TheBoss Celebrates Cerebral
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The
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WEEK
of the
Entrepreneur,
Tony
Elumelu,@55
"Everything I have today is because of Africa, I was born here, went to school here, I work here and I'm achieving some level of financial comfort here." That is vintage Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, Transcorp and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation. A Nigerian national honours holder, the Commander of the Order of Nigeria (CON), and Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Born Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu on March 22, 1963, in Jos, Nigeria, the economist by training, visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, acquired and turned Standard Trust Bank into a top-five player in Nigeria. In 2005, his corporate reputation as an African business leader was sealed when he led the largest merger in the banking sector in Sub-Saharan Africa to acquire United Bank for Africa (UBA). In five years, he transformed it from a single-country bank to a pan-African institution with over seven million customers in nineteen African
By Eric Elezuo
countries. In 2011, New African magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in Africa, and a year later (2012), he was recognised as one of "Africa's 20 Most Powerful People" by Forbes Magazine.
Following his retirement from UBA in 2010, Elumelu founded Heirs Holdings, which invests in the financial services, energy, real estate and hospitality, agribusiness, and healthcare sectors. In the same year, he established the Tony Elumelu Foundation, an Africabased and Africanfunded philanthropic organisation dedicated to the promotion of excellence in business leadership and entrepreneurship, and to enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector across Africa. His stated objective at the formation of Tony Elumelu Foundation was to "prove that the African private sector can itself be the primary generator of economic development." The Foundation is charged with the mis-
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sion of driving Africa's economic development by enhancing the competitiveness of the African private sector. As a premier panAfrican-focused not-forprofit institution, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of entrepreneurship and excellence in business leadership across the continent, with initiatives like The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) In a bid to expand his conglomerate as well as his business horizon, in 2011, through Heirs Holdings, he acquired a controlling interest in the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp), a publicly quoted conglomerate that has business interests in the agribusiness, energy, and hospitality sectors. Elumelu was subsequently appointed chairman of the corporation. His enterprise is not limited to self financed enterprises as he serves as an advisor to the USAID’s Private Capital Group for Africa (PCGA) Partners
Forum. He also sits on the Nigerian President's Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council (ATIC). He is also vice-chairman of the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN) whose formation he was a key driver in, and serves as Co-Chair of the Aspen Institute Dialogue Series on Global Food Security. Elumelu additionally chairs the Ministerial Committee to establish world-class hospitals and diagnostic centres across Nigeria, at the invitation of the Federal Government and the Presidential Jobs Board, engineered to create 3 million jobs in one year. He also serves as a member of the Global Advisory Board of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4ALL) and USAID’s Private Capital Group for Africa Partners Forum. One will not be wrong to address him as a philosopher as well as he is the originator of the term Africapitalism. According to him, Africapitalism is an economic philosophy that embodies the private
sector's commitment to the economic transformation of Africa through long-term investments that create both economic prosperity and social wealth. Elumelu sees Africans taking charge of the value-adding sectors and ensuring that those value-added processes happen in Africa, not through nationalisation or government policies, but because there is a generation of private sector entrepreneurs who have the vision, the tools and the opportunity to shape the destiny of the continent. He insists that Africapitalism is not capitalism with an African twist; it is a rallying cry for empowering the private sector to drive Africa's economic and social growth. Having studied under Professor Porter at Harvard Business School, Elumelu subscribes to Michael Porter's concept of Creating Shared Value (CSV). Professor Porter is the Founding Patron of The Tony Elumelu Foundation. In the same vein, CSV refers to the idea that "companies must take the lead in bringing business and society
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back together." It asserts that "businesses acting as businesses, not as charitable donors, are the most powerful force for addressing the pressing issues (society) face(s)." In 2003, the Federal Government of Nigeria granted Tony Elumelu the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), a national honour, and in 2006, he was voted African Business Leader of The Year by the Africa Investor magazine and was also recognised as African Banker of the Year in 2008 by the African Banker magazine. In 2009, the Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'adua honoured him with a place on the Presidential Committee on the Global Financial Crisis. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his service in promoting private enterprise. Apart from being recognised as one of "Africa's 20 Most Powerful People in 2012" by Forbes Magazine as well as being featured in the New African Magazine’s list of the "100 Most Influential Africans in Business”. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from the Benue State University and an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In 2013, Elumelu received the Leadership Award in Business and Philanthropy from the Africa-America Institute (AAI) Awards. He was also named African
Business Icon at the 2013 African Business Awards. In addition, ESI-Africa, frequently described as "Africa's power journal", named Elumelu in its 2015 'ESI Most Influential Figures in African Power' list, in January 2015. Elumelu is not just a financial wizard; he also writes as well as provides incredible inspiration to writers. Some works that involves him include: • How to Excel at Work – Proven strategies for achieving superior work performance by Bili A. Odum -a book inspired by Elumelu's work ethics. Elumelu has contributed to the Nigeria Leadership Initiative White Papers, writing on Leveraging private sector approaches in transforming government delivery. • The Power of Vision: Insights on Tony Elumelu is a testimonial compiled on the occasion of his retirement as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer at the United Bank for Africa. It contains messages from Aliko Dangote, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Michael Porter, former World Bank managing director and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President of Sierra Leone; Ernest Bai Koroma, former United States Comptroller of the Currency, Eugene Ludwig and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He has written about his philosophy and the economic development of Africa for several publi-
cations around the world including The Economist, the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times. • The TOE Way: A handbook that offers insights into Elumelu's philosophies, business practices, values and secrets of success, written
by the man himself. Tony Elumelu is happily married to Awele Vivian Elumelu, who he married in 1993, and they are blessed with five wonderful girls; Nneka, Ugo, Ogor, Oge and Onyinye. Sir, for your steadfastness in business and
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transformation of lives as well as unleashing the Midas magic to anything you are involved in or touched, you deserve to be our Boss of the Week. Congratulations sir and happy 55th birthday!
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Cover Story
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Déjà vu: Buhari, NASS on Collision Course
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By Eric Elezuo
he last is yet to be heard of the imbroglio that had engulfed and continue to engulf the Presidency and the National Assembly. It is a known fact that ever since the advent the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari, the relationship that has existed between the executive and the legislative arms has been everything but cordial. In fact, most political watchers have termed ‘cat and rat’. The soured rela-
wish of the ruling party, thereby constituting a known division among party members in the National Assembly. The division was along individual lines – those for the president and those for Saraki. Since then, both institutions have viewed the other with avid suspicion, and their activities have affected the running of government negatively. Consequently, most executive bills and appointments have been rejected on the
described as insensitive, took its root from appointments and ratification of appointments and suddenly nosedived into refusal to assent to bills and overriding of vetoes. In 2017, President Buhari refused to assent to three bills, and followed it up with a letter explaining the reasons behind his actions. In the letter addressed to the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives,
“Police Procurement Fund Establishment Bill 2017. Due to lack of clarity, regarding the disbursement of funds as well as constraint issues regarding the powers of the National Assembly to appropriate funds allocated to the 36 state governments and 754 local governments which conflicts with sections 80-82 and 120-122 of the 1999 constitution as amended. “Chattered Institute of Public Management of
prohibits all persons who are not members of the institute from practicing. “Please accept, distinguished senate president, the assurance of my highest consideration.” On the National Peace Corp Bill, the President cited financial implications and duplication of duties of existing security agencies, as reasons for withholding his assent. While it was obvious that by the provisions of the constitution, the Na-
tionship, according to stakeholders is not unrelated to the emergence of the principal officers of both the Senate and House of Representatives chiefly among them Dr. Bukola Saraki and Mr. Yakubu Dogara of the Senate and House of Reps respectively. It would be recalled that both Saraki and Dogara emerged against the
floor of the House for the simple reason that it came from a particular institution, and assents, in the same vein have been refused for reasons not different from the former. The likes of Ibrahim Magu of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are still in acting capacity today as a result of the unhealthy power tussle. The clash, which many has
Hon. Yakubu Dogara, dated January 25, 2018 and read at the plenary, the President said: “Pursuant to sections 58(4) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby convey to the Senate, my decision on 25th of January 2018 to decline presidential assent to three bills recently passed by the National Assembly namely:
Nigeria bill 2017. Due to lack of clarity over the scope of the profession of “public management”, that this bill prohibits all persons who are not members of the institute from practicing. “Nigerian Council for Social Works Establishment Bills 2017. Due to the lack of clarity over the scope of the profession of social works, that this bill
tional Assembly can, by two-third majority, override the president’s assent after 30 days, they did nothing, but waited. And in between their wait, they unleashed tantrums at presidential desires. With the dust of withholding of assent yet to settle, President Buhari again withheld assent on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
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Cover Story The President’s communication addressed to the National Assembly at its plenary session on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, and read by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, respectively, also stated reasons for refusing assent in line with section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Some of the reasons given by the President for withholding assent include: 1. That the amendment to the sequence of the elections in Section 25 of the Principal Act may infringe upon the constitutionally guaranteed discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission to organize, undertake and supervise all elections as provided in Section 15(a) of the third schedule to the Constitution; 2. That the amendment to Section 138 of the principal Act to delete two crucial grounds upon which an election may be challenged by candidates unduly limits the rights of candidates in elections to a free and fair electoral review process and 3. That the amendment to Section 152(3)-(5) of the principal Act may raise constitutional issues over the competence of the National Assembly to legislate over local government elections. Under the proposed amendments to section 25, elections had been proposed by the National Assembly to hold in the following order: • National Assembly Elections • State Houses of Assembly and Governorship Elections • Presidential Election This deviates from the current position that gives INEC discretion to appoint dates for when elections should be conducted. In addition, the amendments to Section 138 sought to expand on the grounds of petition and void elections conducted
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by the State Independent Electoral Commission in local government councils of the Federation that failed to comply with the Electoral Act or its procedures in the conduct of elections. In a typical case of dejavu in 2015 Jonathan vetoed the constitution amendment proposed by the then 7th National Assembly, to the chagrin of some legislators, some lawmakers in the present era, particularly senators in the upper chamber of the 8th National Assembly, are also angry with President Buhari for withholding his assent to the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act and other bills totaling 10.
In what many considered a move sympathetic to the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Accord Party filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the constitutional validity of the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act. However, the Supreme Court, in 2015, gave President Jonathan and the National Assembly 48 hours to settle their disagreement over the process of amending the 1999 Constitution. The seven-man panel of the apex court, led by then CJN Mohammed, asked the senior lawyers appearing in the matter to broker the settlement talk.
out of his 13 initial objections to the alterations. The agreement between the President and the National Assembly saw the removal of alteration to Section 9 of the Constitution, which allowed the National Assembly to dispense with the President’s assent in the process of constitution amendment. The President was able to stop the passage of the proposed amendment for the separation of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of Justice from that of the Minister of Justice. But with the settlement arrived at between the President and the National
Assembly is empowered by the provisions of section 58(5) of the 1999 constitution as amended, to override the President’s veto on Bills. Section 58 (5) says, “Where the President withholds his assent and the bill is again passed by each House by two-thirds majority, the bill shall become law and the assent of the President shall not be required”. Order 12(b)(c) of the standing rules of the House of Representatives (2016), also provides that, the rejected Bill could be looked upon by the House, (through a motion) and if supported by two-thirds of the Reps, the Bill is pro-
They angry legislators, in a manner similar to how they reacted in 2015, have threatened to override Buhari’s veto with twothirds of votes in the two chambers of the National Assembly. Political observers have hinted that the President is believed to be the target of the proposed Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018, which seeks to dictate the sequence in which the Independent Electoral Commission must conduct the 2019 general elections. The sponsors of the proposed amendments are seeking to reorder the sequence of the election which INEC had earlier announced.
The court then adjourned for 48 hours for report of settlement. After a heavy twist of maneuvering and intrigues, the panel struck out the plaintiff’s motion and then adjourned till May 27, 2015, barely 48 hours before Jonathan would vacate office. When the court reconvened on May 27, the parties, through their lawyers, happily notified the court that they had settled. That was a display of politics in the highest order. With the concession, which was said to have been reached between the representatives of the President and the National Assembly earlier on May 26, the President conceded to six
Assembly, the alterations made to sections 8, 9, 45(a) – 45(b), 150, 174, 195 and 211 will now be deleted. The National Assembly got away with their alterations to sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 58 and 84 of the constitution. Today, President Buhari and the National Assembly are not making any concessions, as they are locked on each other’s throat. With the decision of the National Assembly to override the President’s veto, and with the President’s men not willing to initiate a truce, an imminent collision is envisaged, and that does not portend good tidings for the country. As a legislative arm of government, the National
claimed law without the assent of the President. The first test of this constitutional oversight of the National Assembly came to play in 2001, when the then President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld his assent to the Niger Delta Development Commission Establishment Bill (NDDC). The National Assembly tested their constitutional power and the Bill became law. President Buhari may just walk the way of former President Obasanjo, or the entire machinery of governance may just collapse under the weight of insensitivity from both the legislative and executive arms.
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Gates Faults Buhari’s Economic Blueprint, Urges Investment in Human Capacity
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illionaire philanthropist and Founder, Microsoft, Bill Gates, has at a special and expanded National Economic Council, held in Abuja tasked Nigerian leaders to sincerely invest in not just infrastructural development but also human investment. The theme of the meeting was “Role of human capital investment in supporting pro-poor and economic growth agenda”. The investor said though Nigeria is rapidly ap-
proaching upper- middle income status, the country has “unmatched economic potential and what becomes of that potential depends on the choice Nigerian leaders makes”. He said the Nigerian government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) identifies “investing in our people” as one of three “strategic objectives”. But the “execution priorities” do not fully reflect people’s needs, ”prioritising physical capital over human capital”, he said. “To anchor the economy
over the long term, investments in infrastructure and competitiveness must go hand in hand with investment in people. People without roads, ports and factories can’t flourish. And roads, ports and factories without skilled workers to build and manage them can’t sustain an economy,” he said. President Muhammadu Buhari on assumption of office had unveiled a four-year ERGP (2017-2020) to help propel the country towards the path of development and growth. ERGP is an economic plan that builds on the 2016 Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), a short term plan aimed at tackling corruption, improving security and rebuilding the nation’s economy. ERGP seeks to build on the SIP by restoring growth, investing in people and build a global competitive economy. Gates said the most important choice Nigerian leaders can make is ”to maximise the country’s
greatest resource, which is the people”. He said Nigeria will thrive when every Nigerian is able to thrive. “If you invest in their health, education, and opportunities- the human capital we are talking about today, then they will lay the foundation for sustained prosperity. If you don’t, however, then it is very important to recognise that there will be a sharp limit on how much the country can grow,” he said. According to author, Nigeria’s government revenue as a percentage of its GDP is by far the lowest in the world, at 6 per cent and this makes the government investment in Nigerians difficult. “The next lowest country, Bangladesh collects 10 per cent of its GDP. If you got yourself up to second to the last in the world, you would have an extra $18 billion to budget. Obviously, you are aiming higher, but it gives you some idea about the scale we are talking about. “We
want to support you in your work to mobilise resources to invest in your country and I urge you to rethink your investment on Nigerian people,” he said. Speaking, Nigerian billionaire business man, Aliko Dangote said for the next generation to thrive as adults and drive the economic progress, ”the government need to invest in their health and wellbeing”. “The government needs to invest in the youth’s ability to learn and apply new skills in an ever changing global economy. That at its core, is what we mean by human capital; healthy and productive and well-educated young people who are then enabled to succeed, lift up themselves and their families, and contribute to the society through their own ingenuity. “As a business leader, it is my responsibility to offer job opportunity, but I can only do that when the people themselves are healthy and have the basic skills,” he added.
Coalition: Obasanjo Claims Three Million Members So Far
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former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that three million Nigerians have registered with the Coalition Movement of Nigeria (CMN) formed to effect political change in the nation ahead of 2019. He called citizens to ensure they have their voter cards ahead of the 2019 elections. Obasanjo made the disclosure while speaking at the 14th Annual Lecture of Women in Management, Business and Public Service, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
He said the coalition in conjunction with other movements is the way out of the nation’s political problems. He said the movement would make an inroad into the grassroots across the country. He pointed out that he would pull out of CNM when it transforms into a political party and sponsors persons for elective offices in future elections. Mr. Obasanjo also encouraged women to be active participants in the next political dispensation, adding they should be
ready to support the next phase of the political process. The former president, who was a guest speaker on the theme, ‘Press for Progress: Women in Politics and Nation Building’, said he was ready to give adequate and full support to women towards playing relevant roles in the country. Mr. Obasanjo lamented that no woman has attained the position of an elected governor, senate be adequately prepared, the necessary price to witpresident and some other “by first putting their feet ness the desired change.” top positions in the country. right and be willing to pay “If only womanhood was He said women should also
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enough, Mrs. Hilary Clinton would have made it to the White House but she had a man (Donald Trump) who did what he could do to get to power. “I don’t want or expect women to climb palm trees to harvest bunch of palm fruits. If anybody says he wants to
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see my mother climb palm trees, I will take a second look at that person. But women must do what it takes to succeed in Nigerian political space. “To you women, do not allow any body to build your world for you. Build your world for yourself. Yes, women
need encouragement but they must do enough for themselves,” Mr. Obasanjo said. He urged Nigerian women to take a cue from America and prepare for politics, adding that if being a woman alone was what it takes to succeed in
political ambition, Hilary Clinton would have emerged the United States president. The ex-president, noted for tackling his successors openly, recently advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to re-contest in 2019, citing
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poor performance. He subsequently announced that he would form a broad coalition with the sole motive of wresting political power from the present government in 2019.
You Want the Presidency, Back Buhari in 2019 – Amaechi Tells Ndigbo
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he Minister of Transport, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has said the Igbo cannot become the president of Nigeria without the support for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. He said the best thing the Igbo would do was to rally round Buhari’s re-election bid to facilitate
the Igbo presidency. He called on the Igbo to vote for President Buhari’s second term as a way of giving him the chance to serve out the term of the North and make way for the Igbo. Amaechi stated this in a lecture at the 12th convocation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. He spoke on the topic: “The Igbo in the politics of Nigeria.” He said, “You (Igbo) did not vote for Buhari, true or false? You voted for the PDP and what did they do for you? The PDP abandoned the EnuguOnitsha expressway since
1999, but Buhari is working on it with dispatch, true or false? “Buhari is working on the second Niger Bridge; he is working on the Otuocha-Ibaji-Abuja Road; he is working on the Abakaliki-Onueke Road; he is working on the OjiAchi-Naku Road in Enugu State; he is working on the Ozalla-Akpugo-Amagunze Road. He is also working on Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road. “Under Buhari, all major cities of the SouthEast are captured in the existing railway project. Name one government that has done up to this within two years. Our problem is that we are just being emo-
tional.” He said part of the solutions to Igbo problem in Nigeria was for the Igbo to move into a national political party after what the disappointments they had encountered in sectional parties. He described the PDP and the All Progressives Grand Alliance as regional parties that would not take the Igbo to anywhere. The President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who spoke as a guest lecturer said the trouble with Nigeria was ethnic suspicion and fear of marginalisation. He said Nigeria was
not run as a federation, adding that pockets of marginalisation agitations were still being meted out to the Igbo. He said, “I am yet to see a federation in which the security apparatus is domiciled in one section of the country. Doing so has not also solved the security problems of the country. “Our country is in a state of war, with no one declaring it. I refuse to agree with you (Amaechi) that people should join a federal movement as you said. If our constitution is not revisited for people to live and feel safe, then we are wasting our time.”
1000 Candidates for Tony Elumelu Foundation 2018 Entrepreneurship Programme
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he Tony Elumelu Foundation has released the list of 1,000 successful applicants for its 2018 entrepreneurship programme. Shortlisted from more than 150,000 applicants from 114 countries worldwide, the selected applicants are tagged African
entrepreneurs “with the most innovative, high-potential business ideas.” While commenting on the final selection, Tony Elumelu, the founder, said: “The number and quality of applicants, 151,000 in total, was outstanding. It illustrates the strength and depth of entrepreneurial
promise and commitment on our continent. Selection is never easy, and we profoundly regret that we cannot help all. “Our partnerships with the Red Cross, UNDP and Indorama, alongside ongoing discussions with other international organizations, reflect the growing global recognition of what we have known all along – that entrepreneurship is the most effective path to sustainable development on our continent and our Programme is the model to follow. “There was a near 50-50 split between male and female applications, reflecting the entrepreneurial ambition of Africa’s women. Agriculture was the leading sector among selected entrepreneurs at 30.5%, followed by technology (10.5%) and Educa-
tion and training (9%).” Parminder Obe, TEF CEO, said: “Over the next nine months, the entrepreneurs will receive online training and mentoring, and will use the skills acquired to develop business plans prior to receiving $5,000 in seed capital. This will bring TEF’s total programme investment so far to $15 million in direct funding to entrepreneurs and $5.8 million in Programme and technology development and operations. “Our beneficiaries have created more than 55,000 jobs and counting, and will convene from across all of Africa’s 54 countries to Lagos this October for the TEF Forum – the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs in the world. ” The 2018 cohort in-
cludes an additional 250 entrepreneurs to the standard selection of 1,000. This was made possible with $1,000,000 partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support 200 entrepreneurs in conflict and fragile zones of Nigeria, especially the north-east where the Boko Haram scourge is felt and the Niger Delta region which suffers environmental degradation from oil spillage. There is also a $200,000 agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support 40 panAfrican entrepreneurs and a $50,000 partnership with Indorama to support 10 Nigerians. The selected applicants are advised to check their names on TEF website.
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The Rhapsody of Ramaphosa: Normalising Relations with Rwanda, Uniting Africa
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History was made in Kigali when the one month old President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa joined 40 other African heads of states to sign a free trade agreement that tends to facilitate free movement of business related assignments across the continent without hindrance, or to put it succinctly –the rigours of procuring a visa. That was a part, and second most important aspect of the Kigali history making event. The one the people of Rwanda and South Africa hold dear, and attached excess importance remains the reunification or the normalization of the two countries relation after almost a decade of antagonism and mutual suspicion. The time was eight years ago; the year was 2010. The relationship between the South Africa and the Republic of Rwanda was on the verge of collapse, albeit irreversibly. Relations have been strained since 2010 after Rwanda accused South Africa of harbouring Rwandan opposition leaders. The clear case of mutual suspicion resulted in 2014 to the expulsion of diplomats on both sides. That was not all; South Africa’s visa office closed down when former Rwandan intelligence head, Vincent Karegeya was found murdered in Johannesburg. Despite reports about improving relations over the past two years, the countries, which incidentally originate from the region, remained friends at bay as uneasy calm pervades the atmosphere. A trace of settlement was even made more difficult with South Africa’s Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, whom Rwandans believe was too close to opposition defector, former Rwandan
Armed Forces chief of staff, General Kayumba Nyamwasa, still the foreign minister. They both served in diplomatic postings in India more than a decade ago. But all that has changed today with the intimidating signature of Ramaphosa on the Kigali Declaration document. In his excitement, the South African president relapsed to the freedom fighter trance and made a raphsodised declaration that was not short of emotion. Hear him: “I wanted to let you all know that I am here. If I don't tell them myself, tell them on my behalf. Tell my daughter and my son that their father was there, on the day our continent signed the African Continental Free Trade Area, in Kigali. Tell them Paul Kagame, Amadou Issoufou, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Moussa Faki Mahamat were there too. Tell them their father was proud on the day African boarders were removed; tell them they live in a proud, vibrant and prosperous continent, because you, their uncles and aunts were vanguard panAfricanists who brought down the walls left by colonialists, maintained by imperialists. Tell them, if their grandparents fought for their political independence, you achieved their economic freedom. Tell them to be proud and free, tell them to live where they wish, from Lagos to Addis Ababa, Durban to Cassablanca: unhindered, Tell them that Kigali isn't their home, but only their place of origin; Africa is! Tell them their father would have wished them to speak Igbo and Wolof and Kiswahili and Amharic and Zulu. Tell
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By Eric Elezuo
them he would have wished them to know how to cook Jolof, Pap/fufu/ugali, and Thieboudienne. Tell them he would have loved them to dance Rumba, guhamiriza and makossa. Tell them to welcome all Africans to Rwanda, and travel, preferably by land, from Cape to Cairo, from Mombasa to Hergeisa. For, thanks to you their aunts and uncles, Africa is theirs to enjoy. Amandla!” Ramaphosa showed why he is truly an African, incorporating all facets of Africanism in his declaration. He represented tribes including the Igbo of Nigeria, food, dance and many more. He, in a few words, expressed the oneness of Africa; Africa without barriers. As Ramaphosa, who could very well be described as the president of moment, strolled into the closing session of the African Continental Free
Trade Area Business Forum there was a mild case of continental Ramaphoria in the audience of African businesspeople, politicians, officials and hangers-on. He declared the issue of visas for Rwandese to South Africa as a matter that is solved, and got applause. Even a Nigerian delegated remarked that the continent shared in the South Africans’ relief at the transition, admitting that ‘Change is in the air!’ Ramaphosa has clearly taking a positive step in his foreign policy path with the normalisation of relations with Rwanda. He said: “I was talking earlier with President Kagame, and we have decided that we are going to put the relationship between South Africa and Rwanda on a much better footing.” This he said will even be made more possible with the presence of two ‘very outstanding, beautiful ministers of inter-
national relations’, Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo and South Africa’s Lindiwe Sisulu. Arriving at the nick of time for the signing of the historic agreement, Ramaphosa hinted that: “This is a moment for the African continent. The free trade area for Africa is going to be like a flood, a free trade flood that is going to lift all the boats. It’s not so much about South Africa, but much more about all of us as countries of Africa.” He highlighted the need for infrastructure and a single African currency, which is an integral part of the free trade area. Meanwhile, Nigeria is one of the 12 countries whose signatures failed to decorate the historic free trade area agreement. President Muhammadu Buahri was conspicuously absent as a result of what a section of news minders say is ‘unhappiness by businesspeople back home’
Police, Youths Rock Lagos for Security
Events
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Photo: Adekoya Adegbite and Funmilayo Adeyemi
Chief Bisi Olatilo, CSP Dolapo (2nd r), Oba Akanbi and others
The main auditorium, better known as Ade Ajayi Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, was a beehive of activities during the week as the Nigerian Police Force, Zone 2 Command, comprising Ogun and Lagos states, pulled all stops to hold the mother of all security concerts. Tagged Police and the Youths with the theme Cultism, Internet Fraud and Drug Dealings, the concert, practically brought together celebrities reputed to have lived a crime free life worthy of impacting on the youths. Anchored by men and
CSP Dolapo Badmos
officers of Zone 2 Command led CSP Dolapo Badmos, the concert kicked off with prolific comperes Seyi Law and Tomiwa Savage, who practically brought the capacity filled auditorium down with rib cracking jokes and intelligent jibes in form of admonishment. Taking the first shot at the fun filled concert was the heartwarming speech of the Assistant Inspector of Police (AIG), Zone 2 Command, Adamu Ibrahim, who was represented by CSP Ben Obi. The AIG’s address was followed by the presentation of the newest Police officer – the Police brand
ambassador and sensational musician, Korede Bello. Korede Bello’s electrifying performance set the tune for an afternoon of learning and fun. Thereafter, celebrity after celebrity, the auditorium witnessed first class entertainment with the likes of Rugged Baba, Dr. Sid, Small Doctor, Sound Sultan among others. The sound entertainments were punctuated at regular intervals by clear cut speeches on the way to behave by youths who have achieved greatness without soiling their hands in the quagmire of crime. Some of them included Miss Interconti-
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nental Africa, Queen Chizoba Ejike, Co-Founder, Red Media Group, Debola Williams, and Cyber Crime Expert and Red Hat Examiner, Dayo Adesanya. Among other dignitaries that gave the event a face value were the Father of the Day, Oba Abdurasheed Akanbi, Prof Folashola Ogunshola, who represented the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos; Mrs. Yetunde Ojedayi, who represented the Deputy Governor of Lagos State. Others were ACP Iyana Dan, DCI Aliyu Garba of the Zonal CIID, OPS Zone 2, Abubakar Lawal among others. The occasion was also used to reward those who excelled in the Police organized online music competition, which was won by 10 years old Moruf Bello aka Megabite. To prove that his winning was no fluke, the lad electrified the hall with his sensational rap to the admiration of everyone present. In her closing remarks, the host, CSP Dolapo Badmos thanked as many that made the programme a success, and promised that the friendship between the Police and the people will be maintained, and the youths will remain the target of its orientation and enlightenment programmes.
CSP Badmus with a special guest
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Events
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Sound Sultan
Chizoba Ejike
Cornell and CSP Badmos
CSP Badmos and Dayo Adesanya
Representative of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetude Odejayi (2nd right)
Officers D. E. Iyamah and O. A. Adepoju
Badmos and Bosco
A cross section of the mammoth crowd
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Badmos rocking the statge with Rugged Baba
Badmus rocking the dance floor with Dr. Sid
First runner up, Princess Sharon with Seyi Law
Kid sensation, Megabite performing
Odunlade and Ejike
Police Ambassador, Korede Bello with Ozzy Bosco
CSP Badmos admires the young talents
Small Doctor with Ozzy Bosco
Celebrities celebrating a young talent
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Megabite (Moruf Bello) doing his thing
The Unending Trend of Death Related Domestic Violence
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by Eric Elezuo
W
ith all the crises facing Nigeria; economic breakdown, terrorism, inflation, crimes, the alarming increase of the price and scarcity of fuel, and the recurrent issue of kidnap and release, one would think that Nigerians have had enough to deal with already and there is no conflict that Nigerians cannot withstand. But there is the high rate of violence making the rounds today, and chief among them is domestic violence, which many dismiss with a wave of the hand, claiming it is insignificant and family matter oriented, hence people should go sort themselves out and stop involving the public, but little do we know that this issue is eating deep into
the fabric of our nation’s collective existence. Domestic violence and abuse can take a number of forms including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious and sexual. Some common forms of violence include rape, murder, setting a partner ablaze, acid attacks, molestation, wife beating and corporal punishment and death. This occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. It is disheartening to note that worldwide while domestic violence could go viceversa, the major victims are overwhelmingly women; they are always at the receiving end of anger, frustration and provocation. Domestic violence
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and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often given no attention. It is most of the time overlooked, excused or denied. Researchers have it that every 20 seconds, someone becomes a victim of domestic violence. In some countries, domestic violence is often justified; particularly in cases of actual or suspected infidelity on the part of the woman hence it is legally permitted. In Nigeria, there is this deep cultural belief that hitting a woman to discipline her is a no issue meaning it is socially acceptable. This has led to the abuser believing that his/her deeds is acceptable, justified or unlikely to be reported. Domestic violence and abuse often happens in the context of forced or
child marriage, victims of domestic violence maybe trapped in domestic violent situation through isolation, power and control, cultural acceptance, lack of financial resources, fear or shame. The rate of domestic violence in Nigeria is very high. Serious cases of Domestic violence and abuse have been on rampage. The most recent of them all is the story of a son of a prominent politician, in fact, a former chairman of one time the largest party in Africa, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bilyamin. The young man was reportedly murdered by his wife, Sanda after a domestic argument. The case, which came up in court during the week, was once again moved to April 16. Ear-
lier, the story of a woman who was allegedly killed by her husband, Lekan Shonde during an argument at their home in Egbeda, Lagos, made the rounds. The suspect had declared that the cause of the quarrel was infidelity against the deceased, even as autopsy result said that the woman died of ‘respiratory seizure’. However, about one year after, the Police are still investigating to determine the extent of involvement of the suspect. There is yet a case of one Ndidi Mordi, a middle aged Nigerian woman, who was hacked to death by her husband, Chukwudi Mordi, with a machete following a heated argument. On this note, it is imperative to note that if acts of domestic violence were only perpetrated by a single gender, the blame would have been easily given, but in recent times, both genders are known to be involved in the acts against their various spouses. Although domestic violence against men is not as popular as violence on women, often most men who suffer domestic violence are ashamed to mention it for fear of being seen as weaklings. Mr. Emmanuel Madu is a Psychologist, who runs a private secondary at Badagry on the outskirts of Lagos. He said that it is noteworthy that men suffer domestic violence as well as women, and sometimes more than the women, citing nagging, accusations and sometimes outright beating as some of the violence the men folks suffer in their homes. “It is obvious that men are also at the receiving end of domestic violence, but they are not so bold to own up to it because of the ego factor. Women also batter their
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husbands with nagging, unfounded accusations, kicks, bites, punches and outright beating. When a woman continuously belittles her man, ridicules him or even compares him to his mates who seem to be doing better than him, it is a form of abuse and it destroys the man’s ego. Some men are in abusive relationships but they don’t know it because the woman is so subtle especially when it does not leave any physical mark,” he said. He added that the man keeps tolerating this until it gets out of hand where physical anger is manifested. This is exemplified in the case of a woman lawyer, Yewande Oyediran, who brutally stabbed her husband to death in Ibadan over an issue which the man was known to have borne with deep agony. Another form of domestic violence which is pathetically the most common form is acid baths. This act of violence has received a lot of attention in Nigeria. Acid baths are actions where the perpetrator throws acid onto his or her victim’s body resulting to disfigurement and possible loss of body
he threw acid on her face with the words “let me see how any man will love you now”. The question is what is the cause of this act carried out by couples? Mrs. Adediran Omoboye
jealousy.” Another psychologist who prefers his name be omitted added that children who live in a household with violence have the tendency to manifest such in their later life, and are
a form of discipline lends credence to domestic violence. In the African context, some excuses have been given for physical abuse, and they include drunkenness, financial is-
that has ended in the death of one of the spouse is how the dead can explain what actually happened. From the Arowolos to the Oyedirans to the Shondes, to the Biyaminus among many others that are either
said: “The cause cannot be anything short of jealousy and the desire to possess without restriction. Most men who disfigure their spouses are just jealous and wicked. What they don’t know is any-
most likely to exhibit domestic abuses on their partners when they reach adulthood. “By and large, anyone who grows in an abusive environment, has the likelihood of exhibiting such
sues and the rejection of partner’s sexual advances. There are also unspoken causes of high levels of wife beating which borders on the women bringing home more money than her husband. A trader, Ali Danjuma said that at such time, a man seems to lose the control he exhumes as the head, and expresses his headship with violence. Violence against a wife is erroneously seen as a tool
unreported or buried with time, the tide of fatal domestic violence continues, and one wonders if there will ever be an end. Mrs. Ihuoma Onyeka of the Guidance and Counselling Department of Emergency College said: “The trend will continue until men learn to over look the flippant nature of their spouses’ mouth, knowing it is their nature, and also until women learn to see nature for who they are and cease
parts, including eyesight. Acid baths are serious issue for women. In 1990, a former beauty queen rejected her boyfriend’s attempts to rekindle their relationship. In retaliation,
body can choose anybody any day. When a woman or man says he is no longer interested in you; let him go; it may just be the best for you. We need not wallow in unnecessary
against their partners later in life, and it can come in various forms,” he said. He added that deep cultural beliefs in most climes that is socially acceptable to hit a woman as
that a husband uses to chastise his wife and to improve her, thereby giving the man full ownership of the woman. One big question mark to most domestic violence
from excessive nagging and making the men look small. These are really difficult for both genders, and so somehow, domestic violence has come to stay”.
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THE VANITY OF THE DEAD Page14
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nd to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is over all things competent. Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire..”(Quran 3: 189-191) In 1972, while working as a reporter at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, in Ikoyi, I developed the morbid pastime of walking through the Ikoyi cemetery, marveling at the vanity of men and the type of tombstones many have fashioned for their departed. However, there were some that amazed me, such as those that were erected by those still living, with the sure intention of being interned therein. Hmmmm! Man proposes and God disposes. We have read in the good books that ‘nobody knows the hour, not even the Angels, nor the prophets of God’, the secret of ‘the hour’ is with God. My grand uncle, late Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony built a mausoleum at Ikoyi cemetery complete with marble finishing and a headstone with the inscription: Here lies the remains of Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, 1907----‘. What vanity! My Uncle did not die for another 20 years after the erection of the monument; and he was not buried there either. He was buried at Ayinke House, Ikeja General Hospital. My client, the publisher and owner of Islamic Publications
By Babatunde Jose
Bureau, was an Indian entrepreneur and had lived for long in Nigeria. His publications were text books for many schools in Nigeria. One December, he went on a tour of the North to visit his branches and consult with the various state governments that patronized his books. Unfortunately his car had an accident on the road to Sokoto and he died, only his driver survived to tell the story. The villagers on realization that he was a Moslem, did ‘janaza’ for him and he was buried there, with a small mound to mark his shallow grave. His wife later visited the site and asked that his soul should not be disturbed. That was where Allah said he would sleep. Allahu Akbar! Many have built such grandiose mausoleums to burnish their vanities but in the end such monuments lie waste with the passage of time. We were at the Vaults and Garden private cemetery last Monday to intern the body of a dear mother Alhaja Dabiri, mother of our new chairman: Crescent Bearers. She was aged 87 and buried according to Islamic rites, without fanfare or earthly embellishments. But not so with the wonders of man’s vaingloriousness we saw at the cemetery which kept many of our mouths agape. Here were graves like no other; with billboards advertising the occupants, many with life-size, wide format portraits of the departed souls. There were some with garden benches for prospective visitors to the graves. Vanity upon vanity; there were empty tombs with built up enclosures, some with marbles, others granites and palladium. Most had enclosures with glass and decorated wrought iron designs, complete with sliding glass doors.
Some of those in attendant at the burial were hissing openly and loudly at the obscenity of the spectacles. It was a most odious sight to behold. If men were remembered for their loudness and vain acts, perhaps it would have been worth their while. Unfortunately, these posers and spiritually ignorant beings are soon forgotten; they did not leave wells for people to drink from, neither did they leave mosques or madrasas nor did they leave worthy children who would continue to pray for them and carry their flags after their demise. Why are men so vain? The vain creature is an irreligious being, as he is devoid of compassion and empathy for his fellow man. All he knows, is about himself and his image. He goes to any length to look good and accepted. In all he does, he plays to the gallery. He donates the fattest offering in the church or mosque, but insist it must be announced for all to know; he is always at the front row in the Friday prayer in the mosque and he has a reserved seat in the front pew in the cathedral. It is however a very sad commentary on our belief and faith that we have carried this odious behavior to the cemetery. The idiocy of human vanity makes one reflect deeply on the whole purpose of life. Why are we here? What is the whole essence of man? Where are we going from here? Allah says, “I have not created men except that they should serve Me” (Quran, 51:56). This life is a preparation for the Hereafter the ‘Eternal Home’ that will not be going to an end to which all human beings ultimately go. So, Muslims are required to observe righteousness in their
daily life, based on Quranic teachings. In another verse of Quran Allah Almighty says that: “Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 57:20) No doubt, all those billboards and fancy epitomes of vanity will wither away with the passage of time and their owners and offspring’s will have a lot to answer for on the Day of Reckoning. Vanity is an emptiness or uselessness of things and Solomon wrote more about vanity than any other author in the Bible and more so in Ecclesiastes where vanity is mentioned 32 of the 35 times in the Bible. We also read in 2nd Timothy 3:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. A great admonition indeed! Those who have ears should listen now!
Fashion: The Return of Palazzo Fashion
B
ack in the days, different kinds of fashion adorn the wardrobes of the era’s happening people. These are attires that have come to be known as ‘old school’ in recent times. These clothes nevertheless were so elegant and fashionable. Today however, he old school clothes are back and trending. These include Bongo trousers of the 60s and 70s; the baggy trousers of the 80s, oleku among many others. The so called modern fashion of today’s world has repackaged these outfits and re-introduced
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Story by: Mariam Egbeyemi
them into the yearning wardrobes. Among these dresses is the Palazzo. Palazzos are long women's trousers cut with a loose, extremely wide leg that flares out from the waist. It is one of the blast from the past attires making waves in today’s world. This fashion statement comes in different materials like silk and cotton. Palazzos are very free and comfortable to wear; it can be worn in different ways with shirts for official outing, or with casuals like denims and other tops. It comes in different shapes, patterns and style. Check out some of them:
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Health Benefits of (Udara, Agbalumo) African Cherry
Perspective
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opular fruit known as agb a l u m o among the Yoruba and Udara to the Igbo, African Cherry is botanically called chrysophyllum albumin. Also called white star apple, African Cherry belong to the Sapotaceae family, and is found through-
The fruit itself is reported to be an excellent source of vitamins, irons and flavours. Hence, the fruit adds to our balanced diet. 2. Reduces Menstrual Cramps African cherry also serves as a good source of calcium that offers strength to the human body. The
against common bacteria isolates. Furthermore, the result from the study suggests that “water and methanolic extracts from the leaves of Chrysophyllum albidum (African Cherry) contain active agent(s) that fight off bacteria in the body”. 4. Helps you lose
It has also been noted, that this nutrient can help protect you from diabetes and some forms of cancer. 5. Treats diseases According to research studies done at the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University,
out tropical Africa. The health benefits include: Agbalumo 1. Source Of Vitamins According to research, the fleshy pulp of the African cherry that is especially eaten as snack has been found to have higher contents of ascorbic acid than oranges and guava.
calcium embedded in the fruit can lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping and abdominal bloating. 3. Acts as antibacterial. According to recent studies by researchers at the Forest Research Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State, star apple leaves exhibit strong antibacterial activity
weight. Studies have shown, eating a serving of star apple contributes 3g of fibre to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38g. These fibres provide bulk to your diet, a factor that can make your stomach feel fuller for longer. This can keep you from eating too much, and it may help you lose weight.
Ogun State, Nigeria the African cherry can be used in treating various diseases. “The bark is used for the treatment of yellow fever and malaria, while the leaf is used as an emollient and for the treatment of skin eruption, stomach ache and diarrhoea. The cotyledons from the seeds of Chryso-
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phyllum albidum are also used as ointments in the treatment of vaginal and dermatological infections in Western Nigeria”. 6. Remedy for sore throat Udara a.k.a African Cherry can also serve as a home remedy for treating sore throat, tooth issues such as scurvy etc and constipation. Because of its high nutrients in vitamins and antibacteria properties, it provides soothing relieve to affected areas in an individuals. 7. Prevents vomiting and spitting in pregnant women African cherry has a sour-like taste that holds the mouth, hits the palate and stops one from throwing up or spitting. It has been argued as some of the reasons many pregnant women crave it. Due to the fact that it contains more vitamin C than many other fruits; it is rich in calcium, iron potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phytochemicals, It can act as an antioxidant and that helps to fight many deadly diseases. It can also help lower blood sugar and treats heart disease.
Ikogosi Resort: A Confluence of Warm, Cold Spring Tourism
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By Ajibade Morakinyo Temilorun
T
alking about wonderful attractive Nigeria's tourism sites, such as Obudu cattle ranch, Yankari game reserve, Ogbunike cave among others which attract millions of tourists from across the world, through its mysterious and natural beautification, without mentioning the 'Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort' is invalid. The Ikogosi Warm Spring resort is located at Ikogosi, a town in Ekiti-west Local Government area of Ekiti State, south-western part of Nigeria, and has this wondrous geological feature of juxtaposition of warm and cold springs flowing out of the same rock formation, a situation experts say has no replication anywhere in the world. This also elevates its rank as one of Nigeria’s finest tourist destinations, with enchanting natural beauty that stands out in stunning visual spectacle, as well as globally-acclaimed earth science and hydrological site. The mystery of warm and cold spring of Ikogosi is that, it flows parallel, and meet at the same point
to form a confluence, with the warm spring carrying measured temperature of 70oC at the source, and 37oC at confluence, and each continually maintaining its thermal quality till date. The meeting point of the warm and cold spring is a unique attraction to tourist. Adding to its natural beauty and mystery, is the tree and a palm growing from the same source at the meeting point of the springs. A lovely job by Mother Nature! Ikogosi warm and cold springs have catapulted Ikogosi-Ekiti, a small, quiet town with rich and local customs, to national and international limelight, pulling millions of tourists to its mystical site. The springs sprout out and flow with a constant temperature, and also with volume up to 150 litres per seconds of 24 hours (from morning till night), at all seasons, and all-year round. The whole environment of the spring has been deliberately left untampered with, for eco-tourism appeal, while the source of the warm spring has been provided with a viewing structure and
facilities including; durable road, 91 Rooms, 4 Restaurants, 2 Revolving Cocktail bar, Non-Static Warm Swimming Pool, 24hours Parking & Security Airport pick up service, 24 hour front desk staff, an elegant and classical accommodation, and located in the historical centre of Ikogosi, making it easily accessible by potential tourists, who wish to have a firsthand experience of it serenity. Another unique mystery of the Ikogosi Warm Spring is its acclaimed curative power. It is widely-believed to have some kind of therapeutic effect which relieves body aches and all sorts of ailments. A lot of tourists continually visit the place, and take advantage of the large warm water swimming pool provided for relaxation purpose and other recreational needs. It is also the home of the 5star Gossy Brand Spring Water bottled by UAC of Nigeria. The history, origin and discovery of the springs is said to be surrounded with a few legends, and have been passed down to generations for centuries. One of such
myths, according to research, disclosed that the warm and cold springs were the two wives of a great hunter. One of whom was said to be temperamental while the other was a quiet and easy-going woman. One day, the two wives had a serious combat, and after being rebuked by their husband, the temperamental wife changed to the warm spring, while the quiet one turned to the cold spring. Another legend has it that, the mysterious warm and cold springs was first found by a powerful hunter, while hunting for animals in the forest. After the discovery, he went to town with the story and the town’s people on learning about curative powers of the spring, never hesitated to start worshipping it. The fact remains that the mystery of this spring is real, and nothing might be compared to going on tour to this wonderful mystery filled 'Ikogosi Warm Spring' resort of Ekiti State, Nigeria.
NBC’s Hammer Falls on Davido, Olamide, 9ice’s Songs Page18
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W
By Eric Elezuo
h i l e Davido is busy invoking ‘banana’ to fall on someone, the hammer of the NigerBroadcasting ian Corporation (NBC) has fallen on him and two other popular artistes, Olamide and 9ice as their songs have been banned from the airwaves. Olamide’s ‘Wo’, 9ice’s ‘Living Things’ and Davido’s ‘If’ remix were all banned. For Olamide, it is suspected that the depiction of smoking, was something that didn’t sit well with the NBC. Though fans of Olamide have argued that the smoking ‘thing’ occurred in only one scene, NBC has refused to tolerate whatever is not edifying. In his response however, Olamide apologised for any harm caused. He tweeted; “No in-
try. One love, one Nigeria.” The NBC placed a ban on works by the three top level music artistes for an alleged violation of its rules
specific reasons for banning the songs, the decision may have been influenced by a recent reaction from the Federal Ministry of Health to the music video of
scenes showing youths of different ages openly smoking substances believed to be either cigarettes or narcotics and concluded that such scenes could encour-
slammed for what the commission described as “obscene and indecent” lyrics. Also, before the ban on 9ice’s Living Things, the song had been fingered as the
youth. He pointed out that artistes who saw nothing wrong about glorifying Internet fraud, drugs and other anti-social behaviour were not doing the society any
and regulations. It named Olamide’s Wo and Wavi Level; a remix of Davido’s If and 9ice’s Living Things as the culprits in a current list of banned songs and music videos that it
Olamide’s new song. In a message posted on Twitter, the ministry kicked against the video of Wo, released recently and described the content as contravening the Tobacco Control Act
age second-hand smoking among underage children anywhere in the country. However, this is the third time that the NBC has brought down its hammer on a popular song by
subject of a statement by fellow rapper Falz, which urged Nigerian musicians in general to be mindful of the kind of messages that they passed to the public in their songs. Falz
good.
tentions of promoting tobacco to get people killed. I love my people, I love my coun-
released to the public. Although the commission did not give
of 2015. The Ministry of Health also noted that the video contained
Olamide. The last time was 2016, when two other songs by the rapper were
Davido, who is also known OBO, may have had his song banned from the airwaves as a result of the lyrics which depicts visual obscenity, and creates amorous intentions among listeners, who mostly are the very young ones. While the NBC may succeed in taking the songs off airwaves, it is a known fact that even youths, who may not have heard the songs before will have their curiosity channel tuned towards going for it now. This is because banning of music of any kind is the beginning of its popularity. And that may eventually haphad appeared to be pen to the banned genuinely concerned songs. about the impact of such messages on the
Entertainment
TEN THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT D’ BANJ
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uch as we know our Nigerian pop and energetic artiste, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known by his stage name, D’banj, there are some intricate things about him that seem hidden to most of us. The Koko Master keeps close to his chest all of these: 1. D'banj was introduced to the harmonica (mouth organ) by his late older brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who died in a plane crash at the age of seventeen. 2. He started to play the harmonica to attract girls during his university days. 3. His first endorsement was with
an energy drink called Power Fist. 4. D’banj has dated many prominent and rich celebrities across Africa, four of whom are: • Genevieve Nnaji of Nigeria • Bonang Matheba of South Africa • Adama Indimi of Nigeria • Jennifer Obayuwana 5. The Koko master is rumored to be married to the Jos born sister of Samantha Walsh of MTV base, Didi Killgrow in early July. 6. D'banj was named the official African ambassador for Ciroc Nigeria. In an exclusive story on Tush Magazine Issue 11, Banky W and
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D’banj shed more lights on how they became Ciroc Ambassadors. 7. In September 2015, D'banj was made the brand ambassador of SLOT, a popular mobile phone, and electronic gadget retail outfit. 8. He adopted his stage name D’banj as a combination of his first name Dapo and his surname Oyebanjo. 9. In 2015, he was applauded by World Bank Chief, Jim Yong Kim for using his music power and high celebrity status to bringing attention to serious and critical issues in Africa with alleviation. be the richest solo Magazine. special focus on agri10. As of 2016, musician in Nigeria culture and poverty D’banj is ranked to according to T.I.N
Leah Sharibu: Unexpected Heroine of Dapchi Story
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BOSS The
ISSN-2052-1979
NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL TEAM ISSN-2052-1979
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dele Momodu momodudele@yahoo.co.uk
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Mobolaji Momodu EDITOR Michael Effiong
mikeffiong2009@yahoo.com mikeffiong@ovationinternational.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR Eric Elezuo, Bamidele Salako PHOTO EDITOR Adekoya Adegbite
PRODUCTION MANAGER/ART DIRECTOR Isaac Edoh-Philip
DESIGNER Adekoya Abiodun Afeez Kwaku Yeboah Darteh
PHOTO JOURNALISTS Colin Ramsay… Ade James (USA)...Dayo Adedayo Isaac Adegbite...Dragan Mikki (UK)…Bodise Wilson Soji Adekunle…Vera Odjugo...Tope Brown Segun Lawal...Ken Ehimen... Guy L’ Avenir (Benin Republic)...Ben Dzakah (Ghana)
W
hen on February 19, 2018 the dreaded Boko Haram sect staged the kidnap of 110 students of Government Girls Science School. Dapchi, Yobe State, nobody expected that the heroine of the whole thing will be 15 year old Leah Sharibu. Even as the government of President Muhammadu Buhari negotiated the back channel release of the girls, there was no part reserved for Leah to play, but she finally took the scene by storm, and is today the preferred major character of the entire ‘script’. On Tuesday, March 22, the terrorist brought back 104 abducted schoolgirls with two others according to the presidency. Reports also claimed that five of the girls were dead and one, only one girl was not released. Her only crime was that she was a Christian, and had refused to be converted to Islam or wear the hijab. This singular action brought a different twist to the well woven plot as not only Nigerian Christians reacted, but the world at large, making an emphatic demand for the unconditional release of the girl who has been described as spirited. While lamenting his daughter’s continued stay as a captive in Boko Haram’s domain, Leah’s father praised her for refusing to denounce her faith, emphasizing how proud he is to be her father. The Christian world, on their part, has applauded her actions, saying it is only a
WEB DESIGNER/MANAGERS Innih Inyang
MARKETING/ADVERTS Zed Dominic Okolue (Benin Republic)
true child of God that can call Boko Haram’s bluff right in their domain. The young girl chose to die rather than denying her Lord Jesus Christ – that was a feat not many so called acclaimed men of God and tongue talking brothers and sisters may be able to achieve. It is often said that it is in time of serious crisis where life is at stake that the real child of God could be known: Leah proved that she is a real child of God. Her action has elicited a promise from the President that he will do everything possible to see that the lass returned home unhurt while the Christian sect are holding prayers on end for her safe return. Whatever happens at the end of the day, Leah has practically performed the whole duty of man which is encapsulated in ‘fear God’; she has paid her dues and shamed her detractors; she has stolen the show to the glory of God. It will not be forgotten also that she has affected a lot of lives, non-Christians too with her stern expression of belief even in an environment where she had no power to enforce anything. And many will begin to understand that there is more to living a pious life than meets the eye. The world is waiting for her to return to be showered with encomiums and honour as that girl who was drafted for a ‘waka pass’ role but ended up becoming the lead character, the unexpected heroine of the whole Dapchi story.
US CORRESPONDENTS Samantha Ofole Prince...Shola Orolugbagbe
CONTRIBUTORS Jimi Akinniyi… Sanya Ojikutu… Isatou N’jie Dayo Olomu… Makeba Boateng
LAGOS OFFICE Babatunde Martins-Head Admin Aderemi Abiola-Admin. Officer
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BOSS NEWSPAPER The
Vol.1 No.55
ISSN-2052-1979