainment is to be a qualified lawyer who will travel all over the world, settling and defending cases. I pray to God to help me achieve my dream.

I deliberately joined the press club to be informed about things around me.

The school press club has opened my eyes to my future ambition, writing about events in school, settling cases through writing and this is a little advantage for me.

Tega Jave, S.S 1, 13 yrs In the next three years, now that I am in SSS 1, I should be in the first year at age sixteen in Harvard University, England on scholarship hoping to become a biologist or possibly a physician like Albert Einstein.

I have chosen to be a science student because of the inspiration I get from science books, science fiction movies (mostly space movies) superhero movies or comics.

In the next three years, I see myself as a potential physician, ready to change the world and its ways of life.

With high hopes and dreams, I can say with God’s help, I will be a proud student of the Department of International Relations.

My dreams as an aspiring International Relations student are: to learn language, culture and laws of countries in the world.

As an International Relations student, I hope to help solve some of the major issues/conflicts going around me.

Though in the next three years, I will still be a 200 level student, I will work towards this goal. With the help of my teachers , and my press club coordinators and most importantly with the help of God, this is where I want to find myself in the next three years. God help me.

Olumese Charles, S.S.3, 15 yrs In three years to this time, I will be in the university, studying Law. By that time, I would have been introduced to major things I need to know about Law and probably would have learnt the constitution off hand.

In three years, I would like to see myself aiming at first class in ‘law in the university.

In another three years, I would have been more computer literate as I am planning to have my computer training fixed during the holiday.

I would have gone far in computer literacy and would have obtained my diploma in computer studies.

All students are from MARKS Comprehensive High School, Ibadan.

of C th hil ew d ee k

k ild ee h C ew th f o

Agre Precious S.S.2, 15 yrs

HORSE

Omowonuola Diamond

YEROKUN

clocked 1 recently

Many happy returns.

• Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up.

• Horses can run shortly after birth.

• Domestic horses have a lifespan of around 25 years.

• A 19th century horse named ‘Old Billy’ is said to have lived 62 years.

• Horses have around 205 bones in their skeleton.

• Horses have been domesticated for over 5000 years.

• Horses are herbivores (plant eaters).

• Horses have bigger eyes than any other mammal that lives on land.

• Because horse’s eyes are on the side of their head they are capable of seeing nearly 360 degrees at one time.

• Horses gallop at around 44 kph (27 mph).

• The fastest recorded sprinting speed of a horse was 88 kph (55 mph).

• Estimates suggest that there are around 60 million horses in the world.

• Scientists believe that horses have evolved over the past 50 million years from much smaller creatures.

• A male horse is called a stallion.

• A female horse is called a mare.

• A young male horse is called a colt.

• A young female horse is called a filly.

• Ponies are small horses. More pony facts.

Quote

“Have a heart that never hardens and a temper that never tires and a touch that never hearts.”

49

news

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Don’t be deceived, Dickson has done well —Jonathan Jonathan’s kinsmen: ‘We are solidly behind Sylva’ Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

F

ormer President Goodluck Jonathan has said that “Bayelsa grew from district, small cluster communities, but today, from what Governor Seriake Dickson has done, I can tell you that he has done well for the state.”

Jonathan stated this at a grand rally for the Bayelsa governorship campaign held at the Samson Siasia stadium in Yenagoa, and attended by members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Demoicratic Party (PDP), PDP state governors led by Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, as well as other party stalwarts, He noted that all the governorship candidates are his children, but from what is on ground in the state, Dickson deserves a second term in office, even as he urged the people not to be deceived by politicians because they are full of lies.

Jonathan, who described Dickson as a visionary leader, said the steps he has taken to develop the state show that he is a visionary leader, because he is futuristic in his development plans for the state.

He said: “Dickson is preparing Bayelsa for tomorrow like the nation of Singapore that was liberated

by Lee Kwan You to rank among developed nations.”

Jonathan reiterated that he is aware that Dickson opened an office in South Africa and London to open a vista for the industrialisation of the state, and he did all that because he was looking at the future of the state in the next 25 years.

The former president, itemised some of Dickson’s

achievements to include, a flyover, the Toru Ebeni bridge, dualisation of several roads, health institutions, foreign scholarship programmes, among others, even as he compared him (Dickson) to his predecessor, Late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and himself in conceptualising policies and programmes for the future.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, urged the people to vote for the PDP and also monitor their votes, and encouraged them to be vigilant against the background that the APC plan to rig the election with fake security agencies on election duty.

In his remarks, incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson thanked the party

for handing over the party flag to him, saying “he has gone round communities, towns and villages to campaign and the people have assured him that there is no vacancy for APC in government house.

He noted that the communities have rejected Sylva and reiterated that the APC would lose in state, and that Sylva would even lose his ward in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s kinsmen in Ogbia Local Government Area have said that there is no alternative or better candidate to occupy “Creek Haven,” Bayelsa State seat of power than the governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.

At the different communities, Chief Timipre Sylva was fortified with the Ogbia myth symbolised by the handing over of a Bible and sword to him, just as they tied him with new wrapper and battle hats, urging him to go into the contest and return victorious.

The Ogbia people averred that they are solidly behind Sylva to give him 100 per cent votes at the December 5, 2015 governorship election, which they demonstrated by defying the heavy downpour and took to the road drumming and singing pro-Sylva songs, while others carried banners with messages such as “Sylva is our son and we will give him 100% votes,” “Sylva was removed from office but 2016 is God’s

time for Sylva,” “Sylva is the Governor we are waiting for,” among others.

The Sylva/Igiri campaign train traversed several communities in Ogbia LGA, such as Otuokpoti, Ewoi, Otuabula I & II, Ayama, Abureni, Otuogidi, Emeyal and Oloibiri, where the APC were given a rousing reception by traditional rulers, women groups, politicians and youths in all the communities.

The Sylva/Igiri Campaign Director-General, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and state APC Chairman, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe, were warmly welcomed, just as they told the crowd of supporters that the APC development agenda would

From right, Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Senate Leader, Ali Ndume and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio at the inauguration of senate committees by the Senate President during the weekend at the National Assembly, Abuja.

8,000 INEC ad hoc staff for Bayelsa governorship election The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa has said more than 8,000 ad hoc staff would be engaged in the December 5 governorship election in the state.

Mr Baritor Kpagih, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Saturday.

He said that the commission’s permanent staff would also be actively involved in the election.

“We will involve ad hoc staff, more than 8,000 of them will be recruited. Definitely in election period, most of our permanent staff are always involved.

“The ad hoc staff have been trained on what they

should do while on duty; some of them were trained at the local government area headquarters.

“INEC in Bayelsa is working with the electoral guide-

lines and we will continue to do our best to ensure that the governorship election in the state is succesful,’’ he said.

One of the trainees, Miss

Chinelo Okoafor, a member of the National Youth Service Corps in Bayelsa, told NAN that she was ready to work in accordance with INEC guidelines.

“During the training we were taught so many things, I believe we are going to ensure the most credible and acceptable election,’’ she observed.

Plateau by-election: Security men arrest 13 persons Isaac Shobayo-Jos Security men deployed to the Quapan local government area of Plateau State to ensure hitch free by-election into the Plateau State House of Assembly on Saturday have arrested 13 persons for various offenses during the election.

National Commissioner, North Central zone of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Anthonia Simbin, who

disclosed this in Jos said apart from those arrested for various electoral misdemeanors, the exercise was marked by poor turn out.

According to him, among those arrested, seven were underaged voters, while five were fake party agents, adding that seven voters cards were seized from the underaged voters, stressing that those arrested were handed over to the police.

“We discovered in some polling units three major

problems during the accreditation in this by-election; underaged, fake party agent cards and low turnout of voters. We have seen with our eyes and seized seven PVCs from the underaged and five fake party agent cards in some few polling units visited”.

The National Commissioner implored children not to take the law into their hands but should wait until they reach the age of 18 to participate in the election.

Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Godwin Kwanga, described the election as peaceful and orderly and appealed to the people of Qua’an Pan to give the INEC officials the necessary cooperation for a successful and credible election.

The contending seat became vacant as a result of the death of Hon. Godfrey Dashe who was elected on the platform of PDP in the April election.

be centred on the peculiar needs of the people, with a view to ensuring development in the communities and prosperity for Bayelsans.

Led by His Royal Majesty, King George Lawson, other traditional rulers such as King Madock Ogbogi; King Omie Theophilus; King Ebi Daniel and other chiefs entertained Sylva inside the conference centre of the Ogbia Brotherhood, first of its kind in Ogbia history.

In their speech read by King George Lawson, the traditional rulers assured the governorship candidate of their total support to actualise his mandate, reiterating that the Ogbia people are united in ensuring that Sylva gets 100 per cent support; and that his victory is foreclosed.

“Ogbia people have resolved that you were doing enough for the people before you were denied your second chance to be governor. We will give you full support by mobilising our people for you on December 5, 2015.”

The traditional rulers asked him to prioritise the construction of OtuabagiObeduma-Idema road so that the Abureni clan could have access to Ogbia town as well as construction of OguAnyama, Otuedu and Emadike road to open up communities at the Anyama area on both sides of the Ekole creek to motorable road.

Responding, Sylva reiterated that what they have asked was basic amenities and that if elected, in his first year in office, he would complete all the projects.

Sylva/Igiri Campaign Director General, Heineken Lokpobiri, in his remarks, lauded the Ogbia people for seeing the APC light and following the change train that is sweeping all over the country, assuring them that as agriculture minister, he would work with Sylva to provide food, development and jobs for the people.

State Party Chairman, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe who received some PDP politicians that defected to the APC, said they left because they had been in darkness, hunger and poverty inflicted by the PDP, even as he posited that Ogbia suffered under-development for six years but Sylva as governor would drag development and prosperity from the centre to Ogbia people.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Emegha Queen Chiedu now OKOH QUEEN CHIEDU. All documents remain valid.

The general public take note.

50

news

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Nigeria needs trained technicians for industrialisation —Former Ekiti Speaker

By Moses Alao

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (right), unveiling the statue of Iyaafin Abosede Olanipekun, during the inauguration of Iyaafin Abosede Olanipekun Amenity Ward, built by Chief Wole Olanipekun, while Chief Olanipekun (middle) and his wife, Omolara (left), watch during a ceremony, held in Ikere Ekiti, on Saturday.

EFFORTS to industrialise Nigeria will continue to be an illusion unless there are technicians to drive the process, a former Speaker of Ekiti State, Honourable Adetope Ademiluyi, has stated, noting population explosion, political expediency, incessant industrial action, nonchalance of students and teachers, class distinction between the rich and the poor, forceful acquisition of missionary schools by government as well as the phasing out of teachers training colleges were the bane of education in the country.

Ademiluyi, who was a former acting governor in Ekiti State, stated these in Ogbomoso, where he delivered the 10th annual alumni lecture of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, entitled: “The Privatisation and Democratisation of the Nigeria Education Sector: The Dangers Ahead.

He said: “It is time our universities of technology and polytechnics are encouraged to produce graduates in line with the concept that led to their establishment.

We must have mechanical engineering graduates, who can practically fix faulty cars. Our agricultural universities must produce graduates who will take artificial insemination of animals in their strides in the regular day job. Students, who choose to go into these schools, should be encouraged with incentives like grants and scholarships.”

Surveyors challenge Ogun govt in court over C of O

From left, Honourable Hilary Udanoh, executive chairman, Anambra East Local Government; Miracle Okocha; comedian Acapella and Silvia, during the Glo Laffta Fest comedy show in Awka, Anambra State.

Military, police frustrating enforcement of laws —Lagos dep gov Bola Badmus -Lagos

L

AGOS State government has decried increasing rate of lawlessness and crimes in the state, accusing military and police officers of being specifically in the fore-front of people frustrating enforcement of the state laws.

The state’s deputy governor, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, made the accusation at the weekend, while fielding questions from journalists shortly after monitoring the November edition of the state’s environmental sanitation exercise in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

Adebule said some military and police officers did not only disregard the state’s environmental laws but were caught helping to drive commercial vehicles to violate the laws in their uniforms, while wielding guns.

“We have gone round Lagos, especially Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, we are dissatisfied with the level of compliance to the sanitation law. There was clear disregard for the sani-

tation law. I am using this opportunity to appeal to the officers of Nigerian Army and other security agencies to desist from violating the law.

“I discovered that the military officers, police are the one leading the violation in the state. I want to urge their heads to call them to

order. They must lead by example.

“They are the law enforcement officers in the country, but it is pathetic that they are violating the law. We will appreciate if they comply with the sanitation law. It is very important to us.

“They should please save

the law. They should own it. When we do this, we will be able to feel the impact of clean environment that leads to good health. I want to urge that within the three hours stipulated for the sanitation, they should call one another and clean their environment,” Dr Adebule said.

‘Glo Laffta Fest, the game changer in comedy shows’

THE Nigerian entertainment landscape is witnessing a new dimension in the comedy genre according to Glo subscribers who attended the Awka edition of Glo Laffta Fest comedy show in Anambra State on Friday.

Several Glo subscribers, who attended the show held at the Marble Arch Hotel and Events Centre, Awka, praised Globacom for bringing the Laffta Fest comedy show which is currently touring major cities in Nigeria to Awka.

Having arrived the town from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the show which

began at 4pm featured top-rated comedians and artistes including host, Basket Mouth, Okey Bakassi, Gandoki, I Go Dye, Acapella, Funny Bone, Mayor, Omawumi and Wizkid, who engaged the audience in an evening of ecstasy and unlimited fun.

Organised exclusively for Glo subscribers who had received an invitation to the event through a text message, the venue was filled to maximum capacity with an overflow that out-numbered the seated guests in the auditorium.

A number of guests

who aired their views commended Globacom for taking the show across the country, particularly the Awka edition, saying it is a laudable initiative.

A guest, Amaka Amamchukwu, who was the third runner-up in the Miss Anambra 2015 pageant, said Globacom is taking entertainment to another level in Nigeria. “This is the second entertainment show by Globacom in Awka within four weeks.

It’s very commendable that Globacom is promoting entertainment in Nigeria, touring the whole country with two premium shows.”

SURVEYORS in Ogun State have dragged Ogun State Government to court over alleged discrepriances and illegality surrounding the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) under its new housing policy known as Home Owner Charter.

The group in the suit number FHC/HB/CS/66/15 scheduled for hearing on December 1, 2015 at Federal High Court, Abeokuta, claimed that the sketch plans under the Home Owner Charter do not have the particulars of any registered surveyor and are only endorsed with the scanned signature of Surveyor-General of Ogun State, which is contrary to the law of survey plan in Nigeria The plaintiffs declared that the defendants, who included the Surveyor-General, have no power to disregard the relevant laws and regulation governing the practice of land survey in Nigeria, stressing that the body shall contend that various non-compliance with the relevant laws and regulations governing the practice of land in Nigeria render the survey plans under the Home Owner Charter program of Ogun State null and void and liable to be set aside by the court.

Traditional rulers, LAUTECH, others set for Akintola’s 50th memorial anniversary TRADITIONAL rulers in Yorubaland, including the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladuni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, Olugbon of Ile Igbon, Oba Samuel Adegboyega Osunbade, and corporate institutions have pledged their active involvement in the 50th remembrance anniversary of the late premier of the western region Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

Apart from the traditional rulers, the group Managing Director of the Oodua Investment Ltd, Mr Raji Adewale; Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Professor Niyi Gbadegesin, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Senator Lekan Balogun, Chief L A Gbadamosi and many other prominent indigenes of Ogbomoso and political associates of the late premier promised to ensure an elaborate and successful 50th remembrance anniversary.

Oba Oyewumi, while advising the anniversary committee, headed by Mr Adeyemi Adedoku, said the committee should ensure a befitting remembrance programme for the late sage and promised to give necessary support for the programme.

51

news

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Rep moves for completion of Oyo waterworks B y Moses Alao

From left, former Chairman, Ibadan branch of University of Ife Muslim Graduate Association (UNIFEMGA), Pharm. Akinwande Lukman; National Vice President, Mr. Adekunle Odeyinka; National President, Prof. Abdul Wahab Egbewole and Chairman, UNIFEMGA, (Abuja Chapter), Alhaji AbdulGaniyy Oladokun, during the second Education Summit of the Association in Abuja on Saturday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

THE member representing Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency, Honourable Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi has moved another motion for the completion of the Erelu Waterworks Scheme in Oyo, noting that the contract which was awarded for the sum of N1,429,000,000, and was supposed to be completed in 15 months, has taken about five years because of a balance of N429,000,000.

According to Adeyemi, in a motion dated 18 August, 2015 and submitted to the House of Representatives, the project “if completed, will serve more than 10 communities with potable water but the communities do not currently have access to potable water,” a development he said put them at the risk of water-borne disease epidemic.

He called on the House to mandate the House Committee on Water Resources to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority to ensure that the balance of N429 million is appropriated for in the 2016 Appropriation Act. This was just as he moved that the House should mandate its Committee on Appropriation to put the water scheme project in its 2016 Appropriation Act.

Women group hails Buhari on appointment of new boss for NDLEA Bola Badmus - Lagos

Princess Abolaji Olatunji, flanked by her parents, Princess Toyin and Prince Jacob Segun Olatunji, Senior Deputy Editor, Nigerian Tribune, during her convocation ceremony held at Tai Solarin University, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday.

Industrial action looms: As union gives FAAN 48hrs to meet workers’ demands Shola Adekola - Lagos

T

HE Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has given the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) 48hrs ultimatum within which to address workers’ demands or face industrial unrest.

The ultimatum expires today Sunday night while the union is expected to carry out its threat tomorrow, Monday morning if the demands were not met by FAAN. In a letter dated 26th November 2015 signed by Rotimi Kehinde on behalf of the general secretary and addressed to the Managing director of FAAN, the union declared: “We hereby place before you and your management the underlisted demands to be met within 48 hours or face withdrawal of service in all FAAN formations”.

In a swift reaction, the general manager, corporate

communications of FAAN, Yakubu Dati said the management was aware of the issues raised and promised to tackle them as a family.

According to Dati; “ Whatever issues the union has expressed, we will deal with as a family, the grievances will be looked into and as I said we have already started a process to find out an ami-

cable solution that will not lead to any unrest so, we appeal for calm and urge the union to partner with us as we all want one and the same thing, the growth of this industry.”

ATSSSAN is demanding for, among other things, “the immediate reversal of the approval granted Bi - Courtney (MM2) to com-

mence regional flights when “we all know that Bi - Courtney is not paying for services rendered by FAAN.” “We call for the imediate reversal of the decision to reduce duty tour allowances for our members as this is a condition of service issue and cannot be tampered with without the consent of the unions.”

Kidnappers release Samson Siasia’s mother in Bayelsa Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa MADAM Beauty Siasia, who was abducted on November 16, 2015, was released by her abductors along the East- West Road on Saturday morning.

The Bayelsa Police Command said that the kidnap victim, Samson Siasia’s 72-year-old mother, was dropped off at about 1.30 a.m. on Saturday without any ransom.

Mr Asinim Butswat, (ASP), Police spokesman

of the Bayelsa Police Command who confirmed the development said the kidnappers freed the victim following a clampdown on their location by men of Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command.

He said that the Police was ‘cautious and professional’ in the operation to ensure that the hostage was freed unhurt.

“She is hale and hearty and has been reunited with her family. The Police have intensified efforts to ar-

rest the fleeing suspects,” Butswat said.

The gunmen had stormed the family residence at Odoni community of Sagbama and forcefully whisked away Madam Siasia on a motorcycle.

It will be recalled that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N150m million and later reduced the demand to N32 million, nine days after her kidnap, but the family told them that they were only able to raise N 600,000.

A group, Women Initiative Group (WING), has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari on the appointment of Mrs. Roli Bode George as the first woman to become the acting Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

George was appointed to the new post, following the retirement of the former chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, who bowed out after serving the agency for 10 years.

The group gave the commendation in a statement made available to Sunday Tribune by its chairman, Barrister Tinuade Joseph, who described the appointment as “a good step in redressing the gender imbalance in the recent appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

The WING, while insisting that the appointment was a significant gender balancing, said it came at a period when the Buhari administration was being leaned upon to appoint more women into position of public relevance and reckoning.

“Mrs. Bode George appointment is a significant gender balancing at a period when the Buhari administration is being leaned upon to appoint more women in the position of public relevance and reckoning,” the group said.

Odebunmi tasks youths on national orientation

By Remi Anifowose THE member representing Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Information,National Orientation,Ethics and Values) , Honourable Odebunmi Olusegun, has charged students of Oyo State to be more committed to the society in making the communities better.

Speaking at the Segun Odebunmi quiz competition organised by the Federation of Oyo State Students Union(FOSSU NATIONAL), as part of her annual week, themed: ‘’ Me and My Society,’’ held on Friday, at 250 lecture hall,Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, the lawmaker said the youth should be more sensitive and positively committed to the development of the society.

Honourable Odebunmi, who was represented by his legislatives aide, Femi Akanbi, said the quiz competition was to encourage the students and the youth to be more serious with their education so as to be better members of the society in the future.

In the competition, Olivet Baptist High Sch Oyo came first;. Muslim Comprehensive High Sch Igboho came second while Owode Community High Sch Ogbomoso came third.

52 news

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Fayose carpets FG over looted fund

Fund is with CBN —Presidency

E

KITI State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the last six months of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration as that of “deceitful change,” lamenting that the President was destroying the image of Nigeria and its people for cheap international recognition.

The governor, who also described the claim by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, that the ministry did not have details of any fund recovered from officials of the immediate past government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan was a vindication of his position that the President was not saying the truth, and urged Nigerians to ask the President where the so-called looted fund was paid and who made the payments.

But the Presidency through one of its spokesperson, Mr Femi Adesina, reacting to Facebook interractions on the issue, said “President Buhari had said earlier that the recovered loot is in an account with the CBN. It is the apex bank that can give a report. No

need to split hairs.”

He said; “If the Ministry of Finance is not aware of any recovered fund, it is either those who purportedly made the refund did so by loading cash into GhanaMust-Go bags and dropping the bags in the President’s bedroom, or the fund was lodged into the Central Bank without records.

Speaking through his

Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said “the only areas President Buhari has recorded tremendous achievements are areas of political persecution, disobedience of court order and desperate bid to turn the country to a one-party state as evident in the Kogi State election, which

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), staged managed and muddled up.”

He said; “in the last six months, a section of the judiciary has been so openly manipulated by the Buhari’s administration such that different judgments were given in similar cases, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) getting

negative judgments while the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured positive judgements in cases with similar facts and evidences.”

While sympathising with Nigerians, who were deceived to vote for the APC and are now bearing the brunt of the six months of Buhari’s administration’s cluelessness, Governor

Navy, NIMASA begins search for abducted crew on Polish vessel Tola Adenubi - Lagos

From left, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; his wife, Florence and Chief Bode Amoo, during the civic reception for Oyo State governor held at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN

Oyo police arrest cross-border bandit for alleged car snatching

By Oluwatoyin Malik and Hannah Sasodje A citizen of Republic of Benin suspected to be one of the cross-border bandits terrorizing innocent citizens of Nigeria, Bendoussou Celestine (57), has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command.

Celestine was among the 21 crime suspects shown to journalists by the state Commissioner of Police, Leye Ajibade, at the weekend in Ibadan.

According to the police commissioner, Celestine’s gang, which was based in Benin Republic, and had been invading the country from time to time, stretched their luck to far recently when they snatched a Toyota Corolla car and Hilux SUV from their owners at gun point in Ibadan.

Oyebade said his men pursued the robbers when the incident was reported, and in the process, engaged in fierce gun battle with the fleeing robbers as they attempted taking the vehicles into Benin Republic.

The police commissioner further disclosed that Celestine sustained bullet wound in his left arm,

Fayose said; “It is painful that Nigerians are being made to suffer great hardships from fuel scarcity, thousands of people are still being killed in the North by Boko Haram, Chibok Girls are still not found, power supply has dropped, and above all; the unity of the country is being threatened as admitted by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, yet all our President does is junketing around the globe.”

while his gang members escaped into the neighbouring country with bullet wounds.

He said that the two vehicles were recovered in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic.

Also, Oyebade briefed journalist on the arrest of a

25-year-old man, Bolaji Afeez Ajao, a suspected fraudster who had been parading himself as the son of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Israel Ajao.

The Oyo police boss disclosed that on September 7, 2014, the suspect sent a fake electronic alert to a car

dealer, making the businessman to hand over the key of a 2005 model of a Honda car to Bolaji.

The suspect reportedly sold the car to a receiver in Lagos State, but it was later recovered, while the suspect was also arrested, Oyebade said further.

Also paraded were six suspected kidnappers who were arrested in Okeho town in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, through the collaborative efforts of the command and the intelligence response team of the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

Indefinite boycott of sitting: Ajimobi meets APC lawmakers today

By Dare Adekanmbi IN order to forestall a face-off with members of the legislature, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, will today meet with lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state House of Assembly.

As a follow up to today’s meeting, which is scheduled for 5 p.m at the governor’s private residence in Oluyole, Governor Ajimobi is also billed to meet with all the 32 lawmakers at the Parliamentary tomorrow.

Sunday Tribune gathered that the meeting will address the grievances of the lawmakers over the non-payment of their allowances, running cost for the House and two months

salaries.

The legislators last week resolved to boycott sitting indefinitely until the governor was ready to address these issues.

It was gathered that the meeting with the APC lawmakers was initially scheduled for last Friday, but was called off when a scanty

number of the 18 APC lawmakers attended.

The lawmakers said they were unaware that the crash in the price of crude oil had adversely affected the finances of all the states and the Federal Government.

They argued that all other state governors, despite the

general cash crunch, had paid the allowances of their lawmakers, wondering why theirs was not attended to

by Governor Ajimobi.

The decision to postpone sitting indefinitely, according to them, was taken after all efforts to resolve the matter peacefully had failed.

THE Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other security agencies have begun a spirited search for the crew and the Polish cargo vessel abducted off Nigeria’s coast.

According to a statement signed by NIMASA Deputy Director, Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, the agency, “the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro, had directed a full scale investigation and release of the Captain and four crew members of the vessel.

The vessel, MV SZAFIR operating under the Cyprus flag, was reportedly attacked on Friday approximately seven nautical miles east of Brass at about 0149 hours local time.

Registered with IMO No.9004504, the vessel, owned by Voltaire Shipping Company and operated by Euroafrica Services Nigeria Limited, had 16 crew members and was enroute Onne port from Antwerp before it was attacked.

The vessel, is currently being sailed to Onne port under the Nigerian Navy escort for protection and further investigation.

3 Northern govs pledge to deepen ties Johnson Babajide - Makurdi THREE northern governors; Alhaji Kashim Shetima of Bornu, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa and Chief Samuel Ortom of Benue states have promised to work towards ensuring cordial relation-

ship among other groups in the country in order to deepen democracy in Nigeria.

The three governors with several Senators from the northern made the submission at the weekend during a condolence visit to Senator George Akume over the death of traditional ruler,

Ter Tarka, late Chief Ganriel Indiyer Akume.

The northern political leaders used the opportunity to rekindle the political ties that existed in the first and second republics to deepen the relationship between the people of different sections of the region.

Governor Shettima ex-

pressed happiness with the fraternity and pledged that political leaders from the area would work to sustain it at all costs.

In his response, Senator Akume said the visit comforted and assured him that he had friends that could stand by him in his hour of need.

53

29 November, 2015

sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Kwara Utd management dissolved Kwara State government has dissolved the management and technical crew of Kwara United which finished in the relegation zone at the just-concluded Glo Premier League.

A liaison officer in the state’s ministry of sports, Ibrahim Bako, has been appointed to take charge of the team’s affairs till a new board will be put in place.

Kwara United secured promotion to the elite cadre at the end of 2014 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, but failed to retain its slot in the Glo Premier League as the Harmony Boys finished 18th on the table with 42 points.

“I can confirm that the management as well as the technical crew of Kwara United FC have been dissolved by the state government,” media officer of the team, Yinka Owolewa confirmed.

The three other teams which finished in the relegation zone at the just-ended season are Sharks of Port Harcourt, FC Taraba and Bayelsa United.

A player of Kwara United (left) in an aerial contest with a Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) player during their Glo Premier League clash at the just-ended season. Kwara United is among the four teams which finished in the relegation zone.

Tornadoes captain sure of NNL Super 4 title

N

iger Tornadoes FC captain and goalkeeper, Mustapha Aliko has said his side will emerge winners of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four contest in Abuja.

The Minna outfit will engage Plateau United in the final today at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Abuja.

Tornadoes edged Ikorodu United of Lagos 2-1 in match day 1 fixture clash on Friday while the Tin City landlords outclassed MFM Football Club of Lagos to pave the way for the epic finale that will decide who becomes the champions of the 2014/15 NNL season.

All the four teams have already gained promotion to the Glo Premier League after they emerged winners of their respective divisions in the out gone NNL abridged league.

Aliko said the final encounter against Plateau United will be difficult but that they have steeled themselves for the onslaught aimed at winning the top prize of the championship.

“We want to be champions at the end of the day so we are damn prepared for whatever the opponents will come up with in the final clash on Sunday.

“None of the promoted teams are pushovers so we do not expect Plateau United to come cheap in the final.

“The encounter is certain to be tough but we strongly believe we have prepared very well to emerge champions at the end of the clash.

“We are using the Super Four

Onigbinde, others for grassroots sports seminar

Players of Niger Tornadoes set for showdown with Plateau United today in Abuja.

championship to showcase the world our capability to take the premier league campaign next season by storm.

“Super Four contest is a dress rehearsal of what to expect from us in the top flight and so

far we have not disappointed.

“I believe all the promoted teams will have a fruitful campaign in the top flight given the quality of players and coaches at their disposal,” the shot stopper told supersport.com.

IGP taekwondo tourney holds in Lagos The 2015 edition of the Inspector General of Police National open taekwondo championship would hold from December 2 to 5 at the M.D. Abubakar Badminton Hall, Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

Chairperson of the Nigeria Police Taekwondo, Superintendent of Police- Stella Ebikefe who disclosed this in Lagos, said the championship would be unique as over 200 athletes drawn from across the country are expected to feature in the event based on the

entries received from the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

Ebikefe stated that adequate arrangements towards the successful staging of the competition have been concluded, adding that the Local Organising Committee put in place is up to the task.

She stressed that participants will take care of their transportation, accommodation and feeding during the competition.

Ebikefe said adequate security has been put in place to make the

tournament a hitch-free event, just as she urged members of the public to grace the tournament.

Meanwhile, the president of the NTF, Grand Master George Ashiru has commended the Inspector General of Police for organising the championship, just as he lauded Ebikefe for her foresight in organising the championship which he noted would help in the discovery of hidden talents that could be groomed to stardom in the near future.

Former Super Eagles coach and FIFA/CAF technical instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde is one of the resource persons expected to deliver papers during a seminar scheduled to hold on December 10 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

The seminar with the theme ‘Grassroots Sports, Prospects and Challenges facing its Development in Nigeria, case study of Kwara State is being organised by Sheedel Global Concept and the Kwara State Sports Council.

Other resource persons listed for the seminar are retired FIFA referee and CAF’s referee instructor, Mr Emmanuel Dada Obafemi, professor Tayo Alabi from the Department of Human Kinetic Education, University of Ilorin and Mrs Sarah Bola Esan (Representative of Women in Sports in Nigeria/ former Director of Sports, Kwara State, among others.

Participants expected to feature in the event are coaches from the Kwara State Sports Council, games/sports masters in primary/secondary school/ private schools, sports officers in the state Ministry of Sports, local government sports co-ordinator/ officers.

54 sport

29 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

African U-23 Nations Cup, Senegal 2015 special:

Sidy Sarr From left, Dream Team’s Seun Oduduwa and Usman Mohammed being challenged by Congolese players during their African U-23 championship qualifiers.

Nigeria faces Mali today at Senegal 2015.

Victory over Mali is the tonic —Dosu Joseph

F

ORMER international, Dosu Joseph (MON) has urged the Dream Team to do everything humanly possible to beat Mali today in their group B opener of the African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal.

The Atlanta ‘96 Olympics gold medallist noted that victory in the opening game would shape up the Dream Team ahead of the games against Egypt and Algeria, and also win the Rio 2016 Olympics ticket.

“The first game is important in any championship and the event in question is qualification not championship per se the key is Rio 2016 Olympics ticket.

“Group B which has Algeria, Egypt, Mali and Nigeria is already a dead zone so against Mali in the opener we must strive to claim the three points at stake to be calm and comfortable before the clash against Egypt and Algeria.

“The coach of the side, Samson Siasia has played and coached the same age grade side at the highest level and equally has good and quality players who will come to the party when called upon.

“For me qualification is the most important thing right now in Senegal and if we get our hands on the trophy that will be a huge plus,” the former Nigeria keeper told supersport.com.

The Lagos State-born Joseph reacted positively to the reported release of Siasia’s mother from the den of kidnappers on the eve of his first key match at the championship in Senegal.

“It’s an added plus a sort of double celebration if the report is confirmed to be true of the release of Siasia’s mother by her captors 24 hours to the side’s first

match against Mali.

“It’ll give Siasia and his troop the needed calm and focus on the assignment at hand.

“I’m happy over the devel-

Success savours player of the month award

Nigeria junior international, Isaac Success has expressed joy over his emergence as the player of the month of October for Spanish La Liga side, Granada.

The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles striker, who has been outstanding this season was rewarded with the award.

“Glory be to God for this award PLAYER OF THE MONTH OCTOBER,” Success wrote on his Facebook page.

Success played three

opment and want to congratulate the people who worked tirelessly to ensure the woman was released unharmed,” said the former Julius Berger FC keeper.

Senegal in flying start, whips S/Africa 3-1 HOSTS, Senegal on Saturday hammered South Africa 3-1 in the opening match of the African U-23 Africa Nations Cup in Dakar, Senegal.

Then South Africa midfielder Keagan Dolly struck a first time shot from just outside the box after some good build up play, but his goal bound attempt was blocked.

Then the game swung away from the visitors after the hosts broke away and

Success

games in the month of October, but scored in a 3-3 draw with Sporting Gijon, drew 1-1 at Deportivo La Coruna and same score line against Real Betis.

He was picked ahead Miguel Lopes, Christiano Bilaghi, David Lomban, Javi Marquez and Rene Arbin.

It will be recalled that Success who featured at the FIFA U-20 World Cup held early this year in New Zealand, was named among the final 21-man squad for the African U-23 Nations Cup

which began on Saturday in Senegal, before he was replaced by Victor Osimhen

owing to his unavailability as a result of club commitment.

put South Africa captain Kwanda Mngonyama under pressure inside his own 18 area and a clumsy foul by him resulted in a penalty, which Ibrahim Keita slotted coolly past Ricardo Goss.

After 22 minutes Ibrahima Keita was at it again when he broke away from his markers and powered home a shot after some fantastic passing by Senegal inside the final third of the field.

Six minutes later Mahlambi again put pressure on the home defence and this time drew a foul inside the 18 area and won a penalty. Phumlani Ntshangase stepped up and blasted home from the spot.

Senegal came close to a third goal late in the first half when the impressive Ismaila Sarr beat his man and cut inside before trying a deft chip over the ‘keeper, but the South African defence cleared the ball off the line.

With just over 10 minutes left, South Africa coach, Owen da Gama brought on striker Dumisani Zuma in a final attempt to grab an equaliser. But Senegal continued to defend well and squeeze ball possession away from the visitors.

Senegal made it 3-1 in the 87th minute through substitute striker, Sidy Sarr who brilliantly turned Mngonyama inside the 18 area, swivelled and powered home a left footed curler into the far post.

Osimhen takes over Success’s No 9 jersey As a result of his late registration for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which begins on Saturday in Senegal, reigning FIFA U-17 World Cup adidas Golden Shoe winner, Victor Osimhen will wear the number 9 shirt earlier reserved for Issac Success.

Osimhen also wore No 9

shirt to score record-breaking 10 goals at the just-ended FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. Granada forward, Success was replaced by Osimhen after Nigeria proved he has suffered a major injury that will stop him from the U-23 AFCON in Senegal.

Incidentally, both Success and Osimhen hail from Edo

State.

Skipper Azubuike Okechukwu, who is based in Turkey, will maintain his favourite jersey number 14, while Taiwo Awoniyi keeps his No 18 shirt, which he also won when he led the Flying Eagles to win the African Youth Championship in Senegal in March this year.

55

sport

29 November, 2015

Ighalo grabs eighth EPL goal

Messi scores after 2 months

N

IGERIA striker, Odion Ighalo, on Saturday scored his eighth goal of the season in the English Premier League.

Ighalo shone brilliantly for his EPL side Watford as the Hornets dumped hosts Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park, while his goal increased his tally in the EPL this season to eight.

Watford now has 19 points from 14 games.

Ighalo opened the scoring in the 17th minute, when he scored off a rebound from Watson blocked effort.

The former Udinese of Italy player turned in the 69th minute and ready to shoot the ball when Alan Hutton tried to prevent him and scored an own goal to make it 2-1 for the Hornets.

Ighalo, a former Lyn of Norway forward was involved in the third goal as well when Deeney Troy headed home from a rebound off Ighalo’s goalbound shot which was blocked by Richard Micah in the 85th minute.

Meanwhile, compatriot Anthony Ujah scored his sixth goal in the German Bundesliga game for

Ighalo celebrates after scoring at Villa Park.

Werder Bremen as they lost 1-3 at home to Hamburg.

Werder Bremen is 15th on the league table with

13 points from 14 games, while Hamburg occupies sixth with 21 points from 14 games.

The former Lillestrom

of Norway, Cologne and Mainz both of Germany, Ujah scored in the 62nd minute to take scores to 2-1.

FC Barcelona moved seven points clear at the top of La Liga after an emphatic win which saw Lionel Messi score his first league goal in two months.

Neymar opened the scoring with a composed leftfoot finish before Luis Suarez doubled the lead with a brilliant volley before half-time.

It was 3-0 shortly after the interval, Neymar scoring his 14th goal in 12 La Liga appearances.

Messi completed the scoring after meeting Neymar’s cross.

It was the Argentina forward’s third goal in two starts since suffering a

Vardy sets new goal record

Vardy

JAMIE Vardy has broken Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record by scoring in an 11th consecutive top-flight game.

Vardy broke the record in the 24th minute of Leicester City’s match against Van Nistelrooy’s former club, Manchester United on Saturday to put his side 1-0, before the Red Devils levelled up before stoppage time through Bastian

Sunday Tribune

Schweinsteiger. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The England striker was picked out by Christian Fuchs on a Foxes break and finished inside the penalty area.

Vardy has netted 13 goals on his current run and is the Premier League’s top scorer so far this season with 14 goals overall.

He was playing non-

league football as recently as the 2011-12 season, having worked his way up from the lower reaches of the English game to earn a £1 million move to Leicester in May 2012.

Vardy helped Leicester win the Championship title during the 2013-14 campaign and earned his first England cap on June 7 earlier this year against the Republic of Ireland.

knee injury in a 2-1 win over Las Palmas on September 26.

Messi has been linked with a move to Manchester City but the 28-year-old did not let the speculation spoil his performance as Barcelona secured a sixth successive victory.

Luis Enrique’s side dominated their lowly opponents, Suarez’s acrobatic finish the highlight of a clinical team performance.

They have scored 14 goals in the past three games, while Messi looks to be nearing the form which saw him score 43 goals.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss Aliyu Habibat B. now MRS HABIBAT ADEYEMI. All documents remain valid.

The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Dalhatu Amina Ibrahim now AL-KASEEM AMINA DALHATU. All documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adesoye Ronke Funmilayo now BOLUWADE FUNMILAYO ESTHER. All documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

29 NOVEMBER, 2015

no 2,022

www.tribune.com.ng

n200

With President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration that some officials of the immediate past administration had returned some looted funds, some state governors currently owing salaries immediately took courage. The president had better be damn serious because the governors, on whom the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a war, are not in any mood for an expensive joke!

Some memories of our late mother (I)

t

HE funeral celebrations of our mother, Chief (Mrs)Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, are drawing to a close. In a few days, we shall finally bid her goodbye. As someone who has been one of her sons for nearly six decades, I recount once again today some of my fond memories of her. And what I recount here are pieces from my personal notes of about six decades.

Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo was, of course, interested in the politics of those of us young people who came into Chief Awolowo’s political life. But she was far much more interested in us ourselves, in us as young persons about the age of her own children. She was to us all a loving mother, and, absolutely deservedly, we all called her Mama. Even when Chief Awolowo was not in Ibadan, Mama was more than enough reason to attract us to visit the Awolowo home. In time, some of us became like Mama’s own biological children, the persons she would surely call for when there was some important intimate thing going on in the family, like a wedding or a birthday party. Or whenever she felt that she was not seeing enough of us, and she sent to tell us that she was preparing some special food for us.

And, at all times, Mama never failed to show her loving interest in our schoolwork. Countless times, she would call me aside and ask, “Banji, how are your studies going?”. And then, usually, she would add, “You know you must score the highest marks”. I knew she did the same to my closest friends - like David Oke (Professsor Oke), my fiancé, and others in our crowd of Awolowo sons and daughters.

When UCI announced the results of my final examination in June 1961, I was already teaching far from Ibadan. Mama called me and said jubilantly, “Good boy.

You scored those highest marks. When you come to Ibadan, we will celebrate it”. A few weeks later, my fiancé and I came to Ibadan and Mama feasted us with a great dinner.

A couple of months later, my fiancé and

we knew we dared not tell her that.

Then, the University of Ibadan announced my admission to postgraduate school and I returned to Ibadan. Whenever my wife came to see me in Ibadan, we never failed to visit Mama. Papa was most often away in Lagos, serving as Leader of Opposition in the Federal Parliament.

And then the Western Region explod-

diranapata@yahoo.com

I got married, and both of us, fresh from our UCI Action Group Students Association activism, plunged headlong into efforts to strengthen the local Action Group Youth Association. Mama was, of course, excited about our political stories, and she would say that our father (Chief Awolowo) was excited about them too. But she always wanted us to know that her concern for our safety superseded all other things.

Again and again, she would say, “You children, please be careful. In particular, don’t go out politicking in the nights”. Because both of us were teachers, most of our politicking had to be in the night, and we were often on the road in the night. But

ed into its historic crisis, 1962-6. As the clouds got darker and darker, we became very close to Mama. On many days, we just sat around with her, running small errands for her, and trying to squeeze out some happiness or even some laughter.

Papa went from detention in Lekki, to house arrest in Ikoyi, to Broad Street Prison as an accused on trial for treasonable felony, and finally to prison in Calabar. In these months, we learned a big thing about Mama – namely, that she was a woman of exceptional courage and strength. If the objective of the people running the federal government and their advisers was to intimidate and subdue Chief Awolowo, then

they had chosen the wrong family.

When we thought that things could not possibly get worse, they suddenly got much worse. One morning, two men flagged me down on a street, and when they came astride my car, they asked, “Have you heard the news?” Before I could say anything, one of them added, “Segun Awolowo, Chief Awolowo’s oldest son. They’ve just announced that he died. Motor accident.” Segun’s car had crashed that morning while he was on his way from Ibadan to see his father in prison in Lagos.

Without uttering a word, I made a Uturn and drove in the darkness slowly back home. In the next days, we could not muster the strength to go and see Mama’s face. We were going through excruciating pain. Finally, we went. It was too much for us to see Mama in pieces. But one thing was clear immediately – though crushed, she was unbowed. After a few minutes, she turned to my wife and asked, “How is Demola? Why didn’t you bring him?”. She was asking about our baby son! Her heart as a mother was far too big, far too strong, to be forced to shrink.

In the next weeks, as the world awaited the outcome of the treasonable felony trial, most people in my circle were sure that Chief Awolowo would be set free. What else, they would ask, could Balewa do after Chief Awolowo had suffered this terrible loss? They were wrong. The people controlling our federal government since independence never waver from their one objective. Their hand never shakes. By the time of the verdict, however, Mama and we her children had become far too strong, far too defiant, to even think of bowing.

Senegal 2015: Olympics ticket is my target—Siasia Thanks Nigerians over mum’s release from kidnappers As Dream Team faces Mali today

By Ahmed Pele

H

ead coach of Nigeria’s U-23 national team, Samson Siasia has said his target remains how to win the Rio 2016 Olympics ticket at the African U-23 Nations Cup which began on Saturday in Senegal.

The Dream Team will begin its campaign at Senegal 2015 today against the Eagles of Mali in a group B match billed for the 5,000 capacity Caroline Faye Stadium in Mbour, Senegal.

Coming on the heels of the release of his mum, Mrs Ogere Siasia, kinapped two weeks ago in her village in Bayelsa State, Siasia said the best way to repay Nigerians for their support is to grab one of the tickets to the 2016 Olympics.

An elated Siasia who could not hide his emotions, said he feels relieved knowing that his mother is now back in the comfort of their home, and the family is now relieved that she was released unhurt .

“Words can’t express how I feel, all I want to say here is thank you to all Nigerians especially the NFF who stood by myself and my family in our trying times, it has not been easy but by his grace we have overcome.

“For me all I can say now is, based on

the support shown me and my family, all I can do to repay Nigerians is to go out there and pick an Olympic ticket for the country,” he told thenff.com.

Siasia stated that he is not in the know if any ransom was paid before her mother’s release.

...Defends Oshimen’s inclusion COACH Samson Siasia has said the inclusion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Chile 2015 highest goal scorer, Victor Osihmen in the Dream Team to the African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal is on merit.

Siasia made the disclosure at the official press conference organised by CAF in Mbour, Senegal.

“The young man (Victor) did not replace any body or made this team on emotions, he earned his place as he showed maturity in training, besides, don’t forget he scored 10 goals in Chile, and you don’t score

such amount of goals in such a competition in error. I brought him here to show the world that what he did in Chile is no fluke,” he said.

On the chances of the Dream Team picking one of the tickets to the Rio Olympics, the former Super Eagles handler said: “We were the last team to arrive in Senegal and by extension we will be the last team to leave Senegal, for me my target is to play five matches here in Senegal, and with the team I have on ground here in Senegal, that target of mine is achievable”.

Osimhen

EPL results Aston Villa 2 Watford Bournemouth 3 Everton C/Palace 5 Newcastle Man City 3 Southampton Sunderland 2 Stoke City Leicester 1 Man Utd

3 3 1 1 0 1

POOLS RESULTS: 2, 4, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 24, 29, 30, 35, 36, 38, 42, 46, 47 Today’s matches: 5, 7, 9, 10.

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. 29/11/2015 MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON EDITOR: SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712.