Job syndicate takes over Immigration in Nigeria

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VOL. 2 NO. 21 SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012 . . . putting the people first

“My toughest time as a judge was ordering the remand of my bossom friend

SAFAR 8 - 9, 1434 AH

Suswam: Desperate Governor

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N150

First ever Hausa TV reality show, Sarewa Africa to hit airwaves

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Job syndicate takes over Immigration —4000 vacancies up for sale >>Page 4

COVER: Kidnapping —The multi billion Naira industry WWW.PEOPLESDAILY-ONLINE.COM

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Special Report

Mayhem In Katsina U

ntil last Wednesday, Katsina State had never witnessed any form of terror-like attack despite the insecurity that pervades most of the northern states.

Katsina State, before last Wednesday’s attack, was relatively peaceful and to some extent ‘immune’ from the violent crimes evident in some parts of the country.

Since the outbreak of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009, the only time Katsina came close to witnessing a major attack was the attack two years ago on a bank premises and a police station in Kankara Local Government where some policemen were killed.

On Wednesday 19 of December 2012 at around 9:30 pm when the residents of Rimi town in Rimi Local Government area, about 20 kilometres from Katsina the state capital were preparing to go to bed, a loud sound of explosions and gunshots shattered the peace and the serene atmosphere in the town. As residents begun to wonder what could have been amiss, news filtered in that the town was under attack. A middle aged lady who looked visibly shaken by the incident told Peoples Daily Weekend that: “I thought the world was coming to an end or it was an earthquake”. As the loud bang and the gunshots persists confusion in the town set in with residents scampering for safety.

When news of the attack on the town by some suspected gunmen filtered in, an eye witness who spoke to our Correspondent on condition of

Katsina state, hitherto “immuned” from the terrorist attacks rocking the region, trembled last Wednesday when kidnappers struck, burning down a police station and kidnapping a French national, Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, writes

Rimi police station bombed by suspected gunmen in Rimi, Katsina anonymity said ‘we realized that about 30 gunmen had launched an attack on the town’s police station and a house where a French expatriate, Mr. Francis Colump resides’.

The eyewitness added that the attackers divided themselves into two groups: one group

Francis Colump was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday

attack the house while the second one attacked the police station simultaneously. The source added: “It was this simultaneous fire coming from two different directions that further threw the town into total chaos”.

During a visit to the house where the expatriate was kidnapped our correspondent observed that the entrance to the house was stained with human blood. The blood stains, People Daily Weekend gathered were those of the two people killed, Abubakar Salisu, 25, Rabe Dan Unguwa, 45 and a mobile policeman who was critically injured.

After picking their targets, the kidnappers used a gas cylinder to blow part of house.

Mr. Francis Colump is one of the three French national working on a wind powered electricity project at Lambar Rimi, along Katsian-Kano road in Rimi local government area. His other two colleagues were said to have travelled home on holiday.

At the police station, the entire building was destroyed by the assailants. It was similarly gathered that when the attackers started shooting in the direction of the police station, the officers on duty fled through the back fence.

After being satisfied that the police station was “secured” the assailants hauled a gas cylinder into the building destroying it completely. A resident of the area who spoke to Peoples Daily Weekend noted ‘ when it started we thought it was an explosion from a fuel tanker but when the shooting continued we realised it was a deliberate attack’.

When the state

“

The entire building was destroyed by the assailants. It was similarly gathered that when the attackers started shooting in the direction of the police station, the officers on duty fled through the back fence

commissioner of police, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji visited the area he told newsmen in an interview that the attackers were not the dreaded Boko Haram sect but it was purely the handwork of kidnappers whose target was to kidnap the French national. The commissioner however gave assued that the assailants would be arrested within two days. He confirmed that two people were killed in the attack while a mobile policeman attached to the resident of the French expatriate was injured.

Similarly, our correspondent who visited the houses of the two peoples killed, Abubakar Salisu and Rabe Dan Unguwa, met their families and sympathizers preparing for their burial rites.

Abubakar Salisu was by fate happened to be at the house of the expatriate to charge his phone while Rabe Dan Unguwa was a security guard in the house. The chairman of Rimi Local Government Area, Alhaji Nasiru Ala iyatawa described the incident as unfortunate, adding: “This is an act of God because here in Rimi we’ve been taking adequate security measures and even the security agents here are trying their best”.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 3

Focus

Suswam:

Desperate Governor

By Abdu Labaran Malumfashi

G

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state would seem to love hugging the limelight, which is what most politicians, especially those with a belowaverage track record of performance, thrive on. He never loses the opportunity to open his mouth in public.

Unfortunately, often when he does, he puts his foot in the mouth, making him appear even less of a fair leader.

Governor Suswam would seem to have perfected the politics of exclusion into an art form.

Addressing members of NKST Church in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, on Monday, Governor Suswam alleged that members of the insurgent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, had targeted him for attack. Why him, one might ask? After all, the murderous group has as yet limited its high profile target on Muslim leaders.

Pleading for their prayers from Christians in the country, the governor told the congregation that, "Going by security reports available to me, I may be attacked any day, anywhere, anytime and this is the reason I called on you Christians to pray for me and my family".

As if that un-statesman statement was not divisive enough, he went on to lament that only two Christians out of 19 states in the north are now left standing as governors, in reference to the tragic death of the erstwhile Governor of Kaduna state, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and immediate past National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi, in a military helicopter crash in Okoloba community in Bayelsa state last Saturday, and the equally tragic air accident in Yola, Adamawa state, last month, in which Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba state, the owner and pilot of the plane, sustained serious injury and is currently in a very critical condition in a German hospital where he is receiving medical attention.

"With the demise of Sir Patrick Yakowa and the almost hopeless condition of Suntai, only two of us are left standing.

I went to Germany to see Suntai and I could not believe what I saw," he solemnly intoned.

Reading between the lines, it is not difficult to see where the Benue state Governor is

coming from and where he is going, and both the point of departure and the destination are where Nigerians would be decidedly better off staying away from.

To be sure, both the emergence of "only" four Christians as governors in the North and the two tragic air incidents were not the making of those who do not share Governor Suswam's creed.

While the former was a function of partisan politics, the later was the hand of providence at work.

Fortunately, two institutions, who stand tall in Nigeria, did not share Suswam's belief. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, a one man institution, if there is ever one and Christian of good standing, did not read any untoward meaning in the Saturday tragedy.

Speaking to Journalists in Kafachan, Kaduna state on Tuesday, General Gowon, who narrated how he declined an invitation by pilot to join the doomed Nigerian Navy helicopter, stated that the air crash was an accident.

"As we were with the aide of the President to pay our condolence, they were arranging a Navy Helicopter to take us to Yenogoa (with Yakowa).

But, another Helicopter was arranged for me and five others. And that was it.

"So when I heard about this accident, it really pains me.

And I want to say, well, you can never tell with some of these things. It was an accident. Don't impugn any meaning to it.

Don't say that it is plan to get rid of some people or something like that.

"It is an accident, yes it was an accident. There was this young Pilot of the Helicopter, who came to me after another helicopter was found for us, and he said to me, 'Sir, but I was all ready to take you to Yenagoa,

as part of my duty today'. And I said to him, 'don't worry, and there will be another time. I really hope I will have the pleasure of flying with you again'."

"These were nice innocent people. Something, probably mechanical, went wrong to have caused the accident. So it was not a plan to get rid of the Governor for whatever reason people want to guess," so declared the former Head of State.

And the Secretary General of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Musa Asake, ruled out any foul play, saying that imputing dark motives without the benefit of prior investigation was totally wrong.

Alas, this was not the first time that the Benue state Chief Executive would cry foul in order to play to the gallery.

Barely two year in office in his first term in 2009, Governor Suswam had claimed that he and members of his family were target of a kidnap plot. His audiences that time were journalists, who quoted him as saying that, "the kidnappers told their victim that the paramount target is to kidnap me and my family members and take us away."

He had also noted that, "High-profile killings are assuming worrisome dimensions. I don't know why a lecturer, who is not a politician and not seeking appointment as commissioner, will be assassinated. Tony Udu was a union leader (Chairman, Trade Union Congress), who did not have any problem with me.

He was a gentleman and was killed by deranged men."

He also lamented the proliferation of arms in his state, saying that, "There are so many arms in the hands of young men in the state. A boy of 19 years was caught with an AK rifle with the magazine loaded with ammunition. Your mere looking at him will tell you the guy is not normal and

“

Barely two year in office in his first term in 2009, Governor Suswam had claimed that he and members of his family were target of a kidnap plot.

His audiences that time were journalists, who quoted him as saying that, "the kidnappers told their victim that the paramount target is to kidnap me and my family members and take us away."

Governor Gabriel Suswam if you fail to report criminals in your neighbourhood, you could be the next victim.

Nobody knows who is next."

But except for the many hapless Benue state citizens who were callously murdered or those whose life were made miserable, including journalists, for one reason or another, neither the governor nor any member of his family were affected by the lawlessness that once defined politics in the state under his watch.

And as for arms proliferation in his state, the only notable case of illegal arms possession that has made it to the courts, involves a political associate of the governor's, now a holder a high profile office in Abuja.

As a governor, Suswam should realize that his office makes him as much a personage as a person, even though his comportment and

conduct as well as some of his utterances appear in conflict with this fact. And with the daunting challenges facing him at home, not least the credibility factor, Governor Suswam would do well for himself, Benue state and posterity if he concentrated more on serving his people better than always wasting his time trying to rope in innocent compatriots whose only crime in his eyes is belonging to a different creed as him. Trying to pull the wool over our eyes won't just do. Only good performance.

Leaders, as the legendary French leader, Napoleon Bonaparte famously noted, are dealers in hope. However, it would seem that not all leaders inspire hope in their people.

Sadly, not a few of them are on these shores of ours ruling, instead of leading, us under a supposed democratic setting.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

News Job syndicate takes over Immigration

By Our Reporter

A

job racket scandal is festering at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), with about 4000 vacancies cov e r t l y b e i n g ‘shared’ by the Comptroller General, Mrs. Rose Uzoma, Peoples Daily Weekend investigation has revealed.

Our source who claimed to know the details of the deals, recalled that the service was mandated to recruit 4000 rank and file to occupy some vacancies.

According to normal procedure, the vacancies were supposed to have been advertised for interested

members of the public to apply, before a competitive selection process is embarked upon.

“Up to this moment, the NIS has not advertised those vacancies. Instead, the CG shared the slots among Benue, Imo and Abia states, while the remaining slots are being offered at a specific price to the candidates of the r emaining 33 states in an unknown address in Asokoro”, our source disclosed.

Further investigations however indicated that the employment letters were being sold for between N400, 000 – N500, 000; and that

the syndicate who sell the appointment letters have operated in Gwagwalada, Karu, and at the last count, at SSS Community Secondary School in Asokoro.

Our reporter who visited the school in the course of investigations, was however barred entry as the security men claimed no one was within the premises as the school had closed for Christmas.

Our source also reported that the CG will be served her three months retirement notice and is due to proceed on retirement leave on Monday.

On why there was a special

allocation of vacancies to Benue, Imo and Abia states, our source alleged that the Minister of Interior (the supervisory ministry for the NIS) is from Benue state and is being given special consideration – especially his local government area; while the CG is from Abia state but is married in Imo state which explains why preference is also given to both states.

Efforts made to obtain official reaction on the alleged ongoing job racket from the Service’ public Relations Officer, Mr. Joachim Olumba were forlorn as he neither answered calls, nor replied to text messages.

Oteh may head investment arm of SWF

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

here are strong indications that the embattled DirectorGeneral of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms. Arunma Oteh may have been favoured to head Investment arm of Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) as its Chief Investment Officer.

The SEC boss has been having a sustained hostility from members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Members of the House of Representatives have canvassed Oteh’s removal from SEC as a prerequisite for vetting and appropriating budget for the capital market regulator in 2013.

The 2013 budget harmonised and passed both by both the Senate and

House of Representatives on Thursday conspicuously left out SEC from its budget defence sessions that featured most MDAs. A source close to the Presidency has confirmed the candidature of Oteh as choice and told our correspondent that the step is to find Oteh a soft landing from prying eyes of National Assembly.

A senior executive staff of SEC who spoke in confidence with our Correspondent yesterday, said the new appointment may be a clever way by President Goodluck Jonathan to yield to the demand for Oteh’s removal by the House of Reps.

“Recall that similar demand was made of Ms. Bolanle Onagoruwa, former Director-General of Bureau

of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the President was left without a choice and he caved in”, our source stated.

But Mr. Obi Adindu, Oteh’s Media Assistant told Peoples Daily Weekend that nothing of such was in the offing.

He said having rose to the number two position as the Vice-President of Africa Development Bank (AfDB), it is inconceivable for anyone to think she will descend to take the position of an Investment Officer.

Obi said the transformation and direct overhaul of the capital market started by Oteh is yielding a positive impact resulting to confidence and rebound in stocks while capital market capitalisation has recorded a modest achievement of about 33

percent.

He said series of waivers and forebearance granted to 88 stock broking firms including VAT exemption on transactions were all a pointer that Oteh’s headship of SEC which he said is focused and determined to overhaul the capital market in line with transformation agenda of the administration.

No fewer than 300 applicants are currently vying for the job of Chief Investment Officer of Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala who confirmed this on Thursday said that a strategy document that will give operational bite to Sovereign Wealth Fund is ready.

Bauchi auto crash kills 10, injures eight From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he 10 persons died while eight were injured in ghastly auto crash along Bauchi Gombe road in Alkaleri area of Bauchi state.

The Acting Sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mahmud Kachalla,

confirmed the incident to newsmen in Bauchi yesterday.

He said the accident occurred in the afternoon inbetween Tsohuwar Gwaram village and Alkaleri town in Bauchi state and it involved 18 people in a Golf and Honda cars, and one motorcycle.

According to him, among the 10 killed “were five

female adults, three male adults, a boy and a girl; while, out of the eight injured, there were five male adults, a female adult and two boys”.

Kachalla said the accident occurred as a result of speeding and over loading, adding that inside the Golf car were 14 persons who came for condolence visit from Jigawa state on their way to Alkaleri

then they had a head-on collision.

He said the FRSC personnel stationed in Alkaleri rescued the victims and took the injured people to Alkaleri General Hospital for medical treatment.

He then called on motorist to always obey traffic rules to have minimal accidents on the highways.

FG urges hoteliers to remain calm over Lagos government threat

By Miriam Humbe

H

otel operators in Lagos state have been told not to entertain fears and intimidation over the utterances of officials of the state government who are threatening to take them to court for not respecting the controversial law on hotel

registration.

In a statement in Abuja, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), said it did not wish to join issues with the state government on the matter because the Supreme Court is still handling the matter and is yet to pass its judgment.

The Corporation said it had tremendous respect for the law

noting that the Supreme Court which is adjudicating on the matter has the final say.

The case in question is Suit No. SC/340/2010 titled Attorney-General of the Federation V Attorney-General of Lagos state filed on behalf of the Federal Government by B. Ayorinde and Co. The statement which was signed by the Director General

of the apex tourism organisation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe appealed to stakeholders in the hospitality industry to go about their duties, remain calm and steadfast adding that the NTDC is a focused organisation whose interest is for the betterment of the industry in Nigeria as a whole and not to serve any individual interest.

Jonathan, NASS, PDP govs review 2012

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday held a meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors as well as the leadership of the party for over three hours at the State House to review the events of 2012 and the way forward in 2013.

The party’s spokesman, Olisa Metuh however used the opportunity to describe deregistered parties pointing accusing fingers at the ruling party as being behind their travails, as bad losers.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Metuh, said the meeting focused on issues facing the nation, x-raying the year 2012 and projecting what to expect in the new year.

He added that the vision of the President in line with the agenda of the party and how to ensure that the Nigerian people are provided for formed part of what was discussed.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the PDP is ready and able to satisfy the aspirations of Nigerians. We are going to produce a lot of reforms and innovations in the new year to ensure that the people of Nigeria will be happy with the party in government.

On de-registered political parties accusing PDP of instigating INEC, Metuh said, “It is normal in a football match, when there is a winning team, the losing team will always accuse the referee of being biased, we are not the referees, we are not the arbiter, we are part of the team, we are playing in the field, we listened like them and we await the decision of INEC and we will abide with the decision of INEC, it is an independent body”.

On the reforms that are to be expected in the new year, the PDP publicity secretary said: “We will await the President to unfold it, the President is going to address Nigerians in the new year, and the National Assembly will make their position clear in the new year. We will await the leaders of the country to make their positions clear”.

On whether the budget was part of the discussion, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emordi, said “Yes, it was discussed, like every other thing and I do not think that there is any problem with the budget passed.”

On the fact that there was no allocation for Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), she said “I don’t think that there is problem with anything because we are looking at all the features of the budget”.

Also speaking on the meeting, the Benue Governor, Gabriel Suswam said, the meeting was important to enable them feel the pulse of the President on issues concerning the nation and the party.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 5

News INEC deregisters more parties

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

I

n addition to the already scrapped 28 political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday axed the African Renaissance Party (ARP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and National Transformation Party (NTP), for not being able to win any elective post in the 2011 general elections as stipulated by the Electoral Act. In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kaugama, INEC explained that the latest deregistration also derived from the powers conferred on it by the 1999 constitution, as amended, as well as the Electoral Act of 2010, as amended.

“In continuation of the exercise of the powers conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (As amended), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deregistered three more political parties,” the statement read.

In further explanation, the INEC scribe pointed out that the affected political parties were deregistered for similar reasons which hinder them from meeting up with the provisions of the 1999 constitution.

According to him, all the affected parties failed to compose their national executive committees (NEC) in accordance with the

requirements of the Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, which demands that NEC of political parties should be ethnically and religiously balanced.

He added that in as much as the parties do not have verifiable headquarters offices as demanded by Section 222(f) of the constitution, they also

failed to win a seat in both the state and national assemblies, including the executive positions they would be deregistered.

He therefore reiterated the commission’s commitment to relating with all registered political parties as specified by the extant laws of the land.

It would be recalled that INEC had deregistered seven political parties in June, after

which 28 others were deregistered in November, before the latest deregistration of three more, bringing the number of deregistered political parties to 38.

While the affected political parties have proceeded to court to challenge the powers of INEC to deregister them, speculation is rife that more political parties would be caught in INEC’s drag net.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Education research and Development Council, Professor Godswill Obioma; Minister of Education, professor Ruqayyatu Rufai, Minister of State For Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije; and permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr, Macjohn Nwobiala; during the public Presentation of the 2012 Education Implementation Report, on Thursday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

CACOL flays N50m pension to Ibori From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), has condemned the payment of N50 million as pension to the ex-governor of Delta state cum serial convict, James Onanefe Ibori by the Delta state government.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its executive chairman, Debo Adeniran, noted that paying James Ibori pension is rewarding corruption and encouraging its perpetrators.

“It is very disheartening that Delta state government could pay a common criminal like Ibori monthly pension. What is the essence of the payment? To compensate him for bleeding Delta state coffers white during his tenure? Or is he being paid for rendering many hapless and helpless Deltans useless and worthless in his reign? Ibori has been convicted of a fraction of the crimes he committed while in power, and will definitely come back to face the wrath of the Nigerian Law after he might have ended his jail term in the United Kingdom, so he should be deemed to have been dismissed from office and therefore, not entitled to pension.

Jonathan congratulates South-Korea’s first female president

Nigeria is indivisible, says Mark P

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

enate President, David Mark, yesterday assured Nigerians that the country was indivisible, calling on all citizens to work hard to ensure unity and peace in the country.

According to a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, Mark made this assertion during a constituency tour of Agatu,

Apa and Ohimini local government areas in Benue South Senatorial District.

Represented by his wife, Mark while expressing appreciation for the large turnout of people in the three local governments, also urged them not to relent in their prayers for President Goodluck Jonathan, the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the Senate President and other leaders at every level of government.

While pointing out the necessity for Nigerians to stand firm and rally round the leaders for success in their endeavour, Mark emphasised that it is only when the leaders succeed that peace and progress among various ethnicities in the country can be guaranteed.

“Our prayers are paramount at this particular period in our land. We should pray for stability, peace and

progress. We should pray for our leaders and Nigeria to continue to be an indivisible nation,” he stated.

In separate remarks, the Chairmen of Agatu, Apa and Ohimini local government areas, Stephen Dutse, Oyi Owoicho and Sunday Mark, respectively thanked the Senate President for his kind gesture at reaching out to the needy during the festive period.

Police arraign man, 30, for assaulting sex worker

P

olice on Friday arraigned one Henry Godwin of Piwoye village, Abuja, before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for assaulting a commercial sex worker.

Godwin was arraigned on a four-count charge of breach of trust, assault, theft and mischief, which contravened Sections 312, 265, 288 and 327 of the Penal Code.

Prosecutor Paul Anigbo told the court that the matter was reported at the Lugbe Police Station on December 16 by one Vivian Okon

of Sunshine Hotel, Lugbe, Abuja.

Anigbo said that at about 10 p.m. on Dec. 16, Godwin went to the hotel, accosted Okon and demanded to sleep with her.

“Being her profession, Okon accepted and both agreed that Godwin will pay the sum of N1,500 after intercourse.

“Godwin, after the act, refused to pay the agreed sum and rather beat her up which resulted in an injury on her ear.

“Okon also sustained an injury on her shoulder as a result of a bite

by Godwin”, Anigbo told the court.

The prosecutor said that Godwin destroyed a Binatone standing fan worth N5,000 belonging to the Hotel.

He said that the accused brother, whose name is not known, came to the scene of the crime and stole Okon’s Black berry phone worth N60,000.

Anigbo said that Godwin could not give any satisfactory explanation for his actions during investigations.

Godwin pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The Magistrate, Aliyu Shafa, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N150,000 with a surety in like sum who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

Shafa said that the surety must have a fixed address and must affix his passport photograph alongside that of the accused on the bail bond.

He adjourned the case to Jan. 17, 2013, for further hearing.

(NAN)

resident Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated South Korea’s president-elect, Ms. Park Geun-hye on her victory in the country’s presidential elections.

A statement signed by Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said: “President Jonathan joins the rest of the world in applauding her historic emergence as her country’s first female Head of State and Government.

“The President trusts that with her leadership abilities and long experience of politics at the highest levels of governance in her country, Ms. Park will fully justify the confidence reposed in her by millions of South Koreans who voted for her election on Wednesday this week.

“President Jonathan looks forward to working with Ms. Park and her government when she assumes office next year to further strengthen the cordial bilateral relations which already exist between Nigeria and South Korea.”

While wishing Ms. Park a very successful tenure, President Jonathan assured the South Korean president-elect that the Federal Government will work in close collaboration with her administration to expand trade and economic relations between Nigeria and South Korea for the mutual benefit of both countries.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

News Niger NDLEA traps 114 suspects for illegal drugs From Iliya Garba, Minna

I

n a bid to stop illegal drugs in the country, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Niger state command, has

arrested a total of 114 suspects from January to December 2012.

The state commander, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdul who disclosed this yesterday in an interview with journalists, said

between the period, 517.20kg of various illicit drugs were seized by the command.

He said out of the recorded cases, 51 were successfully convicted while some are still pending at the Federal High

Court in Minna, adding that the command was able to counsel 69 persons and properly integrate them into the society.

The commander stated that most of the drugs abused by the youth in the state are cannabis

(wiwi) and psychotropic drugs (cough syrup velum) and advised youths to stay away from illegal drugs.

Abdul however pleaded with parents, religious leaders and well meaning Nigerlites to help in the fight against the abuse of illicit drugs in the society.

Niger to establish mobile court to try immunisation defaulters From Iliya Garba, Minna

A L-R: Chairman, Lagos State Branch, National Union of Road Transport Workers {NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, National President NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin and the General Secretary of the Union, Comrade Clement Wetkut, during the Inauguration of the Lagos State Chapter of NURTW, on Thursday in Abuja.

Photo : Justin Imo-Owo

Health minister denies cancelation of meeting with union

By A’isha Biola Raji

T

he Minister for Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, has refuted the assertion by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), to have cancelled their scheduled meeting without reasons.

The minister stated this in a press statement signed by Alhaji Yusuf Isiaka, Deputy Director, Press in the Federal Ministry of Health. The statement clarified that the minister actually scheduled a meeting with JOHESU on Monday 17th December, 2012.

It stated further that the

minister, permanent secretary, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, all directors in the ministry including officials of the National Salaries and Wages Commission, as well as representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity were in attendance but JOHESU did not turn up for the meeting.

The statement read: “To state

the obvious, we waited for over one hour for JOHESU. Up till today, JOHESU has neither offered any explanations for its absence nor has the group tendered any apology.

“The claim by JOHESU that the minister cancelled the meeting was not only untrue, malicious and unfounded but a deliberate attempt to blackmail the minister”.

Oyo workers get 13 month salary, free transportation service From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

G

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has approved free transportation service for workers to and fro their offices with effect from January next year.

The governor, while breaking the cheering news to the workers during an interactive session he held with them at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Ibadan, said some buses had been procured by government for the purpose.

He said that the buses would be distributed to various locations to convey the workers to the state secretariat in the morning and return them to the same locations after close of work.

Governor Ajimobi, who said that this was part of his administration’s welfare package for the state workforce in the New

Year, also announced the payment of 13th month salary for civil servants.

He also announced that the workers should close for work on Monday, December 24 by 12 noon so as to allow them prepare for the Christmas celebrations the following day.

The governor also approved 100 percent increment in car loans for the workers and that the taxes being deducted from their salaries had been reduced by 48 percent.

While promising more welfare packages for the civil servants, he, however, charged them to generate ideas for his administration that

would further help the revenue generation drive of government.

He directed the state Ministry of Establishments and Training to put in place a well-thought out training scheme that would ensure that all categories of civil servants benefit from the training programme of the government.

s part of efforts to ensure total eradication of the wild polio virus in the state, Niger state government is to establish a mobile court to try parents that refuse health officials access to administer the routine polio vaccines on their wards.

Niger state deputy governor and chairman of the state taskforce on the eradication, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto, disclosed this shortly after an enlarged meeting of the state executive council with traditional rulers and local government council chairmen.

He disclosed that the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice is already working on a bill to be passed by the House of Assembly to criminalise refusal of immunisation by parents and guardians for their wards.

The deputy governor explained that as soon as the law becomes operational, any parent that refuses to immunise their children if convicted by the mobile court, will pay a fine of N10, 000 or six months imprisonment or both.

He said: “The mobile court will try those refusing to comply with immunisation because we have discovered that the resistance is not restricted to only the uneducated but even the elites in the state”.

According to him, in order to meet the 2015 target date for the eradication of polio in Nigeria, the state government has also concluded plans to introduce check points at local government bordering the state with neighbouring states.

Police ban sale, use of knockout during festivities in Plateau

T

he Plateau police command on Friday announced a ban in the sale and use of bangers as part of measures for peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year festivities.

Mr. Chris Olakpe, the Commissioner of Police, told a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on Friday that anyone caught with the fireworks would be dealt with.

“Anyone caught selling or using the explosives will be “knocked out’

by the police,’’ Olapke declared.

He assured Plateau residents of adequate security during the yuletide and stressed that a rapid response squad had been set up to mount surveillance on black spots.

“We have sufficient manpower and our men are ready to work with the public to fish out miscreants that have become the problem of the state,’’ he said.

Olakpe, however, pointed out that peace would not be attained

without the active support of the public.

“We expect the public to furnish the police with intelligence reports that will lead to the arrest of all the wicked people in our midst.

“All of you are security officers; please report any individual in your community whose identity is questionable.

“If you see anything that you cannot verify yourself, call the police. We have anti-bomb squad

ready to attend to any situation at any time of day”, he added.

The police boss volunteered his phone numbers for the public to reach him personally should any need arise.

In his remarks, Mr. Umar Miringa, Deputy Commandant, Special Task Force (STF) maintaining security in Plateau state, said that security arrangements at worship centres should be maintained. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 9

Cover

Kidnapping:The multibillion naira ‘industry’

By Nasuri Isa Mu’azu & Ibrahim Kabir Sule

K

idnapping of persons usually for ransom has become a nightmare in Nigeria. Hardly does a day pass without Nigerians hearing horrendous stories of people being forcibly taken away as they go about their daily business. Reports show that the criminal, which first attracted national attention in 2006, when Niger Delta militants kidnapped foreign oil workers to press home their demanded, has since increased and is being commercialised. There were conflicting reports about the amount of money kidnappers demand as ransom, when recently the mother of the Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo iweala, Madam Mabel Kamene Titi was kidnapped, but it did not come as a surprise when a whopping sum of N1

billion was mentioned as ransome by her abductors, it did not even raise eyebrows of Nigerians, owing to the caliber of the personality involved and the history of ransom demands by kidnappers who are smiling to the banks with the increase in kidnapping, a phenomenon that is now viewed as a multi-billion naira ‘industry’.

The menace has spread from the Niger Delta to most parts of the country, with some states being hotspots. The incidents have shown that victims have now changed from being predominantly foreign oil workers to Nigerians, both young and old, even toddlers or relatives of persons that could be blackmailed into coughing out a huge ransom. An analyst noted that “those

behind the recent wave of the despicable act have also changed from being exclusively Niger Delta militants to other elements from different walks of life - armed robbers, unemployed, professional 419ers, and at least a priest”.

Many have blamed the wave of the criminality on unemployment in the country, even as we contend with an inefficient and corrupt police force that is ill-equipped to fight the crime while the kidnappers continue to smile to the banks. There is therefore no doubt that it is a lucrative business which even the proposal of capital punishment by lawmakers cannot deter as the dastardly act rather than diminish, seem to be on the rise.

Analysts said the trend is a “Symptom of a larger malaise, namely that pervasive kidnapping, is one of the major symptoms of both

‘failed’ and ‘failing’ states. “Most of the countries where kidnapping have been pervasive have been either failed or failing states – Baghdad after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Columbia from the 1970s until about 2001, and Mexico between 2003 and 2007".

One of the recent victims, Kamene Okonjo, 82, and a mother of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, was allegedly dropped off by her captors on a main road near her home in Delta State around 10:30 am on the day she was released.

Though reports said the Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said the captors probably decided to let her go due to pressure from high quarters, many still believed that money may have changed hands.

Contd on Pg 10

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 10

Cover

Gov. Emmanuel Oduagha

IGP Mohammed Abubakar

Prof. Kanene Okonjo

Kidnapping:The multibillion naira ‘industry’ Contd from Pg 9 “The governor said it was not government policy to pay ransoms, but families sometimes negotiate with the kidnappers privately.”For this one we also insisted that we would not pay any ransom and as a government, we would not negotiate with anybody,” he said. He said the driver who dropped off Mrs. Okonjo ha d been arrested and was being questioned.

Kamene, who was also the Queen Mother of OgwashiUku was seized by gunmen from the palace of her husband, the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi (Prof.) Chukwuka Okonjo recently and her abductors demanded a whopping sum.

Reports said, “Six days after a 10-man kidnap gang seized Professor Mabel Kamene Titi Okonjo, mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, the 82-year-old retired professor of sociology, University of Nigeria, UNN, Nsukka, was released, Friday morning, by her kidnappers in Benin City, Edo State, after collecting between N10 to N11 million ransom”. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Nigeria’s finance minister, attributed the capture of her mother to the ‘subsidy cabal’ whom she

accused of being the masterminds in order to intimidate the minister into releasing “their money”. It is therefore evident that when the potential for quick money with relatively lower risk became clear; kidnapping blossomed into a “lucrative business.” Representatives of the family of Nkiru Sylvanus, an actress who was also abducted recently, before she was released, were said to be negotiating with the abductors of the actress, and that she would be released soon if both parties reached an agreement. A source, who craved anonymity, told P.M.NEWS that the kidnappers, initially demanded N100 million ransom, When Osun state speaker’s wife, was kidnapped they demanded

N200million ransome. The kidnappers of John Obi Mikel’s father when he also kidnapped, demanded a “sizeable” ransom for his release, the Chelsea midfielder’s representatives had reported that the kidnappers demanded £80,000 (about N20million) while Abductors of the mother of former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi demanded for a ransome of N200m.

These are few examples to show that the menance viewed by the increasing number of Nigerians as a lucrative business that generates instant money from the desperate family of a victim, kidnapping has arguably continued to reign supreme.

Though victims have now

“

Viewed by the increasing number of Nigerians as a lucrative business that generates instant money from the desperate family of a victim, kidnapping has arguably continued to reign supreme

changed from being predominantly foreign oil workers to Nigerians, including parents, grandparents, footballers and toddlers and about anyone who has a relative that could be blackmailed into coughing out a ransom, just last Thursday, another kidnap drama occurred in Katsina state, involving a French national working with an energy firm, Vergnet, as stated by the company’s spokesperson, Jennifer Julia.

Although there was no claim of responsibility by any group, or a demand of ransom, as at press time, it is however believed that the culprits may demand for a king’s ransome.

In September, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state personally supervised the demolition of two buildings belonging to a suspected kidnap kingpin, Mr. Olisagbo Ifedike at Ifite-Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area. Obi, announced earlier that any building used by kidnappers or belonging to a kidnapper would be demolished and the land confiscated by government.

A hotel and two buildings in the state was reportedly sealed off earlier, on the orders of the governor, following allegations that they were used as hide out by

suspected kidnappers.

Ifedike, 36, alias Ofe Akwu, was arrested by a combined team of the Inspector General of Police, IGP’s, special task force and State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, along with a member of the gang.

The two properties demolished were a one-storey building with a pent house and a bungalow which the kingpin built for his father.

During the raid on the compound, the police discovered sophisticated arms and ammunition in a plastic concealed underground behind the bungalow.

According to reports, the armoury included 27 AK 47 rifles, one K2 riffle, two type06 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun, one Rocket launcher, 17 rockets, six pump action guns, three dane guns, one Barrett pistol and 13 Rocket grenades, as well as 12,800 rounds of AK 47 live ammunition, 530 rounds of LAR ammunition, 95 rounds of GPMG live ammunition, 1000 rounds of K2 live ammunition and 143 magazines.

Apart from an underground structure in the compound suspected to be a place for keeping victims, there was also an extended building with toilet facilities

Contd on Pg 11

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 11

Cover Kidnapping:The multi-billion naira ‘industry’ Contd from Pg 10 behind the bungalow suspected to be a place he was using as a cell.

In a small building attached to the wall near the gate was a shrine allegedly used by the father of the suspect, Mr. Patrick Ifedike, alias Ogbujingidi, said to be a native doctor.

Before the demolition, it was noticed that there had been an attack on the compound by suspected angry mob which burnt parts of the buildings, smashed the windows, doors and furniture in the area.

Governor Obi, who personally supervised the caterpillars while at work on the buildings with some members of the State Executive Council, said the action was in line with the law of the state which provides that any property linked to kidnappers and other criminals would be confiscated and demolished by the state government.

He said the decision was geared towards eradicating crime and flushing out hoodlums from the state. The governor said further that due process of the law had been initiated to prosecute the suspect, while government would go after all his investments in the country.

He said that Ifedike’s hotels had been sealed off, while Abia State government would be contacted to seal off another hotel in Umuahia also belonging to the man.

The Governor explained necessary steps would be taken to arrest other people involved in the crime, and sent a strong warning to other criminals still lurking in the state, that the game was up as his administration would not relent until the set objective was achieved.

He also reminded traditional rulers and town union executives of their responsibility to ensure that their communities were not used as hiding place for criminals, even as he urged youths to take advantage of the various economic empowerment programmes of the state government to earn decent living.

Reports about victims of kidnappers include commissioners, a vicechancellor and the wife of the Osun State House of Assembly Speaker. Many cases remain unreported. Three years ago, a retired Army General, Peter Ademokhai, who was kidnapped in his wife’s presence and had to part with an undisclosed sum of money to regain his freedom. That same year, a then 75-year-old

Gov Peter Obi

John Obi Mikel

Comrade Adam Oshiomhole Elechi Amadi, a renowned novelist, was picked up by kidnappers, who also did not spare Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie. The list of kidnapped people keeps growing daily and a lot of questions have been raised as regards the reasons behind the seeming air of freedom and reckless abandon with which the kidnappers operate but the answer remains the same, the quest to become rich quickly.

Nkeiru Slyvanus While some critics point fingers to the laxity in the security frame work in the country, others blame the government for its failure to provide jobs and employment for the youths who have now constituted the majority of kidnappers. Some also blame politicians and people in the corridors of power for sponsoring some of the kidnapping.There is no gainsaying that the rising

wave of kidnapping has compounded the security situation in Nigeria. It is difficult to state the extent to which it has impacted on business as would-be investors are now wary of visiting the country. In some places, foreign workers have abandoned construction sites after their engineers have been captured. The tragedy of the Nigerian situation is that, with the infiltration of

terrorist organisations, kidnap cases have become even knottier for the security agents to unravel.There have also been cases where kidnapping has been used as a means to settle scores between parties. Politicians, businessmen etc have been known to sponsor kidnappings, so as to instil fear in their opponents or to kill them. In Delta and

Contd on Pg 12

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Cover Contd from Pg 11 Bayelsa States, politicians are always wary of each other and they are normally seen in the company of heavily armed escorts, because of the fear of kidnapping. In Edo State recently, an aide to the governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was kidnapped. Also, in September, in Bauchi State, the in-law to Governor Isa Yuguda, Mohammed Sade, was kidnapped. Sade was the chairman of the body in charge of fertilizer distribution in the state. No ransom demands were made.

In the South-South, militants had, at one time, resorted to kidnapping politicians and top business executives’ wives in order to protest the nonpayment of their amnesty claims.

This wave of politically motivated abductions had further spiralled into senseless killings of the victims, if they (the victims) failed to come up with the demanded amounts. Till date, not much had been done to curtail their activities or apprehend the kidnappers.Nigeria’s rising profile as a haven for kidnappers was the focus of attention at a recent meeting of the African Insurance Organisation in Balaclava, Mauritius. Unsurprisingly, Nigeria was designated, in a statement at the African Reinsurance forum, as the “global capital of kidnapping”. A portion of the damning statement on Nigeria said, “The number of kidnaps-for-ransom in Africa continued to increase. In the first half of 2011, Africa’s proportion of the global total

Gov. Theodore Orji

Kidnapping:The multibillion naira ‘industry’ increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 34 per cent. Nigeria is now the kidnap-for-ransom capital of the world, accounting for a quarter of globally reported cases.”

Based on 1999 statistics, the top 10 countries for ransom kidnappings were in the order of occurrence: Columbia, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria, Philippines, India, Ecuador, Venezuela and South Africa. What this means is that – within a short space of time – Nigeria has stolen the limelight from countries such as Russia, Mexico and Colombia, among others, traditionally notorious for kidnapping. It is another addition to the chains of afflictions that have befallen the country, among which are corruption, economic and financial crimes, mass murder, armed robbery, terrorism, lynching and general insecurity.Some

kidnappings of foreign nationals include:· On 20 December a French national was kidnapped by armed men in Katsina State in northern Nigeria, reportedly from a residential compound. The kidnappers also reportedly killed two security guards and attacked a police station.· On 29 July two dual British/ Nigerian nationals were kidnapped together in the Delta State. One was quickly released. The other was rescued on 31 July by Nigerian authorities.· In June 2012 a dual British/ Nigerian national was kidnapped in the Niger Delta area and quickly released.· On 31 May 2012 an Italian national was kidnapped in Kwara State and was subsequently released on 1 June 2012.· On 7 May a Lebanese national was kidnapped in

“

This wave of politically motivated abductions had further spiralled into senseless killings of the victims, if they (the victims) failed to come up with the demanded amounts

Sir Peter Edochie

Kaduna State. His Lebanese colleague was killed during the abduction.· On 26 January 2012 a German national was kidnapped in Kano and reportedly killed in the city on 31 May 2012. · On 12 May 2011 a British national and an Italian national were kidnapped together in Kebbi State. Both hostages were killed in Sokoto on 8 March 2012.· On 22 June 2010 a British national was kidnapped in Abuja and was subsequently released on 25 June 2010.While a larger population of kidnapped victims remains foreigners, there is a shift in trend towards kidnapping citizens of well to do backgrounds.

Though the government has claimed to be doing its best in arresting the ugly situation, so far no tangible impact has been felt due to our security agencies efforts.

It is worthwhile to note that a few successes have been r e c o r d e d b y o u r s e curity agencies in rescuing kidnapped victims but there is need for proactive security tactics rather than being reactive.State governments where kidnapping has been most rampant have come up with ways to tackle the menace in their states. It is worthy to note that Abia and Anambra states have in recent times organized massive security operations to

Prof. Elechi Amadi

eradicate, destroy and arrest members of the various gangs involved in this crime.In Abia state, Governor Theodore Orji has been supporting the security agencies with equipments and vehicles to tackle the menace. In 2010 the governor requested the deployment of the army to the state from the president and so far the state has recorded massive success in destroying the dens of kidnappers and the arrest of their members.His counterpart in Anambra state likewise embarked on the same sort of campaign which involved the demolition of suspect hideouts of kidnappers. The Governor Peter Obi in September this year led a team of security agents to supervise the demolition of two buildings at Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government where a large cache of arms were uncovered by the police after they arrested one Olisa Ifedike in connection with a series of robberies and kidnappings in the state.

While it is commendable that some state gorvernors are being proactive in the fight against kidnapping, there remains much to be done and with targeting of high profile members of the society it is hoped that the government will pay more attention to the tackling of this menace which is gradually grinding down the economic viability of most states in Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

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Special Report

Christmas amidst fear, gloom

*Dire socio-economic, security situation overshadow festivity *Market prices shoot up

By Nasiru Mu'azu Isa, Sonde Abbah, Tobias Lengnan Dapam & Stanley Onyekwere Cletus Obinna and his family rarely ever miss the once-ina-year opportunity to celebrate Christmas in their hometown. A native of Obollo Afor in Enugu State, Obinna is an estate agent based in Garki, Abuja.

This year, however, he is not all that enthusiastic about venturing home. “It’s too risky’’, the tall, light-skinned gentleman solemnly declared.

“The spate of kidnappings, armed robbery and such other criminal activities going on across the land, discourages some of us from traveling home for Xmas as my family and I used to do’’.

As for Momoh Ejeh, a bricklayer with an Abujabased construction company, “the gloomy economic situation”, as he put it, is responsible for his decision to stay put in Abuja this Christmas. “We are on break till early next year and I planned to travel to my hometown in Kogi State, particularly as one of my cousins will get married during Xmas,’’ he told PEOPLES DAILY. “But the gloomy economic situation, coupled with the high cost of transportation, forced me to change my plans. I will just send to my people at home and spend the festivities here’’.

Obinna and Momoh are not alone. An extensive survey across the nation indicates that many other Nigerians are stuck in the same predicament as Obinna and Momoh. From Lagos to Ebonyi and Benue

Mrs. Elizabeth Eze

States; from the FCT to Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba States, the story is similar: Christmas festivity overshadowed by the dire consequences of a comatose economy, unprecedented insecurity, rampant kidnapping, armed robbery, and the like.

Indeed, at a time like this when boundless excitement should pervade the land, gloom, despair and lamentations hold sway. At a time when millions of Christians ought to be warming up for their biggest annual festival - Christmas - a significant number of them are finding it tough to get their daily bread, let alone stockpile food and other items for the forthcoming festivity.

“This, in my view, is one of the worst Christmas we have witnessed in living memory, if not the worst,’’ a civil servant who asked not to be named, told our correspondent last Wednesday. “In the past, about two weeks or so to Christmas, excitement would pervade everywhere, indicating that something big was ahead. But there has been

Yahaya selling xmas decoration items no such feeling this time around. Instead, feelings of disappointment and

“

We normally mark Christmas with a goat or even two, but as at this moment (last Wednesday) I am not sure we will get it, due to the high cost. A goat that ordinarily shouldn’t be more than N14,000 at most, now goes for nearly N20,000 or more’’, he lamented

Mercy Ochaja

frustration reign supreme’’.

Mrs. Elisabeth Eze, founder and president of Deze Foundation, a NonGovernmental Organization (NGO) based at Mararaba, Nassarawa State, couldn’t agree more. As the chief executive of an NGO which organizes sundry charity and women-empowerment programmes annually, Mrs. Eze comes into contact with the unemployed, orphans, widows and their ilk constantly.

“Judging by what I hear from such people frequently, it is obvious that these are not

the best of times for them in particular and many other Nigerians in general. I think one can say that the socioeconomy situation is not all that easy’’ she said. “To most of such folk, this period (Christmas) is challenging, to put it mildly, more so as inflation seems to be particularly high at such period’’.

Truly so. A visit to markets in major towns and cities such as Abuja, Jos, Lagos, Abakaliki, Onitsha, Lokoja and Kano, paint a forlorn portrait.

Prices of food items such as rice, beans, palm oil, and yam have ballooned in the past couple of weeks. This is even as transport fares have risen sharply, what with the lingering fuel scarcity compounding the situation.

Proprietor of Elimantex Business Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, Elias Ubong said the high cost of goods and services have impacted on his family. “We normally mark Christmas with a goat or even two, but as at this moment (last Wednesday) I am not sure we will get it, due to the high cost.

A goat that ordinarily shouldn’t be more than N14,000 at most, now goes for nearly N20,000 or more’’, he lamented”.

To make ends meet, Ubong said, he has had to reduce the number of dresses he planned to purchase for his kids. “Even the gift items we normally Continued on page 14

PAGE 14

Special Report

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Chicken too expensive no one is buying

Christmas amidst fear, gloom Continued from page 13 purchase in order to give out to some neighbors and family members, my wife and I decided to reduce them to the barest minimum due to the economic situation,’’ he stated.

X-raying the situation, Mercy Ochaja, a graduate of university of Jos, said: ‘’From

Next 2 Next

what I have seen in the places I have been in recent times, including Jos and the Federal Capital Territory, it’s obvious that things are not so easy for average citizen this Christmas and New year season. Many are just struggling to cope with the socio-political situation, living from –hand –to-mouth existence’’.

And that raises some pertinent posers. What does this Christian festival mean to the people in general and Christians in particular?

Despite the tough socioeconomic circumstance, will some still find sundry ways to celebrate against all odds?

Christmas has a pride of place in an average Christian home and elder of St. Michael Ogoyi, underscored this point.

“Christmas is special to a typical Christian, hence, he or she would endeavor to celebrate it by all means,’’ said the erstwhile staff of NNPC. He added: “Christmas as a festival, even transcends the religious aspect. Hence, both Christians and Non-Christians alike mark the event as best as we can. Some use the period and New year for sober reflection, whereas many others use the period for all types of festivities, including wedding, parties and other social events.’’

Little wonder, not a few entertainment spots, hotels and groups are warming up to “paint the town red’’. Consider the Abuja-based music group, ‘’Next 2 Next’’ the group, made up of Allen G and Lil Pop (real names Sadiq and Ernest) plan to perform what they call “mind-blowing shows’’ across the FCT and its environs during the Xmas and New year festivities.

“We have rehearsed some

hit songs which we intend to ‘unleash’ this season in order to satisfy the yearnings of our fans and music-loving Nigerians in general’’, Allen G told PEOPLES DAILY Weekend.

“Christmas is a season of joy and we shall use our music to spread joy around accordingly’’.

Are they unaware of the fact that most Nigerians are grumbling that “country hard’’? Not quite so. “Things are truly not easy; we know that quite well”, Allen G added.

“All the same, you may agree with me that we, as a people, cannot afford to give up due to the situation prevailing now.

We must keep hope alive and this is where music in particular and entertainment in general, comes in. As someone once said, “If music be the food of life, sing and dance on”. So we will sing quite well this season.’’

One of these who may not hesitate to sing and dance with abandon this season is Miss Mummy Ujah. According to the student of Benue Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, “though it has been a tough year for most of us here in Nigeria, I think we should use this period for thanksgiving, meditation and also rejoicing, at least for being alive against all odds. So my pals and I will do just that at Christmas’’.

For Pastor Graham Adekule, founder and

Pastor Graham Adekule general overseer of Ambassador of God Kingdom International, Christmas “represents a great ideal, given that it is a celebration of the birth of the lord and savior, Jesus Christ’’. As such, he added, “Christmas means a quite a lot to us; it goes beyond carnal celebration and merriment’’.

Adekule, whose church is based in Ado-Karu, said “Christ birth opened the way to salvation and deliverance, so his birthday being Christmas, is symbolic in so many ways’’. Accordingly, he enjoined all and sundry “to not just celebrate the festival with merriment, but reflect on the noble ideal involved”.

Continued on page 15

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 15

Special Report

Mixed reactions trail high prices Continued from page 14

W

ith the arrival of Christmas In a couple of days, the prices of items for the Christmas are among the foremost issues of public concern. A survey conducted

by Peoples Daily Weekend in Abuja revealed that while the prices of some food items have remained stable, some have gone up by almost 200%.

A visit by to Utako market in Abuja revealed that among that while marketers selling accessories of Christmas like Santa hats and decorations are making brisk business some are just sitting in their stalls waiting for customers to show up.

Chima who is a boutique owner said he has been making brisk business so much so that he has ordered for more items for his shop. He confessed that while business has been brisk, there has been an increase in the price clothing items giving an example of Jeans which used to sell for N2000 has gone up and is now being sold for N2500 and above. Chima said unlike last year when customers were trooping into the markets, this year the Christmas shopping has drastically gone down with customers complaining of lack of money.

Rose a customer in the market to do her Christmas shopping complained about the lack of money to shop as she used to in the past. Rose said as far as she is concerned it is just the joy of Christmas that made her come to the market. She said apart from the lack of money there is also the huge increase in prices of items in the market. She skirt and blouse which cost N7000 last year is now selling for N10,000.

A stroll round the clothing section of Utako market

Sam, no busines

Provision store empty of customers revealed the lack of patronage with shop owners sitting idle in their shops or taking a nap.

Most shop owners that talked to Peoples Daily weekend said they had not yet done their Christmas shopping because without making sales they can’t afford to do any shopping for Christmas.

Mr. Agbo Christian a cosmetics seller says market is dry. Mr. Agbo said he has been in his shop all through the day and not customer has been to his shop, he said the few people that patronize him buy just one or two items unlike before when ladies who visit his shop buy a lot of items. Mr. Agbo attributed

the lack of sales to the late payment of workers’ salaries.

He reiterated his hope that sales will pick up if workers are paid on time.

Mal Hamza who sells veils and female kaftans said he

was expecting brisk sales like last year but so far sales have been very disappointing with no customers patronizing them. In answer to the claim of increase in the price of items, he said no increase has

“

I have been polishing these shoes since morning and so far you are the only one who has entered this shop been done to his wares and yet no patronage from the public.

Jennifer a customer who was interested in buying shoes said everything has gone up in the markets. She said a pair of shoes she bought in the same shop last year for N4000, is selling between N7000 – N8000. She said the economic hardship in the country has made her decide not to buy anything for her children, thanking God for giving her the wisdom to have bought some clothes for her kids a few months back which they would use for the Christmas.

In the section of food items and provisions, this reporter noticed the huge amount of people buying food items but on closer inspection realized the sales were small due to lack of purchasing power by the public.

Wonder who sells provisions, lamented the lack of customers, saying people are not patronizing them.

Soyinka a customer who was in the shop to buy milk walked out in anger when he realized the milk which sold at N400 on Wednesday was being sold at N600 on Thursday. Wonder said he is confused about the situation, wondering if the problem is lack of money or the problem of pricing.

Mrs. Adesina a customer buying food items said she thinks that the prices of food item is relatively ok compared to a month or two ago.

A man selling food items who declined being named said the prices of food items has stabled and not going up.

He said in his shop a bag of garri goes for N7500 while a bag of beans goes for N15,000, and rice N9500. He lamented the lack of patronage.

Nasiru who sells perishable food items such as tomatoes, pepper and onions said business is going well but prices have gone up. He said a basket of tomatoes that sold for N500 last month is now sold at N700, while a basket of onions which sold for N1800 now sells for N2000.

Sam who sells frozen chicken and turkey, said business has been moving well pointing out that his line of business is always busy during this festive season. He said he is not worried about the slow pace of sales because he is sure people will patronize him before the Christmas stating that no family will celebrate Christmas without chicken or turkey.

Yemi who sells beef just like Sam is not worried about the slow pace of sales, understanding that people will have to patronize him before Christmas.

A visit to Wuse market in Abuja also revealed the hardship of the generality of people. Aminu who sells women’s wares said the market is not that much compared to last year when you will find queues at his shop. He attributed the slow pace of business to the economic hardship in he country.

Jimoh who sells men shoes said “I have been polishing these shoes since morning and so far you are the only one who has entered this shop”. He said because of the slow pace of business he is not shopping for his family not without some anger.

Isa a make-up sales man complained that there is no patronage, blaming government officials for the messed up economic situation in the country. Isa felt that generally there is no money in circulation.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Focus Plane Crash: 2000 people killed since independence F

urther investigation showed that only 19 of the 50 crashes had survivors, including the October crash involving the Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, who was badly injured along with five others in the plane crash which occurred at the outskirts of Yola, Adamawa State.

The first plane crash in Nigeria occurred on November 20, 1969 when a government-owned DC-10 aircraft on a flight from London crash-landed in Lagos. It killed all 87 passengers and crew on board.

Since that tragic incident, the country has experienced many more crashes resulting in the loss of over a thousand lives.

Time line of the crashes in Nigeria since 1969 Below is a breakdown of plane crashes in Nigeria: -November 20, 1969: Nigeria Airways BAC VC10 crashed on landing, killing 87 people on board.

-January 22, 1973: Royal Jordanian Airlines flight 707 carrying 171 Nigerian Muslims returning from Mecca and five crewmen crashed in Kano, killing all on board.

-March 1, 1978: Nigeria Airways F28-1000 crashed in Kano, killing 16 people.

-November 28, 1983: Nigeria Airways F28-1000 crashed near Enugu, killing 53 on board.

-December 1988: Skypower Brandeironte aircraft overshot Ilorin Airport's runway, killing all the passengers.

-February 24, 1991: British Helicopter crashed in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, killing all nine people on board.

-May 21, 1991: A Cessna Citation 550 of Ashaka Cement, Hombe, crashed, killing all on board.

-June 26, 1991: An Okada Air Bac-11 crashed in Sokoto, killing three persons.

-September 26, 1992: Nigerian Air Force A C-130 plane crashed minutes after take-off from Lagos.

All 200 on board killed.

-June 24, 1995: Harka Air Services Tupolev 34 crashed on landing in Lagos, killing 16.

-November 13, 1995: Nigeria Airways Boeing 737-2F9 crashed on landing in Kaduna, killing 9.

-January 17, 1996: Ibrahim Abacha, son of Sani Abacha, was killed in a plane crash. The group "United Front for Nigeria's Liberation" (UFNL) claimed responsibility for the crash.

-November 7, 1996: A Nigerian ADC (Aviation Development Corporation) Airline Boeing 727-231 flying from Port Harcourt to Lagos with 142 passengers and 9 crew members crashed on landing, plunging into the lagoon with all on board killed.

-January 31, 1997: Sky Power Express Airways Embraer 110PIA crashed on landing in Yola, killing five.

-September 12, 1997: NAF Dornier 228-212 in Nguru, Borno

Nigeria since independence has lost more than 2000 people in about 50 air accidents in the last 43 years, Peoples Daily weekend has gathered. It was also discovered that no reports of the investigations on the plane mishaps, since independence has been made public or seemed to have been implemented. Ayodele Samuel examines the trend which has continued to cause concern in the Aviation industry.

State ran into a ditch during takeoff, none of the 10 people died.

-January 5, 2000: SkyPower Express Airways Bandeirante 110P1A crashes on landing in Abuja, killing 17.

-October 26, 2000: Dornier aircraft plunged into a thick bush near the Niger Delta, 6 occupants injured.

-May 4, 2002: EAS Airlines' BAC 1-11-500 with 105 people on board crashed and burst into flames in a densely populated suburb of Kano, killing 76 on board and 72 on the ground bringing total casualties to148.

-November 30, 2003: A Cargo aircraft of Hydro Cargo, Brussels, Belgium, crash-landed.

-March 6, 2004: An Aenail spray aircraft with registration number 5NBEF belonging to Berfieex Nigeria Ltd, crashed at the Bauchi Airport.

-July 26, 2004: Pan African Airlines' helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in Eacraros, Delta State, killing four persons on board.

-December 29, 2004: A Boeing 727 of Chanchangi Airlines bellylanded at the MMA. -December 29, 2004: A Kenya Airlines aircraft crashed- landed at the MMA due to gear fault.

-January 28, 2005: A Nigeria Air Force fighter plane crashed into a farmland in Yar Kanya, Kano State.

-February 25, 2005: ADC's B73 aircraft had its tyre burnt while landing at Yola Airport.

-March 27, 2005: A Boeing 737 of Bellview, one of its engines caught fire.

-June 11/12, 2005: Lagos: a Boeing 727-200 aircraft belonging to the domestic Chachangi Airlines

overshot the runway at Murtala Muhammed Airport, while yet another overshot the runway at the airport in Jos in central Nigeria, a day earlier.

-June 24, 2005: A Russian aircraft belonging to Harka Air crash- landed at the MMA, all the people on board died -July 6, 2005, Port Harcourt: An Air France A330 plane crashed into a herd of cattle at Port Harcourt airport, sustaining serious damage and killing many of the cows.

-July 23, 2005, a Lufthansa aircraft crash-landed at Lagos airport and was badly damaged, but no life was lost.

-October 22, 2005: A Bellview Airlines Boeing 737 with 117 people on board crashed shortly after take-

off from Lagos. All on board killed.

-December 10, 2005: A Sosoliso Airlines DC-9 crashes in Port Harcourt, killing all 103 on board.

-September 17, 2006: An 18seater Dornier 228 Air Force transport plane, carrying 15 senior army officers and three crew members crashed in Benue State, leaving only three survivors.

-October 29, 2006: Aviation Development Corporation Airline Boeing 737 with 104 on board crashed minutes after take-off from Abuja's airport. All but 6 perished in the disaster.

-November 10, 2006: OAS Service Helicopter crashed in Warri, Delta state killing four on board.

-August 2, 2007: Bristow-

owned helicopter crashed inside ExxonMobil facility in Port Harcourt.

-March 15, 2008: Beechcraft 1900D plane marked 5N-JAH, belonging to Wing Aviation crashed in Cross River State. The wreckage was not found until 6 months after.

All four crew members died.

On April 20, 2010, 97 passengers on board an Abuja bound Dana Air plane lost an engine to bird strike shortly after take off at MMA. On July 30, 2011, an helicopter belonging to Ogendengbe Air Service crashed on the Oke-Obanla hill inside the Osun State Government Reserve in Ikonifin, a Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Mrs. Josephine Kuteyi, and her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Oyebola Okubanjo died in the crash.

On March 14 2012, a Nigerian Police aircraft crashed in Jos, Plateau State. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Mr John Haruna, his orderly and the pilot died in the crash.

June 3, 2012: A Dana Air flight from Abuja to Lagos crashed into residential buildings in Iju, Lagos with 152 persons on board crashed into residential buildings and burst into flames.

26 October 2012 a private jet piloted by Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai crashed in the outskirts of Yola, Adamawa State.

All five others on board and the governor survive serious injury.

15 December 2012 a Naval chopper crashed in Bayelsa State killing Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, Former National Security Adviser General Owoye Azazi and 4 others.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 17

Weekend

Cocktail KANNYWOOD

FASHION African fabrics hit global stage

>> Page 32

>> >>Page Page27 24

First ever Hausa TV reality show, Sarewa Africa hits airwaves

>> Page 27 >> Page 26 HOLLYWOOD 'The Hobbit': Bilbo Bags Record $85M in U.S. Box Office Debut

2012's highest paid musicians CUISINE

Apple cake for 'Xmas

>> Page 28

MODEL OF THE WEEK

>> Page 22

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 18

Relationship If you have any relationship story you want to share with our esteem readers, please send to the above address. Let's share your love story.

Tips to identify if you are being used in a relationship

Heart Matterz With A'isha Biola Raji E-mail: rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com Phone: 08082071393

Is it possible to fall in love with someone you just met online?

N

o t long ago a guy sent me a friend request on Facebook, I accepted his request even though I didn't know him and we are always chatting online. This happened three months ago and recently I discovered I am falling in love with this guy. Apart from what he tells me online and the

pictures I see, I don't have any proof if he is real or not.

Though he hasn't told me anything to suggest he feels the same way about me but I'm beginning to encourage him. My fear is, I don't know if am doing the right thing.

Please advise me.

—Lyday

Re - Am I crazy or? Or just expecting too much

T

here are reasons enough to get married… but you both have to want it. but at the same time, you've been considerate of your boyfriend, perhaps now he can be considerate of you and at least consider putting forth a future date. I definitely think marriage, finances and children are things that need to be discussed. Somewhere along the line if you still want to get married and he doesn't, you

L

o v e can make you blind they say. Being in love with that special person you feel is the perfect partner for you can leave you on cloud nine! However, sometimes love can make you blind to the extent that you become oblivious to your boyfriend's manipulative ways.

This sadly, has been the reason for the demise of more than a few relationships. For most men today tend to stick to a relationship only until the time they feel their needs

“

A boyfriend who is using you would most probably expect you to make all the sacrifices, carry all the burdens and do the entire spending etc.

are satisfied. Once their needs are met, these men tend to dump their girlfriends and move on to the next available victim.

If you know for certain that your guy is faithful, here are some subtle pointers that can help you find out if your boyfriend really loves you or is just using you for his own needs.

No concern for your feelings The first signs of exploitation usually start creeping into a relationship when your partner starts ignoring your needs and feelings over even the most trivial of issues. He would not give heed to your thoughts and always want things done his way.

Again, a boyfriend who doesn't really care about your feelings would not devote his entire attention to you. He would most probably show up late for a date and act as if it was not a big deal at all, would try to club, engage most of the time in activities he likes (like baseball, wrestling etc.) during the date. He would not show an ounce of reaction on his face as and when he meets you for a date.

Not meeting on will or desire A boyfriend who is using you

would most probably not turn up at a place when you want him to and would always try to make excuses (very silly ones in fact) to avoid meeting you for dates or casual outings. On the other hand, he would call you or wish to go out on a date with you only as a last resort, i.e. if he has nothing else to do.

Again, he would most surely choose his friends over you at any given chance and prefer to hang out with his buddies rather than remembering your birthday or anniversary.

Never gives but always takes A boyfriend who is using you would most probably expect you to make all the sacrifices, carry all the burdens and do the entire spending etc. He would never contribute anything to the relationship and would rather expect you to give more than 100% to the same in the form of gifts and other luxuries.

And when it's time for him to return the goodness, he would most probably start giving silly excuses or simply shrug off the responsibility with a 'take for granted attitude.'

might find yourself feeling resentful that you lived with him.

If marriage is truly important to you as a person and part of your value system, then you need to know if he is at least going to consider marriage. You know the saying, why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free....

I don't think you are being pushy. You have a kid. Not only do you deserve an answer but so does your kid.

—Anonymous

I am in dilemma; I'm in love with one but attached to the other

M

y name is Ahmad Barau, I work in one of the various agencies in Abuja and I am very much ready to settle down and get married. I have two girlfriends, one is my tribe, I don't really love her but my friends and family know her well because we are from the same locality. They think she is the best for me but they don't know Shamsiya who am really

in love with, they don't want to know. They have full confidence in Halima.

They keep pressurizing me to see her parents. I am confused; this confusion is putting strain on my relationship with Shamsiya. I don't want a situation where I would marry her and she won't enjoy good relationship with my people but I love her so much.

What do I do?

—Ahmad

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 19

Beauty Tips

Dealing with ‘mask of pregnancy’, Chlosma Chloasma, or the discoloration of facial skin, is a side-effect that many pregnant women suffer from. It is also called the mask of pregnancy and can be easily treated at home.

E

very woman wants glowing skin. When women are pregnant they are often described as having glowing skin. And yet other women do not feel radiant, but rather they struggle to have good skin as a result of their pregnancy.

Chloasma, or the discoloration of facial skin, is a side-effect that many pregnant women suffer from. Chloasma is also called the mask of pregnancy. It can be easily treated at home.

Chloasma is a tan discoloration of the face that affects pregnant women when they use oral contraceptives. It is a patchy, excessive pigmentation that generally darkens the facial skin due to hormonal changes.

Chloasma is also called melasma.

It results in darkened marks and pigmented areas around the cheeks, forehead, and upper lips.

The condition is far more predominant among pregnant women with darker skin.

Treatment:

The symptoms of chloasma can be treated by applying a cream that gently exfoliates the skin. One such homemade cream is a mixture of pumpkin (ugwu) and papaya. This pumpkin and papaya mixture can be used to polish the skin without being abrasive. As the sun is mostly responsible for skin discoloration, it is important that the woman also apply sunblock on the face every day.

Treatment preparation: Preparing this fruity exfoliator is really easy. The pumpkin and papaya cream consists of a mixture of half a fresh papaya, one egg white, a 15oz can of pureed pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of honey.

Start by removing the seeds from the papaya. Scoop out the fruit and mash it in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg white until it is foamy. Then mix the egg and mashed papaya together. Afterwards add the pumpkin and honey to the mixture.

Once all the ingredients have

been mixed together thoroughly, apply it to your face. After applying it to the face, let it sit for ten minutes and then rinse it off. Afterwards be sure to apply sunblock or suntan lotion to your face before going outdoors to prevent chloasma.

Pregnancy is a time during which women are encouraged to indulge and pamper themselves.

Pregnant women are often described as radiant and having a glow to their face.

But while women are expected to indulge themselves, they also have the task of creating a stress-free environment for their unborn child. That can lead to anxiety.

It is therefore important that women take care of themselves, especially their skin.

Women evaluate a variety of facial products that are available on the market to treat dry skin.

For those women who don't trust those skin products available on the market, the following is a home remedy intended to keep skin baby-soft.

You can also keep your skin supple through the nine months Homemade facial mask Ingredients: Rolled oatmeal: 1 cup Powdered milk: 2 tablespoons Water: 1 tablespoon Gauze squares: 2 or 3 Gauze squares Rubber band: 1 Preparation: First, blend the oatmeal in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder. Put it in a bowl and add the powdered milk.

Gradually stir in the water, until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Usage: Position the gauze squares on your face in such a way that only the eyes, nose and mouth are exposed. Using gauze is a better alternative as it allows you to apply the mask evenly to the face.

Apply the oatmeal mask to your face. Be sure to put the mask on the edges of the gauze, so as to allow the mask to stick to your face. Take a hot bath and steam your face to

enhance the effects of the mask.

After 15 minutes, remove the mask by slowly peeling it up and removing the gauze squares.

If you want to have glowing skin, fold the gauze squares in

such a way that the oatmeal mask is contained therein. Seal the gauze squares with a rubber band, and drop them into the bath for glowing, baby-soft skin all over your body during pregnancy.

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Learning Book Review

With Augustine Aminu 07038749120 julius2001_a@yahoo.com

Anthropological Perspectives on the Igala of North-Central Nigeria

T

h i s is one of the world's latest most insightful, bold thought-provoking anthropology books which is the product of over 30 years empirical research into the occurrence, dimensions, ramifications, place, importance and consequences of the "masquerade" (more correctly identified as the "incarnate being") concept among the peoples of Igalaland by an anthropology scholar from the University of London (UCL) and the University of Ibadan, from 1976 through 1991 to 2011.

The scholarly study which has resulted in what could easily become a leading anthropological book on the universally dominant and significant phenomenon of belief in the incarnate being naturally challenges existing world views, answers globally intriguing questions, poses new ones, invites new thinking, and breaks new grounds in Nigeria's, Africa's and world's studies in anthropology, political science, philosophy, history, economics, sociology, art history, and religion. For example, the book shows that most cultures all over the world, in one way, and the other, utilize in the "incarnate being" such as in play, mime, Halloween parties or in religious occasions which up till now has been wrongly conceived as the "masquerade". This wrong conception, the author himself confesses, was carried by him into his PhD work in Anthropology from the University of London to the University of Ibadan where the PhD was eventually awarded in 1991.However, the author, in a unique way, seeks to correct the misconceptions and to situate the incarnate being in its proper contextual social, cultural and ideological Africanist position in the book form emanating from the thesis.

The study shows that the belief in incarnate beings is not only primary in the lives of all African peoples, but that in its

properly understood conception, it is a fundamental driving force in their lives. This is because, for most peoples of Africa, and indeed, of the world, from ancient times, the incarnate being is not just an ordinary being covered with a mask as a work of art, but a unique being transformed by the spiritual powers of the ancestors in the mask and other paraphernalia of costume. The being as viewed by the Igala, and we emphasize, and their neighbours like the Idoma, Ebira, Nupe, Bini, Igbo,Etsakor, Yakur, Yoruba, Tiv, MaguzawaHausa, Berom, Jukun, Kanuri, Efik, Ibibio,Anang,Izon, Kwale, Urhobo, Itsekiri andEgon, the being isincarnate, that is, like human in form or shape, with legs, hands, costume, head-gear and some may even speak.

However, according to the author, from the perception, believe and ideology of most Africans, the being is only incarnate and not really human.

This knowledge and the use (not abuse) of it may have been at the centre of the Igala multifarious interactions with and influences on nearly all neighbouring groups and people; hence their significant role in the making of modern Nigeria as many scholarly sources trace the history of several of the 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria to Igala. For example.some Igbo, Bini, Yoruba, Jukun, most of the Kwararafa groups, point to filial, social, cultural and political relationships with the Igala.

The study reveals that this belief in the unseen and the incarnation of spirit beings manifesting in forms incomprehensible to human understanding underlies the incarnate being concept in most societies African, Asian, or Latin American, be they "primitive" and civilized, "ancient" and modern, "superstitious" and scientific, "intuitive" and empirical. It also indicates that this shared belief in the incarnate being and the belief system trace a

relationship between different peoples and shows the direction of such relationships.

In the case of the Igala, the book, which the immediate past Ata-Igala and former Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Agabaidu (Dr.) Aliyu Ocheja Obaje says, covers "many aspects of Igala society, culture, environment, and history".

And the author revealed that "substantial...interaction taking place between the Igala and her neighbours... predated the advent of Europeans..." He goes on to say: "nor was it unidirectional nor even unipositional. At some periods it seemed to have gravitated northwards; at others westwards to the Yoruba and Bini countries, yet at others…more recently, to the south and east (Igboland and Idomaland)".

Commenting on the book, Rev. Father (Dr) Fidelis Ele-Ojo Egbunu says "this monumental piece of scholarly work ...examines the story of ...the incarnate being within the context of nearly all aspects of an African people's life. The author goes beyond the Igala to discuss the subject as it relates to the Igbo, Yoruba, Ebu, Idoma, Ebira, Izon of the Niger Delta, the Lega of Central

African region, and even to the Europeans and Koreans...This book takes the reader beyond a n t h r o p o l o g y , archaeology and sociology to the realms of history, culture, tradition, politics economics, philosophy, science and education.

Using the ethnography research method, Dr. Tom Miachi who has been a devout born-again

Christian from his very early years in primary school at lyale, and Government Secondary School at Dekina, both in present day Dekina LGA of Kogi State, had to pragmatically break into the circle of initiates to study the mysteries and ideologies inform the incarnate beings that embody and distinguishes them in Igala mythology.

There is common knowledge that these incarnate beings usually represent the peoples' ancestors and perform several different functions among their peoples.

Therefore his words, this study differs from European and American models as it attempt present the incarnate being phenomenon in its proper broad-based socio-

cult context, using the systemic analytical approach.

Beyond Nigeria, according to the author, the incarnate being practice is shown to e among the Europeans by European social scientists when he says: "Indeed ... concept is known worldwide, albeit with different cultures i n f l u e n c i n g conceptualization and practice of this phenomenon..."

For instance, he says, "according to Glotz (1982, 14) "originally, the European mask assumed the same religious function as those of other continents and other civilizations... However as centuries passed, this original function changed or disappeared."

Several European scholars are also shown in the book to see a "correspondence in identification of the incarnate being in medieval European thought with what they perceive to be the African ideo-linguistic definitions of the same phenomenon". Dr. Miachi goes further to say that Koreans used the incarnate being phenomenon "initially to celebrate the birthday of Buddha before they evolved, like the Europe, into secular entertainments, comprising dialogue, music, dance, and mime".

In mind of Africans however, Miachi establishes, incarnate beings define "a preternatural entity that is not, at all, realized by the Europeans".

The eleven-chapter book prescribes the use of the universality of the Incarnate be phenomenon as a rallying point for Nigerian unity among the over 250 odd ethnic groups of Nigeria who were largely and actively interacting in a mutually benefit! and respecting ways long before the coming of the various Western colonial masters It also sees the use of the concept as a tool for promotion of tourism, cultural educational and

“

The Incarnate Being Phenomenon is an important documentation of the oral historical lore surrounding incarnate beings in Igala society.

international relations by Nigeria, especially if the incarnate be phenomenon can be seen to align with the Judeo-Christian and Islamic recognition of i n c a r n a t i o n s , resurrection, angelic and other spiritual manifestations among other peoples of the world.

Finally, while commending the performance of the managers of our culture, Dr. Miachi's position and recommendation that the Government's cultural policy and the management of Nigeria's cultural resources should be re-positioned and, we add, properly funded in the best interest of our national unity and development.

I have read this book and I agree completely with the one-time Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Professor of Anthropology to Harvard University, Professor James Lorand Matory, who says in his review of the book, reproduced at its back-cover: The Incarnate Being Phenomenon is an important documentation of the oral historical lore surrounding incarnate beings in Igala society. It places them valuably in the context of the structure of kingdom, clan a n d lineage….Convincingly it shows that incarnate beings represent a subvariety of elder that happens to be dead, amplifying the influence that as a type of elder, they once bore... In sum, this book is an invaluable, and I take it, virtually, u n p r e c e d e n t e d documentation of Igala incarnate beings and it deserves a wide audience.

Dr. Tom Ajayi Miachi, mni, a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain has had impressive careers as a top Polytechnic lecturer, an astute manager of men and materials who had risen to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, a Director in the mainstream Federal Civil Service and as Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Manpower Board at the Presidency, Abuja.

After his retirement from the Federal Civil Service, he took up a contract appointment as a Senior Lecturer in Kogi State University Anyigba's Department of Sociology where he has been teaching Anthropology courses since October 2010.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Healthy Living 'I'm not going to teach young girls how to die'

T

h i s is the desperately sad story of the thinnest woman in the world who weighs just four stone after years of extreme dieting.

But rather than feel sorry for herself, Valeria Levitin says her emaciated figure should be a severe wake-up call for girls wanting matchstick-thin figures.

At 5ft 8in, she should weigh between 9st and 12st, according to NHS advice. Instead, she is a tiny 4st 3lbs, less than half of what her lightest healthy weight should be.

What is most worrying is that Valeria, originally from Russia but who now lives in Monaco, says she gets fan mail from girls desperate to copy her skeletal look.

The 39-year-old told The Sun: "I have received emails from young girls who want me to teach them how to be like me.

"All the letters I've had are from women, mainly in their twenties, who see me as some kind of inspiration."

As a result, she has taken the brave step to speak out about her condition and campaign against anorexia and says she refuses to teach young girls how to die.

She says she wants to share her story to prevent other people falling victim to the same fate, saying anorexia has made her 'lonely, unattractive and repulsive for the people around me.'

She believes the roots of her condition lie with her mother, who was terrified Valeria would grow up obese like her relatives. Even as a young child, her diet was curtailed.

One sample of her 'fan mail' Hello dear Valeria, I am 23 and weigh 8½st and I do not like myself this way. I want to look skinny like Thumbelina. Nobody can persuade me not to diet, even though I acquired gastritis and pancreatitis.

I have tried all kinds of diets but they all yielded only

Valeria, here aged 11

Aged 23, she decided to become a model

temporary results. On my present diet I do not feel hungry... I cannot return to my old way of eating because I fear I will gain weight.

All my relatives are telling me it will hurt me, that I will be a victim of anorexia. I am a little worried that one day I will be faced with a problem of critically low weight and I want to know when to get worried.

When did it happen to you?

Valeria was weighed often to ensure she hadn't gained any weight, such was her mother's drive for perfection.

At 16, and weighing 10st, Valeria moved to Chicago with her parents. Desperate to fit in at a new school, she thought that if she lost weight, she would be accepted and liked.

As a result, she restricted her diet even further, cutting out sugar or carbohydrates.

The irony today is that, having cut out certain foods for so long, her body is intolerant to them and could not process them even if she wanted to.

When a classmate made a cruel comment about Valeria's figure, she became even more determined to lose weight.

She said: "We were playing football and during the game a man said, "I know how we can win.

We need to put Valeria's big ar*e in the goal". It shattered my whole world.'"

By the time she was 23, Valeria's dress size had plummeted from a healthy size 12 to a tiny size six.

Deciding to become a model made the situation even worse, as she was told she was still too fat to succeed. As her weight continued to plummet, by the age of 24 and weighing just six stone, she was banned from dancing over concerns she would injure herself.

For the next ten years she saw more than 30 health specialists, though once dipped to a dangerously low 3st 10lbs. Today, even if she wanted to eat certain foods, she would be unable to.

Many foods have to be avoided because they don't agree with her body any more. It has been so long

Valeria aged 19, on holiday in Mexico

Valeria Levitin is a walking skeleton after years of anorexia reduced her weight to just four stone since she ate bread that she can no longer remember what it tastes like.

Her illness has also made her life a very lonely one. Single for a decade, she says relationships are difficult as she is unable to do the normal things that couples do, as going to restaurants.

Now, she believes she cannot be cured simply by going to a doctor, having never gained weight after seeing a specialist.

Rather, she says the problem is more about a 'lack of harmony between body and soul.

Today Valeria takes supplements to counter the risk of bruising and avoids situations where she could fall.

And she believes the solution could lie in moving back to Moscow where she feels more at ease with

herself and trying to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a mother via a surrogate.

For the incentive of wanting a child could be a trigger to get healthy again, she says. It is something she feels she can do if she can get herself healthy.

She said, "I would love to have a family because I feel I have so much to give. But obviously it wouldn't be right to have a baby when I am ill. It wouldn't be fair on the child.

"I want to stand up to anorexia.

I've never given up on anything in my life and I'm not about to give up now."

Valeria would like people suffering from eating disorders like hers to get help. She advised, "You can find support by going to beat.co.uk." www.daily.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

With Aunty A'isha

Sights and sounds

Do you know the history of Santa Claus?

C

hristmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

The man we know as Santa Claus has a history of his own.

Today, he is thought of mainly as the jolly man in red, but his story stretches all the way back to the third century.

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his goodness and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick.

One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married.

Over the course of many years, Nicholas's popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married.

The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick's Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). In 1804, John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society's annual meeting. The background of the engraving contains nowfamiliar Santa i m a g e s i n c l u d i n g stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace.

In 1809, Washington Irving helped to popularize the Sinter Klaas stories when he referred to St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his book, The History of New York. As his prominence grew, Sinter Klaas was described as everything from a "rascal" with a blue threecornered hat, red waistcoat, and yellow stockings to a man wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a "huge pair of Flemish trunk hose."

PAGE 23

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

SHOR T ST OR Y SHORT STOR ORY

How the moon was kind to her mother

O

nce upon a time, the Sun, the Wind, and the Moon were three sisters, and their mother was a pale, lovely Star that shone, far away, in the dark evening sky.

One day their uncle and aunt, who were no more or less than the Thunder and Lightning, asked the three sisters to have supper with them, and their mother said that they should go.

She would wait for them, she said, and would not set until all three returned and told her about their pleasant visit.

So the Sun in her dress of gold, the Wind in a trailing dress that rustled as she passed, and the Moon in a wonderful gown of silver started out for the party with the Thunder and Lightning. Oh, it was a supper to remember! The table was spread with a cloth of rainbow. There were ices like the snow on the mountain tops, and cakes as soft and white as clouds, and fruits from every quarter of the earth.

The three sisters ate their fill, especially the Sun and the Wind, who were very greedy, and left not so much as a crumb on their plates. But the Moon was kind and remembered her mother.

She hid a part of her supper in her long, white fingers to take

home and share with her mother, the Star.

Then the three sisters said goodbye to the Thunder and Lightning and went home. When they reached there, they found their mother, the Star, waiting and shining for them as she had said she would.

"What did you bring me from the supper?" she asked.

The Sun tossed her head with all its yellow hair in disdain as she answered her mother.

"Why should I bring you anything?" she asked. "I went out for my own pleasure and not to

think of you."

It was the same with the Wind.

She wrapped her flowing robes about her and turned away from her mother.

"I, too, went out for my own entertainment," she said, "and why should I think of you, mother, when you were not with me?"

But it was very different with the Moon who was not greedy and selfish as her two sisters, the Sun and the Wind. She turned her pale sweet face toward her mother, the Star, and held out her slender hands.

To be continued

HIS AND HERS CORNER

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 22

With Aunty A'isha

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

AFRICAN TALES

MODEL OF THE WEEK

A wise parrot

O

n c e upon a time there lived a parrot in a forest.

He was very handsome.

His beak and wings were very beautiful. His younger brother also lived with him. Both were living happily in the forest.

One day, a hunter came to the forest. He saw the pair of parrots and thought, "These parrots are very beautiful and special. I will present them to the king." He spread his net in the jungle and caught the two parrots.

He kept them in a cage and went to the king, "O king, see this beautiful pair of parrots. I caught them in the deep forest. Seeing their beauty I decided to bring them to you. They will add to the beauty of your palace."

The king was very happy. He gave one thousand coins to the hunter. He kept both parrots in a golden cage and ordered his servants to look after them.

The parrots were well looked

after; they were treated as very important birds in the palace; they were served fruits and delicious food. They became the centre of attraction. Even the young prince came to play with them. The parrots were very happy. The older parrot once said to his brother, "We are highly respected in the palace and hence, quite satisfied."

The younger brother replied, "You are right, we are getting royal treatment. It is our luck."

One day, a hunter brought a black monkey named Kala Bahu.

The monkey was presented to the king, who asked the attendants to keep the monkey in the courtyard.

The king and the prince were very happy to see the monkey and his amusing activities. Soon the monkey became the centre of attraction.

With the arrival of the monkey, the parrots were neglected. They sometimes did not even get food. Both of the parrots

knew the cause of it. The older parrot was wise and hoped that the days would change again and one should not be depressed. He comforted his brother, "Nothing is permanent in this world. Have patience till the bad days are over."

One day the monkey performed such feats before the prince that he got scared and cried, "Help! Help!" Hearing his cries, all rushed there and took the prince away. When the king came to know about it, he ordered his men to leave the monkey in the forest. The next day, the monkey was sent to the forest.

The bad days of the parrots were now over. They were treated well again. Good dishes and fruits were also served to them. They again became the centre of attraction.

The young parrot realized the fact that nothing is permanent in the world and one should never lose patience.

Joan Essien

ACTIVITIES Using any colour of y o u r c h o i c e , paint the image of the boy below. Can y o u describe what he is d o i n g ?

Write it down and show to y o u r parents for correction.

Cheers!

CREA TIVITY CREATIVITY

Make you own Santa mask What you need: White card sheet and red glaze paper glue and scissors

Pencil and eraser Cotton Colour pencils String -To make the cap, fold red cover paper as shown and put glue on the edges. Stick some cotton on the glue at the base of the cap. Fold the cap from top to form a fold so that it falls at the back.

-Stick a cotton ball at the tip of the cap.

What to do: -Draw the face of Santa Claus on the card sheet. Colour it first and then cut out the outline.

-Stick cotton to make the beard, moustache and eyebrows of the Santa.

Make holes on both sides of the mask and tie strings to them.

Your mask along with the cap is ready to be put on. Now you just need to arrange some red clothes for yourself and that will make you a complete Santa Claus!

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Kannywood

PAGE 25

Nollywood

Entertainment

Nkiru Sylvanus, Kenneth First ever Hausa TV reality show, I'm not suffering from AIDS Okolie Regain Freedom L —Ngozi Nwosu speaks Sarewa Africa hits airwaves

By Miriam Humbe and Nasiru Mu'azu Isa

S

a r e w a Africa, a new reality TV talent hunt show in Hausa language, the first of its kind in Nigeria, was launched in Abuja on Wednesday.

A press briefing was held to herald the show which was attended by journalists from various media organisations.

With its presentation, the show is expected to hit the airwaves in April, the second quarter of 2013.

Senator Yusuf Bello Maitama who was chairman of the occasion described the initiative as noble and called on other nonprofit organisations to take a cue from Habiba Gazelle so as to ensure the empowerment of the future generations and progress of the nation.

The Executive Producer who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Sarewa Africa and Gazelle Foundation, Hajiya Habiba Abubakar Ismai'l, while addressing the press shortly after unveiling the star prize provided

by Habiba Gazelle Foundation, said in addition to that, there is a N2.5m cash prizes to be won by the participants.

Sarewa Africa is a youth empowerment project initiated by Habiba Gazelle Foundation, the pet project of Hajiya Habiba Abubakar Ismai'l. Habiba Gazelle Foundation is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the upliftment of vulnerable persons

Hajiya Habiba Abubakar Ismai'l in the society through the provision of medical, educational and social support for hundreds of widows, orphans and widowers.

Sarewa Africa Television project therefore, is a dream that started over twenty four months ago with the aim of providing the necessary platform for talented youth to find their voice, express their talent as well as support the talented youths to build a career in music and acting in Hausa language.

According to her, the reality TV show will be held in strict compliance with the highest moral standards in conformity with the

acceptable norms in northern Nigeria. For this reason, the participating males will be hosted afar from their female counterpart. The music genre in the Sarewa Africa reality TV, according to Hajiya Ismai'l, is unlimited. The talent hunt is expected to welcome music ranging from social crises, romance, unity, non-violence corruption, political stability and any other developmental needs of society.

Sarewa is customized to be an annual event as the competition is segmented to cut across the northern part of the country, as

Hajiya Habiba Abubakar Ismai'l and Senator Bello Maitama pose beside the star prize - a brand new KIA Cerrato car - to be won in the newly launched Hausa talent hunt reality TV show, Sarewa Africa in Abuja on Wednesday Photo: Miriam Humbe

well as in Port-Harcourt and Lagos. This is with the aim of providing the opportunity for upcoming stars in other parts of the country.

In an exclusive interview with Weekend Daily, Hajiya Habiba said: "It was an initiative, a dream that came about to boost youth development. We decided to go into it because youth are really redundant in our society, when you watch our Hausa films you find a lot of music imbedded in it.

However all those talented musicians are left to burn out like candle light after the film, so we want to give them a medium where they can express their voice, show their talent and build it as a career so they can compete well in any contemporary market. So we are going to partner with the media to show case these talents to the world".

On the criteria for participants, she said the idea is to give the underprivileged, those whose voices are not being heard, and those who have not been able to express themselves, a platform.

She said the popular ones are already popular, so they intend to look for upcoming talents, talents that are yet to be discovered.

On the name, "Sarewa", she explained that Sarewa which means flute in the Hausa language symbolizes music as such it gives the talent hunt a clear focus. Hajiya Habiba also pointed out that they also intend to promote the acting aspect, to help them improve their technical expertise. She lamented the lack of technical expertise in the films that are produced in the Kannywood industry stating: "If you look at the kind of Hausa films coming out you'll realize that there are a lot of movies but they do not meet up with the current standards and they can't compete favorably with their counterparts in other places".

On the issue of funding for the talent show, Hajiya Habiba called on corporate bodies and the public for support, saying Habiba Gazelle has done her part by providing a brand new car for the winner of the talent hunt. She also stated that they will have an ambassador who will take it round, promoting it across Africa.

Hajiya Habiba called on young upcoming and untried talents out there to persevere and remain steadfast in chasing their dreams, she called on them to plan and strategize before embarking on the project of their dreams.

N

g o z i Nwosu is dying. She has lost it all; weight, strength and vigour but not her talent and deep sense of humour which she displayed during the over one and a half hours we spent together recently. Her emotions ranged from profound despair to occasional outbursts of laughter at her own jokes.

When I got a call from the organisers of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' to come play in the special 'Celebrity Edition' last week, I did not know it was the cause of our Dear Ngozi i will be playing for until I got there. The director revealed this to me few minutes before recording began as Ngozi sauntered in.

One of the first signs that things were no longer right with Ngozi was the fact that we had to delay recording because while everybody else was virtually fanning themselves due to the studio lights, Ngozi was shivering from cold so much that the producers had to get her cardigans. I was flustered.

When the programme eventually got underway, Ngozi still helped to answer some questions. She summoned every ounce of strength in her body to look good for the cameras. Then, it occurred to me that she might be withering, with life slowly ebbing away from her before our very eyes, that acting talent is still intact.

As we made our way out of the studio after the recording,

she turned to me, despair etched on her brows as her eyes glistened with tears, and said, "Seun, do you know I was here (WWTBAM) few years back to play this game for Samanja and I didn't know that I will be here years later for people to play for me to survive. See life," she burst into tears.

I fought back tears myself. I had never been so close to crying in a long while but Ngozi's story will break the steeliest of hearts.

Moments later, we sat down to talk in the ante-room of the studio. Her nurse told me that despite the fact that she has lost half her original weight, she was better than three months back when she could not even get up from bed in her Surulere, Lagos apartment. Thanks to God and medical attention, she is willing to give living again a chance by fighting," the nurse said.

When we probed further on what exactly her ailment is, Ngozi wouldn't say but instead invited me to her home. Last Sunday, I was Ngozi's guest, where she showed me results of tests stating that she had kidney and heart-related issues.

I spent hours in her house as she led me by the hand through the whole gamut of her illness.

She told me she decided to divulge everything because of widespread speculation that she was HIV positive. "I don't have AIDS o," she declared.

The bottom line now is that Ngozi needs N6m to treat herself

abroad. And she needs it fast.

Ngozi is willing to live longer but we have to support her.

BON has therefore decided to collaborate with well-meaning Nigerians to save this celebrated thespian who brought laughter to many homes especially as the

cantankerous peaceful Peace in popular sitcom, 'Fuji House of Commotion'.

You can send your widow's mite to Ngozi Nwosu GTB 0052851673. May God bless you and all that you take important as we rally round to save beautiful actress.

h e entertainment industry has joined other Nigerians to mourn the tragic death of late Kaduna state governor, Sir Patrick

Ibrahim Yakowa.

Vice-President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), North West zone, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah,

eventually secured.

Earlier the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, had while reacting to the incident, expressed dismay over the kidnap of his aide, saying this was why he banned sirens and vehicles with tinted glasses in the state.

The trio were released Thursday evening after spending five days in the den of kidnappers. Sources told us that the freed victims are in good conditions.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adisa Bolante, confirmed Sylvanus's release to newsmen, stating that the police were instrumental to her release.

Meanwhile, the police Thursday arrested 16 suspected kidnappers in connection with the incident.

Nkiru and Kenneth

'Sexilicious' Omotola in new Afro-hairstyle look

N

Ngozi Nwosu

Nollywood mourns Yakowa, tasks new Kaduna governor

T

e s s than 24 hours after Ndi-Igbo in Nollywood called on government of Imo state to ensure the release of one of their members, actress and aide to the governor Nkiru Sylvanus; Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okolie and Nkiru's PA identified as Uche, have been released by their abductors.

Nkiru and Kenneth were both kidnapped at 2.30pm close to the famous Concord Hotel, Owerri.

The kidnappers had then contacted family and some friends of Nkiru to demand N100m as ransom. But barely hours after an open letter was written to the IG of Police on the matter by concerned friends of the kidnap victims, their release was

commiserated with the family of the late governor who died in a plane crash, and the good people of Kaduna state on behalf of the sector known as Nollywood.

Hotman, as he is nicknamed, also advised his successor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero to take a cue from Yakowa by providing the necessary support for practitioners in the entertainment sector.

The AGN boss said: "the entertainment sector join in mourning the late Yakowa, as he provided an enabling environment for the industry to thrive in the state as governor before he met his untimely death."

He welcomed and encouraged practitioners, especially those who relocated out of Kano to Kaduna to escape the hardline policies and reforms by the All

Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) leadership during the last dispensation in Kano.

Hotman also said that the late governor had paid his dues for the people of the state, the North and the country at large.

He described late Yakowa as a friend of the entertainment industry who did his best to encourage the practitioners by providing the enabling environment for them to operate.

"Nollywood will definitely miss the late Yakowa. He was a peaceloving gentleman who never let the trappings of power to becloud his reasoning and comportment. He did his best to encourage the entertainment sector by providing the enabling environment. All I can say now is that, may God accept his soul."

o l l y w o o d heavyweight, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has done it again. Not many beautiful thespians can take the bold step of changing their looks but sexy Omotola mostly fondly called Omosexy by her fans, recently put on an afro-hairdo.

Omotola, who is presently out of the country, posted the above

Omotola Jalade

picture on her twitter page last night and her teeming fans have already been pouring out their love for her over the picture one of her fans described as 'sexylicious'.

Omotola is one of Africa's export in the movie world. She has won many awards in heer career that has spanned over a decade. She is one of the best paid actresses in the industry who also commands lots of respect.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Hollywood/Bollywood 2012's highest paid musicians

Britney Spears

Dr Dre

Elton John

Taylor Swift

u s i c is a fickle business. The lists from Forbes every year tend to remain fairly stable - this year's richest man is still somewhere in the top 5. But it's not that simple when you have to sing for your supper. Here are 2012's best-paid musicians.

10. (2012) Justin Bieber Though he slid down from his ranking last year, 2012 has been good to Mr. Bieber. His legion of Belieber fans bought enough of his tickets, songs and merchandise to net the 18-year old $55 million..

09. (2012) Taylor Swift Technically the beautiful folk/country songstress tied at eight position, but why let that ruin a good list? Miss Swift did very well with her live gigs, some earning her over $1 million each, while her sponsorship deals and new album are also bring in the cash. She can happily close her books this year with $57 million.

08.

(2012) Paul McCartney What did we just say about aging rockers? The former Beatle is not only enjoying royalty cheques (something that have pushed two of his late bandmates into the top 10 dead celebrity earners of 2012), but

he keeps touring and appearing at shows - altogether earning him $57 million in 2012.

07. (2012) Britney Spears Wait, what? Yes, the fallen angel of pop divas has made a very successful comeback. Even though 2012 did not see her deliver the kind of hits like "Baby, One More Time", Miss Spears did well in 2012 with several shows, new endorsements, great sales of her latest album and a new perfume.

06. (2012) Bon Jovi Not bad for a band that keeps breaking up: Jon Bon Jovi and co's ballads, such as "Bed Of Roses" and "Living On A Prayer" are still very popular, so no doubt their album sales are as well. Live shows also brought in a lot of cash and you can expect the rockers to return to this list next year: they already announced a new world tour for 2013.

05. (2012) Take That It just goes to show that boy bands never really die. At one point Take That was the butt of a joke, having expelled Robbie Williams - who went on to be more successful than them. But this year the foursome that stayed behind got the last laugh,

M

Roger Waters making $69 million from a very successful reunion tour.

04. (2012) U2 Bono and co. have lost their edge a little this year (okay, pun probably intended), dropping from the number one spot of 2011. But that is hardly an issue when you still make $78 million. The Irish rockers love their live extravaganzas and in this year album sales and the 360 tour, which broke all kinds of records, made sure they still got paid.

03. (2012) Elton John No, this is not a duplication error. Mr. John is back in the third spot for a second year. He keeps touring and also produced a hit movie - Gnomeo & Juliet.

But he has to be happy with a pay-cut, since he only earned a measly $80 million in 2012.

02. (2012) Roger Waters Meet any lanky white dude over the age of forty, mention Pink Floyd, and he is likely to get all dewy-eyed over their songs.

Roger Waters was one of the creative geniuses behind the groundbreaking band and continues to make money off its legacy. His The Wall tour and album royalties puts the rocker at number 2 with $88 million.

01. (2012) Dr Dre If you want to be set for life, simply produce a couple of hit hip-hop albums, not to mention discover acts such as Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Also be sure to release a few great albums of your own. Then, keep touring.

And, if you have time, create a lucrative headphones business and sell a chunk of it to a large company. At least, that all worked for Dr. Dre, who ends 2012 with $110 million.

Upcoming Bollywood films of 2013

A

s 2013 is round the corner, the audiences of Hindi films await some new films and concepts. A few films that will be releasing in 2013 have already been garnering a lot of interest from the movie-buffs. Let us take a look at some of the muchawaited films of 2013.

Race 2- This is an AbbasMustan film that will be releasing on the 25th of January. It has an ensemble cast of John Abraham, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Jacqueline Fernandes. The film is a sequel to 2008 hit "Race". It belongs to the genre of suspense thriller and is all geared to take on the audiences for a ride.

Shootout at Wadala- This film stars John Abraham in the lead. Others include Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut. It revolves around the life of gangster Manya Surve and is about the first-ever encounter that has been filed in the police history of Mumbai. The film will be releasing on the 1st of May 2013 and has huge expectations

to meet from the audiences.

Krissh 3- This film has Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra play the lead roles. It is a sequel to Krissh that released in 2006. Kangana Ranaut plays a meaty negative role in the film. It is being claimed that the film will release during Diwali.

Dhoom 3- Aamir Khan joins the team of Abhishek and Uday in "Dhoom 3". This film has become a brand in itself. Aamir has a negative role in the film, while Katrina Kaif is paired opposite him. The film is definitely going to cause stirs when it releases.

Shah Rukh-Katrina best on-screen Jodi!

A

s 2012 comes to an end, the different award functions begin to honor our celebrities. Recently The Big Star Entertainment Awards was held which saw Shah Rukh Khan bag two awards. Among the others at the award ceremony Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra too won awards.

The Entertainer of the Year trophy went to Shah Rukh Khan for his Yash Chopra directed "Jab Tak Hai Jaan". He also won the Best Romantic OnScreen Couple award with Katrina Kaif for the same film.

Shah Rukh Khan stated on winning the two awards, "Jab Tak Hai Jaan will always be a

special film for me. I will always be thankful to Yashji. I get really excited with awards. No matter how many I have got, they have the same affect on me, like they did when I was new in the industry. I almost become like a kid in the candy store."

Shah Rukh also heaped praises on Katrina Kaif and said, "This was the first time I worked with her and see what happened! Katrina is a very hardworking girl and it was a pleasure working with her. And as far as romance is concerned, I am the best one here."

Abhishek Bachchan's biggest release this year had been "Bol Bachchan" for which he won the Best Actor award for

'The Hobbit': Bilbo Bags Record $85M in U.S. Box Office Debut "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" launched Peter Jackson's new trilogy with the biggest December box-office opening ever in the U.S., taking in $85 million in three days.

Jackson's prequel to the

blockbuster "Lord of the Rings" series, the first of three installments, shattered the record for biggest December debut set in 2007 by "I Am Legend" with $77.2 million. The overall box office was the highest

ever for a December weekend at $134 million, and was up 14 percent over the comparable weekend last year.

It's been nine years since moviegoers have had the chance to revisit Middle-earth and they were glad to be back, giving "The Hobbit" an "A" CinemaScore. The film is directed by Jackson and stars Ian McKellen as the wizard, Gandalf, and Martin Freeman as the titular hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. New Line and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer coproduced and co-financed the film.

Gunday- This film has the young lot of the industry- Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh- play mafias. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra and is being produced by Yash Raj Films.

Yeh Jawaani Hai DeewaniThis film stars ex-flames Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

The film is being produced by Karan Johar and Ayan Mukerji of "Wake Up! Sid" fame is directing this film. His sense of filmmaking is quite refreshing as was seen in his directorial debut and with such a star-cast the film will surely grab eyeballs.

the comic role.

He tweeted about it saying, "Just won Best Actor- Comedy for Bol Bachchan at the Big Star entertainment awards!! Won because of the most awesome team that we had on the film, all the actors and technicians and Ads, I share this award with them."

Ayushmann Khurrana won Most Entertaining Actor (film) Debut award for his film "Vicky Donor". He said "I am so grateful that the industry has accepted people from outside.

2012 was an eventful year for me. 2013 will be harder as the challenge begins now."

Ranbir Kapoor won the award for Best Actor (male) for "Barfi!" whereas Priyanka Chopra won the award for Best Actor (female) for the same.

Their performances had been hugely appreciated when "Barfi!" had released thus, this win at the awards function is totally justified.

Priyanka made her happiness evident on twitter, saying "Thank you to Big entertainment awards for the 1st 3 awards of the season to @basuanurag me and ronnie and sid for Barfi! Go team Barfi!."

Priyanka Chopra this year had tough contenders, like Vidya Balan for "Kahaani" and Kareena Kapoor for "Heroine".

Sridevi on the cover page of People magazine

S

r i d e v i is relevant even in today's times and this she achieved by her simple yet heart-warming film "English Vinglish". She has now taken a step forward by appearing on the December issue of the popular 'People' magazine. However, what is

worth mentioning is that her two lovely daughters also made it to the cover with their mum.

It now seems like Sridevi has started tutoring her daughtersJhanvi and Khushi- to make them familiar with showbiz.

This has been initiated with a photo spread in the magazine.

The three stunning ladies are seen striking a pose wearing designer clothes. The tagline attached to this photo spread has been 'Me and My Girls.'

The entire Kapoor family had been at the launch including Boney Kapoor. young.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 27

Homes Exciting ways to decorate your home for Christmas C C

h r i s t m a s time is one of the busiest periods of the year. People celebrate the holidays through decorating their home, exchanging gifts, partying, etc. Most of us start the festival spree with shopping and by the time the clothes are brought, gifts are wrapped and cookies are ordered, more than 90% of the budgeted amount is spent. Although the budget is tight, most people will be tempted to decorate their homes as Christmas without decorations and lights is just not pleasant.

If you go to the market to buy things for decoration you will come across a myriad of decorative items with most of them wearing an expensive price tag. There is no need to be disheartened as there are several other ways that will only cost you a little cash but will assist in creating a memorable and exciting setting.

Here is a list of inexpensive tips to decorate your home for holiday season -1. Take out your entire old stock before you rush to your store to buy decoration items.

Chances are that you must have carefully stored several things that did not get spoiled last year.

Lights, sparkle, stars are generally stored for the next season.

2. Choose a theme for your Christmas decoration. This will simplify your decisions, and you will not be tempted to buy things

just because they are sweet and cute.

3. Take a walk around your area, if you are fortunate enough then you might locate berries, some beautiful flowers, pines, etc, that are known to impart a lively appearance to the house.

4. Try to make garlands at home. Use a green and red barn along with string cinnamon sticks and braid them together. You cannot only use it on the Christmas tree but also hang them on the window and door frames.

5. Buy some glass ornaments from the store and use them to dress your tree. You can even place some ornaments in a big serving bowl with sparking water to create a center piece.

6. If you possess any silver metal cutters or any other object, shine them and wrap them with a red ribbon and hang them all around your home.

7. With washable paints, create Christmas scenes on your glass doors and windows.

8. Spray paint large pines in gold or silver. You can arrange these in vases and bowls for an eye catching center piece or hang them around trees.

9. Glue together glass ornaments to create a holiday sculpture. You can also use foam shapes.

10. Place some nuts such as cinnamon or nutmeg in a bowl and sprinkle cider and fill your house with pleasant scents.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Cuisine

Pots & Pans

With Hajiya Ramatu Usman Dorayi

Apple cake for 'Xmas It's a holiday season's lovable anytime cake, to be eaten for breakfast, as snack, and show-stopping dessert all in one.

I

f food magazines were like fashion magazines, these cakes would be the cape you're encouraged to wear to brunch, the mountaintop lodge, and the opera.

It has a chameleon-like ability to please everyone and fit in everywhere, and it is named, charmingly, Teddie's Apple Cake.

It was first published in 1973 by Jean Hewitt, former food reporter and home economist at the New York Times, and then it became one of the top five readerrecommended recipes in Amanda Hesser's book, The Essential New York Times Cookbook Serve it with tea for breakfast on Christmas, with whipped cream for dessert.

Dust it with powdered sugar and set it on one side on a cake plate; or leave it out on the dining table for all-hour snacks for your family. You could also refrigerate it and present as gift for Christmas to your loved ones.

Apple cake Serves 8 Ingredients: Butter for greasing pan 3 cups flour, plus more for dusting pan 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups peeled, cored, and thickly sliced apples 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup raisins Vanilla ice cream (optional) Method: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9-inch tube pan. Beat the oil and sugar together in a mixer (fitted with a paddle attachment) while assembling the remaining ingredients. After about 5 minutes, add the eggs and beat until the mixture is creamy.

2. Sift together 3 cups of flour, the salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Stir into the batter. Add the vanilla, apples, walnuts and raisins and stir until combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in the pan before lifting out.

Serve at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER, 2012

PEOPLE & PLACES

with Sonde Abbah asonde@yahoo.com 0803-2159-249 (sms only, pls)

Gen. Gowon’s Close Shave I

magine this scene. A soldier goes to the battle front, fights gallantly and returns home with enviable honours. None of the weapons

fashioned against him by enemy forces could affect him.

Only for the same soldier to die many years later in a tragic plane crash.

Thank God such a scenario was never the portion for Nigeria’s war-time military ruler, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd). Had it been otherwise

(God forbid) the erstwhile Head of State might have been one of the victims of the fatal helicopter crash which killed then-Governor Yakowa of Kaduna State last Saturday.

According to Gowon, he and a few others had nearly boarded that ill-fated plane.

Hear him: “They were arranging a Navy helicopter to take us to Yenogoa (with Yakowa).

But another helicopter was arranged for me and five others. And that was it.”

That, indeed, was it. No sooner had Gowon “dodged” the ill-fated plane than he heard that it had crashed. Just like that. Call it a close shave with the Grim Reaper. Call it a narrow escape. Or providence.

Congratulations, General.

“

No sooner had Gowon “dodged” the ill-fated plane than he heard that it had crashed. Just like that. Call it a close shave with the Grim Reaper. Call it a narrow escape. Or providence.

Congratulations, General

Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd):Close shave with the Grim Reaper

Meet Ohian, Man Behind ‘SinglesConnect’

S

inglesConnect. Does this name ring a bell? Perhaps not yet. Ask the single guy or gal over there, however, and he would tell you that SingleConnect is one of the hottest items in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) social and religious arena these days.

“Our mission is to prepare singles for marriage, connect single men and women to their purposes and possible spouses, and also pray and counsel singles,” says the man behind the wave-making outfit, Pastor Faithful Ohian.

And it so happened that since 2008 when SinglesConnect started at TwinPalm Randezvous in Garki, Abuja, it has been transforming the lives of

“

We have enabled lots of singles to get married.

We counsel them on career, marriage and the likes. This is a lifelong preoccupation for me and my dear wife, Ehi. It is fulfilling to help singles find love and joy

hundreds of single chaps. Ohian, a native of Okehi LGA of Edo state, is as passionate as he is excited about the Singles Connect

revolution.

“We have enabled lots of singles to get married. We counsel them on career, marriage and the

like. This is a life-long preoccupation for me and my dear wife, Ehi. It is fulfilling to help singles find love and joy.”

Pastor Faithful Ohian: “Connecting and counselling single is a passion”

CBN Governor,Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Nabila, Kebbi ‘Babe’, Unveils Sanusi in New Book

S

anusi Lamido Sanusi is different things to different people. To some, he is brash, arrogant, haughty, and proud. To others, he is padded with hubris, bigotry and unbridled pride.

Such perceptions tend to becloud what Hajiya Nabila Umar, author of a new insightful book on the CBN Governor, calls “the essential Sanusi Lamido Sanusi”. Nabila admits that the CBN helmsman stokes controversy every now and then with his speak-and-be-damned statements on burning national issues, She, nonetheless, believes that Sanusi’s actions speak even more eloquently than his words.

And to demonstrate this, the Kebbi state indigene who is the CEO of Nahim Madia Ltd, Abuja has written a bare-it-all book on the CBN Governor.

Entitled LIVING LEGACY, the new book is reportedly crafted in the inimitable fashion of the famous ONE MINUTE MANAGER, a pocket-sized book hailed by TIME magazine as “a classical essay on management methods’’.

Nabila, who also publishes an online magazine called SPECTATORS, dismisses speculations that her new work is a praise-singer of sorts. “NO, it’s not about praise-singing,” she declares matter –of-factly.

“In fact, it is a book that critically examines Sanusi’s management methods as well as his actions and statements vis-a-vis the controversies surrounding them”.

PAGE 30

Archives

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Do you have old pictures for memories?

Send them to julius2001_a@yahoo.com

The first Nigerian Airways crew in 1961

Bata store in the 60's in Lagos.

Queen's College Yaba Class of 1965

Onitsha Main Market in the 1940s

Igbo Ekwezu Coal Camp Group of Enugu Women Association, Enugu.

Lorenzo Dow Turner. 1951.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 31

Leisure WORD SEARCH

DID YOU KNOW?

With Augustine Aminu

A Real Lagos Child

Find the words about the Cinderella movie that are listed at the bottom of the page in the Cinderella word search grid. Circle each letter separately. Many letters in the word search grid are used in more than one Cinderella word.

Cinderella Word Search Puzzle M P

R I

A I

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N C E

E N I

C I

A M E

G L C A D N A T E I

K R E T

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ANASTASIA GOWN BRIDE CARRIAGE CINDERELLA DRIZELLA FAIRY GODMOTHER GLASS SLIPPER HARDSHIP LADY TREMAINE

The Eye The human eyes are the most complex organs except brain.

The eyes are composed of more than 2 million working parts The average person blinks 12 times per minute - about 10,000 blinks in an average day Human eyes can process 36,000 bits of information every hour.

Only 1/6th of human eyeball is exposed to the outside world The external muscles that move the eyes are the strongest muscles in the human body for the job that they have to do.

They are 100 times more powerful than they need to be.

Colour blind people do see color but confuse certain colors in certain conditions.

Red and Green are the most commonly confused colours among colour blind people.

Colour blindness is 10 times more common in males than females The eye is the only part of the human body that can function at 100% ability at any moment, day or night, without rest.

QUOTES MAGIC MICE MIDNIGHT PRINCE PUMPKIN ROYAL BALL SERVANT STEPMOTHER UGLY STEPSISTERS WICKED

Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger. —Ben Okri The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism. —Wole Soyinka Black women all over the world should re-unite and re-examine the way history has portrayed us.

—Buchi Emecheta Debate and divergence of views can only enrich our history and culture. —Ibrahim Babangida It is wrong to use equal language for unequal actions.

—Peter Akinola I am not fighting for success, just to get more beauty out of myself and share it with more people.

—Ben Okri

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Proverbs and wise sayings It is only the toad that gets up from its knees and falls back again on its knees.

The spider that knows what it will gain sits waiting patiently in its web. The praying mantis is never tired waiting all day.

One does not become a master diviner in a day. A forest is not made in a season. The swoop of an eagle has seen many seasons and floods...

Who says the oasis in the desert is happy because of its hidden spring of water?

The cricket is never blinded by the sand of its burrowing.

An oil lamp feels proud to give light even though it wears itself away.

A bird does not change its feathers because the weather is bad.

CARTOON

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

F

African fabrics hit global stage Compiled by Miriam Humbe

T

h e r e is a core component of the African fashion that is soaring in popularity these days, which is the Ankara, the staple cloth worn by African men and women.

Ankara is a colourful cotton cloth that can be used as a dress, a skirt, a head covering or even a hat. Most people especially on the global stage have recently joined the crave for African fashion because of its unrivalled allure and versatility. This is a sure reason more and more people around the world are celebrating African fashion and the African fashion industry. Turn out in african fabrics and be noticed just like our models right here. Savour‌.

Bangle

East Africa home made necklace

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 33

Business

L-R: General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Nipco, Mr. Bakhtiar Nariewala, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Ambassador Abdulkadir musa and Chief Executive officer, Oando Marketing PLC, Mr. Yomi Awobokun, during the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Stakeholders policy Conference, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Alleged N1.3b subsidy fraud: marketers seek out of court settlement

By Augustine Aminu with agency report

T

wo oil marketers, Aro Bamidele and Abiodun Bankole, on Friday said they were in talks with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding the N1.3 billion

fuel subsidy charge preferred against them.

They made this known through their counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), at the resumption of their trial before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of a Lagos High Court in Ikeja.

The defendants are facing 18count charge bordering on

conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, uttering among others.

The EFCC had alleged that the defendants had fraudulently obtained N1.3 billion from the Federal Government for the purported importation of 30 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit

(PMS).

They had pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted a N100 million bail each, with three sureties in like sum.

However, during Friday’s proceedings, Idigbe told the court that the defence, having studied the charge, was discussing with EFCC.

He asked the court to give the defendants time to conclude their talks with EFCC in order to resolve issues contained in the charge.

EFCC counsel, Mrs Taiwo Ogunleye, confirmed the development and did not oppose the adjournment made by the defence.

Reps’ call for Demuren sack baseless - Aviation Coalition

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

T

he Civil Society Aviation Coalition (CSAC) has described the call by members of House of Representative for the sack of the Director General Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),

Harold Demuren as baseless and lack merit.

In a release jointly signed by the National Secretary and National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Onwubuko and Miss Maimuna Al-Hassan, the coalition stated that aviation problem should rather be dealt with from

the root, saying “we in the Civil Society Aviation Coalition [CSAC] have read with considerable shock and disappointment, the Report of the House of Representatives Committee on Dana Crash with a recommendation to sack the DG of NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren and bring criminal prosecution

against him.

The statement further frowned at the excused used to call for the removal of NCAA’s boss, describing the reasons as “based on falsehood, fallacies and misrepresentation of facts. These are the fallacies we intend to address here for the interest of the

NAPEP will support agriculture production to fight poverty

T

he National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) has said that it is committed to supporting agricultural production for effective implementation of poverty eradication policies in the country.

This is contained in a statement issued signed by Mr Danladi Kobi, the Chief Press Secretary to NAPEP, in Abuja on Friday.

The statement stated the NAPEP Coordinator, Malam Mukhtar TafawaBalewa, said that the support would enhance employment opportunities for youths and women in 2013.

“NAPEP is committed to focusing

on agricultural support in 2013 as a way of reviving production as well as providing an all year round employment for the teeming unemployed youths and women.

“The commitment will also ensure effective formation and implementation of poverty eradication in the country‘s policies,’’ the statement quoted Tafawa-Belewa, as saying.

According to the statement NAPEP activities will be based on Agro-focusing on the promotion of irrigation activities that will engage the youths and women.

It pointed out that the agency

was bracing itself to the task of increasing the involvement of people in agriculture through enhancing their capacity to produce more and get involved in sustainable economic activities.

The statement added that NAPEP was working to build partnerships with relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), including professionals that would offer critical expertise needed for the initiative to succeed.

It said that NAPEP had collaborated with the National Assembly as the representatives of the people, along with State Governments and other relevant

agencies in the fight against poverty.

It stated that one of the laudable projects the agency executed in the 2012 budget was the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme for 27 states of the federation.

The statement added that other states not captured in the programme would be involved in 2013, noting that capacity building for NAPEP‘s staff were also given priority in 2012.

It said that NAPEP had embarked on various programmes ranging from Promise Keeper Programme, Village Solution, Youth Development and Farmer’s Empowerment Schemes among others.

nation’s aviation sector, the flying public and its continued relevance before the international aviation community.”

“The House Report had alleged that the DANA Air MD 83 aircraft type has been phased out all over the world, including the United States. Nothing can be further from the truth. For the records these types of aircraft are still very widely in use in most countries around the world, with the largest number found among airlines in the US,” they argued.

The coalition said in view of the fore-going, it is quite clear that whoever is calling for the sack and prosecution of Demuren on account of the afore-mentioned falsehoods and misrepresentation of facts has clearly ulterior motives.

It also said as a matter of fact, Nigeria and NCAA, under the leadership of Demuren was about witnessing 6 years of free commercial aircraft accident with one million flights and 50 million passengers without any mishap before unfortunate Dana crash.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

The Entrepreneur

Groundnut oil business has improved my life, says Talatu Yargaya From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

G

roundnut oil, or peanut oil production has been a popular and lucrative business among the Hausa speaking people for more than 100 years.

Groundnut has contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy since the 1960s ; infact groundnut and cocoa were Nigeria's two major exports until petroleum surpassed both in 1965.

Though production of groundnut oil is also found among other tribes in Nigeria, it is more popular among the Hausa-Fulani, just as palm oil production regins supreme Yoruba and Igbo.

Whereas groundnut oil production is common in the northern region of Nigeria, palm oil production is common in the southern region of the country.

Rimi market is a popular arena in Kano. It has been in existence for many years. It is a beehive of multicultural commodities , particularly the traditional variety.

A variety of things are sold in the market and each commodity occupy a specific area where it is available for people to easily locate and patronise.

Peoples Daily weekend visited the market where groundnut oil is sold and interviewed a woman, aged 70, who has been in the business for about 30 years.

Hajiya Talatu Musa is from Yargaya town, about 30 kilometers from the Kano metropolis. She gave an insight into what the business of oil making and selling entails.

She learnt the business as a teenager and as she got older she deemed it fit to teach her children who now produce and sell groundnut oil and cakes (kuli kuli).

"I used to produce the groundnut oil myself, with my own hand, but now that I am old and weak, I cannot do that anymore, so I handed over everything to my three female children", she said.

Kuli-kuli

Despite being old, Hajiya Talatu has not given up the business entirely as she takes care of her investment and always travels from Yargaya town to the Rimi market to sell the oil produced by her children.

She testified that groundnut oil production is profitable and helps her to fend for her family. She recalled that it was from the proceeds that she married out four of her children after her husband died.

"This is a very profitable business. It helps me a lot to fend for my family. It is with the help of this business that I married out four of my six children.

"I married out three daughters and one son, all out of this business." She said.

Talatu discloses the secret of success of groundnut oil making, saying: "Women cannot do without cooking so they buy ground nut oil on daily basis. Men even come to the market to buy for their wives.

"Even though I don't save the profit accrued in this business, it is very profitable because it is demanded on a daily basis. It sells well whenever we come to the market we make profit no matter how little."She said.

She explained the process of ground nut oil making to Peoples Daily Weekend, thus: it is started by partially grinding the ground nut, and then put in a container and placed on the fire for a moment to allow the red flakes to be easily removed from the nut. Then the ground nut is spread on a mat under the sun to cool down a little bit. It will then be grated with a stone on a flat rock or surface and then the red flakes are blown away entirely.

"The groundnut should then be ground in an engine while an empty pot is placed on fire made with firewood, not a cooking stove or gas cooker. Then the residue is put in the pot and continuously steered with a stick while adding some water as it thickens and becomes harder."

"The continual steering

Hajiya Talatu Musa Yargaya gradually yields the oil. As soon as the oil starts coming out of the grinded ground nut, the residue should then be transferred into a container and squeezed on a flat surface. The squeezing process allows the residue to yield more oil until it becomes clear that the oil is free from the residue while the oil runs into a container at the same time.

"The oil should then be poured in a frying pan and heated to fry the residue which later becomes

Bottles of groundnut oil

"kuli kuli" (groundnut cake)."

According to her, two profitable commodities are gleaned from groundnut oil production - the oil and the kuli kuli and are all sold simultaneously in the market.

Asked about the issue of adulteration of oil as experienced in most markets, she said she knows that that happens, and in most cases the substandard ground nut oil is called "kwantalora" she doesn't know how it is produced.

"I have heard about kwantalora but I don't have knowledge on how it is produced because I devoted my time in producing genuine oil and I have taught my children to do the same so that Allah will not punish us when we die."

She called on counterfeiters to shun such illicit acts because it is detrimental to the society.

According to her such oils cause abdominal diseases which could lead to death.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 35

Feature How plant destroying insects in Tilden Fulani prompted research in Tanzania Science, British Council and the Leverhulme Trust International Networks.

According to Ibrahim, with adequate funding the researchers would complete the assigned work and develop the solutions within three years by 2015.

The discovery of nine research materials to get biological solutions was initiated after the discovery of insects by Professor Buba Ibrahim at Tilden Fulani village in Bauchi state that attracted international attention.

The insect is a leaf miner and is scientifically known as Liriomyza sativae blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae) that feeds between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaves causing yellowing and drying of the leaves which ultimately affect the photosynthetic

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi A Nigerian agricultural scientist, Prof. Buba Ibrahim in collaboration with some global researchers has formed an association named Network for Euro Africa Agricultural Scientists.

The formation of the association which has the aim of developing inexpensive and environment friendly strategy for the control of pest in Nigeria, using biological solutions came at the end of the agricultural scientists' workshop in Tanzania.

According to a document from the workshop, the idea to develop the biological solutions came at the end of the workshop held through research collaborations by the agricultural scientists across Europe and African universities held at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dare-Salaam, Tanzania.

The workshop which theme was, "Use of Natural Products (fungi & botanicals) for Pest Control" was attended by researchers from five countries namely, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

Findings by the agricultural scientists research indicates that the use of pesticides in the control of pest in Nigeria has over the years proved costly, dangerous to wild life and toxic to human health, as it also slowed down Nigeria's quest for self-sufficiency in food production.

The information was handed down during the workshop which was sponsored by the British Council through Development Partnership in Higher Education (DElPHE) which is a grant awarded by UK's Department For International Development (DFID).

The grant, according to the workshop, is aimed at providing support research collaboration between United Kingdom's higher institutions and Universities from developing countries.

The overseas coordinator of the Programme, Prof. Buba Ibrahim Ahmed said workshop participants were divided into 9 teams each with identified research materials to use for the control of pest using biological solutions.

He explained that the research include the development of sustainable production of edible, medicinal and entomopathogenic fungi,

Prof. Buba Ibrahim and vector pest control of arthropod disease vectors with particular focus on mosquitoes.

Others are the development of protect ants using wax moth as an alternative to the Murine model for testing pathogens and therapeutics, as well as the identification, development and sustainable production of semiochemicals for a range of applications.

Ibrahim stated that other identified pest control method to be developed are the Integrated Pest Management systems for African crop pests using

biological control agents like Coffee, fruits and vegetables.

It is also to develop biological control agents for post-harvest pests, botanicals for the control of weeds in cereal, nonchemical methods for the control of disease in crops, and the identification and development of botanicals to control diseases.

Workshop agreed that submission for funding to support the network would be channeled to potential sponsors that include International Foundation for

Insect

Photograph of participants at the British Council Joint DelPHE Workshop at Dare-Salaam.

activity of the leaves and subsequent lead to the destruction of the plant.

The pest discovered in Tilden Filani called Liriomyza Sativae Blanchard alias Serpentina leaf miner was until its discovery unknown in the Nigerian Agricultural History, despite its enormous notoriety on food crops such as Potato, Tomato, Okra and Pepper.

Entomologists believed that there are over 11 million insect species in our ecosystem out of which one million species have been successfully identified, as work is now going on to identify the remaining 10 million species so as to develop strategy for the control of pest in Nigeria if our quest for self-sufficiency in food production is to be attained as was discussed during the workshop in Tanzania.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

OUR MISSION “To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

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CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM EDITOR, DAILY ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI

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The tragedy of Nigeria’s Civilfund Service Re: Sovereign wealth

I

n the uncontainable urge for agitated minds to continuously reflect on the state of affairs, it is necessary to briefly pause, once again, to review the impact of the public sector, more commonly known as the civil service, in the largely self-imposed crisis of underdevelopment hobbling postcolonial Nigeria. Please take note: this is by no means a tendentious evaluation of the civil service. Rather, it’s a detached undertaking inclined at best toward rendering a factual assessment of a critical segment of government relative to where we are today as a country.

For the benefit of those still confused, who may be thinking that only those who work in the Ministries are civil servants, it is important to emphasise that any employee of state-owned institutions – be it Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Councils, Research Institutes, Corporations, Commissions or any government-controlled establishment of whatever arcane nomenclature – is a civil servant; and therefore a worker in the public sector (civil service).

In its heyday, the Nigerian civil service was the poster child of robust bureaucracy, a sort of metaphorical heirloom honed in the best tradition of Victorian thoroughness and rigour, and handed down to honest, but inexperienced local administrators by the British colonial masters. It was an efficient and functional structure; a reasonably admired establishment and a fruitful hunting ground for job seekers inspired by productive forerunners to build a career under the wings of government. If the middle class enjoyed its best run at that time and became a decisive catalyst in those early stages of the country’s development, there would not be any fulmination against the civil service stepping forward to take a larger share of the credit.

It was under this stirring atmosphere, suffused with alluring nostalgia of the 60s and 70s, that one grew up in one of the “government quarters” scattered around Yaba, a throbbing Lagos suburb, to know a father who woke up every working day to exhibit a quiet sense of purpose and the compelling seriousness that captured the dignity of labour in an era the phrase truly had meaning. And then a mother, who demonstrated the fierce diligence and clerical dedication that embedded public service and earned it silent acclamation in those good old days.

Cumulatively, both offered well over five decades of selfless service in government offices, and before the patriarch’s final departure, they repeatedly singled out that

WRITE TO US

Peoples Daily Weekend welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: The Editor, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Email: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com period as the golden years of their lives, in spite of the measly pension. They had nothing to show for having worked in the civil service other than the calm satisfaction of being actively involved at the time of its consummation, and then the random goodwill gesture that came as a token of appreciation.

There was no estate to point at as personal property in the city, no tens of acres of land to show off, no mansions in the country home to call their own, no 4-star hotel anywhere to cause not a little swagger, no fleet of cars and buses to boast of, no super market or shopping malls to gloat over and no petrol stations to produce the excessive arrogance of oil magnates.

And it was not just about one’s parents. The civil servants of old evinced discipline. Looking around the quarters then, one noticed an overpowering air of self-restraint – the type that goes with acceptance of responsibilities and certainty of integrity. All manner of exotic automobiles didn’t clog up a sizable portion of the space in the quarters and in the offices. It was an age the Nigerian story was sweet to tell.

Hardly can anybody say the same of today’s civil service, whose steady decline began with the destruction of values engineered by errant political leaders and their counterparts in military uniforms. My friend and colleague, Chido Onumah, sketched the decay in government offices in one of his latest articles.

And civil servants should thank him for limiting the deterioration to “channel flipping”, “ghost workers” and turning office premises into huge bazaars. The rot goes deeper than that. Truth is, Nigeria’s civil service is dead.

That institution no longer serves anyone outside those charged with the responsibility of running it.

Unlike what obtained in the past (and one actually refers to the glorious past), the civil service ethic, with its evident overarching kernel of service to the public, has been completely abandoned and its place taken over by a pernicious culture that has no other description beyond self-serving. The typical civil servant of these days is not just lazy, but also

irrepressibly corrupt. A brief stopover in any government department, federal or state, will suffice. There is no passion to do the job. The staff just sit idly or hop from one office to another, blathering away the whole day. Records are poorly kept, that is when they are kept at all, and so an interminable search for letters and files is a normal, everyday story.

Files pile up untreated sometimes for as long as four weeks on the bosses’ desk without anyone being struck by conscience, or awakened to the fact that such habitual act of undeviating slothfulness amounts to a huge disservice to the country. And then any attempt by an assertive outsider to point out the anomaly, if not dismissed by an outright contemptuous silence, gets the standard reply of Na so government work be o!

Given this kind of attitude, it’s no surprise that programmes and projects rarely get implemented; while something as normal as requests for approvals for useful projects that ought to take no more than one week to wrap up take almost eternity, if it manages to overcome the obstacles of narrow-minded bureaucrats.

As a result of the bankruptcy of its public institutions, Nigeria remains the only country in the world where it takes unduly long time to conclude paperwork on any issue. In a bid to reverse this negative identity, former president Olusegun Obasanjo established a service delivery watchdog called SERVICOM with a marching order to every government establishment to set up a branch of its own. The idea is to restore efficiency by fast-tracking services in all government offices.

Typical of the administration, the scheme was launched with fanfare. Then the public was charged to send observations and complaints regarding service delivery to this body. But it turned out to be a futile effort, as the unraveling of the civil service, in the face of widespread prodigality of the political class, assumed a more disturbing dimension even with Obasanjo still in office. In no time as expected, SERVICOM more or less disappeared from the radar of public governance.

In furtherance of this relentless sectoral degeneration, a simple, straightforward exercise of staff promotion has been added to the growing list of victims. No longer is it a secret that promotions are for sale in the civil service. Workers on different levels are routinely called out for interviews or examinations for promotion, but in the end, performance almost always does not determine who gets promoted. It is always those who are able to pay some specified amount of money that get lifted to the next levels.

The bigger shame is that members of the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Head of Service and his lieutenants know that Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and others down the line offer bribes in order to gain promotion, but they have refused to do anything to stop the ugly practice because they are said to be receiving remittances from some group of workers called schedule officers.

Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors pay as much as N1m and more to be promoted.

No doubt the impulse for paying that much can’t be divorced from the assurance of recouping what was paid, thanks to the ongoing massive corruption in the system.

Evidence of this is the scandalous material wealth being displayed by many public officers. In spite of the regular complaints of lack of funds, civil servants ride the most expensive cars in the market and buy mansions, build estates, shopping malls and acquire all kinds of property across cities.

On a regular basis Ministries, departments and parastatals budget money for seminars and workshops, but the big guns end up diverting the cash into their pockets.

For them, there is usually enough to steal.

Under the guise of holding meetings, they dip their hands into the office purse and share public funds behind closed doors. This orchestrated stealing goes on virtually every week, and only the generous ones among them extend the loot to other junior staff.

There is no question that a civil service like this one has only helped to preserve the country’s stagnation. The way to turn things around is not to embark on mass sack of workers as recommended by the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Instead, Nigerians should insist that the current civil service serves no useful purpose and, therefore, a new, strictly enforced orientation for the workforce in public institutions is urgently required.

Godwin Onyeacholem, a journalist can be reached at gonyeacholem@gmail.com;

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 37

Opinion Manipulated clearance of Bwari Council chairman

By Anthony Fadason

T

h e essence of internal democracy in every political party is to ensure equality, fairplay, carrying everyone along, address disagreements and disputes amongst party loyalists and members. This however is lacking with the way and manner the incumbent Chairman of Bwari Area Council and an aspirant for the P.D.P chairmanship seat, Hon. Yohanna Peter Ushafa, was cleared by the P.D.P screening committee despite a written petition by some bonafide P.D.P members in Bwari Area Council. At a time even the P.D.P National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is trying to unite the party as one entity, which informed his recent visit to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, instead of the FCT P.D.P to follow suit and emulate the virtues of the national chairman, they are rather acting to the contrary. This is why the FCT Minister as the leader of the party in FCT as well as his political adviser need to intervene in order not to lose Bwari council to the opposition.

By Muhammed Abdullahi Tosin

Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern but impossible to enslave.

-Lord Chancellor Baron Henry Peter

F

r e e d o m would be meaningless, if existent at all, in the absence of education. This is because knowledge is paramount in every sphere of life. It is the most potent tool for charting the growth and development of a society.

The process of acquiring, reforming and utilizing and imparting knowledge is what is termed ‘education’. Education is a broad, functional term – implying all forms of training, learning, practice and experience that improve a person’s output from cradle to grave. While in strict sense, there is no one without education or knowledge, I take ‘education’ in this context to mean ‘formal and functional learning or acquisition of skills’ so that one who has not consciously undergone any training can rightly be classified as uneducated.

Freedom denotes the liberty to act freely and independently within the limit of the law without being coerced or unduly influenced. It is a person’s right to think independently, associate with whom he wills, say and believewhat he likes, move to and live in where he chooses and engage in what activities please him, provided no law is violated. It is my contention that a person who lacks education is not free but in shackles in every area of his being.

The world over, education is recognized as indispensable. International legal instrument including the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the constitution of every nation of the world guarantee it.

In the religious circles, learning is given a very high premium as a prerequisite for freedom and salvation. The first 5 verses of the Qur’an commands the seeking of knowledge. “Read! In the name of your Lord Who has created...Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur’an 96: 1-5).

The Bible also says that: “And ye shall know truth and the truth shall set you free.”

The points raised by the concerned P.D.P members from Bwari were genuine, going by their implications. For a candidate like Peter Yohanna Ushafa who reportedly has skeleton in his cupboard to be cleared via a rumoured 1million Naira bribe he allegedly dished out to the screening committee members calls for concern. The influence of the FCT Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda is also widely known, having mobilized both morally and financially the screening committee members to do his wish by secretly clearing Yohanna Peter Ushafa. The strong petitions against him have grounds, if actually the screening committee had taken it into consideration.

What do we say of how Hon. Yohanna Peter Ushafa applied to withdraw his services from National Assembly on May 20th 2002 in a letter with Reference No. NASS/PF/ O58 in response to the call of his people to contest for councillorship of Ushafa ward.

On December 20, 2002 approval for his withdrawal was communicated him effective from October 31 2002 with Reference No. NASS/1106/3/102 by one

Mr. Adamu Ibrahim Maikudi. Another approval was given for Hon. Peter Yohanna’s withdrawal from service from the same organization, the National Assembly on his application for such a request dated November 16, 2006 effective December 31, 2006 on same Reference No. NASS/1106/3/102. Yohanna Peter was also in the service of Bwari Area Council as a supervisory councilor for agriculture and natural resources with effect from April 13, 2006. Given this scenario, one is pushed to ask the questions below: a. Did Peter re-apply for employment into the service of the National Assembly between 2004 when he lost the election to Hon. Josiah Haruna Ushafa in 2004? b. If he did apply for re-employment or to be re-absorbed, where is his letter of application, who approved it, when, how and to who did he apply. Adamu Ibrahim Maikudi who signed the approval letter is an assistant Chief administrative officer with National Assembly Service management, who then gave him such order to convey approval for such a serious task since he was not a staff

with the National Assembly Service Commission as he could only treat matters related to junior staff, Peter was or is a HEO Higher Executive Officer accounts on salary grade level O8. He also enjoyed double salary both from National Assembly as a staff and Bwari Area Council as a supervisory councilor, as he was on the services of both organizations in 2006, this is against the code of conduct bureau act. Any breach of the code of conduct provision is subject to arrest, arraignment and prosecution. Having expressed the controversies surrounding Yohanna Peter Ushafa , it is time the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) call the screening committee to order, in order to enhance the practice of carrying every party member along in the coming election. If Yohanna Peter Ushafa is allowed to scale through the opposition parties like the ANPP, CPC and ACN could have a field day. The earlier action is taken the better for the interest of our party in Bwari Area Council.

Hon. Anthony O. Fadasib write from Abuja.

Education: The bulwark of freedom (John 8:32). By analogy, if a dog recognizes his master, never will it be deceived into deeming as its master a rogue who would only enslave or murder it.

In the social setting, education ensures a person is capable of pursuing his legitimate interests without jeopardizing the rights of others and the community as a whole. He does not resort to violence as a means of ventilating his grievances.

In Nigeria for instance, the Northern region has witnessed series of avoidable ethno-religious violence with thousands of casualties. This is due to the high level of illiteracy in the region as no religion allows the indiscriminate cleansing of an ethnic or religious group.

The fact that only 45 of the 117 Nigerian universities are based in the Northern region, and about 10 million almajiris (pupils memorizing the Qur’an and begging to fend for themselves without any formal education) and many more of their youth do not attend any formal institution of learning, reveals how educationally deficient the region must be.

In politics and governance, education ensures there is sanity and fair play. In the first place, no community would give legitimacy and loyalty to an ignorant, unlearned fellow as its leader. Education guides the leader to know that the loyalty and cooperation of his subject can only be sustained by persuasion, pro-people programmes and value-based welfare schemes.

Such knowledge liberates him to become the leader. Also, if the people are learned, they would be active participants in the governance process which would give them the unfettered freedom to occupy the driver’s seat in determining their political destiny. In advanced nations like Britain and France where scholarship flourishes, elections are seldom rigged, political opponents rarely persecuted, electoral violence infrequently heard and military intervention never seen.

The reason is not far-fetched: the learned people are vigilant and would simply not allow themselves to be toyed with like chess.

In educationally deficient states however, the rulers ‘ride’ their docile subjects like donkeys. The purposeless killing in the 2011 post-election crisis in Nigeria is still fresh in mind. A society’s development in politics cannot be quicker than its growth in learning.

Education frees man from the shackles of economic servitude. It teaches him to give value to his money-making endeavour. If an untaught mind produces and sells popcorn, he would not sell beyond his stall and he would most probably not enjoy the patronage of the elite who may not feel comfortable standing by the roadside procuring the snacks.

A learned person however would give worth to the trade. He could brand it by packaging the popcorn in sealed can, plastic or nylon with his trademark printed on the pack. Then he engages vendors who would buy from him in bulk and resell to the common man in his domain and the crème de la crème in their imposing houses and offices.

This would see the educated entrepreneur selling his product and name to all in far and wide places and at a much higher price.

He would have equally created employment for the vendors. On the global scene, the USA, according to the Digest of Education Statistics in US 2010, has 10% of her population in the university system in 2009 alone while Nigeria, according to the Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics, has just 0.35% of her population in the university system in the same year.

Hence, the USA has the most vibrant economy in the world while Nigeria remains underdeveloped.

In the present times, education is the sole legitimate criterion which determines who gets what percentage of the national resources and income.

Erudite professors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, medical doctors and engineers work in the conducive, airconditioned milieu of their offices, taking decisions, signing documents, giving expert advices, making prescriptions and proffering pragmatic solutions to the

problems of the world. They do what they love doing and earn handsome income, live in gorgeous mansions and are reckoned with in the society.

The life of the uneducated man, by contrast, leaves much to be desired. He toils tooth and nail in the scorching sun and the heavy rain cleaning the toilet, scrubbing the floor, clearing the bush, pushing trucks, dusting shoes, running errands and enduring constant scolding. He gets a pittance for a salary, puts up with starvation and malnutrition and sleeps, in Nigeria for instance, in dilapidated shacks, uncompleted buildings, under bridges or even on trees at night. He is in economic chains for the simple reason that he is educationally deficient.

The educated man is free to guard against infringements on his God-given rights. The constitution of every nation and the UDHR guarantees some minimum levels of human rights which are inalienable and which must be enjoyed by all and sundry irrespective of age, sex, religion, tribe or colour. These include the rights to freedom of movement, of conscience and religion, of association, among others. However, these rights cannot enforce themselves except that those who posses them vigilantly guard against their violations.

The responsibility of promoting education is a shared one. No single entity – government, literacy organizations or individuals can successfully shoulder it. All hands must be on deck and all stakeholders must play meaningful complementary roles. Government should embark on better legislation, improved funding and transparent implementation of the relevant policies. Literacy groups and other NGOs should increase their activism, mobilization and outreach. Private individuals too should continuously improve the self, donate and volunteer to assist others and regard knowledge acquisition and skills honing as a life-long process.

Lest we forget, the road is still far, the terrain rough, the time short and the resources scarce. But the goals are quite lofty; they’re well worth the colossal sacrifice.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER, 2012

Issues Will Yakowa be the last Governor from Southern Kaduna?

By Agaju Madugba

A

s with all affairs of man, destiny appears to play certain roles in the affairs of Kaduna state in recent times, especially with the death last Saturday, of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa in that navy helicopter crash in Bayelsa state. Yakowa was laid to rest Thursday in his home town of Fadan Kagoma, in Jema’a local government area of the state, thus bringing to an abrupt end, an era which started on May 20, 2010 when he was sworn into office for the first time.

His emergence as governor back then may not be unconnected with certain unseen forces, also referred to as destiny. Shortly after his demise, unconfirmed report, quoted Yakowa as allegedly saying that he was the first Kaduna state governor from southern Kaduna and that he would be the last from that area to be governor.

Whatever the implications of such an alleged pronouncement which remain un-confirmed, with the demise of Yakowa, May 20, 2010, will undoubtedly remain indelible in the lives of the predominantly Christian southern Kaduna as the day Yakowa was sworn into office.

Since Kaduna’s creation in 1976, the predominantly Muslim northern Kaduna state had retained the governorship position despite several years of agitations from the southern area to produce the governor.

Again, some unforeseen forces, apparently intervened following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and elevation of the then Governor Mohammed Namadi Sambo to the position of Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yakowa, as required by the Constitution, stepped in as governor and heralded the southern Kaduna governorship era which was further re-affirmed in 2011 when Yakowa contested the governorship election and was declared winner.

Following the dramatic events of the past week however, equations changed and political power has returned to the northern part of the state.

But some southern Kaduna indigenes differ on

Late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa this. “Power has not gone to the northern part of Kaduna state, power has always belonged to God and He gives it to whomever He wants and whenever He wants,” an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain from southern Kaduna state, Modecai Ibrahim, told our correspondent in an interview. Another southern Kaduna indigene and former Special Adviser (Legislative Matters) to late Yakowa, Malam Ibrahim Bayero, proffered similar consolatory a expression when he described Yakowa’s death and the emergence of Yero as God’s design which nobody can challenge.

According to him, “one day, God can also make it possible for the governorship seat to return to southern Kaduna.

This is the beginning of the tenure of Muktar Ramalan Yero and in 2015 he may most likely seek another term in office. So, for the PDP in Kaduna, I do not see any contests in 2015. It is as good as an automatic ticket for Ramalan Yero because that was how Yakowa became Governor when Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo left and after one year, he won an election and continued. The PDP rallied around him (Yakowa).”

It is just as well. Perhaps, more than any other factor,

religious considerations have always informed who rules Kaduna state, a land believed to have a fair distribution of Christians and Muslims across the state.

Even during the long period of military rule, former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, had deployed Col. Peter Nwosu, from the southeast, as Military Governor of Kaduna in 1990. Nwosu’s tenure was short-lived as he was redeployed as Military Governor of Oyo state barely two weeks after resuming in Kaduna. Col. Tanko Ayuba from Zuru, in Kebbi state, replaced Nwosu.

Albeit parochial, such tendencies have continued to be brought to the fore when it comes to the issue of who occupies the coveted seat at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, seat

of the Kaduna state government. In 2010, a cross section of Kaduna people had protested the emergence of Yakowa and during his inauguration, the late governor in his emotionladen post-inaugural address pleaded with the people of Kaduna state to ignore the age-long divisive tendencies induced by religion and ethnic differences. He had stated that: “please note that I am not a Christian governor.

I am a governor for all, irrespective of religious or tribal affiliations. None of us has any reasons to be afraid or to feel threatened. God gave us our great religions of Islam and Christianity so as to build a world of love. The fact that we have so many Christians and Muslims in Nigeria should be a blessing to us, not a threat. We must use the blocks of differences among us to build bridges of hope that wards off hatred. I open my heart to you and offer you my friendship. I invite you all, the good citizens of our beloved state, to please join me to make Kaduna a united family.”

But death cut him short mid-way and apparently reechoing the statement allegedly credited to Yakowa, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart from southern Kaduna who pleaded anonymity noted that: “it is unfortunate but it will take the grace of God for us to produce the governor, except in circumstances similar to what happened to the Yakowa we are burying today (Thursday). I say it is unfortunate because even in a democracy, it has proved to be a Herculean task, and please forget the so-called zoning thing.” It is worrisome but we hope that someday, things will change.”

In 2007, a former Minister of Works, Isaiah Balat, now

“

Power has not gone to the northern part of Kaduna state, power has always belonged to God and He gives it to whomever He wants and whenever He wants

presidential Special Adviser (Special Duties) and who is from southern Kaduna state, was on the verge of emerging victorious during the PDP governorship primaries then. But again, by perhaps a stroke of fate, Sambo defeated him during a run-off.

Had Yakowa lived, there were indications that he would have contested the 2015 governorship elections as he came into office in circumstances similar to those of President Goodluck Jonathan who is currently seeking interpretation of the legal documents regarding his eligibility to vie for the presidency in 2015.

For Kaduna state, all other things being equal, Yero may seek election in 2015 and, if successful, is expected to end in 2019 and if he decides to go for a second term, chances are that he may continue to be governor until 2023. Till then, and unless fate intervenes, the chances of southern Kaduna producing the governor are slim. But for now, a lobby for who occupies the traditional position of deputy governor from southern Kaduna has begun with a coalition of youth groups from the area nominating three candidates for Yero to consider one of them.

In a letter to the new governor, the group nominated a former PDP National Legal Adviser who was also at a time AttorneyGeneral of Kaduna state, Mark Jacob Nzamah; Yakowa’s Special Adviser on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters) who was also Kaduna state Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph John Hayab; and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Asake. With a subtle threat to reject any other candidate outside its nominees, the group explained that: “we have noted the heinous manner the politics of selection of the deputy governor of the state has taken. The process is shrouded in hypocrisy and complete secrecy without consultation and respect of those the decision will directly affect.

Any consideration outside these nominations (which is a true reflection of desires of our people) will not be accepted by the youth and people of southern Kaduna. We shall massively oppose and reject anything short of this.”

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 39

Interview

‘We want governor who will not treat southern Kaduna as second class’ F or many years, there were agitations from the southern Kaduna state people to have the governorship seat, they eventually did, in the person of the late Yakowa but suddenly, power has returned to the northern side of the state. What do you think?

Power has not gone to the northern part of Kaduna state, power has always belonged to God. God owns power and He gives it to who He wants and whenever He wants. Daniel Chapter 2 verse 21 says that it is God who determines the course of history and that he guides the history of the world.

At this material time, God has decreed that Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa should go. God gave us the governorship seat and he did not give it for only southern Kaduna people. He gave it for the entire Kaduna people and when Yakowa took over power, he made it clear that he was not governor for the Christians alone, that he was governor for everybody. And, as a matter of fact, Yakowa proved his onions; some people opposed some of the things he did in order to put him on a proper pedestal to govern.

When we, as the opposition bombarded him from all angles, he sat up and began to work like a wild horse. Did you take note of the 31 roads contracts he awarded recently for construction across the 23 local government areas?

The contracts were awarded not only to the local government areas, there was equity in the distribution as zone one got the same number of roads as zones two and three. That has never happened in the history of Kaduna state. I challenge anybody to come out and say that there was a past governor of the state that gave the kind of equity that Yakowa exhibited.

Today we can praise him to the high heavens.

When it pleases God again, he will give us a governor from the southern Kaduna area. He owns the power and God said that He removes one king and enthrones another. Our prayer for now that He has enthroned Ramalan Yero, is that God should help him to do justice, to do right, to show equity and to be fair to all. Let him learn from his immediate predecessor in office. He saw how his boss demonstrated equity and we pray that Ramalan Yero will equally do the same thing to all and sundry. By 2015, I am sure he would like to contest the governorship seat. He will come

Modecai Ibrahim, is an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain from southern Kaduna state, in this interview with Agaju Madugba, he spoke on the situation of southern Kaduna people with the demise of Yakowa, even as he said the new Governor has not given any reasons to doubt that he would be fair to

Modecai Ibrahim to us and it is what he does between now and 2015 that will determine whether we will look at his face or not.

Do you not think that it is also proper for the southern Kaduna people to re-contest that office in 2015, given the abrupt termination of the Yakowa administration?

No. I told you that power belongs to God. If Ramalan demonstrates equity, fairness and justice, and we have peace in Kaduna state, it would not matter who rules the state. But if Ramalan begins to be selfish and partial and begins to treat us as seventh class citizens, then when it is time for election, we shall also show him our true colour. We can decide to vote our own whether he wins or no or we can decide to go for another person from zone one.

We did it before and doing it again will not be a problem. But I want to believe, from what I have studied about Ramalan, he

is a gentle man. I have had private discussions with him and I know the place of Yakowa in his heart, from what he told me. I am not God, because it is what a man tells you that you know. He once told me that Yakowa is the age of his father and that he could never disrespect Yakowa.

I do not want to believe that he will disrespect Yakowa even in death because if ill-treats the people of southern Kaduna, it will amount to disrespecting Yakowa.

Is it not possible that some other political parties may want to challenge the governor using candidates from southern Kaduna in 2015?

It is their constitutional right. If the ACN which I belong, CPC or ANPP or any other political party for that matter, fields a more credible candidate than Ramalan and the southern and northern Kaduna people like him, that candidate will win, if

it pleases God for him to win. But if they field the wrong candidate, Ramalan will carry on.

Do you foresee any problems due to this sudden change of power?

What problems. Who wants to create any problems and is that person God? Romans Chapter 13 verses one and two say that governments are ordained and established by God and most of us from southern Kaduna claim to be Christians.

If anybody from that side decides to rise against Ramalan, then we will question that person’s Christianity. I use the word claim because most us say we are Christians but our character does not seem to show that Christianity. What I am saying is that any true Christian, any true Muslim and indeed, any man who knows, fears and honors God, should know that the world is God’s word. The kingdoms of the world belong to God and He created everything and everybody.

So, the emergence of Muktar Ramalan Yero as governor is not going to create any problems and definitely not from southern Kaduna, we have never had any antecedents of kicking against a Muslim governor in the state. What we have always done and we will continue to do is tell anybody in power to give us our rights and a sense of belonging as contained in Section 14 of the Constitution. But if you give to Adamu and deny Christopher his right, Christopher might even be tempted to go to court to insist that his rights be given to him. But as the saying goes, a good Friday is known from Wednesday. So far, Muktar Ramalan Yero has not given us any reasons to doubt the fact that he is a gentleman.

Given the circumstances and that the next deputy governor is expected to emerge from southern Kaduna. What do you think should inform the choice of the candidate?

The person should have political clout since we are in a democracy and the person should command a lot of respect across the board, the elders, the middle class and the youth, the rich, the poor, the Christians and the minority Muslims from southern Kaduna. It is somebody who will be able to assist the governor to deliver. If you take somebody who is not responsible and you give him responsibility, he will fail you. So, the governor should embark on very wide consultations.

“

I told you that power belongs to God. If Ramalan demonstrates equity, fairness and justice, and we have peace in Kaduna state, it would not matter who rules the state.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Interview "My toughest time as a judge was ordering the remand of my bosom friend" —Ningi ...Tell us about yourself I attended the Ningi primary school, then junior secondary school Bura in Ningi local government and proceeded to the Government Science Secondary school Gomawa in 1985, after which i attended the College for Legal and Islamic studies, Misau and did Diploma in Shariah and Civil law. Later i gained admission at the Bayero University Kano, where i got my LLMB degree in Sharia and Common law and was called to the Nigeria Bar Abuja, in 1992.

I started my civil service work in 1990 when I was employed as a Grade 1 teacher then at the ministry of education Bauchi and was posted to Government Girls College Bauchi where I taught for about two years, and then became an instructor with the Collage for legal and Islamic studies and was there for almost about 12 years before I proceeded to BUK. I continued to serve the school until I secured an appointment with the National Assembly, I was at the National Assembly for five years before I decided to come back to my state and take up an appointment as a Magistrate in 2008.

I was in Abuja when I heard that I had been employed as a Magistrate. I was highly pleased to be so appointed after serving as a lawyer and then getting another opportunity to serve on the bench. You know mostly if you are called to the Bar you are called as an advocate of the supreme court, so that gives you the opportunity to either practice as a lawyer or go to the bench, so I am very much pleased to find myself as a magistrate in my own hometown.

How is life as a magistrate in your own hometown?

Well, actually it is a very difficult responsibility for a magistrate to find himself working in his own hometown.

You know, magistrate court is a court of criminal jurisdiction, and we use warrant to bring culprits to book, that is by trying them and eventually sentence to prison, and if you are as a magistrate find yourself in a situation where you find out that today you will lock your brother, tomorrow you lock your father, next tomorrow you will likely lock your in law, that is not easy actually.

And the other challenge that I find so big is that whoever that appears before your court you find out that you have one reason or the other to know him or to have one or two relationship with him, as a brother, as a town mate, as a colleague, so many other relationships, and for you to be just to them actually entails a lot of commitment, a magistrate

Chief Magistrate Ahmed Shuaibu Ningi was born and brought up in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi state, in this interview with Ahmed Kaigama, he shares his experience as judge and how difficult it is to work as a magistrate in his own town. Excerpts: must be committed, must be firm, must have the feeling that justice must be done otherwise you cannot cope because there is likelihood of influence, if you are not firm you might be influenced by one reason or other. You find out that the oath that we took when we were appointed and sworn in as magistrates is that a magistrate or a judge shall always be fair to all; you must be fair to all and must discharge that responsibility without fear or favour. So if you are working in your own hometown, the likelihood of favour is there if you are not committed because your friend will appear before you and if you don't have that commitment you might not have the gut to try your friend or to try your in-law for example.

Particularly your in-law whom you have that kind of marital relationship but I always take into consideration those places in the oath I signed before the C.J when I was employed, they are always in my head that justice must be done to all.

What is the most memorable case that you can remember that you have handled?

I remember, my colleagues will be my witnesses there was a time, I have only one friend here in Ningi town. As a magistrate, you always try to minimize the number of friends that you have so that they will not influence your work. So, try to manage only one, only one friend and the community knew me with him very well, they always see us together. One Monday I came to the court, and I realized the whole place was crowded, very much crowded. I saw more than ten cars, over 50 motor cycles and over a hundred people around this court. Initially, I was scared wondering what was happening. But when I entered my office, I saw the day's schedule; my staff identified a particular case for me involving that very good friend who is being arraigned for assault and criminal intimidation. It was very difficult for me to try him but remembering the oath I took, I said I sign and undertake to be just to all manner of people and my friend who is also among the society, I ordered for his remand because I knew he should be remanded because there is the likelihood that he has committed the offence. So actually that was the toughest time I had because I

Chief Magistrate Ahmed Shuaibu Ningi found it very, very disturbing and though I did not allow my sentiment to overcome my decision as a judge.

As a magistrate how do ensure you handle the cases without infusing elements of sentiment in your judgement?

Yes, that is actually the reason the crowd was much and I believe people were there just to see how the magistrate will act. Is he going to be sentimental or is he going to do justice.

So what is your guiding principle, I know you make a lot of enemies?

Yes there are, definitely there are, this Ningi town is my home town where I was brought up, over the years this town is like a crisis prone place because there was no magistrate court then, so you find people taking laws into their hands so when I found myself appointed as magistrate and I was posted to this town, it was the regular posting, I found myself here; so having that in mind I said what I am going to do? For example, what am I going to do to change the attitude of my people, to make them understand that society will not make any progress without obedience to law and order, so having that

principle in mind, I always try to be firm and always try to make people realize that there is nobody that is above the law.

Perception of corruption among judiciary workers is one of the problems hampering the dispensation of justice. In your capacity, have you ever experienced anybody trying to induce you with something or ask for favour from you?

Actually, I can say no. As I told you earlier that the oath we have signed contain almost everything that guides a magistrate. And the issue of corruption in whatever way I try to overcome it. No, because they know my habit, they know my principles and I do not give myself or my staff the opportunity to be offered a bribe, if you give the chance people will offer you bribes but when you close your eyes on that, nobody will approach you.

Any sad moment while doing your job?

Yes, I used to have that feeling particularly when I understand that a particular injustice is done on some people, because in the cause of adjudicating cases over some period of five to six years definitely you will come across a lot of cases like that. For example,

somebody who has spent like two years trying to save twenty to forty thousand naira to enable him raise five hundred or six hundred thousand for Hajj. And then entrusts his friend with that money either to take it to the pilgrims welfare board to pay for him or to do something for him but eventually the money is spent by that friend and the opportunity to go to hajj is gone.

The matter is before you and all available evidences are glaring that this man misappropriated the money depriving the man of his money and the chance to perform Hajj. I think that kind of case is sad and once the matter is proved beyond the preponderance of doubt I ensure that justice is done in that respect.

I don't respect whoever is in that situation when it comes to that kind of cheating or where grievous hurt is caused. You know we have villages around here; even recently, I signed a post mortem order that somebody was beaten to death in a village of Ningi local government here, just this morning. So I always feel sad to see a person inflicted with wounds. Intentional grievous hurt sometimes baffles me, and I wonder why people in this century see their fellow humans and treat them as such, use dagger or knife to chop or cut a human being which also saddens me.

Do you have experience of harassment or attacked for handling armed robbery cases?

Not at all, because you find out that even if an armed robber is committed here, in Ningi in Warji or in any other local government they do not arraign the accused persons here, all they do is to take them to the CID, it is from CID now that they prosecute them in the court in Bauchi metropolis, so we don't have such cases even.

“

If you are as a magistrate find yourself in a situation where you find out that today you will lock your brother, tomorrow you lock your father, next tomorrow you will likely lock your in law, that is not easy actually.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 41

Weekend

Toure, Anonman crowned Africa's best

Yaya Toure

cC

Stories by Albert Akota

ôte d'Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the 2012 CAF African Player of the Year for the second year in succession, the Confederation of African Football has announced.

The Manchester City player beat fellow Ivorian and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba into second with Cameroonian Alex Song, of Barcelona, in third.

He joined Senegalese forward El-Hadji Diouf, formerly of Liverpool and Bolton, on two victories although he has some way to go to eclipse Cameroonian ex-Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o who has won four titles.

The Côte d'Ivoire player was crowned at awards gala in Accra,

Genoveva Anonman the capital of Ghana, on Thursday evening after being voted for by the head coaches or technical directors of the national associations affiliated to the CAF. The giant midfielder appeared to tear up as his name was called at the ceremony in Ghana's capital.

"I have a lot of emotion," he said after climbing the stage to accept the award. "I think this night is so special for me."

When asked about the forthcoming CAF African Cup of Nations, Toure was diplomatic.

He said: "I think this year is going to be tough. I think there's going to be a fight to be at the top," he said after accepting the award.

Toure's second CAF honour came on a night when Drogba, the former Chelsea star now

playing for Shanghai Shenhua, was in line for his third win.

Drogba was seeking to take a step closer to Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o's record four trophies but described his fellow Ivorian as a deserving winner who has played with impressive "consistency over the last two years."

"Being in competition against Yaya and Alex was for me very difficult," said the striker. "For me, I don't mind if Yaya wins. I'm very proud."

Song, a 25-year-old up-andcoming midfielder, was nominated for the first time this year, after a good season for Arsenal before his transfer to Barcelona.

African Nations Cup winners Zambia were named team of the

year with their coach Herve Renard named coach of the year.

The award for the top women's team went to Equatorial Guinea, which hosted and won the eighth African women's championship.

It beat South Africa in the final, the side's second title in a competition often dominated by Nigeria, which has won six times.

Equatorial Guinea's Genoveva Anonman was honoured as the continent's top female footballer, after scoring six goals in the tournament and finishing top scoorer in the German Bundesliga.

It was a night full of awards for Egypt, with Cairo-based Al Ahly named as club of the year after securing its seventh CAF Champions League crown.

The club's star Mohamed Abourtrika took home the award for the best player based in Africa.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah, 23, was named the most promising emerging talent after scoring in three of four matches for his country's under-23 side at the 2012 Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

Mahmoud El-Gohary provided the fourth Egyptian triumph of the night, winning a Legend award for a range of both club and national titles won during the 74-year-old's long professional of career.

Rigobert Song, the defender from Cameroon, was also named an African football Legend, with the judges noting his two African championships.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 42

NFF names NPL interim magt committee S

e q u e l to the approval of the NFF Congress which on Thursday, 13th December 2012, at the 68th Annual General Assembly in Port Harcourt mandated the NFF Executive Committee to set up an interim Management Committee to run the affairs of the Nigeria Premier League for the 2012/ 2013 footbball Season, the NFF has named a 13-man Management Committee.

It would be recalled that at the 68th NFF Annual General Assembly in the Rivers State capital on Thursday last week, the Congress empowered the NFF Executive Committee to compose an interim Management Committee for

the NPL, to run its affairs for the 2012/2013 League Season, pending the conduct of fresh elections.

This followed the Congress' endorsement of the Executive Committee's approval of the decision of the NPL's Congress to throw out the Board headed

by Chief Rumson Baribote, at its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, 11th December, 2012.

The interim Management Committee will be headed by Hon. Nduka Irabor, a former Member of the House of Representatives and respected football organizer and enthusiast. The members are: Mallam Salisu Abubakar, Mrs Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, Hon.

Sabo Babayaro, Mike Enahoro, Kunle Elebute, Shehu Dikko, Barrister, Seyi Akinwunmi, Nwankwo Kanu, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, Abubakar Nuhu, Dan Buran, Mike Idoko and Tunji Babalola as Secretary.

The committee's terms of reference are to Organise the 2012/2013 League is to review all contractual obligations of the NPL, including TV and Sponsorship rights, others are develop strategy and facilitate the reform of the league towards achieving profitability, review existing rules and guidelines for the election into NPL Board and develop new standards for players' contracts and welfare.

Keshi drills Eagles after 1-1 with Nasarawa United

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h e Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has subjected his players to a 20-minutes drill, following the team's 1-1 draw with Nasarawa United in a friendly.

The drill was a punishment for their ``not too impressive'' performance in the match.

Ibrahim Ibrahim put Nasarawa United in front in the 18th minute, following a defensive error in the Eagles back line.

The Eagles, however, levelled scores in the 44th minute through a spot kick converted by Sunday Mba but it was not enough to wade-off

Keshi's punishment for them.

Peoples Daily Sports report that the match was put together as part of the team's build-up to the 2013 African Cup of Nations tournament, scheduled to kicks-off next month in South Africa.

The Nasarawa side managed by veteran coach Alphonsus Dike, played their hearts-out in the encounter but it was the national team that showed more maturity and should have easily won the game.

The Eagles featured Femi Thomas, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwueke,

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi

Gabriel Reuben, Sunday Mba, Fegor Ogude, Tony Okputu, Ejike Uzoenyi and Gambo Mohammed in the first half and changed all the players for a new set of 11 players in the second.

The Eagles dominated the game in the early part of the game and would have been at least two goals up in the first 10 minutes but the chances that came their way were wasted by Mba, Reuben and Gambo.

The Eagles who played in the second half include Gomo Onduko, Ubale Mannir, Papa Idris, Henry Uche, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Zango Umar and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

The Eagles seemed to have the attacking speed but the Nasarawa side kept it tight at the back to run away with a draw.

Dike who was satisfied with his team's performance said he was impressed with the quality of players who were picked for the national assignment but admonished the team handlers to work on the concentration level of the players.

"The players were quite good and among the best in the country but they need to improve in the area of concentration because that was what caused the goal my team scored against them,'' he said.

NFF Boss, Alhaji Aminu Maigari

I can't be distracted by clubs' row, says Agbim

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a p t a i n of home-based Super Eagles Chigozie Agbim said that the dispute between his former and present club would not affect his preparation for the Nations Cup. Agbim was reacting to complaints by Warri Wolves FC that Rangers International FC had not discussed his transfer with any official of the team.

He said that he was not bothered by the clubs' squabbles, rather, the preparation for the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) beginning in January in South Africa.

The Eagles goal stopper said that the level of concentration in the team's camp would not

Agbim

give any player the time to think of any other issue as the players were already dreaming of their trip to the Rainbow Nation.

"I know they will resolve the matter at the end of the day, so why should I be bothered,'' Agbim asked.

He dismissed the belief in some quarters that the homebased Eagles' might not represent the country well in South Africa if allowed to form the bulk of the team.

Agbim said he would regret nothing more than to have his name dropped in the final list.

"Like the Big Boss will always say, `there is room for every player to prove himself and to battle for a shirt.

"He is the coach, he knows what is good for the team and I know he will do the best selection; after all it was this same squad that won the match that qualified the country for the AFCON. "But if I fail to make the team, I will only tell those that are selected to make us proud.

"Every Nigerian is expecting the team to win the trophy and we have started the preparation and by the grace of God, we will make Nigerians proud,'' he said.

The 2013 AFCON is scheduled to hold from Jan. 19 to Feb. 10, in South Africa.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 43

Injuries haunt City's title race M

a n c h e s t e r City's bid to reel in Premier League leaders Manchester United has been jeopardised by injuries to key players as they prepare to open their Christmas campaign at home to Reading today.

Six points off the pace after their 3-2 loss in the Manchester derby on December 9, the champions could be missing Captain Vincent Kompany and midfielder Samir Nasri for the Royals' visit to the Etihad Stadium.

Kompany limped out of the derby with a groin injury, forcing him to miss last weekend's 3-1 win at Newcastle United, and he is a major doubt for today's game.

Nasri picked up a similar injury in the game at St James' Park and looks set to be out for two weeks, potentially ruling him out of City's entire festive programme.

To compound matters for Coach Roberto Mancini, central midfielder Jack Rodwell has revealed that he will probably be out of action until the beginning of 2013 due to a hamstring injury that he sustained in October.

Injuries aside, Mancini will expect his side to take all three points at home to a Reading team who sank to the foot of the table last weekend and were thrashed 5-2 at home by

Arsenal on Monday.

City can close to within three points of top spot if they beat Reading, with United not in action until their lunchtime trip to Swansea City on Sunday.

The festive season is a pivotal period in the Premier League, with teams facing four games in the space of only 12 days.

Arsenal kick off the weekend programme at home to third-bottom Wigan Athletic on Saturday, when victory would provisionally propel them up to third place.

Buoyed by the rout at Reading, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was given further reason for optimism in mid-week when Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Alex OxladeChamberlain, Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Ramsey all agreed new contracts.

The Frenchman faces demands from supporters to improve his squad in the January transfer window, but he says the performance at Reading proves that the team is on the right track.

Tottenham Hotspur quietly stole into the top four last weekend and they can put pressure on third-place Chelsea who host Aston Villa tomorrow with victory at home to Stoke City.

Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson are both

Wladimir Klitschko expected to return from injury for Spurs, who found out on Thursday that they will face goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' former club Lyon in the Europa League last 32.

Everton, who have slipped to sixth after winning just two of their last 11 fixtures, visit West Ham United, while West Bromwich Albion will also hope to buck a run of disappointing results when they host Norwich City.

Barcelona back in charge

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i t h Barcelona having made a record start to the season and Lionel Messi hitting the most goals in a calendar year it is easy to forget the clouds of uncertainty that hung over the Camp Nou last summer as they sought to topple champions Real Madrid.

Messi

It appeared as though Barca had reached the end of an era as Pep Guardiola chose to walk away after being pipped to the title by his nemesis Jose Mourinho whose side notched up a record 100 points and 121 goals in the process.

During his first year a fear element set in at the Bernabeu as Mourinho desperately sought and failed to find a way to counteract Barca's technically strong passing game but last April Real came out on top 2-1 in a key game to decide the title at the Nou Camp.

Real seemed to be a team on the up as they had consolidated without the need to spend lavishly in the transfer market, but rather they attempted to fine tune the squad with the addition for example of Luka Modric from Tottenham Hotspur to add competition for Mesut Ozil in midfield.

While Lionel Messi was prolific as ever with a record of 73 goals for the 2011-12 season the club had become more dependent on him and rumours had developed that Guardiola had lost the support of members of the dressing room like Dani Alves, David Villa and Cesc

Fabregas who were not happy about sitting on the bench.

In a number of league games they had struggled as the opposition packed the midfield and prevented Barca from playing and although the team did capture the King's Cup against Athletic Bilbao they were also knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the semifinals despite dominating in both legs.

The decision to promote Tito Vilanova to the top job was widely supported to ensure a smooth transition but there were plenty of questions over whether Guardiola's reserved assistant had the charisma for the role.

Fears were raised as Real came out on top in the domestic Super Cup, the season's curtain raiser between the league and cup winners, but since then Barcelona's form has been relentless.

Having swept aside Gerd Muller's record of goals in a season he also bettered his 85 goals in a calendar year for Bayern Munich and Germany set in 1972.

At the same time Real seemed to suffer a hangover from their league victory and there was a general mood of overconfidence.

Klitschko face Alexander in February

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l a d i m i r Klitschko's next opponent looks likely to be Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin.

Klitschko, 36, is WBA "super champion" and the governing body has enforced a rule meaning Povetkin, their "regular champion", must face the Ukrainian.

The bout must take place before February 26, 18 months since Klitschko overcame David Haye in Hamburg.

Klitschko is the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight champion. His last contest was a 12-round point's victory

over Poland's Mariusz Wach in November.

Povetkin, 33, beat former champion Ruslan Chagaev in August 2011, a victory that set up a 2013 bout against Klitschko.

In his last fight, in September, he knocked out Hasim Rahman, the American who defeated reigning heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in Gauteng in April 2001.

"We consider Wladimir Klitschko to be a great champion but we also consider Alexander Povetkin to be a very serious challenger," Sauerland added. "[This] will turn out to be a real treat for boxing fans all over the world."

Wladimir Klitschko

Having finally secured a first win of the campaign at home to Fulham last weekend, Queens Park Rangers bid to maintain their unbeaten record under new manager Harry Redknapp when they visit Newcastle United.

Liverpool, stunned 3-1 at home by Villa last weekend, host Fulham, while Southampton tackle fellow relegation candidates Sunderland at St Mary's.

WEEKEND FIXTURES Barclays Premier League Wigan v Arsenal Man City v Reading Newcastle v QPR Southampton v Sunderland Tottenham v Stoke West Brom v Norwich West Ham v Everton Liverpool v Fulham Sunday Swansea v Man Utd Chelsea v Aston Villa Fifa Internationals South Africa v Malawi French Ligue 1 Lille v Montpellier AC Ajaccio v Rennes Lorient v Reims Bordeaux v Troyes Lyon v Nice Bastia v AS Nancy Sunday Valenciennes v Evian Toulouse v Sochaux Marseille v St Etienne Italy Serie A Inter Milan v Genoa Atalanta v Udinese Bologna v Parma Palermo v Fiorentina Sampdoria v Lazio Siena v Napoli Torino v Chievo Roma v AC Milan Spanish Primera Liga Real Betis v Mallorca Valladolid v Barcelona Osasuna v Granada Malaga v Real Madrid Athletic Bilbao v Real Zaragoza

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 44

PICTORIAL

CĂ´te d'Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the 2012 CAF African Player of the Year for the second year in succession, while Equatorial Guinea's Genoveva Anonman was honoured as the continent's top female footballer.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has put further pressure on Theo Walcott to commit his future to the club, insisting the England forward must repay the Gunners' faith

Record-breaking hurdler Big Buck's could have several runs left in his career despite being out for the season.

India captain Mahendra Dhoni praises Yuvraj Singh after the hosts beat England in the first Twenty20 international.

Sir Alex Ferguson says Man Utd's clash with Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League is the tie of the round.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 45

Golf: How it all began

By Augustine Aminu with Agency report

W

hile the modern game of golf originated in 15th century Scotland, the game's ancient origins are unclear and much debated.

Some historians trace the sport back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball. One theory asserts that paganica spread throughout Europe as the Romans conquered most of the continent, during the first century BC, and eventually evolved into the modern game. Others cite chuiwan ("Chui" means striking and "wan" means small ball) as the progenitor, a Chinese game played between the eighth and 14th centuries. A Ming Dynasty scroll dating back to 1368 entitled "The Autumn Banquet" shows a member of the Chinese Imperial court swinging what appears to be a golf club at a small ball with the aim of sinking it into a hole. The game is thought to have been introduced into Europe during the Middle Ages. Another early game that resembled modern golf was known as cambuca in England and chambot in France. This game was, in turn, exported to the Low Countries,

Germany, and England (where it was called pall-mall, pronounced "pell mell"). Some observers, however, believe that golf descended from the Persian game, chaugĂĄn. In addition, kolven (a game involving a ball and curved bats) was played annually in Loenen, Netherlands, beginning in 1297, to commemorate the capture of the assassin of Floris V, a year earlier.

Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players (or golfers) use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes. Golf is defined, in the rules of golf, as "playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules."

It is one of the few ball games that does not require a standardized playing area. Instead, the game is played on a "course", generally consisting of an arranged progression of either 9 or 18 "holes". Each hole on the course must contain a "tee box" and a "putting green" with the actual hole, and there are various other standardized forms of terrain in between such as the fairway, rough, and hazards, but each hole on a

course and indeed among virtually all courses is unique in its specific layout and arrangement.

Golf competition is generally played for the lowest number of strokes by an individual, known simply as stroke play, or the lowest score on the most individual holes during a complete round by an individual or team, known as match play. Stroke play is the most commonly seen format at virtually all levels of play, although variations of match play such as "skins" games are also seen in televised events.

There are strict regulations regarding the amateur status of golfers.

Essentially, anybody who has ever received payment or compensation for giving instruction, or played golf for money, is not considered an amateur and may not participate in competitions limited solely to amateurs. However, amateur golfers may receive expenses which comply with strict guidelines and they may accept non-cash prizes within the limits established by the Rules of Amateur Status.

In addition to the officially printed rules, golfers also abide by a set of guidelines called golf etiquette.

Etiquette guidelines cover matters such as safety, fairness, pace of play, and a player's obligation to contribute to the care of the course. Though there are no penalties for breach of etiquette rules, players generally follow the rules of golf etiquette in an effort to improve everyone's playing experience.

Penalties are incurred in certain situations. They are counted towards a player's score as if there were extra

swing(s) at the ball. Strokes are added for rule infractions or for hitting one's ball into an unplayable situation.

A lost ball or a ball hit out of bounds result in a penalty of one stroke and distance (Rule 27-1). A one-stroke penalty is assessed if a player's equipment causes the ball to move or the removal of a loose impediment causes the ball to move (Rule 18-2). If a golfer makes a stroke at the wrong ball (Rule 19-2) or hits a fellow golfer's ball with a putt (Rule 19-5), the player incurs a two-stroke penalty. Most rule infractions lead to stroke penalties but also can lead to disqualification.

Disqualification could be from cheating, signing for a lower score, or from rule infractions that lead to improper play.

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, NOVEMBER, 2012

City Life

With Stanley Onyekwere 08138559513

I stole TV, generator, DVD player to celebrate Christmas —Convict … Bagged 1 year imprisonment

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shocking revelation as to the extent people could go to celebrate Christmas was made when one Hamza Garba, who was convicted by an Abuja Chief Magistrates' court sitting in Wuse zone 6, for House breaking and Theft contrary to section 347 of the Penal Code, told the court that he committed the offence in order to obtain money for clothes to celebrate Christmas.

Garba, 18, a student and resident of Utako village, who was arraigned in court by the Police on Tuesday, on a two count charge told the court how broke into a shop on December 16, at about 2 am and made away with a television set, generator and DVD player.

The convict said: "Earlier in the day, some guys in the neighbourhood; Bashiru and Samaila, gave me the idea when I told them I needed money to buy some clothes for Christmas; they assured that they would give me the money if I can get those items for them to buy from me."

According to him, they told him to get a big sack bag to conceal the items before bringing it to them; a plan which he heeded to, and succeeded in carrying out the operation without getting caught.

"After stealing the said items, I took them to Bashiru and Samaila, and was paid the sum of one thousand-five hundred as advance payment of a total agreed price of five thousand naira for the items.

But as fate would have it luck ran out on Garba as few hours later, the same day he committed the act the Police nabbed him following investigation into the crime after the owner of the raided shop, one Miss Esther Okon reported the crime at the Utako Station.

Earlier in the court, during the trial, the Police Prosecutor, Simon Ibrahim who told the court that the complainant, Okon reported the case at about 5pm on December 17, said during investigation by police, the Garba confessed to the crime.

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Woman docked for allegedly stealing clothes

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30-year-old woman, Bose Falade, on Thursday appeared before an AdoEkiti Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing three bags, containing T shirts, shirts, baby suits and jeans, valued at N250, 000, belonging to one Mrs Bola Oluwafemi.

The Prosecutor, Cpl.Curtis Enabulele, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov.15 at Olorunsogo Street, AdoEkiti, which is an offence punishable under section 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge; and the Magistrate, Mrs Olufunke Ajibade, granted her bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Jan.14 for hearing.

Police arraign woman, 21, for alleged theft of over N1m

T IGP Mohammed Abubakar In the court, after the charge was read out in English and interpreted in Hausa for Garba's understanding and comprehension, he pleaded guilty to the offence, and begged the judge to temper justice with mercy as it was his first time of stealing.

Following the development, the Prosecutor, who urged the court to administer a summary trial on Garba, informed it that the Police had recovered the said stolen

items from the buyers; who are now in police custody.

According to Ibrahim, what the convict actually received was the sum of N15, 000 from the accomplice (the buyers) as deposit as part of an undisclosed price.

However, in his judgment, the Chief magistrate, Abubakar Baba Shani, sentenced him to six months imprisonment each for the offence of housebreaking and theft, which contravened sections 347

“

After stealing the said items, I took them to Bashiru and Samaila, and was paid the sum of one thousand-five hundred as advance payment of a total agreed price of five thousand naira for the items.

and 288 of the Penal Code.

Also Shani, ordered that the sentence would run consecutively (that is one full calendar year) without an option of fine, while he also ordered the police to ensure the recovered items were returned to the owner within twenty-four hours.

The development, made the family members of the convict, who witnessed the trial, to break into tears immediately the judge left the court room at the end of the day's proceedings at the court.

In tears, Garba's mother, (who did want her name in print), wondered why her son, would steal to enable him buy clothes to celebrate Christmas with his friends.

"As a widow, I had always catered for Garba and his siblings through food vendor business that I do since we lost our bread winner many years ago; but why did he(Garba) chose to bring needless sorrow and shame to me? ", she lamented.

...as Bishop cautions traders against exploiting buyers

h e Bishop of Nsukka Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Aloysius Agbo, has cautioned and appealed to traders to shun the tendency and the temptation to want to always exploit customers during the yuletide to maximise profit.

The Bishop, who made this point known in Nsukka, Enugu

CITY BRIEFS:

State, on Tuesday, explained that Christmas is a season to show true love and not a period to cheat or do evil. The birth of Jesus Christ signifies the love of God for mankind.

Agbo said: “We should celebrate it by showing true love to one another, thus the need for the traders and other business people not to increase

the prices of their goods and services.”

“I want to urge traders and other business people to sell and offer their services at the normal price in order to receive the blessings that are in the birth of Jesus Christ”, he stressed.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the bishop also urged Nigerians to

use the period to pray for the nation, noting that with fervent prayers, the current security challenges and other problems confronting the nation would be surmounted.

Furthermore, he advised that people should refrain from immoral behaviours and overeating and drinking during the Christmas.

Got interesting stories about life or happenings in your neighbourhood? Contact CityLife, and let others read about them. Send suggestions/comments with your names and phone numbers via mycitybeat2pml@gmail.com.

h e police on Thursday, arraigned one Ruth Usongu, 21, of New Karu in Nasarawa State before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N1,020,050 belonging to her employer.

The Prosecutor, Mr. Abdullahi Adamu, told the court that Usongu’s employer, Philip Anigbo of BICU and Sons Ltd, Wuse, Abuja, reported the case at the Wuse Police Station on Dec. 12 Adamu said that on the same day, Usongu, who works for Anigbo as a sales girl, was entrusted with N1, 020,050 company’s money, meant to be deposited into the company’s Zenith Bank account but she diverted it to her personal use, contrary to sections 314 and 289 of the Penal Code.

However, Usongu who denied the allegation was granted bail by the Magistrate, Mr Celestine Odo, in the sum of N300, 000 with a surety in like sum. The case was adjourned to Feb. 4, 2013 for hearing.

WAEC Nov/Dec GCE 2012 result released

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t last the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) November/ December (GCE) 2012 Result was released online on Wednesday. All Nigerian students who sat for the Exam can now check their Nov/Dec 2012 GCE Result Online now.

CITY QUOTE "Whenever I happen to be in a city of any size, I marvel that riots do not break out every day: Massacres, unspeakable carnage, a doomsday chaos.

How can so many human beings coexist in a space so confined without hating each other to death?"

—Emil Ciran

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

PAGE 47

From the Pulpit

Christmas faith T

GREEN PASTURES

u e s d a y , next week is Christmas. I want to wish all readers of this column a very Merry Christmas.

In today's message, I'll focus on the faith of some of the Bible characters involved in the Christmas story, and challenge you to live by faith.

The faith of Prophet Isaiah "All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel - 'God is with us." (Isa 7:14 NLT) The Lord gave the prophecy above to Israel and to the house of David through Prophet Isaiah, but the prophecy was not fulfilled until over 500 years later. It was incredible that a virgin would become pregnant. It takes faith to give that type of prophecy. A man working by his senses would not have prophesied that.

How many times has God asked you to say something but you failed to say it because it didn't make sense to you? But whenithappenedlater,youregrettedyou didn'tsayit.WalkingwithGodisawalkof faith-notawalkofyoursenses.Theapostle Paulsaid,"Thatiswhywelivebybelieving and not by seeing." (2 Cor 5:7 NLT) Faith means believing that what God says He will do, He will do it. The world says, "Seeing is believing." But faith says, "Believingisseeing."Heb11:1-2says,"Itis theconfidentassurancethatwhatwehope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." (NLT) If you have ego problem, you won't say something that doesn't make sense that God tells you because of the fear that it may not happen. You must get rid of this attitude if God must use you the way

He wants, and if you'll experience the fulfillment of His promises.

The faith of Mary Mary, a virgin, was the chosen vessel for the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.

God didn't allow the conception to be a product of the sexual union of a man and a woman so that the One to save the world from their sin would be uncorrupted, pure without sin. By using Mary's womb to carry the pregnancy unto delivery, God also demonstrated His power which the child would also unleash on the world.

Mary was shocked by angel Gabriel's announcement that she, a virgin, would be pregnant. It had never happened in history. So her question to the angel was justified."Maryaskedtheangel,'Buthow can I have a baby? I am a virgin.'" (Lk 1:34 NLT) The angel had to explain to Mary the process of this miracle. "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God….

For nothing is impossible with God." (Verses 35-37 NLT) Marywasawomanoffaith;shedidn't question the angel further after he had explained the process of the conception to her even when the process had no precedent. Hear what she said: "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you havesaidcometrue."(Verse38NLT)After that, the angel left her.

If you were Mary, would you have believed what the angel said? Wouldn't you have asked more questions? Would you have believed him? Mary was a woman of faith. As you celebrate Christmas, you need to consider the faith

Exodus 12:29,42; Luke 11:5-13; Acts 16:25,26; 20:7; Judges 6:13; Acts 6:8; 8:6

The miracle in your mouth

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p e c i a l miracles are associated with midnight in Scripture. God’s promise to Abraham to set the Israelites free from Egyptian captivity so they can inherit Canaan finally came to pass at midnight after Moses’ several demands with spectacular signs were resisted by King Pharaoh. When we deny ourselves some comfort and wait on the Lord till midnight like Paul and Silas did, He will answer us. Tarrying at midnight shows how serious and determined we are in seeking God for blessing. A midnight cry, the loudest you can make to the Lord, opens the door of heaven for miracles of life for the dead, healing for the sick, deliverance for the oppressed, dominion for those who are delivered, supernatural supply for the poor, release of wife or husband for singles and children for the barren.

Many believers are ignorant of the fact that the key to open the portals of heaven for needed miracles is in their hands. God has prepared a blessing for everyone who believes. And if we place our trust and confidence in Him, He will do great things in us and through us.

With a new revelation of God’s words and promises, we should be able to confess the miracles the Lord has deposited in our mouth like saints in the Bible did. God performed great miracles through Old and New Testament characters like Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; our Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles, disciples, etc.

The Lord is always willing to use righteous believers who manifest faith in His word, their positions

notwithstanding. Although Stephen was not reckoned as an apostle, He did great wonders and miracles among the people. Like these believers, if we wholeheartedly follow the Lord and manifest faith in His promises, He will perform great miracles through us.

1.

EXTRA-ORDINARY MIRACLES THROUGH A WARRIOR’S MOUTH Exodus 14:13,14; Joshua 10:12-14; 1 Samuel 17:45,46; 1 Kings 17:12-15; 2 Kings 7:1,2; Mark 16:20.

Believers who fight the battle of faith are warriors who perform miracles by the word of their mouths. Before the Red sea was divided for the children of Israel to pass through, Moses knew that there was a miracle in his mouth. Thus, he prophesied about the end of the Egyptian armies. “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD... for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever”.

God honours the words of our mouth as His children. And when we make utterances in line with His word, He hears and grants us our heart desire. So, we must reserve our mouth for speaking only the words of miracles, power and authority. When fear, doubt, unbelief, discouragement and depression fill the heart, learn to keep quiet. But when there is faith, inspiration, anointing and remembrance of the omnipotence and unfailing promises of God, make prophetic utterances. Many believers today talk when they should be quiet and vice versa. For Joshua, he said the right thing at the right time; his focus was on the essentials, not the nonessentials. As a warrior, he destroyed the

of this girl who believed what God said to her. She must have heard about Sarah, Hannah etc. in the Bible who were married but were barren but God visited them after a long time of waiting. But she never heard of a virgin becoming pregnant.Yetthisyoungladysimplysaid, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." (Lk 1:38 NKJV) Youmaynothaveseenanangelspeak to you, but let me ask you: What is your attitude to the Word of God in the Bible?

What is your attitude to the Word of God youhearpreachedinchurch?Whatisyour attitude to what the Holy Spirit ministers toyoufromtimetotime?TheWordofGod in the Bible is superior to the word of any angel; in fact, it is the benchmark for any wordthatanyangelorprophetspeaks.Do youhavefaithinwhatyoureadintheBible?

"AllscriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim 3:16-17 KJV)? If you don't have faith in the Word of God, you won't believe anything any angel comes to tellyou.

The faith of Joseph Mary'sfiancé,Joseph,alsoteachesus faith this season. Joseph couldn't believe that a woman engaged to be married to him was pregnant. That was a scandal at that time unlike today when such is condoned by many. Mary said the pregnancy was of the Holy Ghost. That didn't make sense to Joseph - nothing to provewhatMarysaid. EvenifJosephhad wanted to believe Mary, family pressure and peer pressure would have prevented him. Joseph, being a just man, decided to

By Pastor T.O. Banso cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly. That was the greatest favour he could do his fiancée.

But God came to the rescue of Mary.

AnangelencounteredJosephinhissleep to corroborate Mary's story. And what did Joseph do after this corroboration?

"And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS." (Matt 1:24-25 ASV) Joseph was a man of faith. He believed what the angel said and went to take Mary to himself despite the stigma.

Would you have done that if you were in Joseph's shoes? Beloved, I commend Mary and Joseph to you. Space will not permit me to talk about the faith of the shepherds the angels told about the birth of Jesus and the wise men who saw the star in the east and came to worship him.

This Christmas, have faith in God. God will do whatever He has said even if it doesn't make sense to you. Hold on to His promises. "God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"(Num 23:19 NLT)TheMastersaid,"Untilheavenand earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its

FAITH DISCOURSE WITH

Pastor W. F. Kumuyi enemies of God’s people when he spoke to the sun and moon: “And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.” With God’s words and promises in our mouth, we shall inherit our blessings and possess our possessions.

Our God delivers, saves, and protects His own people from challenges and troubles of life. David overcame Goliath even before he struck him with the stone. With the words of his mouth, God wrought a great victory for His people through him. “Then said David to the Philistine… This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee… that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel”.

When we centre our thoughts on God’s past faithfulness and promises in our lives, like David, we would be able to surmount every challenge that stands on our way. Through the words of Elijah, the widow of Zarephath and her child were sustained throughout the period of famine. The words of God’s prophets in our lives supersedes the ones from the camp of the enemies.

Elisha had in his mouth the miracle that ended the famine of a whole nation. “Then Elisha said... Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria”. The mouth carries the power of misery, death and life, disease and healing, defeat and dominion. We must pray to God to purge our mouth and give us convicted, cleansed, controlled, consecrated, circumcised, commanding and confirmed mouths that will bring uncommon prosperity, victory, healing, power, wisdom and breakthrough in all aspects of life as we enter the New Year.

2.

EXCEPTIONAL MIRACLES IN THE WOMAN’S MOUTH 1 Samuel 1:17,18; 2 Kings 5:1-3; 4:1820,23,26; Luke 1:37,38; Matthew 15:2128.

The Lord expects us to carry miracles in our mouths as His children.

Some people carry misery, death, sickness, discouragement and oppression in their mouth. With their tongue, they bring sorrows upon themselves. Although Hannah was

purpose is achieved." (Matt 5:18 NLT) It may take time but keep believing God. Hab 2:3 says, "But these things I plan to do won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches whenthevisionwillbefulfilled.Ifitseems slow, do not despair, for these things will surelycometopass.Justbepatient!They will not be overdue a single day! (TLB) Merry Christmas!

TAKE ACTION! If you are not born again, kindly say this prayer now: "0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself.

I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day.

I confess Jesus as my Savior and my Lord and surrender my life to him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God" I congratulate you if you have said that prayer sincerely. You are now a child of God. Join a Bible-believing, Bibleteaching church in your area where you will be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. May the Lord make you a Cedar Christian. May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be.

sorrowful for being childless, she had a RESPECTFUL mouth that brought her desired miracle. “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.”

Naaman got his miracle because of the REASSURING mouth of his maid.

“And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.” The Shunammite woman was a woman of great faith.

Though her only son died, she did not give up. When it appeared all hope was lost, she was able to say, “It shall be well”.

She had a RECKONING mouth and reckoned impossibilities as possible. The same way, if we have faith like a grain of mustard seed, we can even give a word of command to the mountain of problem, sickness, death, poverty, and barrenness in our lives to be removed and cast into the sea; and it will be so.

Whatever challenge we may be facing in our personal lives or secular engagements, we should remember that “with God nothing shall be impossible”. Mary had a RECEIVING mouth. With her mouth, she received the miracle of the promised Messiah.

The woman of Canaan whose daughter was made whole carried a REFORMED, refined mouth. The woman with an issue of blood had a RECLAIMING mouth. She reclaimed and recovered her miracle by faith and her confession. Martha had a REIGNING mouth with her affirmation that whatever Christ asked from God would be done. We should possess mouths that reign and rule over impossibilities.

BIG PUNCH “Utterances and words of elders are just like words and waves that move, gather momentum, and cause destructive effects of which the end results of such destruction cannot be predicted.”

– President Jonathan at the burial service for late Governor Patrick Yakowa, in Kaduna, on Thursday.

SATURDAY 22 — SUNDAY 23, DECEMBER, 2012

Wake up, please!

'I WEEKEND

n 1079 (i.e.

11th Century),' Micheal Morgan writes, 'in an astonishing feat of computation without computers, Omar Khayyam will calculate the length of the year to be 365.24219858156 days. In the 21st Century, using the Hubble telescope, atomic clocks, and computers, the year will be calculated to be 365.242190 days. Khayyam's error, in the sixth decimal place, will amount to an inaccuracy of fractions of a second.' But according to Jim alKhalili, the difference is not necessarily due to any inaccuracy on the part of Omar Khayyam, but 'rather because the earth's spin on its axis is gradually slowing down, so the length of a day is increasing by about two milliseconds every century; this means that the exact number of days will be 'out' in the sixth decimal place, or by two-hundredth of a second.' In other words, Khayyam has been perfect and flawless in his calculation, as perfect and flawless as the most advanced and sophisticated instruments of the modern time. Such is the incredible quality and uniqueness of the Quran system of education.

Khayyam was motivated by the Quran [9:36] which states that: 'God decrees that there are twelve months - ordained in God's Book on the Day when He created the heavens and earth - four months of which are sacred: this is the correct calculation.' So he wanted to determine how many days there are in a year, how many minutes, how many seconds, to enable accurate determination of time and thus pave way for orderly organization of human society. In brief, Omar Khayyam was, like the other Almajirai before and after him, a multi disciplinary scholar - a polymath, philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, and a poet. Apart from his works on those subjects, he also wrote on mechanics, geography, mineralogy, music and theology.

'Throughout his life,' says Wikipedia, 'Omar Khayyám was tireless in his efforts; by day he would teach algebra and geometry, in the evening he would attend the Seljuq court as an adviser of Malik-Shah I, and at night he would study astronomy and complete important aspects of the Jalali calendar.' Scholars call him 'philosopher of everyday

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existence' or 'philosopher of the world.'

We thus have reached the point where we have a fair picture of the the Almajiri System. It starts, naturally, with the Quran and continues to stretch the human intellect, literally, to its very limit. Its space is the universe in its entirety. It is necessary to point out that Mathematics and philosophy in particular are an essential component of Muslim education, because deficient indeed is a human being who can not compute or think. The system seeks to produce a human being who will read and write, reflect and inquire, learn and teach, assimilate and disseminate; one who will communicate with the world, past, present and future, in the languages, including the language of the sciences, and actively participate in the weighty matters of life where intellect - the driving force for imagination, invention, innovation, thought and progress - is the key.

The march of Islam to its several golden ages was due basically to 'an upsurge in spirit and an awakening in intelligence,' by virtue of which the society experienced a moral, emotional and intellectual transformation, preparatory to its undertaking of the task of educating the world. That transformation translated into the society assuming the character and role of a school.

'During the most splendid period of Islamic Spain,' writes S. P. Scott [quoted by Al-Khalili], 'ignorance was regarded as so disgraceful that those without education concealed the fact as far as possible, just as they would have hidden the commission of a crime.'

Governments, societies and individuals alike were constantly involved in promoting knowledge in a manner and with an energy never before witnessed. The universe, in its infinite expanse, was a viewed as laboratory, to be measured, explored, analyzed, studied, all for the benefit of Man. In this enterprise, the Caliphs served as spearheads, their palaces platforms, for many of the ground breaking discoveries and studies. The royal libraries were ever expanding, overflowing time after time with books procured from all parts of the world. In one of them, some one thousand years ago, the collection was so big that, in the words of Jonathan Lyons, 'it took five days just to transport the works of poetry during one of

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NSGF Chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliyu the royal library's periodic moves to bigger quarters.' In the 21st century, however, the decline of knowledge among Muslims is such that in Nigeria's Caliphate for example, it will not be a surprise if the Emir's collection of clothes, turbans, wrist watches, shoes and limousines far outnumbers the collection of books in the royal library, if there is any.

The Almajiri System has produced knowledge and scholars whose impact on Muslim civilization and on human civilization in general we have highlighted, albeit very briefly.

For us in Nigeria and West Africa, this system produced, and still produces, some of the finest and most accomplished scholars; it produced unquestionably the greatest statesmen Africa has ever known, and founded and sustained for centuries the greatest and most extensive states and empires. The system has been entirely beneficial. And what, despite the travails it has been going through for many decades now, does it mean for Nigeria today? First, it connects Muslims to the universal knowledge and wisdom accumulated over centuries, in other words, it gives the Muslims

an unlimited access to the world intellectual, scientific and cultural heritage which nurtured humanity so carefully and painstakingly until the birth of the modern world. That means an uninterrupted flow of cumulative human intellectual endeavor of more than one millennium. This, surely, is a monumental treasure, an indispensable heritage, an eternal beacon. Second, the system provides Muslims with a multi faceted advantage. They do draw from the system of the West.

They also draw effortlessly and naturally from the system that has moulded them and raised them to preeminence. Muslims have the West in their grasp, and on top of that they, to the exclusion of others, belong to a system of education whose root lie deep in the Quran. A synthesis of the two, which some consider desirable and indispensable, will give them a vision more universal, more complete, more versatile than the impaired vision of the West. Muslims see things with two eyes when others see with one, they take at least two steps where others can only manage one; they write from right to left, and from left to right,

when others are constrained to only one method.

It will therefore amount to a strategic error on the part of Northern Nigeria to throw away the system which is its cradle.

And considering the direction in which the world is moving today, the Islamic system of education is not going to fade away but is most likely to grow ever more in relevance and stature. The emerging generations of Muslims might insist on being educated and raised according to their faith and culture as every self respecting people are bound to. So time has come when the North must wake up to the reality that awaits it. The Almajiri System as it stands today is unsustainable, it is derelict and outmoded. Its neglect is one of the most heinous crimes the North has ever committed against itself. But still the idea abides: it is valid, viable, inescapable, indispensable; it is part of the unique character of the North; it is part of its destiny. The millions of Muslim children who roam the streets across the North as Almajirai, whose education is perverted, whose development is arrested, whose prospects are thwarted must have their rights restored. The North is making a colossal, existential mistake: by denying such large number of its citizens proper and meaningful education thus wasting human resources of such a gargantuan magnitude; by sowing, through its apartheid system of eduction, the seeds of a cataclysmic social clash in the future, when the millions of its sons and daughters who are deliberately forced into a lower status, as an underclass, will rise to demand equality and justice; and by giving unwarranted preference to one system of education over another, where a fair and equal treatment is the right policy. The right and proper course of action, the saving grace, is probably this: that, every child be given equal access to education as well as equal opportunity to ascend to the highest level in their field of choice; and that every child reserves the right to aspire to any status in life that is available, by right, to all citizens. The Almajiri System must not lead to a dead end, but rather, like any other, to the fascinating world of infinite education, infinite opportunity.

This is the momentous challenge for Northern Nigeria, which it must face squarely and imaginatively, without equivocation or hypocrisy.

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