Tep june 2013

The Empowerment Post

Quotes

Short & Sharp We started banking reform, the first thing I heard was that in Urhoboland, that there will be a curse of the ancestors. I said they(ancestors) would not answer.They said why? I said how many factories did Cecilia Ibru build in Urhoboland? So why will the ancestors of the Urhobo people support her. We talk ethnicity when it pleases us. You said elections were rigged in 1959. Obasanjo and Maurice Iwu rigged elections in 2007.Was it a southern thing? It was not.

CBN Gov Sanusi Lamido Sanusi For total and stable national transformation to take place in any country there is need for the people to be happy and the need for government to provide adequate power supply, construct new roads, evaluate polio, ensure job creation and do other things that make life meaningful.

Former British PM Tony Blair

Assuming that we have 1.7 million that have sat for the examinations (JAMB) and we have 520,000 spaces, what are we going to do with the remaining 1.2million candidates? We cannot expand our carrying capacity simply to accommodate the remaining students without the expansion of our facilities. Our facilities as of today are basically for 520,000 students.

Prof Ruqayyatu Rufai Minister of Education.

Since el-Rufai takes pleasure in reporting what ordinarily should be private conversations let me also take liberty to report that he admitted to me on April 28, 2013, that what he wrote about me were the “impressions” he was given. That for me summed it up.

My advice to el-Rufai is that you don’t collect some hair dressing salon gossip, hear say “impressions” and wild imaginations. All intentionally designed to damage others and bind them into a book without cross checking the facts that is intellectual fraud .

Former CBN Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo

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As we join christians in the celebration of Easter, may we seminally and clinically reflect on the quintessential modus vivendi of Master Jesus the Christ who peregrinated this eulogiseable selfabnegation,mental magnitude, Spartan discipline, altruistic effusions, hierophantic candour and puritanical excrescence, the very qualities that have become a desiderata for our national resurgimento.

Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon Chief of Staff, Govt. House Benin City

We hear all kinds of special words used, misappropriation, misapplication, even the word embezzlement doesn't mean much really, say it, stealing! Ole!.

John Cardinal Onaiyekan

June 2013

Commentary

The Empowerment Post

WHY EDO STATE HAS WEAK AND INEXPERIENCED POLITICAL LEADERS

By Chief Lawson A. Omokhodion

I

have often maintained that the best brains need to rule the people of Edo state otherwise the stop and go politics of Edo will continue to haunt its citizens. Quite often the politics of Edo State is disjointed, pedestrian, childish and devoid of any serious or rigorous process of intellectual engagement. I have often marvelled at the thinking of those in politics in Edo state. Their understanding of the essence of governance is chaotic. Their commitment to the welfare of the citizens is ruefully off the mark. Their personal discipline is woeful. Their sense of being is non-existent. The New Lexicon Webster's Dictionary of the English Language defines politics as “the art and science of the government of a state''. The same dictionary defines a politician as “a person engaged in politics and in the techniques of civil government''. These definitions place considerable responsibility on those who put themselves forward to participate in the activity called politics. It means that as a politician you must understand the import of the job you have decided to do, you must have been prepared to take up the responsibility; that you have been groomed in the legitimate methods of politics; and that the consequences of failure are very well known to you. It is doubtful how many Edo state politicians have gone through the preparatory foundation for the job of political leadership.

A politician must understand the true purpose of governance. That as a utilitarian principle governance is merely to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. It is not taking their most prized possessions for personal benefits. Governance is not focusing on the personal bank account of politicians. It is not how much of the state's money that you embezzle or its land or houses you appropriate. It is not how many cars you park in your compound in Benin and in your village house. It is not how many houses you have suddenly built in Benin, Asaba, Lagos, Abuja, Uromi and Ehor from embezzled government funds that ought to be used for the social welfare of the citizens. But the way a person enters the arena of politics may teach the wrong lessons. A politician must have sound education. It is not the education that people get when another person writes the school certificate examination for them and they rejoice when the result is released. That education is hollow. It is not the education that people get when they use fake results to gain admission into a University and announce to the world that they are now undergraduates. That admission is mere fraud. A person so admitted into a University becomes a cult member, intimidates the lecturers to allocate good grades to him, bribes other lecturers to sell grades to him, although he is never present in class, he gets the best attendance records because of the payments he makes to his lecturers and at the end of the four years he graduates with a second class degree. He then holds a party to celebrate the new status as a graduate and the innocent world rejoices with him. Any Edo politician who goes through school in this way has not received the needed preparation for politics and is doomed to failure.

Quite often many young ones having left the University totally unprepared in the type of education they received find that they are not able to obtain employment in the first 5 years of graduation. These

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youths become touts and thugs of politicians. They help out in elections and carry guns and murderous weapons for other more experienced politicians. After the killing, ballot snatching, and maiming during these elections their candidates end up ''winning'' the elections. Because of their experience as cult members, bribe givers and cheats, these touts exude the courage that their principal finds acceptable and for the first time they get a job. They are made PA (personal assistant) to the politician in government. So the very first ever job they get is as PA. Having served as PA for one year they aspire to head a local government council and in many cases many local government chairmen in Edo state have emerged from this route. Such politicians do not understand a thing about governance. They do not know what the welfare benefits of society amount to. Because as PA what they mostly did was to cheat for their bosses, collect corruption money on behalf of their bosses, drive and hide cars for their bosses, liaise with the contractors building palatial homes for their bosses, their world view is then narrowed down to the only fraudulent ways they know. Therefore, in whatever capacity they serve the results they achieve will always be disastrous. Little wonder that local governments in Edo state are mere conduit pipes for siphoning money.

Many of these poorly prepared youths can also be found in the state house of assembly. People who actually should be security men, messengers in corporate offices, tea boys and girls, nannies, stewards and for the good ones junior level officers in organisations, end up being legislators and councillors making laws and bye-laws for the governance of Edo people. It is no wonder that nothing elevating comes from these institutions. The councils do not know their left from their right while the house assembly believes it is an extension of the executive branch and their head, the Speaker can be ordered by the State Governor at will.

The poverty level in Edo state may be quite severe. When politicians come from such abject levels of poverty and find themselves in government their first inclination is to steal as much money as possible from government treasury at the slightest opportunity. But this should not be so. Adequate preparations by politicians can check this tendency for kleptomania. If a budding politician goes through school in the proper way and then finds a job in any part of the country the discipline of work teaches him how to handle life challenges. A person like this can devote much of his early work resources to helping the parents, brothers and sisters; and helping them go to school and bringing them out of poverty. A person who does this has prepared himself to learn how to be useful to a community beginning from the family. An employee who goes to work at 8am and closes by 4pm, if a teacher or civil servant, or by 7pm if in a private sector, has already been taught how to develop a sense of responsibility. Once you are accountable for results and can learn the good examples from the bosses, the battle of life is being properly charted. A person who develops work interest and becomes a professional will never play the do or die politics that many of us see in Edo state. Many Edo politicians will collapse if they do not have their hand in the treasury of the state government. They have become used to stealing government money and because they cannot develop an independent means of livelihood outside government they do all they can to remain in the corridors of power. Such attitude is promoted by the spiritual and emotional void in

June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Commentary

the life of many a politician. The Edo politician has no overriding value. There are no principles they hold supreme. They can work with any political party not minding the ideological spectrum to which such a party leans. Such politicians are political jobbers, in search of political commissions to meet their daily needs for bread. A man without principles can fall for any scheme.

That is why a politician in PDP in the morning becomes an A.CN member in the afternoon. These Edo politicians gravitate to the interest of the party in Osadebey Avenue. Thus when PDP wins elections, the A.CN member in the evening becomes PDP member in the morning and vice versa. That is why a politician belonging to A.CN at the state level in Benin belongs to the PDP at the federal level in Abuja. It is all in the aggressive search for bread and butter. Such desperate politicians are not needed in Edo state because they cannot help the cause of proper governance. Because these politicians are lacking in shame and principles, they move their so-called followers from party to party employing threats, intimidation and inducements and canvassing arguments that can only be won by wads of naira notes. In the process politics in the state suffers from ideological bankruptcy.

Without the machinery for sound political formation the young politicians cannot learn. As Franklin Adams, the American journalist and humorist once said “The trouble with this country is that there are too many politicians who believe, with a conviction based on experience, that you can fool all of the people all of the time”. When Edo politicians are all over the place, deceiving the people by jumping from party to party the lesson of integrity cannot be taught to the young ones. There is no discipline of commitment, no discipline of process, no discipline of loyalty. The discipline of work prior to political leadership is a sine qua non for success in politics. In its absence political ineffectiveness is the result. At the end the politicians begin to fool themselves.

Many a time politicians pay lip service to the question of youth unemployment. They ask the young school leavers to go and set up business as their first taste of work. These politicians forget that capital, experience, people and markets are factors that make for business success. These resources can only be available for the experienced and not for the young school leavers. It is the duty of government to provide the teeming unemployed in Edo state adequate means of employment. It is a colossal waste of manpower to have hundreds of thousands of young and able bodied men and women roam the streets of Benin, Ekpoma, Uromi, Auchi, Uronigbe an Ehor on a daily basis searching for work. An Edo politician in government who does not know that employment creation is part of the duties of governance is not worth the paper on which his name is written.

Government must create enterprises that can be managed productively and can offer employment to thousands of Edo indigene. In addition to direct regular government employment of new hands in the civil and public service of Edo state, the government must also provide an enabling environment to the private sector to create jobs. This enabling environment cannot be provided grudgingly or on a man know man basis. Indiscriminate taxation is the first obstacle to private sector growth. Tax holidays, generous tax benefits and tax concessions should be made available to entrepreneurs who can come and set up in Edo state and employ our young children. Tens of years of schooling go to waste when the young ones are not employed. They also become

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a recruiting ground for crime and criminality. The reign of terror in Edo state is clear for all to see. Kidnappers have taken over the nooks and crannies of the state not because these young men and women want to kidnap as matter of vocation but because the state does not care how they eat and how they drink. Employment must be created. Jobs, jobs, jobs! John Adams, an American statesman once said “The happiness of society is the end of government”. Edo government politicians owe the citizens a life of abundance and security. Edo government should refocus on the fruit juice factory that was being built in Ehor, the cassavita plant in Uromi, the Ikpeshi fertiliser plant and any other employment generating initiative that will promote the welfare of Edo citizens. But politicians who have never worked in structured environment do not know the value of work or how it can be created.

Sometimes even those who know, may be so carried away by the need for unbridled wealth and urge to buy private jets that their greed gets in the way. Therefore adequate preparation in any sector is very much required for a successful career in politics. For now let the few who know teach the ignorant majority.

Edo politicians travel a lot in and outside the country. One such politician who has brought home the benefits of the trips he has made outside Nigeria over the years is the Edo state Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole. The huge road construction and city beautification in addition to school rehabilitation he has embarked upon in Benin and other Edo cities justify the experience of a well travelled man.

Development should aggressively be shifted into other areas. The provision of portable water supply is critical. The political party of Late Anthony Enahoro gave us water in the old Midwest region.

Prudence in the use of resources is a way of educating the young politicians. Senior Edo politicians must teach their followers the essence of governance. Many Edo politicians travel abroad and admire the good roads they drive on, the council houses, the rail system, the beautiful schools and caring hospitals but these were built with the funds available to these governments. The funds were not embezzled by politicians. When experienced Edo politicians bring themselves to emphasise transparency, accountability, honesty, and value for money activities in the governance and political management of Edo state the young ones will learn. Corruption must be battled to a standstill. The resources available to Edo state are very meagre. To allow politicians to do whatever they like with these resources amounts to a travesty.

Edo politicians must put their personal ego aside for the sake of the state. It is not the bottles and type of Champagne people consume in your house that defines who you are. It is not the personal loudness or boastfulness that defines a place for any politician in society. It is the work you do that is important. The senior Edo politicians must prepare their followers for the future. Edo politicians must come to terms with what the British labour politician Ken Livingstone said in 1945 that “Politics is a marathon, not a sprint”. It is a lifelong vocation for the development of a people.

Chief Omokhodion is a Business Executive resident in Lagos

June 2013

Commentary

The Empowerment Post

The Invisible Government

By Solomon Asemota SAN

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Law not only in America but throughout the world. have alluded to this form of Government where In the case of Nigeria, the invisible government has in I suggested that the military operated two dual objectives Governments one Visible the other Invisible. It is my (a) To protect and defend the advantages enjoyed by contention that the Invisible Government is still in the north since amalgamation. In particular the operation to this day. As a matter of fact, it seemed to balance of power which weighs very heavily and in have taken roots with the overthrow of General some cases unfairly in favour of the north, such as Yakubu Gowon in 1975 and Shehu Shagari's representations at national assembly, revenue Government in 1983. The sole objective of the allocation and federal character application.

Invisible Government in my view, is to use all means (b) To convert Nigeria to an Islamic state and then possible to convert Nigeria into a country with “a make it a unit of one-world Islamic system. As a system of rule and of society of which the important matter of fact, Nigeria by choice is a Muslim state ingredient is the operation of Muslim Law”. I was fortunate recently to listen to the great orator, having voluntarily applied for membership of the Maitama Sule at “The Patriots” meeting when he Organization of Islamic States. The invisible government is to ensure that referred briefly to the Nigeria remains an Islamic “Invisible Government of In the case of Nigeria, the state through and true. It has America” as those who invisible government has dual become very clear to the made sure that the spiritual aims and world that liberal objectives objectives of the founding democracy and political (a) To protect and defend the Sharia fathers remain relevant. I cannot co-exist was also able to lay hands advantages enjoyed by the north peacefully in our country. on the book titled The Some of us have long since amalgamation. In Invisible Government by suspected that the D a n S m o o t . I n t h e particular the balance of power overthrow of General foreword, the author which weighs very heavily and G o w o n i n 1975 was wrote: “The meeting which in some cases unfairly in favour ideological because the officers who overthrew him the Council on Foreign of the north were northern officers who Relations arranged in the participated in the Civil War Soviet Union, in 1961, was more important than President Kennedy's when he was Commander in Chief. In other words, meeting with Khrushchev, because I am convinced they were comrades in arms. There is no doubt that that the Council on Foreign Relations together with a the coup plotters were also motivated by ambition great number of other associated tax-exempt and lust for power but the overriding reason was organizations, constitutes the invisible government ideological. In his book Beckoned to Serve Shagari which sets the major policies of the federal wrote: government, exercise controlling influence on “Muhammad Carpenter was Nigeria's governmental officials who implement the policies; and, through massive and skilful propaganda, Ambassador to Italy at the time the coup took place at influences Congress and the public to support the the end of the year 1983. He said that during that polices. I am convinced that the objectives of this year, he was able to gather very authentic invisible government it to convert America into a information about some suspicious movements by socialist state and then make it a unit in a one-world some highly placed Nigerians who had been passing socialist system.”

The Council on Foreign Relations of America in through Rome from London en route to Egypt and 1961 failed to convert America into a socialist's state one or two Balkan countries. Most of these travelers united in one world socialist system. Today, the who were frequently in transit at Da Vinci Airport, Council on Foreign Relation is very influential in the Rome were senior military officers, serving and promotion of Capitalism, Democracy and Rule of retired, together with a well-known Nigerian 6

June 2013

Commentary

retired, together with a well-known Nigerian business tycoon. Ambassador Carpenter, with the help of his security agents, was able to trace their destinations as well as the purpose of their journeys eastwards. He gathered that these people were planning a coup against my government. Towards this end, they had chosen the Egyptian style of military coup in which the plotters used General Mohammed Neguib as a scapegoat to achieve their ends. He alleged that these conspirators had carefully studied Colonel Abdel Nasser's style of military coup and military rule and were determined to implement same in Nigeria. He gave me the names of those involved but regretted that he was unable to do this at the right time because he could not trust anyone except himself to convey this information direct to me. Unfortunately, however, the military struck before he could find an excuse to come home to Nigeria and report the matter to me.”

One therefore suspects that the conduct of the AGF in the Oyerinde case is a continuation of the protection of the policies of the invisible government which has been responsible for the unresolved murders of some prominent Nigerians including one of the predecessors of the AGFChief Bola Ige SAN. The Arab Spring has shown that even in Arab countries, democracy is a threat to Rule of Islam and the conflict in these countries suggest that we must appreciate the futility of experimenting with a multi-religious country when developed countries, over the years, have opted for secular states especially after fruitless and futile wars fought for years over religion. There is need, in the circumstance, that we must not only respect section 10 of our Constitution - “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion” but promote and enforce same.

We are very fortunate to be alive in this Year of Faith and the advantage of Pope Benedict XVI pastoring of the world, who showed us Catholics (and indeed humanity) how and when to retire. This, to my mind, is the beginning of change in the Catholic Church.

Then came Pope Francis a Jesuit. The Jesuits always identify with the poor and, in the case of Nigeria, where 70% of the people are poor, the gesture is to be appreciated. Poverty has also been identified as one of the reasons for the present insurgency of Boko 7

The Empowerment Post

Haram. Therefore, a Catholic Priest with three jeeps in Nigeria sends a wrong signal to the Catholic lay faithful and the world.

There was no pre-independence unity among our founding fathers From my experience and study I have come to the conclusion that there was no unity among our founding fathers. They disagreed as to the date of self-government and as a result, the east and west got self-government before the north. They disagreed on the police in the hope that some form of regional police might be established. They disagreed on the special status of the federal capital city if Lagos. The north was determined that Lagos should never return to the west and had support of the east.

The north also objected to federal funds used for education and health for Lagos, a large police force and fire brigade. The Lagos town council seemed to want to evade most of the liabilities that fall on normal town councils. The minorities question was discussed and no agreement was reached and had to be referred to a commission, the Willink commission. They disagreed on revenue allocation and the matter was also referred to a commission.

Tafawa Balewa was appointed prime minister without consultation by governor general. Ahmadu Bello wrote: “I retained the leadership of the party and did not hand it to him on this occasion: they do not understand that the premier of any Region is not any way subordinate to the Prime Minister: our paths are ,in fact, quite separate and our functions do not overlap: in the Regions the Prime Minister is only concerned with his Federal matters and not with Regional affairs. He is, of course, a welcome and an honoured guest.”

So where was the national unity being trumpeted by some orators. Nigeria was three countries at independence and remains so, with only the Yoruba's accepting their faith with the minorities, while the Hausa Fulani still believe and worked for one North.

The Ndigbo calculated the mistakes of the past at being assimilated wherever they lived, now Ndigbo must retain their identity while at the same time try to assimilate minorities. Ndigbo that did not have a House of Chiefs at independence now have more traditional rulers than the rest of Nigeria put together with Eze-Ndigbo outside their ancestral home and as far away as Ghana. We need to come together to promote unity of nation and purpose.

Excerpts of a speech delivered by Solomon Asemota SAN at a Limex - Archdiocesan Youth Rally for non-Violence at Immaculate Conception College, Benin City on April 8, 2013 June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Publisher’s note

Welcome to the maiden edition of the people oriented magazine The Empowerment Post. The Empowerment post is a general interest magazine with a vision to become the preferred one in our environment, relentless in the push for people empowerment and entertainment, in Midwestern state –Edo and Delta.The Empowerment Post is a sixty page magazine that is published monthly; indeed we are committed to a people service philosophy. We will consistently seek to create and deliver information that is hinged on empowerment.

This is borne out of a desire for renaissance to . Build a bridge between the old and the young . Sensitize the people on the millennium development goal (MDGS) . Uplifting our audience's (Readers) material and spiritual essence . Help steer our people's socio- political orientation towards issues that will enhance selfsustainability politically, socially and economically.

We will create focus on priorities while challenging everything else in a quest for continuous

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improvement. In view of the above, we all stakeholder on behalf of this entity and all extension correspondents world – wide ,have resolved to present to you issues well analyzed and balance so the way forward is clear and concise to all. At no given time shall we endeavor to be antagonistic opposing, because nothing beclouds objectivity more than hero worshipping or sycophancy. This is why our ideological base will be consistent in creating and delivering information that is hinged on the empowerment of Midwesterners in particular and Nigeria in general. You will all agree with me that if the people's viewpoint and behavioral patterns are negatively shaped, seed of discord are likely to flourish abundantly in them. Now you have a choice for self realization and fulfillment. Happy reading OSAKUE IDE AGBONTAEN Publisher

Short & Sharp Edo’s week political leaders As PAs what they mostly did was to cheat for their bosses, collect corruption money on behalf of their bosses

Dynamics of Political Power The masses provide the verve and motion in the polity, but certainly not in control of the political process

Oba Ovonranmen and the Berlin Conference An expedition into historical archives

Women lack the resources to compete women cannot withstand the violence associated with politics

Build factories, not mansions They should build industry that can employ youths, if you have a good business, you can build a house anytime

Always liked to be the best I never know that maybe I could earn a living through playing football, I even forget to eat sometimes ‘cos of football

CONTENTS

THE NEW DAWN

June 2013

Editorial

The Empowerment Post

Sailing in Delta’s oily water

DISC0VER YOUR VOICE, USE IT

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ision propels discovery which in turn carries a creative propensity. The articulation of this process is predicated on simple knowledge of expression. Ability to ventilate ideas, vision or indeed any invention is either fired by appropriate vocal ability or mortally frustrated by a lack of platform for such to find a release channel.

Here comes an unusual platform, available and readily accessible to all those who have harboured thoughts for too long and are in need of a veritable vehicle to deliver such views for public consumption.

We have a medium that helps you discover your voice and use it without any hinderance. You are offered the the rare privilege to stand up and speak out. While we place no restrictions, we undertake this venture by adhering strictly by the rules.

The intention is to restore confidence to our people by putting before them the constitutionally guaranteed access to information and letting their voices heard at all times.

To our people in positions of authority, you now have a credible platform to ferry your views, policies and programmes across to our people. Consider us your partners in the task of governance.

Lets together grant to our people the right to know. Welcome on this sojourn.

Emeka Ogbeide JP

The Empowerment Post ... the right to know

Publisher Osakue Agbontaen Executive Consultant Emeka Ogbeide JP Executive Contributors Chief Lawson Omokhodion Patrick Oronsaye Administration Sylvester Uyigue Marketing Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama Editor Kenneth Okunbor Correspondent Omafume Amurun (Delta) Graphics Odiete Lawrence Kunle Bagbe Legal Counsel Peter Osemwenkha Esq Benin Office: 15 Sapele Road, opposite High Court Lagos Office: 194 Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove, Lagos Phone: 0802 312 4291, 0803 305 0478

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June 2013

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Cover

Quest for Power

By Emeka Ogbeide

t the centre of the power matrix in Edo State is an uneven political landscape resting on a tripod of tribal affiliation. This seemingly well contrived imbalance is deeply accentuated by the manifest demographic slant. If politics is about numbers, the advantage in the choice of who governs Edo State will perpetually reside in the predominantly Bini speaking area based in the south.

But quite understandably, there are other variables which combine to influence how the choice of a governor is eventually made.

However this factor is not restricted to Edo State, its neighbouring pair Delta State is also afflicted. Delta central holds the demographic ace as a result of its well-known dominant population.

In Edo State, the Bini speaking group occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government areas with a large 11

concentration of the people in Oredo, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba Okha LGS followed by the Afenmai speaking group who occupy smaller units across six LGS and at the rear is the Ishan speaking area with five LGS. In terms of numbers, the Bini speaking group with certified figures aggregating over 60 percent have a clear advantage. Added to this is the pool of people from diverse backgrounds attracted by the cosmopolitan nature of Benin City.

But this seemingly homogenous area is polarized by interests which have perforated its cohesive tendencies.

Several factors bordering on selfish desires for power, fame and fortune have made previous attempts at presenting a unified front a mirage.

The application of this demographic advantage has remained elusive and has rather

become a tool of political bargaining in the hands of very few powerful people appropriately called the “Godfathers� Even though INEC voters figures guarantee Edo South two-thirds of voters power, voting can however not be guaranteed to conform with any formula of a formidable consensus.

The same uncertainty unfolds in Edo North which has visible boundaries in three compartments. In spite of a common language link the Owans, Etsakos and Igarras recoil when political interests and fortunes are involved. Patronage is secured through sectional attachments for which the overall affiliation is put aside. In this group, a gale of mutual suspicion blows across unhindered.

The three Etsako LGS have since perfected a method of domination

June 2013

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Cover

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta State Governor

over the area. Their voice remain the most audible leaving the Owans and Igarras to scramble for second spot.

These divisions also play up in the choice of candidates for higher political offices such as Senator, Minister, Governor etc.

But not so for Edo Central which though small both in size and number has consistently thrown up political figures with deft strategic skills.

Clearly homogenous in Language, Culture and other attributes, Edo Central in this democratic dispensation has shown appreciable capacity to have its voice not only heard but taken seriously in virtually every major shift in authority. Currently, it has embarked on a campaign to secure the sympathy of major power brokers on the need to promote a candidate from Edo Central to be the preferred choice for governor after Comrade Oshiomiole's tenure in 2015. Even though, Edo South has the same intention, the ability of Edo Central to wade through the volatile political maze and arrive at its destination cannot be ignored.

Despite these factors, the role of the power centres effectively manned by

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Comrade Adams Oshiomiole, Edo State Governor

powerful political godfathers remain potent in the scheme of things. These power centres taken as a whole cut across major political parties. For instance while Chief Tony Anenih, Dr. Sam Ogbemudia, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe and to some extent Admiral Mike Akhigbe operate within the PDP frame, a new sect led by Chief Tom Ikimi find expression under ACN. Beneath these juggernauts are the new breed of brokers who were yesterday's apprentices.

Having learnt, they are impatient to put their skills on display.

These godfathers are experts at applying the well tested rule of carrot and stick. They understand the power of finance in the political game and apply it extensively in achieving set objectives.

Again, any obstinate follower is either stripped of financial gains by stoppage of patronage or nonpayment for job done. Such financial strangulation is known to have ensured compliance. Those followers considered obedient are known to have received juicy contracts in obvious empowerment scheme to ensure loyalty. In the power dispensing business, the godfathers

play a major role in the process. Their impact extends to the control of the party machinery. Their decision is usually rubber stamped for execution; the consequences are usually too grave for dissenters.

One of their adopted tools is zoning or power sharing or power rotation.

This applies simply to identifying and shielding the individual they are promoting and conversely shutting out the person they want replaced. In most cases, no other factor beyond their interest is considered in arriving at such conclusions. Once the godfathers step in every objection, opposition, protest or dissent immediately dissolves.

In politics quality is an aberration.

The choice of flag bearers is devoid of merit also what guarantees the choice of a person is subservience as perceived by the lynch pins of the party and the extraction of loyalty from the candidates. Anyone with visible traits of independence is usually deleted from the list.

Therefore, in the power sharing format attachment to a camp of godfathers secures survival and continuity.

Sometimes external factors can determine the choice of a candidate June 2013

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Cover

for a particular position if a big shot outside the state takes particular interest in the scheme of things, for instance a party top shot outside the state might favour a particular individual over another that has been picked. He then turns on the full weight of the party at the national level to switch candidates. This undemocratic act which has led to several litigations and landmark judicial rulings has continued unabated. It is a general affliction of all political parties.

While all these factors also apply in Delta State, there is a unique slant to it. Four distinct groups are at play in Delta State, Urhobo, Anioma, Ijaw and Itsekiri. Following INEC register of voters, the Urhobos of Delta Central enjoy a dominant position based on numbers. It is inconceivable to plot any political scheme without their participation. Then in Delta North is the Anioma group running a close second in numbers. Taking them for granted has ruined several candidates. They are always focused and have the capacity to speak in one voice when sentiments become quite strong. In all previous elections they proved that to be very formidable in whatever direction they adopt.

The Ijaws and the Itsekiris in the South are reputed for being vocal and have a presence that cannot be ignored. However, they provide a fertile ground for invasion by vote hunters but their skill at negotiation has ensured they are never short changed.

The underlining element in the political equation in both states is the power of incumbency. For instance, it is very well known that incumbent office holders especially at the gubernatorial level insist on full participation in choosing their successors. Infact, they even extend this arrogance to the choice of candidates for other positions especially the legislative arm.

No doubt, they remain the final arbiter in the conveyor process of selecting candidates.

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Chief Tony Anenih

Dr. Sam Ogbemudia

Chief Great Ogboru

Chief Mike Oghiadomhe

E.K. Clarke

Elder Godsday Orubebe

June 2013

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Perspectives

The Empowerment Post

THE DYNAMICS OF POLITICAL POWER IN EDO STATE

By John Dithaiye

Historical Background Edo State shares common colonial history with the rest of Nigeria. But the impact of colonialism on the psyche of the people was direct and profound. Benin City, the capital of Edo State was also, the seat of power of an intimidating and audacious empire, the Benin Empire. The growing fame and prosperity of the forest kingdom was cut short in 1897 when the British armada in punitive mission, conquered Benin, captured the Oba and sent him on exile to Calabar.

The experience was horrific and traumatic. Never was it imagined that what happen was possible. The people were devastated emotionally and psychologically. Since then, for good or ill, the attitude and worldview of the Edos of old Benin Kingdom changed profoundly. The change is reflected in the attitude of the Edoman to political oppression and marginalization under modern government. He is highly tolerant, accommodating and hardly willing to stand up and fight for his rights. To a large extent, the generally phlegmatic disposition, costly as it certainly is, has rubbed off on the other ethnic groups, most of who share common ancestry with the majority Edo ethnic nationality in Edo State.

At independence, the new masters of state were the emerging political class who gallantly fought to win freedom for their motherland. They hardly settled down before the government was terminated by the first Military coup in 1966. With the soldiers in power, the master-servant relationship of colonial officers was reestablished. By the force of command, the military ruled Nigeria till 1979. Between 1983 and 1999, the military directly or indirectly held sway imposing harsh laws and oppressive conditions on the citizenry. Thus, a culture of impersonal aloofness, docility and submission of the people to political authority was sustained. More than a decade into the most enduring democratic government in Nigeria, the people are still more familiar with military language and discipline than democratic ways and culture.

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Beyond this, unlike most climes where people are taught to stand for their rights early in life, the traditional and religious institutions in most Nigerian communities parade theoretically postulations that are oriented towards acceptance of revealed knowledge and divine authority without questions. In Edo South, the Oba is said to have been chosen by the gods. The Kingship traditions across the state take their cue accordingly. The Pastor lay claims to divine calling. These are institutions that have direct bearing and influence on people yet the authority they exercised was beyond questions. Apparently, these are limiting socialization agents which killed the spirit curiosity, free expression, assertiveness and radical tendencies; else one might be branded a rebel and stigmatized.

Democratization: The Fourth Republic came into being on May 29, 1999.

Power was transferred to new helms men but most of them were familiar faces in the corridors of power of the military government. They were indeed, largely military apologists who were nominated by top military brass, serving or retired. Not only were they nominated, the military midwives of the transition programme ensured that the elections were manipulated to deliver their cronies as governor of various states. In essence, while civil rule was introduced, the democratization of the process was yet to begin. Unfortunately, beneficiaries of manipulated elections could not muster the moral strength to democratize government processes nor did they do much to democratize the means of acquiring power. Therefore, Edo State and Nigeria can be described as nominally democratic. This is because there is regular election, opposition parties compete for offices and opinions are expressed freely but the two most essential elements of democracy are missing namely free and fair election and the rule of law. Until a level playing field is achieved, the electoral process cannot be said to be fully democratic. Indeed, after the advances made in the 2012

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gubernatorial election in Edo State, the local government election of 2013 can be regarded as backsliding exercise seeking to obliterate the advances made by INEC. However, it must be stressed that the foundation to political liberty is democracy and it is the dominant trend in the development of human society.

Power Dynamics Power is both dynamic and multidimensional, changing according to context, circumstances and interest. Power is a political force that can either undermine or empowers the citizens. In the context of Edo State, the underlying power relationships and interests grossly undermine the masses as its expression essentially revolves around the struggle for material gains. Over the years, the traditional institutions which are officially insulated from politics, the religious institutions which are supposed to be neutral, Socio-economic groups, and the masses form the main political blocs in the state. But the traditional and religious institutions on the one hand and the political king makers on the other form the tripartite of the power equation that determine the direction of events. The reasons are not farfetched. The traditional institution is still strong in Edo State thereby creating what someone described as 'dual majesty', that is, the traditional and modern democratic structure existing side by side. The interest of the traditional institution is purely self preservation. It has little or nothing to do with the living standard and well-being of the average person who is still parochially seen as 'slaves' albeit not in the western sense of the word. In recent years, the Church and other religious bodies have grown astronomically in population due largely to economic hardships than the search for spiritualism. The focus of the Church has found renewed expression in political evangelism as a way of seeking practical solution to the quest for prosperity. However, the Church is more hypocritical and more pretentious in its advocacy for better government. The fact that Bishops and Pastors defend and hobnob with governments that are oppressive and thrive in humbuggery evidently point to patronage, financial benefit and cultivation of the goodwill of men in authority as the over-riding interest.

The life style of Pastors who maintain aristocratic luxury while their adherents are struggling with lack and poverty underscores the point. On the other hand, the interests of political kingmakers are less concealed. They are political entrepreneurs who recognize investment opportunity in the murky waters of political contestations. If he succeeds, he must first recoup his investment through bloated contract sums. In all, the tripartite conspiracy of the superstructures of the society against the interest of 16

The Empowerment Post

the masses is the foundation of democratic distortions, if not misadventure.

The ethnic factor in the politics of Edo State has so far not reach the worrisome point of bitter rivalry. This is largely due to the cosmopolitan attitude of the Edos of Edo South Senatorial District. Indeed, the present administration in the state was projected by an Edoman and literarily sponsored by Edo South people. His kinsmen reluctantly came on board only when the project seemed realizable.

But how far can the majority ethnic group sustain this rather laudable altruistic consideration and magnanimity? Already, there are clamors for an Edoman to succeed the present governor. Yet, the fact stares everyone in the face that Edo Central Senatorial Districts, the home of Esan people, are yet to take their turn in the spirit of equity and geographical spread under the present democratic dispensation. Sen. (Prof) Oserheimhen Osunbor from Edo Central did about eighteen months in office as governor before he lost out to political inferno that engulfed his party amidst disputed elections of April 14, 2007. However, it is safe to state that Edo politics has not been an unsavory struggle between ethnic groups, as has been the case in many parts of the country. It will be misleading to assume that there are no whispering campaigns and insinuations based on ethnicity promoted by self seeking merchants of division and hatred. But sentiments of oneness and homogeneity have helped to curtail and manage the situation. It is clear that the power play in Edo State has failed to factor in, the interest of the masses, the common man.

The Nature of Edo Politics Politics is the adjudication of power. It is power to manage diversity and conflicts by the means of production, distribution and use of resources in the course of social existence. Ideally, it is about public good.

However, Harold Lasswell's Who Gets What, When and How perspective, appear to have more practical validity in a society that glorifies materialism. Edo state is no exception. Without mincing words, the interest of the people has been relegated to the background in favour of an army of opportunists and exploiters who are called leaders in gross error. As the maxim goes, no man is good enough to govern another man without his consent. Our politics seek to fulfill all righteousness in this direction, no matter how poorly. It is bereft of principles and ideology.

In Edo State, broadly speaking, the people consist of the elites and the masses. Strictly speaking, the elites in the state consist of the educated class located in the academia, the management cadre of the public and private sector, the June 2013

Perspectives

traditional rulers, the clergy, top political leaders etc. The elites have clearer understanding of the issues that are topical to governance. They have the capacity to analyze, to dissect, to interrogate the happenings around them and intelligently weigh issues upon which they base their judgment. Among the elites, we have the critical minority.

They are radical clergymen, Intellectuals, Lawyers; Human rights activists etc who use the media to promote their sanctimonious and puritan pontifications. The elites are few but their influence on the polity is immense. The politicians are not lost to this fact and respond by crafting their programmes and messages to meet the demands of the elite.

The masses are the real custodians of political power.

They constitute about eighty percent of the voting public.

Among the masses, we have a web of leadership and followership. For instance, the traditional institutions as power bloc in the state rely on powers embedded in cultural norms to exercise influence over semiautonomous groups and associations within its purview.

This applies also to Religious institutions. In the socioeconomic sphere, there are countless groups some of which are politically active such market unions, transport unions, union of skilled and semi-skilled artisans, social clubs etc. The leaders of these groups are followers in other spheres of life. Thus, leader-followership network is complex and subtle as there seems to be no sharp distinction between the two. Hence leadership is as diverse as ethnic, religious, family, occupational or political groupings in the society. The way the leaders play their brokerage role; clarifying issues as via media between the elites and membership of the various groups, go a long way to define the dynamism of power in the polity. During elections, it is common to hear someone say to his neighbour 'in our union, we have decided to vote for this or that candidate'. Semi-autonomous groups are formidable catalytic agents in the politics of the state and have remained a potential force for economic development.

Problem of the Masses The masses provide the verve and motion in the polity, but certainly not in control of the political process. They represent the missing link of power in the state. The elites are more visible and vocal and tend to give the cue. That is because the tone and temperament of politics is dictated by those who have clear sense of direction such as the tripartite coalition of the traditional and religious institutions, and political king makers. While the politicians claim to be motivated by the need to protect 17

The Empowerment Post

and promote the interest of the masses, the masses or the common man cannot articulate what its interest are and work towards its achievement. The attitude and electoral behavior of the common man must change if the attraction of democracy will continue to hold sway. The negative attitude of the masses is the single most important reason why politics has remained sterile and frustrating. If the followers play positive role by refusing to be used to distort, clog and compromise democratic process, either as electoral officials or voters, democratic dividends will sooner than later be visible in concrete terms.

Unfortunately, the money-centric culture places premium on cash, not brightness of your ideas. They allow themselves to be bought over so cheaply. Some disgustingly hock their vote around: 'If you want my vote, give me cash. I do not care what you afterwards'.

Furthermore, they put pressures on elected officials, who must meet one financial demand or the other on daily basis, not minding the source of the money. The more cash the politicians throws around, the more his sycophantic followership swells. Since the electorate or followers are not committed to ideas and ideals, they are vulnerable to mercurial shifts and unreliable allies.

Apart from corruptive tendencies, the masses lack the capacity for clear understanding of issues. It is easy to see the negative effect of poor political education. It has long been postulated that for democracy to function effectively, citizens must be intelligent, knowledgeable and rational. The absence of this makes it easy for the people to be manipulated by men skilled in the use of words. Apparently, due to the inability of the masses to think critically and weigh issues from all sides, they thrive on assumptions, rumours, perceptions and speculations instead of facts. They are easily emotionally roused by politicians who mastered the act of interpreting their dreams and wishes. In no time, they become praise singers of men in authority, giving them all sort of glamorous street titles. There is no doubt that there is a carryover of the reverence and obsequiousness accorded Kings in the traditional society to public servants. In the traditional setting, it was customary to praise, hail and honor the King for doing any good deeds out of compassion and benevolence. This practice is completely alien to democracy.

The masses must be weaned of this mentality. The people must be sensitized on the responsibility of government and the corresponding duty of the governed. When a government has been voted to power, the most important duty of the people is to hold leaders to account. The masses must demand more from them, must constantly he June 2013

Perspectives

put them under searchlight of performance radar, must watch out for signs of undue enrichment and personal aggrandizement, and must do everything to bring them to account for their misdeed, if they fall below expectation.

Indeed, the power to elect guarantees the power to call to order. The followers therefore, must be pro-active and assertive. They need to demand more, scrutinize more, communicate more and stop the practice of idolizing elected officials as if they are royalties. The people elected the leaders to do a job on their behalf. While the people must continue to pile up pressures on the leaders to perform, they can generously appreciate their efforts, as such appreciation goes into the balance sheet of the individual for future elections.

The Way Forward If democracy will endure, the need to empower the people through attitudinal re-orientation and the strengthening of political institutions cannot be overemphasized. In Edo State for instance, as earlier established some agents of reorientation such as the traditional institutions and the religious institutions are strong, highly respected and influential. But first, these institutions need to be converted to the practice of democracy in the running of some aspects of their organizations. Traditional institutions are monarchies and ascension to power is by birth in Edo State. While not advocating for the violation of the beauty of this age-long practice of ascension, the Monarch could begin to embrace openness by interacting more intimately with the people, sharing their hopes, interests and aspirations, and incorporating the concerns of the people, as an integral part of their concerns. As radical as this may seem, it is the way forward in the knowledge driven twenty-first century. Only then can they effectively serve as veritable agents of re-orientation.

On the hand, the religious institutions are apparent dictatorships laying hold to claims of divine authority.

They tend to exhibit concerns for the masses yet they are the worst exploiters of the poor. For the religious institutions to act as strong and reliable partner in democratic re-orientation, she must do away with her pretences and embrace democratic principles and practice in her operations. The more institutions embrace exemplary democratic processes, the more advances are made on the path of political development. Indeed, highly developed institutions help weak leaders to succeed, and also recruits and nurtures good leaders.

It is a fatal error on the part of the masses to think that their participation in the perpetuation of election irregularities was asymptomatic to the society. They ignorantly shot 18

The Empowerment Post

themselves on the foot and suffered untold hardship inflicted on them by the people they rigged into power.

They were inexcusably ignorant of the fact that electoral fraud destroys the basis of governance. It has therefore become imperative on the part of stakeholders that include government, electoral agencies, civil societies, and development partners etc to initiate empowerment training programmes for the common man. A study has shown in Britain that the new generations who are interested in politics are characterized by liberal and antitraditional attitudes. They are also more likely to participate in elections, engage in demonstrations and petitions. It is said that education and enlightenment contributed to the foundation of rational and autonomous thinking and behavior. The masses of Edo State and Nigeria in general need to be helped to raise their analytical skills such that information at their disposal may be rationally processed to produce informed behavior.

The way forward is to institutionalize the practice of integrity. Therefore, the people must rise against political fiefdoms and their autocratic governments. It is democratically sacrilegious and abominable for government to control the resources of the state without giving regular account. Institutional structures designed to ensure checks and balances have been paralyzed. These are ominous developments. The political parties and politicians must be compelled by the political force of the masses to play to the rules of the game. It must be clear to all that in the quest for power, it is easy for elected officials to sacrifice personal integrity. Some political leaders even advise their aspirants to do everything fair or foul to win an election. He can leave the burden of seeking redress, justice and fair play to the aggrieved opponent.

That must stop.

If key political institutions are strengthened and the people are empowered through re-orientation; there will be little room for manipulations. Consequently, those in positions of authority will be compelled to recognize their source of power and do their bidding. Political power will become more meaningful in facilitating better quality of life of the average Edo State citizen. The interdependence of the power blocs will become more conspicuous requiring sharpening in mutually beneficial competitive relationships, be they traditional, religious, political king makers, the political parties and the masses.

The dynamics of political power in the state would have been redefined and re-configured to project integrity, impartiality and public good.

John Dithaiye is a media / political consultant June 2013

Opinion

The Empowerment Post

PROBLEM WITH NIGERIA? - LEADERSHIP

By Sylvester Uyigue

N

igeria is one of the very few countries in the world that is blessed with most things, human, mineral and natural resources that it needs to be one of the most developed in the world. Fifty years after independence she's still struggling to have the basic necessities that human beings need to function properly. The general masses still yearn for constant supply of electricity in the places where it does exist, fighting to get water, living with wide open sewage, sniffing a heavy dose of toxic and polluted air, a bare minimum income just to keep them from starving and many still do.

The governments, you can say, have failed the people that “elected” them to represent and lead. The sad part is that the so called “leaders” don't give a rat's ass about what the people think by making a public spectacle of that fact. They have successfully turned the masses into servants when in fact it ought to be the other way around. They are the public servants.

They have hijacked the democracy. Democracy is not for the politicians, it belongs to the people. Hellooo!!!! Democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people.

Ever heard of that before?

You are not a leader if you never went through a primary process. Simply put, if you are an “imposed candidate” that were afraid to go fight it out in a primary process, you are not a leader. Just because a handful of persons decided in the backrooms that you would serve their personal and selfish interests the most instead of the interests of the general masses does not make you a leader. In such a case, you are only answerable to the handful of individuals that imposed you on the other aspirants against the will of the people. You no longer feel you are representing the masses, do you? What we now get in you is a “leader” that is not held accountable and simply feels free to misuse the public funds as you wish, with complete impunity. You become a “leader” without a vision because you never had a real one and the only one you had was to enrich yourself at the expense of the masses that didn't have a say about how you got there in the first place. That's why you treat them as your servants instead of the other way around.

The masses have their own share of these excesses as well.

The most powerful weapon a citizen has is his or her vote. But a great majority of them sell it for almost nothing to a political candidate. Let's face it, if a politician buys your vote for say N10,000 if you are lucky, that's about all you are going to get out of it until the next four years when he needs your vote again.

If you have sold your vote for cheap, you really do not have a reason to complain that there's no light, food, water, salary, good air and all because these are the opportunity cost. When you sell your vote you've sold your rights. It's unclear if the voters really understand the implications of their actions.

Your vote is sacred and really supposed to be priceless and no politician is supposed to be able to buy it from you no matter your economic situation. You are not only selling your rights but also those of your children including those yet unborn. You become part of the problem instead of the solution. You're 19

encouraging a system that does not respect accountability. You are encouraging the very corrupt practices that you decry so vehemently. The same corruption that has eaten into every fabric of the society that deprives you of constant electricity, lack of running water, bad sewage that has become the breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses that could lead to serious diseases that kill millions every year – prematurely. Why in the world would you want to settle for about ten thousand naira or less to cause you and your family deadly consequences? One wonders just how long a voter needs to figure this out. Every four years you sell your vote for less than ten thousand naira which comes out to about two thousand five hundred naira a year and then you think you have any reason to complain about what the government isn't doing for you. Just so that you know, you cannot complain because you've sold your right for about two thousand, five hundred naira or less a year. Period.

At the very least, for your vote, you need to demand from your politicians the need to have a primary exercise just as the constitution requires. It is during the primaries that the aspirants would lay out their programs. You can send a message of these demands only if they are convinced that they can't buy your vote. If the so-called “Godfathers” send in an “imposed candidate” you greet them with a stunning defeat. With your vote, you have the power to contribute your part in changing the system for the better, but if you sell your vote, you become a part of the problem. So when your grandsons or daughters ask you years from now how you voted for such and such candidate you won't look like a fool.

Visionless “leaders” ought not to be allowed to seat in any public office. The real question is, how long can the country, state and local governments afford to have these crops of people directing the state of affairs and still expect growth and development. Vision, is a way of spelling out for the masses the big picture to help understand the effort in which they are engaged and win their cooperation. Properly crafted, vision is indispensable to serious leadership. The difference between a bad and good leadership is simply the presence or absence of vision.

Today, humans are making trips to the moon. It took a truly great leader to craft that vision and challenge a nation to land a man on the moon and return him safely back to earth within a decade. Every person that finds his or herself in the position of leadership posses the opportunity to challenge himself and herself to become great by setting forth some vision the people can buy into and leave behind some powerful lessons and legacies for those who come after them. The legacies that are left behind by our “imposed leaders” these days are to steal some much for themselves and leave the people in perpetual poverty. It has become a vicious circle. Together, we must break this circle.

June 2013

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The Empowerment Post

By Patrick Oronsaye

Oba Ovonramwen and the Berlin conference he Berlin conference was brought about by European rivalries in Africa and concerns over the European colonial balance of power. In the late 1870s and early 1880s King Leopold II of Belgium had been trying to further personal interests by employing Anglo-American explorer Henry Morton Stanley to stake claims for him along the lower Congo River, an area where Portugal already had claims.

On the basis of treaties negotiated by French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza in 1880, France claimed land along the river as well. Meanwhile, on the lower Niger River, Britain and France were potential competitors over river trade. Merchants across Europe urged their governments to protect their African trade interests from European rivals.

Under such pressure, in mid-1884 German chancellor Otto von Bismarck announced German claims to three African colonies—Togoland, Cameroon, and South-West Africa. This increasingly frantic seizing of African territory, dubbed the Scramble for Africa, threatened to bring European nations to conflict. Bismarck, with France, called for a conference to settle European rivalries. Half of the countries represented, including the United States, had no colonial stake in Africa. However, they were invited to help sort out rival claims and to put the stamp of unbiased international approval on the territorial acquisition to come.

The conference convened in Berlin in November 1884.

Negotiations concerning claims to the Congo River area occurred outside the conference, in London, Paris, and Brussels, and held up matters for two months. At its conclusion in February 1885, the conference recognized Leopold's sovereignty over an area occupying most of the Congo basin that would become the massive Congo Free State.

It also acknowledged French claims along the east bank of 21

the Congo that would become French Congo. Portugal was left with only a small territory at the mouth of the Congo. The conference also recognized the German claims to Togoland, Cameroon, and South-West Africa. In a final General Act of Berlin, the representatives agreed to free trade in the Congo basin and free navigation along the Niger.

In addition, they agreed to rules for further claiming of African territory: each country was to notify the others of its claims, and each claim was to be followed with “effective occupation” of the claimed area. Conference participants stated lofty goals for their African territories, which included ending the slave trade and extending civilization, commerce, and Christianity to the African people.

Many myths cloud the legacy of the Berlin Conference.

Many people believe that the representatives of European nations parceled out African land among themselves as they sat around a table in Berlin. Actually, European taking of African land had been underway for some years before, and the Berlin Conference resulted only in recognition of claims along the Congo and of Germany's colonies. Further, the rules set out for claiming territory were largely meaningless and unenforceable. Yet, the Berlin Conference holds symbolic importance. Its occurrence in a European capital, thousands of miles from Africa, without a single African present, represents Europeans' unquestioned attitude of superiority, an attitude that underlay the Scramble and the early periods of colonial rule.

Although most of Africa remained in African possession immediately following the conference, the Berlin West Africa Conference served as the first public indication that European countries were poised to take over the continent, which they would accomplish over the next 25 years.

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Ovonramwen reigned 18881914 When Oba Adolor passed on, his son Prince Idugbowa was crowned as Oba Ovonramwen in 1888, but not without a fight from his brother, Prince Orokhoro.

Otto Von Bismarck Prince Orokhoro whose mother was also of Esan extraction lost. At first, he ran to Evbohimwin and then to Orhodua in Esanland.

Though he was conferred with the Enogie of Urumwon title by Oba Ovonramwen, Prince Orokhoro was still trying to raise an army in Esan when the British Punitive Expedition of 1897 occurred. The succession dispute between Oba Ovonramwen his brother, Prince Orokhoro led to the summary execution of a string of Chief's namely: Obaraye, Obazelu, Osia, Eribo, Obaduagbon and Esasoyen. This execution sowed the seed of distrust and sycophancy within the palace. Furthermore, the marriage of Princess Evbakhavbokun to Erhabor the Ologbose was intended to court the loyalty of the chief in the prevailing distrust occasioned by summary executions of the dissenting chiefs.

Both the Itsekiris and the Agban (Agbor) people had begun to withdraw their veneration of the might of the kingdom during the reign of Ovonramwen.In the same 1890s, Agbor and some of the western Ibo chiefdoms were in revolt. Some continued to pay tribute, but it was more difficult to enforce and the revolts were more difficult to put down.

The events of the nineteenth century leads to a reconsideration of the issues connected with the future of Benin as a military power, as well as the changing perspective on warfare. The chain of events seems to demonstrate that the pressures of military necessity due to the threats posed by the rebellious vassals were infinitely greater than the motives of politics in understanding the new perspective on warfare.

The task for the Oba and his principal chiefs was the search for a military strategy capable of maintaining the territorial integrity of Benin. The economic resources in form of tribute, taxes, and tolls were important elements in the conception of Benin Empire, but more than military power was required if the empire was to be held together.

In spite of the fact that Benin was confronted with difficult domestic political constraints, the ruling aristocracy could not foresee all the dimensions of what was essential to the pursuit of the imperial power of Benin. What seems to have occupied them was perhaps, the military strength of the state and the preparedness of the army in readiness to suppress revolts.

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Oba Ovonramwen and the British British and other European traders were making inroads into the complex network of Niger delta waterways, anchoring trading hulks in the rivers to satisfy the lust for ivory and "red gold," the palm oil that flowed from the interior. This was a hellish occupation in an area where the chant was "The Bight of Benin! The Bight of Benin! One comes out where three goes in." The White Man's Graveyard was a malarial miasma where only the toughest agents flourished, and a lucky few had the verbal contracts to do business directly with the Oba, who ruled the Kingdom of Edo controlling the river trade.

Two of the six Consular districts under the Niger Coast Protectorate Government were established on the Benin, and the Forcados Rivers, the latter being shortly removed to Warri trading station, now the Warri Township. The two districts formed the bases from which the Consular Officers penetrated into the interior.

In order to be assured of an adequate and effective force readily available, it was necessary to have a constabulary post somewhere in the districts. Calabar, where the main force for the Protectorate was to be stationed, was too far away. Therefore, one of the first assignments to Captain Gallwey was the survey in October, 1891, of the Urhobo oil-markets along the Ethiope River, with a view, among other things, to selecting suitable sites for a Vice(24) Consulate, barracks and constabulary posts. Sapele, a small Urhobo village, on the left bank of the Ethiope River, about 55 miles from the Benin Vice-Consulate, appealed to Captain Gallwey.

In his report to Major Macdonald, Gallwey said, "The anchorage here is deep and roomy, and the ground high, though one mass of forest. A most suitable spot to establish factories, especially as all the produce from the Sobo markets passes here on the way to the towns near the mouth of the river." He, therefore, recommended Sapele, which he called the first Sobo market, to be a very good place to establish a Vice-Consulate and constabulary barracks.

Macdonald visited Sapele in the following month and approved it as being eminently suitable for the purpose for which Gallwey recommended it. The Urhobo people there assured him that, if he would come and build there, they would clear as much ground as he wanted. That was the origin of the present Sapele Township.

In March 1892, Captain Gallway, the British viceConsul of Oil Rivers Protectorate that later became the Niger Coast Protectorate, visited Benin City hoping to annex Benin kingdom and make it a British Protectorate.

Although the king of Benin, Omo N'Oba Ovonramwen, was skeptical of the British motives, he was willing to endorse what he believed was a friendship and trade agreement. Oba Ovonramwen refrained from endorsing the Gallwey's treaty when it became apparent that the document was a deceptive ploy intended to make Benin

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kingdom a British colony.

Consequently the Benin king issued an edict barring all British officials and traders from entering Benin territories and since Major (later Sir) Claude Maxwell Macdonald, the Consul General of the Oil River Protectorate authorities considered the 'Treaty' legal and binding; he deemed the Benin king's reaction a violation of the accord and thus a hostile act. As an overt manifestation of Oba's reaction against the overthrow of Nana, Oba Ovonramwen closed all the hinterland markets under his control and thus blockaded the flow of Palm produce to the coast. The blockade was partially lifted when Major Ralph Moor the Consul General intervened.

However, the intervention did not prevent the Oba from demanding extra tribute from the Itsekiri middlemen - a demand which turned the later against him.

He also demanded and obtained 20,000 corrugated iron sheets from the British merchants before he could open up the markets. There is no doubt that in these actions Oba

Gallwey & Benin Chiefs; 1892

Ovonramwen had made enemies both with the British and his neighbours, a situation that facilitated his overthrow two years after.

Who was Gallwey?

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Lionel Galwey, KCMG, DSO (25 September 1859 – 17 June 1949) was the Governor of South Australia from 18 April 1914 until 30 April 1920. Henry Lionel Gallwey was born on 25 September 1859 at Alverstoke, Southampton, England, to Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Lionel Gallwey and his second wife, Alicia Dorinda Lefanu, née MacDougall.

Following his education at Cheltenham College and the Royal Military College in Sandhurst, he was commissioned in 1878. He served as an aide-de-camp to the governors of Bermuda, being promoted to captain in 1887 Gallwey was appointed deputy commissioner and vice-consul in the newly established Oil Rivers Protectorate that later became the Niger Coast Protectorate in 1891.

In March 1892, he failed to convince the King of Benin, Omo n'Oba Ovonramwen, into signing a deceptive

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'treaty of friendship' that would make Benin a British colony. Instead, the King issued an edict barring all British officials and traders from entering Benin territories. The 'Gallwey Treaty', although it was never signed, became the legal basis for British invasion, occupation, and looting, culminating in the savage Benin Expedition of 1897, which destroyed the Kingdom of Benin. Gallway was often mentioned in dispatches during this time, and was rewarded with the Distinguished Service Order (DSO; 1896), appointment as Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG; 1899) and promotion to major (1897).Given the rank of lieutenant-colonel when placed on half-pay in 1901, he retired from the army in 1902 to become governor of St Helena, where he revived capital punishment. Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1910, he was transferred to Gambia in 1911.

In 1911, Gallwey changed his surname to "Galway" and on 26 August 1913 in London he married Baroness Marie Carola Franciska Roselyne d'Erlanger.

Gallwey was appointed Governor of South Australia in 1914. Galway resented the limitations placed upon a constitutional governor, and his governorship was defined by controversy. He managed to anger a wide spectrum of the population.

Galway's appointment was not renewed upon its expiration in 1920; though he was liked by the Adelaide establishment, he had been a spectacularly controversial governor, and the Colonial Office refused him another post. He returned to England later in 1920, and died on 17 June 1949.

The Benin City Expedition Justification for the violent overthrow of the Benin kingdom was to avenge the deaths of seven Britons who had been ambushed who had been ambushed on a path to Benin a few weeks earlier. They were represented as peaceful ambassadors sent to discuss the operation of a trade treaty with the Oba, who were then murdered in cold blood - however, the evidence tells a different story.

The true story At the end of the nineteenth century, European powers were busy partitioning Africa and bringing formerly independent countries and states under their control. Britain established a palm oil industry – palm was used in the production of soap – and established links in West Africa. At first, the British strategy was to build up trading links, not formally to control . Oba Ovonramwen wanted to levy customs duties on the trade in the region but the British wanted to deal directly with the producers of goods. The British traders became irritated and suggested to the Foreign Office that he should be overthrown. These were the years of the global rubber boom, consequent on John Dunlop's invention of the rubber inner tube. The virgin forests of Benin looked June 2013

Archives

rubber inner tube. The virgin forests of Benin looked especially attractive In 1894 after the British invasion and destruction of Brohimie, the trading town of Nana, the leading Itsekiri trader in the Benin River District by a combined British Royal Navy and Niger Coast Protectorate forces, Benin kingdom increased her military presence on her southern borders. This vigilance and the Colonial Office refusal to grant approval for an invasion of Benin City scuttled the expedition the Protectorate had planned for early 1895.

Even so between September 1895 and mid 1896 three attempts were made by the Protectorate to enforce the Gallwey 'Treaty'. Major P. Copland-Crawford, viceConsul of the Benin district, made the first attempt, Mr. Locke, the vice-Consul assistant, made a second one and the third one was made by Captain Arthur Maling, the commandant of the Niger Coast Protectorate Force detachment based in Sapele.

Vincent Brendan a British merchant had established new trading posts in Urhobo country, beaches with warehouses for palm oil and trade goods. According to Brendan, the Oba had agents at the waterside markets, and they often stopped all trade leaving Benin territories if they weren't happy with the terms. Brendan's men were so accustomed to the embargoes they kept their palm oil in gourds with narrow necks that could be sealed until the markets reopened.

To force the trade routes open, Whitehall sent a James Phillips of the Royal Navy. Phillips, a former Overseer of Prisons, was determined to take Benin City.

Feet washing rituals In March 1896 following price fixing and refusal by Itsekiri middle men to pay the required tributes, Oba ovonramwen ordered a cessation of the supply of oil palm produce to them. The trade embargo brought trade in the Benin River region to a standstill, and the British traders and agents of the British trading firms quickly appealed to Protectorate's Consul-General to 'open up' Benin territories, and send the Benin king whom they claimed was an 'obstruction' into exile.

In June 1895, Sir John reported inability to decide the issue one way or the other. To him, the necessity to come

Feet washing

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to any decision was questionable since the area concerned was occupied by neither the Protectorate Government nor the Royal Niger Company. After describing the upper reaches of the Ethiope river which waters, on the west, the area in dispute, and the Ase creek which waters it on the east, Sir John c o n c l u d e d t h a t Lt.-Colonel Sir Henry Lionel Gallwey actual boundary could not be fixed until more was known of the geography of the country; he recommended that, for the time being, the trade of the towns concerned should be left to take their natural water course.

The Foreign Office therefore, had no alternative but to advise the Niger Coast Protectorate Government to stop its officers visiting any more, those parts of the Urhobo country. Thus, what was apparently the high hopes of the Consular officers, and the expectations of the Urhobo people for a coming administration, were dashed to pieces, at least for the time being.

But the Consular Officers were dogged; instead of abiding by the Foreign Office's advice, they continued visiting the Urhobo and the Ukwuani countries, entering into more Treaties with the people. Mr. John Mc'Taggart, the Chief Officer in charge of the Royal Niger Company's patrol team, was not to be beaten in the race. The fall of Benin was to him an impetus for extensive patrolling activities, not only in the Urhobo and the Ukwuani countries, but also in the Ika (Agbor), Ishan, Afemai (Kukuruku) and the Ora countries. On an earlier occasion, he even marched into Benin.

The whole situation was one of real jealousy and competitive scramble, and, at one stage of it, an open clash between the officers of the two administrations seemed imminent. And so that dis-quieting situation continued for two long years ending in November, 1897, when the foreign Office was again obliged to tell Sir Ralph Moor, then the head of the Niger Coast Protectorate Government, of the importance which Her Majesty's Government attached to the avoidance of both administrations alike of any action on the frontier likely to provoke friction between them. The despatch ended by saying "Lord Salisbury feels sure that no effort on your part will be wanting to avoid such friction."

Sir Ralph Moor reluctantly obeyed, instructing his officers to take as little action as possible for the present, in the direction of the left bank of the Ethiope River, and in June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Event

Radiant At 70

A series of activities were recently held in honour of Madam Edowaye Violet Agbontaen to mark her 70th birthday anniversary. A church service was conducted at St Matthew’s Cathedral Church (Anglican Communion) in Benin City.

A reception which was organised to entertain guests at the posh Emporium Event Center in G.R.A Benin City was graced by her associates, friends and family members who joined her to celebrate the attainment of this major biblical milestone.

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Politics

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June 2013

Politics

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June 2013

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Event

FOR THE LOVE OF MOTHER Dame Merry Oritsetimeyin Ehanire July 28, 1922-April 30, 2013

On July 28th 1922, the marital bond between Jack Fred Cardigan, a railway engineer from Lancashire, United Kingdom and Dora Otsemaye Okorogheye from Ogheye of the present-day Warri South LGA, Delta State was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Merry, who was initially named Comfort at birth.

Living in the Niger Delta saw Merry's early education inside Warri, a city in the heart of current Delta State. Her school, where she exhibited profoundness in spelling accurately was peopled with the likes of Late Chief Alfred Rewane and Dr Preston Egbe who were also her cousins.

Years after, Engineer Jack Cardigan's burning desire to be re-united with his daughter remained as a pang never abating. During the 2nd World War, a British Naval Officer, Capt. John Cardigan was compelled with an extra mission of seeking the whereabouts of his niece, Merry Oritsetimeyin. The mission was successful except that the task of bearing the elating news was plunged into a mishap when on his voyage back to his brother, Mama’s children Jack Cardigan; an enemy warship got the better of theirs. And this unfortunate accident finally severed the links with her paternity.

Yes! It was a painful emotional setback. But it was not potent enough to stop Merry Oritsetimeyin from getting a more formal education. Furthering her education after completing the foundational at Government School, Warri took her to Benin City, the location of the elite Convent School. Here again, she was to bond in class with Mrs. Dora Ukponmwan (nee Obaseki) Princess Kate Oronsaye, scion of Oba Eweka, a king of the great Benin kingdom, whose humanitarian enterprise still stands very noticeable in her Oronsaye Maternity and Orphanage. Another classmate who shares the same paternal heritage with Princess Oronsaye, Princess Comfort Oboigba was also a worthy companion while they undertook the Catholic grooming as a distinctive feature of the Convent School.

Therefore, when Merry Oritsetimeyin met her heartthrob, Mr. David Ogbevoen Ehanire of a prominent 29

Benin lineage sometime in 1946, not only would her adorable beauty certify her romantically qualified, she had also become very well primed as a veritable household manager to fulfil any man's desire for a wife indeed.

Her uncle, Chief Mallory Dediare handed her into the marriage in Warri. The marriage was consummated under Native Law & Custom and later became validated by legal statute. Thus Merry Oritsetimeyin Ehanire was to begin her life in marriage with a starting position as a homemaker while her husband worked in the British Trading Company, Mclvers, of the colonial period.

When by 1950 the couple moved into their new home along 2nd East Circular Road, Benin City, her husband, Mr. David Ehanire had become a Senior Manager in Mclvers. By this time also, Merry Oritsetimeyin Ehanire was to be engaged in a Bookkeeping job with Mclvers, and later Armel's, a transport company of prominence.

This experience provided the couple the nudge to venture into their private line of transport and other allied services, which was known as Ehanire Trading & Transport Services (ETTS) The Company grew by leaps and bounds, rendering haulage services of rubber and palm kernel to UAC, John Holt and so many other Companies which were involved in the export and processing of agricultural produce.

In addition to the haulage line of business was their events and entertainment centre 'Moonlight Garden Club' located in Benin City and famed for hosting numerous great musical bands like E.T. Mensah from Accra, Ghana, and Bobby Benson from Lagos.

Late Dame Merry Oritsetimeyin Ehanire while alive was actively rooted in her Christian faith. With so much enthusiasm in practice, she reached the enviable position of “Iye' Iko” (mother of congregation) of 'Our Saviour's Anglican Church.

She was blessed with eight children, but is survived by seven until her death.

June 2013

Event

The Empowerment Post

Cross section of mama’s children

Daisy, Gen. Danjuma & Mrs Endurance Odubu

Maj. Gen. Charles Arhiavbhere (Rtd) left, Mathew Urhoghide & Pascal Ugbome

Chief Tony Anenih left & Hon Aminu Tambuwal Speaker House of Reps

Chief Amos Osubor left

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion & his wife Lady Cherry

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Event

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Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma & wife Daisy

Daisy & Barr. Henry Idahagbon Edo State Attorney General

Daisy & Mrs Endurance Odubu

Dan Orbih left Edo PDP Chairman

Hon. Philip Shaibu left & Lancelot Imasuen

Daisy & Barr. Osarodion Ogie Hon. Comm. for Works

June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Event

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Daisy Danjuma

Council of Knights

Cross Section of grand children

Friends of Daisy

Masquerade at the reception

Dance troupe from Taraba state

June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Special Project

Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin, Vice Chancellor University of Benin

PRAGMATIC, SELF DRIVEN ACHIEVER His expertise in Health Education resonates around the academic

modern citadel of learning. He held several other positions at the

world; his sporting prowess has remained indelible both as an athlete

university including, Member, Governing Council, Member, Senate,

and as an administrator. But what has granted him legendary status

Dean, Faculty of Education, Head of Department of Physical and

is the amazing profile of accomplishments that he recorded in

Health Education.

A scion of the Oloke Royal Family of the Benin Kingdom, Oshodin is a product of the famous Western Boys' High School, Benin City. He also attended the Federal School of Science, Lagos for Advanced Level studies. He settled in New York, USA for his university education. He obtained a string of degrees culminating in a Doctorate of Education from City College, Hunter College both of the University of New York and Teachers' College of the Ivy League tower, Colombia University, New York.

A recipient of over 100 honours and awards across the globe, Prof. Oshodin commenced his academic career at his alma mater before transferring to the University of Benin in 1991. He has over 120 publications and a member of over 20 learned societies. He spoke extensively on several issues to our team led by Emeka Ogbeide JP including Sylvester Uyigue and Kenneth Okunbor.

managing the prestigious University of Benin as its 8th Vice Chancellor since November 2009.

Prior to this, Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin, a Professor of Health Education with special interest in Substance Abuse was the Director of Sports, University of Benin, President, Nigeria Universities Games Association, Member, West African Universities Games (WAUG), Federation of African Universities Sports Games (FASU), the World Universities Games Union (FISU) and several local and international sports bodies.

At the university, his tenure of over nine years as Dean of Students remains the longest in the annals of the institution. The experience garnered at this point combined with his innate administrative abilities to transform University of Benin into a

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Special Project

Can you tall us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Prof. Osayuki Oshodi Jp, Vice Chancellor University of Benin.

You were a very active sports man and administrator, can you take us through your participation at both ends?

I was the President of Nigeria University Games (NUGA). I was the Director of Sports of the University of Benin, member West Africa University Games, member Federation of Africa University Games and a member of World University Games. I led a delegation to World University games in South Korea.

The universities were known to have produced great sports men and women. What is happening now?

You are right, you are aware that Olofinjana was discovered during the NUGA Games but now there is little or no emphasis on grass root games. There are no sports administrators, as anybody can just come and begin to run sports. I think we should allow professionals to run sports. We should develop and encourage primary and secondary school sports. Talents are not what you pick on the road.

We should put the right people in the right places and we should discourage the idea of putting somebody who has no idea of a particular sport to chair an association where he knows nothing about. For Nigeria to regain its lost glory in sports, we must put the right people in the right place.

What have you done to uplift sports in the university?

We now have a state-of-the-art sports complex, there is no university in this country that has the kind of facilities we have.

We have developed the sports complex to world-standard with swimming pool, tartan tracks, an indoor sports hall where you can play all the ball games, we have just established a golf club now and we are still pushing ahead, that's why we are always on top, in terms of sports. Sports is another avenue you can use in keeping the students busy and take them away from criminal activities. We also organized inter-faculty, inter-departmental, inter-hall games to keep them busy so that they won't fill their minds with negative things.

How were you able to calm this institution inspite of its previous reputation as a haven for cult activities and staff unrest?

I was a former dean of student affairs and I know what students were capable of doing and when I was appointed Vice 35

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Chancellor of the University, I called the student Union leaders and spoke to them to either stop those unholy activities that were inimical to the University community or face the wrath of the law and they listened. One way of stopping cultism is sports and we organized and renovated the sports complex to international standard and recently we hosted the 23rd edition of the Nigeria University Games. Besides we ensured that basic facilities are put in place so that there will be no excuse. We did biometrics to know our students. We got rid of 142 students who were almost getting a degree because they were not our students. They are the ones who would not want to write exams because they are not students. We published the names of those who are not our students. The experience I gathered as dean of students helped me to succeed and I will not hesitate to recommend same to other persons aspiring to the position of Vice Chancellor.

What of the issue where lecturers sexually harass or extort money from students?

One or the approaches we employed in tackling this issue was to ensure that we adhere strictly to the academic calendar drawn up for the school. We ensure that results are submitted as at when due. In the past, results were taken all through the year but when I came we ensured the results are taken within two or three weeks after examination and this foreclosed the opportunity for meeting students. When we have such complaints, we discipline such lecturers and 6 lecturers were dismissed some time ago and some are still facing disciplinary action as a result of taking money from students.

A major responsibility of your office is course accreditation.

How has it been since your tenure?

I followed the rules laid down by the National University Commission (NUC) and the NUC used to give us a specific number of students we can admit based on our facilities. The University consists of ten (10) faculties, four (4) schools including the post graduate school, seventy six (76) Departments, three (3) institutes. Six (6) centres and one (1) unit. We have a total number of eighty-seven (87) academic programmes.

Besides, we have set up the necessary machinery to ensure the accreditation of the 1% remaining and as at July 2011, 75% have full accreditation, 24% have interim statues while 1% was denied.

June 2013

Special Project

The Empowerment Post

Specifically, have you advanced infrastructural The immediate host community had paid several courtesy visits development and to what extent in comparism with what to me, this is as a result of my relationship with them. They told you met? me that in the past, nobody knew whether they existed. The One of the major areas where we have recorded great success in visitation panel also mentioned it in the past that the host promoting enabling academic environment is the area of community was ignored but I have corrected that now. The infrastructural development through the construction of new other time when they sensed that there was trouble here and buildings, renovation of existing ones and procurement of people were criticising me in the newspapers, the immediate necessary equipment. host community came out on the streets defending me that I The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has helped us to develop our didn't know anything about the problem and that nobody should infrastructures. We equally reached out to the Central Bank of disturb me because 'the man is helping us'. When I was Dean of Nigeria (CBN) and they have helped us to construct a bridge Students, I never intervened in the student union election, any across Ikpoba River linking Uniben Ugbowo with the other side leader, Vice Chancellor or Dean of Students that intervenes in towards Auchi Road. Unfortunately, neighboring communities student union election is calling for trouble, so it is always good and some villagers have encroached on Uniben land. We have to stay away from their election, let them do their thing, equally reached out to the Shell Development Company and whoever wins is the person you relate with. They chose their they assisted us with a leaders and I allow them to G e o - S c i e n c e s function, for three years now, Laboratory and we have we've not had any crisis from admitted students for post the students, that's because of graduate studies. the way we relate with them.

In our bid to strengthen Students are the easiest set of our academic base and to people you can deal with, all be able to compete with you need to do is to make sure other universities they get water, light and g l o b a l l y, w e h a v e general cleanliness of their embarked on bilateral halls, they don't demand relations, academic more than that and we are exchanges and doing that. collaborations.

The hostels I met when I This covers staff and came in are not the same now, VC Prof. Oshodin right, Emeka Ogbeide & Sylvester Uyigue student exchanges collaborative research programmes, we've put tiles in all their toilets and made sure the toilets get 24exchange of publications, training opportunities, staff hour attention. If there is any need to increase any charge, we development and internships. We are currently partnering with explain everything to them why we want to increase, for several international universities as well as faculty based example, the maintenance charges for hostel. We don't partnership with a number of institutions. I am aware that a arbitrarily do it, we must discuss with them, you don't sit back in university is built around a quality library and today the your empire and say you are the- master, when you do that, they university under my leadership has acquired books, journals resist you, but, if you discuss with them with facts, they would and other periodicals that will enhance learning and agree, they are also human beings. The relationship with the research.We have also succeeded in installing through the staff unions; ASUU, NASU, SSANU; NAAT has been very support of MTN e-library facilities which provide access to cordial. large volumes of e-books.

What was your motivation in seeking office?

Ekehuan campus appears to be a sore thumb, what healing I know what was wrong here as a former dean and I have been measures have you put in place? able to make the staff and students happy. Promotion of staff are I have done a lot there as we have renovated the school and a lot done as at when due and it was not so before I came. I met four of people have come to say thank you. We have completed the years promotion arrears and as we speak, we have cleared the Mass Communication building with studio equipment though arrears. Before now the welfare of staffs and students were very, we are waiting for the license to operate. We were given license very low but we have taken care of the welfare of staffs and to test run the equipment. students and I do hope that my successor will continue from What has been your relationship with stakeholders Staff, where we stopped.

Students, the immediate host community?

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Special Project

Refurbished University Entrance

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CBN Gov. Lamido Sanusi left & Minister of Education Prof. Ruqqayat Rufa’i commission one of the numerous project executed by the Oshodin Administration

Clinical Therapeutics Centre

1000 capacity Lecture Theatre for Faculty of Engineering

New Pro-Chancellors Lodge June 2013

Special Project

The Empowerment Post

Indoor Sports Hall

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Indoor basketball court

New 1500 - Spectator Stand in the Sports Complex

Laying of the Sports Center with tartan tracks

Rehabilitation of Swimming pool for the Sports Center June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Special Project

EKEHUAN CAMPUS

Renovated UNIBEN Consultancy Secondary School

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Renovated Dance Studio

Renovated UNIBEN Press

Renovated Department of Fine & Applied Arts

Mass Communication Equipment and Facilities

Radio/TV Equipment in Sound Proof Studio

Radio/TV House for Mass Communication June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Special Project

Lecture Hall Complex Consisting of (2) 1000 capacity (3) 250 capacity and (1) 500 capacity lecture halls with bookshops

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Administrative Block for Faculty of Pharmacy

New 300 Capacity Senate Chambers

Faculty of Education Building Phase 1

Geophysics Science Laboratory

Completion of Ikpoba Bridge & access road

Supply of 1000 KVA Generator to Faculties of Arts & Social Sciences

June 2013

AT A GLANCE Just opposite the airport.

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Security tucked between Air Force Base, Army Barracks, Airport Police Station.

Exquisite Luxurious rooms Well stacked bar & Gourmet Restaurant.

1, Ihama Road, GRA/ Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria Tel: 07062084038, 07085682441, 08096097788, 08151974044 Email:info@prestigehotelandsuites.com Website:www.prestigehotelandsuites.com

Royalty

The Empowerment Post

Siluko welcomes new Enogie It was a gathering of cream dela cream at the official installation of HRH Aiguobasimwinogie Akenzua as the Enogie of Siluko Town in Ovia South West Local Government Council of Edo State.

The event attracted sons and daughters of Siluko from far and near as well as friends and family members to the colorful ceremony. Also present were members of the National Assembly, Civil Commissioners, Council Chairmen and several dignitaries from all walks of life.

Guests were later treated to sumptuous meal while Dr. Agbankpan Olita was at his musical best. In his speech, HRH the Aiguobasimwinogie Akenzua, the Enogie of Siluko thanked his colleagues, members of the royal family, friends and well wishers for the love and support accorded him during his coronation ceremony

HRH Aiguobasimwinogie Akenzua Enogie of Siluko Town

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Royalty

Enogie with palace chiefs

Enogie’s wife

Hon. Samson Osagie & Hon. Razaq Belo - Osagie

Hon. Charles Idahosa middle & other guests

Cross section of dignitaries

Nollywood Star right with Prince Akenzua

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Hon. Washington Osifo right Comm. for Education with Billy Sakandi

June 2013

Entrepreneur

Besides, power is also one of the biggest problems that we have, if I tell you I spend close to ten thousand every day in buying diesel for about 30days, you can imagine how much that is at the end of the month and PHCN will still bring you bills, so if PHCN will improve, our business will improve it will help us a lot.

How would you assess the current government in Edo State in terms of development?

It is the best we have had in a long time with no apology to anybody even though we are over taxed. Taxation seem to be a problem to us because we have not being use to paying taxes because the Civil Servant were the historic one's that were paying taxes but the idea of tax payment is a new phenomenon in Edo State that is why people are complaining but overtime, if things continue this way we will pay these taxes and see how it is being spent and this can also encourage you and motivate you to do more.

What is your advice to Comrade Governor?

I will appeal to the Comrade Governor to resuscitate Bendel Brewery, Okpella cement and if these factories are resuscitated, will we be taking about 5000 or more job opportunities. I mean quality job because the number of people that will be employed will contribute to the social economic development of the state. My appeal is that let us wake up these industry and encourage entrepreneurs by waving off taxes and this will encourage people to start up more businesses but when you start a new business and you are confronted with taxes you will be discouraged but if at the initial stage of a business I am looking for money to start a business before it stabilizes and I am faced with serious taxation from government the business is jeopardized. But as at now what we are expecting is a small small businesses like 20 here 30 there because we are not going to have a big company that will employ 100, 500 thousand people at once. In addition, Government should encourage small businesses by granting tax exemption for the first three years it will also help us and encourage us to grow and stay solid because when you are solid you can now contribute all the time to government property.

I grew up in Benin and Benin used to be a communal place then but these days things have change dramatically, apart from the insecurity when we were growing up in those days we can go to five, nine clubs in a day but these days people are very apprehensive and sacred to go out. The entertainment industry in Benin now is a new one and Benin is very strategic in terms of location. what we should be thinking is how to translate it from being a transit place into socio-economic center for the people it is when the business I built for 3-4 years after I have invested all I have in it I was busy creating a lot of employment opportunities but it makes me feel bad when that business has to go down not because we wanted it to go down but because some people that where superior to us felt they could take it down and they took down that business not minding that I have a hundred workers on my payroll that is my worst experience since I came back form the U.S

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What would you want to be remembered for?

As much as I live everyday I will try to put fun into everyday because everyday can be the last, you live it like its your last. Just create exciting moments for yourself even if there is none.

What do you do at your spare time?

Intellectualizing and socializing and hence I have a bush bar when we started it, it was made up small group of people as a small outdoor away for couple of friends but it has expanded this far because it has become a forum for social interaction and intellectual discuss. I grew up in Mission Road close to Ugbague we are Ugbague children and you know what that means so will always enjoy some kind of social build up around us. All the same we are still enjoying it.

Like my hotel is a moderate hotel we are not going to put ourselves in a 2 star 3 star business but what we have here is not also a big one we have eleven rooms but for the bush bar, if you meet somebody in New York they will tell you about the bush bar it has become a platform for off shore graduates, foreign trained people especially America trained people.

This is where they gather and interact and also try and get over the social frustration that we experience everyday.

I live a simple life and I believe if you are fair and equitable, you can go to sleep without worries and leave the rest for God. We are not interested in the billions people are running after all we require is a enough to live a decent life and it can be better than these.

What will be your advice to the people?

My advice for the Benins is that they should stop building mansions, they should build industry that will employ our children and youth when they leave school and that is the number one priority we should focus on and if you have a good business you can build a house anytime because mansion don't employ people and our people who are viable here are making the mistake in throwing all the money they have in building mansions and also the orientation of ours has to change let us focus on creating business that will leave a legacy for our children because successful business will only provide you the right resource to do whatever you want to do you see people having children in the university and they are building mansion the best they can employ is a security gardener and a house help but if they build business we can create opportunity for the good one's and every child has a right to that good time they begin to get frustrated in life. So I want to appeal to the Benin people because the man from Sokoto will not come and repair Benin it is the Edo Benin people that will repair Benin, by changing our way of orientation and will live to thank the comrade governor for he has changed the city from that ancient city to a modern city. That is a good foundation for we to follow and for those who have the resources should invest viable business.

June 2013

Arts

The Empowerment Post

I GREW UP SEEING ART WORKS ALL OVER ME - OBU-MACLEOD She has often been described in the superlatives. Graceful, woman of substance, traditionalist, grade A certified Chief from Edo Nation, historian, art collector and antiquarian, Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Ajighiegbe Obu-Macleod is the respected bearer of the magnificent title ADOLOR OF EMU KINGDOM in Ekpoma, in Edo state .A woman who treads where even “Angels� of men dread to dare, the Adolor made history when she attained that height at the princely age of 44, making her the first of such female in Benin history to attain such height.

An unconventional business tycoon with hands in many pies, including but not limited to hotel/ hospitality business; Art work merchandising; building &construction; interior & exterior designs decoration then also into oil \gas, the Adolor in surely not a small fish in a big pond. “I grew up seeing art works, carvings, sculptures all over me, I was shocked with all these mystic statures and abstract paintings, I was indeed lost for word as a kid,'' she told Osagie Mike Cerutti, over lunch at the lounge of the expansive Ikoyi Club.

But beyond that, arts itself is noble folks, not for cheap or mean men, it is meant to be enjoyed by the nobles, and it is that place I fell into because I hail from a family of all nobles, princes, chief and princesses.

My grandparent at parents were all revered chiefs in their life time. My late father Chief Major Humphrey Etafo Obuh was the Okakulu of Emu kingdom and the Odion of Igbemila of Ugboha land, while my late mother, chief (Mrs) Comfort Obu, was the Emiebaluye of Emu kingdom, so you can see it's a long tradition of Chief's and nobles and they all grew up loving and living a life revolving around arts and culture Tell us when you started the business of direct involvement with arts merchandising I was born into arts merchandising. From inside my mother's womb, I was an artist. But practically speaking, I started working for my parent as far back as when I was as young as 8 years of age Bubbling as an apprentice for my father, so you see, when it comes to the dynamics of art and culture world, I have been well trained, even in culture aspect of life.

A lot has been said about you passion for culture and tradition, please tell A little bit of your cultural life Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Ajighiegbe Obu-Macleod

The Adolor of Emu Kingdom ,we thank immensely for the invitation ,can you first tell us about your interest in the artwork world and the merchandising part of it?

I will say my love, passion at involvement with the world of arts is not by accident ,I grew up seeing art works at sculpture all over me, from the word go ,I have been immersed in the world of arts at arts dealing in began form the days my grandfather was actively serving the old colonial masters, am sure that was when our family story of love with arts began, those colonial master's love for ancient Bini arts must have captivated my grandfather and inspired him to also be a collector 46

A:Well that is not a secret , I am a cultural and traditional disciples and I make no fuse about that because that is who am totally is in every sense of the world, I know a lot of things about African Culture and much more a lot of history was told to me by my parents ,which is still in my mind ,as a culture activities , I am grateful that my mother's teachings and training is today manifesting dividends in my life today, it's now my natural calling to interact effectively with people from all works of life, to that am eternally grateful, though many will be fast to think that what we do as traditionalist is mostly about juju or anti Christ, my role is to tell them the whole truth about our traditions, which I can tell you is very useful and educational to the modern world today,nothing like juju here.

June 2013

Arts

The Empowerment Post

What lesson or what can you say of people who belive all this traditional essence is fettish?

The lesson for the world can learn is that we are just doing what commanded by our creator, even God was very artistic in nature to have created a beautiful world, made up of sea, mountains, rivers, landscape and the rest, we are in same boat as co travelers, what we do is simply contemporary,, we aim to uphold our cultural heritage and values and I can confidently tell you there is nothing fetish in our cultural heritage and values I know that if people ,see a learned lady like me ,saying I love and With her husband respect my culture and tradition, then no doubt many can join me by doing same, at the end of the day the world will agree that there is nothing fetish in what are doing.

PROFILE Mrs. Josephine Ajiehiegbe Oboh-Macleod was born on the 18th July 1965. She started her primary school in Benin and completed most of her secondary school in Lagos and then finished her high school at Newman Preparatory school in Boston Mass USA. She earned her first degree in Hospitality management with the highest honors from Newbury College in Boston Massachusetts USA Before then at very young age, she worked as an apprentice in mother and father's businesses.

She was well trusted by both her parents and performed her duties with due diligence.After she returned from Boston, she worked with her parents at Combo Hotels Ltd. In 1986 she established a food manufacturing business with her late mother called Pac Industries Manufacturing Ltd. Baking at an industrial level and later on biscuits making and tortilla chips which was made entirely out of locally produced products during the government drive for using home made produce. In One of her works 1990 she established her own furniture making factory sometimes employing between 50-100 persons. Her love for arts especially visual art informed a decision to export Nigerian art and artifacts to USA and UK. She became the 47

representative of phoenix international USA. 1995 she made a decision to go back to school to obtain a masters degree in Business Administration which she obtained from the university of Surrey in Guildford UK. Although at this time she remained chief adviser and sometime financier of her parents businesses, in 2000 she set up with her business partners her current business Kakofoni Ltd which does hotels and hospitality consultancy, Artwork dealing, Building, interior and exterior design & decoration. Oil and Gas consultancy. She is happily married to her loving husband Norman C. Macleod. The past chieftain and honorable piper of the Lagos Caledonian society. He is a retired shell petroleum employee and now Chief Operating Officer COO of SINOPEC Ltd and a director of Kakofoni Ltd. They are blessed with four lovely children, Sophia Omoekphehen, Natalie Igboshoria, Monte Ezephoha and Catherine Ihaphidopho. Ajiehiegbe is a successful, hardworking and well respected business woman, Art Dealer, Trado-Medicine preservation activist, philanthropist, art/ culture and tourism promoter (she is often nick named as a workaholic by her family and friends). She supports a number of charities such as the Diabetic society, the Cancer and Heart society, Migraine Trust.

Also a number of other charities which includes the motherless babies homes, David Shepherd Foundation for the preservation of endangered wildlife. We are extremely happy to be bestowing upon Ajiehiegbe the chieftaincy title as the Adolor of Emu Kingdom. May her reign be fruitful and long. She has already started her good work by rebuilding the public town center at Akhiomhen.

June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Feminine

Our biggest challenge is piracy – Sister Naomi the secret What I want to say at this point is that the finger of God came upon me but before we came on board, there were singers and I believe that it pleased God at that particular time you mentioned to raise up people who will praise His name and when it is God, there is always a difference. If you do it according to the way God has instructed and you follow it, you will see the hand of God. The reason is that in the 90s God decided to take over the praise ministry by Himself and he called me specially to be his praise singer that is why I go with the title his praise singer. So it is all about God, He takes the glory because he owns the song, we give it back to Him. Any plan for diversification

Evangelist Naomi Ehigie

Naomi Ehigie, an evangelist delivers her message through music, a medium that has earned her fame and fortune. Sister Naomi spoke to Ken Okunbor recently.

How long have you being into music I have being in active music for 15 years and it has being so good.

Which album would you say is the most popular for you?

Thank you very much recently God want me to break the front yard by leaving the local scene to make my music more universal. I have being doing the Edo song which is the Benin song, but recently by inspiration I am now combining English and Benin inside so by the rd 3 of April which was my birthday I released two albums into the market, one is a Benin album and the other is purely English because God is a universal God. He brings the inspiration and doing something new will make my fans inspired more and will be able to give them exactly what God wants me to give them.

The title of my new album is, “If God be for us, who can be against us.” It is a pure English album all the song there are pure English and I have Osamagbe aka testimony that one has all Benin song in it. But a little touch of English.

How do you get your songs

The most popular music album is Osamuyimen that is an evergreen song and My glory is not for sale. It was done in the year 2004.

I write my songs myself, praise and worship songs. I have more than enough song because each time God teachers me the song. Even as I am asleep I can just be singing. So I have more than many songs I don't need somebody to write for me.

How did you combine teaching with music

How long did you take you to breakthrough

I am a teacher by training and I am a singer by calling you know God can call anybody to do an assignment for him, so I am a trained teacher and why in the class room 1990 the call came and since He called me there has been no problem because God is never an author of confusion and whenever he sent me on an assignment he equips me to do exactly what he sent me to do. He has being so wonderful.

It was my sixth album that made the hit that is “Kpobornijesu” you know in a vision you have to learn before your ministry can blow up. Even Jesus Christ learnt before he started his ministry, so my sixth album made the hit. This is “Urukpamenkine” that is Kpobornijesu.

Since the early 2000 and till now gospel music has witnessed tremendous growth and acceptance, what is 49

Where you ever disturbed or deterred by not hitting it off when you started

June 2013

Feminine

The Empowerment Post

hit. And I knew huge turn and when you are called you will have to wait for some specific instructions on how to move. You know initially I just got in and when it was not working, I had to leave and God gave me some instructions and when I followed it wow it was something else.

workers challenges, you see some times they disappoint you. You have the piracy that is one of the biggest challenges today. It is part of the word which is an abomination to the market and it is doing so well before you know it, somebody starts dubbing and selling them, you that wrote the song and the person that does all the production will end up getting peanut. That is one of the What is your advice for upcoming gospel artists challenges we have today.

Thank you very much for that wonderful question Another challenge is effective workers. No committed because a lot of people are confused today because they and dedicated workers, but nevertheless God helping us don't really know what is happening and they don't really we are managing it by His grace. know how it is happening. My advice to the gospel singer is that any person that wants to sing gospel songs should How are you tackling piracy That matter is a very big problem and at this point I want take note of the following: to appeal to the Federal government to help us put some You must wait upon God for your line of music. You don't mechanism in place to help us check piracy because with just say because Sister Naomi is already there you too the increase of knowledge like the gadgets that are being want to go there, no that may not be your area of calling. invented today like computer and all other machines that Some are given the position of are invented is really making prophet, some are pastors, some piracy too to be high today. Even are evangelists some are miracle You must wait upon God for with your laptop you can be workers that is what the book of your line of music. You don't playing songs in your room and I Corinthians tell us. But today just say because Sister Naomi is wonder how we can check it, everybody wants to be an because each time I travel already there you too want to go outside apostle but it is not everybody the country to any part of that can sing that is given a gift to there, no that may not be your the world, I see our music over head a band. God may have area of calling. Some are given there. given you a gift to be a backup the position of prophet, some People just copy them from the singer or to write songs. You laptop, copy them from the web may not be a good singer but you a r e p a s t o r s , s o m e a r e site and get whatever they want can be a song writer. Then you evangelists some are miracle and at the end of the day we are can write song and there are workers that is what the book of left with peanut. So we want to people who can sing well but this opportunity to appeal to Corinthians tell us. But today use they cannot write. the government to help us check everybody wants to be an apostle piracy if possible.

To my fans my advice is for them to find out where they belong but it is not everybody that can You at a point did dance drama because we have the head, eyes, sing that is given a gift to head a in your music but it is no longer there leg nose, mouth, hand which band. make up the whole part of the That concept was for evangelism body. The leg cannot do the you know a lot of people want to function of the hand, and the head cannot also do the see this thing practicalised in form of drama as it helps us function of the legs. So the problem a lot of people are drive home the message to our audience and it was really facing today is that they don't know where they belong, helping but you know we are at the consuming end, and it they want to do it because someone else is doing it. So my is what the market demands that we do. advice to them is that they must discover where God want So at a point most of our customers were complaining that them to operate. I am not talking of secular music here, am is not a drama and when the complaint became so much, I talking of the gospel music because for the gospel music it had to prayerfully, withdraw and give them exactly what has to be God, if it is about you, you want to do it because they want. somebody else is doing it, you might not make it there. So I want to advise every upcoming artist to go back to God How do you spend your spare time in prayer, find out what exactly God wants them to do so I am still a teacher and outside my music when I am not performing I read a lot of books and read my bible, I do a that they will not become frustrated in life. lot of research about the word of God. Another advice for them is that they should be patient and I read Christian literature and stay with my family, staying prayerful. Let them hear properly from God before they at home with my husband too. Sometimes I run out of the move. That is my advice. country to go and relax. Some people want to say madam come here, so I love holidays going outside the country What are the challenges having some beautiful time around the place.

There are lots of challenges today. You know we have the 50

June 2013

The Empowerment Post

Fashion

Mudi's Success Factors In a rare but frank confession on the motivation that made him move mountain to set up the biggest fashion/style edifice in Nigeria, and one of the biggest in Africa, Mudi Africa is up with facts never alerted in prints months after the opening declaration of the MUDI AFRICA PLAZA, by the Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola SAN, Mudi told THE EMPOWERMENT POST that: 'In truth, I was motivated when I saw what some other people that have not got two heads did in their chosen industry '' I saw what men like Nduka Obaigbena did to the media industry, how he changed the game of newspaper business in Nigeria to became multi billion naira business, I was marveled, I also saw what men like Tony Elumelu and Jim Ovia did to the banking world, turning it over from tally number days to a prestige and pretty bride like item. And I told myself with determination , I can do same for the style business by bringing more style into it, and to the glory of God, that is what I have done today, it is men like Nduka and Elumelu that spurred me to achieve my big goal'' HOW DETERMINATION DID IT · Things are not always easy as they seem, but to get things done, you must have a dogged determination, not to retreat once you get started, such is faith that saved MUDI PLACE · Determination keeps you going , it you resolve to keep going in spite road block that lay before it is your wake up call to

Accra, Ghana

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human will, with no determination, no MUDI PLACE · There is no excuse not to win in your chosen passion, its determination that you really need, not negative talk, our creator has deposited talent in all of us, our lack of determination is the reason why many failed in their line of profession · ANY man can fall at first attempt, it is like falling on water, you are down if you stay there, what to do is stand and try again, I fell many times while building MUDI, I almost sold it for lack of money, rather I sold my other land to set up my dreams · Above all, money or no money, everyone must be class conscious, by that you will not want to compromise on quality, aim for the best and you get the best , for as a man thinks, so he gets.

gives of the you, your

Lagos, Nigeria

June 2013

Health

The Empowerment Post

DEALING WITH INSOMNIA, JAUNDICE

BY REV. FR. FRANCIS ADODO Insomnia means difficulty in sleeping or inability to sleep for a long duration. Those who suffer from insomnia can hardly sleep for four hours at a stretch. And jaundice is a condition characterized by a rise in blood bilirubin level.

This is referred to as hyperbilirubin anaemia. This will be explained later.

Causes of Insomnnia Overeating and Hunger – These are two extremes to be avoided. Over eating, especially at night, make sleep difficult because the system needs extra time to digest.

On the other hand, hunger causes lack of concentration and discomfort, making sleep difficult. · Pain and Fever – Pain in any part of the body can prevent sleep. After all, no one sleeps when his house is on fire. Those who suffer from toothache will better understand what I mean. · Worry, Anxiety and Fear – Uncertainty brings insecurity, insecurity brings worry, worry brings anxiety, anxiety brings fear. The chain is endless. Sleep requires peace of mind and calmness. Therefore, absence of this causes insomnia.

Prevention · Comfortable Bed – A good bed is one with solid foam and strong springs or flat wood. The modern day cabinets beds are better than spring beds. Make your bedroom clean cool and fresh. How can you sleep well if your bedroom is stuffy, smoky or dirty or is full of cockroaches and mosquitoes? Some people can wear expensive clothes and ornaments but do not have a comfortable bed. What a shame! We must learn to get our priorities right. · Physical Exercise – Exercise is essential to health. It promotes sweating and proper circulation of blood in the system. Those who do office works that requires sitting in one place for long hours often experience insomnia. Be sure to do some exercise that will make you sweat. Skipping is good form of exercise for busy people. All you need is a rope. You can jump up to 50 to 100 times to begin with. Do not get to bed immediately after dinner. · Relaxation – We modern Africans are often tempted to keep working until the body finally breaks down.

Many of us do not understand or listen to our bodies. As long as there is no pain or as long as the pain is endurable, we go on managing until we finally break down. It is high time we recognize the importance of rest and allow our bodies to renew themselves. · Prompt Rising – Be prompt in walking up in the morning. Never take sleeping drugs; they have negative effect on you. Think of others and try to do something to make others happy. Share some of your problems with friends of like minds. ·

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Treatment Formula One A simple remedy for insomnia is onion. Simply chew a small onion before going to bed every night.

If your spouse does not like the smell try formula two below.

Formula two Squeeze some fresh bitter leaf in water and take two glassful every night.

REV. FR. FRANCIS ADODO Types of Jaundice Jaundice is a condition not a disease and there are four types. · An Obstructive – jaundice in the biliary track or bile ducts that make it difficult or impossible for the liver to excrete bilirubin. · Haemolytic Jaundice – An excessive disintegration of red blood cells with the liberation of contained hemoglobin. · Hepatocellular Jaundice – This is a toxic or ineffective damage of the liver cells. · Acholuric Jaundice – This is jaundice without bile urine.

Symptoms · Yellow skin, especially the eye, palms and tissues as a result of raised bilirubin level. · Dark brown or yellowish urine. · Whitish stools, due to inability of the liver to excrete bilirubin. · Itching all over the body which can be severe.

Treatment Formula one Materials needed/recipe: 50 pieces of bitter kola and honey.

Preparation: cut into tiny pieces and allow to dry, and then grind into powder.

How to use: mix one teaspoon of the powder with some honey to make a paste, then lick.

Duration: thrice daily for six weeks.

Formula two (a) 20 lemon leaves (b) 20 lime leaves (c) Four pods of capsicum frutescens English birds pepper, African red pepper such as Igbo – Ose, Ose Oyinbo, Yoruba – Ata Eiye, Hausa – Barkona, Benin – Isie.

Recipe: Boil in 10 bottles of water Dosage: One glassful four times daily for five days.

June 2013

Sports

The Empowerment Post

I ALWAYS LIKED TO BE THE BEST The phenomenon called Austin Nwabuike Okocha better known as Jay Jay was unleashed in 1993 into Nigeria's football arena. But the maestro was budded in Enugu at very tender age. His immense skill was spotted by Late Coach Eto Amechina at 16, he was in the youth team that took the USA by storm in 1989 winning several age-grade tourneys.

His local foray commenced with CCB of Enugu 1988-89 while still in secondary school. In 1990 Jay Jay a native of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State joined Rangers. He also played for Nigeria's under 20 under James Peters about the time his professional career commenced in Germany.

His national team career blossomed under Clemence Westerhof, he captained the Super Eagles to several Africa Nations Cup and the world cup. His ardent follower Kayode Tijani is on Jay Jay's trail.

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The Empowerment Post

Well I think it started as far back as I can remember, playing on the streets, you know, because I had nothing else on my mind than to become a Footballer, even though I never knew that maybe I could earn a living through playing football, so I was playing football, just playing on the streets every day. It was hard for my family and parents to get me off the streets, to stop me from playing football, I even forget to eat sometimes because of football, so it wasn't me that recognized that I had the talent in me but the people watching me back then, they could see that the way I play and dribble, the way I play my own football was a bit different from that of other kids, they were the ones that started saying I think we have something special here and that was how it all started and I started believing it myself.

I was just like any other poor kid growing up in Nigeria, from a very humble family, you know then we could only ask for three square meals a day and 'nothing more, and for me then that was the ultimate, food to eat, never At PSG thought about nothing else, never thought about getting toys or whatever indulgences children of wealthy folks get, because we were not that rich, it was just survival, so I grew up just like any other kid in Nigeria whereby food was just the only thing we cared about and of course we got to work for your mum, my mum had a shop so I used to work a little bit to sell things after school to keep the family going and at the end of the day I guess the game of football changed all that.

For me I never ever wanted to settle for second best, even at that early stage, even at that level so I was a bit stubborn because I believe that I was good enough to be in any team in spite of the fact that I was still a teenager because I really joined Rangers International immediately I 56

finished secondary school, but the amazing thing was that I had started playing top football for Clubs even when I was still in secondary school so for me when I look back, I can say that was when I realized that yes, I am really talented to get to the very top, that I realized yes, the potentials are really here like everyone had observed, that must really be so good to have been able to sign for a top side while still in secondary school.

The interesting thing was that my Germany trip was never planned, it was never really a planned trip, it was a friend of my brother Emma who brought the invitation letter for my brother and my brother was as at that time playing for the National team and already had his own plans to travel, so when the invitation came he passed it on to me and that June 2013

Sports

The Empowerment Post

was, it was my first ever Nations Cup and for me as at that time all I really cared about was just playing football, I didn't even realize how really important the trophy was until we got to Nigeria after winning, when the whole streets were packed with Nigerians really celebrating, that was when I realised the impact of what we had done, that we had achieved something great here and I had thought it was easy doing this but now I have started realising how tough it is winning the African Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup, but back then I just wanted to play football.

I really stressed my body physically all through my soccer career, It was not going to be easy playing for club and country and of course the level where I was playing I was doing so much to maintain that level which I will tell you about now, I used to train even on my off days when normally I am supposed to be resting but I just had to make sure that I stay on top, that I must always maintain top fitness state and remain competitive and that was what kept me among the best during my period was how I travelled to Germany that was how the dream began.

THE WONDER GOAL AGAINST BAYERN MUNICH Our Coach at Eintracht Frankfurt then called me after the game and told me that I am indeed a very lucky human being. He told me that I am a very lucky person because if I had missed that goal, if I had not scored the goal after all the drama, that it would have cost me my job and probably my soccer career. But you know, the truth about that goal is deeper than that, the truth was that I was upset, very upset for not making the starting eleven in that game, I was really upset that I was on the bench rather than starting which I think I deserve and when eventually I was brought into the game I didn't want to release the ball I said to myself that I was not going to release the ball to anyone anymore, I decided I was going to play for myself because I was really upset for not starting the game.

R E T I R E M E N T F R O M I N T E R N AT I O N A L FOOTBALL For me I had paid my dues, was playing for the national team for over 13 years, played five African cup of Nations, Played Three World Cups, won the Olympic Games, I didn't want to hang on there, I don't like being carried along, I have always liked to be the best or to be among the best and don't want to waste all that I have achieved, all that I have worked for in the national team, I hate being disgraced, so it was one of the reasons why I said hey, it's time to go, that maybe it's the best time to quit because I don't want anybody to disgrace me or mess up what I have worked hard for, of course we are very good at that you know, inviting you and then disgracing you, I didn't want that to happen to me as I have seen that happen to lots of people before me.

I must say I can only be grateful to Cod for having such a wonderful Career without any serious injuries and I must say that I am enjoying myself a bit more now because it was not easy to be on top of your game for so many years, it took a lot out of your body physically now I am relaxing and enjoying what I have laboured for.

FIRST GOAL FOR NIGERIA When I learnt most Nigerians were surprised about the impact of my game against Algeria in Lagos when I scored my first goal in my first home game which was my second Eagles game I attributed it to the fact people were not following my progress in the German League as the German League was actually not being shown live on television in Nigeria as at that time like it is now week in week out. But for me it was a great opportunity to break through into the national team, we had so many players then, superb experienced players that I realized you only need one opportunity to have your place in the national team or else you might have to wait for years to be able to have that kind of opportunity again, so for me I had no doubt in my mind that I needed to prove myself that day.

I actually started doing business even before retirement, because it's always good to be a step ahead of others, you do not have to wait until you stop playing football before thinking of what to do after retirement, it's always good to know where you are heading to, I never thought of being a Coach after retiring, I never liked being a Coach because of the pressure that Coaches go through daily, but aside from my business I will always remain in football as a Fan, will always try to help the youths to give them a guideline because I think our youth system is really poor, we don't really have very good programs for the youths, I will love to do a lot in helping the youths.

For me I didn't realise how big the African Cup of Nations

For me it was clear, either you make it, either you bless the

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talent that God have given you or you waste it, so for me it was a simple decision, stay on the right track, maximize your opportunities, and get the best out of your talent because it will be easy for anyone to say I gave my best but he or she made me do it, you have to look at yourself first and once you can accept any decision that you take in your life that is your responsibility, I think that's the biggest step in being successful and I think God helped me as well because sometimes things might happen but I will say I was very lucky to have avoided all those stuff but of course getting married on time helped me to settle down and increased my level of responsibilities so when you remember or when you think about responsibilities you know that you are not on your own anymore, you now have people looking up to you and people to look after, you just have to behave yourself and be focused.

E X C H A N G E MARITAL VOWS Well I knew from the onset that my choice of a marriage partner was not a mistake. It was not really a difficult choice for me to choose who to marry like most people thought, I knew if I get married early it was going to be an advantage to make me even more organized, to be more successful, like the Bible saying goes that he who finds a wife finds a good thing, so for me it was a big blessing indeed to have gotten married when I did.

Choosing a life partner was not a is a challenge for me, it definitely was With his wife Nkechi not, it was not difficult,, because when I met my wife, I just knew she was the one for me, for me there was no single doubt in my mind that I will want to live the rest of my life in Nigeria and come back home, so, It was Just too clear that I was going to marry a Nigerian and for me then, I wasn't really looking at just the beauty alone, I was looking at the character, somebody I think will manage a good home.

THE BOLTON SAGA It all started when I moved to Bolton, they have probably never signed a player like me in their history, it was like I brought flair to that town and then they were like he's even so good they named him twice, JAY -JAY, not once but twice. No, no, not at all, there was no bad blood at all in my parting of ways with Bolton Football Club. I still have 58

The Empowerment Post

friends at Bolton, I still have very good friends at Bolton, I am still friends with the management of Bolton Football Club, I think they really gave me the breakthrough that I needed as at time I signed up with the Premiership you know when I signed on lots of people were really doubting my abilities and asking if I could cope with the Premiership and for that I will always be grateful to them, but of course it wasn't really the best way to say goodbye, but for me it was perfect timing as well, giving up the Captaincy, I knew what was coming you know, and I wasn't willing to take a pay cut, so, I had also some other people calling my name, coming with very attractive offers, I needed to be smart as well you know, to grab that opportunity, for me, there could have been a better way for parting of ways, we could have found a better way to say a proper goodbye but at the end of the day I realized that they were looking at purely the business side of things and that was when I said, oh, hang on here, I too have to be smart, I then gave up the Captaincy, I diverted the responsibility and left at the right time for me.

CHILDHOOD HERO As a child growing up in Nigeria as at then, every kid will tell you just one name, Pele, Pele, Pele, that was the only name that was very prominent to us, of course it was because they didn't use to show our own legends on TV, but I knew some local heroes, quality players, but my hero then was Pele.

B E S T E V E R CAREER GOAL It is really very difficult for me to choose a best Career goal seriously, I have scored some wonderful goals as well as some like in Turkey for instance which Nigerians never got to see, but if I must choose one, it has to be that equalizer against Cameroon at the 2000 African Cup of Nations final. The goal leveled us and really gave us the chance to have won that game. What was I saying after the goal? Well, I was saying for our own place again was like how can it happen, it's impossible for this to happen, it's impossible for this to happen in our place, you can't come to our place and massacre us like this, for me it was like no be today, no it can't happen today.

June 2013