Peoples Daily Newspaper, Saturday, February 25, 2012

VOL. 1 NO. 81 SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

RABIUL THANI 4 - 5, 1433 AH

Gun men seize Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, kill six Page 3

N150

I N S I D E

EFCC slams 6-count N6.5bn fraud charge on Sylva — Page 3

S/Court sacks Kebbi governor

Yuguda frees 16 prisoners from Bauchi prison — Page 2 SPECIAL REPORT

Madalla blast: N150 million compensation sparks row between Church and property owners — Page 14

Usman Saidu Dakingari

Cover:

The female corps member as epitome of humility; serves in a 'Mamaput'

·Sovereign National Conference The issues, the fears

·Tension mounts gradually ·Civil society, section groups push for reorganised structure ·Jonathan gives in ·National Assembly kicks Pages 9, 10 & 11 WWW.PEOPLESDAILY-ONLINE.COM

— Page 29

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Gunmen seize Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, kill six From Edwin Olofu, Kano, Aual Ahmed, Gombe, Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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t least seven persons were feared killed yesterday when gunmen suspected to be members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect attacked separate locations in Kano, Bauchi and Gombe states respectively.

In Kano, unknown gunmen

yesterday attacked a mosque in Tudun Maliki area in the Kano metropolis killing four worshipers.

An eye witness, who spoke to our correspondent said the gunmen came on a motorbike and opened fire at worshipers who were observing their magreb prayers and killed four of them instantly.

Among those killed was the

head of Vigilante group in Kumbotso local government, Mallam Sule Kwaran who was in the mosque observing his prayer.

The kano state joint military task force arrived the scene of the incident firing shots indiscriminately while the rest of the worshipers and residents scampered for safety while the assailants fled away.

The Kano state police Command Public Relation Officer,

ASP Musa Magaji Majia confirmed the incident, saying some unknown gunmen on motorcycle attacked a mosque and killed four people who were in the mosque.

The attack came barely after two of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) guards were killed on Thursday in the waves of attack on the ancient city by suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

...Kill two in Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi state

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n Bauchi, the state police command has confirmed that gunmen opened fire at aVectra vehicle along Bogoro/ Tafawa Balewa road killing a female occupant A press release signed by the Bauchi state police commissioner, Ikechwukwu Aduba said that within the week, two persons were killed by hoodlums in that Bogoro/Tafawa Balewa axis of the state He said "the vehicle caught fire and one of the female occupants, Lovina Olugwei died in the inferno while the driver of the vehicle is

currently receiving treatment in a Medical Centre."

The police commissioner also disclosed that on the same fateful day at Ginzum Bogoro within the same Tafawa Balewa axis, gun men opened fire and killed one Hassan Maigoro.

Aduba said that the killings occurred not long after the violent invasion of Tafawa Balewa by gunmen in which heavy casualties were recorded.

The police CP decried the violent silent killings going on between ethnic groups in the area and appealed to the residents to

sheathe their swords.

"We are therefore appealing to the warring parties to sheath their swords and give peace a chance and allow the state to move forward," he said.

The CP assured of the command's commitment to ensure safety of lives and property within the state attributing the sharp increase in violent crimes to influx of hoodlums from neighboring states.

The police boss revealed that the command has launched the Operation Safe Haven to restrategize its proactive crime

prevention measures.

H said, "Our 24 hours round the clock anti patrols have been reinvigorated to meet up with the prevailing security challenges and these have recorded some remarkable successes with the arrests today (February 23) at about 1430 hrs of two armed robbery suspects by the patrol team of township divisional police headquarters" Aduba disclosed that the items recovered from the suspects were a motorcycle with registration number KR-002 BAU, one knife and nokia handset

R-L: Vice- President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Hon. Khadija Abba Ibrahim, Hon. Kabiru Marafa Achida, and Hon. Nasiru Babale, all members of the committee, during committee's visit to the vice-president, at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye.

Yuguda frees 16 prisoners from Bauchi prison From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state has approved the immediate release of sixteen prisoners that are serving various jail terms in the state.

According to a statement signed and issued by the Secretary of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, S. Sambowal, that the release of the prisoners was in line with the powers conferred on the governor to grant such pardon.

The statement stated that "in

exercise of his powers to grant pardon under section 212 (1) of the 1999 constitution of the country and section six of the Bauchi state council on prerogative of mercy law cap 114 laws of the state, Governor Yuguda has granted pardon to sixteen prisoners that are currently serving jail terms in various federal prisons in the state.

Sambowal added that the exercise was carried out in commemoration of the 2012 New Year and in line with the present administration's human right posture on decongestion of prisons

in the state.

The prisoners that were granted pardon include those that have been sentenced to three years imprisonment and above and have less than six months to finish their jail sentence and are of good conduct.

Others are long term prisoners who have served for more than ten years and have been found to be of good conduct as well as those suffering from terminal illnesses and those that are under the age of 18 years.

Those pardons include Ya'u

Amadu, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad, Muhammad Bature, Umar Garba, Dauda Yunusa, Bode Alhaji Tukur and Nendi Joseph.

Others are Haruna Abdu, Usman Musa, Ndotti Adamu, Moh'd Abubakar, Bello Abdullahi, Jumba Adamu, Idi Buba Hadejia, Rabiu Mohammed and Lurwanu Auwalu Governor Yuguda has also approved the release of Five thousand naira to each of the released prisoners to rehabilitate them.

...Attack Gombe with guns

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n Gombe, gunmen also suspected to be members of the sect attacked a police station and other locations in the city with bombs. Massive explosions were heard at the main roundabout in the city, a situation that left residents scampering for safety in different directions.

Another source said gunfire was also heard at various locations in the city including at a police station opposite the Bubayero Primary School in the city centre. The state police spokesperson was not available for comments as he didn't answer or return calls to his mobile telephone. However, no casualty was reported from the attacks.

Meanwhile the state has imposed a 24 hour curfew in the state. The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Sule Bage, who announced the curfew, said it will be in force until there the situation is brought under control

Katsina Emirate sacks Magajin Garin From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

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atsina Emirate Council has announced the sack of Magajin Garin Katsina, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Kabir Usman.

A statement signed by the Secretary of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Umar Malam Kabir noted that the sack of the Magajin Garin Katsina was sequel to a letter with reference number /MLMCA/ GEN/16/T/S2 received from the governor's office which he said gave the go ahead to sack Magajin Gari.

According to him the public were informed that the sack of the Magajin Gari took effect from the 9th of November 2011.

The statement was also silent on why the monarch was relieved of his title.

However, when contacted, the sacked Magajin Gari said he only heard of his sack through the media as according to him no letter to that effect was served on him.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

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Supreme Court sacks Kebbi governor *As C/River elects new governor today

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin, Lawrence Olaoye and Ahmed Idris

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s Cross River state gets ready to elect a new governor today, the Supreme Court yesterday sacked the Governor of Kebbi

EFCC slams 6-count N6.5bn fraud charge on Sylva

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday filed a six-count charge against the immediate past governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva before a federal high court in Abuja.

The charge NO.: FHC/ABJ/CR/ 23/2012 against the former governor was filed on behalf of the anti-graft agency by a Lagos based human right lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

The six-count charge accused Sylva of conspiracy, money laundering and defrauding the Bayelsa state government of N6.450 billion while he held sway as the state governor.

C/River guber: AD makes last ditch effort to stop polls

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Alliance for Democracy (AD), yesterday, made one last ditch effort to stop weekend's governorship elections in Cross River state. In suit No. FHC/ ABJ/CS/103/2012 instituted yesterday at the Federal High Court Abuja, the party asked the court to grant an order stopping today's governorship election in the state until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), includes the names of the party and its candidate in the ballot papers and other materials for the election.In an 11-page affidavit deposed by Mr. Ismail Ayodele, the party's auditor, AD averred that it would be in the interest of justice, equity and good conscience for the court to grant the application in view of the resources spent by the candidate, Stella Bassey Eno and her running mate, Moses Agabi to prosecute their campaigns.

State, Alhaji Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from office.

Already the Speaker of the Kebbi state House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Habibi Jega has been sworn in as the Acting Governor of the state at a ceremony performed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Umar yesterday evening.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered

by Justice Walter Onoghen, upheld the ruling of the Kebbi Governorship Election petition Tribunal which earlier annulled the election and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election into the governorship position of Kebbi state within 90 days.

The Supreme Court, in the judgment set aside the ruling of the Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal, which upheld Dakingari's election on the grounds that the court erred in law when it deferred the reason for its judgment to outside the 60 days allowed by the constitution.

The apex court consequently set aside the judgment of the court and in its place upheld the judgment of the trial tribunal, which had earlier nullified Dakingari's election and ordered a fresh one.

It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal while affirming the governor's election delivered its judgment on December 29, 2011 but deferred the reason for its decision beyond the 60 days prescribed by section 285 (7) and (8) of the 1999 constitution, as amended.

The court held that the Court of Appeal not being the final court in the determination

Alhaji Usman Nasamu Dakingari

of appeals arising from the conduct of governorship elections lacked the power to

deliver judgment and defer the reasons for its decision, more so, to a date which is outside the mandatory 60 days prescribed by the Constitution.

"It is obligatory for the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to dispose an appeal within 60 days from the date of the decision being appealed, section 285 (7) implies that both the decision and the reasons for those decisions, must be completed within the stipulated time. Any decision

without a reason is no decision at all. The judiciary has no option than to work within the time frame provided by the law", the court held in the judgment.

The court subsequently allowed the appeal of the candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Abubakar Malam Abubakar which challenged the validity of the decision of the Court of Appeal and declared the Court of Appeals decision invalid and a nullity.

Briefing newsmen after he was sworn in, the state Acting Governor said he would follow the blueprint of the former governor even as he assured that Dakingari remains the governorship candidate of the party in the next election.

Why Akaahs chaired presidential petitions tribunal

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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h r e e months after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal upheld the election of President Goodluck Jonathan, the acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu gave reasons for appointing Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs as the chairman of the Tribunal.

Justice Akaahs was Tuesday, at the conference room of the Court of Appeal honoured with the Kwame Nkrumah Servant Leadership Hall of Fame award by the West African Student Union Parliament (WASUP) for his outstanding contribution to the growth of the judiciary in the

country and the African subregion.

The Acting Appeal Court President who was speaking during the award ceremony said Justice Akaahs was appointed to preside over the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in 2011 because he has proven to be a discipline and incorruptible judge.

"At one time, almost all the judges that sat on the election petition tribunal got dismissed for one form of bribery or the order, but Justice Akaahs survived it. That is why, when there was the need to look for an incorruptible Judge of high repute to head the tribunal, I did not hesitate to appoint him", the

Acting President of the Court of Appeal said.

He added that Justice Akaahs has participated in several election petition tribunals before his appointment to preside over the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and has never been found wanting like other judges.

While presenting the award to Justice Akaahs, the Speaker of the West African Student Union Parliament, Saint Samuel Solomon from Ghana who led a 6-man delegation said Justice Akaah's activities conform to the expected maximum behavior of public officers.

‌PDP calls for calm

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e a n w h i l e the Kebbi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on its supporters to remain calm while assuring that it will still come back to power after the elections.

PDP Publicity Secretary, in the state, Alhaji Isa Assalafy, said there will be no need for its members to be agitated saying it is certain that it will win at the poll whenever it comes.

He said the party won convincingly in the upturned election adding that it was

determined to regain the next governorship election.

"There is no need for our members to be agitated. We won convincingly in the past election and we are poised to win in the next election. So there is no cause for alarm at all", he said.

He insisted that the past election conducted was free and fair and reflected the interest of the masses across the state. He said the people will return the sacked governor to office as according to him they have faith in his style of leadership.

Also speaking early on phone, the State Chairman Nasamu Second Term, a campign front for the sacked governor, Alhaji Amadu Nasani, said the group will soon hit the streets to canvass for votes for him ahead of the next round of election. He said the group will not leave anything to chance but will embark on massive campaign to ensure that Dakingari is returned to power.

Also responding to the Supreme Court Judgment the Special Assistant to the candidate of the Congress for Progressive

Change (CPC), Abdullahi Idris Zuru, described the judgment as victory for democracy and true rule of law. He said it has shown that truly the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

He insisted that the last election was not free and fair adding that it was laced with irregularities which he said helped the PDP to win Meanwhile the state had remained calm as people were seen in groups in major spots around Birnin Kebbi discussing the judgment

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Northern elite backs restructuring of nation’s federalism, seeks end to Boko Haram insurgency

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coalition of northern politicians, academics, professionals and businessmen rose from a crucial meeting yesterday in Abuja resolving to support the calls for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation in the hope that the lopsidedness in the structure of the nation’s politics and economy will be a key agenda issue.

A statement signed by the Convener of the meeting, Dr. Junaid Muhammed noted that the meeting also took stock of the security and economic situation in the northern states and called on the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) to liaise with other stakehaolders in the region such as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Union (NU), Jama’atul Nasirl Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Women, Youth and Student Bodies and other groups to join hands together to tackle the identified threats confronting the region.

The group also reflected on the deteriorating security situation in the region, particularly with regards to the growth and spread of attacks and impunity by the Boko Haram insurgents and other ethnic and religious militias in the North.

The meeting also received the shocking details of the several excesses of the JTF (Joint Task Force) which amounted to no less than gross human rights abuse and expressed the view that the threat posed by Boko Haram insurgency could best be attended to

without the attendant attacks on individual rights and on businesses.

The meeting reflected on the elements that bond the northerners and their cultures together, irrespective of ethnicity and religion over many years at their association, and expressed their sadness that the basis of unity of the region has of recent come under a serious assault.

In addition, the meeting dwelled on the threats posed by the resurgent activities of Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), other Niger Delta militant groups, Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). In addition, the meeting dwelled on the threats and recent calls by groups for a Sovereign National Conference.

Among those who attended the meeting, were the Governors of Niger and Jigawa States, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, OON, CON and Alhaji Sule Lamido, CON, the convener of the meeting, Dr. Junaidu Muhammed, a former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, a former Deputy Senate President, Dr. John Wash-Pam, CON, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, CFR, former Ministers, such as, Dr. Shettima Mustapha, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri and Malam Lawal Batagarawa and a former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council, Prof.

Nur Alkali.

No new missions abroad till 2013, says Jonathan

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has said that no new missions and embassies will be opened abroad until 2013 unless the existing ones are uplifted to meet international standards.

Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of Nigerians in Diaspora at the end of his visit to the UK yesterday, the President also assured that the N200 million Diaspora Investment Fund that was suspended as a result of the global financial meltdown, will be resuscitated as it was key in the revival of the economy.

“All over the world, the Disporans play key role in the development of their country through investments and the stimulation of their economy like in India and the Philippians.

Nigerians have been doing same from the CBN records available to us, that is the one that passed through the official processes aside the informal processes. That is why the global economic meltdown also affected the number of funds that came in into the country”.

The President in response to a demand of a new consulate in Scotland, said that some of the embassies and missions were not reflective of Nigeria’s status on the continent and the world.

Boko Haram: Zakari Biu denies aiding Sokoto’s escape

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ismissed Police Commissioner, Zakari Biu has denied helping suspected Boko Haram kingpin, Kabir Sokoto to escape.

The former officer, who currently faces charges over the escape insisted that he was innocent of the charges.

His defence, was routed through a letter to former Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim in which he denied all grounds of misconduct and made

clear how he planned the operations with the full knowledge of the former Inspector IGP, Premuim Times reported yesterday.

In this January 19, 2012 letter, Mr. Biu was said to have denied any role or foreknowledge of the incident, and rejected Mr. Ringim’s charges of ”negligence, discreditable conduct, disloyalty and that of an act unbecoming of a public officer”.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Emir urges committee to revive dormant industries in Kano From Bala Nasir, Kano

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he Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has urged the state government’s committee on Entrepreneurship Support (CES) to work towards the rehabilitation of small and medium-scale industries in the state.

He made the call when

members of the committee led by its chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Jimo, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace on Friday.

The emir said that a large number of industries in the state had closed down due to the prevailing economic situation, especially unstable power supply in the country.

He, therefore, appealed to the committee to work hard, with a view to providing job opportunities to the teeming number of unemployed people in the state.

Bayero said the committee should give necessary support to all serious entrepreneurs to enable them remain in business.

Earlier, the

committee’s Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed, told the emir that it had made consultations with various investors and other stakeholders with a view to reviving business activities in the state.

He told the emir that the committee would work tirelessly in order to justify the confidence reposed in it.

Lagos orders removal of PHCN cables, telecom companies blocking drainages From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

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agos state Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Tunji Bello has ordered the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and a telecom company to remove its cables blocking the drainage channels on Lagos Island.

Bello, who made this known on Thursday during an inspection of clearing of drainage channels on the Island, explained that PHaCN and the telecoms company further insulted the government by either ignoring its calls for relocation of the cables or demanding for money before they

would meet with the government on the way forward.

His words: “There are several PHCH and telecoms cables causing limitation to the flow of water in Apapa and Lagos Island. We have written to them to find a way out of the logjam, but they have been ignoring us or demanding for money. The cables are reducing the capacity of the channels and also posing a challenge when clearing the drainages.”

The commissioner, who inspected the clearing and construction of drainage channels in Akin Adesola, Adeola Odeku, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Louis Solomon, Adeola Hopewell, Second Avenue

Estate and Karimi Ikotun among others, saying their presence constituted a cog in the wheel of government’s wish to reduce flooding in the state.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode Opeifa has raised an alarm over an impending outbreak of epidemics following discovery of unhealthy state of drainages along the axis.

Opeifa made this known on Thursday during dislodgment and removal of over 120 abandoned and stationary articulated vehicles parked along OshodiApapa, Expressway The commissioner lamented the environmental nuisance

caused on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway such as repairing of vehicles on the roads, excreting in the drainage and on the roads, blocking of the drainage system with pure water sachets and selling of servicing oil right in the drainage system amongst others, He urged leaders and members of the Petroleum Drivers Tankers Association (PTDA) Branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to educate their members and ensure that the tanker drivers desist from this unhealthy attitude as this could pose danger to the health living conditions of Lagos residents.

FRSC denounces calls to review operations

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has denounced calls on the federal government by Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, to review its operations.

Corps Marshal and chief executive of the FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka, while speaking at the 11 th special Marshal National Summit in Uyo, stated that the comment by Governor Fashola that FRSC’s main focus of printing of number plates and issuance of driver’s licenses will not significantly reduce the cases of accidents on the nation’s roads was unfair and reeks of ignorance.

A statement signed on behalf of the corps marshal added that the new number plates would articulate the safety and security exigencies that gave impetus to its introduction.

N6.8m scam: EFCC drags suspect to appeal court

By Lambert Tyem

T Director of Health, Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State (right), administering oral polio vaccine (OPV) to a child, during the flag-off the 2012 National Immunization Plus Day at Unguwar Musa, recently, in Funtua.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Benue medical students protest non-accreditation of programme From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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ver 200 student of Benue State University Medical School stormed Government House on Thursday to protest the stagnation of programmes at the college.The protesting students adamantly refused to leave the Government House after the Deputy Governor Chief Steven Lawani had addressed them, pleading that their grievances would be looked into by government.It took more than three hours of pleading by government officials in addition to transport fare of N500, 000.00 given to them to vacate the area.President of the Benue State Medical Students’

Association, Comrade Innocent Abah Ochigbo stated without mincing words that no amount of money would mitigate the turmoil they are going through due to non-accreditation of several courses in the school.”We will take this money and give it to the contractors handling work at the school.

We did not come here to take any money but to see the governor. Our future is been toyed with and you give us money”, Ochigbo lamented.”As the situation is, we do not know when we are going to graduate.

There is no hope because our programmes have not been accredited by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Association (NMDA). Clinical services were

supposed to commence in 2011 but failed. The new Provost Dr. Shima Gyoh has done a lot to ensure the survival of the school by appealing to the NMDA who gave us a grace period of three months that has elapsed. The school now stands outright closure by the association of failure to comply with regulations establishing medical school”, the president said angrily.

Consequently, he passionately appealed to government to ensure speedy mobilisation and take of the teaching hospital or alternatively send them abroad to complete their program and they will return and compensate the government.

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has proceeded on appeal in the prosecution of an Abujabased lawyer, Barrister Amobi Nzelu who is being tried on a three count-charge bordering on impersonation and criminal misappropriation of the sum of N6.8 million.

In a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, the commission is asking the appellate court to reverse the ruling of a Federal High Court delivered on February 7, 2012 quashing all the charges against Nzelu on the strength of preliminary objection before the trial process.

Nzelu’s ordeal followed a two-page petition, authored by the Managing Director of Range Multi Universal Limited, Omulu Charles Chinweuba, dated June 14, 2010 and addressed to the chairman of the EFCC.It is entitled: Petition against Barrister Amobi Nzelu for impersonation and fraudulently obtaining the sum of N6.850 million by false pretences in the name of the Nigerian Customs Service.

He was docked on Monday, January 17, 2011 before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja.In the appeal filed by the prosecution counsel, Barrister Wahab Shittu, ground one of the appeal states that the judge wrongly and incorrectly stated the provision of Section 14(1) (a) of the Money Laundering Act 2004 on page 17 of the ruling.

The EFCC also disagreed with the judge and maintained that the judge erred by holding that the counts in the charge against the accused person were “hollow and lacks any credible materials upon which a prima facie case can be sustained even when those facts are proved against the accused person”.

It would be recalled that the petitioner had alleged that sometimes in February 2010, he was introduced to the accused person who claimed to be an agent of the Nigerian Customs, with the understanding that he was in a position to assist in their business relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service.

Tribute PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

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How Ojukwu will be buried

By Richard Ihediwa

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i n c e the demise of Biafran Warlord and Ikemba of Nnewi, Dim Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, arrangements for his burial have been in top gear with several interest groups including Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), seeking to play a central role in the funeral which has been billed for next Friday.

At the beginning, it appeared that it would be the exclusive affairs of the five eastern states and some pro-Igbo political and cultural groups under the umbrella of a central burial committee.

However, ahead of the burial slated for next Saturday, those preparing for an ethnic based funeral for the late warlord must have to forget it as the Federal Government has decided to take over the event and to give Ojukwu a state burial.

Following a directive by President Goodluck Jonathan, Ojukwu will be given full military burial by the Nigeria Army.

Proceedings as released by the authorities shows that Ojukwu’s remains will next Monday arrive Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, aboard a chartered aircraft from the London Heathrow Airport.

The body is expected to be received in a gold casket already purchased by the burial committee. According to the line up of events, the casket is to be adorned in national ceremonial green and white colours for a senior Nigerian Army officer. Six senior army officers are expected to enter the aircraft and carry out the casket which will also have a pair of army boots.

The body will later be placed in an army jeep which will be driven to inspect a guard of honour mounted by a troop from the Brigade of Guards after which there will be other military and social ceremonies.

The remains will thereafter be flown to Owerri for the continuation of the funeral rites in the south east.

According to the arrangements, the military is to take full custody of the remains of Ojukwu from the moment the body arrived Abuja to the interment at Nnewi. The Army is expected to guide the body during the elaborate ceremonies and will not allow any programmes that have not been approved by the authorities.

The Army chaplain will be part of the requiem Mass in Nnewi and will officiate at the interment after which the military flag-folding rite will be performed and the flag handed over to Ojukwu’s widow, Lady Bianca Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Meanwhile Igbo leaders have

given their nod to the arrangements by the Federal Government to give Ojukwu a state burial with full military honours.

The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, who is also the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of Ojukwu’s burial ceremonies in a press conference recently, said the arrangements were welcome.

Uwajumogu, said already the state government had lined up a week-long activities, tagged “Seven days for hero”, beginning with the inauguration of the board of Ojukwu Research Centre to honour the departed former Eastern Region military governor.

“We did not start with his death. We started honouring him in his lifetime by building the Ikemba Ojukwu Square as a tribute to a living hero,” he said.

Other activities mapped out to honour the deceased include photo exhibition on the life and times of Ikemba Ojukwu on STV, MITV and Orient TV; inaugural lecture titled: “Effective leadership in the 21st Century” by the ViceChancellor, Imo State University, Prof. B.E.B. Nwoke and an all night youth wake-keep/vigil at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday.

According to the final journey arrangements, the body is expected to be carried to Owerri where it will spend a night before departing for Aba. Already plans are in top gear in Onitsha the economic and cultural nerve center of the south east to receive the body. In a statement in Onitsha, Anambra state, yesterday, the Ezeigbo Gburugburu and leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, said the Federal Government’s proposed burial arrangement which stipulated full military burial was acceptable to Ndigbo.

He also said that MASSOB has agreed to the decision by the authorities to stop it from participating during the burial since the Federal Government has decided to give Ojukwu a hero’s burial.

“The decision to stop MASSOB from participating during Ojukwu’s burial as a group, which was reached at the meeting with the burial committee and representatives of Chief of Army Staff and Ojukwu’s family, shall be abided with since the Federal Government has boldly and gallantly decided to give Ojukwu his full right as a hero,” he said.

Ojukwu’s remains will finally be taken to his residence in Nnewi where it would be lowered in full military honour at 5 pm.

Born on 4 November 1933 at Zungeru in present Niger state, Ojukwu, who died on November 26, 2011 was a Nigerian military

officer and politician. Ojukwu served as the military governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1966, the leader of the breakaway Republic of Biafra from 1967 to 1970 and the leader of the opposition All Progressive Grand Alliance before he died at the age of 78.

In 1944, he was briefly imprisoned for assaulting a white British colonial teacher who was humiliating a black woman at King's College in Lagos, an event which generated widespread coverage in local newspapers. At age 13, his father sent him overseas to study in the UK, first at Epsom College and later at Lincoln College, Oxford University, where he earned a Masters degree in history. He returned to colonial Nigeria in 1956. Ojuwku was in the news when he married Bianca, the daughter of his childhood friend, Chief Christian Onoh despite the stiff opposition raised by the later.

Ojukwu the politician

Ojukwu as leader of APGA performing an official function

Late Ojukwu relaxing with his family

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26 , FEBRUARY, 2012

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Sovereign National Conference

The issues, the fears *Tension mounts gradually *Civil society, section groups push for reorganised structure *Jonathan gives in *National Assembly kicks

By Richard Ihediwa

L

ast week, President Goodluck Jonathan caved in to the continued pressure from several interest groups seeking him to convene a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) in which Nigerians, based on strategic groupings are expected to meet and on their own, determine what political structure the nation should take.

The President, in giving his consent after receiving some national leaders at the villa said though the Presidential Constitution Review Committee (PCRC) headed by

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26 , FEBRUARY, 2012

Sovereign National Conference Contd from Pg 9 former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alfa Belgore has been mandated to collate views from Nigerians, a larger body would meet on issues that are still controversial for a national consensus but failed to give details on the nature the "larger body" will take.

Those calling for the conference are insisting that the nation cannot achieve the much desired political stability needed for economic growth except people from the different ethnic nationalities meet on equal terms to negotiate and reach a consensus on several contending issues on how the nation should be administered.

However, there are fears that at the center of the new agitation is the muffled move towards demand for the balkanisation of the country along sectional groups. Those agitating for the conference are already aggrieved along sectional lines and may be nursing for the negotiation of the unity of the nation.

This is especially against the backdrop of the protracted religious and ethnic based killings in some parts of the country culminating in the calls by ethnic based militant groups for non indigenes of particular places to leave.

While the dreaded Boko Haram sect issued an ultimatum directing that non muslims should leave the north, the Niger Delta Egbesu boys also issued its own ultimatum that northerners should leave the south. Though the threats remained largely shadowy, there is palpable fear among the people and many Nigerians relocated recently along ethnic lines.

Within some states, like Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Ebonyi among others, there have been pockets of violence and killings over indigene and settler dichotomy with some tribal groups claiming ownership of the land.

Fundamentally, the proponents of the general meeting hold firmly to the claims that the current Constitution is replete with fundamental defects inhibiting sections of the people from benefiting from it even as they argue that true federalism would remain a mirage till the constitution has the backing of the people.

This will not be the first time the country will embark on such general meeting. In 2005, President Olusegun Obasanjo convened the National Political Reform Conference which had no

President Goodluck Jonathan

go areas and ended up a wild goose chase as the recommendations could not become operable in the face of the Constitution.

Already, tension is gradually mounting as the new agitation appears to be reflective of bottled up anger from certain sections of the country which feel marginalised by the letters and operation of the current constitution.

Last week agitators of the SNC led by Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN); Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader, Chief Audu Ogbe; former Finance Minister, Chief Olu Falae; Alhaji Balarabe Abdulkadir Musa; Olorogun Felix Ibru; Prof. Pat Utomi; Tony Uranta, and former President of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Dr. Chike Nwanze met in Lagos and asserted that running away from the national parley, amounts to "postponing the evil day."

However, despite the agreement by the President and some eminent Nigerians that there should be a general meeting of Nigerians ahead of further amendment of the Constitution, the National Assembly is completely averse to the demands saying the legislature, which is representational of the peoples mandate remained the only legitimate platform for any national discourse.

Already the National Assembly, which is planning another round of Constitution amendment is feeling

threatened by the idea and is apparently prepared to frustrate the moves.

In any case, the proposed meeting will however come with its own series of challenges.

These include what criteria to be adopted for the selection of delegates. Will it be along tribal and ethnic or religious lines?

Will it be based on states? Will it be based on regional political leadership? Who constitutes the leadership of the conference and who determines its scope and mode of operation?

Who coordinates the choosing process? Will there be election of delegates? What law backs such up? Will the National Assembly approve a budget for the conference? What manner will it take? Will its resolution be binding on the nation? Will it replace the Constitution? These and many more are questions begging for answers.

Issues Though there appears to be a consensus on the indivisibility of the nation, the major issue for which the proponents of the SNC seem to be the issue of fiscal federalism to pave way for the complete control of resources by states.

Other issues agitating their minds include those of equality of states and local governments among the six-geopolitical zones, state police, citizenship issues and other federal character issues among others.

However, their demand is coming when the National Assembly asserts that it is also considering such issues and

wants all demands to be routed through it.

Fiscal federalism, Resource control and devolution of power Already the campaign for complete resources control by states have penetrated the National Assembly and might gather more steam if the SNC is allowed to hold.

However, at the crux of the agitation is the new quest, not for an increase in derivatives, but a total overhaul of the system in such a way that states will be given perfect control of the resources in their localities from where they will be made to pay certain percentage to the Federal Government as royalties.

The 'cat' on the new agitation was let out of the bag by Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Ayogu Eze, who at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, October 31, 2011 canvassed in very strong terms that states must be allowed to control mineral finds in their localities and pay royalties to the Federal Government.

Critics are already divided over the new face of agitation for resource control. In fact, there are fears that the matter might also result in further national political squabbles especially if the proponents go ahead to introduce it in the next Constitution review.

This is especially against the backdrop of possible division in the National Assembly during the debates as lawmakers and powerful stakeholders from the North are said to be averse to it and may have started

Senate President, David Mark

mobilising to shoot such move down if it surfaces.

While some analysts opine that the idea will widen the sectional and ethnic gaps already militating against national development, others tenaciously hold that it would rather cement them, arguing that it will result in mutual respect and healthy competiveness among the federating units.

Those who support fiscal federalism maintain that the problem with the country was over dependency on the federation account which he said has resulted in the inability of states to harness and utilise the mineral resources available in their territories in such a way that their comparative advantages are fully maximised.

At the same, such critics argue for the need for appropriate devolution of power in such a manner that states and local governments are effectively saddled with the responsibilities currently being handled by the Federal Government.

Those supporting the implementation of full fiscal federalism argue that though the nation is said to be a federation, the Constitution is basically unitary and must be reworked to reflect the federal arrangement.

It is suggested that under a fiscal federalism, states and local government should be made to handle issues that have direct impact on the people including, education, internal security, road infrastructure, power,

Contd on Pg 11

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26 , FEBRUARY, 2012

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Sovereign National Conference Contd from Pg 10 health, Agriculture and water resources, youth development, internal finance, science and technology, state and local council election and so on while the Federal Government should be left to handle issues such as national defence, foreign policy, national finance, national security, boundary arrangements among others that do not have direct impact on the people.

Inasmuch as the idea appears to be noble, a school of thought fears that the nation is not particularly ripe for such as they are apprehensive that it might lead to bad blood among the governments and indigenes from the federating units, which many believe will further worsen the instability in the polity.

Citizenship Another issue that agitators of the SNC are bothered about is that of the determination of citizenship in states.

Though the current constitution grants Nigerians the right to live and work in any part of the country, it does not expressly give legal teeth to that right as regards citizenship of states.

Against this backdrop, there have been series of violent clashes over land ownership as well as issues of economic, social and political marginalisation based on perceived indigene/settlers dichotomy.

Those pushing for the SNC are demanding for a consensus on the issues of citizenship across the country especially in reflection of the recent violence and killing as well as the relocation ultimatum from ethnic based groups to persons perceived as settlers.

The agitators want the determination of what constitutes citizenship especially regarding right to vote, employments and appointments.

Freedom of worship Also the SNC proponents want the issue of freedom of religion discussed and settled.

This is coming against continued face-off between Christians and Muslims in some parts of the country. The agitators want the determination of the acceptable provision to guarantee freedom of worship in the country with stringent rules for defaulters.

Fears Currently, there are fears that the SNC might weaken the precarious unity of the nation and pave way for events that might lead to possible disintegration along ethnic lines. There is already a perception that this might be the ultimate goal of some southern elements who might force discussions beyond the limits if their demands were not accepted at the general parley.

This is especially as agitators from the oil rich South South had always harped on the issues of deprivation even when the bulk of the nation comes from the region and may place very high demands at the meeting.

However, those seeking the SNC and other eminent Nigerians including those from the north have noted that rather than divide the nation, the conference, if well handled will further strengthen the unity of the country.

Commenting on the fears, leader of the pro-SNC elements, Ben Nwabueze, 82,

Prof. Ben Nwabueze ...kickstarts talks

Edwin Clark ...led team to Jonathan

Prof. Pat Utomi ...supports SNC

said the conference rather than break the country will rather unify it. He maintained that there is no denying the fact that conveners and participants are true patriots and lovers of the country.

He said: "It is a prelude to having an SNC, to have a people's constitution and agree on how this country is to live together as one. Anyone against SNC is an enemy of the people. The efforts have been thwarted for so long. We are now working on modalities to have one and to be presented to groups in a referendum.

Also commenting on the fears, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) Chairman, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), said such a conference had become a necessity following the challenges facing Nigeria adding that the dialogue will open up home truths that will unite the country instead of breaking it.

Kanu said NADECO believed that a national conference would help provide solutions to the country's socio-political and religious problems.

The former Lagos State Military Governor said, "Let it be known from all observable signals and assessments that what is being witnessed now will be a child's play if we do not quickly hold a national conference.

Kanu alleged that those benefitting from the rot in the country had been working against the convention of a national conference.

"The truth however is that the actions of the opponents of the conference can only lead to Nigeria's breakup," he said.

The agitators went ahead to present a list of countries including South Africa, which they argued succeeded in solving their national problems using a national sovereign conference and adding that Nigeria can borrow a leaf from them.

Senate kicks However, reacting to the idea, the Senate came hard in the pro-SNC group.

Senate's spokesperson, Enyinaya Abaribe

said the National Assembly remained the only platform for any national discuss.

Abaribe urged those who were calling for the SNC to bring their demands to the National Assembly which he said composed of representatives of the people.

Abaribe said, "Our position is that we are already elected to represent all persons and citizens of Nigeria. If you look at the composition you are either represented by a House of Representatives member or a senator.

"We do not think there is any matter under the sun that we will shy away from. We do not understand the stand of those who insist that there must be Sovereign National Conference.

"For the avoidance of doubt, we are not against any group, association or persons meeting to discuss because that is to ensure democracy. What we are saying is that there cannot be democracy without democrats.

"Therefore if you want any alteration to the way of life in the country the vehicle is the National Assembly. If you want to change the constitution, bring it through the Representatives and the Senate."

Rather than calming frayed nerves, the position of the Senate increased the tempo of the agitation culminating in the visit to Jonathan by eminent Nigerians.

However, almost all pro-democracy and ethnic based groups disagreed with the lawmaking body. The Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere; the Save Nigeria Group; the Congress for Progressive Change; Ijaw Republican Assembly; and a prominent constitutional lawyer, Itse Sagay (SAN), said the Senate was wrong.

Another lawyer and political activist, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, said the Senate rejection of calls for national conference would not stop the project.

"Their rejection is a non-issue. It is the sovereignty of the people. The conference will come on stream for the sake of the

nation and they cannot stop it because the people want to discuss their wellbeing. I am sure the executive arm will not be on the same page on this issue with the Senate," he said.

The groups insisted that even the Senate derive its legitimacy from the people and as such cannot stop the people from meeting on how they want to be governed.

However, reacting to the call for the SNC, a member of the House of Representatives, David Ombugadu (CPC Nasarawa) in an interview yesterday said nobody should stop Nigerians from having a meeting if that was their wish and aspiration. He said Nigerians have the right to discuss issues relating to how they want to be governed but added that such conferences must be done in line with laid down rules.

According to him, "this is a democracy and as such nobody should stop Nigerians to meet at a sovereign national conference if that is what they want or they believe will move the nation forward. That is their right but it must be done within the ambit of the laws of the nation".

The lawmaker however urged that discussions should center on issues that unites the nation as well as ways to improve on the nation's economy. He said discussions should enable each region to find ways of developing its potential in line with the laws of comparative advantage which will develop the regions and the nation at large.

He also urged that those in the discussion should consult widely especially with the National Assembly so as to carry all Nigerians along.

Be it as it may, Nigerians appear to have reached a consensus on national unity but have been groping for ways to retain and maintain the unity. Issues of leadership remains largely the problem of the nation.

The paradox has been that of rich nation poor people and the solution for this puzzle has remained largely elusive.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Sokoto: Factors that helped Wamakko to win

By Richard Ihediwa

L

a s t Saturday’s governorship election has come and gone with the governor-elect, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko thoroughly thrashing his rivals to retain his seat as governor of the state.

In the face of the contest with 29 other contenders, Wamakko who was sworn in on Wednesday in Sokoto polled a total of 518,247 votes out of the 728,108 total votes cast to defeat the nearest of rival, Yusuf Ahmed of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), who polled a distant 131,048 votes.

The 27 other candidates including those of highly vocal opposition Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Engr.

Abubakar Yabo shared the remaining 78, 813 votes.

Wamakko won in all the 23 local government areas of the state leaving the other parties politically stranded despite the stiff competition they presented.

While the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Wamakko’s supporters savour the victory at the poll, opposition parties especially the ANPP has rejected the results alleging irregularities even as it insisted that the elections should be annulled.

The opposition party alleged that the police and other security agents connived with the PDP to rig the election adding that members of the ANPP were arrested during the campaign while their agents were not allowed to monitor the process.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some observers hold that the election was largely credible.

In the same vein, the Sokoto State Police said the ANPP's call for the cancellation of the election was uncalled for in that "all the contestants were given level playing ground as regards security".

According to the state police Commissioner, Alhaji Adisa Bolanta, international and local observers, as well as local and foreign media witnessed the election and would deny the ugly pictures painted by the ANPP because these allegations were mere imaginations.

It is believed that several factors were responsible for Wamakko’s victory. These include the incumbency influence, the existing PDP machinery in the state as well as massive support from the grass root.

One of the greatest factors that helped Wamakko to have a landslide victory is PDP’s powerful grip on the state. The ruling party is in perfect control of the House of Assembly where all the members belong to the party. The party also controls all the local government areas with all the chairmen as members. Also all the members of the National Assembly from the state are from the PDP. Wamakko’s chance over the other candidates was enhanced by the fact that the Acting Governor, Alhaji Lawali Zayyana is his close associate and had already put in modalities to ensure that his benefactor return for a second term.

Also most of the political appointees at the state, federal and local government levels are from the PDP.

Gov. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (PDP)

Yusha'u Ahmed Mohammed (ANPP)

Engr Abubakar Yabo (CPC)

This factor, political observers hold gave the party an advantage over the other parties as it helped it ensure massive mobilization at the grass root in support of Wamakko. The party was able to use its influential members across board to further its agenda and harnessed votes for Wamakko.

This is in addition to massive support for Wamakko on the part of the electorates following their apparent faith in his style of leadership in his first coming. Most of the votes that saw Wamakko to victory came from the women folk. Observers believe that the women mobilized themselves in favour of Wamkko giving him the massive votes he used to win.

Another factor that helped Wamakko to win, was the inability of the opposition parties to tidy up a common front against the PDP even when the structure of the ruling party was weakened by its internal crisis.

The ANPP and the CPC, which have the backing of former Sokoto governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa and former Head of state, Gen Muhammadu Buhari respectively could not use such factors well even when these leaders commanded a lot of influence and followership in the state.

Analysts note that the parties could

have given the PDP a run for its money and influence if they had closed ranks and pushed a common candidate.

However, during the process, the two parties ambitiously worked individually in an uphill quest to sweep the carpet off the feet of a political giant.

On his own part, Ahmed of the PDP went solo largely banking on Bafarawa’s backing however, some critics feel that the emphasis on Bafarawa was one of the factors that worked against Ahmed at the election. In addition to that, the perception that party started mobilisation and campaigns late and some observers think this may also affect its chances.

Ahmed is an intelligent and well read technocrat and had promised to bring about the desired change in Sokoto and ensure positive transformation. He will however have to wait until the next round of election to actualize his ambition to rule Sokoto.

On his own part, Yabo, a former Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority, Abuja from where he retired and decided to contest for the governorship election on the platform of CPC could not pull enough weight as he has never engaged actively in local politics but was said to have rather

depended solely on the popularity of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in order to woo voters especially those at the grassroots.

Also the party did not embark on a vigorous campaign and that was not enough to uproot PDP at the election.

Observers also believe that with the defection of chieftains of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) to the PDP, especially Umar Kwabo, was another factor that worked in Wamakko’s favour.

Also the recent resolve by former sports minister, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman and Senator Abubakar Gada, who were members of the old PDP faction, to support Wamakko added to his chances to win the poll.

In all, pro-Wamakko elements relate the electoral victory to the wider structure the PDP has in the state as this helped the party to keep its grip on the state even with the removal of Wamakko by the Supreme Court Generally speaking, political pundits believe that Wamakko’s ambition to return to the state house was not actually under threat. The Governor is a strong politician and was not expected to leave anything to chance in the election. His good understanding of the working of the system in the state was another advantage. Wamakko is a technocrat, who rose in the civil service to the position of Permanent Secretary. He was a deputy governor for seven years during the tenure of Bafarawa between 1999 and 2006. He was formerly in ANPP and defected to PDP few months before the 2007 election and won.

Meanwhile, while the ANPP is still nursing the wounds of its defeat at the poll, top government officials and eminent citizens are flooding Wamakko with messages of congratulations. Many of them however urged him to run an all inclusive government in the interest of all.

“

Wamakko won in all the 23 local government areas of the state leaving the other parties politically stranded despite the stiff competition they presented.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 13

Kaduna Government House shooting: What role did the Police play?

The death of Pastor Isuwa Kiforo last Sunday, may not have come as a surprise. Perhaps only a few individuals can survive a rain of bullets on the lower abdomen. Kiforo died from injuries he sustained when some apparent panicky policemen shot him on Monday, February 13, at the front of the gate leading to the Kaduna state Government House, even though the police have denied that it was deliberate. Agaju Madugba, examines the contentions.

A

Director of Administration and Finance at the Ministry of Information, Kiforo was reported to be on his way for an official engagement at the Government House on that fateful day. However, not many were convinced by the police version of what actually transpired.

According to the Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, Bala Nasarawa, Kiforo drove his official Toyota Corolla car with government plate registration number, in a “dangerous and suspicious” manner when the deceased approached the gate of the Government House.

From all indications, and given the recent security measures at the gate of the Government House, the police explanation remains unconvincing and only gave credence to the popular opinion that Nigerians have lost faith in the police which is supposed to protect them.

Investigations by our correspondent in Kaduna showed that following the recent security challenges across the country, especially arising from alleged activities of the Boko Haram Muslim group, there has been security beef up at most government facilities including those of the Armed Forces and the Police and other security organs, to the extent that such locations have virtually become fortresses of sort, majorly impenetrable. The Kaduna Government House is not an exception.

From the Government House roundabout to the main gate is a distance of approximately 150 metres with at least four security check points, aside from the final one at the fortified entrance.

Every checkpoint is manned by a squad comprising personnel from the police and army, all armed to the teeth.

Then there are rock solid drums filled with concrete and cement on every inch of the road, aside from sand bags which litter the entire place. It may require several years of experience for a driver to be able to meander through the cul-de-sac successfully without contact with any of the obstacles. This is aside an armoured personnel carrier popularly called armoured tank on permanent standby at the gate.

Late Kiforo The entire arrangement automatically gives every visitor to the Government House an unsolicited “guard of honour.” Even James Bond may not have contemplated displaying some of his life threatening stunts here as that may indeed constitute a suicide mission. It was under this scenario that the late Kiforo arrived the Government House gate and ‘drove dangerously’ as claimed by the police.

However, whatever the manner of driving, eyewitness accounts said that Kiforo eventually disembarked from his car, as he must have been directed and instead of being screened or interrogated, allegedly met a torrent of bullets that tore through his stomach even as his attackers equally directed their weapons on his legs, shattering them.

Reportedly taken for a suicide bomber, the only items found on the back seat of his car were a copy of the Holy Bible and a bottle of branded water.

The Commissioner of Police confirmed that he supervised the search and that nothing incriminating was found.

Kiforo was rushed to the nearby

44 Army Reference Hospital where he underwent multiple surgical operations to extract numerous bullets from his body, according to a hospital source.

Family sources however hinted that Kiforo had regained consciousness on Saturday and even complained of hunger. But on Sunday, just before mid-day, Kiforo passed on, some five days after the shooting.

The widow, Charity said he was billed to travel to his village in Zonkwa, ZangonKataf local government area of the state that fateful day, after concluding his mission at the Government House. “People are just saying all sorts of things but since I was not there I do not know how it happened,” Mrs. Kiforo had said, a day after the shooting, adding, “all I am saying is that I give glory to God because if not for God I would have just gone there to pick his dead body, a dead husband.

God forbid.”

Unknown to her that she would indeed pick up the corpse of a dead husband for burial on Thursday, courtesy of triggerhappy police personnel, which has now deprived the family of

five children of their breadwinner.

Kiforo never lived to give account of what happened to him that day after security personnel at the Kaduna state Government House continued firing indiscriminately for ten minutes before directing their weapon of death on the late Director of Administration and Finance. For, according to Kiforo’s colleague, Pastor at the Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Samson Fagbemi, “we had hoped he would survive and tell us what really happened, but we could not get his version. By virtue of our training, we would have looked at both sides of the issue because I am yet to believe that a pastor would be asked to stop and he would refuse to stop.”

After the statement made by the police concerning Kiforo’s shooting, it has apparently decided to be more cautious of any further statements on the matter.

When contacted yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), DSP Aminu Lawan, was economical with his words.

Responding to a series of questions, the PPRO was

evasive as he repeatedly said, “that is why I am telling you that investigation is on.”

The conversation went thus: What are the police doing about the killing of the Director of Finance and Administration, at the Government House?

PPRO: We are investigating.

Have you been able to identify the person who did the shooting?

PPRO: That is why I say that we are investigating.

The man was said to have regained consciousness and was responding to treatment but suddenly he died. Are you investigating that too?

PPRO: That is why I told you that we are investigating.

The family is expected to make a formal pronouncement on the matter soon. But the cold blooded murder of citizen Kiforo may yet again open fresh discussions on the competence of the police to actually protect lives and property of Nigerians while there is no doubt that the Boko Haram insurgency has indeed exposed the inability of the police to carry out its constitutional duties.

From reports so far, the State Security Services (SSS) and to some extent, the Armed Forces personnel appear to get the upper credit for whatever success may have been recorded in the course of Federal Government’s efforts at combating terrorist activities, thus rendering the police virtually irrelevant in the present circumstances.

The shooting equally calls to question, the training of the police personnel who become so jittery that they resort to killing of unarmed and harmless citizens without carrying out proper investigation. Further compounding the problem is the fact that recruitment or enlistment into the police has become a matter for the highest bidder with the development denying more competent candidates the opportunity and thereby, opening the gate for the mediocre to find their way into the police force.

What is more worrisome is that innocent citizens have continued to be felled like Kiforo, and whether his killing will not go the way of others, unresolved, while Nigerians watch helplessly.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Madalla blast:

N150 million compensation sparks row between Church and property owners

By Abdulwahab Isa

C

ompensations by corporate bodies and intervention agencies given to assuage the plight of victims of Madalla bomb explosion have triggered fresh acrimony between authorities of St. Theresa Catholic Church, property owners affected and rescue agencies.

While relations of the 44 dead victims have been compensated with a million naira each and injured ones treated and given some cash, owners of damaged properties at the vicinity of the church are wailing of monetary neglect by the church.

Mr. Emmanuel Ehikwe owner of three- storey building that shares common fence with the Catholic Church has its roof blown off and its windowpane shattered.

Ehikwe, the proprietor of AirMax Computer school Madalla was particularly pained that the church didn't deem it fit to incorporate those that suffered colossal property damages in the distribution of the N150 million given as compensation to the Church by Niger state government.

Ehikwe, like others whose physical structures are now in rumbles have accused the church of plight insensitivity.

Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), presented N25 million as compensation to victims of the blast. At the event, Peoples Daily weekend met Ehikwe and he was full of pains lamenting that it was not only the dead or the physically wounded that deserved some reliefs.

According to him, "They have not given us anything; you can conduct your interview with any of the affected property owners in any of these buildings. They have not given us good audience either.

We know that Niger state government and one other state gave monetary donation to assist victims.

We learnt CBN Governor is coming here , so we want to know what he is going to do for us; we want to understand what he is really going to do and to whom. Is it only the deceased or the injured, or does it also concern the property owners who lost their property? And that is where we are lost, because anytime they talk about the bomb victims, it appears we are excluded in response to who should be entitled to whatever comes to the church members and those affected", he lamented.

Ehikwe faulted the impression by the church that the cash donations were meant to cater for relations, the widows, widowers of the dead, thus reiterating that affected property owners who are now rendered homeless should be treated under the larger umbrella

L-R: Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Catholic Bishop of Minna, Most Rev. Martin Igwe Uzoukwu, and Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Rev. Isaac A. Achi, during a visit by the CBN management to the church to commiserate with victims of the Christmas day bomb blast, yesterday in Madalla.

Photo: Mahmud Isa of the church in terms of compensation.

"We are also under the church and we expect that they will call us the victims as a family and say this is what we have done but we have not heard from them and most of us are seriously worried; most especially those who collected bank loans are facing a serious trauma. If you go round you will see some people squatting in neighbors' houses and they have not been given any attention and that's exactly the problem we are in. We have been asked to submit the estimate of our damages and we submitted it during the fuel subsidy protest and mine was N11million then but after the subsidy issue it is now about N7million,"he said.

However, Ehikwe's account was vehemently punctured by the Resident Priest of the church, Reverend Father Isaac Achi.

Reverend Achi in his account told Peoples Daily Weekend that Ehikwe was economical with the truth. He said contrary to his claims, the Niger state government never handed cash disbursement to the church, but said the state government based on the list of dead victims and the injured handed cheques to family of deceased and injured in one of the church buildings.

He equally, testified that those whose properties were damaged including Ehikwe had been assisted by National emergency management (NEMA) by donating building materials, which included roofing sheets, nails and woods adding that

Ehikwe had collected his own.

Rev. Achi said: "I really don't know of any money to be given to those whose properties were damaged. I only know of the succour given by the Niger state government to those who were injured especially those currently having medical attention in the hospitals and those who were bereaved and that is all and I know.

"The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Niger State Environmental Management Agency (SEMA} have their own policy. Whereas, SEMA takes care of the health of the people, the casualties and the business premises, NEMA on its part, has given building materials to those they have assessed their damages", he told our reporter .

The Reverend Father said neither NEMA nor SEMA gave any monetary aid but rather, they gave out materials.

He testified he was physically present last week when NEMA came to the scene to distribute building materials to those whose buildings were affected and the church premises were used as a distribution point of the donation also by SEMA. On monetary donation by Akwa-Ibom state, he said the pledge by Akwa Ibom was made in the cathedral in Abuja noting "up till now we don't even know the specification of its own contribution but we as catholic church here feels that if those pledges were redeemed then at least those who were affected will

be able to get something no matter how small it is".

Achi said those accusing the church of refusing to give them their share "are free to go and meet the state government to seek clarification on whom and what was given to the church to give them.

Nonetheless, Achi clarified that "whatever we receive we are going to ensure that we use it in the proper manner and through the proper channels and those accusing the church saying we should settle them, they should go through the proper channels and those concerned will answer them because I don't even know a lot of them".

Check by this reporter at NEMA confirms owners of the affected property have been provided with building materials.

NEMA spokesperson, Mallam Yushau Shuaib told Peoples Daily Weekend that as a disaster management outfit, NEMA swiftly swung into action when Madalla bomb blast explosion occurred and coordinated the rescue measure by transporting the wounded to hospitals for treatment and conveying the dead to the mortuaries .

Yushau clarified that NEMA was not a monetary compensation body, but an agency set up to provide palliatives as interim measure so as to cushion the agony of victims and assisting them recover from shock.

He said as soon as the Madalla bomb blast occurred, NEMA swiftly moved to the scene and

right on the spot put calls to Chief Medical Directors of various government hospitals in Abuja and environs to get prepared for the huge task ahead in terms of treatment.

In an interview with Peoples Daily Weekend, NEMA Assistant Zonal Operational Officer, Mr. Slaku, Lugard Bijimi said those whose damages were assessed by a joint assessment team of NEMA, SEMA had been given building materials.

According to him, it took NEMA team two weeks to compile the list of buildings affected by the bomb blast because most of the property victims had travelled for Christmas and yuletide season when the blast occurred.

"We assessed the damage and categorized the damaged properties in to minor damage, major damage, and partial damage and based on the categorization of damages we provide building materials", he explained.

Lugard Bijimi noted the agency is currently embroiled in a challenge as according to him, others whose property were also affected but travelled when the assessment team visited the site are asking for intervention.

We have compiled our report and we have taken inventory of these set of property owners, fresh 24 in all and we have submitted to the management and we are waiting a response.

However, the row between the property owners and church had continued and may have issues that are more than meet the eyes.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Peoples page

PAGE 15

‘Nobody should wait for white collar job’ says Public Admin graduate-turned cook Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

H

umility, focus and resilience, they say, are the three major attributes of a winning entrepreneur. These qualities have helped 30 years old Oluwaseyi Tunji Akingbade, a graduate of Public Administration from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye in Ogun state have his feet set on the path of the little beginning for economic greatness.

While many of his colleagues are still searching for white collar jobs that might never come, Tunji had quit the chase to create his own job. This young man took up the challenge, swallowed his pride and opted to venture into food vendoring in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Today, Tunji is a proud owner of a food canteen known as Edible Affairs, located at Omida/Ibara Area of the town. Interestingly the canteen is situated within the premises of a Mechanic Workshop, where number of clients wine and dine.

The male caterer in an interview with Peoples Daily Weekend narrated how he got into the business associated with the women folk. He confessed that basically the inability to get a white collar job forced him into the business which today is gradually putting him in the map of catering services in the country.

“When I graduated in 2008, I started looking for a white collar job with my colleagues but I could not get any one. It was really a terrible experience. After a time, I decided to venture into something. I decided to start my own business instead of looking for a job. That was how it all began”, he said.

He said he started the business in 2010 with the help of his parents, who kept encouraging him. However deciding on the food business was after he discovered that he could cook very well “I thank my parents for the support they gave me when I told them that I wanted to have a canteen where I will be cooking local meals for people. They didn’t object because I could remember when I graduated in 2008, I was roaming the streets of Lagos and Ekiti looking for job and couldn’t find a job.

“One day my father called me and asked if I couldn’t just find something to do on my own. That was when I came to reason on what I could do best and I discovered that I know how to cook local meals very well. That

Oluwaseyi Tunji Akingbade

was how this business started.

According to him, to start off, his parents gave him a little amount of money which he managed judiciously.

My parents were optimistic so they gave me a little amount of money to start with. I managed the money well and you can see that

by God’s grace the business is doing well.

On how he leant how to cook, Tunji explained that he actually, learnt that from his mother and his sisters.

According to him, his mother and sisters would always want him to participate in cooking at home.

“Cooking is something I love and have been doing before. I really derive happiness and joy from it”, he said.

Speaking on how he copes with customers, Tunji, beaming with smiles said his major challenge was that of defeating the bias people had for a male cook especially in an area where

many believe that females are better cooks. However, he said they were always surprised when they have a bite.

“It is a bit challenging; you know when people see me doing this kind of business, they begin to wonder whether it is possible for a guy to give them the kind of delicious meal that they want; but when they come in and taste the food ,they will be surprised at the taste”, he said.

Another problem according to him was the attitude of some customers but added that he copes very well with the use of diplomacy and high level public and human relations approach to make them comfortable.

“It is very embarrassing to me whenever some of them come in saying ‘efunwa lounje’ meaning ‘give us food’ and you are busy attending to other customers and so in the course of that they might threaten to leave, but I just have to beg them so that they could stay and that have been

working. My customers keep increasing”, he said.

On whether he feels a graduate should not get involved in such businesses, Tunji said he can be in any business as long as it is not unlawful.

“One of my lecturers usually said that you can do anything that comes your way. I believe that as long as it is not stealing or being involved with unlawful deals. I only see my job as an opportunity to grow”, he said.

Tunji said his mission in the next three years is to grow his business to compete with popular eateries such as Mama Cass and others.

“The truth is that Mama Cass started from somewhere, although it might not be as low as mine for now, but I believe that with time things will work out well.

He said he is not particularly bordered that he ended up not doing a job related to his course of study saying he is fulfilled that

he is adding value to the society.

On what he thinks that government should do to boost catering business in the country, Tunji said efforts should be made to organise trainings for caterers on preparation of food and also empower investors on the production of local food items.

‘I think the government should organize a seminar for those involved in this kind of business where they will give them training on how to prepare good food. Also government should empower cassava producing farmers because most of the local foods we consume are imported and that is not good.

On his advice to graduates who are unemployed, Tunji said they should look for what they think they can do best. “They should try to do something good no matter how small or the situation surrounding it. They should not wait for heaven to fall down before they start something worthwhile”, he said.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Lake Chad: The lake of drifting crocs and hippos

A local paddling in the lake

By Richard Ihediwa with agency reports

E

v e r been to Lake Chad?

This large fresh water lake at the tip of Nigeria’s north east is one of the most vital lakes in the African continent. It is the primary source of water for over 20 million people living in Niger, Chad, Nigeria and Cameroon.

Apart from that, it is one of the major tourist destinations in the area.

Located in the north-central Africa, southern fringe of the Sahara Desert, Lake Chad covers the interior basin (967,000 sq km) that was occupied by a larger ancient sea, which was used to be known as Mega Chad.

Lake Chad is the fourth largest lake in Africa. But the surface area differs greatly. This lake is a major source of water for the settlements as well as the cultivators, fishermen and herders. This land locked lake has got no outlet to the sea. But the Chari and the Longone rivers are the main source of water for this lake.

The natural beauty of the lake is amazing. It will not be an exaggeration to say that this lake is an abode of peace. Lake Chad is adorned with numerous floating islands and different kinds of flora and fauna that makes it look exquisitely unique.

Majority of the areas are wetlands. The area is frequently referred to as a floodplain. But it is somewhat of a misnomer. The fact is that less than 50 percent of the lake is layered with water for the whole year.

The best time to visit Lake

Chad is from August through December, when water levels are at their highest and migrating birds make it their home. During that time tourists are thrilled by the sight of wildlife including hippos or crocodiles drifting by.

There are also the Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) and shore birds. It is also home to wintering ducks and migrating birds There are more than 40 species of algae in the reed beds and swamp portions. Yaere grassland can be found all over the southern lakeshore floodplains.

To get to Lake Chad, tourists from Nigeria will have to travel northwards to Borno state where the Nigerian portion of the lake is located. One has to travel north eastwards in the direction out of Madiguri, the Borno state capital.

However many tourists come through Chad. They go through Abeche, a popular town in the area to gain access to a hamlet, Lamadji and to Pont-Belile until they get to the road marked ‘’Douguia’’ through which they get to Karal When they get to Karal, they head right to the road that goes through the mosque. There one sees four domes aligned. There is a cave grotto close by. Here tourist can get a view of the lake and the encompassing plane.

There are many hotels in the area close to the lake which are also tourist’s havens. Though charges can vary, on the average a room can go for N9,000 to N12,000 per night.

Lake Chad of Cameroon enjoys a high temperature which ensures non-stop evaporation. So

rainfall is also another source of water of this lake. The level of this lake never remains same. Natural changes in climate is responsible for the changes in water level. Due to the meteorological drought, the lake has started drying.

In the same vein, the Lake Chad of Nigeria is suffering similar challenge. However, the Federal Government is making efforts with international collaborators to save the situation.

Once the center of Africa's salt trade, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world,

A Lake Chad hippo although climate change and human demand have seen the lake decline in size over the past few decades. As at 2010, the World Bank was funding a feasibility study on a plan that would divert the Ubangi River into Lake Chad, with the hope to return the lake to its former glory.

Based on archaeological studies, the lake used to be an inland sea that shrivelled due to weather changes. Scientists believe that this transition

Elephants are common sight around Lake Chad

happened during the past 12,000 years. It was at its largest during 4000 BC when it covered an area 400,000 sq km. Today it has a surface area of 1,350 sq km. The lake almost dried up in 8500 BC, 2000 BC and 100 BC. Since that time, the dimensions of Lake Chad have shrunk. The shrinking increased during the 1960s due to greater demand. It was in the year 2000 when the size shrank to less than 1500 sq km.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 17

Arts Kiddies World

Relationship Healthy Living

“My dream was to be an Air Hostess” Susan Peters is an accomplished Nollywood actress, model, interior decorator and script writer. She has featured in many Nollywood films and still counting. In this interview, she spoke about how she almost lost everything and the rough path she had to take to get to the top...Enjoy...

See Story on Page 24

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRAURY, 2012

PAGE 18

ENTERTAINMENT

Asa set to sue Kevin Lucciano Gabriel, over unauthorized production and use of her song!

A

sa wants to sue Mr. Kevin Lucciano Gabriel, the owner of her former label; Question Mark Entertainment over what she tagged the infringement of her intellectual property.

Read statement from her Reps below...

It has come to our attention that a certain Nigerian Chronotech Limited (a CD factory) based in Lagos Nigeria is preparing to go into commercial production of a purported Asa music production titled ‘Down On Me’.

The music production was purportedly authorised by Question Mark entertainment in partnership with marketer/ distributor Mac Kings Limited.

We wish to state categorically that Asa was not involved in this production in any form and the artiste’s team is very shocked by this misrepresentation from Question Mark entertainment or Mac Kings Limited, two organisations with which she has no relationship whatsoever.

We also take this opportunity to notify individuals and organisations that this production and the associated illegal use of the Asa trademark is a violation of her intellectual property. We have informed our lawyers and appropriate action will be taken against any individual, body or corporate entity associated with this.

Asa

Kevin We thank Nigerian Chronotech for its professionalism in this matter and for promptly alerting Asa’s

Nigerian music industry stakeholders. Asa continues to work hard on her music, and fans and the public will be

promptly informed of any new releases through her management, publicist and other official channels.

‘D’banj and other African stars’

M.I. Abaga opens a Multi million naira Office in Gbagada M.I recently rented a duplex located in Gbagada phase2 as an office space for his record label called Loopy Records. The duplex, which is fully equiped with mordern facilities for shooting videos, recording, and all the works, will be formally opened on Sat march 3, 2012 with the unveiling of Loopy Music’s new signings.

management to confirm the authenticity of this production, and look forward to this professionalism from other

T

M.I. Abaga

here was talk of kokolets all Sunday night at Irving Plaza. D’Banj, the Nigerian pop star who was headlining the show, boasted, ‘I have too many kokolets around the world.’ Later on he wondered, ‘Can I get two kokolets that can dance better than my dancers?’

If it seemed like D’Banj, one of the quickest-rising stars in Africa, has a one-track mind – kokolets, in his lingo, are beautiful women – that wasn’t far from the truth.

As a style, his was as monomaniacal in focus as Miami bass, one lusty come-on after the next. He is at the forefront of an emergent style loosely called Afrobeats by some, a mélange of hip-hop, R&B and other traditionally urban sounds with elements that hark back to older African styles.

In practice on Sunday all that meant was that D’Banj, backed by a live band, was a thoroughly accessible pop star. He emerged in a gold-sequined dinner jacket and began the night with a harmonica solo of ‘My Love Is Your Love,’ the austere Whitney Houston hit.

Before long he was undulating around the stage, his microphone at his crotch when it wasn’t at his mouth.

Switching back and forth between singing and rapping, primarily in English, D’Banj was never less than enthusiastic, an

entertainer above all, and one used to much larger stages than this one. Accordingly, the show had the feeling of a significant event.

The crowd was slickly dressed, skewing young and African.

Outside before the show a correspondent for the Lagos radio station Cool 96.9 FM was recording a report on the scene.

Along with the producer Don Jazzy, D’Banj recently signed to Kanye West‘s G.O.O.D. Music label, a rare example of a mainstream contemporary African star being given an opportunity to work with an American record label. Mr. West recently performed with D’Banj in London.

‘D’banj

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 19

Beauty Understanding wrinkles and fine lines W rinkles and fine lines are basically folds and creases that develop on different parts of our skins especially because of age or perhaps some damage caused be different environmental factors. So long as we continue counting our years the skin will begin to loose its flexibility and elasticity as well as its volume or thickness. The result of this development is the skin sagging causing those telltale wrinkles and fine lines that become so obvious to everyone who meets you.

Outside agents that cause wrinkles Apart from those internal factors, there are numerous other outside agents that are also responsible for the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. These factors generally contribute to the weakening of collagen fibers which give the skin its firmness and elasticity. Such outside agents include poor dietary habits, stress, exposure to the sun, lack of exercise as well as smoking. All these contribute to the developing to the formation of wrinkles in one way or another.

Types of wrinkles The most common place for wrinkles to surface is usually the forehead, around and in between your eyes. However, wrinkles can be classified into two different types; dynamic wrinkles or static wrinkles. *Dynamic wrinkles: These are the wrinkles that appear when a person makes any facial expression. When we are not so advanced in age, the skin has sufficient collagen levels that cause it to bounce back to its original state as soon as you make an expression. However, as we get older the skin weakens due to an unreliable amount of collagen making the skin take much longer to recover from any muscle contraction. This is the true cause of dynamic wrinkles which become static wrinkles when they become permanent. *Static wrinkles: As opposed to dynamic wrinkles, you don't have to make any facial expression for static wrinkles to be seen since they can even be seen on a face that is at rest. The natural aging procedure as well as many other environmental factors causes the development of static wrinkles. The aging process also causes the skin to lose its volume because of the drop in collagen and elastin levels with the results being obvious on your face.

Treatment for wrinkles and fine lines If you have developed wrinkles and fine lines you do not need to be overly frustrated about them because there are different treatment methods that are available. You can easily regain your once youthful and flawless skin so long as you get dedicated in learning and following the instruction that go with the form of treatment you are going to select. The treatment procedures begin from the very simple but effective ones using different anti wrinkle creams and lotions to the very complex and invasive surgical procedures and the modern laser treatment methods. Your best bet lies in asking for advice from your dermatologist.

Source: Yahoomagazine.com

Formation of wrinkles

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Peoples tech Taking care of your automatic drive I

n d e e d , automatic drive cars have come to stay in Nigeria and many people are now discarding their manual drives for the automatic drive.

This is basically because automatic drives are simple to handle. However, it comes with its many challenges especially if not taken good care of.

The automatic transmission is one of the most complicated parts of the vehicle. The repair of an automatic transmission is complex and tends to be quite expensive. However, your transmission can last really long with no significant problems if it's taken good care of.

What causes damage The biggest enemy of the vehicle's transmission is heat.

There are many causes for the heating of the transmission's elements, and many are related to operating your car under difficult conditions.

At higher temperatures the transmission fluid burns, losing its lubricating qualities and becomes oxidized, leaving deposits all over inside the transmission. When exposed to the heat, the rubber seals and gaskets inside the transmission hardens, which will cause leaks. The metal parts warp and lose their strength. All this, sooner or later, result in transmission failure.

If you often are forced to operate your car under these circumstances, you can benefit greatly from adding additional cooling to your transmission.

Such a cooler will be mounted on the radiator and it will cool the transmission fluid. Because many SUV owners use them to tow heavy vehicles, they came equipped from the factory with such auxiliary transmission coolers.

Revving up your engine rpm is something you should try and avoid as often as possible as it generates excessive amounts of heat.

Maintenance tips Check your transmission oil The most important aspect is to have your transmission fluid checked on a regular basis. Also check for its color. It should be red. If it had turned brown or it has a burnt smell should be changed at once. Before buying transmission fluid, check with your car's owner's manual to see the exact type the manufacturer recommends.

Never mix two different types of fluid of fluids coming from

Most modern cars have automatic drive different manufacturers. The recommended period to replace it is every 2 years or every 24,000 miles, which ever condition occurs first.

Changing gears When you want to put your car in reverse, come to a complete stop first. Changing from drive to reverse while the vehicle is still moving will harm your transmission.

In order to protect vital transmission elements, put the car into park after you have pressed the brake pedal and pull the emergency brake. By doing

this, less stress is applied to the drive train. Never shift to the Reverse or Parking until the car comes to a complete stop. Plus, always ensure that your brake pedal is fully depressed when shifting from park to another gear. Also always change gears from park to drive only when your engine is at idle.

Use your overdrive well When it comes to automatic transmission, there is always overdrive - which is the highest gear - in place. Under normal circumstances of driving, this is automatically selected by the

Automatic drives are very complicated

car. However, different cars offer different features. For certain car makes and models, you will have to manually turn this overdrive feature on or off. Over drives are used to obtain lower engine revolutions per minute (rpm) while driving at high speed. In turn, this also leads to more economical gas mileage.

Overdrive is the highest gear in the transmission and it is used to allow that vehicle to run at highway cruising speeds with a reduced revs, in order to mainly save fuel and reduce noise. If the automatic gear in your car has a

4-speed transmission with overdrive, the overdrive refers to the 4th gear. The same is with cars with 5-gear automated transmission with overdrive.

There is the possibility to have a smaller car, with a 4 or 5 way automated transmission, but without the overdrive function.

When towing a very heavy load or when you are climbing abrupt terrain, be sure to disengage the overdrive feature, if your car is equipped with such an option, as it will prevent the car from repeatedly changing gears from and to overdrive.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Living Do kids need therapy?

S

o m e t i m e s kids, like adults, can benefit from therapy. Therapy can help kids develop problem-solving skills and also teach them the value of seeking help. Therapists can help kids and families cope with stress and a variety of emotional and behavioural issues.

Many kids need help dealing with school stress, such as homework, test anxiety, bullying, or peer pressure. Others need help to discuss their feelings about family issues, particularly if there's a major transition, such as a divorce, move, or serious illness.

Reasons why a child may see a therapist Significant life events - such as the death of a family member, friend, or pet; divorce or a move; abuse; trauma; a parent leaving on military deployment; or a major illness in the family - can cause stress that might lead to problems with behaviour, mood, sleep, appetite, and academic or social functioning. These could be reasons why a child needs to see a therapist.

However, in some cases, it's not clear what makes a child to suddenly seem withdrawn, worried, stressed, sulky, or tearful. But if you feel your child might have an emotional or behavioural problem or needs help coping with a difficult life

event, trust your instincts.

Signs that a child may benefit from seeing a psychologist or licensed therapist include: developmental delay in speech, language, or toilet training, learning or attention problems (such as ADHD) behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, acting out, bedwetting or eating disorders) a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades, episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression, social withdrawal or isolation, being the victim of bullying or bullying other children, decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities, overly aggressive behaviour (such as biting, kicking, or hitting) sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents) insomnia or increased sleepiness, excessive school absenteeism or tardiness, mood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next) development of, or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor, management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness, signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse) problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation) bereavement issues

Talking to a therapist can help kids cope with behavioural issues and custody evaluations.

Different types of therapy There are many types of therapy. Therapists choose the strategies that are most appropriate for a particular problem and for the individual child and family. Therapists will often spend a portion of each session with the parents alone, with the child alone, and with the family together. Any one therapist may use a variety of strategies, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) This type of therapy is often helpful with kids and teens who are depressed, anxious, or having problems coping with stress.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

restructures negative thoughts into more positive, effective ways of thinking. It can include work on stress management strategies, relaxation training, practicing coping skills, and other forms of treatment.

Psychoanalytic therapy is less commonly used with children but can be used with older kids and teens who may benefit from more in-depth analysis of their problems. This is the quintessential "talk therapy" and does not focus on short-term problemsolving in the same way as CBT and behavioral therapies.

In some cases, kids benefit from individual therapy, one-on-one work with the therapist on issues they need guidance on, such as depression, social difficulties, or

worry. In other cases, the right option is group therapy, where kids meet in groups of 6 to 12 to solve problems and learn new skills (such as social skills or anger management).

Family therapy can be helpful in many cases, such as when family members aren't getting along; disagree or argue often; or when a child or teen is having behavior problems. Family therapy involves counseling sessions with some, or all, family members, helping to improve communication skills among them. Treatment focuses on problem-solving techniques and can help parents re-establish their role as authority figures.

Kid's health

Reasons why soft drink is bad for you

T

here are six good reasons why sipping soda is a habit you should kick. Do you spend most days with a can of soda by your side? You might want to break that habit. Turns out, all soda -- even diet -- is bad for you, and new research suggests it's especially harmful to women. Here are six reasons to give up soft drinks for good.

1. Soda makes you fat. Both regular and diet soft drinks are tied to obesity. In one study, people who drank diet sodas had a 70% greater increase in waist circumference over a few years compared to those who skipped soft drinks.

Diet soft drinks are particularly insidious, says RealAge cofounder Michael F. Roizen, M.D. "Sweet diet soda

fuels your desire for other sweets," he explains. It also has a "health halo" effect. "You view choosing a 'diet' drink as virtuous (all those calories saved!). So it feels like you can afford to reward that virtue with a hot fudge sundae."

2. Soda boosts your risk of serious disease. The extra belly fat that often comes with a soft drink habit is linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A recent study in the Journal of Internal Medicine also tied a daily diet soda habit to a higher stroke risk.

3. Regular soft drinks may cause cancer. New research from the University Of Minnesota School Of Public Health finds drinking two or more regular soft drinks per week may almost

double your risk of pancreatic cancer. Researchers speculate that the sugar overload from regular soda triggers insulin production that fuels cancer cell growth.

4. Its bad for your teeth. Even diet soda is bad news because sugar isn't the worst offender in soft drinks. The big culprit is soda's high acid content: phosphoric, malic, citric, and tartaric acid strip tooth enamel.

Citrus-flavored soft drinks are the worst -- they dissolve enamel up to five times more than colas.

5. Its bad for your bones. The same acids that are bad for your teeth also coax calcium from your bones. That goes for regular and diet caffeinated soda. Can't give up your Diet Coke? Roizen recommends upping your daily

calcium tally by an extra 20 mg for every 12 ounces of soda you sip.

Instead of soda, try this surprising sipper to build your bones.

6. Its bad, even if you don't gain weight. New research from the American Heart Association finds that women are more vulnerable than men to the harmful effects of drinking two or more sugar-sweetened drinks -- including soda -- per day. Sodasipping women are likely to have a larger waist size, higher "bad" LDL cholesterol, higher levels of triglycerides (harmful fatty acids that can cause heart disease), higher blood sugar, and lower "good" HDL cholesterol -- even if they don't put on a pound.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 18 — SUNDAY 19, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 23

KIDDIES WORLD With Aunty A'isha rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

SHOR T ST OR Y SHORT STOR ORY

Sights and sounds

Wha ou need to hatt y you kno wa bout dr ugs know about drugs

D

rugs are chemicals that change the way a person’s body works.

You’ve probably heard that drugs are bad for you, but what does that mean and why are they bad? If you’ve ever been sick and had to take

How can you tell if someone is using drugs?

If someone is using drugs, you might notice changes in how the person looks or acts.

Here are some of those signs.

Somebody using drugs might:

A child helping another to carry fire wood

medicine, you already know about one kind of drugs.

Medicines are legal drugs, meaning Doctors are allowed to prescribe drugs for patients, stores can sell them, and people are allowed to buy them. But it’s not legal, or safe, for people to use these medicines any way they want or to buy them from people who are selling them illegally.

Illegal drugs means harmful drugs should not be used by kids or even their parents, brothers and sisters or friends. These are such drugs like marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD and heroin because they are dangerous and can damage the brain, heart, and other important organs. They can also kill a person who takes them while people would also not be able to do well in school, sports, and other activities. It’s often hard to think clearly and make good decisions. People can do stupid or dangerous things that could hurt them or other people when they use drugs.

*lose interest in school *change friends (to hang out with kids who use drugs) *become moody, negative, cranky, or worried all the time *ask to be left alone a lot *have trouble concentrating *sleep a lot (maybe even in class) (get in fights *have red or puffy eyes *lose or gain weight *cough a lot *have a runny nose all of the time What can you do to help?

If you think someone is using drugs, the best thing to do is to tell an adult. This could be a parent, other relative, teacher, coach, school headmaster or head mistress. The person might need professional help to stop using drugs. A grownup can help the person find the treatment needed to stop using drugs. Another way kids can help kids is by choosing not to try or use drugs. It’s a good way for friends to stick together.

Anansi and the ghost food

I

t was the dry season.

Anansi’s people were starving. He told his people that he was going to find food.

He left and walked many miles, until at last he saw smoke from a distant village.

When he got there the town was full of cassava just cassava!

One cassava asked, “Would you like us roasted, fried, or boiled?

Anansi told them that it didn’t matter, so they roasted themselves.

The spider was just sitting down to eat when he saw a column of smoke on the horizon. He asked, “My people, who lives at that far place?”

One cassava told him that plantains (bananas) live there.

The spider started to leave but the cassavas didn’t want him to go. Anansi left anyway.

When he reached the village, the plantains approached him. They all asked if he wanted them roasted, fried, or boiled. He told them it didn’t matter because he was

Anansi came to the village with the rice.

The rice asked if he wanted them roasted, fried, or boiled. He responded with the usual answer. The rice boiled so that he could eat them. Anansi was just beginning to eat when he saw a smoke cloud rising not knowing who lived there. Anansi took off toward the town thinking that it might be something better than rice.

Anansi walked for a long time. When he so hungry that he would eat them anyway at all. Anansi just sat down to eat when he saw smoke rising from a town near the horizon. He asked who lived there, and the plantains said that the rice lived there.

The spider started to leave but the plantains urged him to stay. It was too late, but Anansi left anyway.

finally got to the place, he stopped and rubbed his eyes. He couldn’t believe it! It was his village! Anansi fainted.

When he woke up his wife gave him a bowl of fish bone soup. He told her his story, but she didn’t believe him. No one ever believed him because no one was ever able to go to those villages.

AMAZING!

Earliest inventions in Africa

D

o you know that, African people made the earliest, and the most important, scientific inventions? The earliest tools, the earliest use of fire, and the earliest use of numbers are all from Africa. People in Africa began to make their own stone tools over a million years ago, before they even got their big brains. They probably figured out how to use fire about 800,000 years ago (or maybe a little earlier). By about 250,000 years ago, early people evolved into modern people. These people invented boats, probably before 100,000 BC. Around 60,000 BC, African explorers left Africa and settled in India and Australia, and then West Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and China.

The people who stayed behind in Africa and most of the people alive at that time continued to think up new inventions. Around 50,000 BC, they began to make fish-hooks, for instance.

By around 35,000 BC, African people were using tally sticks to keep track of numbers.

Ten thousand years later, about 25,000 BC, people in Africa were using bows and arrows to hunt animals to eat, and to also defend themselves against their enemies.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 18 — SUNDAY 19, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 22

KIDDIES WORLD With Aunty A'isha rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

MODEL OF THE WEEK

AFRICAN TALES

The leopard man

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handsome stranger once came to a certain village and strolled about among the people in mysterious silence. All the maidens admired him and wished that he would choose one of them as his bride. But he said nothing, and at last walked away into the forest and disappeared from sight.

A month later the stranger came again, and this time one of the maidens fell so much in love with him that she resolved to follow him into the forest, as she could not bear to be separated from him.

When the stranger looked back and saw her coming behind him, he stopped, and begged her to return home; but she would not, and exclaimed, “I will never leave you, and wherever you go, I will follow.”

“Beautiful maiden, you will regret it,” replied the stranger sadly, as he hurried on.

After a while he stopped again, and once more begged her to retrace her steps. But she made the same reply, and again the handsome stranger said in sorrowful tones, “You will regret it, beautiful maiden!”

They went far into the depths of the forest, and at length reached a tree at the foot of which there lay a leopard skin.

Standing under the tree, the stranger began to sing a melancholy song, in which he

pursue the terrified girl.

But fear gave such speed to her feet that he could not overtake her.

As he pursued her he sang that he would tear her in small pieces, and she in another song replied that he would never overtake her.

For a great distance they ran, and then the maiden suddenly came to a deep but narrow river, which she could not cross.

It seemed as if the leopard would catch her after all. told her that though he was allowed once a month to wander about in villages and towns like a man, he was in reality a savage leopard and would rend her in pieces as soon as he regained his natural form.

With these words he flung himself upon the ground, and immediately became a snarling leopard and began to

But a tree, which stood on the riverbank, took pity on her and fell across the river, so that she was able to cross.

At last, nearly exhausted, she came to the edge of the forest and reached the village in safety.

The leopard, disappointed of its prey, slunk back into the forest, and the handsome stranger was never seen again.

KIDDIES MENU

Crunchy coconut bread

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hat you need: 4 cups of flour, 3/ 4 cups of milk and coconut water (or coconut milk) 6 teaspoons of sugar.

1 egg, 2 grated coconut, 2 table spoonful of baking powder, 1/2 table spoon of salt What to do: Sieve dry ingredients.

Add sugar, then beat egg with milk.

Stir in grated coconut and raisins (floured) if used. Blend ingredients well. Press slightly on floured board.

Shape into loaves and put ingreased loaf pan, filling only two thirds of each pan.

Dustwith fine sugar.

Bake in moderate oven.

Rolade Olofin in Indian outfit

I Makes 2 loaves. For heavier coconut bread, use only 1 teaspoon bakingpowder and 1/ 2 cup milk.

Press well on board, using extraflour until dough is very firm. Shape into loaves and brush with sugar and water.

INDIAN CUL TURE CULTURE

ndia is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world, with some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures. India is the birth place of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Being a multi-cultural and multi-religious society, India celebrates holidays and

festivals of various religions. Popular religious festivals include the Hindu festivals of Navratri, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga puja, Holi, Rakshabandhan and Dussehra. Islamic festivals, such Eid ul-Fitr, Eid alAdha and Ramadan, are celebrated by Muslims across India.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

KANNYWOOD/NOLLYWOOD

“My dream was to be an Air Hostess” I have a reggae family Susan Peters is an accomplished Nollywood actress, model, interior decorator and script writer. She has featured in many Nollywood films and still counting. In this interview, she spoke about how she almost lost everything and the rough path she had to take to get to the top...Enjoy...

You have become a household name in the Movie industry.

What was your background like? ell… Susan Peters is an average Nigerian girl from an average home. I am from a family of eight. We were actually eleven but we lost three. I am the third child with five younger siblings. They live in Kaduna. My Dad is a retiree from the Air Force and Mum is a housewife.

What was it like growing up in the midst of seven siblings?

There was the good, bad and the ugly. My Dad used to be very rich when he was in the Air Force. Then, there was no family problem, you know. Its not as if he’s poor now, he’s okay but then, it was like we were living with a silverspoon. We didn’t lack anything; even the househelp we had then really enjoyed. You don’t drink garri in my house.

If my Dad caught you drinking it, it’s a problem so you can imagine the kind of upbringing that I had. It got to a point that he lost everything and there was no help from anyone because while growing up, my Dad used to be the strict type. We didn’t receive vistors; even female ones so we ended up not knowing most of our uncles and aunties.

When we had problems, there was nobody to run to, most people thought we

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couldn’t make it but I thank God today. My sister is in the Air Force and she’s a Captain now.

My elder brother works for a communication company and I’m an actress. The others are equally doing well.

When did you decide to become an actress; was it by accident?

It did happen by accident because my dream was to become an Air Hostess. I used to love it when I see the British Airways Cabin Crew in their mini-skirts and decided that this could be the job for me.

I went for an interview at Chanchangi Airlines in Kaduna and I got the job and was supposed to come to Lagos for a course. After a while, they called that we had to sponsor ourselves and my Dad was broke then, so I couldn’t actualise my dream. I therefore decide to start buying and selling. I’ll go to Cotonou to buy womens’ stuff and it was selling like hot cake and I said to myself’ Why don’t you just get a shop and start from there?’.

I got one at Benue Plaza, Kaduna and the space that I got was so big and I decided to partition it on one side to accommodate a salon and boutique. I have both now and

its called Sue’s Place. One day, a group of artistes came to my shop in Kaduna and they wanted a place to act. The guy told me to fill a gap where I was just going to mime.

They didn’t even pay me but gave credit to the shop.

He later told me that I did well and should pursue a career in acting. There’s an acting school in Kaduna called ‘VideoWave’. There, I did a course in Stage and Film and it was quite difficult.

There was a particular lecturer who said ‘ Susan, you can’t graduate, you can’t be a good actress and you have nothing up there’. I said to myself that I had something to offer so we had exams and they invited lecturers from Zaria and I came out the best overall female with a distinction, I was shocked.

What happened afterwards?

I came to Lagos and wondered how people survive in the city . I came with some friends and I must say that I’m the last woman standing. My friends

couldn’t cope so they went back to Kaduna.

What was responsible for that?

In the beginning, when you are in Lagos, you actually find it difficult to settle down. We were staying in a friend’s place and at a point, he started making passes which we rebuffed. My friends couldn’t cope. At a point, I had to go back to Kaduna. Olu Jacobs or Alex Usifo (can’t remember which one now) told me that nobody will know me if I keep shuttling between Lagos and Kaduna. Kaduna’s kind of quiet, not rowdy like Lagos so I was staying with a friend in Victoria Island till I was stable.

How many films do you have to your credit?

Over thirty.

Apart from acting, what else do you do?

I model, do make-up and I’m also good at interior decoration. I weave hair so I’m an all-purpose Susan (chuckles).

What’s the most challenging role you’ve played?

That would be a character I played in Sound of Poverty. The film was about four girls from a poor background and one of them had the opportunity to make it. She was actually supposed to share her fortune with everyone but she was rubbing it in.

It’s a story about everyday life in the slum. You just keep t e l l i n g yourself that you don’t want to go through poverty.

The role gave me an inner strength that I have to make it in life.

You act,

model and do so many other things. What do you do in your leisure time?

I love watching movies and sleeping.

Are you one for food?

I love pounded yam and Ogbono soup. While growing up, I had problems with eating. My Mum said she had to force milk into me but once in a while, I relish food and Ogbono’s my favourite soup.

What’s your philosophy of life?

If tomorrow comes, just thank God that you are alive and you can move on.

Your phobia?

Water. I don’t know how to swim but I think I’m gradually getting over it. I have this feeling that something will swallow me when I’m around water.

Do you have any advice for people who have passed through hurdles like you?

I’d say they shouldn’t give up. When you know this is what you want, you keep trying.

Even if it doesn’t work out, keep trying until it works.

Another thing is forgiveness, once you forgive people around you, you’ll have peace all the time. People offend you and vice versa. Once you forgive, things will work out for you, even when you didn’t plan for it. Have an open mind.

What are your likes and dislikes?

I love dancing, travelling, watching movies. I love fashion in general, meeting new people.

I love babies too though I don’t have one yet (chuckles).I hate people who lie, back stabbers, people who don’t have a good sense of humour and people who disrespect others.

How would you assess the movie industry?

I think the industry’s growing now, thanks to the National Film and Vidieo Censors Board. If we can finish that phase,then we’ll go places. Our movies should also have less juju content in it. I think Nigerian movies are going places.

The issue of piracy and marketers is also being addressed. Artistes should be paid well as this would go a long way in motivating them to put in their best. Even the Bible says’ A labourer is worthy of his wage’.

Who are you role models?

International Artistes; Charlise Theron and Tom Cruise. In Nigeria, Joke Silva, Olu Jacobs, Alex Usifo and Bimbo Akintola.

Lagos; from there a friend took us to Cotonou, in 2010. We left Cotonou to Ghana, where we performed very well; people came out and were very happy to see a little boy, Bobby performing like that. But we had to come back home, Nigeria and continue to perform like we are doing.

But given such opportunity we will be able to go far.

What is your advice to Nigerian musicians?

They should keep on improving the industry to be able to compete with their contemporaries even though it is not easy. One day we will get there.

What is your view about piracy in Nigeria?

Pirated songs do not have good quality when compared to the original but there is nothing you can do because in Nigeria today, it seems that nobody can curb the menace. Though piracy helps promote upcoming artists by helping their works to go places, I am not in support of it.

Suleja based reggae artist, Ras Prince Garba, is the head of the Royal Raggea family and father of little Michael Jackson who has watched him perform since he was a toddler. In this interview, he describes his family as a music family while also decrying the piracy situation in the country.

What is your name and where are you from? y name is Ras Prince Garba, am from Edo State, Auchi. But I grew up in Ghana.

Tell us about your family First and foremost, we give thanks to the Most High God who makes things possible for us. Mine is the real reggae family, standing for reggae music with the help of God almighty, my son came in too on his own part to represent himself as Nigeria’s Michael Jackson. So all along, we have been working hard to make things work out as upcoming stars too since we started.

At what point did your wife become a musician?

When I married my wife was when she came into music as a backup artist.

How long have you been into music?

I started music long time ago, over 20 years now. I started when I was still in school; I always performed music to support myself before God gave me my wife who supported me before the children started coming.

Your son started as early as one; did you also start at that age?

No, I started performing in secondary school, like moving out and representing my school before I became a full artist. When I left the secondary school, I later went to School of Technology in Aba, and then Imo state. After my graduation, I came back to Lagos and worked in Apapa, Wharf as an electronic engineer, but I was never satisfied in terms of musical aspect so I left Lagos and came down to Abuja as a full time artist.

Do you have a band?

I have worked with bands, but for now, we only go out for entertainment when we are called upon.

The day we met your son performing at Eden garden, did he go there on his own?

No! The management, which had seen us perform in other places, invites us to entertain their customers every weekend. That was how we got to Eden Garden.

Do you perform on contract basis?

It’s not on contract basis but on musical terms, that is, what you can get as decided by both parties.

So we do what we know how to do by displaying our talents. One way or the other, God sends helpers to us and since we have been appearing there, we have gained a lot from people who have been supporting us financially and otherwise. And it’s the people that come around, they are God sent.

Do you plan to own a band of your own?

Yes, if God gives us the opportunity, we will like to have a

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band of our own.

Can you tell us your major in music?

My major is reggae music but when it comes to the entertainment world, we play different music just to entertain guests.

How many children do you have?

I have two.

When you had them, did you wish to bring up children that will also take up music?

That was not my thinking God made it to be like that.

What were you planning for your son before he became a musician?

I always wished him the best because I cannot make up his mind for him. Though when we had him I noticed him following my footsteps.

At the age of one, he tried to do some dance steps when Hap organisation called on him as an artist at that tender age, so it was one Hap entertainment that we went to, that was where I really saw that he was following my footsteps. The photographs we took are still with me. That was when I said, God if this is what he should be, let it be and I am happy about it even though there have been criticisms generally but I have not looked back.

How do you feel that he spends much time on stage but still excel in school?

Am surprised myself because after all the hectic work, going out, coming back and going to school he still comes out tops in his class. But it is a combination of work. His own talent, the mum and some of our siblings that are interested in what we are doing, the video clips we have, we play for him and he always catches up and this gives us the encouragement to go on.

What are your plans for him?

I have good plans for him. He should still go further with his education because he is brilliant and I pray that God will keep assisting us so that I can see him through his studies.

Do you have your own tracks?

Yes, I have my own audio and I am trying to work out the video; it is what I am working on now. My son is also coming up with his own album too.

What is your perception about the music industry?

The music industry in Nigeria has improved. We have gone far more than it used to be but we still have difficulties like in the promotional aspects we still lack many things. For instance, we need people to know what we are doing like this opportunity to be interviewed. So it has not been easy for us.

What was your experience in Ghana?

The first program we had was in

Ras Prince Garba,

After 4 years of waiting, couple celebrates twins

By A’isha Biola Raji

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he story of Mr. and Mrs. Phyllis Emerenini is one that shows that, those who wait on God shall not be disappointed as the couple was recently blessed with a set of twins after four years of marriage.

The Emereninis recently celebrated the birth of a set of twins, Destiny and Divinevictory, both boys at Christ Holy Church, Area1, Garki Abuja over the

Weekend.

It was a day filled with bliss as the family presented their babies to the church. In a joyous mood, the father of the twins, Phyllis said he determined to celebrate the babies’ birth taking into consideration the circumstances surrounding their birth, having been ridiculed by both relations and friends but did not allow the trial come in the way of his faith in God. “It was not easy during those four years of waiting. If not

for God, we could have given in to pressure,’’ he said.

He called on those seeking the fruit of the womb to wait patiently for God’s time; and assured that God will not disappoint them.

In his message, the General Superintendent, Christ Holy Church, Most Reverend Daniel Oko said it pays to wait on God no matter how long, he prayed for God’s provision for the family to take care of the babies.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

HOLLYWOOD

Obama sings “Sweet Home Bobby Brown to pen Whitney Houston Tell-All? Chicago” with B.B. King, Mick Jagger

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o b b y Brown, this may be your prerogative, but it’s a really bad idea.

According to sources in the publishing world, the singer was planning to pen a memoir about Whitney Houston a few years ago, but interest “wasn’t that great” at the time. Now, however? “The market has changed,” this insider tells The Huffington Post. “Now is the time for a book that details an honest look into the life of Whitney.”

But there’s no way Brown would exploit Whitney’s death,

right? Not when daughter Bobbi Kristina is suffering through such a tragic downward spiral.

“This is a man who left his exwife’s funeral because he didn’t like his seats and went to a paying gig that night,” a friend of Whitney tells the site. “He didn’t get on stage that night because he needed to sing his greatest hits or because Whitney would have wanted him to entertain his fans, he did it to get a pay check - the same reason he now wants to write a tell-all book.”

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Brown

h e n e v e r he leaves office, President Barack Obama may have found a new career. Who would have guessed his re-election strategy would involve more singing?

Last month, the Commanderin-Chief sang Al Green at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre. Then last night, he shared the stage with Mick Jagger, B.B. King and Jeff Beck.

The all-star musical line-up performed in the East Room of the

White House, with the President joining in for an ensemble rendition of “Sweet Home Chicago” ...

The full version of In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues is set to air on local PBS stations next Monday, February 27, at 9 p.m. ET. For most of the evening, Barack and Michelle Obama took in the concert from the audience, swaying in their seats and occasionally getting up to dance.

But after some prodding from Buddy Guy, who referenced

Obama’s Apollo performance and told him, “You got to keep it up,” the President took the stage.

Taking the microphone offered

by Rolling Stones front man Jagger, Obama sang a few bars - again, surprisingly well - and handed the microphone to B.B. King.

“This music speaks to something universal,” Obama said.

“No one goes through life without both joy and pain, triumph and sorrow. The blues gets all of that, sometimes with just one lyric or one note.”

BOLLYWOOD

Dhoom, Dhoom, Dhoom, Aamir, Salman, Shahrukh!!

Kareena bags KJo-Balaji flick!

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a s t year, Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor, had announced their coproduction venture. However, there was no leading lady for the ambitious project.

The filmmakers were not able to decide between Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. But now, the project has finally got its leading lady, and it's Kareena Kapoor.

A source close to the film said,

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o o k s like, with every passing year, the Dhoom series is sent to a new level!

The latest version of Dhoom, i.e.

Dhoom 3 has the perfectionist Aamir Khan, playing a stylish baddie. If this is not enough, reports have it that the remaining two Khans, Salman and Shahrukh, will be roped in for the forthcoming Dhoom 4 and 5,

respectively.

Now with such hot and sexy baddies in the film, will there be any place for the lead actors?

Well, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue to play their respective roles of Inspector Jai Dixit and his sidekick Ali. Also rumors have it that Salman Khan has agreed to do

Dhoom 4 and has already discussed the script with Aditya Chopra.

"Salman Khan wanted to work in a stylish action film. And Adi had discussed the possibility of Dhoom 4 with him. Salman had agreed. That's how they ended up working on Ek Tha Tiger. The script of Dhoom 4 is already locked," a source tells a daily.

Kareena

"Kareena has bagged a very big role in this film. Currently, she is Karan's favourite. He was very happy with her performance in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, directed by Shakun Batra."

Wondering who the lead actor is? Well, it's none other than the serial kisser Emraan Hashmi.

Revealed a source, "Both Balaji and Dharma are considering Emraan Hashmi for the male

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 27

Fittings to match your taste and class

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well-organized and clean bedroom will easily remove your stress levels and tiredness. To get an orderly looking room, it is advisable to make sure that you have adequate storage spaces for your things. The lack of this element tends to make your living area look clumsy. That isn't the best thing if you desired to have a great rest. You won't manage to relax and start a family if you find clothes along with other stuff scattered everywhere. A disheveled bedroom would be exactly the complete opposite of a restful and calming reason for a bedroom. A tousled room will similarly start your entire day awful looking for the best item that you'll require when looking nicely put together for work.

Your bedroom has to have wardrobes, dresser, and bedside tables to make certain everything will likely be properly held in a place and not to forget sleep. If you share the room with your spouse or someone, it truly is much more vital to have this complete set of bed and to obtain it in bigger sizes.

Your bed, naturally, is easily the most essential aspect in bedroom. It must provide you with enough room to lie on while reading, watching television and especially when sleeping. It will be the central figure in the room and must offer you comfort. Therefore, it is advisable to

make sure that it truly is sturdy having a mattress that will suit you well and ensure it doesn't provide you with pain if you arise.

As it is often the central figure in your bedroom, other home furnishings must blend well with your bed. This has to do with the color and complete fittings. If you bought your furniture separately, you have to be sure you recognize the colors that completely match with your bed. For example, a brown leafy leather bed might be complemented well with a Wenge furniture in dark oak.

If you think that you may have more stuff for being stored, you may invest on purchasing a bed that boasts of underneath drawers.

The drawers offer you additional space to help keep your personal effects.

Get bedside tables which can be sufficiently tall so that you can take your lamp and alarm easily while in bed.

On the other hand, you may also select the contemporary model of beds which are modern and can match your taste and class. They give modern-day designs with smooth finishes. Materials cover can be anything from fabric, leather, gloss or matt lacquer and wood finishes.

The ideal kinds of contemporary beds appear to be the platform bed. These types are near the floor. Bed side tables is definitely

not a dilemma, because there are nightstands intended to suit a Have dressers that feature a built-in mirror, drawer and compartments for the make-up, jewelries, along with other accessories.

Find a wardrobe cabinet which also features compartments and drawers so that you can maintain clothes so that together with the presence of drawers and

compartments, you may arrange your under wears, hats, belts, scarves, handkerchiefs, along with other fashion accessories properly.

It is proper to use a table or desk and also a chair when you keep a journal or write some stuff before heading to sleep.

A love seat is a welcome addition for you and your spouse.

Alternatively, a bench with

underneath cabinets can be placed nearby the window. Convey a cushion and some nice throw pillows to restore more comfort.

Picking the right furniture for the bedroom can assure you of the desired restful sleep as well as give you a tranquility that you'll require while lulling you to ultimately sleep. minitrampolineexercises.org

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Protect from Feel atyourself home with diseases by eating healthy

chop sticks anywhere

In case you find yourself in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, don't panic when you are served food with chop sticks. Learn now, how to use the 'quick little fellows' even when dining with friends and family.

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h o p s t i c k s are eating utensils consisting of a set of two tapered sticks, often made of wood, metal or plastic. The Japanese word for chopstick is hashi. Hashi also means bridge, and illustrates how the chopstick bridges the gap between the food and the mouth. Kuaizi is the Chinese word for chopsticks (it means quick little fellows).

-How to hold chopsticks properly It's helpful to know how to use chopsticks properly when you eat Japanese food.

It's considered impolite to hold chopsticks with five fingers in Japan. Take a look at the photo for your reference. It might take some time to practice, but it's worth learning how to hold chopsticks properly.

Using your fingers 1 . Hold the upper chopstick with the index finger, the middle finger, and the thumb.

2 . Put the other chopstick between the bottom of the

thumb and the tip of the ring finger.

3 . Move the upper chopstick only when you pick up food.

Bad chopsticks manners in Japan: -Waving chopsticks above food dishes.

-Sticking chopsticks into food instead of picking them up with chopsticks.

-Picking a cup or bowl up with the hand that is holding chopsticks.

-Sucking chopsticks.

-Sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice.

-Passing food directly from one's chopsticks to another's chopsticks.

-Four main styles of chopsticks -Chinese have the longer, wood sets that come to a rounded thicker end.

-Japanese use short, wooden chopsticks that come to a sharper pointy end.

-Koreans use shorter, metallic, wood or plastic

Easy to use, eating is fun with chopsticks

chopsticks that are often blunt at the end.

-Vietnamese have lengthier chopsticks that also come to a thicker end as in China.

Chopsticks for every occasion There are many styles and types of chopsticks for different occasions and uses. One type is for eating normal meals.

Chopsticks for the kitchen are longer and often plain or "leftover" chopsticks, made of wood. Each family member has their own chopstick, with a different design or mark, starting at about 2-3 years of age.

Practical steps on using chop sticks Pick up the first chopstick with the middle finger and thumb. Stiffen your hand for a firm grip. Have the broad end of the chopstick lay on the part where your thumb and index finger connect. Rest the narrow end on the tip of your ring finger, and hold it in place with the tip of your middle finger.

Pots & Pans

With Hajiya Ramatu Usman Dorayi

(Hint: try holding it the way you hold a pen to write. It might rest on your ring finger or your middle finger, held in place by your index finger. Place the chopstick then lift your index finger so it can hold the second chopstick.)

Grip the second chopstick with your index finger. Place your thumb over the second chopstick. Adjust your grip to a more comfortable position.

Make sure the narrow tips of the chopsticks are even with each other to help prevent them from crossing or being unable to "pinch" the food.

Hold it steady. This chopstick should not move when you attempt to pick up food. Alternatively, hold the first chopstick steady and move the second (top) chopstick by moving the tip of your index finger up and down while the thumb remains relatively steady, acting like a pivot point.

The top chopstick remains

pressed to the index finger from the tip through the first joint.

The movement comes from flexing the joint closest to the knuckle. Straightening your index finger opens the chopsticks and bending it closes them, with perhaps a slight flexing of the thumb to keep the chopsticks lined up with each other. (Note: this alternative is different from the photos in how the top chopstick is held. The movement comes from the top chopstick, not the bottom one, so the top chopstick is held so that it can be moved easily. Use the method that is comfortable for you.)

Practice opening and closing the chopsticks. Make sure the broad ends of the chopsticks do not make an "X" as this will make it difficult to pick up food.

Pick up food at a good angle (try roughly 45 degrees from the plate); slightly lift it up. If it feels unstable, put it down and try again.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

WOMANHOOD

The female corps member as epitome of humility; serves in a 'Mamaput' C h i n w e i k e Okwukwe is a Batch 'A' corps member serving in Kebbi State and doing her primary assignment at a ''mama put'' restaurant. She spoke with our Correspondent Ahmed Idris on her experience in service.

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umility, resilience, hard work and focus have been the marks of many contemporary Nigerian women.

Despite the harsh economic reality in the country, Nigerian women have continued to assert a level of independence away from the disposition of total dependence on the male folk without compromising their feminine integrity.

Most Nigerian women have become examples of surviving the odds and have continued to stand out even where the male folk succumb.

The above best suits a 25 years old female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Chinweike Okwukwe who hails from Anambra state but was posted to Kebbi state for her national service. At the time her male colleagues were running away from the state due to the security challenges in the northern states, Chinweike has boldly taken Kebbi as a home and hers has become a story of humility and service as she humbly accepted to serve the nation in a local restaurant popularly called 'Mama put' in Kebbi state.

Chinweike Okwukwe, a graduate of Accountancy from the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu in Enugu state threw pride to the winds by opting to survive against all odds and has ventured into an area most of her peers would rather not crave for. Chinwe is proudly doing her service in a mama put joint where she joyfully serves without qualms.

Speaking to Peoples Daily Weekend about her experience in the service, Chinwe said that after her orientation camp, she was posted to Ministry of Commerce and Industry where she served for only a few months. Though she was not rejected she opted to leave because according to her there was nothing virtually to do as service to fatherland.

She said service at that ministry was boring as there was nothing much to do in the office and based on that she decided to look for another place where she can indeed serve. She said this was what prompted her to start searching for a more challenging place where she can contribute directly to the development of the nation and the service of humanity around her.

Chinwe later got a place to serve and later effected her redeployment to a Mama put joint called Madam Lagos Restaurant located along Presidential Road Birnin Kebbi

Ms Chinweike Okwukwe

owned by one Mrs. Rose Hussaini where she goes to work in her NYSC khaki.

Presently, she helps out in serving dishes and taking care of other administrative issues and earns N10,000 monthly as allowance from her place of primary assignment.

In a chat with Peoples Daily Weekend, Chinweike explained that she prefers serving in the restaurant than having to stay at home or waste transport money going to the ministry where there was nothing doing. She said that some of her mates were not better than her because she can survive without demanding or looking for any boyfriend.

"I like it here. I am not ashamed of serving in a place like this. I am contributing to the service of the nation through meeting the need of the people and that gives me satisfaction. It is better than staying at home doing nothing. I don't just want to waste the period of service; that is why I chose to serve even in a

place like this and I think it is noble", she said.

Recounting her experience, Chinwe said when she arrived Kebbi, she didn't know anybody but that the service in the 'mama put' has afforded her a family and a home.

"When I came here, I did not know anybody, but serving here has given me a lot of things. I have a place to sleep. I have an accommodation and I am getting my daily bread", she said.

Though, she admitted that she loves Kebbi, Chinwe said she does not plan to stay back in the state after her service.

She said she has already started hunting for a government job but has decided to use the experience she will gather at the restaurant to establish her own. She believes that she can diligently manage a restaurant successfully.

Beaming with smiles when the question of whether she plans to stay back in Kebbi was put to her, Chinwe said, "No I don't intend to stay back.

I came for service. I have started looking for government work but that does not mean I have to wait until I get one before I start doing something. If I don't get a job, I will go and set up my own restaurant and I am sure that I can manage it well with the experience I am getting here", she said.

When Peoples Daily Weekend contacted the owner of the restaurant, Mrs. Rose Hussaini, she spoke highly of Chinwe and said that she enjoys her service. She recounted that the first time she saw the Anambra state born corper, she instantly liked her because of her humility and neatness and decided instantly to hire her.

When Peoples Daily Weekend contacted a senior staff at the NYSC office, he admitted that corp members in the state were allowed to choose where they want to serve as many of them are rejected at the places they are posted for primary service.

"Many ministries and parastatals reject corp members posted to them so we don't have any alternative than to allow them to choose where they will serve. Some of them even opt not to serve in the places they are posted to and we allow them to chose the places that they feel they can serve", the official, who pleaded anonymity said.

A check by Peoples Daily Weekend shows that members posted to kebbi state are serving in shops, hotels, computer centers and other private organizations where they contribute their quotas to the development of the state. For Chinwe, service in Kebbi has given her the opportunity to show her humility which many Nigerian women must learn to exhibit.

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Chinweike explained that she prefers serving in the restaurant than having to stay at home or waste transport money going to the ministry where there was nothing doing. She said that some of her mates were not better than her because she can survive without demanding or looking for any boyfriend.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

From the Archives Behold David Mark and others in 1965 in Nigerian Military School football team

Do you have old pictures for memories?

Send them to peoplesdailyweekend@yahoo.com

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an you recognise anybody in this 1965 Nigerian Military School Football team picture? In the middle of the top row is the current Senate President David Mark who was then popularly known as “Planner”.

At the third row, at the bottom of the “V” shape is Senator Tunde Jonathan Ogbeha, who was the goalkeeper and fondly called “Flying Jones”.

First from the left at the bottom row is renowned writer Elechi Amadi, who was the coach of the team.

Mark and Ogbeha, rose to become military governors and federal ministers before coming to the Senate. Mark has been Senate President since 2007.

Construction of the Kano-Lagos railway line near Kaduna in 1910

Kano in the 1970s was a mud city and yet, so exotic

Travelogue PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

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Aba by bus When bus ride became adventure and entertainment

By Richard Ihediwa

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e c e n t l y , I had an urgent need to travel to Aba, Abia state. I had just received the news of the death of my godmother and needed to dash to the village in the outskirt of Aba on a Saturday to organise things for the burial.

I did not have enough time and somehow there was not enough cash flow for me to take a flight so I decided to go by road. Most times I drove in my car from Abuja to Aba, but this time being fatigued, I felt it would be suicidal for me to drive and decided to go by public transport.

I woke up rather late and by that time, the luxury buses going to Aba had all gone. So I decided to patronise one of the mini bus companies loading from Kubwa in Abuja. When I got to the park, I was told that the bus to Aba had already gone and that I could only take the bus going to Enugu, from where I would take another one to Aba. I agreed.

I went to the ticketing office and they told me that the fare to Enugu was N1.700. I could not believe my ears. How come they are charging N1,700 when luxuxry buses and mini buses in the city center are charging close to N5.000. I decided to check the vehicle going to Enugu and to ask about the sitting arrangement. The vehicle was good and the sitting arrangement was fine. So I paid and was happy that I had some money to play around with. I recharged my phone and started calling my relations over some issues concerning the deceased.

At the park, people were selling all sorts of things including alcohol.

Some group of young men were having a good time over shots of spirits and cigarettes. I noticed that some of them were smoking

something other than cigarettes. I asked a young man who was helping arrange our luggage about the group and he told me they were “washing their eyes”.

In a moment the young man called out to the passengers. We all assembled and he started charging for the luggage. There was no technical way to determine the price for each, just the whims of the “loader”. He will just look at your load and your face and tell you a price ranging from N300 to N1,000. He looked at my hand luggage and told me N400. I paid. Then he got to a group of young men, which I later got to know were members of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) running from the northern states because of the Boko Haram problem, and told them to pay N800. The boys outrightly refused to pay. They said they did not have any money left on them. The “loader threatened to bring down their luggage and they in turn threatened to beat him up. A heated argument ensued.

Eventually another “official” of the company came and brokered peace.

He suggested N300 but the corps members refused. At last one of them said they had only N100 for the load.

The “official” collected the money and gave to the “loader”, who was still fuming or appeared to be fuming with anger. After a time the “loader” calmed down and started teasing the corp members. “How can you say you will not pay for the load, is it your fathers vehicle? If you don’t pay, what shall we eat?” Everybody laughed, but I felt cheated. I have lost valuable sum because I did not put a resistance pay. After all the corp members luggage was far bigger than mine. I have learnt a lesson.

By that time we have lost a lot of valuable time. Many of us were

already complaining. Suddenly one of the young men washing their eyes went to the driver’s seat and started the vehicle. He was the driver! I raised objection but some other passengers and the elderly official asked me to calm down that the driver merely sat with them but did not wash his own eyes. But I could bet he did. As we were making final preparations for departure, a young girl had a call on her phone and jumped down from the vehicle announcing that she had to see a niece. She ran across the street and disappeared and we started another round of waiting. The lady came and rendered no apology.

I thought it was time for us to move but no. A middle aged man came to the door of the bus clutching a bible. He started preaching about the wrath and mercies of God after which he entered into a session of praise and worship before bursting into prayers for safe journey. When he finished he asked the passengers to bless the “messenger of God”. People gave him money ranging from N50 to N200 before we left the park.

On the way, I noticed that the driver was speeding excessively possibly to catch up with lost time.

People cautioned him but one passenger said the driver knew what he was doing and an argument started.

When we got to Lokoja, a passenger suggested that we should not stop over but to continue so as to get to Enugu on time. There was a consensus but the driver would hear nothing of that. He stopped at an eatery and asked everybody to go down. We all came down and waited.

It was then that a passenger hinted that drivers stop there because they are entitled to free sumptuous meals for bringing customers. I decided to

check and when I got inside I saw the driver in the midst of other drivers devouring a huge plate of pounded yam with an assorted soup laced with fresh fish and cow tail.

As we moved on I found out that I could not help but started sleeping.

When I woke up we were at a joint police and military checkpoint near Enugu. A driver was being drilled for an offence. He was doing frog jump while his passenger waited. When we got the point, our driver greeted the security men and we passed. I wondered why he did not give the usual tip I saw other drivers giving.

Somebody said that minibus companies settle the higher authorities in advance so as to avoid delays.

One of the corps members was telling a story of his ordeal in one of the northern states. He said he was nearly killed. The story however veered off from that of the attacks to the issue of women. He said he was posted to the remote parts where young ladies go about without tops.

Some male passengers became interested and asked if he was able to get one of them. He said he could not try because they would cut one’s hand if he touched a woman. That sparked off another argument with some saying he was exaggerating.

The corp members however continued and told us a lot of other interesting stories about the village.

But the issue of women would not go away. Another corp member “running” from another northern state told us a story of how prostitutes in that state harvest semen from customers for ritual purposes. He said after the deal, the prostitutes will take the condoms as if for disposal but divert them to a ritualist, for various charms.

One male passenger, who had

been silent all the way suddenly became interested and asked what would happen to the unfortunate men. I sensed that he was afraid for something and I volunteered an answer. I said the person will never do well in life and will live in abject poverty and will become sick and die later because the charms will be drawing spiritual energy from him.

He asked what the solution was. I told him I cannot discuss that in a bus.I said those just for the jocular, but when we got to Enugu, the young man came to meet me seriously on the issue. I smiled and told him I did not have the solution and advised him to go for prayers if he was afraid.

At the terminal, I went to board the bus to Aba. This time I have learnt a lot of lessons. When the “loader” came to my luggage, he charged me N400.

I promptly told him that I was not going to pay. He became furious and asked me if the bus belonged to me or my father. I asked him the same question and he became seriously annoyed. Some passengers and other officials told me to pay that I was bigger than the money or that I should at least bargain. I told everybody to mind their businesses and demanded that the bag should be officially weighed before I would pay. I was enjoying the drama. After a while, the “loader” came and asked me quietly how much I had. I told him N50 and he said I should bring it.

The journey started with the usual prayer and offering taking.

There was the usual over-speeding and near reckless driving. The roads were also very bad. The journey was a hectic one. My complexion darkened due to the heat and sweat. I swore that I will never use small commercial buses for long distance journey again.

It was indeed a tale of adventure and entertainment for me.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

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Good Old Afro: Still trending in style, in 2012

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atural hair styles for black ladies certainly are an extremely healthy option, no wonder it’s made a comeback in 2012. And given the numerous harmful chemical compounds available in hair products, afro style is safest hairstyle to go for. Natural afro hair does not necessarily make use of blow dryers or styling iron, so they really are incredibly easy to preserve. The good news is it in vogue in the 2012 fashion season and so women can keep feeling very natural, confident with a sense of belonging to their roots. There are different natural hair types for dark and fair complexioned ladies but you can choose the one that best fit your personality and taste.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

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B BUSINESS USINESS

Central Bank of Nigeria building in Abuja

NCP to partner NASS on effective privatisation

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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h e Vice President, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has expressed the willingness of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), to partner the National Assembly in meeting the objectives of the privatisation policy which is aimed at creating wealth and jobs for Nigerians.

Vice President Sambo, who is also the Chairman of the NCP stated this in Abuja, when members of the House standing committee on privatisation and commercialisation, led by the Chairman, Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim paid him a courtesy call in his office.

Arc Sambo buttressed the need for cooperation between the legislature and the executive saying “cooperation between the executive office and the National

Assembly, means success.”

VP Sambo assured that government was making efforts to represent all outstanding bills regarding the privatisation process to the legislature, such as the railway bill meant to fast-track the development of the rail transport sector in the country.

He further said that government was fast-tracking the power sector privatisation and that of NITEL. Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Khadija Ibrahim stated that they were in the State House, to present the committee’s work plan to the Vice President as the Chairman of the NCP for effective oversight and lawmaking.

She stated that the committee had already concluded plans to embark on a phased oversight visit of privatised enterprises across the country starting from March 5, 2012.

Edo fish farmers access N20m ECOWAS Fund

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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i s h farmers numbering 246 across the 18 local government areas of Edo State have benefitted from the N20, 965, 000. 00 (twenty million, nine hundred and sixty five thousand naira) ECOWASFund accelerated Fisheries’ Development programme.

The project is designed to improve fish production through provision of financial credit to artisan fishermen.

Besides, it’s to assist them in the purchase of essential fishing inputs which includes outboard engines, canoes, nets twines,

hooks and floats.

The project is executed under a tripartite arrangement involving the federal government, Bank of Agriculture and the benefiting states.

The bank is the lending agency for the project; while the benefiting state provides the counterpart fund.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture disclosed this at a one-day sensitization workshop on the fund, however disclosed that the state had paid its N10 million counterpart fund. He said the payment of counter fund qualifies the state for the expanded second phase of the

project.”

Oroh explained that the sum of N50 million loan repayments has so far been recovered as at November 2011, representing over 76 percent, even as he appealed to those who were yet to repay their loans to do so.

“This is the first time the State is accessing the fund since its inception in 1992.”

The Benin branch Manager, Bank of industry, Mr. Alex Idoniye craved the assistance of the government in recovering the loan repayment from defaulting farmers, adding that the repayment will encourage disbursement of more fund.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 35 — SUNDAY 36, FEBRUARY, 2012

Sambo challenges NES on job creation, poverty alleviation

By Augustine Aminu

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i c e President Namadi Sambo has enjoined the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) to offer sound economic advice that will enable government to create more jobs and alleviate poverty.

Sambo made the appeal recently when he received in audience a delegation of the NES led by its President, Mr Akin Iwayemi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He expressed Federal

Government’s readiness to partner with the society in whatever training it could offer.

Sambo said the government would support NES in training public servants in data gathering, research, monitoring and evaluation.

He said that there were various training programmes in the public sector aimed at transforming the economy and creating jobs for the youth.

“We are developing a framework for data gathering and evaluation; the western

world cannot solve our problems, we have to develop how to solve our own problems by ourselves,” the vice president said.

He, therefore, urged the society to offer sound economic advice that would enable government to make good economic policies that would create jobs and alleviate poverty.

In his remarks, Iwayemi commended the government for its support to the society since its inception in 1957.

He said the society would

serve as “policy think-tank” for the government to enhance good governance.

Iwayemi listed the areas the society would like to partner with government as training, research, advocacy and public service.

He said the society would also collaborate with heads of department of economics in Nigerian universities in training and research programmes as well as in organising workshops to boost capacity building.

MDGs earmark N800m for four local govts in Kaduna

By Miriam Humbe

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he Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) would spend N800 million in four local government areas of Kaduna state under the Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS).

The MDGs Coordinator in the state, Mr. Iliya Chori, said on

Friday in Kaduna, that Lere, Birnin Gwari, Kachia and Ikara local government areas would benefit from the scheme.

He said each of the local councils would receive N200 million for the programme, which began in 2007 to tackle problems in the provision of rural infrastraucture, especially in the areas of health, energy, water and sanitation.

The coordinator said that the federal government would contribute N100 million, the state government N60 million while the local council would put in N40 million.

Chori said the MDGs had organised workshops for stakeholders on the modalities for the implementation of the scheme.

He disclosed that 113 local

government areas in the country had been selected for the programme, adding that their selection was based on challenges in meeting the MDGs targets.

The coordinator further said that the scheme would also pay attention to education and agriculture, to accelerate food production and economic growth of the rural economy.

Experts say oil benchmark review will improve economy Augustine Aminu with agency report

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ome financial experts yesterday said the upward review of the benchmark for crude oil in the 2012 budget would impact positively on the nation’s economy.

The experts in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, however, urged the Federal Government to revive the nation’s refineries to feel its impact on the economy.

They said that the immediate repair of the refineries would put a stop to the importation of petroleum products for domestic consumption.

President Goodluck Jonathan had on Tuesday forwarded a revised budget for 2012 to the National Assembly, seeking approval to set aside N180 billion for the fuel subsidy regime.

Jonathan also sought the Assembly’s approval to review the crude oil benchmark from $75 to $90 per barrel.

This was contained in a letter he wrote to both the Senate and the House of Representatives and read by the two chambers on Tuesday.

The President said that recent domestic developments, including the partial withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products and the ripple effect on government’s revenue and

expenditure had necessitated the revision.

The price of crude oil per barrel on Thursday was $123 in the international market.

Mr. Eddie Osarenkhoe, immediate past President, Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), said that the $90 per barrel set by government would boost the foreign reserve, adding that it would also alleviate the suffering of the people.

“But, if the Federal Government can repair the refineries and manage the excesses from the crude oil effectively, it will lead to infrastructure building and development,” he said.

Osarenkhoe said that

mismanagement of the surplus might worsen the nation’s economic situation.

Also speaking, Dr. Taiwo Opeyemi, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Lagos State University, said that review of the benchmark to $90 would make more funds available for the government.

Opeyemi said that it would reduce borrowing to finance budget deficit, advising government to spend the excess on provision of infrastructure to prevent rise in inflation rate.

“It is unfortunate that such surpluses from crude oil are not being effectively utilised for infrastructure building and development,” he said.

Shareholders urge SEC to build investors’ confidence in 2012

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o m e shareholders in the capital market on Friday advised the Securities and Exchange Commission to build investors’ confidence as part of its agenda to aid market rebound in 2012.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos that the commission should concentrate on confidence building, saying that confidence of investors was paramount for market rebound.

In his comment, Mr Boniface Okezie, President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), said that the major problem facing the market was erosion of investors’ confidence.

Okezie said that the listing of more companies in 2012 would not bring back investors’ confidence to the market, adding that the commission needed to embark on aggressive confidence building.

The shareholder said that investors’ apathy stemmed from the unpleasant pronouncements made by the regulators at the peak of market crisis.

According to him, the commission had failed in its regulatory functions as apex capital market regulator.

Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo, founding member of Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, commended the commission’s plan for 2012, adding that confidence restoration was important.

Olatokunbo said that market regulators should ensure holistic approach in solving the problem of the market as it was in the case of the banking industry.

He said that many investors had yet to invest in the market because of their past experiences.

Olatokunbo said that market regulators should ensure zero tolerance to market rules and regulations, stressing that violators should be penalised irrespective of their positions.

Mr Bayo Adeleke, Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), said that the commission should outline events aimed at boosting investors’ confidence.

Banks shut down in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun over robbery scare

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ommercial Banks in both Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun yesterday shut their doors against customers because of the increasing spate of armed robbery attacks in the state.

Customers, who went to the banks early in the morning for business transactions were turned back at the entrance by the security men.

Reports said that a gang of armed robbers had on Feb. 22, invaded a branch of WEMA Bank in Ijebu-Igbo and carted away an undisclosed sum of money.

An eye withness said some of the banks in the two towns reports

that a large number of customers were seen hanging around the bank premises with the hope that the banks might eventually open for business.

However, after several hours of waiting, some of the customers, who could not wait any longer left the bank.

Appeals by some customers to the securitymen in the banks to allow them make use of ATM located inside the banks premises proved abortive as they insisted that they have been directed not to open the gates.

Mr. Bisi Tiamiyu, a pensioner, who spoke with NAN at the branch

of First Bank located along Ibadan road in Ijebu-Ode, said he was not happy with the closure.

Tiamiyu said that he came to the bank to collect his pension for the month when he was turned back at the entrance.

“The bank should have informed us that they would not be operating today. Now I don’t have any money on me to buy food for my family.

“I am hungry, my child is sick and all my hope is on my pension and I cannot withdraw money now.

“Government should provide solution to this problem of insecurity in Ijebuland,” he said.

Mrs. Kafayat Bibiola, a business woman, said the closure of the banks was already having an adverse effect on her business.

Bibilola said that she came to the bank to withdraw money when she found out that banks were not opened for customers. “ I want to appeal to the banks management to have mercy on us and open for business,” she said.

Reacting to the development in a telephone chat, the Police Public Relation Officers, (PPRO) in Ogun, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, said adequate security arrangements had been made for all members of the public.

Adejobi urged the banks’ managers “to open for business, stressing that the command had re-strategised to ensure adequate security for the people”.

The PPRO said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Nicholas Nkemdeme, who paid an on the spot visit o the robbery scene had ordered immediate deployment of mobile policemen to strategic locations in the town.

The PPRO, however, urged the residents to go about their business activities, assuring them of adequate security by men of the police force.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

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The many faces of Kenyan politics Re: Sovereign wealth fund T h e preponderance of political ethnicity can be said to be the most retrogressive heritage of Africa’s colonial experience. It is common knowledge that the colonial administration in Africa relied mainly on ethnic clusters to rule in their respective posts in Africa. These clusters gradually magnified and transformed into political cleavages at the twilight of independence. As the nationalist movements began to break up at the verge of independence, many leaders retreated to their ethnic cocoons as they manoeuvred to inherit power.

From Nigeria to Sierra Leone and from Uganda to Kenya- numerically large ethnic groups therefore took advantage of the situation to entrench political ethnicity- which can be traced to all the bigger issues of corruption, inept leadership and under development in Africa.

A classical manifestation is in the Republic of Kenya, East Africa’s second most populous country and economic hub. As Kenya prepares to go to the polls once again, her political terrain is getting charged as ethnic formations rehearse for potentially combustible struggles against each other- which may make or mar the fragile peace in the country. Every passing day potentially opens up a scene of uncertainty in the suspense-filled political drama.

The latest controversy relates to the date for the forthcoming elections.

Opinion is divided on which date will be most appropriate. A High court ruled early in the year that the much awaited elections could hold in March 2013- 60 days after the expiration of the current parliament’s five year term. The court ruling also left a possibility of the elections 60days after the dissolution of the Grand Coalition Government. A 2012 election date is likely especially if the two protagonists in the coalition government in the persons of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga may decide to part ways soon. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has called for a December 17th 2012 election date which is line with what the cabinet had called for

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 earlier. However, the fate of the elections still largely hangs on what the two leaders agree to do. Many observers speculate that Prime Minister Odinga may soon quit the coalition in order to devote more time for his presidential campaigns. A cross section of the urban population favour a December 2012 date for the elections in anticipation that the Coalition Government will be dissolved in October.

There are more to the date controversy than meets the eyes. One possibility will be that two frontline Presidential aspirants, who have been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, may not be on the ballot for the polls. Judging from the antecedents of the ICC, it is doubtful if the case will be concluded in the next one year. Some members of the Kenyan Civil Society have already approached the court in an effort to ensure that the embattled Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret MP. Hon. William Ruto, are excluded from the elections on the basis of Chapter Six of the new Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.

Their position is supported by the Minister for Justice Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, who has proposed an amendment to the Act establishing the Ethics and Integrity Commission. Mr. Kilonzo has asked the parliament to give the Commission additional powers not only to investigate but also to prosecute and punish those guilty of non compliance. A reading of the public mood especially among the middle class would reveal that many Kenyans will prefer an interpretation of Integrity requirements of the Constitution in the broadest possible way to enable the exclusion of every aspirant who has been tainted by or reasonably suspected of

corruption in the past. This will mean a political tsunami which may even consume all top contenders for the Presidency of the Republic including Prime Minister Raila Odinga who once served as Energy Minister under President Daniel arap Moi- allegedly one of the most corrupt regimes in Kenyan history.

Though some people may say that this is very unlikely, such a development as suggested above will dethrone the political dynasty and hegemony that has held Kenya hostage since independence. The sterilization of the Kenyan political space for hastened reform and implementation of the prescriptions of the new Constitution will be easier to realise when the ‘old breed’ politicians are lawfully excluded. That will also foster new political realignments that and trigger fresh bonds of nationalism that will lead to mutual forgiveness among the ethnic groups.

Although less optimistic observers are very sceptical of the chances of the above scenario playing out and will rather dismiss it with a wave of hand; no one can rule it out completely.

Rather, other pundits are predicting a possible alliance along ethnic lines between the Kikuyus, Kalenjins and the Kamba- the so called KKK/G7 Alliance.

In the likely event of Uhuru Kenyatta (a Kikuyu) and William Ruto(a Kalenjin), not running for the Presidency, a clear beneficiary may well be Vice President Kalonzo(a Kamba). On the other hand a segment of ‘die hard’ conservative Kikuyus favour the emergence of a ‘dark horse’ in the person of the Minister for Internal Security, Prof.George Saitoti(a Masai) as a possible inheritor of the Kikuyu

block votes per chance Uhuru Kenyatta is excluded from the contest. It is rumoured that Prof Saitoti has a Kikuyu lineage hence the affinity of some Kikuyus towards him. Opposition to this alliance is already mounting and has allegedly led to a group known as Kikuyus for Change- a coalition of those who see the KKK alliance as an extension of the old style politics rooted in ethnic appeals and patronage.

So where do we go from here? The palpable wish among Kenyans to find the best way to challenge entrenched power structures of the malignant political class and virulent power elite is commendable. The progressive letterings in the new constitution will require a conducive political environment for its effective implementation. There will be effortsindeed desperate ones, to contaminate such environment by the same people who have been associated implicitly or explicitly with political rascality and irresponsibility of the past- who exploited ethnic divisions to service selfish interests and primitive accumulation.

Expectations are high that the forthcoming elections could become that long awaited keen contest between the progressives and the so called ‘dinosaurs’. Candidates like 27 year old Ms Kamenchu Kingwa and Hon. Ms Martha Karua- both female aspirants for presidency, symbolize a radical departure from the past and mirror the yearnings and aspirations of the youth and women for a deeper democratic space in Kenya. A broad interpretation of the Chapter Six of the constitution could provide a level playing field that will lay a foundation for that new Kenya that many Kenyans dream of – where transparency, centrifugal devolution of powers, political accountability, professionalism, commitment and meritocracy will be enthroned above cronyism, divisive hostility, backward political ethnicity and corruption.

Uche Igwe ucheigwe@gmail.com

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 37

What Governor of?

Publicis opinion andShema subsidyafraid reversal

By Umar Abdullah! Tsauri

G

o d has a way of making ordinary mortals like me heroes even when we probably have done nothing to lay a claim to earning such adjective. Today, not only have I risen out of the obscurity of being an ordinary indigene of Katsina state I have become a potent threat for those who for all intent and purposes want to keep us in infinite servitude.

The story of Katsina state may be the same as the story elsewhere, the only difference may be on who is telling the story. For now I am the one through whom millions are telling the Katsina story and that is why I am enemy number one.

Everywhere you go in the state people are not only anxious for a change but have stopped seeking for it because they are ready to make change walk on its feet.

They are no longer ready to accept enslavement in the face of new found freedom which we epitomize. They are no longer ready to live in abject poverty when our ears are everyday assaulted with the story of unbelievable figure of billions of Naira available to government in its coppers. If we are that rich as a state why are we that poor as a people?

The answer is simple! We have

for long been deaf that we are thought dumb! We have lived a life of lies that lying has become part of what rules us. To change this people need somebody with whom they can connect with and that is where I came in. I have followed these people to their huts, learnt their sufferings, heard their inner cries and cried over our failures. Now that I am ready to tell their story the government wants me silenced because their story is not the story that you should hear!

The story of hunger, poverty, theft and deprivation in Katsina starts and ends with something called State and Local Government Joint Account.

This account, though constitutionally sanctioned, was used for other purposes by the Governor of Katsina State other than what it was initially envisaged to do.

The Nigerian Constitution has already approved the sharing formula for the three tiers of government; federal, states and local governments.

Just the same way monies for states were first paid into federation account before sharing by the FAAC, so also do the monies of local governments paid into states' accounts before the sharing. The only difference is that, in Katsina State, the money is never shared.

As an administrative cover up, a pretentious revenue allocation table is unilaterally worked out by the Office of the Katsina State Accountant General in conjunction with the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with no input from the local governments and the money spent the way the Governor wanted it.

Imagine that, in the last four years, monthly deductions for Usmanu Dan Fodio College in Katsina, Tahfeez Students feeding allowance, water board bills, Katsina State Radio Retainership, Katsina State Television Retainership, Katsina Companion FM Retainership, monthly contribution for School for the disabled in Musawa, monthly contribution to School for the deaf in Malumfashi, monthly contribution to Luwa'il Islam in Katsina have become permanent features in the management of Local Government Joint Account.

Every local government contributes monthly to the above expenditures alongside other deductions even when one cannot justify what was paid for.

That is why the Governor will sit in his office and approve the deduction of N196 million

from the allocation of each of the 34 local governments in March 2011 amounting to N6.664 billion for the purchase of graders and caterpillars that were never purchased.

That was why the Governor could allegedly force the local government chairmen to each sign a consent of N20 million totaling a whopping N680 million just for the de-worming of the first lady! I don't know if she has been de-wormed!

That explains why each local government chairman was allegedly asked to consent to contribute N2 million for the purchase of water purifiers when there was no water in the state. The purifiers are yet to reach the state anyway.

These are a few from some of the very many abuses that we suffer through the manipulation of the Joint Account. This is the story of my people and this informs why wherever I went the cry was the same; help us bring somebody like you who can keep our trust, respect our wish, guard our values, enrich our faith and meet our hopes.

The hope for a decent living.

To achieve that, I always told them to give me a good person, trusted by them for whom we can fight. I lay no claim to strength, but I am

always comforted in the belief that the strength of Allah is available to those that seek it.

And I seek it!

Now when those desperate for power are busy running to Katsina Government House for anointment we are busy going into the villages telling them that it is not the responsibility of government to give us whom to choose but rather it is the people that should determine who should govern over them.

This is our belief and this is our commitment if we are to put an end to this attitude.

I know there is the general fear that local government elections being handled and managed by the State Independent Electoral Commission always go the government way.

That may be true in some places but if you have been to Kankia, Funtua and Malumfashi you will know that it is not always like that. I can guarantee that this time around, insha Allah, other local governments will follow suit.

We have been so cowed into believing that we are eunuchs and cannot do it that we have almost believed we can't. I think for a change we should be men enough to live the life we want.

Tsauri (Tata) contributed this piece from No. 6 Dekina Close, Area I, Garki Abuja

Mike Omeri as salesman of transformation agenda

Public opinion and subsidy reversal T

By Gboyega Amoboye

a l k of shuttle diplomacy, one remembers easily the colorful one time United States Foreign Secretary, Mr. Henry Kissinger. If one talks of shuttle visit, one is tempted to give it to the new Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri who recently packed a two-day job in Kano into an actionfilled one day.

This may sound like "round the world in 30 days" No but round Kano city in one day.

The visit to Kano which is the first to any state since he assumed office took Mr. Mike Omeri to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero on a condolence visit, the graduation of students of Kano State Farm Mechanization Institute, two popular Radio Stations: Freedom Radio and Cool FM and the State NOA Directorate office. Every where he visited, Mr. Mike Omeri unfolded his vision and mission as the new helmsman in the Agency.

"Your Royal Highness", he said to the Emir of Kano, "my mission is to transform the National Orientation Agency into a proactive, knowledge based and active Agency. Why do I want to do that, he asked". "I want to ensure that the anxiety of our elders are assured and engage the social, intellectual middle class who want to find a platform to express themselves and we also want to create a platform of activities for our young people".

Painting a rosy future for Nigerian youths, Mr. Mike Omeri

said "it is our hope and determination that in our communities, especially those who are out of school whether they are graduates, school leavers, skilled or unskilled, we will prepare them for leadership and responsibility and as a stop gap, arrange for them to get employed or choose whatever career they intend to do either as skilled people or business people".

On the methodology of achieving this objective, Mr. Mike Omeri said "The idea is to have an inter-agency relationship with multi-lateral and local agencies that have the capacity to support any development in our communities and local villages".

To match words with action, the Director-General told the Emir that he has directed that all NOA activities will henceforth hold at the local government and ward levels and no longer in the city while the Citizens Responsibility Volunteers about to be formed to drive the initiative will be based in the respective communities "so that young people can learn to give back to their respective communities what they had been given".

At every point of call, Mr. Mike Omeri markets the new slogan - Do the right thing; Transform Nigeria. It was not different in the palace - Alhaji Ado Bayero was initiated into the project and in addition appointed as Ambassador of National Orientation Agency with these words: "Your Highness, since your institution is very historic as the custodian of our values, the teacher of our attitudes, it reinforces our belief in the unity

of our great country, we seize this opportunity sir to enlist you into our campaign of doing the right thing to transform Nigeria", and urged him to always include the slogan in his daily activities "so that our brothers, our sisters will know that in doing the right thing, our country will be moved forward in peace and in unity".

Responding, the Emir of Kano whose response in Hausa language was translated by a spokesman urged National Orientation Agency to take its message beyond Kano state explaining that Kano has an already existing programme called Adiadata sanu (value reorientation) the Emir pledge the continued support of his emirate for all programmes in Kano State.

At the graduation ceremony of students of Kano Farm Mechanization Institute, Mr. Mike Omeri called on wealthy Nigerians to make investment in the youth a cardinal point of their corporate social responsibility in order to develop responsible citizens and build a wealthy nation.

He commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote who was said to have funded the project substantially for his love for his people.

Addressing the gathering of who-is-who in Kano State including the state Governor Engineer Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, Mr. Mike Omeri said he was in Kano to propagate the new focus of the National Orientation Agency which is community reorientation. He expressed delight to have met on ground a similar programme, community reorientation scheme

introduced by the Kano State Government. He said from his observation the government programme has succeeded as reflected in the way of life of the people.

My job, he said has almost been completed "because your Governor knows what to do and he is transforming your state". The NOA boss solicited the guidance of Alhaji Maitama Sule (Danmassanin Kano) First Minister of Ethical Revolution in the second Republic, who was in attendance for the success of the NOA project.

He latter presented a symbolic certificate to one of the five graduands who stood in for 400 others.

At Freedom Radio, Mr. Mike Omeri said "I am here to plead with you so that we can start to reorientate the values and aspect of our people. He said that even though indiscipline has become the bane of the society, there are still positive sides that must be emphasized. Henceforth he said the focus of the Agency will be the rural communities where a new programme Citizens Responsibility Volunteers would be established and will be made active all year round. "We shall engage Nigerians especially those who are yet to be engaged in government activities or have left schools, including graduates who are yet to be employed will be engaged in theirs respective community to serve their people.

He said very soon the Agency would start training such people and at the end of the training in

community development project, graduates opportunities would be enhanced by the recommendation given by the NOA as having participated successfully in community development programme.

Welcoming the DirectorGeneral to Freedom Radio, the Managing Director of the station, Mallam Farouk Dalhatu, said Mr. Mike Omeri's antecedent has eminently qualified him for the job. He pledged the readiness of Freedom Radio to cooperate with the National Orientation Agency" because they both share the same belief that the unity of the country is non negotiable "we have no cause whatsoever not to partner with the NOA and other institutions that are of the same principles and disposition to the Agency" said Mallam Farouk Dalhatu.

To the staff of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri said it would no longer be business as usual and therefore charged them to brace up for the challenges ahead of them as all Agency's activities would henceforth be carried out in grassroots and resources would be moved away from the headquarters to the States and local government levels for effective implementation of the Agencies programmes promising to look into staff welfare and ensure they benefit from the National Housing policy.

Gboyega Amoboye writes from (National Orientation Agency) Abuja

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25— SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Economic Public opinionreforms and subsidyand reversal sustainable development S

By Kayode Oluwa

ustainable development is one of the critical, challenging and fundamental issues Nigeria – and indeed, most developing countries face today. It is the panacea to poverty and key to good quality life. Sustainable development gingers and engenders durable growth, economic progress, prosperity and dignity of human life. It must, however, be affirmed that only meaningful and viable economic reforms can guarantee transformational and sustainable development; without reforms there cannot be transformation. This is because effective structural reforms create value, growth and investment opportunities in the economy by stimulating entrepreneurship, accelerating the pace of industrialization as well as efficiently allocating and harnessing economic resources for sustainable development.

The development experience in Nigeria since independence has been that of a blighted development on a knife-edge: one of hope and despair, dreams and frustrations, expectations and disappointments, pains and hardships, poverty and hunger,

sufferings and miseries. The way and manner in which the government confronts and tackles the prevailing socioeconomic challenges will be crucial not only in determining the viable and sustainable development of the economy, but, more importantly, the future of Nigeria.

The effectiveness of economic policies and development initiatives employed by successive governments, over the years, to manage the economy has increasingly been called into question. This is because, in spite of the various economic policies, programmes and strategies espoused and adopted by governments to enhance economic development – indigenization, nationalization, import licensing/ substitution, austerity measures, structural adjustment programme, deregulation privatization/ commercialization, liberalization, and now transformation – there has not been any appreciable transformational change.

Indeed, attempts by one government after another to solve the persistent macroeconomic problems of failing output, slow/low growth, rising

inflation, high level of unemployment, huge budget and balance of payment deficits and the seeming difficulties in ensuring the smooth adjustments of economic structures to changing world production patterns, through demand management policies have failed. This is because restrictive policies have only been able to marginally reduce inflation at the expense of increased levels of short-term unemployment, while expansionary polices designed to accelerate the rate of growth have been increasingly transmitted directly into the price level, with negligible effects on output. This policy dilemma has, therefore, necessitated the need for our policymakers, advisers and development planners to develop alternative new approaches, strategies and models of development in addressing and solving the seeming intractable economic problems of the country. This is even more so, when it is realised that most countries, particularly in Europe, are now introducing “austerity measures” and structural reforms to address their economic problems. Many

leading economists and analysts, as well as some world leaders, have predicted that most economies - both developed and developing – will be confronted with severe economic recession during the year 2012. Hence, in order to address the challenge of rebuilding our economy, especially in the face of the looming global economic crisis the government must institute broad-based economic reforms to tackle the key elements of macro-economic indices and fundamentals, if its transformation agenda is to achieve meaningful results.

Foremost, it must be said that no country ever gets developed without a pre-conceived, creative vision – a definite, conscious, purposeful and deliberate plan and programme – which will give direction under which economic and business activities will take place. Hence the formulation and adoption of the vision 20:2020 by the government is commendable and indeed a good starting point for economic reforms.

However, for the reforms to be meaningful, the government must put in place the right structures, legislations, regulations, policies as well as infrastructures, all of which will

create the enabling and conducive environment for businesses to operate. For an economic system to function properly, optimally and efficiently and for businesses to thrive and flourish, policies have to be clear, precise, unambiguous, transparent, consistent, reasonably stable and must be effectively and explicitly communicated to business operators, entrepreneurs and investors, so that they will not only play by the rules, but also have clear expectations as to the performance of their investments by being able to know, evaluate and measure approximately the relationship between the potential risks visà-vis the potential returns on their investments.

To achieve a decisive economic recovery, inclusive growth and sustainable development, the reform programme should emphasise and focus on outward looking development strategies with special bias for export expansion and the encouragement of the private sector as the fulcrum and engine of growth.

Oluwa is president, Academy for leadership and change management, Lagos.

Curtailing water shortages in the FCT Public opinion and subsidy reversal

By Yusuf Ibrahim

A

f t e r taking over the reign of leadership, Senator Bala Mohammed had made a sincere pledge to improve all sectors in the FCT; this is inclusive of the provision of clean portable water to the Capital City and its environs, owing to the fact that water is life and its utmost importance in the day to day activities of man cannot be over accentuated.

Supply of potable water to Abuja has remained a major challenge to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as a result of the overwhelming influx of people into the FCT, thus creating an upsurge in the population of the territory. The rapid population upsurge in the FCT has heightened the problem of illegal squatter structures development in the territory; consequently the current Administration will continue to remove such unlawful structures with all necessary considerations and caution to moderate the traumatic effects such action will cause affected residents.

Senator Bala is bringing his experience to bear with regards to handling water situations in the FCT, and based on the

priority that has been ascribed towards tackling the water shortages; the FCT Minister had recently paid a visit to the lower Usuma dam to inspect and ascertain the level of work done and to ensure that phase 3 and 4 of the dam’s water treatment which is at 95% completion is on schedule for commissioning.

The water situation in the FCT is reasonable enough, what has lagged behind overtime is the water infrastructure of which the administration of Senator Bala Mohammed is honestly tackling directly, we are all aware also of the enormous inflow of people on a daily basis into the Capital Territory warranting the massive usage of water.

For a comprehensive approach to the problem, the Administration of the FCT under Bala is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that Gurara dam is completed, so that there is enough water about 8 times of what is available at the lower Usuma dam for consumption by residents of the FCT. In addition, the water treatment plant being constructed to treat the raw water from Gurara dam, has its essential components in place; the Chlorination Room, the Filtration, Rotors, Clarifiers are

all in place, the only missing component is the water pipe to convey raw water from Gurara dam to the treatment plant that is at a 95% completion stage.

This is where the next stage comes into play and it involves reticulation and piping; the pipes are not just equipment you get from any place, they have to be manufactured for you, there are other series of valves that must be ordered with the pipes due to its size, and about 400 metres is what is needed. Nonetheless the companies handling this aspect are working assiduously to meet the set deadline for completion of the job; Senator Bala Mohammed has indicated that in the shortest possible time, everything should be ready for a sustained water supply to every part of the city and its environs.

The previous laying of pipes along the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) or KubwaZuba-Asokoro Expressway was to optimize the distribution of water to the City and its environs; there is water in Life Camp, Jabi, and Utako but coming to Phase 1 due to the scenery in places like Maitama Minister’s hill and the rest, these are very high places similar to Wuse II near the British Embassy and most places that are hilly; water won’t be available due to the rationing

system.

The pressure at these points is very low, the problem will be remedied with constant power supply to the booster stations that pumps water to these high level areas, now the booster station uses public power supply which is inconsistent and inadequate to sustain pressure to these high areas, efforts are being made to use generators for more consistency to pump water to all high located places.

In the not distant past the FCT Administration had previously restored water to some parts of Gwarinpa Estate that previously never had water; then the major constraint affecting the distribution of water to every part of Gwarinpa estate was predicated on the mere fact that there were just a network of pipes that led to individual properties but the individual pipelines that run into the properties were never laid from the start, at that moment the FCT water Board was laying the connection in Gwarinpa Estate; that is the house to house connection which was rather time consuming.

More people were consequently engaged to ensure the swift completion of the job.

The basic framework that was evolved is predicated on a

methodical plan of water transfer; as the dry season sets in plans have already been set in motion by the FCT water Board with the Gurara transfer program in place; with about 850 cubic meters of water as compared to Lower Usuma Dam’s 100 cubic meters. The transfer occurs in a systematic way such that when the dry season sets, the lower Usuma Dam is used to a definite point then raw water is transferred from Gurara Water to the lower Usuma dam.

This transferred water is now drawn for treatment and distribution; in essence this creative method ensures the availability of raw water for treatment and distribution. As it is now there is water up to Gwagwalada, kubwa and Nyanya, the only places that have not been reached by the FCT Water Board are places like kuje and Karshi.

Senator Bala Mohammed is willing to do much more in the overriding public interest, in the bid to ensure that the water sector develops drastically to a point where water reaches all the nooks and crannies of the FCT, with no more water shortages of any kind whatsoever.

Yusuf Ibrahim, 3 Gwarinpa, Estate. Abuja.

Ibrahim.sarkinyaki1@gmail.com

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 39

Protests in Afghanistan over Quran burning T

h e fourth straight day of protests over the burning of Qurans at a NATO base in Afghanistan have led to the death of nine Afghans.

One protester was shot dead in the capital.

Earlier in the day, another seven protesters were also killed in the western city of Herat, where protesters tried to storm the US consulate. One protester died in the Pol-e-Khomri area of northern Baghlan province. Two deaths were also reported in the eastern province of Khost.

Friday is the start of the Afghan weekend, and large crowds were expected to gather at major mosques throughout the country.

Hundreds of demonstrators

marched towards the palace of Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, chanting "Death to America!", prompting security forces to fire into the air in an attempt to disperse them.

At least three civilians and two policemen were injured in yesterday's riots, Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesman for the Afghan interior ministry, said.

"We have demos in five locations in Kabul," Mohammad Zahir, a senior police official, told AFP. Demonstrations have been reported in several locations across the country, including Ghazni, Nangarhar, Paktia, Kunar, Bamiyan and Khost.

"Although peaceful demonstrations are the right of

people, we strongly urge our countrymen to fully avoid turning them into violent ones," said Sediqqi

earlier in the day.

Security has been beefed up around major mosques, and police

in armed pick-up trucks are guarding streets and buildings around such locations.

Rudd to face Gillard in Australian vote

K

e v i n Rudd, Australia's former prime minister, has confirmed he will challenge his successor Julia Gillard in a leadership vote, days after quitting as foreign minister in her government amid an increasingly bitter power struggle within the ruling Labor Party.

Rudd on Friday also stepped up his attacks against Gillard, the prime minister, accusing her of betraying him when she replaced him as party leader in an internal vote in 2010.

Gillard called a leadership vote for Monday following Rudd's resignation on Wednesday, in the hope of reasserting her authority before Rudd's rebellion gained support.

But Rudd told a press conference on Friday that he would stand against her.

"Rightly or wrongly Julia has lost the trust of the

Australian people and starting on Monday I want to start restoring that trust," he told reporters in his home town of Brisbane.

"I want to finish the job the Australian people elected me to do when they elected me to become prime minister."

Rudd also hit back at senior party colleagues, accusing them of "character assassination" over personal attacks that have questioned his leadership abilities and loyalty to the party.

While admitting he was not "Captain Perfect", Rudd said colleagues had attempted to portray him as "if not the son of Satan, at least the grandson of Satan".

Gillard and senior cabinet ministers, including party treasurer Wayne Swan, have criticised Rudd's time as prime minister between 2007 and mid 2010 as dysfunctional.

In their Friday prayer sermons, mullahs called for calm among the people [Reuters]

Suicide attackers target Pakistan police

S

u i c i d e bombers armed with guns and grenades have attacked a Pakistani police station in the northwest of the country, killing four officers, officials say.

The three attackers opened fire with machine guns, and then used hand grenades to attack the building, before detonating their suicide vests, Yameen Khan, a senior police official, said.

Khan said yesterday's attack targeted the police station in central Peshawar because many officers lived there.

Pieces of human flesh and body parts, including the head

of one of the suicide bombers, were scattered inside the police station, along with broken windows and chairs, an AFP reporter said.

Police officer Sattar Khan said six policemen were wounded in the attack.

Pakistani Taliban spokesman Ahsanullah Ahsan told The Associated Press news agency the attack was carried out by an affiliated group, the Abdullah Azzam Brigade.

Abu Zarar, a man who claimed to be a spokesman for the Abdullah Azzam Brigade, also told the AP that the group executed the attack.

Diplomats seek plan to end Syria bloodshed

R

epresentatives of more than 70 Western and Arab nations have gathered for a "Friends of Syria" conference aimed at finding ways to end bloodshed in the country's increasingly violent uprising.

In opening remarks to the conference yesterday, Moncef Marzouki, the Tunisian president, said that the Arab League should send a peacekeeping force to help end President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on dissent that left

thousands dead.

"The current situation demands an Arab intervention in the framework of the [Arab] League, an Arab force to keep peace and security, to accompany diplomatic efforts to convince Bashar to leave," he said.

Marzouki also said that Assad and his family should be granted immunity from prosecution.

"A political solution must be found, such as granting the Syrian president, his family and members of his regime

judicial immunity and a place to seek refuge, which Russia could offer," he said.

Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, the Qatari foreign minister, backed calls for an Arab League peacekeeping force.

"We want this meeting to be a start to stopping the violence in Syria and this cannot be done except after the formation of an international Arab force to maintain security, the opening of secure humanitarian corridors to bring aid to the Syrian people and the

application of Arab League decisions," he told the meeting.

Outside the venue, police wielding batons beat back several dozen pro-Syrian government protesters trying to enter the building where the meeting was being held.

The demonstrators, chanting "No to the conference!" and "No meeting of the enemies of Arab nations", had attempted to force their way into a hotel on the outskirts of Tunis where the meeting is taking place.

The bombers struck at about 7:15am (02:15 GMT), when local residents were preparing to leave for work and school.

"The attackers first started firing on the gate of the police station and then used the hand grenades. Later they entered inside the police station," Imtiaz Khan, a senior police official, said.

Witnesses said that policemen were coming off night shifts when the attack took place.

"We were just trying to sleep after we finished night duty when we heard the blast," said Sayed Ali, a police constable who lives at the station.

"We ran out of the building from the back door and then there were three blasts," he said.

Officials said between 15 and 18 kilogrammes of explosives were stuffed inside the suicide vests, along with ball bearings and steel plates.

Shafqat Malik, the chief of Peshawar's bomb disposal squad, said the suicide bombers were aged between 18 and 22.

Imtiaz Altaf, the city police chief, said that the attackers aimed to "occupy the police station, but they failed".

He said the attack was likely in revenge for ongoing military offensives in the region.

Yesterday's attack was the latest in a series of bombings in or close to Peshawar.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Wellness zone

Phyllis Ogo Ogar phyllisogoogah@gmail.com +234 80 58425746 (sms) only

Adopting a healthier lifestyle

Seven components of wellness

Exercises help keep you fit

M

o s t people in the society think that success in life is measured by how much money you make. Unfortunately this will not help you live a better and fulfilling life, except you adopt a lifestyle that allows you to enjoy what you have commensurately.

Lifestyle is the most important factor affecting our wellbeing, but most often, a lot of people don’t know how to reach this objective. Fitness by itself would not necessarily decrease the risk for disease and ensure better health, and that’s where the concept of wellness comes in. To enjoy a lifestyle of total wellness, one has to practice behaviors that will lead to positive results.

Wellness is an all inclusive umbrella covering a variety of health related factors. A wellness lifestyle requires the implementation or adoption of positive programs geared towards behavioral change aimed at improvement of health and quality of life, increment of life expectancy and achievement of total wellbeing.

Bearing all these factors in mind, the need to enjoy an optimal wellness lifestyle need not be overemphasized.

To achieve this, the seven dimensions of wellness, that is, physical, emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, spiritual and occupational have to be practiced and positive outcomes achieved in all these components.

Unfortunately, it is rather an

uphill task nowadays for most people to start a fitness and wellness plan and stick to it. Little wonder it happens because of our very hectic schedules that live little or no time for recreation, and most big companies who tout magic diet plans that basically deprive the body of essential nutrients as well as near starvation plans. The internet and magazines too are flooded with adverts featuring well edited photos of “fat people" who shed magical pounds after swallowing some pill or drink. The weight loss market has boomed to a billion dollar industry.

I am extremely wary of diet pill companies that promote their “magic” potions and pills as the easiest and best way to lose weight and keep it off. What upsets me the most is many of these companies take advantage of well-meaning people who want to make a positive difference in their health and sell them products that may not work or (even worse) do more harm than good by altering or totally damaging their metabolism.

Of course the body fights back so it is little wonder that the weight shed comes back almost close to 300 percent and then makes it more frustrating and demoralizing for the person as the bounce back pounds are harder to shed because the metabolism has been altered by the junk pills and potions. I am not a fan of fad diets rather I am a strong advocate of REAL, delicious and wholesome foods in order to boost metabolism, feel energized as well as satiated, and lose tons of fat at the same time.

Avoiding preservatives, artificial sweeteners, so called diet drinks and hydrogenated oils, over processed foods, whole cream dairy products as well as sodium and sugar flooded foods.

Permit me to make a bold statement here and say that if a “diet” program requires you to purchase their pills and shakes to make the diet work, you should be very, very cautious (and probably look for a different program) or ask for board certified clinical trials on the product(because knowledge is power) and not anecdotal records.

One’s ability to lose weight involves a number of factors. The two primary factors in weight loss are the food choices that we make, and the amount of exercise that we get. Both

of these help to create an overall healthy lifestyle, and both can help to boost metabolism, which is a very important part of weight loss. In fact, the higher your can raise your metabolism, the more fat you will burn! The key is striking a balance.

The great news is that we have the power to influence our own metabolism. Exercise, (particularly weight training) is the number one way to help boost our BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). The other way to help boost metabolism is through the food and beverages that we consume. I will tell you with 100% certainty that all you need in order to successfully lose weight and keep it off is wholesome, natural food…and that’s it! Oh, and water, of course. But you don’t need any magic pills or shakes to drop the excess fat off your body and keep it off for good.

I tell people in my wellness classes and diet clubs that the most

important key is your mind.

I absolutely love seeing people make the decision to make a positive change in their weight and their health and adopting a new healthy eating and exercise plan. If you condition your mind to tell yourself that u can do it, then you will do it.

Another crucial key to weight loss is discipline. You have to have an iron clad discipline to embark on a lifestyle changing course and stick to it, because in the long run your body will thank you for taking care of it.

So people, rid your pantry of junk food, dust your trainers and get your work out gear ready, while making a positive commitment to change your life for good by adopting a better lifestyle.

In my next article I will be elaborating on each of the seven dimensions of wellness while giving you a personal evaluation plan. Keep Moving.

TIPS OF THE DAY Watermelon is a natural diuretic. It contains mega levels of lycopene, much higher than tomatoes. Lycopene has been shown to aid in protecting against certain cancers and alleviate depression.

Carefuly choosing diets helps maintain fitness

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 41

CAS upholds Adamu ban from football

F

ormer FIFA and CAF executive committees member, Dr Amos Adamu, will remained banned from all football activities after losing his appeal against a three-year suspension imposed upon him for allegedly seeking bribes during bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport, Switzerland upheld a judgment by FIFA’s ethics committee to expel Adamu from football in October 2010 and will remained in FIFA limbo until October 2013.

Adamu had appealed the judgement and ban in disdain of the judgement but the panel had even said the ban “was relatively mild given the seriousness of the offense.”

Adamu was secretly filmed by British Sunday Times undercover reporters allegedly asking for $800,000 to influence his World Cup vote. He said the money would pay for artificial pitches in his Nigeria.

He was along with three others handed varying degrees of suspension in a FIFA sledge hammer that eventually fell on six members of its committees.

The scandal that implicated Adamu and five other senior officials eventually plunged FIFA into turmoil weeks before the December 2010 votes. Other scandals were to folow and they later consumed Mohammed bin Hamman, Jack Warmer as well as several other senior FIFA officials, including the latest and head of the security committee.

The Nigerian also lost his position as the President of the sub-regional organisation, WAFU.

Blessing Okagbare and two other medal hopeful

London Olympics: Nigeria still on course for athletics medal, says Egbunike

By Patrick Andrew

F

ive months to the summer Olympics is not too short a time to chisel out medal prospects for the London Games, according to the newly unveiled head coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Innocent Egbunike.

“Is it too late to begin preparation for the London Games. No, we can still catch up. But the ideal thing to do is begin preparations for the next Games

the moment the flag of the closing ceremony is lowered.

“But because I have been called at such a time as this, I won’t allow the circumstances to deter me from the task of shaping Nigerian athletics for the Games,” Egbunike whose record in 400m still stands over a dozen years after setting the Nigerian record said.

The athletics coach, who was brought by the AFN to assist prepare Team Nigeria athletes, is full of hope that the athletics contingent to the Games, which will constitute about 60

percent of Nigeria’s delegates to the London fiesta, are capable of winning medals.

“It depends of the athletes. We can work together for success. We have the talents far more than there are in some of the countries which have produced world champions. All we need is to work hard and pray.

“Yes, there are problems, but just as it’s said,” Guess upon the Lord and watch your problem go, we want to commit ourselves into serious work and pray for His (divine) help.”

Egbunike, who has worked with several countries in the past to produce champions, believes that Nigeria has what it takes to win medals at the Olympics provided that the necessary logistics are put in place.

“I was the coach of the Ezinwa brothers (Davidson and Desmond), I produced Fatima Yusuf, Glen Taylor and a hosts of others. Now, in spite of the time, In think one can reproduce such champions considering that there so much talents in the country,” he said during an interview with a

Okocha urges Keshi to produce creative midfielders

F

ormer skipper of the Super Eagles, Austin Okocha, has lamented the absence of of creative midfielders in the presentv Super Eagles and called onn the Stephen Keshiled technical crew to intensify search for capable ....

Page 42

Channelsports.

Egbunike was only two days unveiled to the media by the National Sports Commission and the AFN officially as the one in charge of Team Nigeria athletes.

Peoples Weekend Sports recalls that 34 Nigerians have already qualified for different events, even as the President of the AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba believes the number will increase to between 42 and 50 before qualification curtails are drawn.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 42

Maigari lights up Eagles training session

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FF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, boosted the training session of the Super Eagles on Friday when he turned up at the training venue to give pep talk to the players ahead of their encounter next Wednesday in Kigali , Rwanda .

Miagari, who had earlier heaped praises on the team following their 20 win in Liberia , said the battle for the rebirth of football in the country has just started and that the NFF and indeed the Federal Government and the Nigerian people are solidly behind the team.

All entitlements due to players and officials he assured are fully ready and will be given as and when due, urging the players to be fully focused on the task at hand and win back the confidence of the teeming Nigerian football fans including President Goodluck Jonathan.

Head Coach Keshi assured of the team’s readiness, saying he was aware of the expectations of Nigerians and the team will not let the nation down in the battle for places for the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup and the Brazil 2014 World Cup. The NFF President is expected to lead the Nigerian delegation for the match in Kigali and will be joined by some of his board members. The team departs Abuja for Kigali on Monday night via a chartered flight.

NFF picks March dates for B-Licence coaching course

T

he coaching course for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) B-Licence will now holdinAbujafromMarch11toMarch25,a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official said on Thursday.

NFF’sDirectorofTechnical,Emmanuel Ikpeme, who confirmed the dates, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that all arrangements were now ongoing to make the programme a success. The football federationhadonFeb.16,saiditwasawaiting thego-aheadfromCAFforthecoursetohold.

Ikpeme had told NAN then that the course would start immediately CAF gave theapproval,attributingCAF’slateresponse totheAfricanCupofNationsfinalsthatwas ongoingthen.

“The programme would have taken place since last year as we had planned, but duetooneortwologisticsproblems,thiswas notpossible.

“But now, we have picked March 11 to March 25 as the dates and we have communicated this to CAF, which will in turn make arrangements to be part of the programme,’’ he said noting that the sale of formstointendingparticipantshasresumed.

The NFF abruptly stopped the exercise last year.

The B-Licence course is an advanced coachingcourseintroducedbyCAFlastyear, and it is one of the three courses being organisedbytheconfederation.

CAF has said that coaches must hold one of the certificates before they can sit on the bench of any team or club in any of its organisedcompetitions.

The C-Licence course, which is a prelude, was held in October 2011 in Abuja with 80 coaches drawn from across the country taking part.

The B-Licence course is a follow-up to the C-Licence one, while the A-Licence course is a more advanced course.

TheA-Licencecourseisnotexpectedto hold in Nigeria until the country has produced a good number of coaches with B-Licence.

Keshi prunes Eagles, as Osaze, Musa, Kaita others storm camp tomorrow B

arely 48 hours before he decides on the final list of 11 domestic league players that would make the Super Eagles squad to Kigali for Wednesday’s 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against the Wasps of Rwanda, Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has pruned the 22-man team by six players.

The coach did this in anticipation of the arrival in camp of the 11 foreign-based that he had called up for the game. According to him, CSKA right winger, Ahmed Musa, Osaze Odemwingie, Dickson Etuhu, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Taye Taiwo and Victor, who all ply their trade with English premiership clubs, are scheduled to come in on Sunday.

Italian SEries A player Joel Obi will equally follow suit while the duo of Ikechukwu Uche and Vincent Enyeama are expected to join the team on Monday morning.

Those who were released and departed the camp yesterday are Henry Uche of Enyimba International, Heartland’s trio of Uche Oguchi, Kingsley Salami and Kabir Umar, Osasco Omoma of Sunshine Stars and Niger United’s Daniel Essien.

This means that 16 players have been left behind to fight for fights along with their foreignbased counterparts.

They included Chigozie Agbim, Okemuteh Odah, Godfrey Oboabona, Juwon Oshaniwa, Papa Idris, Azubuike Egwueke, Gabriel Reuben Uche Ossai, Sunday Mba, Bathlomew Ibenegbu, Barnabas Imenger, Obinna Nwachukwu, Izu Azuka, Ejike Uzoenyi, Solomon Jabason, Uche Kalu.

The Eagles will jet out to Kigali, Rwanda on Monday night few hours after the foreign-based would have been taken through rigours training under the heat to see how they would under similar condition in Kigali two days later.

Ahmed Musa,

Joel Obi Sani Kaita

Okocha urges Keshi to produce creative midfielders

F

ormer skipper of the Super Eagles, Austin Okocha, has lamented the absence of of creative midfielders in the presentv Super Eagles and called onn the Stephen Keshi-led technical crew to intensify search for capable players for the position.

Okocha, who retired few years ago, said it was heartbreaking that a nation with so much talents has failed to prop up his replacement and insisted that it was not for lack of talents but visionary coaches to fish them out.

The former Bolton Wanderers player said that all the players who have played his role in the Eagles after his exit,lack creativity and have fallen short of his football artistry in the midfield.

“After I left from the Eagles, I have not seen any player who wears jersey number 10 and plays to my expectation.

I retired from the national team to give others a chance, unfortunately, there is no replacement for me in the team even at this moment,” he said.

Okocha

PAGE 43

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Kenya to hold Olympic distance trials in US A

thletics Kenya has confirmed that they will hold the men’s and women’s 5000m and 10000m team selections for the 2012 London Olympics at the Prefontaine Classic in the US in June.

Kenya have not won an Olympic distance title since Naftali Temu took the men’s 10 000m gold at the 1968 Mexico Games and Ethiopians have dominated since 1993.

Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said the decision to hold the team trials in Eugene, Oregon on June 1 was to allow the athletes compete at sea level to replicate the conditions in London.

“We are looking at selecting the best team to represent Kenya in London. And holding the trials at Oregon should be the best suitable place to select such a team,” said Kiplagat.

He said the athletes to compete in Prefontaine would be identified after several mini-selection trials in Kenya starting in April.

But the decision to hold the race trials in the US, away from the traditional Nairobi setting has been criticised by former international athletes, led by the Sydney Olympic 10 000m silver medallist Paul Tergat.

“The national Olympic team and its selection should be done by Kenyans, run in Kenya and witnessed

by Kenya,” Tergat, who is also the fivetime world cross country champion told reporters.

The Kenyan Olympic trials will be held at the Nairobi’s Nyayo National stadium on June 21-23.

Silas

Rushida and Amman

First Bank Basketball Club vows to reclaim top place

I

n a bid to return to winning ways, the First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos has recruited six new players to beef up the team ahead of the new season.

Coach Adewunmi Aderemi said on Thursday in Lagos that his team would strive to come out tops in the 2011/12 Zenith Bank Female Basketball League.

The five times winner of the female national league, lost its winning streak in the 2009/10 and the 2010/11 edition of the league to First Deepwater Basketball Club of Lagos.

Aderemi stated that the club’s recruitment exercise was geared towards a gradual phasing out of aging players in a manner that would not upset the balance of the team.

“We have replaced some of our aging players in order to improve on our performance as well as work on our weak points,’’he said.

“Pending the announcement of a date for the commencement of the league, we had to commence our preparation to perfect team tactics.

“We don’t have to wait for the unveiling of the federation’s itinerary before we start training for the new season’’ he said.

Aderemi said First Bank would go all out in the forthcoming season to perform very well to regain the confidence and support of their fans.

“I believe my team is going to be the team to beat this season, judging from the rigorous training my players are being put through,’’ he said.

I’ll be at AFCON 2013, Drogba assures

C

ontrary to a number of Ivory Coast internationals like Yaya Toure, Seydou Doumbia, Salomon Kalou and Didier Zokora, who are contemplating on quitting the team, the Elephants’ captain Didier Drogba has declared his willingness to participate in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which he believes could make their longawaited dream come true.

“I’ll be at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. We have a team capable of doing great things there,” the Chelsea’s talisman said midweek.

At 34, a number of pundits were

envisaging his retirement from international football, especially after the star-studded team’s failure to annex the 2012 showpiece held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Drogba is leaving no stone unturned to restore a tarnished image back home following the missed penalty kick at the final. He has lined up a series of charity events in Abidjan and has promised to personally contribute to reforming the national team.

In case of a brilliant outing at the South Africa 2013, the former Marseille ace said he would continue to the 2014 World Cup holding in Brazil.

kiplagat

Silas Kiplagat

Hopkins, Dawson get April rematch date

B

ernard Hopkins will return to the ring in April for a rematch against Chad Dawson.

The 47-year-old Hopkins, whose professional record stands at 52-5-2, is the oldest boxer to have won a “world” title.

He will put his WBC lightheavyweight belt on the line against Dawson (30-1) in Atlantic City on April 28.

Their bout in Los Angeles last October ended when Hopkins injured his shoulder in the second round in an awkward fall after Dawson had lifted him off his feet.

Dawson was initially declared the winner by technical knockout, but the California State Athletic Commission later ruled a nocontest by.

Former light-heavyweight champion Dawson said on Wednesday he was still stung by the reversal and was eager for the fight.

“On that night, I came to fight,” Dawson, 29, said at a Manhattan news conference. “I wanted to fight Bernard Hopkins and I was looking forward to dethrone him. The way he pulled the stunt he pulled, it messed up all my plans.

“So I’m back here, I got to fight him again. After that night I should have been the champion.

Legends don’t behave the way he did that night. I would have fought Bernard Hopkins with one finger

that night, and probably still would’ve won.”

Hopkins, who broke George Foreman’s record as the oldest boxer to win a world title with his victory over 28-year-old Canadian Jean Pascal last May, left the harsh talk to Dawson.

“Chad Dawson can say whatever he wants, but I am not going to trash talk this one,” said Hopkins.

“Everyone knows what I am capable of in the ring. They have seen it over 50 times before in the last 20-plus years.”

Juan Manuel Marquez has

been fined about R17 500 for wearing a political party’s emblem during a bout broadcast on television last year.

Mexico’s election commission members unanimously voted to fine him 29 000 pesos.

The Federal Electoral Institute said on Wednesday the welterweight fighter had the Institutional Revolutionary Party’s logo emblazoned on his trunks during a fight in Las Vegas.

Marquez lost to Manny Pacquiao in the bout on November 12. Millions of Mexicans watched the live TV coverage.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby that the said letter of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is field in the probate Registry of the above named court within twenty-one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME & ADDRESS DEBORAH IGBODIKA ABUJA, FCT 22ND APRIL, 2010

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT CYRIL IHEZILI IGBODIKA AND IKENNE IGBODIKA Plot 45A Aco/AMAC Estate Sabo Lugbe, Abuja The Widower and Son

Dated at Abuja this 24th day of February, 2012 Signed: Mrs. O. C. Oleru For: Probate Registrar

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 44

Nigeria National League breaking new grounds, Inyama claims

By Albert Akota

T

he Chairman of the board of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Chief Emeka Inyama has asserted that the competition has broken new grounds, especially in the areas of quality and appreciable crowd patronage.

“I am very impressed with what we have so far. We have been breaking new grounds and with the improved quality of our matches, I believe we are on course,’’ he said.

Inyama said that apart from the improved quality of the competition and smooth organisation, officiating had been better, too, and had given the clubs more confidence to play freely.

“The clubs are now seeing their teams drawing and winning at away as it should be, and this has been giving many of them the confidence that a new era has come.

“With this is the issue of good pitches and other facilities, which

have all combined to help in making our matches to be attractive to many spectators and sponsors,’’ he said.

The NNL board chairman said the league board would not be relenting in its efforts as it had its sight firmly fixed on taking the competition to greater heights.

“We are currently not satisfied, in spite of this great development.

We are rather challenged to do more, because we know we need to do more to sustain what we have now,’’ he said.

Inyama, who is a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board, said more was still needed to be able to get to the required level.

“We need a lot to get to that level and achieve the standard that will help the league and its clubs to sustain themselves. We need to be able to attract more spectators as we have the right football talents.

“So, we need to have a situation where there is enhanced

Maigari remuneration and income for all the players, coaches and other officials in our league. Then, we need to put the league on television. “When we do this, the NNL will become a brand that people believe in, and sponsors and football fans will want to come to us without our needing to ask them,’’ he said.

Speaking on title sponsorship and other forms of sponsorship for

the competition, Inyama said his board and the league secretariat were already talking to many interested parties.

“We are presently talking to a lot of those interested.

For now, we are sure they are appraising us, and that is the essence of needing to sustain and improve on what we have

presently.

“But I am sure that very soon, we will be talking of an NNL that is sponsored and is able to fully fend for itself and give something to its clubs for their efforts, too,’’ he said.

The new season’s competition began on Feb. 4 with matches in the four groups of the 36-club league which is the second tier of the Nigerian football league. Sixteen matches are played in the four nineclub groups every weekend.

Ogun sets to construct cricket turf From Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

T

he Ogun State Government is set to partner with the Nigeria Cricket Federation, (NCF) in construction of an international turf for cricket at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta to promote the game of Cricket in the State.

The President Federation, Mr. Kwesi Sagoe disclosed this at a courtesy visit on the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Olugbenga Otenuga in Abeokuta, adding that the Federation was ready to collaborate with the government to provide an International turf in the State that could encourage hosting of global competitions and serve as centre for cricket and camping in Nigeria.

He lauded the State Government’s efforts at developing the game of cricket

in the State, disclosing that the State indigenes dominated the cricket national team.

Responding, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Olugbenga Otenuga hinted that the current administration in the State was committed to promoting grassroots sports, which would aid talent discovery and promote team building.

Otenuga noted that the redefinition of the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium would see to the upgrade the Cricket pitch to continuously place the State above its pairs and maintain its leading role as champion in the game of cricket.

He opined that in its bid to fast track development of Sports in the State, the Ministry had commenced inter-ministerial collaboration, just as private sector were also involved in promotion of grassroots sports

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby that the said letter of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is field in the probate Registry of the above named court within twenty-one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME & ADDRESS JOHN AGUGU AKPENUN AREA 11 EMEKA ANJANGU STREET. NO. 8 ABUJA. Who died on 29th January, 2011

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT BENSEN BERNARD AGUGU NNENA SILVIA AGUGU AREA 11 EMEKA ANJANGU STREET No. 8 Abuja The Son and Daughter

Dated at Abuja this 24th day of February, 2012 Signed: Mrs. O. C. Oleru For: Probate Registrar

development especially in the Primary and Secondary School games.

The Commissioner affirmed that Senator Ibikunle Amosun led-administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for stakeholders to aid sports development in the State, assuring the Cricket sport body of Government’s support to the growth of the game in the

State.

In his contribution, the State Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Adesola Faleti, described cricket as one major sport that had won many laurels for the State at both national and international competitions and as such deserved to be developed commending the State Government for its prompt release of fund for sporting activities in the State.

WEEKEND FIXTURES Barclays Premier League Chelsea vs. Bolton Newcastle vs. Wolverhampton QPR vs. Fulham West Brom vs. Sunderland Wigan vs. Aston Villa Man City vs. Blackburn Sunday Arsenal vs. Tottenham Norwich vs. Man Utd Stoke vs. Swansea CAF Super Cup Esperance vs. Maghreb de Fes FIFA International Korea Republic vs. Uzbekistan French Ligue 1 AC Ajaccio vs. Dijon Auxerre vs. St. Etienne Evian TG vs. AS Nancy Montpellier vs. Bordeaux Nice vs. Caen Valenciennes vs. Lorient Lyon vs. PSG Sunday Brest vs. Marseille Toulouse vs. Sochaux Rennes vs. Lille German Bundesliga Augsburg vs. Hertha Berlin Cologne vs. Bayer Leverkusen Mainz vs. FC Kraiserslautern VfB Stuttgart vs. SC Freiburg Wolfsburg vs. TSG Hoffenheim Werder Bremen vs. Nurnberg Sunday Bayern Munich vs. Schalke04 Borussia Dortmund vs.

Hannover96 Italy Serie A Genoa vs. Parma AC Milan vs. Juventus Sunday Chievo vs. Cesena Cagliari vs. Lecce Catania vs. Novara Siena vs. Palermo Atalanta vs. Roma Lazio vs. Fiorentina Napoli vs. Inter Milan Bologna vs. Udinese Carling Cup Cardiff vs. Liverpool Spanish Primera Liga Villarreal vs. Athletic Bilbao Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Madrid Valencia vs. Sevilla Osasuna vs. Granada Real Sociedad vs. Mallorca Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona

NFF bill scales second reading at National Assembly

N

ormalcy may soon return to the embattled board of Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) as the bill to recognize the football body has passed through the second reading in the lower arm of the National Assembly Abuja.

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon Godfrey Ali Gaiya who said that the legislators want to put an end to the lingering crisis rocking football in the country, said that the determination of the committee was to see that the bill is passed into law.

“We are putting our records straight now; it will minimize all the distractions bedeviling our football development.” Gaiya said.

He added that: “We know that it’s our duty to provide the necessary legislation that can enhance the smooth running of football in Nigeria.

I think with the overwhelming support of the bill, we are getting close to solving the issue of nomenclature and other matters affecting Nigerian football,” he noted

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 18 — SUNDAY 19, FEBRUARY, 2012

PAGE 45

FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY House of Reps

Senate

Senate probes and Reps and the 41 sacked Afribank staff effect of uncertainties

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he House of Representatives once again demonstrated its resolve to be the parliament of the people by intervening in the industrial face-off between the defunct Afribank, now Mainstreet Bank and the 41 sacked members of staff.

The 41members of staff had raised the alarm over the recklessness of the management of Afribank which finally culminated into its liquidation. They were punished for having the audacity to caution the management when it was obvious that the bank was heading toward the rocks.

The affected staff alerted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the prevailing sharp practices in the bank which made the apex bank to beam its searchlight into the activities of the defunct bank.

Although the sacked workers headed to the court pleading for reinstatement, reasons later prevailed and they chose to approach the House through its committee on public petition which investigated the matter and recommended the reinstatement of the workers. That was in 2002.

But the 7th Assembly was piqued by the refusal of the bank which has now transmuted into Mainstreet Bank to respect the resolution of the House. The House Committee on Legislative Compliance chaired by Rep Moroof Akinderu-Fatai therefore

summoned the management of the Mainstreet Bank over the matter.

After a prolonged explanation, the committee directed that the sacked workers be reinstated and their emoluments be paid forthwith. The Committee had argued that since the Afribank was reflated by the government with tax payers’ money; and the management put together by the government, it is incumbent on them to accede to the directives of the parliament.

The Reps intervention equally threw up a moral issue that should be of interest to not only the lawmakers but to the generality of Nigerians. The Committee raised the issues of reversal of fortune as those who are supposed to be celebrated for blowing the whistle against the bourgeoning corruption in the defunct Afribank were later made the scapegoats.

The refusal of the new Mainstreet Bank to reinstate the sacked workers only pointed to the fact that the nation does not have a way of rewarding patriotism and honesty, both in public and private sectors.

Although the bank’s management, represented by its Abuja Regional Manager, Dauda Momodu, argued that it was not under any obligation to obey the directives of the House because the bank was a new entity different totally from the liquidated bank.

He told the committee

“

Although the sacked workers headed to the court pleading for reinstatement, reasons later prevailed and they chose to approach the House through its committee on public petition which investigated the matter and recommended the reinstatement of the workers.

that none of the management staff of the new Mainstreet Bank was a shareholder as they were merely engaged to reposition the bank and return it back to the position of profitability. Momodu insisted that Mainstreet is not a continuation of Afribank as the former is now operating with a new licence while that of the later has since been liquidated. He added that the management of the bank has specific terms of engagement which exclude reinstatement of staff and payment of the gratuities of the staff of the liquidated Afribank.

The House equally intervened in the outrageous fares being charged by International Airliners and urged the management of the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria [FAAN] and other relevant agencies to ensure the reduction of the fares charged by International Airlines operating in the country. The lawmakers described the fares as arbitrary even as they further urged the FAAN to compel the International Airline operators to improve on their services and ensure adherence to the Nigerian local Content Law. Consequently, the House at its plenary session mandated its Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance with the resolution and report back to the Chamber within four weeks.

The House noted that fare charges for flying from Nigeria to Europe, America and other parts of the world are the highest when compared with other countries where these airliners operate. The House equally observed that Nigeria’s fuel is the cheapest in the market as against what is obtainable in countries like China, United States of America [USA], India and Ghana, even as it noted that each airline carries a minimum of 300 passengers daily into and outside the country making Nigeria one of the most lucrative routes in the world.

in the system

By Richard Ihediwa

S

enate on Thursday continued its investigation into the administration of the N1.7 billion fuel subsidy by the present executive.While startling revelations continue to prop up at the hearings on the issue in both chambers the probe took a dramatic twist as petroleum marketers started pointing accusing fingers at the Senate for the current problems occasioned by the acute fuel scarcity that hit major cities across the country.

The oil marketers who appeared before the Senate joint committee probing the handling of the subsidy fund asserted that there has been scarcity of fuel because the probe had scared banks from extending credit facilities to fuel importers. Many of the banks are said to be unwilling to honour what the marketers called ‘sovereign debt notes’ from the importers due to uncertainties over the outcome of the probe.

Some states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been hard hit by fuel scarcity.

The marketers also blamed the delay in the arrival and discharge of vessels at the jetty on the activities of the Nigerian navy, saying that it take more than three days to get clearance from the security operatives at the ports..

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigerian(IPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers A s s o c i a t i o n Nigeria(MOMAN) in their separate submission at the hearing said that many of the commercial banks funding fuel importation had decided to withdraw

such facility following the ongoing probe of the management of the subsidy fund.

According to the two bodies, most banks are now unwilling to extend loan facility to the fuel importers due to uncertainty in the industry.

Executive secretary of the major oil marketers Mr Obafemi Olawore in his submission on behalf of the association said “we have some challenges as a result of the ongoing probe of subsidy in the National Assembly and these probes he said creates uncertainty and lack of confidence in the banks to assist the importers.”He said that some importers are scared that the ongoing probe may lead to a possible final removal of fuel subsidy.

However, the chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Magnus Abe in his response directed the Ministry of Finance to convene a meeting next Tuesday between all the stakeholders including NNPC, PPMC, PPPRA, bankers and oil importers to find a solution to the problem.

He also assured the marketers that there will be no payment problem and urged them to go ahead with their businesses.”

“

I don’t think they should entertain any fear about payment. If there should be any problem, it won’t come from here. You can advise your members to go ahead and conduct their business as usual.

“The purpose of the probe is not to stop subsidy but to find out why the cost of subsidy was escalating and plug it. Let the impression not be created that some people are arm-twisting this country when there’s no basis for it”, he said.

Interestingly, the following day, the fuel situation improved apparently following the assurances of the panel.

This on its own lends credence to the insinuation that there is a cabal holding the nation to ransom on the fuel issue. Apparently, despite the hues and cries over the presence of the cabal and moves to kick them out of the system with the removal of fuel subsidy, it still appears that the cartel is still having a good grip on the system and could be made to loosen the grip under very rigid negotiations. In the light of this it is important to remind the lawmakers that the issue is more than a tea party as the nation seeks to free itself from the iron grip of the oil cartel

Apparently, despite the hues and cries over the presence of the cabal and moves to kick them out of the system with the removal of fuel subsidy, it still appears that the cartel is still having a good grip on the system and could be made to loosen the grip under very rigid negotiations.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

From the Villa Can this conference help solve the Boko Haram menace?

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here is no doubting the fact that if the challenges threatening the peace, unity, progress and continued existence of this country are listed today, the Boko Haram insurgency would come first.

Aside the fact that it has led to the death- in gruesome circumstances- of numerous men and women as well as children, it is also causing the economy of the country an incalculable damage, which few people are even paying attention.

Inestimable economic damage in the sense that people in the states that are worse hit by the Boko Haram bombings and shootings are even afraid to move out, let alone remember to visit cinemas and other fun spots during weekends and festivities. This is accompanied by immeasurable economic damage in the sense that because all the government institutions destroyed in Kano, Kaduna, Damaturu, Abuja, Maiduguri and other hot spots have to be rebuilt at tax payers’ expense; in fact properties of individuals that have been ruined will have its own effect on their wellbeing.

Limitless economic damage because both local and foreign investors thinking of doing something in any part of the country may be having a rethink now.

This is aside the fact that the current security challenges have made the country invest in the sector monies that would have been spent on the power sector, infrastructural development, education and other critical areas.

Though, one must sympathise with President Goodluck Jonathan for being the leader of this troubled nation at this terrible times.

This is because I am sure he was not responsible for the factors or the failure of governance that threw up militant groups like Boko Haram. In fact, almost all the economic woes the country is facing right now are the handiwork of bad leadership of the past. It is just that critics will not spare Dr Jonathan if he doesn’t demonstrate the capacity to deal with the issues and take the country along new routes, other than the familiar ones that usually lead to nowhere.

So, at a time the

government has even said it is cutting cost to save more money for critical infrastructure and meet the promises made to pro-subsidy protesters last month, President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday jetted out to London. with First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru and others to honour an invitation from the British government. The invitation was meant to provide a meeting of minds for about 40 heads of governments or their representatives to jawjaw on the way forward for crisis-ridden Somalia.

Critics argue that this was another sign of misplacement of priorities going by what the country is going through right now. Afterall, what Somalia is now is what Boko Haram and similar dissident groups seek to turn Nigeria into. So, why carry another man’s burden on the head and hold your own in the hand?

No one is disputing the big brother role Nigeria has been playing in Africa since the beginning of time but we dare ask what exact way have our people benefitted from the time, energy and resources we expend on this vainglorious thing called ‘Big Brother.’ I am also aware that this country’s foreign policy direction was few years ago changed from wasteful big brotherism to the sort of diplomacy that emphasises enlightened self interest western nations like USA is known for.

To the rescue of government was the Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Senator Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, who, in London on Thursday told reporters that aside helping to find solution to the problem in Somalia, Nigeria’s presence would also help the country find an international solution to terrorism in the country.

According to Tafida, since there were suspicions that Boko Haram may have drawn inspiration and support from al-Shabab and similar organisations like al-Qeada, Nigerian government too need to participate in global forums aimed at finding international solutions to similar problems.

“The Somalian Conference will therefore afford Nigeria the opportunity to exchange information and strategies on ways of tackling the menace of terrorism in the country,” he stated.

President Jonathan had on arrival in London met Prime Minister Donald Cameron and both of them reaffirmed their commitment to end terrorism in all parts of the world.

Now that the President and his team have come back to the country yesterday, we wait to see what exactly the trip added to their collection. We wait to see if the government would change tactics for once and stop this annoying, unproductive blockage of expressways by gun wielding soldiers.

Five more universities: Another joke?

The more the challenges facing this nation stare us in the face and reduce our rating in the comity of sane climes, the

“

THRILLER FROM THE VILLA

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem kingatoldtrafford@gmail.com 08098639161 more people who constitute the body of governance in the country continue to demonstrate their gross incompetence and lack of simple grasp of basic issues. It is so baffling, because the solution to the rot in the education system is so clear that even a primary school pupil should know that we do not need more higher institutions to add to the current under-performing ones already existing across the country.

While the present Federal Government is yet to ensure the take-off of the ‘political’ universities Dr Jonathan built for us prior to his election in April last year, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo on Wednesday approved licenses for the take-off of five new private universities.

Even when the President announced his intention to establish 9 more federal universities last year, some of us had told those who cared to listen that it was a white elephant project or at best a political gimmick meant to woo voters into given the PDP votes.

The question we first asked was; what about the existing federal universities? Won’t you strengthen them and make them turn out quality graduates? Won’t you expand their capacity in terms of quality and quantity tomake them not to admit more people but also to be able to bake them properly.

In the years

Though, one must sympathise with President Goodluck Jonathan for being the leader of this troubled nation at this terrible times. This is because I am sure he was not responsible for the factors or the failure of governance that threw up militant groups like Boko Haram. In fact, almost all the economic woes the country is facing right now are the handiwork of bad leadership of the past.

preceding this ill-conceived decision, Nigerian universities had lost their respect and pride of place in all global educational ratings and instead of government to put on its thinking cap and rescue the decaying citadels of learning, it decided to build more empty structures in strategic geopolitical regions of the country just for political expediency!

Now, despite the billions claimed to have been invested in the project, the universities did not take off in September last year as promised. The one my people are supposed to have in Lokoja, I understand, doesn’t even have a properly demarcated landed property yet. I learnt it is struggling for space with a secondary school in the town.

But to underscore the fact that the government is more interested in quantity rather than quality, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku told State House correspondents that: “FEC took into consideration the fact that Nigeria was under-served by the existing number of universities which had ensured that most prospective university students were not able to gain admission into the higher institution.”

Same day, the council also approved the disbursement of N15 billion revolving loan to various transporters in the country for the purchase of 1,240 high capacity buses for the nation's mass transit scheme.

The Minister said the beneficiaries would have a two months moratorium before the commencement of the repayment of the loan over five years.

Maku added that apart from credible transporters who would benefit from it, the transport organisations of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) would get a total of 450 and 150 buses respectively.

So, amidst a number of prosubsidy promises that had been broken by government, it deserves a rare commendation this time for stepping up efforts to boost public mass transportation system.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

Children, obey your parents! “

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u t know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be … disobedient to parents…" (2 Tim 3:1-4 NKJV) One of the dominant features of the last days is disobedience to parents.

And we see it so rampant today. Even children of Christian parents are being attacked by this spirit making them to rebel against their parents. Some parents are having nightmares over their children not because they've failed in their responsibilities towards them but the devil has declared war against homes. Indeed, we are in the last days. Rom 1:30 also speaks about disobedience to parents. I want to talk to children in this piece trusting God to touch the hearts of many children who will read this.

Eph 6:1-3 says, "Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'you will live a long life, full of blessing.'" (NLT) Hear this child: you belong to the Lord and not the devil, so don't let the devil make you disobey your parents and dishonor them. Premature death is the curse for dishonoring your parents. Honour your parents; don't die before your time.

Be a wise child I want every child to hear this: A wise son or daughter keeps the law.

This includes the law of God in the Bible and societal laws. Prov 28:7 says, "Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men

shameth his father." (KJV) And no child will cause shame to his parents and excel in life. They will serve other children who obey the law and bring honour to their parents. Prov 17:2 says, "A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren." (ASV) Child, it is in your own interest to obey your parents.

I know that left to every child, he or she wants to do what pleases him or her. He or she wants to do what seems right in his or her own eyes. But your parents are there to set standards and to teach you to obey the laws of God in the Bible and also obey rules set anywhere you find yourself otherwise the law will take its course - you will face the consequences of your disobedience.

Don't do what seems right in your own eyes like the children of Israel.

(Judg 17:6, 21:25) Prov 30:12 says, "There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness."

(NKJV) Don't let the devil deceive you. Don't follow the wrong path the devil is telling you is the right path.

"There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." (Prov 14:12 NLT) Prov 16:25 says the same thing.

God has instituted human authority to set rules and standards on His behalf for smooth and proper conduct of human affairs. A wise child should obey all rules and regulations put in place by human authorities as long as they do not violate the supreme laws of God. It is in your own interest to do so. It is also in your own interest not to have anything to do with anyone who deliberately walks against authorities because such a person is

with Pastor David Usman vine2006d@yahoo.com 08033204912, 08054181704

T

GREEN PASTURES

By Pastor T.O. Banso cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 they administer is for their own good.

"But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more." (Prov 9:8 NLT) Because wise children don't reject discipline, they learn and thereby become wiser. No one hates discipline and becomes wiser. "To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction."

(Prov 12:1 NLT) But a foolish child will not heed the instruction or discipline of his or her parents. He will react to their words of wisdom.

"Speak not in the hearing of a fool; for he will despise the wisdom of thy words." (Prov 23:9 ASV) Some children reject discipline and walk out on their parents. They grumble and say that their parents are old-fashioned; they are not civilized.

Do you know as much as your parents in the school of life? "A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent."

(Prov 15:5 KJV) Rebellious children always think they can handle their lives themselves. They assume everybody is wrong and they are right. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." (Prov 12:15 KJV) "I wish I had listened to my parents," is the song those who disobeyed their parents sing later in

life. Repent now!

I pray that the Lord will touch the heart of every rebellious child reading this piece and cause them to repent. I bind and cast out that spirit of disobedience and rebellion in Jesus' name. I decree deliverance for such children and command their hearts to be restored to their parents now in Jesus' name.

TAKE ACTION! If you are not born again, I invite you to 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 Lord and Saviour 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 believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You will need to join a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area where you will be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be.

..."By my spirit"... Saith the lord... (1) ...That mountain shall crumble

OPEN HEA VENS HEAVENS

h e n he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. {might: or, army} 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Zechariah 4:6-7 Today, God wants to address that "great mountain" in your life.

That great mountain standing before you and your destinya That great mountain threatening you.

That great mountain terrorising your business, marriage and health.

That great mountain opposing your advancement and promotion.

That great mountain that is making you to cry.

I come this day as a prophet who stands before the LORD of Host; I decree and declare that; that great mountain become a plain before you

invariably in opposition to God. God's instruction is very clear about obeying authorities including your parents. (Rom 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17) If you disobey them, you're saying you're not accountable to them, and therefore not accountable to God. You invariably make God your enemy.

And if God is your enemy, it will make no difference who is your friend.

Dear child, God expects you to be accountable to your parents - you are to obey them as we have already seen in Eph 6:1-3. Exo 20:12 and Deut 5:16 say you should obey and honour your parents. You will live a long life, full of blessing if you obey your parents.

Hear what Col 3:20 says too: "Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord." (NKJV) It is in your interest to obey your parents and be accountable to them.

A sorrowful future awaits a rebellious child. "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Prov 29:1 KJV) Only a wise child who obeys the law will be happy. He who disobeys will suffer the punishment for disobedience. "Happy Is He Who Keeps the Law. He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Prov 29:1 NKJV) If you disobey your parents, you will never be a happy child. Even if you're happy now, you will be full of regrets later in life. That will not be your portion in Jesus' name.

"When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.

But whoever obeys the law is happy." (Prov 29:18 NLT) Wise children cooperate with their parents knowing that the discipline

PAGE 47

in Jesus' mighty name.

Beloved, mountainous problems can take any shape and

form. They are often characterized by their weight and heights.

They can appear as sickness, joblessness, delayed marriage, delayed child bearing, delayed admission, delayed promotion, dismissal from service, discouragement, and affliction e.t.c.

Beloved in Christ, it does not matter how long that challenge or that "great mountain" has been there, but that there is a solution to it.

And I tell you this day, that this is your day of good news. That mountain; that challenge is melting away already in Jesus Mighty name. (Rev. 8:8 - And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood) You do not need to panic when you are faced with any challenge in life anymore. There is a solution.

You do not have to depend on your power, might or influence either because that will definitely fail you.

Many may believe that to survive or overcome challenges of life one must be tough, strong, unbending and harsh

But the LORD says, it is not by being strong or tough or harsh; it only takes the Spirit of the LORD. Hear this, "The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favour to men of skill..." Eccl.9:11.

Do not trust in your own strength or abilities. It is only through God's Spirit that any victory can be accomplished.

For example: Goliath of Gath.

He was a mountain before Israel. For 40 days he tormented them and no one could dare challenge him.

Hear him, "... And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. {armed: Heb. clothed} And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. {target: or, gorget} . And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and

said unto them, why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

16. And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.

24. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

I Samuel 17:4-10, 16, 24.

So the philistine was a mountain before the children of Israel for 40 days.

I don't care how long that mountain has been standing against you.

Probably since your childhood, Since you graduated from school Since you got that job.

Since you married No matter how long; every drug has an expiry date.

No matter how long; there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

No matter how long; weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

The good news for you today is this; the expiry date for that long standing problem, that challenge in your life has come in Jesus' Mighty name.

Hear David; "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. {deliver...: Heb. shut thee up} And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

50. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. I Samuel 17:4547, 50.

"But there was no sword in the hand of David..." yet Goliath of Gath fell and died!!

BIG PUNCH And so the standard of living in Nigeria is bound to deteriorate further, at an alarming rate; the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow ever wider, Nigeria itself must continues to decline inexorably: already it has become a laughing stock among nations.

SATURDAY 25 — SUNDAY 26, FEBRUARY, 2012

The war on Nigeria

A

c c o r d i n g to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, on February 13, 2012, one hundred million Nigerians now live in poverty, in a population of about one hundred and fifty million. In fact many more other Nigerians believe they are indeed poor. To be poor means that you live on less than $1, that is, N160 a day. 'It remains a paradox,' Statistician General, Yemi Kale told reporters, 'that despite the fact that the Nigerian economy is growing, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty is increasing every year.' This war on Nigeria started more than thirty years ago and has continued unabated, growing ever more intense and ferocious.

The National Bureau of Statistics adds ominously that poverty projection for 2011, ignoring any possible government palliatives, was set to rise further. In other words as far as poverty is concerned, there is no relief in sight for Nigerians, the war on its people by the privileged few and by its leaders rages on.

And so the standard of living in Nigeria is bound to deteriorate further, at an alarming rate; the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to grow ever wider, Nigeria itself must continues to decline inexorably: already it has become a laughing stock among nations. 'Many years after independence,' The Guardian [retrieved 22/212, 09:15pm] comments on the NBS report, 'the Nigerian state is not making progress where it matters. Our human development index when compared with other countries is quite low. We are behind neighbors such as Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic, all of which are visibly less endowed than Nigeria in terms of natural resources. Nigerians are frustrated and angry as their hope for a better future never comes.

The root cause of our stagnation may well lay with corruption and the diversion of the nation's resources to a select few at the expense of the majority.' Other comments from various quarters suggest that the escalating poverty poses a danger to Nigeria as a polity graver and more imminent than any other that might be imagined.

Mahmud Jega attempts, in his humorous way, to put the idea of living on less than a dollar a day in a context intelligible to a novice.

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'It means,' he says in Daily Trust [20/2/12] 'that most of those people we see toiling in the fields in the scorning sun from morning till sunset, all those hewers of wood who chop the branches off tough trees and carry it into the towns in carts and donkeys, all those men and women who drag carts full of water up hillsides, most of the nomadic herdsmen who drive

WEEKEND with

Ibraheem Sulaiman sa427420@gmail.com

Displaced people queueing for relief materials in Kano.

cattle herds up and down grasslands and forests, all those motor pack touts, most of the praise singers and con men that lurk around and certainly all the almajirai, all of them earn less than N160 a day.'

In fact never in the history of Nigeria has corruption been so absolute in ascendancy, never has kleptocracy seen happier times. A situation of this nature is certainly not sustainable. Imagine the feeling of a mother who watches her child die in a hospital for the simple fact that she could not afford a bill just one thousand naira or even less. Yet she is a citizen of a country in which it is no longer news that one person or another have helped themselves with some billions of naira from the nation's treasury, without any consequence. Her child, an innocent, tender new citizen, with the full range of human potential, would have died in vain, a victim of an uncaring and callous system.

Imagine a promising young boy or girl whose education is stalled

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and life prospects ruined just because their parents could not afford the fees, in a country, which if not for unrelenting theft and plunder, could very easily afford education for all. Imaging the pain of a young graduate, eagerly looking forward to the day when he will start a new life and a family, and contribute his quarter to the development of his nation, but who, for no fault of his own, is left stranded in life, without a job, without any movement whatsoever in any direction.

Warning signals are coming from all directions, pointing to the mortal danger that lies ahead if the situation does not change. 'You can't just have this level of inequality persist, that's what is fueling all this stuff [i.e. insecurity],' Bill Clinton, former American President, said recently to Nigeria's policy makers. 'It is almost impossible to cure a problem based on violence on violence. You have to give people something to look forward to when they wake up in the morning.' The

Governor of the Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has also added his voice, saying to London's Financial Times [30/1/12]: 'There is clearly a direct link between the very uneven nature of distribution of resources and the rising level of violence.' The Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muda Yusuf, has warned that the rising tide of poverty poses a severe security challenge and should be a cause for concern for Nigeria. "There is a correlation between poverty and unemployment; there is also relationship between poverty and literacy level. There is also a connection between poverty and the culture of enterprise; there is a parallel between poverty and corruption. Growing poverty can be a severe security issue in any economy and weak aggregate demand in an economy.' [People's Daily 15/2/12] The real tragedy for Nigeria is that there hasn't been a sustained war aimed at eradicating poverty.

And surely poverty can be eradicated. Brazil is a shining example of how poverty can be tackled, even at minimum cost, and what benefits are there for a nation that resolutely - and successfully - fights poverty. Brazil has within just a decade reduced poverty to only seven percent of the population and is unwavering in the goal to eliminate it completely, through its Bolsa Familia. Essentially the programs is aimed at breaking the poverty cycle by ensuring children whose parents are poor are educated and as a result do not grow up into poverty, but are transported into a reasonable level of well being and prosperity, mostly middle class.

Tina Rosenberg calls it the most important government antipoverty program the world has ever seen. At the moment it caters for 5.8 million families, that is fifty million people, thirty percent of the population. The poorest family gets just forty dollars a month, a child between thirteen and nineteen dollars. It is a small, 'heartbreakingly' cheap, elegant idea that has done wonders, successful on a staggeringly enormous scale.

Brazil has just recently overtaken United Kingdom as the world's sixth economy. John Kampfner [The Independent 29/ 12/11] does not hesitate to attribute this historic economic shift of huge implications to traditional economic powers to Brazil's successful war on poverty. In his words: 'First under the former shoeshine boy, Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva, and now under Dilma Rousseff, the country has earned respect for adopting a distinctive economic and political path. Its anti-poverty drive, La Bolsa Familia -which, under the slogan "opportunity not favours", provides income support for millions of deprived families to be used exclusively for education and health - is regarded as an important paradigm for poverty alleviation.

[President Rousseff this week reiterated her pledge to take 16 million Brazilians "out of destitution". At least as eye opening has been the expansion of the middle class. Unlike Russia, which is almost completely dependent on natural resources, Brazil's wealth is more diversified - a mix of commodities, a strong manufacturing sector and services.'

If you break the poor, you break the nation. Lift the poor and the whole nation soars high.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com ISSN: 2141– 6141