Sat 29 June 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

S A T U R D A Y

E D I T I O N

NEWSINTERVIEW 54

PEOPLE 24

HEALTHINTERVIEW 43

LOVE&LIFE 17

Chop, Chop Politicians Will Be Disappointed In 2015, Says Kukah

Most causes Of Infertility Are Preventable

Edo Girl

In Traditional Wedding Attire

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,602

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Residents Desert Communities, As STF Confirms 48 People Killed In Thursday’s Plateau Attack From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos HE Special Task Force (STF) T yesterday came with a statement that suspected Fulani gunmen stormed the villages of Langtang South Local Council Area of Plateau State on Thursday, June 27, killing about 28 persons. The attacked villages, according to the statement, are Magama, Bongong and Karkashi. The STF statement, which was signed by its spokesman, Captain Salisu Ibrahim Mustapha, however, added that the STF personnel, who went to the scene to bring the situation under control, were engaged by the gunmen in a gun duel that lasted several hours. But he revealed that they succeeded in killing 20 of the assailants, bringing the total number of casualties to 48, noting that some of those CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

LOVE&LIFE 18

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, assisted by his wife and Chairman of COWLSO, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, planting one of the 50 trees donated for planting during the commissioning of COWLSO’s Retirement Villa at Lekki Phase 11, Lekki, Lagos on Thursday.

Youths Arrest Boko Haram Commander, 15 Others From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri EN of the Borno Youths M Vigilance Group (BYVG) yesterday in Maiduguri, the state capital, arrested four suspected Boko Haram members, including sect’s operations commander said to be close to the sect’s leader, Sheikh Abubakar Shekau. They recovered arms and ammunition near the Sanda Kyarami Park. According to an eyewitness, the four suspects were arrest-

• Terrorists Sack Seven Hill Communities, Hide in Caves • Shettima Urges Fleeing Elders To Return ed by members of BYVG while patrolling and on the “stop and search” operations in Galtimari ward, close to the Giwa Barracks on Gombale Road. Confirming the incident in Maiduguri, Chairman of the vigilante group, Abubakar Mallum, said: “We were able

to arrest four suspects this (Friday) morning, including one of the sect’s top commanders. “You can see that the commander has already been taken into this vehicle to the place where the arms and ammunition were hidden for operations by these terror-

ists.” Mallum claimed that the arrested commander was close to the sect’s leader and would assist the youths to identify the location of hidden arms for retrieval before being handed over to the local commander of the military Joint Task Force (JTF).

On the group’s modus operandi, he said unlike the JTF which operates with patrol vehicles and rifles, the volunteers rely on God’s protection and the prayers of people, saying they only use sticks, knives and cutlasses for the “stop and search” operations in Maiduguri. He stated that the intervention of youths in hunting down Boko Haram sect members was to end their incesCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

She’s Married But Doesn’t Want To Be A Mother PEOPLE 24

Nigeria’s Prof Aloy Attah Leads Major Arm Of Global Body Of Industrial Engineers

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

Ashiru Defends Oshiomhole Over Execution Of Prisoners From John Okeke, Abuja HE Minister of Foreign T Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, has said that Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole acted within his constitutional jurisdiction, following the execution of four prisoners in the state on Monday Meanwhile, the European Union (UN) had earlier in the week issued a release condemning the act, urging authorities across Nigeria to halt future executions. Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday at the stakeholders’ consultative forum on the 2nd cycle of Nigeria’s Universal Periodic Review (UP), the

minister argued that the constitution was handed over to Nigeria during the colonial administration, along with the criminal code was handed over to us. Ashiru also stressed that the constitution remained the guiding principle in the country, adding that Nigeria should not shy away from what was right, according to the dictates of the constitution He said: “In Edo State, what happened recently has nothing to do with the federal government. “We have a constitution where the states are steady autonomous, so there are areas where governors have authorities, and in

this case, that was what happened in Edo State, where the governor exercised the constitutional provision to sign the execution that is there… “I think the governor of Edo State act within his

constitutional power.” “So, don’t shy away from what we believed is right and what we believe is in the constitution. “We have a constitution and it is our constitution that will guide us.”

From Madu Onuorah, Abuja CTIVITIES marking the 150th anniversary of the Nigerian Army kicked off yesterday with Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Onyeabo Azubuike saying that the Army is poised to ensure that Nigerians live without the fear of security challenges lurking in their minds. The anniversary will be formally marked on July 6 (next week Saturday) at a ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The ceremony, which will be presided by President Goodluck Jonathan, will include combat match and

Nigerian Army Marks 150th Anniversary display of Nigerian Army equipment, physical training agility display, and paratrooper jumps, war dog display and presentation of Chief of Army Staff awards to deserving officers and soldiers. Other events slated for the anniversary include visits to orphanages and hospitals, football matches, tug-of-war, free medical outreach programmes and religious services in churches and mosques.

STF Confirms 48 People Killed In Thursday’s Plateau Attack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 who sustained gunshot wounds were arrested. The Guardian investigations revealed that residents of villages are already deserting their communities in droves, following fears that more attacks are underway in the villages. Chairman of Langtang Local Council, Mr. Naanman Darko, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos on Friday. The STF statement reads in part: “This is to inform the general public and good people of Plateau State that on 27 June 2013, at about 1:00am, suspected Fulani gunmen stormed and attacked Magama, Bongong and Karkashi villages of Langtang South Local Government Area killing about 28 persons. STF personnel went to the scene to bring the situation under control but the gunmen engaged them in gun duel that lasted several hours. “In the process, about 20 of the assailants were killed while some who sustained gunshot wounds were arrested; some motorcycles, weapons and ammunition also recovered. Consequently, the attackers withdrew towards Yamini, Yelwa Shendam and Agikamai villages of Shendam Local Government Area. However, some suspected Taroh youths set ablaze some settlements around Yamini and Agikamai while own personnel were in pur-

suit of the assailants towards Yelwa Shendam.” The statement continued: “The situation was, however, brought under control by men of the STF and the area secured as more troops have been deployed in the area. STF personnel are in the area conducting robust patrol to ensure no further attack on innocent people. All lawabiding citizens are enjoined to go about their normal activities. “The STF wishes to use this medium to restate that any individual or group of persons who are bent in fomenting trouble with the sole aim of truncating the peace of the state have made themselves enemies of peace and would be treated as such. The STF would leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of this dastardly act.” The Langtang Local Council Chairman told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) “there are fears of more attacks after what took place yesterday, so the villagers are already running helter-skelter to practically everywhere they think is safe.” The NAN reported that also fleeing their community are residents of Takbol, a village on the borders of the three affected communities. The assailants were said to be aggrieved over the theft of their cattle. Darko, who told NAN that 32 people had been killed, said that some of the victims included students writing the NECO examinations. “It is the farming season and people should be busy. Students are also writing examinations but all of that has been halted. People have abandoned their villages, farms and other property in search of safety. It is a bad situation that could have more devastating effects. There is the fear of hunger in the very near future. “Early this morning, I called the Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Olakpe, who has promised to send more mobile policemen to help men of the STF,” he said.

Voters’ Registration? No, it’s all for sim cards … and to beat tomorrow’s deadline for registration of phone sim cards.

Terrorists Sack Seven Hill Communities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 sant attacks and killings of innocent people, including the youths’ parents, brothers, sisters and other top government officials, traditional and religious leaders in the state. However, despite yesterday’s arrest in Maiduguri, suspected members of the sect attacked seven hill communities in Gwoza council of the state with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol-bombs yesterday, torching many houses and carting away food items and livestock into caves in the hills. Although the exact number of people killed and houses destroyed in the multiple attacks could not be ascertained, an anonymous community leader of Kunde, said 15 people were killed by the armed terrorists, when they overrun six other communities of Gathahure, Hwa’a, Tihezeh, Hrazah, Hembe and Gjigga on the Mandara Hills which stretches for 16 kilometres east of Gwoza, the council headquarters.

He said residents of his community, and six others fled to Gwoza town, Barawa, Agaplawa, Kurana Bassa, Kwatara, Limankara and Ngoshe Ndahang, a hill community also on Mandara Hills. The six other communities ransacked by terrorists, he said, border the Republic of Cameroun, where some of the residents had fled with their wives and children. In Maiduguri, Mallum further disclosed that 15 other suspects were also arrested and handed over to the local JTF commanders at Giwa Barracks for further investigation. The arrests, which were made on Wednesday and Thursday, he added, were in four wards of Zajeri, Gwange I and II and Bulabulin, one of the black spots identified by the JTF in 2011. There was no immediate confirmation from the JTF in Maiduguri on the group’s claims. The Presidency and military authorities in Abuja and the JTF spokesman in Maiduguri, Lt. Col Sagir

Musa, had last week commended the group for fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the state. Confirming the Gworza council incident yesterday in Maiduguri, a top military officer of the Special Operations Forces (MISOF) at Barawa, a border village and foot hills settlement, said: “Some of the villages on Gwoza Hills cannot be accessed by our men because of the difficult terrain. Our men can only be stationed at this village for our operations with fighter jets that could bombard the hills with cannons to destroy the training camps and hideouts of Boko Haram sect members.” He said the local reports they had been getting from the fleeing residents indicated that many houses and property, including livestock and grains had been looted by the rampaging terrorists. The MISOF source, also told The Guardian that all the routes and roads leading to the mountain tops and hill settlements had been closed

and are being patrolled and monitored to prevent suspects from fleeing the mountain tops of Mandara Hills which are under the surveillance of soldiers for 24 hours. Meanwhile, the state governor, Kashim Shettima has appealed to fleeing members of the Borno Elders Forum (BOEF) to return, despite the ongoing security challenges in rebuilding the state. Shettima made the call yesterday in Maiduguri while distributing relief materials donated by the Borno Elders Forum for Boko Haram victims in Maiduguri metropolis. According to him, the fleeing elders must return home to assist government chart a new course for the rapid development of the state. His words: “We know that some of the elders have remained in Maiduguri inspite of the numerous happenings. But some others could not withstand the pressures of the insurgency and they left along with members of their families to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

NEWS

Nigeria’s Maternal Mortality Rate Drops By 30% In Four Years, Says Jonathan By Kayla Grage and Aderonke Alabi

*UNICEF, Unilever Partner On Child Mortality

RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan has said that the nation’s maternal mortality

Federal Government and its agencies, noting that arrangement has been concluded to sign the Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme Bill already passed by the State House of Assembly into law. This is as Unilever Nigeria Plc is partnering with the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children to deliv-

rate has dropped by 30 per cent in the last four years. Also commenting on the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, expressed his readiness to collaborate with the

er transformational change that will impact millions of lives around the world specifically in Nigeria Speaking at the official commissioning of a 40-bed Comprehensive Cottage Hospital in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Council Area of Bayelsa State on Friday, the President put the nation’s current maternal mortality rate at 350

as against 500 deaths per 100, 000 women recorded in 2008. He added that the present administration would not relent in its efforts at attaining the MDGs target of 250 per 100, 000 women by 2015. Restating his administration’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs), especially in the health sector, the

President said all hands would be on deck at ensuring that the nation achieves its MDGs objectives in all the sectors by 2015. “I recall that the construction of this model hospital began in 2006 as an initiative of the Bayelsa State government, but it was later taken over by the Millennium Development Goals office in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government. It is most gratifying to come and witness not

Group Managing Director, ARCO Petrochemical Engineering Company Plc, Alfred Okoigun (left); former Minister of Petroleum, Donald Dick Etiebet; and President, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Worldwide, Egbert Imomoh, during a dinner in honour of Egbert Imomoh in Lagos on Thursday. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Resident Doctors Call Off Warning Strike By Chukwuma Muanya HE National Association T of Resident Doctors (NARD) yesterday called off the three-day warning strike it began on Wednesday, June 26. The association’s President, Dr. Ismail Lawal, made this known at a news conference at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba. He directed NARD members to resume work without

delay. “Because of the value we place on the ethics of our profession and in consideration of the Nigerian people, medical services were not entirely grounded during the strike. “We put all machinery in place to ensure that innocent people of Nigeria did not suffer extreme hardship. “Services continued fully in all our centres to take care of accident victims, surgical, children, medical and

labour/gynaecology emergencies,” he said. Lawal said the strike was to express the association’s dissatisfaction with inadequate budgetary allocation for residency training in 2013. “Members of this association saw an imminent danger looming in the healthcare system, if the issue of residency training is taken with levity. “Residency training is the only training that develops

specialised skills and knowledge in the various fields, including gynaecology, paediatrics and orthopaedics. “It is the only training that can ensure the availability, affordability and easy accessibility of specialised care for the poor and the average Nigerian, who cannot seek treatment abroad. “If this training should crumble, not only the specialised care will suffer, it will also affect every other level of care, be it primary or second-

Another Flood Disaster Likely, NIMET Warns By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi HE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has warned Nigerians to take precaution during the rainy season in order to avoid another likely flood disaster in the country. The Director General of NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom said recently in Abuja that rainfall has not stabilised in some areas, as the onset dates have not been attained. He explained that the rainy season would start late June in some states, stressing that it was not surprising to see that the soil moisture was showing water deficit.

He, therefore, called on Nigerians to ensure that gutters and drainage systems were cleared of debris for easy flow of water to ensure that there would be no barriers in the water channels. Anuforom explained that from January to May in the last 30 years, reports have shown that there were slightly higher rains than normal, adding that, more rains has been recorded this year than last year in some areas like Abeokuta, Calabar, Ijebu Ode and Lokoja, among others. The NIMET boss announced that in Ogun and Calabar, the soil moisture was becoming saturated, affirming that

there was no cause for alarm as the agency was closely monitoring water deficit as onset dates for rains vary in the different areas. “In most of the areas, we have slightly higher rains than normal, higher than what happened last year. Of course, in other areas like Ilorin and Jos, the amount of rainfall is lower from what we had last year. We are saying that heavier rains have been recorded in Calabar, Abeokuta, Lagos, Ijebu Ode, Akure, Ibadan, etc, than the same period last year.” He said 70 to 75 per cent of all predictions given by the agency for the onset of rains

five months ago actually came through, adding that it also observed that soil moisture saturation was building up in some areas around the South West and called on people in the area to watch out. According to Anuforom, heavy rains do not mean that there would be flood each time it rains but precaution must be taken. He assured Nigerians that the agency would continue to provide accurate weather information with the calibre of professionals and equipment on ground at the agency’s weather forecast centre.

ary. ``It is the template on which every other training in medical care is formed,” he said. The national president for the apex body of all medical doctors, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Osahon Enabulele, had on Monday called on the Federal Government to prepare a supplementary budget that would cater for the training of resident doctors. NARD is protesting poor funding of residency training for its members by the Federal Government. The association said only N20 million was allocated for training of resident doctors in the 2013 budget as against N150 million allocated in the previous budget. ``We strongly appeal for a supplementary budget for residency training in our institutions and adequate budgetary provisions in the future,” he said. NMA had earlier faulted NARD for embarking on the strike. It advised the leadership of NARD to consider all appeals from various quarters to call off the strike to allow for a well-articulated, constructive and mature engagement with the relevant agencies of government.

only its completion, but also its formal commissioning today. “All this have been made possible by the hard work, diligence and perseverance of all the stakeholders. “Nigeria, a great country is faced with a number of developmental challenges, which we have tried to confront since inception of this administration two years ago. We embarked on reforms of several sectors of our national economy with a single-minded commitment and determination. “I am glad to declare that we are making significant progress in all sectors, as it is evident for all to see. The health sector, as you are all aware, is a cardinal priority of our transformation agenda. Attainment of the universal health coverage as well as provision of comprehensive health care for all our citizens is a goal we have set for ourselves.” He added: “Today’s commissioning event, therefore, not only underscores this commitment, it also represents yet another milestone in our drives towards actualizing the health related components of the MDGs.”

Soyinka Decries Slavery At Refugee Camps In Africa OBEL Laureate, Prof Wole N Soyinka, has condemned the use of refugee camps in some parts of Africa for sex exploitation of women and underage girls. Presenting a paper on ‘Slavery by any other Name’ at the University of Wuerzburg, Germany yesterday, Soyinka said such exploitations reduces the pride and dignity of victims. He stated: “The name refugee camp assumes an ironical and cynical definition. Instead of being a place to find protection during crisis, it is now exposed to slave camps, where women are turned to objects of sexual exploitation. “In Africa, refugee camps from North East Sudan to Congo and Zimbabwe and most recently Mali have now turned to slave camps.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted him as saying that sexual exploitation brought back memories of what happened in the past, where colonialists sold Africans into slavery. He also said politics, as practised in some countries, could be seen to be encourage slavery. “Certain political practices, especially the ideologies of a theocratic order, the collaboration of religion and politics, are the worst enslaving mechanisms used by some governments, especially in Africa, under the doctrine of submission to enslave the people,” he said.

ThE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

NEWS Delta PDP Elders Drag Clark To EFCC Over Failed Contracts From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja FACTION of Delta State Elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday lodged a petition against former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark and a company associated with him - Panama Construction Company at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over their alleged failure to execute contracts worth billions of naira. After leading a peaceful protest of the group to EFCC, Chief Alex Ikpeazu (State Secretary) dropped the petition at the

Commission, highlighting the various contracts abandoned by Chief Clark’s company after collecting the necessary mobilization fee from the State government. In the petition dated June 22, 2013 and addressed to the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Larmode, the petitioners alleged that “Panama Construction Company, located at 5 Swamp Road Warri and owned by Chief Edwin Clark characteristically abandoned the N1.4 billion Reclamation/Shore Protection job at Amazama, rivers State

given to it by the Ministry of Niger Delta even though they have been heavily mobilized to the tune of N215 m on December 31, 2011.” he also said: “Similarly, Panama Construction Ltd, was awarded a 10.3km Aladja-Isaba Road Project in Delta State in 2006 for N595 million and surprisingly seven years after, no meaningful job has been done and as at June 3, 2013, Chief Clark is asking for further variation to drag the value of the project he has since abandoned to over N1 billion. “In one of his recent letters to

Catholic Church Flays CBN Policy On Money Laundering From Anietie Akpan, Calabar and Samson Ezea Lagos N arm of the Catholic Church under the umbrella of Justice Development and Peace Committee (JDPC) of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has described the recent policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria as an attempt to persecute the church. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had recently directed churches to comply with the government’s policy on Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML). But in a statement by the National Coordinator of JDPC, Rev. Father Evaristus Bassey, he warned that “the members will rise against any attempt by government in any form to use compliance issues as a subtle means to persecute the

Church.” he pointed out that “after taking a critical look at the SCUML, JDPC views the conditions as too stringent. Many churches operate very simple financial transactions and the level of sophistication the EFCC expects will take time to build. “The compliance should be extended to two years to enable churches, especially at the local level, build their systems. “One clear advantage in the future is that it will standardize financial transactions of church institutions, where such standards do not yet exist. “But government is still behaving as if it is in the military era, where it just hands down directives and expects

compliance whereas it should pursue dialogue and mass sensitisation.” he added: “While government has the right to make regulations, government should not look for a hammer to kill a fly, when there are dangerous predators lurking around. “EFCC should not let the current SCUML effort distract it from its main task of fighting the monumental corruption that exists in our public institutions. “This compliance job is just too easy for EFCC. Most churches get their funds through the freewill donations of her members. Of course, there are high-profile church institutions with required standards. But generally, Churches do not use their

TheGuardian SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2013

Traditional Rulers Lobby For Constitutional Roles hE Obas, Olus, Obis, Ivies are united in one purpose. They want something put in the constitution that will define their place in the Nigerian project. They want a definite constitutional role and they are lobbying to be included in the next amended constitution. Who wants traditional rulers in the constitution and more importantly, what else can they offer outside what is already known? Read it all in The Guardian on Sunday.

Madam Bridget Ugbebor. The rest are Chief J.M.O Orido; Chief T.A Oduaran; Dr. Mallam Obi [former state Chairman of PDP Delta State]; Chief Bosin Ebikeme (pioneer Commissioner for Transport, Delta State); Chief Sunny Omatseye (former Chiarman, Warri South Local Government); and Ekenwan Akwagbe, respectively. The petition, which is a counter to the earlier one filed against the minister by a faction of the forum loyal to Clark urged the Commission to discountenance all the allegations raised in that petition as they are unfounded and borne out of malice. The petition reads in part: “Sir, the intention of the signatories to the petition, most of whom, belonged to a faction of the Delta elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, was laced with malice as exemplified in the spurious insinuation about the background of Elder Orubebe and unverifiable claims about the activities of the Minister and the Ministry.

Esuene Sues For Unity Between Akwa Ibom and Cross River From Anietie Akpan, Calabar hE Senator representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. helen Esuene, has sued for stronger ties between the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, stating that those fanning the embers of disunity between the two sister states using the issue of the oil wells saga were out for mischief. Speaking at a book launch in Calabar, titled, ‘Cross River State: First 45 years,’ authored by former head of Service in the late Brig-Gen. Jacob Esuene’s government, Chief Wilfred Inah, the senator said it was unnecessary to whip up sentiments of disunity and acrimony using the oil wells saga since the relationship between the people of the two sisters states predates the oil wells issue. Lamenting that the oil wells issue has become subject of discussion in public fora, Esuene said such develop-

ment was capable of causing disaffection between brothers and sisters of the two states and warned that such should be ignored and “should not be central issue in public discussion.” The senator, who was represented at the event by a former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State house of Assembly, Mr. Bassey Essien, said the erstwhile Cross River from which Akwa Ibom was created has remained one entity uniting the people of the two sister states, adding that the idea of creating Akwa Ibom out of Cross River was not for disunity and acrimony but for even distribution of development. She, however, warned those perpetrating disunity between the people to desist in the interest of peace and unity and commended the elders of Cross River, who championed the cause of creating Akwa Ibom out of Cross River for their kind thoughts.

Ex-TUC President Denies Edo Governorship Ambition By Samson Ezea OLLOWING a story in The Guardian yesterday that the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is allegedly grooming the immediate past president general of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele to succeed him as governor of the state in 2016, Esele has said that he was not aware of such plans as he is busy with other commitments after serving out his second term as TUC president. he advised those peddling the rumour to desist from such because it is too early to talk about the 2016 governorship election in Edo. “Well, I am not aware of the alleged plan by Oshiomhole to groom me as his successor in 2016. I strongly believe that it is too early to talk about 2016 governorship

PLUS: OGUN: Stranded politicians flock to Labour Party for rescue.

How Government Policy Rendered Ajaokuta A National Disaster

Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief Clark raised sentiment about similar projects abandoned by other discredited Delta leaders, who succeeded in blackmailing the government to abnormally inflate the values of their contracts to over N1billion.” The petition is also to be served on President Goodluck Jonathan, the attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), Senate President David Mark, Speaker house of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta for necessary actions. Other members of the forum who endorsed the petition include Chief Edem OnahNdokwa (Community leader); Chief Joe Utomi (former Chairman, Aniocha South Local Government; Chief Toni Uti (former Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government); Chief Chukwuma Dafe; Mr. Jeff Azagba (former Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government); and

SPECIAL Part Two of Special report on prohibitive cost of tertiary education in some Southwest states.

IBRU CENTRE “Since God reconciled the world to Himself (Rom 5:11) through Christ (Eph 2:13), man, in unison, has not been able to return to Him... So, this is the first time Christians across the globe will do it.” EMMANUEL OJE EHIMIKA The Guardian On Sunday is new, fresher, bolder; a delight to behold and more importantly, reader-friendly! Book a copy today.

election in Edo and who succeeds who? God is the ultimate giver and taker of power. We are not even sure of who will be there in 2016, talk more of contesting election or succeeding somebody. “For now, I am busy organizing my life after a hectic two terms in office as TUC President. At least, I will have enough time for myself and my family now,” Esele said. The Guardian investigation reveals that before Esele served out his second term as TUC president last week, the plan was already in the pipeline but was not known to many. It was revealed that Oshiomhole, who had a long cordial relationship with Esele even before becoming governor had always seen him as a potential leader who can always make a difference in office.

Mrs. Jonathan Urges Women On Africa’s Devt hE First Lady, Dame T Patience Jonathan, yesterday called on women to rise and contribute to the growth and development of Africa. Mrs. Jonathan made the call in Abuja while receiving her Ethiopian counterpart, Mrs Roman Tasfaye during a courtesy visit. Tasfaye is in Abuja for the 2nd high Level Meeting of the Global Power Women Network Africa According to her, the African woman has a history of being a stabilising influence in her home and community. “African women, as effective agents of peace, must continue to draw from their strength to contribute to the growth and progress of the continent,” she said. Earlier, Tasfaye said: “Dame Jonathan’s consistent role in championing the cause of women and the less privileged in Africa is highly commendable.

Masquerade hacks Man To Death In Enugu From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu N attempt by residents of Umuofiagu Ukehe in Igboetiti Council of Enugu state to re-enact the masquerade festival on Thursday turned awry as one of the masquerades hacked a native to death. The native, a 60-year-old Emma Nnamani was said to have been stabbed on his lower abdomen by one of the masquerades, whose name was given as Chinedu Iyioke and he died before medical assistance could be rendered to him. The Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the reports, said that the bone of contention between the victim and Iyioke had not been identified, adding however, that the incident occurred during an outing by the masquerades. he stated that the victim’s lower abdomen was pierced into with a sharp machete, adding that he was rushed to Elechi hospital for medical attention but gave up the ghost before assistance could come.

Firm Unveils MyMy Kids Gel NEW toothpaste specially A produced for children, MyMy has been launched by Daraju Nigeria Ltd. The toothpaste, which has a tutty fruity flavour, is said to make fighting cavities in children so fun. According to the firm’s head, Sales & Marketing, Mr Rajeev Sharma, it is produced to help children establish and maintain good oral habits from early years. The product, described as the first of it kind to be produced in Nigeria by an indigenous company, has already been unveiled to the delight of pupils across schools in Lagos. The firm’s Corporate Marketing executive, Asseh Lourietta Pere, speaking on the new offering, said that MyMy protection helps strenghten teeth and leaves the mouth feeling fresh.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

NEWS Yobe Expends N4 Billion To Curb Boko Haram Insurgency From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri HE Yobe State Government T has expended over four billion naira on security of lives and property, since the commencement of Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed many lives and property in the state. Governor Ibrahim Gaidam disclosed this on Thursday while receiving members of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Resolution (PCDR) led by Alhaji Kabiru Taminu Turaki at the Government House, Damaturu. Gaidam, who was represented by his deputy, Abubakar D. Aliyu said that since November 2011, many lives and property belonging to government and private individuals had been destroyed.

He said 209 government schools valued at N2.5 billion and private structures worth N629 million were also torched by the Boko Haram insurgents. He, however, noted that over 200 patrol vehicles have been procured and distributed to security operatives, while N200 million was also expended on logistics and monthly allowances and other needs of security operatives in the state. Aliyu said with prayers, efforts of security agencies and the community, peace has, however, returned to the state, as schools have fully picked up, while economic activities were moving uninterrupted. The recent attack on the government secondary school Damaturu, he said, came as a surprise as the state had had 10 months of uninterrupted peace, and commended the

federal government for the deployment of more security personnel to the state, and gallantry of the Joint Task Force (JTF). The governor called on the community to accord the security operatives the needed support, adding that so far, 17 women and 21 children had been released by the JTF and handed over to their next of kin, as they will be empowered through the state women development centre for gainful ventures. The Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, who is also the committee chairman said they are in the state to attest to the fact that federal government is committed to dialogue and reconciliation with Boko Haram insurgents.

Clerics Hospitalised, As Police Avert Bloodbath In Awka From Chuks Collins, Awka UT for the timely intervenB tion of security agents, it would have been a free for all in Awka, the Anambra State capital, venue of a national meeting of senior church leaders that make up the United Nigerian Chaplaincy (UNC), where two opposing factions openly clashed on Thursday. The meeting of mainly top officers of the Chaplaincy from parts of the country had proceeded smoothly until a vote of no-confidence motion was moved on the Board of Trustees (BoT). The motion, according to Bishop Julius Akabigime from the Edo State command, was based on alleged lopsided composition of the BoT, which had allegedly bogged down

progress of the embattled body for years. The passage of the motion immediately threw the hitherto serene atmosphere into confusion. They held up proceedings for about 40 minutes before normalcy was finally restored. But the state Police command said they were yet to be fully briefed on what transpired between the two warring factions. The members had resolved to, among other things, restructure and reconstitute the BoT to reflect national character and spread, taking into consideration the six geo-political zones of the country. Consequently, the existing BoT was dissolved, in accordance with the articles and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the

chaplaincy. In its place a new BoT was instituted, with a balanced national spread. The confusion got to a head when some members allegedly brought in the police to arrest other members, including Akabigime. However, the arrival of the police was met with a stiff resistance from the members present at the capacity-filled hall. Other police officers earlier engaged by the body to provide enhanced security at the meeting came in to restore normalcy again. Earlier, Secretary-General of the Chaplaincy, Chukka Ojekwe, who presided on behalf of the Chief of Chaplaincy, Jide Jisos Ejie, read out a nine-point agenda the Chaplaincy would assiduously tackle.

CBI To Do Corporate Governance Rating Of 200 Companies By Dele Fanimo IGERIANStock Exchange, in N partnership with the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI) group has planned to begin Corporate Governance Rating/Ranking of about 200 listed companies in Nigeria. The Corporate Governance Rating/Ranking System (CGRS) is to test and ensure companies adhere strictly to sound corporate governance ethics, as impetus to business and economic growth. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSE, Oscar Onyema, said this in Lagos on Thursday at the first Annual Christopher Kolade Lecture of Business Integrity organised by the CBI group. The gathering also honoured eminent Nigerians and icons of business integrity movement who stood up and defended the need for business integrity at the peak of military era in 1997, including Dr. Christopher Kolade, Mr. Akintola Williams, late Ambassador Gabriel Olusanya, Dr. Michael Omolayole, late Surveyor Adekunle Kukoyi and Prof. Pat

Utomi. The NSE, according to Onyema, believes that companies should not only strive to maintain their listing status by adhering and discharging post-listings obli-

gations to the NSE and investors, and observing the rules of other regulatory authorities, like the CBN, NAICOM, CAC, SEC and FRC but also practice sound corporate

Anambra Guber Aspirant Wants Postponement Of Council Election By Onyedika Agbedo ITINGshort notice and clash C with preparations for the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, an aspirant for the gubernatorial seat, Chief Udo Udeogaranya has called for the suspension of the planned local council election in the state, if it must be credible. In a statement yesterday, Udeogaranya berated the state governor, Peter Obi, for delaying the conduct of local council elections in the state until the twilight of his administration. He called on President Goodluck Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), interested parties and all well meaning Nigerians to call the governor to

order, saying the time table for the election was ill-timed and has led to distractions and heating up of the polity unnecessarily. He said: “As a former political party chairman, I know that no party can come up with credible candidates —Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors — running into hundreds, to represent them in local council election, given the time frame allotted by Governor Obi to the election. “Governor Obi has done well in some areas of governance in the state but on the local council election, I believe he was illadvised. Therefore, the election must be postponed and be conducted by the incoming administration, if the election must achieve some level of credibility.”

Panic Grips Benue As Cameroon Releases Water From Dam From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi EAR has again gripped the FBenue people of Makurdi, the State capital and other flood prone areas of the state as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has announced that the Cameroonian authority would start yesterday to release water from the Lagdo dam. The SEMA executive secretary, Mr. Adikpo Agbatse, in a statement, intimated that the Cameroonian authority has notified Nigeria about the planned release of the water in batches such that the effect will not be overwhelming, and advised people leaving along the banks of river Benue to be cautious. Agbatse urged the members of the public not to panic about the imminent flooding that might result from the release of water, assuring that SEMA in the state was ready to assist in cushioning the effect if it eventually happens. He said the agency was comparing reports of preparedness received from all stakeholders for onward transmission to government for possible assistance and collaboration to reduce the negative effects on the people. It will be recalled that last year’s release of water from the dam threw millions of households out of their homes in five local government areas of the state including, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Agatu and Logo, the effect of which many people have not recovered from.

Meanwhile, contract for the construction a gigantic and major drainage starting from the back of Kyabiz hotel in Gboko Road and traversing Benue State University has begun in earnest as one of the

measures to checkmate flooding in Makurdi. The drainage, if completed, would seriously checkmate the excesses of water in the area as it was among the worst hit during last year’s flooding.

WHARC Holds Reception For Professors Today By Joseph Okoghenun HE Women’s Health and T Action Research Centre (WHARC), as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations will host a grand reception in honour of her associates and friends recently promoted to the rank of Professor at the University of Benin. These are distinguished individuals who

have played significant roles in promoting the centre’s mission and vision. The event will hold today June 29, 2013 at WHARC’s Main Auditorium, Km 11 Benin-Lagos Road, Benin City at 12 noon and will have Prof. P. A. Igbafe, a professor of History at the Benson Idahosa University deliver a keynote address titled, “What It Means To Be A Professor,” at the occasion.

Imo Police Nab Four Federal Poly Students For Kidnapping From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri FFICERS of the Imo Police O Command have arrested four students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, near Owerri, Imo State for their alleged role in kidnapping a staff of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Mr. Anthony Ano. The victim was kept in St. Jude Lodge, Nekede for two weeks. While parading the suspects and formally inaugurating Illegal Arms Mapping Squad, an offshoot of Ambush squad, in Owerri on Thursday, the Police Commissioner, Mr. Muhammadu Musa Katsina, disclosed the names of the students as Enema Chidozie, of

Ekwulobia, Aguata, Anambra State, Njoku Nnamdi, Ihiala, Anambra, Chikwem Ndu Nkemjike, Umuahia, Abia State and Uba Okechukwu, Ihiala, Anambra State. According to him, they were arrested while trying to collect ransom from the family members of the victims, adding that 12 cars were recovered from the suspects. Also, policemen in the state have arrested one Ekechukwu Ochulo of Idemeogwa, Mbaitoli Local Councilofthestateforhisinvolvement in illegal possession of arms such as 14 point pump action gun, 750 cartridges, including life jackets belonging to Nigerian Police, while 20 assaulted rifles and other arms were recovered.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

NEWS

Pipeline Vandalism: Normalcy Returns At Atlas Cove, Pumping Resumes, Says PPMC HE Pipeline Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, on Friday said that normalcy had returned to its System 2B Pipeline damaged by an explosion. The Manager, Media Relations and External Affairs, PPMC, Nasir Imodagbe, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday.

The explosion occurred at the Akinbo Jetty at the Atlas Cove in Ilado Community of Lagos State. System 2B supplies fuel to the western zone. Imodagbe said that the vandalised pipeline at the Akinbo Jetty had been repaired. The pipeline was vandalised on Wednesday morning, resulting in an explosion and fire that burnt three boats suspected to have been used by

the vandals. About 200 jerry cans were recovered from the scene. According to Imodagbe, the damaged pipeline was repaired on Wednesday evening and full operations returned to the System 2B. ``Pumping of products resumed same day and adequate supply of products along the line to western zone has fully resumed,’’ he said.

He appealed to communities hosting oil and gas pipelines to protect them against theft and vandalism. Imodagbe urged such communities ``to be the eyes and ears’’ of the Federal Government and report suspicious movements on the pipelines to security agents. Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the Spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South West,

also told NAN that normalcy had returned. Farinloye said that prompt intervention of the NNPC and security agencies ensured that the fire was put out. ``The fire did not start from the main pipeline but the valve supplying the product. ``The first batch of our team reached there around 7:30a.m; the fire was finally put out at the Akinbo Jetty of the Atlas Cove around 10.48a.m. (NAN)

FG Warns Officials On Unauthorised Use Of Sirens, Covered Number Plates HE Head of the Civil T Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, on Friday directed Federal Government officials to henceforth comply with the ban on unauthorised use of sirens, covered number plates and using unregistered vehicles. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Tope Ajakaiye, Director of Communications in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. According to the statement, Aji said that such acts by the officials portend grave danger for national security. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the statement as saying: “This is especially in view of intelligent reports indicating that men of the underworld also indulge in these unlawful acts to perpetrate heinous crimes,” he said. The statement said that directives had been issued to the Nigeria Police to apprehend any government official found engaging in such practices for prosecution.

Man, 73, Declared Missing By Olamide Olayiwola Fadare MOTOR spare parts seller, A Mr. Bernard Akpu has been declared missing by his (l-r) Olu Of Ilaro Ogun State, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, leader, Yoruba Conflicts Resolution Commiitte, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, Owa Obokun Of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran And Olofin Of Soyindo Sagamu, Oba Samuel Gisanrin At The Yoruba Obas Meeting In Ibadan.. On Thursday, Pic By; Najeem Raheem, 28-6-2013.

FMC Birninkudu Staff Declare Indefinite Strike From John Akubo, Dutse HE Staff of the Federal T Medical Center Birninkudu in Jigawa State have declared a total and indefinite strike after the expiration of the 21day ultimatum issued to the management of the hospital. The staff of the center had given an ultimatum of 21days within which they expected the management of the Hospital to respond positively to their demands of full payments of the arrears of part of their unpaid salaries since January. This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by

the chairmen of the Joint Medical Associations of Federal Medical Center Birninkudu. The joint associations made up of Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Nigerian Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists, medical and Health Workers Union and the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapists have declared that the full blown strike will commence on Monday 1st July, 2013. They equally declared that the

action would involve all the categories of workers in the respective associations except staff on CONHESS 14 and CONMESS 5.

HE National Assembly T which resumed this week after a two-week break, has been urged to review its decision on the issue of a special status for Lagos and accord the State a special status due to it as contained in the official decision that approved the relocation of the country’s capital to Abuja. The appeal was made yesterday by two Lagos lawyers, Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN) and Sunday Adeeko as the Senate settled down to commence deliberation on some provi-

sions of the 1999 Constitution penciled down for amendment shortly before it went on recess. Apart from the official decision to grant Lagos a special status when the Federal Government approved the Recommendations of the late Justice Timothy Aguda Panel on the choice of Abuja as the country’s capital city, the people of Lagos and the State government during the public hearing in the State reminded the National Assembly delegation of this pending pledge by the Federal Government and made a fresh demand for

“All staff are expected to leave their duty posts and conduct themselves in a civilised manner, no staff is expected to work during the period of

APGA Crisis: Enugu Youths Protest, Threaten Peace Moves From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu HEongoing peace moves in T the crisis ridden All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came under serious threat yesterday as the youth wing of the party in Enugu state declared that it would not abide by any reconciliation that fails to recognize Chief Victor Umeh as the

Lawyers Seek Change In Senate Decision On Status Of Lagos By Abiodun Fanoro

They also warned the management not to attempt taking any punitive action against any of their members, According to the statement,

its implementation. But three weeks ago when the Senate made known areas it had penciled down to consider for amendment, the issue of a special status for Lagos was conspicuously absent. Sensing that this omission might not be well received by the public, it gave what Okpeseyi described as ‘a feeble and un-convincing’ reason as justification. According to the Senate, “the committee turned down the proposal for a special status for Lagos on the ground that it could be received with a lot of misgivings by Nigerians.

national chairman of the party. The placard carrying youths who staged a protest march in the streets of Enugu in solidarity to Umeh said that he (Umeh) should be allowed to serve out the remaining two years of his tenure in the spirit of justice and fair play. Dressed in their white T-shirts marked “APGA ENUGU YOUTHS”, the youths who chanted solidarity songs in support of Umeh bore placards which reads “Victor Umeh is our choice, Maxi

Okwu is not an APGA member, APGA youths support Victor Umeh and Victor Umeh carry go”, among others, also threatened to make the state uncomfortable for Maxi Okwu should he insist on “illegal claims to the headship of the party. APGA youth leader in Enugu State, Emmanuel Onah, who addressed reporters, said that Umeh had led the party faithfully, stressing that it was unfortunate that some people who benefitted from his leadership could turn back to create crisis in the party.

family. The 73-year-old who is fondly called Anekwuoche, reportedly left his home, 25 Dare Demori Street, Ejigbo, Lagos on June 20, for his shop located at 2, Akinbaye Street, off College bus stop, Isolo, at 11am on that fateful day but he is yet to return home since then. Meanwhile, he has had no communication with any member of the family, neither has there been any clue about his whereabouts. The son, Sunday Akpu described the missing father of four as black in complexion, about five feet tall, an Igbo by tribe who hails from Anambra State and speaks both Igbo and English language fluently. Sunday pleaded with members of the public who come in contact with his father to kindly report to Ejigbo Police Station, or any nearby police station or call Sunday Akpu on 08034832663, Edwin Nwosu on 08025576100 or Ifeayin Akpu on 08033194876.

‘FG Should Try Kidnap Suspects In Special Tribunals’ By Laolu Adeyemi HEFederal Government has been advised to set up special tribunals in the country to try kidnaping cases with a view to ensuring celerity, certainty and severity of justice for kidnappers. Former Air Officer Commanding (Training Command) of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Osita Obierika, (rtd) who made the call in a paper titled “Crises Management of Kidnap and

Ransom Cases in Nigeria,” said the measure has become necessary because a “serious ailment requires serious remedy.” Speaking at a two-day conference, titled “Security: A Prerequisite for National Development,” organized by the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), in Lagos, Obiierika said kidnapping has become a national malaise capable of driving away investors.

Bernand Akpu

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

FG Clarifies Road Reforms From Nkechi Onyedika And John Okeke, Abuja HE Minister of Works, Mike T Onolememen, has assured the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) that the ongoing reforms in the road sector is not aimed at scrapping the agency, but rather to work towards improving the sector to attain international best practices. The minister, who spoke when members of the Governing Board of FERMA, led by its Chairman, Olajide Adeniji, paid a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja, however, stressed that FERMA might not remain in the same shape once the Road Reform Act is passed by the National Assembly. On the issue of right of way, Onolememen noted though that the matter was under his purview, as long as what FERMA does on the right of way was in conformity with its functions, it was fine. He also clarified the issue of tolling on federal roads, saying that the main focus at the moment is to recover all the failed sections of the road.

NEWS UNDP, NIPSS Urge Political Parties To Focus On Delivery Democratic Dividends From Tunde Akinola (who was in Kuru) OLITICAL parties have been P urged to institutionalise themselves as vanguard of democracy in order to ensure that the dividends of democracy are delivered to the people. Addressing participants at Kuru, Jos, during the commissioning of Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre and National Conference on Political Parties and Democracy

established by National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Democratic Governance for Development (DGD), NIPPS Director-General, Prof. Tijjani Muhammed-Bande, stressed the need for parties’ affairs to be run by professionals. “What political parties do is important to the deepening of democracy…. Parties are organisation and should be ran professionally based on modern manage-

ment theories,” MuhammedBande said. UNDP/DGD Project Director, Dr. Mourtada Deme said while some political parties globally have performed excellently, others have failed their. Deme said: “When we consider popular attitudes of political parties around the world, many of them reflect views held by the general public. They are considered highly leader-centric, organisationally captive of wealthy financial backers, poorly rooted in society and narrow-

ly focused on electioneering. “Parties in many countries also have an unfavourable rating from public institutions. They do not represent citizen’s interests well, frequently conduct their business in a secretive manner and often fail to include women in leadership, decisionmaking and the policy-making process.” Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Aderemi Desalu, listed

HEonly elected lawmaker on T the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in Southeast geo-political zone, Emeka Anohu, has said that the party is battle ready to produce the next governor of Anambra State come 2014. He, however, frowned at political jobbers who dump one party for another in their quest to secure platforms. According to him, “we are also now very ready for the 2014 Anambra Governorship Election whenever the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) comes out with timetable and guidelines.” Anohu, who is the Deputy Minority Whip in the Anambra State Assembly, continued: “ We do not want anyone without good intentions to destabilise the party. Every governorship aspirant and any such new comers must be subjected to the strict screening and due process principles of the party.”

IGH point of activities H marking the inauguration of Emmanuel District of the

FGGC Abuloma Old Girls Inaugurate FCT Executives

Catholics Celebrate Feast

Borno youth vigilante at a ‘ stop and search’ post in Maiduguri…yesterday

AINTS Michael, Raphael and Sknown Gabriel Catholic Church, also as Archangels’ Parish,

Borno Launches Free Child Survival Drugs From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri O meet United Nations’ T Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on free healthcare delivery services by 2015, the wife of Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, has launched Free Child Survival Drugs and Supplies (FCSDS) to improve nutrition, immunisation and survival of children below the

age of five in the state. Speaking at the launching ceremony on Thursday at the Government House, Maiduguri, Nana said that FCSDS was meant to save the lives of children below the age of five in rural centres. She stated: “The free child survival drugs and supplies that is being launched today (Thursday), was to complement the free maternal healthcare delivery services launched early this year,” noting that the

EDERAL Government Girls’ Amid Opposition, Anglican FPortCollege (FGGC) Abuloma, Harcourt, Old Girls’ Association, has inaugurated a new executive to pilot the affairs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter. The executive is made up of the following persons: Dr. Ifeoma Keshi-Monye – President; Dr. Charity Ego AkaboguMadubuko – Vice President; Mrs. Chinyere Cecilia ChimaUromta – Secretary; Barr. Nneka Esomeju – Asst. Secretary; Rahab Daniel-Didan – Financial Secretary; Boma Pepple – Treasurer; Ogom AniemekaNwankwo – Provost; Barr. Margaret Umoru-Ebute – Welfare Officer; Uchechi OkoliWoko – Internal Relations Officer, and Ethel NwosuIgboeche – External Relations Officer.

Labour Ready For Anambra Guber Election, Says Anohu From Chuks Collins, Awka

Cherubim Church Inaugurates District

Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church takes place tomorrow at the church’s auditorium, 84, Old Ota Road, OrileAgege, Lagos. The Baba Aladura and Chairman of the church worldwide, Most Rev. S.A. Abidoye, who will also install Special Apostle Pastor S.O. Ewulo as the district chairman/general leader, will perform the inauguration ceremony, which starts at 9:45 am. Inauguration activities began on June 24 with a three-day revival under the theme “Divine Triumph” at the church’s premises at 6 pm daily. It was followed by Mother’s Day Variety Show on June 27 and media tour on June 28 by Abidoye, who also visited the Mount of Deliverance at Igbusi Village, Ifo, Ogun State and later dedicated Akute branch of the church on June 29.

nepotism and self-aggrandisement as cog in the wheel of democracy all over the world, adding that effective leaders seek to balance these by providing the people with dividends of democracy. “The people are more interested in their welfare, not the politics played at the party level,” he said.

Takes Over Ngwa School

From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri ESPITE some display of D opposition in the recent decision by the Abia State Government to formally return the ownership and running of Ngwa High School, Aba, Abia State, to the authorities of Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, Anglican Church Communion, the church yesterday took over the school and promised to restore discipline to the school. In his maiden meeting with the management, teachers and students of the institution as well as on the spot facility assessment at the school’s premises yesterday, the Bishop

of the diocese, Dr. Nathan Kanu, said authorities of the diocese were not pleased with certain persons in the institution, including some teachers who are opposing the return of the institution to the church, and added that the dioceses have articulated a five –year action plan to restore the dignity to the institution founded by the church in 1954. The school’s principal, Ven. Nathan Chikezie Aliche and Chancellor of the diocese, Justice Izima, noted that the restoration of value system and total transformation were desirable to the school, and thanked the state government for returning the school.

free maternal healthcare services. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salma Anas Kolo, described the launch of FCSDS, as a milestone in the history of Borno State healthcare to protect and save the lives of children that live in rural centres and shores of Lake Chad and Chad Basin Areas of the state. Salma explained that 15 councils in the state would have five healthcare facilities, while the

remaining 12 councils would have access to two healthcare delivery services of immunisations, nutrition and free drugs supplies, including treated mosquitoes nets. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Kaka Bashir Garbai, directed the council chairmen to immediately release funds to their respective healthcare centres to ensure take-off of the programme.

How To Guarantee Safe Medicines, By Pharmacists By Oluwakemi Ajani XPERTS under the aegis of E Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have said that safe medicines can only be guaranteed if Nigerians patronise registered pharmacists across the federation. Managing Director of Pharmaplus Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Ahmed Yakasai, who said this during the 32nd annual national conference of ACPN and unveiling of the association’s logo in Calabar, Cross River State, recently, said that experts are always available at registered pharmacy shops to store, provide safe medicines and pharmaceutical care to

Nigerians. Yakasi saidthat Nigerianshave a right to safe, qualitative and efficacious medicines, adding that access to safe medicines is part of human right. The pharmacist said “in order to ensure the availability of good quality and drugs in the health care delivery system, the Federal Government should develop national guidelines on drug distribution”, adding that the use of ineffective and unsafe medicines could result into resistant diseases and death. “ Safe medicines to Nigerians can only be guaranteed if pharmacists are available to provide the pharmaceutical care, while community practice must be ethical and should fall within the ambit of the law,” he said.

Satellite Town, Lagos, will on Sunday, June 30, celebrate the feast of Mother of Perpetual Help by 8 am at Mini-Stadium, Trade Fair Complex. Badagry Expressway, Lagos. According to a statement signed by the Feast Coordinator, Rev.Fr.Vincent Ezezue, highlights of the feast will be celebration of Holy Mass, exposition of blessed sacrament, special testimony giving, blessing and burning of prayer petitions. The statement reads: “ This celebration takes our spiritual lives to the crest. It lifts us up from spiritual, economic and emotional setbacks and gives our soul comfort and rest. Yes, fasten your seat belts; it is time for the feast of Mother of Perpetual Help. The Redemptionist community and Archangels’ Church, Satellite Town, welcomes you to this years’ Feast of our Mother of Perpetual Help titled “Mary, Our Hope and Succour.” The chief celebrant will be the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most

Ezezue

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

METRONOTES

Commuters Groan, Businesses

Ejigbo-Idimu road

By Debo Oladimeji HE traffic snarl on Ejigbo-Ikotun and IdimuT Ejigbo in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos, is no longer news. The loss of man hours on the road daily coupled with the economic implications is worrisome and the residents are appealing to the government to repair the road to solve the perennial gridlock that has become a nightmare. “Instead of commuters connecting Idimu from Idimu Ejigbo road, they prefer to go through Orisunbare road. The road is far to Idimu but people prefer to go through there. You can spend 30 minutes to Idimu from Ejigbo from this end, because of the bad road. The journey should not take more than five minutes. We are appealing to the Lagos State government to help us. “It is not only people living in the community that patronize us, motorists plying the road used to patronise us as well. But they have all left because of the bad road,” lamented 29-yearold Oluwabukola Beyioku, a TV service provider who has been living in the area for 13 years. He described the Community Development Association (CDA) in the area as a toothless bulldog. “People are not happy with them. Nobody knows what comes in or goes out of the pocket of the association. They are only there as figure heads, no impact. They ought to be the ones championing our cause by writing petitions to the government,” he said. One of the landlords in the area, Mr. Gbadegesin Oladeji said that there are a lot of errors in the work the contractor is doing right now. “We want the government to supervise the contractor thoroughly. There is need for adequate drainage to let the water flow. They say they don’t have materials that was why they stopped working. The pace at which they are going, in 10 years’ time, they will not complete the project,” he bemoaned, stressing that flood had already sent many tenants away from the area. One of the people who fled the area because of flood said that he was living in Idimu before he moved to Akesan. “I left 5 years ago. It has been a perennial problem. Most of the tenants who have alternative accommodation have left this

place,” he said. At Fayemi Street, people who have shops can no longer get customers as the street is covered with water. Mohammadu Mutahiru, another landlord, said that for the past two months, the contractor has been working on the road but the workers don’t come every day. “The problem is that there are no good roads in Ejigbo. Idimu road is bad, Fayemi road is bad. Let the government help us,” he said. A tailor who coincidentally hails from Ejigbo in Osun State, said his business has stopped. “I have been living here for the past 30 years. I have one wife with four children. We cannot sell, there is no good road to go to the market and come back”. Mrs. Rasida Yekini, a trader and mother of three, said Fayemi road is now dreaded by motorists. “If we go to buy goods in the market, we don’t get vehicles to bring our goods back home. Since about 15 years ago, the situation has been like that,” she said. At Iyana Ejigbo, traders resort to all sorts of self-help to prevent flood from entering their shops. Some of them display their goods on used tyres. The Iyana- Ejigbo Roundabout is always covered with flood, leading to terrible traffic. Onyebuchi Kinsley, a trader, called on the government to repair the road. “Let them reconstruct the road and allow water to flow. I don’t know whether the government is aware of the situation. We don’t come to the shop any time it rains,” he said. Another affected trader, Loveth Madu disclosed that most of the time, flood will not allow them to work. “We stayed in our houses for more than three weeks last month. Iyana-Ejigbo was covered with flood,” he said. Mr. Bernard Kelechi, a resident of Ikotun, disclosed that the problem motorists are facing on the Ikotun-Ejigbo road is due to lack of drainage. “The drainage system between Ejigbo and Iyana Ejigbo cannot cater for the flood that comes from Ejigbo down to the canal. That makes it to overflow on to the main road, causing a lot of traffic. The best

Ejigbo-Ikotun road

solution is for them to do an underground drainage to allow the flood to flow down from Ejigbo to Iyana Ejigbo to Isolo road linking Oke-Afa canal,” he said. He added: “Again, policemen are not helping matters. Iyana -Ejigbo junction is now like a business centre. Policemen harass innocent motorists trying to maneuver the bad road. “I am yet to see the impact of the local government there. The state government itself has to come and do something to alleviate the suffering of the people plying the road. They have to come and help the people living in this part of Lagos. “If they can help to finish the link road between Jakande Estate and Ijegun on time, it will reduce the traffic on Ejigbo-Ikotun road. They can also construct a link road between Jakande and Amuwo-Odofin”.

The residents of that part of Lagos, he said, are calling on Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to help them. “People don’t really see what the local government is doing. That is why they cannot really say what they are using their monthly allocation from the government for,” he said. Another concerned person, Mr. Lawrence Ajayi, Chairman, Aluminum Fabricators Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), Lagos Chapter, recalled that the chairmen of the councils in that part of Lagos are not carrying people along in what they are doing. “Fashola is trying but the chairmen are not. Look at the feeder roads in Ejigbo and Alimosho councils. Look at Ijegun- Ikotun road. Fashola gave them money to repair the road, why don’t they do it? The chairmen should wake up. They should build maintenance culture into the road rehabilitation

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

METRONOTES

Suffer On Ejigbo-Ikotun Road they are doing,” Ajayi said. He warned the government to be careful of fake contractors. “ Some of them are not contractors, they are just politicians. They don’t have the real engineers to construct the road,” he said. However, Rabiu Hassan, Head, Information Unit of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), spokesperson of the Chairman of the council, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, recalled that the council was created in October 2003 during the tenure of the former governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Before then, the council was under Oshodi -Isolo Local Government. Prior to its creation, the LCDA had been deprived of infrastructural development, be it road, be it health centre. This has led to the problem being experienced presently in the area of road development. The present council Chairman Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan during his first tenure

in office, discovered that the council was lacking in virtually all necessary infrastructural facilities,” he said. He said that it was also discovered that Ejigbo is a flood-prone area as it is surrounded by water. To channel the flood to the canal, the council had to construct drainages in various parts of the local government. He disclosed that Bamigbetan has constructed over 150 culverts spread across the six political wards of the council. “I want to say authoritatively that we have over 450 roads in Ejigbo LCDA. Most of these roads are not tarred and they don’t have good drainages.” Hassan added that the Ejigbo jetty, beside Oke Afa cenotaph, is also under construction. “Ejigbo jetty, upon completion, will help to reduce traffic on the roads. People going to Lagos Island and Mile 2 can go through ferry. “We discovered that our council does not have enough resources to reconstruct the roads. How much is

our monthly subvention from Oshodi-Isolo local government? On the average, we receive N30 million to N35 million monthly. So from that we take care of staff salary and other running costs,” he said. He explained that to execute a well constructed road in the LCDA will cost between N70 million and N100 million depending on the length of the road. The chairman, he added, has promised to tar 10 roads at least in a year. “On the day we launched Ejigbo Road Trust Fund, we were able to realize at least N2.8 million as a take off fund,” he said. The council, he said, later set up a board called Road Trust Fund Board made up of dependable people to monitor the road rehabilitation or grading. “The council boss got a loan of N220 million from Sky Bank to rehabilitate 10 roads for the first year. But we discovered that the money can only cater for four road.”

Double Powerline road, he noted, was constructed from the excess crude fund the council received from the Federal Government. “We were given N100 million. We took N70 million for the construction of Double Powerline road. The remaining N30 million was used to execute the Ejigbo jetty project that earlier mentioned,” he said. As for Ejigbo-Idimu road, he clarified that it is a state road and it has been awarded to a contractor by the governor. “Just last year, the road was awarded to PALMYRA Construction Company and the work is ongoing. The work is slow due to the topography of the place...” he said. Iyana-Ejigbo road, he added, has also been awarded to another contractor for rehabilitation by the state government. Hassan recalled that the effort of the council to ensure good road network for people in the council led to

the award of Ejigbo-Ajao Estate link bridge to CCEC. “The Lagos State government awarded the project to the construction company. But it was through the initiative of our chairman. The construction company also tarred five roads with good drainages”. Traffic congestion has been the bane of development in Ejigbo, Isolo and Alimosho Local Government Areas of Lagos State for over two decades now. The population of Isolo-Ejigbo-Ikotun axis of Lagos ballooned, especially following the dislodgment of Maroko residents on the island by the government. Unfortunately, various promises by successive governments to open up more roads or outlets in the area have not been fulfilled, even after the OkeAfa tragedy of 2001 when thousands of people perished in the Oke-Afa canal following the Ikeja bomb blast stampede.

Are Okada Riders Banned From All Lagos Streets? By Samson Ezea HE decision of the Lagos State government T to ban or restrict the operations of commercial motorcyclists on 475 major roads in the state sometime last year, generated a lot of misgivings. While some commended the decision, others criticized it, especially when the state government has not provided alternative jobs for Okada riders or provide another means of transportation for residents, especially on major streets across the state. Specifically, Section 3 (1) of the traffic law prohibits the riding, driving or propelling of a cart, wheel-barrow, motorcycle or tricycle on the listed major highways in Lagos. With the law, many residents had expected that Okada riders would be free to ply other roads in the state, apart from the listed 475 major roads. But the situation appears quite different as the law is being enforced by policemen in the state today. While policemen have clamped down on defaulters and seized their motorcycles on several occasions, they have in recent times extended their dragnets to unrestricted roads where they now lay ambush, intimidate and extort money from the riders with impunity. Before now, some residents had been complaining that policemen extort money from the cyclists, claiming that had been banned from plying anywhere in Lagos. Because of this extortion, cyclists often charge commuters high fares or refuse to carry them for fear of being arrested by the policemen who demand between N5,000 and N10,000 depending on where they arrested them. On Friday last week after the close of work, this reporter boarded a commercial vehicle on his way home and alighted at the popular Cele bus stop around 7.05pm. To avoid the usual traffic snarl along Okota-Cele road via Ago Palace Way that has been under construction for more than a year now, I trekked to Church bus stop, so that I can pick a bike at Nwachukwu Street to my bus stop along the Ago Palace Way. On getting there, I met some Okada riders waiting to carry passengers. I approached one of them and asked him how much will I pay for him to drop me at my bus stop. He replied: “Oga, I will not go even if you pay me N10,000. I can go other places not that your Balogun bus stop”. I then asked him why? He said that immediately it is 6.30 pm every day, some policemen lay ambush at the roundabout along Nwachukwu Street where they will be extorting money from riders ranging from N200 to N500 depending on their bargaining strength and familiarity with them. I told him that the road is not among the restricted roads by the state government. He told me that those policemen would always tell them that government has banned Okada

A policeman siezing a bike from the rider on Bayo Oyewale street Okota, Isolo Lagos

everywhere in the state. I persuaded him to carry me and see how I will slug it out with the policemen there. He said: “Oga, I will not take the risk unless you want me to lose my bike”. At that point, I assured him that he would not lose his bike. His colleagues encouraged him to carry me and see what will happen. When we got to the roundabout, riders of tricycles popularly known as Keke Napep were busy offering between N100 and N200 to the policemen. They were three in number. Also parked there was their patrol vehicle which showed that they were from a nearby police station. When it was our turn to pass, one of them accosted the Okada rider and demanded for N200. At this point, I asked him, ‘N200 for what?’ He flared and asked me what was my business in the matter? I replied him that my business was that they are extorting money from Okada riders. He shouted: “Don’t you know that government has banned Okada in Lagos or do you want me to seize the bike?” I quickly told

him that, it was a lie. I went further to ask him to show me the law book where it was written that Okada has been banned everywhere in Lagos. He beckoned on two of his colleagues who rushed to where we were standing. He told them that I was teaching him his job by telling him that Okada was not banned everywhere in Lagos. One of them told him that he should not mind me, and that he should seize the motorcycle. The other one said ‘no, don’t seize the motorcycle yet until the man identifies himself’ or else they will take me alongside the rider to the station. I made it very clear to them that I was ready to follow them to their station, that the Okada man will not give them any money and they will not seize his bike. Following the exchange of words, passersby rushed to the scene and before anyone could ask what was happening, they boarded their patrol van and drove towards LASU-Okota campus gate and the people booed them. The Okada rider while taking me to my bus

stop, thanked me for saving him. I told him that no law forbids him from riding on the streets and that they should stop giving policemen money. While sharing the experiences with a policeman who happens to be a friend on Sunday in his house at Ketu Lagos, the man told me that I should not blame the policemen for the action, but the state government. He alleged that on a daily basis, state government officials call Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other senior police officers to asking them how many motorcycles they seized for the day. “It is for this reason that some DPOs mandate their men to ensure that they seize enough motorcycles every day,” officer alleged. Several efforts to speak with officials of the state government on the matter proved abortive. But if the allegation raised by the policeman against the state government is true, it means that the government is insincere in making and implementing the traffic law in the state.

Lighthouse

Truth Has No Elder Brother...

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

OW the episode to be narrated escaped the H attention of the Nigerian Press may never be explained satisfactorily. However, those most intimately involved in the drama are quick to call the oversight an “act of God.” It was in an Aladura church. There had been simmering discontent in the church for several months. The central figure was a young Pastor who was reputedly filled with “crazy ideas.” The elders found him hard to pin down. Was he filled with the Spirit of God or inspirations from the very Devil himself? For instance, he would not answer to his Christian name “Thomas.” It is colonial mentality, he said. He insisted on being called “Ogundiran,” his surname. He was friendly with all and sundry; including the herbalist living about three buildings away from the church. He did not hide his allegiance. Ogundiran would quote profusely, with undisguised relish, from the Bible, the Koran and the poems of Ifa. While the Koran was tolerable to most other church members, the Ifa quotations were considered rather provocative and scandalous. One of his worst critics chose a more Satanic adjective: “fiendish.” But the trouble was that Ogundiran’s sermons notwithstanding were always instructive and hilarious; you always came away feeling elated, ennobled. Still more disconcerting, especially to his diehard critics, was his character. It was virtually impeccable. Ogundiran was good. Whenever things threatened to go upside down in the church, when those petty, petty disagreements inevitable in human interrelations (even in religious circles) threaten to tear the church apart, Ogundiran waded in to right things – without any iota of partiality. With chains of local proverbs, not necessarily compatible with popular Christian mentality, he would explain knotty issues and defuse mounting tension. He never got embroiled in all these squabbles. Somehow, when it came to the lower passions that assail many other fellow worshippers, Ogundiran was “far from the madding crowd.” In a nutshell, he was both ill-understood and well respected. His favourite retort to his crit-

Yemi Ogunsola yemiogunsola@gmail.com 08069074718 then break the fast at 6.00 p.m with the supper communion. Those familiar with this ritual, both by biblical account and Christian practice, know that Dubonnet Tonic Wine often stands for the “blood” and bread for the “flesh” of Jesus. It was the same with this Aladura Church. Most members looked forward to this ritual with great anticipation. It was the only day every year when wine, an alcoholic drink, could be consumed in the house of the Lord. At all other times, it is taboo. The mere freedom was inadmittedly exhilarating to most of those so privileged to partake in this once-a-year ritual. The day came. Everything went well until six o’clock in the evening. Members, about 10 or 11 in all, were understandably famished after the fast. So, eagerly, they took their seats in a circle round the centre table as was customary. All anxious for the coming treat. Their number, however, was considerably reduced by the absence of the Babaajo and some other elders. But the yearly budget for the last Supper was fixed. So, many expected an abundance of bread and wine. They however shied away from contemplating what abundance of wine could lead to. The preamble of prayers was completed reverently. Then came menu, menu. The first inkling of trouble the members had were the stacks of small calabash containers brought unto the centre table. The assembly exchanged puzzled glances. But also unavoidably absent. And the mantle of only an apparently harmless smile played on leadership fell temporarily on Ogundiran. Ogundiran’s face. But as fate or Providence or whatever was in But then, the elders soon overcame the initial control would have it, the celebration of the shock. What’s the big deal anyway, some Last Supper (Onje Ale Oluwa) fell in that week. It argued in whispers, nothing ungodly in drinkis also called Holy Communion. ing Dubonnet Tonic Wine in Calabash. It was the practice of this church that all involved in the dinner would be in fasting, TO BE CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK

An African Holy Communion ics was not any less disconcerting: Orun lo m’eni ti o la (only God knows who is heaven-bound). Of course, that is the name of another “enemy” of the church – Orun-mi-la, the patron saint of the Ifa school. Then came a fateful week. Babaajo (Church Head) was out of town. Incidentally, some elders of the church were

AFRICA

Kenya Makes Higher Tourism Revenues

Obama Protesters Rally Near Hospital Treating Mandela

ENYA expects tourism revK enues to rise four percent to 100 billion shillings this

UNDREDS of people in the H South African capital Pretoria demonstrated on Friday against a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama, marching near a hospital where anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela, lay critically ill. Rueters reported that flying on board Air Force One from Senegal, Obama paid tribute to Mandela who as South Africa’s first black president led the nation out of apartheid, but said he was not seeking a “photo op” with the ailing statesman. Mandela, 94, has been in the Pretoria heart clinic with a lung infection for nearly three weeks, his fourth spell in hospital in six months. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate like Obama, Mandela is admired around the world as a symbol of resistance against injustice and of racial reconciliation. His condition improved over Wednesday night but he remained critical. Nearly 1,000 trade unionists, Muslim activists and South African Communist Party members marched through the capital to the U.S. Embassy where they burned a U.S. flag in protest, calling Obama’s foreign policy “arrogant and oppressive”. Muslim activists held prayers in a car park outside the

embassy. Leader Imam Sayeed Mohammed told the group: “We hope that Mandela feels better and that Obama can learn from him.” South African critics of Obama have focused in particular on his support for U.S. drone strikes overseas, which they say have killed hundreds of innocent civilians, and his failure to fulfill a pledge to close the U.S. military detention centre at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba housing terrorism suspects. Protesters said the first African-American president should not try to link himself to the anti-apartheid figure. “Mandela valued human life ... Mandela would condemn drone attacks and civilian deaths, Mandela cannot be his hero, he cannot be on that list,” said Yousha Tayob. “TWO GREAT MEN” A few blocks away at the Pretoria heart hospital, wellwishers paying tribute to Mandela had words of praise for Obama, who met Mandela in 2005 when he was still a U.S. senator. Nigerian painter Sanusi Olatunji, 31, had brought portraits of both Mandela and Obama to the wall of the hospital, where flowers, tribute notes and gifts for Madiba, as Mandela is affectionately known, have been piling up.

“These are the two great men of my lifetime,” he said. “To me, Mandela is a prophet who brought peace and opportunity. He made it possible for a black man like me to live in a country that was only for whites.” During his weekend trip to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, Obama is scheduled to visit Robben Island, the former penal colony where Mandela passed 18 years of the 27 years he spent in apartheid prisons. Mandela

Somalia May Accept Former Islamist Warlord In Port City, Say Diplomats government is SmerOMALIA’S expected to recognise a forIslamist warlord it had opposed as interim leader of a strategic port city, diplomats said, defusing a crisis over rival claims to the post that had raised fears of a return to clan warfare. Reuters reported that the threat of the kind of clan fighting that over two decades tore Somalia apart has hung over Kismayu since Ahmed Madobe, leader of the Ras Kamboni militia, was chosen by a regional assembly to lead Jubaland and its port in May.

The fate of Kismayu and the surrounding region in southern Somalia has been seen as a litmus test of whether the government can manage a federal state and cement a fragile peace in place since African peacekeeping troops drove out Islamist militants. Western and regional diplomats, all with a close knowledge of Somalia and the workings of its government, told Reuters that Mogadishu had changed tack and was resigned to having the Ras Kamboni leader stay in charge, but on an interim basis.

“They recognise that they have to deal with Madobe,” said one senior Western diplomat. Regional capitals and Western donors are nervous about any reversal of delicate security gains made in Somalia by African troops fighting against the al Qaeda-linked militants, seen as a threat to stability in the region and beyond. Central government spokesman Abdirahman Omar Osman said Mogadishu, which had widely been seen to back another candidate, was ready for a deal but it had not decided on who it would be.

year, helped by higher visitor numbers after a peaceful election, the state-run tourism board said yesterday. Reuters reported that a peaceful transition of power to President Uhuru Kenyatta after the closely contested election in March has helped to rebuild Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. Fears of a repeat of violence after an election five years ago when more than 1,200 people were killed had slowed activity in the tourism sector, the country’s second highest income earner after agriculture, before the March vote. “The growth (in 2013 arrivals and revenues) would have been bigger but election uncertainties distressed the first quarter of the year,” Muriithi Ndegwa, KTB managing director, said in an interview in Mombasa. “That is why we have requested 500 million shillings from government for a tourism marketing recovery programme to help compensate for the dip between January and March.” The first quarter of 2013 experienced an 18 percent drop in number of international arrivals to Kenya, registering 255,256 tourists, down from 312,258 recorded in a similar period in 2012, Ndegwa said. He said tourist arrivals should rise 10 percent to 1.4 million visitors this year, up from 1.2 million in 2012.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

OVERLAPPING WORD GAME with OLULANA KAYODE O8023183727 olulana3@yahoo.com Starting from the square numbered ‘1’, fill in the first word, writing from left to right. Also fill in the second word, starting in the box numbered ‘2’ You will observe that the second word will overlap the first word. Also, the third word will overlap the second word and so on. Keep on filling the words in a clockwise direction until all the squares are completely filled, using the clues/ definitions below:

Solutions To Overlapping Word Game ‘23’

Overlapping Word Game ‘25’ 1. Rochas ___, Imo State Governor

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

2. Friendly agreement 3. Games Reserve in Northern Nigeria 4. Got up 5. Of the nose 6. Drinking place 7. Start 8. Declaration of intent to cause harm 9. Harm using violence 10. Allah's will 11. Devices that measure things 12. Distinct part 13. Electrically-charged atom 14. Wike, Min. of State, Education 15. Capital of Niger State 16. Attack with false insinuations 17. Marketable 18. Merging 19. Contradict somebody 20. Nigerian comedy show on TV 21. Quaver 22. Legal 23. Somebody suitable 24. Unit of Middle Eastern currency

By Bayo Ogunmupe\ 08034673443 http:/ogunmupe.blogspot.com

On The Path Of Winners

Courage as catalyst of success T

HE English writer and clergyman, Sydney Smith, asserted, “A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage.” To discover and grow your talent, you need courage. Before he joined the army, Winston Churchill had a desire to create a reputation for bravery. But he didn’t know whether he had the talent for it. In order to discover, he went to Cuba to test his courage in a controlled environment. He understood that a person doesn’t know what he is really made of until tested. If you fear the test, then you will never get the chance to develop your talent. Our courage is tested when we respond to changes, although inactivity is more comfortable. Being inactive, never leaving the familiar may mean that you are comfortable. But your willingness to continually let go of the familiar means that you are courageous. Greatness is due to bravery. It is courage in escaping from old ideas, old standards and respectable ways of doing things. To become a champion you must be willing to give up all you have in order to become all you can be. If you are willing to leave your comfort zone and bravely keep striving, you can reach heights you thought were impossible. The opposite of courage isn’t cowardice. It is conformity. It isn’t enough to believe in something. You must live it. Learning and growing require action. Learning is a change in behaviour. You haven’t learned a thing until you can take action and use it. From knowledge comes an inner strength that subconsciously inspires you to push on in the face of stiff opposition. No one makes the most of his talent in isolation. That means you must seek the cooperation of others in order to accomplish your aims. By taking the high road of treating others better than they treat you, you make yourself the kind of person others want to work with. People admire leaders and innovators. Organizations give them honours, historians write books about them, sculptors chisel their images on the face of hills. However as many lift leaders up, others want to knock them down. Thus, if you want to make a success of a venture, you

never wait for a crowd. You strike out for yourself. That takes nerves and grit, so you must have both. Success is the accomplishment of things which people think can’t be done. Adversity is always the partner of progress. When you want to move forward, obstacles and problems get in your way. However, every obstacle you overcome teaches you about yourself. Success makes you wiser and stronger. Greatness is gained by facing difficulties with courage. If you desire to develop greater courage, then do the following. One, look for courage inside, not outside of yourself. During the great Depression in America, the renowned inventor, Thomas Edison, delivered his last public message. In it he said. “Be courageous, I have lived a long time. I have seen history repeat itself again and again. I have seen many depressions in business. Always, the nation has come out stronger and more prosperous. Be as brave as your fathers before you. Have faith, go forward.” Edison knew that when we experience fear, we must be willing to move forward. Courage starts

PERSUADE DENTIST TIRADE DERMAL LOST STABLE LESSEN ENGAGE GENTLE EMIT TRAVAIL ILESA AXLE LENDER RUDDER ERUDITE TEMPTED EDUCATION ONWARD DRAINAGE AGEISM SMUGGLE ENSUE EXIT

from the mind before it is displayed. Two, grow courage by doing the right thing, not the expedient. Florence Nightingale observed, “Courage is the virtue of those who choose to do the right thing over the expedient thing. It is the common currency of those who do what they are supposed to do in time of conflict, crisis and confusion.” Three, taking small steps of courage prepares you for greater ones. Most of us want to grow quickly and be done with it. But the reality is that genuine growth is slow. Therefore, to be successful, we should start from small things and do them everyday. Your life changes when you change something you do everyday. Which is why you should recognize that being made a leader won’t give you courage but that courage can make you a leader. Former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, remarked, “Being a leader is a lot like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are one, (then) you aren’t.” the position doesn’t make a leader. The leader makes the position. Leadership is an expression of courage that compels you to do the right at all times. Your life expands with each courageous act you espouse. People who are willing to take risks, explore their limits, and are ready to experience defeat will go farther than those who timidly follow the safe path of living. The moment you resolve to sacrifice lesser ambitions to your one great aim, to stand alone, firm in your purpose, you set in motion the divine forces Jehovah has implanted in you for your greatness. Thus, courageous leadership means you have

developed convictions that are stronger than your fears. Your vision must be clearer than doubts. Your tenacity of purpose must be clearer than doubts. Your tenacity of purpose must be stronger than popular opinion. Your dissatisfaction with existing realities must be more forceful than the status quo. Your risk taking must be stronger than safety seeking. Your desire to serve justice must be more robust than rationalization and your goal of realizing your potential must be more than seeing people appeased. Only courage can propel you to greatness. You must trade what you have for what’s best for your success. Our champion today is the late Baroness Margaret Hilda Thatcher, also known as, Baroness Margaret Thatcher of Kesteven. Born in October 1925 in Grantham, England as Margaret Roberts, she died in London in April 2013. She was the British Conservative statesman and prime minister (1979-1990), Europe’s first woman prime minister. She was the first British premier in the 20th Century to win three consecutive terms and was the longest-serving British premier since 1827. Educated in Somerville College, Oxford, Thatcher’s marriage to a prosperous businessman enabled her to read for the bar, subsequently becoming a lawyer specializing in tax matters. She entered Parliament in 1959 becoming a Parliamentary Secretary in Pensions Ministry in 1961-64. She became Secretary of State for Education (1970-74). Thatcher succeeded Edward Health as Conservative leader in 1975. Her party’s victory in 1979 elevated her to the premiership. She belonged to the right wing of her party, advocating greater independence for the individual from the state. She called for an end to the excessive interference in the economy by the government. She reduced personal tax and the printing of money —- known in economics as monetarism. But unemployment trebled with more than three million unemployed. Her term in office saw the growth of an underclass. Throughout her tenure, Thatcher pursued the policies that earned her the appellation of “Iron Lady.” She strictly dominated her ministers in pursuance of a strong monetary policy. She privatized stateowned enterprises. A split in her party over her policies led to her resignation from the party leadership in 1990. She received the Order of Merit the same year and was made a baroness in

TheGuardian

12 | THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics We’re Praying For The Quick Recovery Of Governor Suntai, Says Taraba Speaker Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, told CHARLES AKPEJI in Jalingo that in spite of the wrangling in ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the state and national levels, the party would still win the 2015 general elections.

The present state of health of our governor is a situation that all of us irrespective of our religion may one day find ourselves in. Ours is prayers; we are praying and from all indications, they said he is recovering

HOUGH you might not be a medical personT nel, but what would you say is the present health situation of Governor Danbaba Suntai, as Tarabans and indeed Nigerians are eager to know the truth? The present state of health of our governor is a situation that all of us irrespective of our religion may one day find ourselves in. Ours is prayers; we are praying and from all indications, they said he is recovering. That is our earnest desire; that he should recover and come back to take up his job. So, we have being praying for him. What then is your advice to those who have been calling for the confirmation of the Acting Governor as the substantive governor of the state? Of course, Taraba State comprises of so many people. There are people coming from the religious aspect of it, and there are people that are coming from what the constitution itself is saying. However, the good news is that the governor is recovering, so we are trusting God to see him come back. With the wrangling in PDP at both the state and the national levels, do you still see the possibility of the party emerging victorious in the 2015 polls? I want to assure you that PDP is still the biggest party in Africa and would continue to be the best. PDP will continue to do the best for the people, and PDP will continue to meet the expectations of the people, and will continue to move ahead. The ongoing crisis in the party will not in any way prevent it from emerging victorious in the coming polls. Most of the parties that are coming up are formed by aggrieved people that left PDP. When you are aggrieved, it is expected that you should sit down and iron out your differences with your brothers or the party. But if you are not able to do that and think you can be on your own, that is where you will have Tsokwa problems, because they are not yet ripe to be on their own. So, I assure you that they cannot stand on their feet. PDP, I assure you, will continue to Assembly in the country to be independent. wax stronger, in spite of the wrangling you But with the present happenings, everyhave just mentioned. body is fully aware, so we are all yearning How satisfied are you with the performance of for autonomy in the legislative arm of the the Acting Governor in steering the affairs of government and local governments. So, I the state? want to assure you that it must surely come In my speech at the commencement of the to past. rd th 3 legislative year of the 7 Assembly, I comDo you support the agitation for the scrapmended him for stabilising the state. ping of the third tiers of government? I want to tell you that if not for him, if it were The essence of local governments is to somebody else, the state would have been in bring developments to the grassroots. So, crises, but because of his maturity and experiscraping local governments would not ence, he is able to control the state. That is why make sense. you see that peace is reigning in the state. I am calling on those making such calls to, More to that, we, the members of the House, as a matter of urgency, drop the idea, salute the prompt action he took to restore because local governments are very imporpeace and normalcy in both Wukari and Ibi tant to the people, especially those in the Council areas. rural areas. Do you foresee autonomy for the Houses of Given the chance to legislate on the sharing Assembly in the country in the near future? formula of revenue, which is presently at It is going to come to reality very soon, by the the verge of tearing the country apart, what grace of God, because before now, people didwould be your suggestions? n’t know what it means for the Houses of There are procedures for the sharing for-

mula, so I cannot sit down here and tell you this is what to do and what not to be done regarding revenue sharing. In accounting aspect of it, there are percentages that have been agreed on. There is no how one can sit down and amend all these, except you go back to the National Assembly and normal procedure is followed. That is the only way the sharing formula can be amended. So, it is not something somebody will just sit down and comment on. The need for your colleagues to rededicate themselves was the thrust of your message at the commencement of the legislative year. Could it be that you were not impressed with some of their conducts? I am not in any way discourage by any of their activities or conducts, but as a leader, you always encourage whoever is following you to ensure that such a person succeeds in life. It is my duty, as a leader, to do that and that

was why I went ahead by encouraging them to rededicate themselves towards serving the electorate, irrespective of religion, tribe and political parties differences. Why are members of the House lukewarm towards the passage of the Child Right Bill? The bill has not been thrown away; it is still being processed. It will soon come out for third reading, and I am trusting God that we are going to pass it into law, because it is very important, not only to this generation, but also to the generations unborn. Are the recently impeached principal officers of the House giving you the necessary support? From all indications, they have been attending sittings and participating in the debates of the House. That is an indication that they are cooperating and doing their best. I am trusting God that they continue to do that for the betterment of the state, because leadership is determined by God. They have contributed their best and it now another person’s turn. So, they should give us the kind of cooperation we gave them during their leadership that made them to succeed and get to the levels they reached. The new leadership of the House has recorded a lot of physical and human developments…? If you have your people at heart, definitely you have to care for them. That was why I had to go ahead of time to make sure that all the changes you have rightly observed were done. That has gone a long way to motivate the staffs to put in the best in their daily activities to the efficacy of the activities of the House. Can you shed light on some of the projects you recently commissioned in your constituency? I sank five boreholes across my constituency and I want to do more. That project is one the campaign promises that I made, which is to provide portable water for my people if given the mandate to represent them in the Assembly. That is an indication that I am going to fulfill all my campaign promises to them. What advice would you give to your colleagues accused of poor performance by their constituencies? That was why I recent told them that we should be able to assess ourselves to know what we have done for the past two years for the electorate. If they have not done anything, the remaining two years is enough for them to wake up and do what their electorate are expecting from you. How can the tranquility presently being experiences in the state be sustained? From what has being happening, you will know that the people Taraba State are peaceloving people, and that is the only way we can forge ahead. So, I want to call on them to embrace peace, because if there is no peace, there will be no development. If you go to the three states that are under emergency rule, you will know that it is good to embrace peace. You cannot even make telephone calls in those states now, so my continued and passionate appeal is for our people to remain peaceful.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 29, 2013 17

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

With Michael Uchebuaku

IN THIS EDITION True Confession:

‘My Daughter Wants To Share Her Room With Her Boyfriend In My House’

Love Connections

Princess

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Love Adventure: ‘I Left My 21-Year-Old Husband For A School Boy’

Blackberry Pin(g) Connect: Exclusive Dating & Marriage Forum For The Smartphone Community.

The Omashi-Iyi Cave: Cave Of Sacred Bats!

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Romantic Jokes Link-Up (Love/Dating Connections)

True Confession From Abroad:

Women Looking For Relationship/Marriage:

Love News

Groom Caught Cheating At His Wedding Reception

If you want to be our next Princess of Love, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call: 07031028714, 07032944123.

Edo gal in traditional wedding attire

‘I Left My 21-Year-Old Husband For A School Boy’ UM-OF-THREE Jay Davenport M married her second husband when he was 18. Her new fiancé is even younger. A big smile lights up Jay Davenport’s face as she recalls her Boxing Day engagement. Recounting every precious moment, she is giddy with excitement. There’s no doubt the 37year-old mum-of-three from Mt Tamborine, Qld, is in love. But the shocking fact is her fiancé, Jushon, was a 16-year-old high-school student at the time of the proposal –

Love Adventure and Jay was still married to a 21-yearold! “I do love him,” says Jay, shyly. “I just wish people would leave us alone. I haven’t broken any laws, we’re not hurting anyone, and we are really happy.” Jay first met Jushon when he was 15. A friend of her eldest daughter Skye, now 18, Jushon would park his bike in her backyard and was often in

and out with Skye’s crowd. But falling on hard times, and with nowhere else to go, he ended up moving in. “He’d been sleeping in the skate park for nine days,” Jay recalls. “And everyone knows my door is always open to people who are having a hard time.” The unlikely couple soon became friends, supporting each other through personal problems. Jushon was trying to cope with a volatile relationship with his nowestranged mum, Jay with the breakdown of her second marriage just

two years after saying, “I do” to then18-year-old Drew Lawson. “I just felt I could open up to her,” explains the shy teenager, who’s now 17. “I never open up to anyone, and it felt good.” Jay and Jushon’s relationship story was published in Woman’s Day . CULLED FROM: ninemsn.com *Do you have an amazing or adventurous love experience to share? Tell us how you met. E-mail your story to: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714, 07032944123.

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Men Looking For Relationship/Marriage Owolabi needs a responsible woman CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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LOVE&LIFE ‘Help! My Daughter Wants To Share Her Room With Her Boyfriend…In My House!’ Dear Love Doctor, Y 20-year old daughter is away at university and is coming home for a long weekend with her boyfriend. They’ve been going out together for six months and this is her first serious relationship although she’s had more casual boyfriends in the past. we’ve met him twice and now and while discussing her visit she’s asked if they can share her bedroom whenever they come here and although I didn’t give her a definite answer I’m very uncomfortable about it, as is her dad. I want her to come home to see us and really don’t want her visits to be reduced over this issue, but I don’t think I’m ready for this. we discussed sex and contraception when she was much younger and when I tried to mention this a couple of months after she met this boy, she simply said she didn’t want to talk about it and found me speaking to her embarrassing. we also have a boy of 17 and a much younger daughter of 12 and I’m not sure what precedent we would be setting by agreeing to this, especially since our son has a girlfriend who sometimes stays over but always sleeps in the spare room. How can I sort this out without a fight or alienating my daughter?

Advice: Any decision you make has to be a long term one, as your younger children will be watching you like hawks to make sure they all get treated the same way. That can be difficult in this situation because you either have to agree that any sexual relationship, providing that it’s happening over the age of consent, can be carried on in your home or you say that only long term relationships can have that privilege, or you maintain that that could only happen if a couple were engaged or married. If you go for the first option, you then have to consider how you will feel if one of your children goes in for a series of one night stands at any point because you could be meeting a series of strangers in the kitchen every morning and with the last option you are setting a fairly high bar – what happens if none of your children marries but settles happily into long term relationships? This would probably be an easier decision to make if you weren’t worrying about the younger siblings, but if you make it clear that you value long-

Romantic Jokes Nude Beach wO parents take their son on a vacation to a nude beach. The father goes for a walk on the beach and the son goes and plays in the water. The son comes running up to his mom and says...”Mommy, I saw ladies with boobies a lot bigger than yours!” The mom says...”the bigger they are, the dumber they are.” So, he goes back to play. Several minutes later he comes running back and says...”Mommy, I saw men with dingers a lot bigger than Daddy’s!” The mom says...”the bigger they are, the dumber they are.” So, he goes back to play. Several minutes later he comes running back and says...”Mommy, I just saw Daddy talking to the dumbest lady I ever saw and the more and more he talked, the dumber and dumber he got!”

Words Of Wisdom Make yourself the right person and you’ll find the right person for you.

term and loving relationships, you are encouraging all of them to be open about their own relationships and also saying that you respect their judgment when it comes to choosing long-term partners. However, there are a couple of useful strategies if you want a little more time before taking this big step, bearing in mind that her boyfriend might actually be quite embarrassed at the thought of sharing a bedroom in your home, having only met you twice. Explain your concerns about her sib-

you would appreciate her help in setting a benchmark for the family. That means that for the next few visits, lings to your daughter, especially con- they have separate rooms though you cerning her brother who might feel he might have to turn a blind eye to any should also have his girlfriend staying night time wanderings but that some time in the foreseeable future, that in his room and ask her if you can situation will change and they can compromise for the next six months, at which point you can rightly say you share a room. know him much better and this is defi- As your children get older, this is a decision which will come up again, so nitely a long term relationship and you need to do some careful thinking needs no excusing or explaining. about the long term implications of There is a big difference in maturity what you agree as well as the short between 20 and 17, which she will term to make sure everyone feels undoubtedly agree with and tell her

True Confession

comfortable. Your say: Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. *Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com If you’re in a crisis, call for help: 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08023700641 or Chris 08023913619. Visit www.romancestory.org

TRUE CONFESSION FROM ABROAD wAS 25 years old and had been Ibecame married less than a year when I pregnant. Stuart and I had been together for three years and were married in a small ceremony early in 2002. we had always talked about having a family together and we both came across as ‘kid people’. Stuart had said he wanted a girl and a boy, Molly and Henry. Little did he know I never wanted kids and hadn’t planned on having them...ever. I took the pill religiously. My life was like clockwork and contraception was always high on my list of priorities. I’d planned to have a hysterectomy soon after we got married to ensure the nightmare of pregnancy was never realised. To my regret, I didn’t take action soon enough. A mere eight months after I became Mrs. Stuart, I found myself praying for menstruation whilst stuck head first down a toilet bowl. The doctor confirmed I was eight weeks pregnant. I loved Stuart and never had the intention to hurt or betray him. Although I bestowed a secret that was sure to do both - I could never have a child. Not because I was flawed physically, but because I’ve always had an emotional glitch. To me, the thought of procreating seemed unnatural. I was always happy to be around children, and was often thought of as someone who would one day make a loving mother. But I never thought of myself as a mother and am perhaps too selfish to ever dedicate my life to the growth of another. I realised the way I thought about parenthood was typically frowned upon in my circle of friends, family, and most of all by Stuart. I vowed to keep my mouth shut and ensure my real feelings were never discovered. I figured I would fake reproductive ailments my whole life and Stuart and I would live happily ever after, just the two of us. I’d hoped the honeymoon period would last our entire marriage seeing as children were never to interfere. This delusion was shattered as soon as my doctor announced with glee that in approximately six months, I would become a new mother. I was so determined to never have to consider such a procedure, that I’d never actually thought about abortions. It was strictly against my parents’ religion to even consider such an act, so my first feelings after hearing the dreaded news were complete mayhem. I went home to Stuart and told him with a fraudulent smile that I was in fact pregnant with his son or daughter. He was over the moon and would not stop kissing my stomach. His actions made me feel even more nauseous than I already was. It may seem strange looking back on the situation why I would even bother to tell him, he’d be none the wiser. But Stuart was my best friend and lover and because of that, I did contemplate keeping the child for no other reason but to please him. This feeling of generosity lasted little

‘My Husband Thinks I Miscarried, When I Really Had An Abortion’ longer than my anti-nausea medication. I tried to convince myself that having a child might bring happiness into my life and that I was devilish to think otherwise. This selfloathing tactic only made me hate the child even more for provoking me to hate myself. It was decided; I could not go through with the pregnancy. Stuart would have divorced me on the spot if I had asked him to consider abortion, so I researched and consulted all behind his oh-so-enthused back. A few days before the procedure, I began to fake stomach cramps to ensure Stuart wouldn’t be overly shocked at the event of a miscarriage. I also warned him of the high risk of complications in the first trimester. All the betrayal and deceit began to eat away at me and a huge ball of

guilt made permanent residence in my throat. Regardless of guilt’s acidic ache, I couldn’t face the alternative of bringing a child of my own into the world. I went through with the termination whilst on a prolonged lunch break from work. It was simple and clean and took no longer than an hour. I went home to my loving husband and allowed the weeks of pent up emotion to overflow in an effort to convince Stuart I was truly devastated as a result of a sudden haemorrhage that occurred on the way home from work. Of course Stuart insisted I go straight to the hospital. I lied and told him I had already gone, where they confirmed I’d lost the baby. Naturally, he was devastated. His pain only strengthened my guilt, which contributed to an uncontrollable outburst of emotions.

To Stuart this seemed natural, as to him I’d just lost my child. To me, I’d killed his child. Over the next few years we continued to try and conceive, or Stuart thought we had. In actual fact, I’d had a hysterectomy a mere four months after my abortion. My deception had begun to take its toll on our relationship and I started resenting Stuart for provoking my lies. I’d wished I’d been honest with my feelings about children, or alternatively married someone who shared my unenthused-about-procreation mentality. Stuart and I separated earlier this year. I never confessed the entire truth of my delusive past, but I did admit to never wanting to conceive. This became a hurdle Stuart and I would never overcome and it ultimately broke apart our marriage. I have since looked into my past and can never quite believe the tumbleweed of lies I spun throughout my marriage. I am now single and vow to ensure honesty is priority in my next relationship. Lies broke my love and destroyed a life I could have had with an amazingly wonderful and generous man. I do blame myself for everything that went wrong with our marriage, but will never regret not having a child. Names have been changed. Picture posed by models. Your say: Have your say about this true confession... Have you had a similar experience? Tell us your story. Call 07031028714. Courtesy: womansday.ninemsn.com.au NB: Call Mike on +2347031028714 if you have a story from abroad to share with us.

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for marriage. 08039139558, 08126077599. wole, 43, a civil servant in Ekiti, needs a financially stable sugar mum from any part of the country. 08092329774. Progress, 30, wants a sugar mummy. 07036749988. Cephas, 30, wants a fair sugar mummy of 40-50 years. 07031141234. Innocent, from Imo, in Lagos, wants a beautiful, working girl of 2540 years for marriage. 08161715762, 08032942627. John, 32, dark, in Lagos, needs a rich sugar mummy in Lagos. 07033080774. * Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641 to link up and for direct hookup. *If you have announcements to make: Call Mike-07031028714 or Simon-07032944123. *SCAM ALERT: Beware of scammers! Please do not respond to any strange numbers besides the official number 07031028714 above for link up or to publish your request. Be warned!

ThE GUArDiAn, saturday, June 29, 2013

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ROMANTIC PLACES & PEOPLE, FLIGHTS & CRUISES ... hotels, airlines, ships, restaurants, clubs, resorts, beaches & more.

LOVE&LiFE

his cave is also the shrine T of Omashi-iyi, the oracle of Akpu believed to offer protection to its

The Omashi-Iyi Cave: Love News

Groom Caught Cheating At His Wedding Reception

GErMAn groom has A brought about an abrupt end to his wedding when he was caught cheating with a waitress at the reception. To make matters worse, he was caught by his new father-inlaw. According to the story from Austria, which has emerged some months after the event, the pair snuck into the kitchen for a secret rendezvous just hours after the newlywed said “i do” to his bride. The father-in-law went into

the kitchen for a snack but was instead confronted by his sonin-law’s infidelity. Austria’s Vorarlberg Online reported that the groom wanted to experience singlehood one last time before he tied the knot. his timing was obviously a bit off. Understandably, the bride’s father called off the celebrations, turning off the music and sending everyone home without an explanation. The bride asked for a divorce from the wedding registry on the same day, but was refused.

Under Austrian law, she had to stay with her adulterous husband for six months before they were allowed to call it quits. The court eventually granted the divorce and the groom has now remarried — to none other than the waitress he was caught with at the wedding reception! Your say: Do you have any wedding disaster stories? Let us know. Courtesy: ninemsn.com.au. *if you want to advertize or sponsor Love & Life call 07031028714, 08023700641, 07032944123.

people and adherents. Within the cave itself are hundreds of sacred bats that have inhabited it since the origin of the cave, centuries ago. As is always the case with caves, this one contains compartments, crevices and a very long tunnel about 1km long. Approaching the cave, there is a stream, semi-circular in form, which borders the cave and forms a pool at its entrance; this stream is hooded by trees and bamboos, a natural setting for a cave or a hiding place. The cave is in the custody of the chief priest of Omashi-iyi who offers a yearly sacrifice at the entrance of the cave to appease the gods of the land, to solicit for their blessings and to predict the future on behalf of the people. The cave is a wonder as one experiences the sheer thrill watching the colony of beautifully coloured bats flying all over its entrance. Courtesy: logbaby.com *Are you going to get married or wed soon? Do you want us to cover your wedding or to report on your hotel/resort next? Call 07031028714, 07032944123, 08023700641. *If you want to advertize or sponsor Love & Life call 07031028714, 07032944123.

Lovers’ Answers Game The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers. Cha Cha, on 08142568962, is asking all men: “What will make you leave your girl and follow other girls?” *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

Fertility Problems/Miscarriages/seeking Male Child: Do you have a sexually transmitted infection/disease, find it difficult to conceive, have miscarriages or need a baby boy? Call 07025350586, 08122352054, 08131161840. Premature Ejaculation/Low sperm Count – solution is here. Call 07025350586. Baby sex/Gender selection – Decide the sex of your baby (male or female). Call 07025350586, 08122352054, 08131161840. Call Mike on 07031028714, 08023700641 to link up and for direct hook up. Also call if you have engagement, marriage, wedding, anniversary or birthday announcements to make.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

RELATIONSHIP

Situating Sex In Relationships By Alita Joseph

overheard three friends discussing recently. They were talking about premarital sex. Two of them were all for it while one was against it. The two who are in support, said that they believe that it is a part of the process of knowing your guy. One of them said that one relationship she had lasted two years because they hit the sack at the second date. She thinks that sex at the second month of setting eyes on each other did that. “Striking while the iron was hot”, were her words. They have since broken up. The second one said that if she did not sleep with a guy, how would she know his prowess later in marriage. The third one maintained her stand as she dreamily told them that if she waits until marriage, the sex would be fantastic. A good girl who should be encouraged, I thought. But whatever they believed, I told them that certain things have to be considered, when one speaks of sexual intimacy determining the overall happiness in marriage. The first is that it is not sex alone that determines a happy relationship. For example the one that checks out a guy’s bedroom before knowing his affectionate side does not realize that he sees her as interested in one thing only. The relationship ends when he wants an all-embracing love which he thinks she is not ready for or capable of giving. To the virgin, I said, come down from your high horse. True, it’s good to wait and the benefit is huge; your guy will trust you because he thinks that you are disciplined and not likely to stray. But marring a virgin may not make any difference.

Your sex life will basically be what other couples before you have experienced. You may have that explosive sex at the first few months of marriage. It may get better after, because your partner wants to take care of you. However, what will put you at a good advantage is that your partner who is aware of your inexperience would be exceptionally kind and caring and would want to satisfy you. But be aware: virginity is not a trophy. Cultures which frown at premarital sex apart, it is not a bad idea for a couple to have their first experiences together. So they can take it stage by stage. But understand that waiting may not assure that sexual bliss you dream of. What will make you happy in and outside the bedroom is the work on other areas of your relationship. The other aspects of intimacy you shared before and after marriage. So have it in mind that after about three

By Kemi Amushan

OST times, playing the blame game when the relationship starts slipping, serves no purpose at all. If it is more important for either of you two to be right than together, then you need to learn these things: So let me ask you a few questions: Have you given your ‘All’ in your relationship, but your boyfriend seems to be keeping his distance? Were things running smoothly, but now it looks like he’s stalled out while you’re just getting started? Does your honey bail on plans all of a sudden? Now he doesn’t call when he says he will? And he doesn’t seem to be making the same effort anymore? Did things just change one day? So you had to put on your butt-kicking boots and work gloves, and get ready to get down and dirty. Because this one is worth fighting for? The questions are endless. If your man is trying to slow things down while you’re ready to kick it into full throttle, you may be getting ready to run this relationship off road! So you need to just pull over and take a breather, ok? Because you may be pushing him even further out of range with your desperate attempts to keep him close. But there is hope! The road map to the loving relationship you want with your man is out there. The only problem is your plans to save your relationship are actually what’s sabotaging the rescue mission! So how do you make it crystal clear to the man you love you are the best thing that’s ever happened to him? Letting it get the best of you When you feel your man and his love slipping away, it’s easy to get fixated and obsessed. So you hold on really tight. Maybe even for dear life. Right? Wrong! Tightening your grip at the first sniff of freedom for your man makes him want to run even more. Here are some clues you are about to squeeze the life out of your love with your killer grip: * You insist on making a lot of plans together. * You constantly ask him to give you a status report on your relationship. * You confess your feelings in an overly emotional plea then nag him about his feelings. * You overstay your welcome on his turf. * You physically won’t let go of him A strong, self-confident woman can sense when the gentleman in her life is losing touch. But she doesn’t react with fear, ultimately driving him away. She responds cool, calm and collected. And you can too and keep your man! The transformer Have you taken everything your guy has ever talked about and suddenly rolled it all up into a pretty package named YOU?! Here are some ways you may be metamorphosing into someone even you don’t know in hopes to keep him interested: * You suddenly are an expert in a subject he loves. * You’ve curbed a lifelong bad habit all of a sudden. * You’ve begun to speak, act and think like him. * You lack strong opinions about anything he may disagree with.

months of not having enough of each other, you will be like other couples who are lucky if it happens once a week. Fortunately, at this time, you have seen that good sex comes when you understand each other and know how to make yourselves happy. Take a trip to divorce courts and you will see that women who ask for dissolution of their marriages base their cases on husbands not having sexual interest in them. Some do not cite unfaithfulness, just lack of interest. So the nature of his work would have to be considered when you are in the mood and he falls asleep. After the first phase, he may no longer see the need to impress. So, he may well bow to nature, which is natural. He feels comfortable with you and thinks that you should understand. You may not have realized it, the woman too many also have begun to think that other things are more important

* You smile and nod at his criticisms. Transforming into the “perfect” person out of the blue will leave you seeing red. Plus, it makes you look dishonest and bogus in his eyes when he finds out who you really are. Green with envy Want to recapture your lover’s fading affections? Use your super manipulation skills to get him right where you want him.We have no idea the power we withhold as women, we should reach deep in and unlock that potential ladies. Now if you want him to pack his bags for good, beware of alienating your man’s affections, and you can do that if you:

Don’t Let Your Lover Lose Interest

than sex. At this stage, it may not be frequent but it is satisfactory because you are comfortable with each other. However, this comfortable stage calls for caution. Watch for changes in attitude. If he still loves you, you do not have to worry that he is having an affair. But work harder. Read romantic journals to jazz up your relationship, not just in the bedroom, but outside of it. Your wardrobe may have to change. Upgrade to sexy and mature wears. Plan romantic activities outside the home and make it a date for two of you. It May Not Meet Expectations When even in your inexperience, he does not satisfy you, don’t feel short-changed, be sympathetic. Discuss with him to know what is wrong. This problem could be as a result of medication or plain tiredness from work, not a sign that it is over before it begins. It Can Be Solved How often does it happen? It is not uncommon for partners not be in the mood at the same time. Another cause is that you have become just good friends who share a bed. This is not encouraging in marriage, see a therapist. If the time is not convenient because you have different habits – for example you sleep late while he goes to bed at 3am, find a good time. But if you think that without sex, there would be no happiness in marriage, you may be getting ready for disappointment. You would do better to choose a potential husband who has qualities that endure for life. For instance, is he kind and caring? If he is attentive to his better half, two of you can surmount any problem.

* Flirt with other guys right in front of him. * Start hanging out with his male friends without him. * Start spending more time than usual with your male friends. * Replace your date nights with girls’ night out. Try hard to make him feel guilty. Superwoman Becoming superwoman to show your man you can manage everything in both of your lives and do it with a teeth-grinding grin is a great way to build up resentment and act out on your honey in passive aggressive ways, you are basically sending him flying up, up and away! If you think you need to make yourself more appealing to your sweetheart by taking care of every detail, you may: * Try to fix every problem in his life * Focus entirely on his needs * Keep quiet about your needs * Baby or mother him * Not hold him responsible for himself Babying your waning wonderboy will leave everyone listless and drained at the end of the day. There are far easier ways to escape the daily grind and get your romance back on track. Be careful how you handle your man. Too much can make him run away from you for good. To the happiness we all deserve, good luck in love and life. Cheers.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

loVE & lIFE 21

WEEKEND with AMARA

08033832503 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

The Place Of Sex In Marriage Good morning Amara, I want to thank you for the good job you are doing. I love my wife, but the problem is that she is always dry each time I want to penetrate. What do you think should be done about this? Dear Amara, I am happy whenever I read your articles; you have kept me strong in my relationship. But I have a problem my dear Amara. My husband is not always interested in sex. To him, sex is just for baby making and he doesn’t have time because of his job, which I don’t believe. I am tired of him and I may go out any moment from now to satisfy myself because I am still young. Madam Amara, I am a married man with two kids. But my wife complains of pain after sex due to the size of my penis. Please tell me what to do, as I don’t like having her go through pain after sex. I decided to pick the three comments above to aid us in this article on the place of sex in marriage. lTHoUGH couples seeking marriage help frequently mention the lack of sex or good sex as a source of unhappiness, few people really understand the strong psychological effect frequent sex has in a marriage. It can be the antidote to the poisons in your relationship and one of the best ways you and your spouse can rekindle a level of intimacy that hearkens back to the beginning of your journey together. I want us to look at the problems mentioned above: vaginal dryness, extra large penis, and absence of sex due to time. Chronic vaginal dryness, which results from less-than-normal lubrication in your vagina, is usually caused by changes in your estrogens level. Your production of estrogens may drop while you’re breastfeeding, for example; some women experience vaginal dryness all the time they’re lactating, but the problem disappears once breastfeeding stops. And just before menopause, your estrogens level begins to decline, which can lead to vaginal dryness as well. Chronic vaginal dryness is different from the occasional dryness you may feel if you aren’t relaxed during sex or have intercourse before you’ve had enough time to become aroused. In such a case, you may not produce the lubrication that normally ac-

Sexually compatible companies sexual arousal, and intercourse may feel uncomfortable. Dryness in young women is usually due to an inability to relax and ‘let go’. It’s only when you really throw yourself into sex that the vagina starts lubricating. Douching can result in vaginal dryness, and yeast and other common infections may irritate your vagina and cause a feeling of dryness, even though the vagina is actually well lubricated. Women who have had their ovaries surgically removed or have undergone pelvic irradiation for cancer may also experience vaginal dryness, which usually goes away on its own. What is expected of a husband whose wife experiences this dryness? I know you love her and because of that love, you should give her your time. Time here is not about you staying back home with her; I am talking about time in the bedroom. Give her time to get turned on and ready to take you in. Yes you want her badly and can’t wait to devour her, but sir, she needs more time! When we talk about foreplay, some guys think it’s just about you running your hands through her body for just five minutes and then pushing your way into her. The act of foreplay starts

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela

from the time you wake up in the morning till evening when you are ready for the actual thing. Hey; sex must not always be kept for the night; the quickie sometimes is a big turn on and stirs the love pot. If your office is somewhere close to the house, you can drop by and catch a quick one; that’s where the fun and excitement lies. But girl, you know your man won’t enjoy a quickie with you if your feminine body is not properly taken care of and kept the way it should be. If he stops by and all he gets is some odour oozing out of your vaginal, I am sorry, but wahala dey (there’s trouble). That your ex-girlfriend loved it when you sucked her nipples does not mean every woman gets turned on once their nipples are sucked. For you to get it right with foreplay, you must make the sacrifice of exploring your woman’s body and on your own, discover her G-spot; that makes you her hero in the bedroom. Calm down and try it out on different parts of her body and as you do this, bear in mind that she may not tell you when she is enjoying it except your communication life is intact. Some women enjoy it when you gently touch their clitoris, others enjoy it when you touch the back and tender part of their ears, while for others, the running of your mouth through their body down to their clit does it. Be careful not to be too hard on her as a result of your nerves that are all standing at that very point. Women love it when their man is tender in bed. Even a woman who has reached menopause will get wet and turned on when foreplay is given its right place. To a woman, foreplay is more important than the actual penetration. Talking about a very big penis, you will be surprised when you finally decide to engage in proper foreplay. The problem could be solved just by getting her ready for action. Get her wet and in a different world where she forgets everything about pain. Also learn to take it easy with her. Find out how she wants it. Some women want it fast and hard while others want it soft and tender. Another problem we have in marriage is that of lack of time and wrong understanding of sex. To a lot of married people, sex is just for procreation and nothing more. Sex is valued

08167089656 (SMS only). E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com

Where Lies Your Confidence? W

E have done so, so much to cultivate and sustain an image and comportment that will help us triumph in every way. However, even the healthiest of minds can come under grave uncertainty. To the world, it might seem that a person’s accomplishments are a guarantee for good success or the lack of it. For instance, you hear young as well as older folks speak of doing some research into a person’s background in order to judge the risks (in marriage, relationships, etc.). While this theory might seem wise in itself it is nonetheless deceptive and shortsighted. A person’s past and relations have something to do with what happens in their life but it does not hold the power of their destiny. The fact that a person came from a seemingly poverty stricken background does not mean that the person does not have the potential to be rich. The fact that a person is seemingly rich does not mean that he or she has an innate power to create wealth or to sustain it! Even a just man such as Job had a pretty bad time. A man named Joseph, sold into slavery and given a prison sentence would not only become the second in command in the then super power but will save millions from famine. Rahab, a harlot and a heathen who had “no business” with the righteous would be saved and counted among the descendants of Jesus, and Paul, a blasphemer and the “least of all sinners” would be counted an apostle of Jesus Christ and go on to

only when it’s time for the woman to carry another baby and dropped the moment she takes in. This is not God’s plan for marriage. Who is to blame for this damaging mistake in our homes? I think both partners are to blame. A good number of African women ignore their husband the moment they start making babies. I still wonder when I see young women live with the old-wives-tale which says that your children are your husband and this makes them ignore the man for the children. Sir, your job is not supposed to take you away from your family. You work hard to keep them comfortable; I am happy about that and she is grateful, but she needs you. Sex shouldn’t be for procreation alone; it’s also for enjoyment and a fulfilled life. Sex has a way of taking stress away from us. When you see a woman who is sexually fulfilled, she glows and smiles even often. In all practicality, the rigors of financial responsibilities and stresses that tend to hold your routines hostage means there is less time for intimacy unless you make it. Unfortunately when it comes to making time for our personal relationships, we are our own worst enemies. We allow work and daily routines to take over. More often than not, people don’t realize it until it’s too late and there is a problem in their marriage. Keeping connected emotionally and physically is an extremely important part of a marriage. A sexless marriage is not only psychologically unhealthy for both partners; it could be a contributing factor to a marriage in crisis. Sex is great between a husband and wife when there are mutual trust, freedom, security, respect, play, and excitement. Good sexual relations in marriage are not just physical; they are also emotional. Make it a fulfilling one for your spouse. You can be your woman’s dream man or vice versa. Sex has a way of restoring peace and tranquillity in our homes. Sex is a good thing and should be enjoyed. Never spiritualize sex in your home. Keep fit; maintain a good skin that can be caressed by your man without some roadblocks. Keep it smooth and keep the genitals well groomed. Next week, I shall be looking at those things that hinder good sex in the home. But before then, sex shouldn’t be hard work; enjoy it!

write most of the new testament, etc. Even in this present time, it is not impossible to furnish with similar examples. like I said, even the healthiest of minds can come under grave uncertainty of the future, of themselves and their capacity. No one likes these questions but often times we let them take root in our hearts in that we have not the proper response for them. Even after you have done all to look good and be presentable, after you have done all your research and verification, after you’ve forsaken your past, hook, line and sinker – still those questions of uncertainty try to take the wind off your sails. How do you answer your own mind as well as the voices of others that try to discourage you? We triumph by replying with a superior statement. Now, what is more superior to you, to your past or present or to any power or person who has ever lived or ever will? God is. He is all and in all and sufficient for us. When you base your strength and conviction in “who you are” you will always come as short as your limitations. If you base your confidence on someone else you are as well bound for grave disappointment. If you base your confidence on an institution, organization or even theory you also will be bound for disappointment because everything apart from God will pass away. There is nothing on earth that has seen the test of time apart from God’s Word. It is easy to say “my confidence is in God” but that isn’t usually the case. How can you tell what or whom your confidence is based? When the chips are against you

more time aggressively marketing your business; You wish to get somewhere in life and you start to make “the right friends”; you think that if the worst comes to be, you can always rely on your “special skills” to get you out. These do who do you turn to? You just got into the job mar- have some clout but that is never a sure footing. ket and you think “ahhh, a Harvard certificate will What happens is that you will cling unabashedly to these uncertain powers for fear that you definitely have a number of lucrative offers” or “My uncle in so and so will definitely have a post might lose them and… how is it said…” The thing I greatly feared has come upon me”. for me”; If I ever fall short of funds my father or Rough times are something every man will face mother will help me pick up the slack” or when – that is a fact of life; days when everything you money becomes short and you turn to spend believe in will be tried. Days when people have testified that “everyone deserted them”. Some people come out of it with terrible scars that change their very personalities and some others never do come out. Very few come out stronger with their personalities sweeter, their compassion and vulnerability truer and their conviction so much stronger. These ones are those who either had or found confidence in the Almighty. For God’s hand is never dependent on how bad or good a day one is having, His hand is not dependent on circumstances or time or place or season. Because He never changes, He is our Rock of all Ages! This is the superior response we ought to have in every situation if we want always to triumph. Base your reality on Who He is; a merciful and a kind God, a fair and a just God, a good God. If your foundation is thus based when uncertainty rears its head you will be able to stand not because you are unworthy (for we all are) but because He is worthy and in His mercy has made us worthy in Himself. Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for personal development and effective interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08116706879.

22 LOVE & LIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

MARITAL SEX

Married Couples Take On Infidelity Ohave a good appetite for sex, within the precinct of marriage is neither a sin nor something to be ashamed of. After all, sex is a significant aspect of married life, which cannot be ignored. Being in a marriage relationship puts one in a better position to legally satisfy ones sexual needs with the person one vowed to love forever. However, some people have become the proverbial ‘Oliver Twist,’ who still go ahead to ask for some more, outside marriage. Whether they attribute it to gene, fun, civilization or globalization, the way they handle it determines largely whether they are in control of their emotions or their emotions are in control of them. We spoke with some married couples to determine their opinions on and attitudes to infidelity. Mrs Eze is a businesswoman who has been married for over 24 years. According to her, “It’s the fear of God that will make one not to fall into temptation and stay loyal to one’s marital vows. I also know that love has a great role to play. Consider a case where a spouse is really wayward, unloving, always violent and uncaring about the other’s feeling. It may be difficult for a person in such a marriage not to “fall”. On the other hand, in a marriage where the partners care for each other, help each other to be the best, support each other financially and otherwise, and put the family second to God, the reverse would be the case. It will be difficult for either of the couple to become unfaithful. Now, take a third scenario where a couple is just there: no fun, no good communication and too much tension both at home and at work. Such

people easily give in to infidelity. What I’m trying to say is that every human person wants to be loved. If there is love, care and effective communication in your family, the likelihood of your spouse looking for love outside the marriage will be reduced.” Mr Brown who has been married for about 12 years feels that cheating is one of the genes in men. “ Let’s be sincere to ourselves, men are polygamous by nature. What you call infidelity is a natural tendency in man which has been there right from time

and even God did not condemn it. In the Bible, we hear of people having concubines, is that not what you call infidelity now. Whether you like it or not, there is no way a man can manage only one woman throughout his lifetime. It’s impossible,” he declared. According to Mr Oladimeji, a businessman who has been married for over 15 years, married couples should run from infidelity. When I say run, I mean run as fast as your legs can carry you because infidelity can ruin you completely. It leads to lack of trust and when there is no trust in a

Saints, Sex And Sanctification “And this is the will of God even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (I Thess 4 vs 3). kNOW Christians, non-Christians, clergymen Ithrough and clergywomen, and religious leaders read this column and I honestly appreciate every one that sends in responses. By the grace of God, I had been a Christian for a while and teaching and counseling for such a time is equally significant. I approach the ‘marital sex’ issue from basic bible principles. The principles stay fixed, but the rules and suggestions given may be adjusted to suit the particular situation. The basic, foundational principle is to ensure we know and experience sanctification, and abstain from sexual immorality. Of course, to abstain from fornication, Paul recommended marriage. But we are all aware that it is probably Paul didn’t marry. So how did he abstain from fornication? Fornication could also be broader than just sex before marriage. It could mean every form of sexual perversion. Sanctification is a confusing word. I’ve discovered that every preacher, or pastor wants to be presented as a ‘holiness preacher’, or one who stands for righteousness and purity. But the root word for sanctification actually means separation for sacred purpose. It has nothing to do with sin. Jesus was sanctified. The bible said Moses did not “sanctify” God in the sight of the Israelites; that was why he couldn’t enter Canaan. Even vessels were sanctified. We need to be careful when we interprete a word only by the way it is being commonly used, without considering what it means in the original renderings. Regarding sex, we need to tell ourselves the truth. These are my presentations. * Sex is basically good, and God-given. The desire is normal and should not be despised. We cannot dismiss the reality of our sexual nature by preaching it away. Most preachers use guilt to control people’s behavior … I don’t see how that agrees with the work of the Holy Spirit. Essentially, the Holy Spirit ‘convicts’ never condemns, so sexual desire in itself do not mean.

Some years ago, we started a programme with the title ‘saints, sex and sanctification and people were like saying “What’s this? The world is coming to an end” I tried to let them see that we leave the real information in the hands of the devil and his agents, as we have left music in their hands. What happens? Our children watch porn, listen to unhealthy songs, yet we claim sanctified. I think they need to know that we know, so they can trust our judgement. Nothing is wrong with sex, but the expression. The mode of expressing is what makes it wrong or right. * The truth about masturbation has been debated. Some even say it is demonic. I hate to say this, much of what we preach today is based on superstition than scripture. I am not saying masturbation is a sin or not, I only said, it can’t be totally wrong. It has its use. It surprises me when people say it generates evil thoughts. It doesn’t. it is rather evil thoughts that leads to all kinds of sin, not the other way round. As a matter of fact, when Jesus said looking at a woman lustfully means the person had committed adultery with her, you need see the principle, not the rule. How many of us, men, have not looked at a woman with desire? Can we be true to ourselves? Even women these days look at men with such desire. I agree that at a point in your relationship with God, certain things are totally overgrown… but the principle Jesus was giving us was that we shouldn’t see a woman, or a man as a sex object. This and not masturbation is the problem. We have spoken about quick ejaculation, and I can tell you, most of the problems do not need drugs. So, when I recommended masturbation, I said it should be between couples. Most women don’t have orgasm unless through that. What most men don’t know is that their humble, submissive wives have faked it to please them. In fact, you can learn to delay ejaculation through masturbation. More so, I don’t want people to fall into the sin of fornication. Not everyone will eventually marry, whether we fast, do vigils, go for deliverance or not. Some things are going to be that way. And they are not cursed or something. How do they go about their sexual desire. We became sexually aware (during adolescence and teenage years) before we were socially ready for marriage. And

marriage, the relationship will start crumbling. Infidelity leads to emotional problems because the hurt is always unbearable. It breeds disrespect; the moment your unfaithful actions come to the open, you lose all the respect your spouse and other people have for you. When the respect is gone, your authority is gone and you would be as good as a filthy rag to your spouse. It drastically erodes your self-esteem. All these spell the beginning of the end of a once happy family. When we come to the sphere of religion, all the major religions preach against infidelity. When you indulge in it, your guilty conscience will make it almost impossible for you to participate actively in your religious activities or face your God. The most adverse effect is the effect on your children. Some may end up dying depending on your cultural affiliation.” Mrs Adejumo, on her part, believes that there are times we can’t help but be unfaithful. “I am not supporting infidelity, but there are times you can’t help it. We just pray that God delivers us from temptation, but there are times you can’t help it. How it is handled after that is very important,” she said, not ready to explain further. Tony Nwogbo, an engineer, has been married for over 15 years. According to him, “Cheating is dishonourable to the marriage vow and against God’s law. Besides, every responsible person should be principled. Though the temptation is always there, if you have a strong belief in the word of

God and pray for His grace, you will not compromise your stand. The dire consequences of infidelity, at times, haunts you even after you are dead. While on a business or official trip, away from home to a place many may consider safe, I flee from such a secret sin because I don’t want a two-minute pleasure to ruin my entire life. This is applicable to both sexes,” he added. Mrs Daniels is pissed off by the excuses most people give for their unfaithfulness. “It is a decision you make with your two eyes open. I hate it when I hear people say it is the economy, the devil and all that. Work on your marital relationship and avoid it. If for any reason, it happens, admit it, ask for forgiveness and straighten your ways,” she noted. Mrs Itsueli is a marriage counsellor and life coach. According to her, “marriage is a partnership and it is a betrayal to cheat on your spouse. Christian marriage particularly, makes a promise of fidelity. You promise to be faithful to your spouse on the altar and you can’t turn around and stab the person at the back saying it’s okay. If you cannot take on a component of Christian marriage, then be true to yourself from the beginning that you will have many wives. The women who are happy to live with many other women will say “yes” to you and you will have the kind of marriage you want, otherwise, it’s very damaging. Take Straus khan for example, the French man who allegedly raped a hotel maid in the US. Think of the wife and the children, the family as a whole is damaged. They are just living a phantom life.”

them. Having handled youth issues for long, the reasons for some behaviour are very deep. I stand with the government in their decision, but I suggest churches, and NGOs, should organize counsellings, teachings, seminars, to correct vices. And prayers would equally give assistance. My final question is: what if it were you? *Sex, even though is discussed in public, is usually a private matter. The Bible said marriage is honourable in all, the bed undefiled. In marriage, the bed is undefiled. Any sex position that suits you both is acceptable. Giving detailed rules about how to have sex, kiss your wife and… the rest, should be left to the couple to choose what is suitable for them. All I have done is to present what I feel would be okay, but if in your particular case, it doesn’t work, just stick to the principle… no sex outside marriage. Whatever you do to keep away from fornication, and unfaithfulness in marriage is what I stand on. * I do not speak for any church or doctrine. I only think we have biblical principles for marriage relationships and it can be applied practically. And I do not claim to know it all. Please do share with us if you have ways better than what we propose weekly. I appreciate sincerely all those who sent their contributions and corrections. * I respect the marriage bond. So, divorce is not an option. As I know, there is nothing like ‘ex-brother’, or ‘ex-father’, or ‘ex-sister’. The family bond is for life. So is marriage, no matter the problem. But when violence and physical abuse gets in-between, separation till the issue is resolved is suggested. Families, counselors, pastors, should get involved to ensure reconciliation. Marriage require prayers. If we commit our relationships to God for guidance, protection, provision and progress, we would have no reason to divorce. If we are divorced already, God has a plan for our lives. We should still seek counsel and prayer. * I pray for all readers that they would find fulfillment in their relationships and personal lives. More so, I pray they would find the undying, unfailing love that surpasses all. The real satisfaction in life comes from an intimate relationship with our creator. Talk to the owner of your life today. Experience peace! The closer you are to God, the farther you are from filth.

the pressure of sex mounts heavily! I don’t know what you would recommend; but if what you recommend can keep them away from the natural tendencies in the body, then I accept your cure. Don’t just say something is wrong without giving an alternative. Even in marriage, we would not always be strong. That I am not strong doesn’t stifle my wife’s sexual appetite. And don’t think people masturbate because they don’t love their spouse. Love and sex are not the same. Some say masturbation is addictive, so is coitus, intercourse, or food, or any other habit for that matter. * There are variant sexual behaviors. Sin is sin. Some ask me my stand on homosexuality! You know it is clear in the bible that all forms of sex outside marriage is sin. Marriage is not for same sex. This is the teaching of the bible. But if you say ‘sin’, homosexuality is no different from any other. Reformed society will not give men a transformed life. If it is sin, only Jesus can save! This is the truth. When one accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour and diligently submits to Him, all these character deformity will change. My problem is: would you stone another for any sin at all if you have one lurking in you? Why would you term other people’s sin abomination and yours normal? I think such people have not read enough of the Bible to know that there are many things ‘abominable’ in the Bible. The principles E. C. Samuel are basic. If we agree they need help, then provide Intimatefaithministry@yahoo.com it. Don’t kill them. They are no psychos. Jesus loves 08027173447

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 29, 2013 23

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Life&Style At the South African High Commission, Lagos, Ms Thandi Mgxwati is the Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs. She gives insight into her work and ‘Take a Girl-Student to Work,’ an initiative committed to improving the living standards of the Nigerian girl child. By Sony Neme

WOMAN

‘Celebrating Womanhood Gives Me Joy’

S Thandi Mgxwati, Counsellor for Political M and Economic Affairs, South African High Commission, Lagos is a reporter’s delight on diplomatic matters. Your job is made easier as the lady is already more Nigerian than you can imagine: her day is usually made with a bowl of pepper soup, a Nigerian delicacy. Her love for Nigeria, she explains, makes her ‘Take a Girl-Student to Work’ initiative easier.The initiative works to support efforts to raise better living standards for the Nigerian girl child. According to Mgxwati, the idea is to expose young girls to boundless roles in the society, enhance their self-esteem, inspire and motivate them to reach their full potentials through exposure to diverse careers and positive role models to assist them to prepare for the world of work in both economic and political sector. Despite advances in legislation, she says, there remains a big gap. A dream, she has tied to the Women’s Day that has Since August 9,1994, been commemorated yearly in her country. In a chance encounter at the local wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Mgxwati reveals to The Guardian that, “The idea is that companies, individuals and governments are encouraged to adopt a female student, and for the whole of that day, she will be exposed to the working environment and given a special treatment that will help her positively from then on. This has helped us in South Africa, and because women’s struggle is the same everywhere, it is believed it will benefit a girl child even here in Nigeria. “Like you know, South African women participated actively in the fight against apartheid. You will also recall that on August 9, 1956, a resounding voice of women was heard as they staged a march in Pretoria against amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950. Their efforts morphed into over a multitude of petitions with over a 100,000 signatures at the then PM J.G Strydom’s office doors and stood for 30 minutes —- many with children on their backs. They also sang a protest song composed in honour of the occasion that spurred a turning point in South Africa’s history. Their tune “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo!” (You strike a woman, you strike a rock” has become a symbol of female strength) has come to represent women’s courage and strength in South Africa. In 2006, a re-enactment of the march was staged for its 50th anniversary, with many of the 1956 march veterans. Mgxwati hinted that, apart from the usual festivities, this year’s event, which is commemorated as National Women’s Day, will, as usual, come with constructive programmes that address the challenges women face in society,” The month of August, she adds, is used to push such programmes aimed at further empowering and advancing the cause of women. “One of these was the ‘Take a Girl Student to Work.’” Her words: “The realisation that women issues are not common to just South African shores saw to the birth of a Nigerian version in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the University of Lagos, both of whom we are very grateful to. For three years in succession, the public/private partnership has benefitted women in the state. “Now that we have successfully introduced this to the country, as our pilot edition, we wish to take the gala nights that mark South African Women’s Day to other states of the federation, and we shall unveil the benefiting states soon. But I can say here that we will be talking with some states in the Niger Delta and some other

regions in the north. My joy will be to see how we can replicate these events in all interested states of Nigeria because of its huge importance for women in our continent. We would also like to work with other women groups in Nigeria who have the same vision.” Mgxwati added, “This event reminds us that we need a deeper interaction with each other. Let us work for other collaborations.” Firms like South African Airways, MTN, Stanbic IBTC, MultiChoice, Shoprite, Silverbird Galleria, Topcomm, Protea Hotels, Chain Reactions Nigeria, and other notable companies have been involved in this initiative, she adds. Her belief in Nigeria is remarkable, especially as it remains a hub for South African Tourism marketing activitieswhich caters for countries in the West African region, including Ghana, identified as a tactical market for SA Tourism marketing initiatives. But how does she feel each time negative stories emanate about the ill treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, especially through legislations against Nigerians’ interest? “I must sincerely tell you that most of those issues are sometimes blown out of proportion and not managed well. That was why my country tendered an apology on how the visa issue you are talking about was handled by

WOMAN

PEOPLE

the officials. We believe it could have been handled differently, which is the reason we apologised.” She recalls that the bond between Nigeria and South Africa is far more important than whatever difference, “That is why we believe that the two countries who are giants of the continent should rather exert more energy on how to improve the continent’s fortune and unity. When we do that, the continent will be better because the two countries have what it takes in terms of human capital and resources and political clout to move Africa forward. She expresses joy that high-level genuine moves by both governments aimed at improving relations have taken place with the Nigerian government officially commencing the distribution of a new encoded international certificate of vaccination and prophylaxis (yellow card) for Nigerian international travelers... On its part, she says, South Africa may have even kicked off moves at exploring the full potential of relations with Nigeria with the official outsourcing of visa processing by the government back in 2010 following the opening of an independent South African Visa Application Centre to handle the over 50,000 yearly South African visa applications and op-

GARDENING

erated by the VFS Global Services, Ikoyi, Lagos. Still on a synergy between both countries, the Counsellor recalls that, “In October last year, the very best of Nigerian and South African traditional lifestyles and art, fashion sense, cuisine, business opportunities, among others were on show as Lagos-based Inspiro Productions with the full endorsement of The South African High Commission in Lagos presented an exposition of tourism and business in a fiesta tagged: ‘A Tale of 2 African Cities.’ “That event which featured an exposition of arts/culture, tourism and business and with participants from both countries followed in the wake of a renewed vigour to strengthen relations between the two countries after two editions of the Nelson Mandela International Day were elaborately commemorated in Lagos. “It was an exciting cultural exchange extravaganza in Lagos that will be replicated in Johannesburg later this year by showcasing both countries’ cultures through art, music, fashion and more… Our view is that this is an opportunity for south Africans and Nigerians to come together as Africans and share life experiences, appreciate each other’s cultures but at the same time showcasing other talents in various facets,” Magxwati says.

HOME & DECOR

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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PEOPLE

Our Son, The Global Engineer Professionally, Attah has engineering and management experience in the aerospace, manufacturing, and construction industries. In 2007, he established MACVAL Associates LLC in Dallas, Texas. The firm specializes in the application of lean engineering and production techniques in the development, management and construction of roadways, airport facilities, water disLOYSIUS A. Attah, P.E., a licensed professional engineer tribution systems, waste water systems, storm drainage systrained in both civil and industrial engineering recently tems, and building systems. MACVAL has garnered a reputation became the president of the Construction Division of for managing and delivering projects within the budget, schedInstitute of Industrial Engineers (IIE). Founded in 1948, IIE is ule, and quality demands of its clients. A case study on the firm’s the world’s largest international non-profit professional socie- successful application of lean engineering and production techty dedicated solely to the support of the industrial and sysniques to civil engineering and construction projects was docutems engineering profession. mented in a ground-breaking textbook titled, Modern The Construction Division, which Attah now leads, advances Construction - Lean Project Delivery and Integrated Practices. He has the adoption of industrial and systems engineering princialso published numerous articles that appeared in varied indusples in the construction industry through interdisciplinary try magazines and journals. research, collaboration and partnership with related profesBefore establishing MACVAL, Prof. Attah, who hails from Aku in sional organizations, suppliers, and research organizations. Igbo-Etiti Local Council of Enugu State, spent 17 years with the The Division promotes the application of industrial engineer- Boeing Company holding various engineering and manageing tools and techniques to streamline and optimize conment positions in support of 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 airplane struction operations, value, safety, and stakeholder satisfacmodels. While at Boeing, he received numerous awards for outtion. It supports members through continuing education, standing performance and dedication to excellence. According conferences, seminars, publications, and networking activito Attah, one of his most memorable awards was for his role in ties, empowering them to influence positive changes in the leading a team of Boeing engineers and support personnel in industry. 2002 that designed, manufactured, and delivered innovative Engr. Attah’s ascent to the presidency took place during IIE’s Flight Deck Security System (FDSS) in 25% of similar system’s typAnnual Conference & Expo 2013 held in San Juan, Puerto Rico ical flow time. The FDSS, which prevents unauthorized personfrom May 18 – 22 this year. He was recognized for his expertise nel from gaining access to the cockpit of airplanes was in as a scholar-practitioner and his dedication to the Institute of response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. Industrial Engineers. He joined IIE in 1988 and began his leadAttah has also been active as an educator. He is an adjunct proership services in 1993 when he became chairman of the stufessor of engineering as well as a member of the construction dent affairs and education committee in the Dallas Chapter. engineering technology industry advisory board at the He subsequently served as the president-elect, president, and University of North Texas (UNT). Prior to joining UNT, he taught past president of the Dallas Chapter from 1998 to 2001. During aerospace and systems engineering courses at Embry-Riddle this tenure, he won the “Gold award” for chapter leadership Aeronautical University for five years. He also taught operations and “Industrial Engineer of the year award” for his contribumanagement courses at DeVry University for 12 years. tions to the profession. Since then, he has continued his Prof. Attah is also very active in the Nigerian community. He involvement with the professional society. was the first constitutionally elected president of Enugu-USA,

Nigerian-born Professor Aloysius A. Attah elected president of a major division of an International Engineering Society

HE AUST has been described as an instituT tion with a unique training module. Why basically was the institution established? The AUST is a regional initiative established by the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI), conceived by Africans from the diaspora, incubated by the World Bank Institute and approved by the Nigerian Universities Commission in 2007 with students from 19 African countries. This institution has grown from what used to be a project. The whole idea of how the AUST was founded was basically when the World Bank Institute hosted the creation of this university in Nigeria and some other parts of Africa. In terms of the AUST Abuja, the official launch was in 2005, but earlier in 2004, the then President of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn had a meeting with African Heads of States including Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Nelson Mandela of South Africa and he asked these African leaders to state “what is the one thing that the World Bank should assist Africa

Aloysius Inc. He also served the association as Secretary to the Board of Directors. Prior to serving Enugu-USA, he was a three-term president of Enugu State Progressive Union (ESPU) in Dallas, Texas. He later served as the founding President of NsukkaUSA (NUSA), an association of old Nsukka province indigenes resident in the United States. Under his leadership, NUSA established a program called NSUKKA-USA VISION 2017Integrated Effort Towards Community Development. On December 18, 2012, Attah was the guest lecturer in the second Adada Lecture Series organized by the Association of Nsukka Professors (ANP). There he presented a paper titled: “Harnessing Indigenous Technologies for the Development of a People.” Prof. Engr. Attah resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife, Chinyere Attah (nee Edoga) and their three sons.

‘Our Aim Is To Train Africa’s Next Generation Of Leaders’ Jide Babatunde, a development administrator is the Campus Director and member of senate of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja. He spoke to LILLIAN CHUKWU on the institution’s dream of educating Africa’s next generation of scientists and engineers. with?” It was Mandela that suggested the establishment of Universities of Science and Technology in the continent. So from then the World Bank Institute built on the idea establishing centres of excellence around Africa with science and technology as focus. Before that happened the NMI was formed and hosted the creation of these universities named so simply because the idea was mulled by Nelson Mandela. The AUST institutions are also established in Arusha, Tanzania with another proposed site in Harare, Zimbabwe. What key approach is ASUT Abuja using in its bid to become a world-class institution? AUST was established with the dream of educating the next generation of scientists and engineers that can use their expertise to develop Africa. Professor Charles Chidume who is our Vice President, Academic will always say that out of the 158 universities in Nigeria, AUST Abuja was not designed to be the 158th because there are enough universities and we don’t need to bother. But the aim is to create a university that is special. In the five streams that we offer in this university including petroleum engineering, comput-

Babatunde

er science, materials science and engineering, theoretical physics, we looked around for all the universities in Nigeria for faculty who could teach these courses, only five were found to meet the criteria of AUST and this implies that all the other universities probably just have faculties that measure up to the standard of our students. This prompted the AUST governing board to bring in distinguished professors from overseas. Our initial aim was not to train the teachers but to train the students who will take over and become the critical mass of engineers and experts that will move Africa forward. It will not be meaningful to bring in Professors who we will pay high wages weekly or monthly to come and teach few students since our student population is not as large as that of universities of Ife or Ibadan. It will be a waste to bring in these experts to impact knowledge on just a few students whereas we can help the other universities around us (because we are not planning to be an island). So, we are training faculties especially their lecturers in Nigeria and other African countries to come and learn from the distinguished professors we are bringing in and they can go back to their universities and in turn train the students. Observers say that the AUST seems elitist. How do you react to this? I disagree with them. The statement is relative though but I don’t think AUST Abuja is an elitist school. No qualified scholar is denied access to education here because of inability to pay fees. Access to scholarship abounds here. Nelson Mandela once said that “education is a great engine of personal development” and that it’s only through education that the son of a miner can become the mine head and the daughter of a peasant can become a medical doctor and the son of a farmer can become a president of a country. What is the on-going collaboration between National University Commission and AUST about? The NUC funded us to train mathematics lecturers in universities nationwide so that they can tap from the knowledge of the professors we invited and this initiative was successful and we are all still looking at other collaborative areas.

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 29, 2013 | 25

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

As Comic Actor, Victor Osuagwu, Emerges Lagos ‘Actors’ Chair By Shaibu Husseini IS election as Chair of the Lagos State H Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is still being talked about. It is still being hailed in various circles as one of the best decision members of the Lagos AGN have taken in their recent history. The last time there was any semblance of good leadership in that chapter of the AGN was during the tenure of the gangling actor, Ernest Obi. After Obi served out his tenure, things, in the estimation of many observers, dipped for the vibrant actors body. Observers blamed it on low quality of leadership on the part of all those that succeeded Obi. So it was something of a welcome relief when news spread that the indubitable and foremost Nigerian screen comic actor, Victor Osuagwu, has thrown his hat in the ring to contest the Lagos AGN election. If the guild was to be properly repositioned, then Victor, a University of Port Harcourt-trained actor and a successful entrepreneur is the right man for the job. No wonder then that the AGN members in Lagos stood behind the Imo State- born actor against his only opponent, the actor cum IT specialist, Don Pedro Agambi. At the end of the election, which the AGN Electoral Committee described as ‘conclusive and free and fair’, Victor who is called by an uncommon alias ‘Man na Mumu’ was declared winner and was sworn in two Saturday’s ago as the substantive chair of the Lagos State Chapter of the AGN. The final result as announced by the electoral committee was 80 votes for Osuagwu while Don Pedro Agambi pulled 69 votes. “I will lead a team that will reposition AGN in Lagos. Our dream is to make it the envy of other chapters. Members are not united. Our immediate plan is to unite members and run a functional secretariat and take members’ welfare seriously,’’ Osuagwu said shortly after he was sworn in at a ceremony that was witnessed by hordes of actors including the hardworking National President of the AGN Ibinabo Fiberisima. A very notable Nollywood personality and a household name whose ironic simplicity makes observers perceive him as one who is still alien to the trappings of both local and international fame, Victor, a native of Mbaise, describes himself as a “born entertainer’’ who started acting right from childhood. The comic actor of many credits said he earned his first call up as a performer at age seven as a member of a youth organization in his native town. His membership of the debating and drama society during his early school days helped in no small measure in preparing him for a career that has spanned nearly three decades. Born in Port Harcourt, Victor scored alpha in technical drawing all through his school days in Mbaise and so his ‘form master’ as they referred to class advisers then, encour-

engage the turf professionally. He was later told of an audition; he attended and was selected to be on the cast of the movie that was later released as the sequel to the box office hit Evil Passion. It was from there that things began to look good for Victor who is married to his long time lover, Rosaline, mother of his adorable children. Indeed, it was from there that things peaked for the devoted disciple of the comedy genre who has climbed steeply to become an icon adored both at home and abroad. Even though they have been lovers for over one decade and half, it was only last year that Victor got married to Rosaline and —- wait for this, it was solemnized inside a truck (the type some people call Tipper) in Port Harcourt. “The decision I took to marry inside a truck was my own way of giving people and my fans something to cheer about; something to talk about and to remember for a long time to come. Some people said it was because I didn’t have money to wed, but for me it was tactics. God has blessed me enough to even have the wedding in Aso Rock. So it was a tactics’’. A devout Christian, Victor has featured in over 300 home movie productions with so many others still at various stages of completion. In his production pouch are critically acclaimed movies like Bird Flu, Powerful Civilian, Joshua, Lion Finger, Osama Bin La, Nwa Teacher and My Only Love. “I have lost count and I can’t say now which is my best or most memorable. I will leave my fans to choose my best work from their perspective,’’ he said. Star of the comic movie, Store Keeper and Tears from Holland, Victor would not stop his children from taking on any profession they choose as long as it is noble. “I derived that from my philosophy. I try as much as possible not to be an obstacle to anyone’s progress. They can do whatever but as long as it is a noble profession like acting’’ A self-proclaimed hardened comedian who relishes being paid to do what he loves most and who relishes in the fact that his portrayal in films have helped a lot to relax nerves, Victor says he has no regrets being an actor even though one of his major concerns is the fact that some people find it difficult to draw a line between Victor the man, husband and father and the personage he represents in movies Osuagwu which are mostly foolish characters. who didn’t oppose his choice to be an enter‘”Some people don’t take me seriously when I aged him to study architecture in the univeram serious. They think my life is all about sity. But others, members of a huge fan base he tainer, Victor came into Lagos in 1994, two has built through his theatrical exploits, felt he years after the phenomenal Living in Bondage jokes. Yes, “Man can be Mumu” just to survive, but I am a damn serious person and my prayer would be better as a theatre artiste. He followed was released. There was a long university always is for God not to allow anything that their counsel, enrolled to study theatre arts and strike and so Victor and some of his classgraduated with a degree. I knew that I had the mates hit the road to Lagos to be part of the will make me unhappy come my way. I want action ignited by the new movie renaissance. to remain happy. I also pray God to continue gift. Acting ran inside me. But I felt that talent to send helpers to me as he has done. Each was not everything. I felt that I needed to back He toiled and tried to find a space in the crowded acting landscape, but it was tough. time things look down, he sends helpers to me it up with education. Today, it has paid off. I doubt if people would have taken me seriously Producers won’t cast him because he was not and one of them is Chief Ateke Tom who is like if I didn’t go to school. In fact I would have just a known face. They didn’t want to lose their a father to me. No, nothing to do with the investments. He dropped words with old creeks, but I have learnt a couple of life lessons been a mere clown without it.’’ school mates and friends about his desire to from him’. Born to parents he described as ‘liberals’ and

Celebritygist…

Day Nollywood stopped for Ifeanyi Dike T was the gathering of the movers and shakers of Nollywood. Ia gathering No Nollywood gathering in recent time have witnessed such of celebrities and off screen personalities. They all

Chidi Ihesie, Fred Amata, Ejike Asiegbu, Sunny Mcdon W, Emeka Enyiocha, Chinedu Ikedieze, Zik Zulu Okafor, Ibinabo Fiberisima, showed that they were not masters of the screen gathered in Surulere, Lagos last Thursday at a party hosted by a alone but also good on the dance floor. Chidi Nwokeabia who group known as Nollywood Patriots to celebrate one of their the patriots pushed forward as chief host did so well to ‘run own and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Actors Guild things’. He ensured that there was generally no problem. Even of Nigeria, Ifeanyi Dike, who survived two kidney transplants the celebrant, Ifeanyi Dike, was so pleased with arrangements and who is back to the turf fit. There was a lot of food and drink and the turn- out that he thanked the industry and well-meanand music flowed from blues to hip-hop. Guests, including ing Nigerians for standing by him during his ‘days in Egypt’.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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FITNESS With Oyinkan Talabi (Bodyworks)

Training Shoes! HE most important items of clothing for T your workout is your footwear. Your footwear protects your feet, while giving your feet good traction and support for your ankles and heels. Wearing the correct trainers is very key as it reduces your risk of injury especially in the lower back and knees. Your choice of activity also determines the type of footwear you have to use. Running trainers are very different from walking ones and you can’t wear football trainers in the gym. So what are the types of trainers we have? Running Shoes. Running is great cardio but is hard on the joints. Wearing the correct shoes really makes a difference. You have to pay attention to your feet and buy the correct shoe for your feet arch type. There are three arch types: Underpronation (high arch), neutral pronation (normal arch) and overpronation (flat arch). Well-cushioned shoes are for people with high arches; stability shoes are for normal to slightly flat arches; motion-control shoes give extra lift in the arch area and benefit severe flat feet. Be sure to buy shoes ½ to 1 ½ sizes bigger than you usually wear as your feet swell when you work out. Walking Shoes Walking shoes are designed to allow your foot to roll forward and down instead of slapping onto the ground. Walking shoes need to be more flexible in the toe area than running shoes, and should allow your feet to breathe. Cross-Training Shoes Cross-training shoes can be used for different activities, but as great as this sounds, it also has a big disadvantage. They are good because they provide the minimum comfort, cushioning, stability and durability characteristics needed for almost any activity, so you don’t need a number of different trainers if you take part in a lot of activities. However, the bad side is that they are heavier than other sport specific trainers and so weigh you down. Soccer Shoes There are also many different kinds of soccer shoes. Molded cleats are a basic soccer shoe design and have spikes attached to the soles. The soles are a hard, molded plastic or rubber that allows players better control while on any playing field. Detachable cleats have studs in the soles that can be removed and replaced easily. Turf shoes are designed to provide traction for hard outdoor surfaces and indoor arenas. Indoor shoes are designed just for the arena use. Golf Trainers Golf shoes are worn to help improve your game by increasing your traction. Soft spikes are made of polyurethane and do not damage greens. Carbide- or ceramic-tipped spikes are for serious golfers. They are durable and will usually outlast the shoe uppers. Metal spikes are also very durable. These spikes require cleaning and drying so they do not rust into the outsole. Metal spikes are not allowed on greens. After removing the spikes from the shoes, clean the holes out with a cotton swab and place petroleum jelly in the holes. This will make spike removal easier and will

you are, the more cushioning of the foot you need . Special inCycling Trainers soles can help imIf you ride casually you may not need a prove the damping cycling-specific shoe at all in which case, effect of tennis try cross-trainer. However, cycling shoes shoes. Tennis shoes are in are designed with stiffer soles to provide most cases made of leather more efficient energy transfer as you pedal though a blend of leather and imitaaway. These stiff soles also protect your feet tion leather are becoming poplar , while riding and offer support that reduces to help improve the mobility and cramping and fatigue. The uppers are also relafaces you’ll be playing on– synthetic, tively rigid for extra support. Cycling shoes are grass and clay. Unlike other sports, lawn promote breathability of the trainers. usually paired with a compatible pedal to hold tennis trainers should be in the correct Try not to work out wearing the your feet securely on the bicycle. Where you cycle size so it adapts ergonomically to the also determines your trainer choice, as mountain foot. Otherwise, they cannot provide sta- wrong shoes, they are so key, yes cycling, city cycling and off road cycling all have bility. Another important factor is the im- they can be expensive but it’s a necessary investment and you’ll save different requirements. pact absorption. If this isn’t sufficient, it on the injury prevention. Lawn Tennis Trainers can lead to joint problems. The heavier Tennis shoes are different dependent on the surpre-

vent rust.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

HOME&DECOR

Make A Statement With Your Library By Ekwy P. Uzoanya

ture, a bookshelf should be dusted or retouched when it loses it shine while the HERE you stock books, which is the books are also dusted and kept in an airy bookshelf, is usually the most prospace away from heat. nounced piece object in the home library. It Asides books and other important docuis simply not a piece of furniture that ments kept in the home library; award should be ignored because its presence plaques, certificates and inspirational inmakes a statement. scriptions are all other things that can be Getting a bookshelf in the library should housed there. The total environment of a not be a difficult task. It is constructed home library has to be attractive and invitbased on the taste and financial resources ing to stimulate interest in being in the at the disposal of the owner. What begins as place and reading. It is necessary to have an empty shelf space is gradually turned the books neatly arranged to make the into a library as one book after another place and home have some sense of order. finds space on it. The shelf becomes a repos- Good lighting is required in the library itory of knowledge and fun. Without know- section of the home to make reading and ing it, a library is being set up, no matter studying comfortable. Good ventilation how small it is. will create conducive environment for With the shelf in place, books can be dislearning and fun. played for prominence. Such display in itSetting up a home library does not necesself has a purpose. It affords the owner or sarily mean having a special place be set whoever has interest in the library, the opapart for this purpose, especially those portunity of locating materials easily. with very little space. A little corner can The shelf housing the library can be serve this purpose. For those with enough high or low. This is dependent on the space, setting a room aside for a lispace available. Keeping it close brary is not too much. to the wall, that is a wall shelf, is the most common. Of great consideration is the material used for the shelf. A quality wood or material that will stand the test of time and has the ability to bear the weight of the different books is a good choice. This is important because a shelf is not an item that a home may need to change often unless the owner can afford such luxury. Like all other furni-

Cobwebs Control

other potential hiding places, like corners and other dark storage areas. Reduction of outdoor lighting, or replacing lighting with yellow lights that are not attractive to insects, can reduce spider web building. Eliminating other insects that they prey on can limit spider development. Residual insecticides can be used to control spiders when applied to corners and other sites where spiders tend to breed. OBWEBS, when present in the home can mar Where cobweb has manifested already, cleanthe beauty of a space and decoration. Getting ing it is the appropriate thing to do. Use cobweb rid of them means keeping them at bay. A combination of sanitation and use of pesticide can check duster or brooms to clean ceiling corners and railing. Make sure the broom is clean and free of their presence in the home. The first step to preventing cobweb is to eliminate ingrained dirt before you clean the cobwebs on the ceiling and corners of walls. migration of spiders into homes by removing Feather duster is another cleaning item to use. rocks, wood and compost piles, old boards and other sheltering sites adjacent to the home. Caulk This will require being careful to lift the cobwebs cracks and crevices around the foundation. Ensure from the ceiling. Remove the cobwebs from the feather duster before doing any other dusting or that all screens and doors are sealed tight. Keep they may leave marks elsewhere. crawl spaces free of debris and limit boxes and

TheGuardian

28 | Saturday, June 29, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Travel&Tourism

... Explore, experience the best of destinations!

The storey building, purportedly built in 1842 by the missionaries and described as the second storey building in Nigeria, in the premises of the St. James Anglican Church, Ota, Ogun State. Inset Picture sketch of Bishop Ajayi Crowther on display at the 1842 building

Of Ota, Badagry, Ajayi Crowther And Bible Translation Recently, a group of Ota indigenes and tourism enthusiasts, working in conjunction with Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council in Ogun State, set out to develop Ota as a tourist destination. In doing this however, claims around the location of some historical sites and existing beliefs linked to Badagry were queried. Particularly, some dust were raised regarding the veracity of Bishop Ajayi Crowther having translated the English Bible to Yoruba Language in Badagry. The contradictions spurred OLAWUNMI OJO to visit Badagry and Ota on a factfinding mission. TA, an industrial town in Ado-Odo/Ota Local O Council Area of Ogun State has the third largest concentration of industries in Nigeria. With a bustling population partly due to its proximity to Lagos, it is home to a growing number of wave-making secondary and higher institutions of learning. This is in addition to a large market, an important road junction, and of course the Obasanjo Farms. Few weeks back, Ota was however put in the news for some uniquely different reasons. Jethro Tours International, led by Prince Femi Fadina, an Ota indigene, in conjunction with the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council, under the leadership of Comrade Rotimi Rahmon as Chairman, unfolded plans to develop Ota as a tourism destination. According to Rahmon, Ota and indeed the local government is a

strong tourism brand with a number of historical sites largely unknown to people. “This government is trying to showcase what our local government has but which many do not know about. Take for example this 1842 historic building, which we are about celebrating. It happens to be the second story building in the entire West Africa. But many do not know. This building is also where the English Bible was translated into the Yoruba Bible. This is one out of many things in our local council that we want to showcase,” an excited Rahmon told The Guardian. To achieve its lofty dream, the local council has earmarked a number of historical and traditional sites for preservation and development into monuments. Ota, it was revealed, is home to an old storey building referred to as the second storey building in Nigeria purportedly built in 1842 by the missionaries. This building, it was added, was where Bishop Ajayi Crowther did translate the English Bible into Yoruba. There are also relics of the Bible translation works purportedly carried out in Ota by Bishop Ajayi Crowther. Within the compound of St. James Anglican Church, Ota where the building is located, lay the remains and burial sites of several missionaries who brought the gospel to Nigeria. Prince Fadina, a member of the Ota Royal

family, emphasized that the bible was translated at the second storey building, while Bishop Ajayi Crowther was in Ota. He stressed that history and facts available proved that history was thwarted to favour Badagry. As part of the plans too, the ‘mystic’ Ijamido bush site in Ota and an historic river that runs through Ado-Odo/Ota, Ipokia and Idahomey in Benin Republic would also be developed as tourist centres. To kick off the plans, the Council sponsored a sensitization programme, tagged, ‘Celebration of our heroes past, 1842, 2nd Story Building in Nigeria,’ to coincide with the last Children’s Day celebration. On the day, Ota played host to hundreds of visitors – students and professionals from different places who toured some of the selected historical sites. The 171 –year-old storey building served as vicarage to Crowther while he sojourned in Ota. With strong wooden planks and poles serving as the decking, separating the top floor from the ground floor and also forming most of its support structure, the building presents all the trappings of the post-medieval period. The rooms contain spartan furniture collection including bookshelves and wooden seat believed to have been used by Crowther while he was at the vicarage.

The first established fact is that Bishop Ajayi Crowther was an itinerant preacher and missionary. Therefore, one may not tie him down to a place for the entire period of translation. That is why many places lay claim to this glory. For instance, Badagry has it as part of their history, there is a claim in Lokoja as well as his hometown in Osoogun close to Iseyin in Oyo State. There could be elements of truth in all these claims since it might have taken some time to complete the exercise.

Away from the vicarage, close to the main church auditorium, lay the remains of some key missionaries. An expansive burial site, which bears the remains of missionaries who died while serving in Ota dioceses in the late 19th century through the early 20th century. Rahmon added: “We’re going to make Ota the hub of tourist destination in Nigeria. We are going to partner the private sector to rebuild and rebrand our place - Ota. We’ve had opportunities of visiting other places. For instance, I just returned from Uganda and Nairobi, Kenya, they do not have oil; all they rely on is tourism. I spent foreign currency there. The beauty of these places is that they preserve their history and culture. They make such places enviable sites for tourists. That is what we are going to do with the second story building in Nigeria, a place we are told the bible was translated. It is a great monument that we are going to turn around.” On his part, Fadina is saddened that “history was made in this place and nobody is talking about it.” Showing reporters the Bishop Ajayi Crowther’s seat, he recounted the history of the building. “This is the second storey building in the nation. This building is bigger than the church. It is a building the nation should look at. If we can go to Israel to look at the tomb of Jesus, if we can go to South Africa to look at the Mandela place and other places like Elmina Castles in Ghana, why are we not doing anything about what we have in Nigeria? This is a tourism destination. It is an opportunity for us because it is the same thing we go elsewhere to visit. Bishop Crowther came here and turned the English bible into Yoruba language. As a tourism stakeholder, I will not

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

TRAVEL&TOURISM

Where Did Crowther Translate English Bible To Yoruba?

The wooden chair, purportedly used by Bishop Crowther during his missionary work in Ota

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 allow this building to die. We’re going to showcase this place and make it tourist attractive.” Claims of the building being the second storey building in Nigeria, having been built in 1842 and that Crowther translated the Bible in Ota however contradict the existing beliefs linked with Badagry. In fact, many hold the view that the English Bible was translated into Yoruba language by Bishop Crowther at the first storey building in Badagry, which was not built, supposedly, until 1845. How could these be? To this, Fadina sounded unequivocal, declaring that the bible was actually translated in Ota. “I am sure that 1842 will generate a lot of debate, but I believe that the bible was translated

Undeveloped Tourist Sites in Nigeria Park Area Kainji Yankari Old Oyo Chad Basin Cross River Gashaka Gumti Kamuku Okomu

Km 5352 2244 2512 2258 4000 6731 1121 1081

year established state 1979 Niger/kwara 1992 Bauchi 1991 Oyo/Kwara 1991 Borno/Yobe 1991 Cross River 1991 Taraba/Adamawa 1999 Kaduna 1999 Edo

here; we can say that anywhere and any day. The truth is that the Church headquarters in those days was here in Ota and Bishop Crowther directed affairs from here. How can someone in Ota now be elsewhere simultaneously? Of course, he spent major part of his lifetime in Ota and did the translation here. “A lot of people may not be bold enough to challenge the status quo. But from our research, I can confidently say the translation was done here in Ota. A lot of past history being held on to is political. It is time for us to correct the past so that we can have a correct history. It is time to get the past right.” Lending credence to Fadina’s claim, the Church Secretary, St James Anglican Church, Jaiye Alalade, said there should be no controversy at all about the place of translation. According to him, “Bishop Ajayi Crowther was administering some sections of the Christian churches from Ota. It is very prominent in the history of the early Christian movement by The Johnson. Crowther was specifically tagged with Ota because he was administering the churches then from Ota. But at the popular First Storey building in Badagry, the curator retold the history. He said its foundation was laid in 1842 but was actually completed in 1845. Pictures of the early Missionaries that worked there were also a delight. “As you saw on your way in, the well outside was dug in 1842 to facilitate the work on site of the first storey building,” he said. Speaking on the issue of the bible translation, he said it is incontrovertible that the bible was translated in Badagry. “The first English Bible brought to Badagry is still here,” he declared. Pointing at a framed glass casing in which the first English and the first Yoruba Bible printed are preserved, he said, “These were printed in Great Britain by Lowe & Brydone (Printer) Ltd, London. We had to put the two Bibles in a glass frame and locked it because people have started tampering with the pages. Some of the pages are even torn.” The Bible, the curator said, took the Bishop just a year to translate. Additional evidences supporting the claims that the first printed Yoruba bible is that which lay preserved in the casing are the printed date and signature on it. Was the English Bible actually translated into Yoruba Language in Badagry? For a short spell, there was silence at the palace of His Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi 1, Oba Akran of Badagry where the question was asked. The Setenme of Badagry, Gbonugan (Chief) Ajose-Harrison, who doubles as the Secretary-General to the Royal Council and Chief du Cabinet of Badagry asked: “Do you have any other opinion? Were you not taught in elementary school about Bishop Crowther and the bible translation? Told of the claims emanating from Ota, he asked, “Where in Ota?” Then, Oba Akran interjected, “ If at all any such building exists, it couldn’t have been built in 1842 because the first storey was built here in 1845. They (the missionaries) arrived in 1842.” In Ajose-Harrison’s words, “what we have in Badagry, which is known as the First Storey building in Nigeria was built in 1845. What I’m explaining now is that the building that has a ground floor and storey in Nigeria was built here in 1845. That which you are talking about now, I don’t understand. “The building was completed in 1845! There were no records

anywhere that the Bible was translated before then. The preaching of the gospel was first done outside on Sept 24, 1842 at the place now known as Agia Complex in Badagry.” Oba Akran said Bishop Crowther, who was a Reverend at the time, had a study room in that First Storey Building called the ‘scriptorium’ from where the bible translation was done. “The Bible was translated not only into Yoruba but also into Nupe by Rev Crowther who is from Osogun close to Iseyin. He understood the Nupe Language too because he is a Nupe man.” Delving into history, Oba Akran said, “Rev Henry Townsend came into Badagry in December 1842, three months after the arrival of Thomas Birch Freeman. Ota then resisted Christianity and as such was called Ota, meaning enemies of Missionaries. Abeokuta too claims to have the first bible in Nigeria given to them by the Queen. When did the Queen give them the bible? Does it mean that the Missionaries that came into Nigeria much earlier did not come with Bible?” So, when did Bishop Ajayi Crowther actually arrive at Ota? When did he leave Ota? How long did it take him to translate the Bible from English to Yoruba? Are there any proofs or records to show that the Bible was actually translated in Ota? Is it true that the second storey building sited at St James Anglican Church, Ota was actually built in 1842? Notwithstanding, a soothing clarification was provided by the Anglican Bishop of Awori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Akin Atere. Reacting to the confusion gathering around the timing and venue of the English Bible translation and whether it was done in Ota, among other issues, Atere said: “I may not have enough time to give a comprehensive report but the first established fact is that Bishop Ajayi Crowther was an itinerant preacher and missionary. Therefore, one may not tie him down to a place for the entire period of translation. That is why many places lay claim to this glory. “For instance, Badagry has it as part of their history, there is also a claim in Lokoja and his hometown in Osoogun close to Iseyin in Oyo State. There could be elements of truth in all these claims since it might have taken some time to complete the exercise. Oral history had it that the Bishop spent some time at Ota on his way to Abeokuta. Ota was a transitory stopover to Lagos, Abeokuta and neighbouring countries. Our assurance is also based on the fact that some white men who were Crowther’s contemporaries were buried beside the 2nd story building in West Africa, evidence are on ground till today. The actual time of his arrival may however be difficult to ascertain. “As to whether there is proof, the closest is the discovery of old written materials that were supposedly used by him. Unfortunately it was not preserved. Some of the things that would have authenticated the claims are now lost in history because importance was not attached to antiques. Government did not show interest early enough and our people are poor in record keeping. I cannot say specifically when the 2nd storey building in West Africa was built, but I doubt it was in 1842. If the missionaries left Badagry for Abeokuta in December 26 of the same year, I’m not sure the history is correct but it could be between 1843 and 1844,” Atere concluded.

New National Tourism Identity Brand For Launch HE Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development T Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo has revealed plans to unveil a new tourism identity brand to be called “fascinat-

Kainji

Kamuku

Yankari

Old Oyo

ing Nigeria” on Thursday July 4. The Honourable Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke alongside other Stakeholders in the industry, would launch the initiative, she said. Mrs. Mbanefo made the declaration during a visit by Senior Student Officers from the National School of Public Policy Lahore, Pakistan to the NTDC headquarters, Abuja. Receiving the visitors with other management staff of the Corporation, the new NTDC Chief stressed that beyond the vast cultural activities, attractions and destinations of Nigeria, the strongest point is the warmth of Nigerians. During a two-hour interactive session, the NTDC boss said her primary target is to develop domestic tourism as a way of creating wealth, generating employment for the teeming youths and by extension, address infrastructural deficit and poverty in the country. Mbanefo highlighted the efforts of the NTDC to develop and promote Nigeria’s tourism potential through increased professionalization, learning from best practices and increased emphasis on research and results based projects. Mbanefo was positive that cultural, religious, ethnic and sectional divergence would not impede the goal of developing tourism across Nigeria with emphasis on the grass root. The leader of the delegation who doubles as the chief instructor at the National School of Public Policy at Lahore, Pakistan, Mrs Seemi Waheed said the purpose of the visit was to look at how policies are formulated and strategies are made and implemented to meet the national objectives of the countries they are visiting saying the group intends to spend 5 days in Nigeria visiting strategic Parastatals and agencies. While answering questions, Mbanefo assured that her administration would engage Public Private Partnerships with a view to addressing infrastructure projects to create the necessary capital to support budgeting with the aim of actualizing financial self-sustainability in the long run.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

30 |

FOOD&DRINKS

Ikokore With Chicken Meat By Chinelo Nwagbo KOKORE is a traditional water yam porridge dish. It is a delicious, nutritious and main staple food in Ijebu area of South Western part of Nigeria. Ikokore dish has water yam as its base ingredients. Yams are a good source of complex carbohydrates, soluble dietary fibre, vitamin B6, potassium pyridoxine (vitamin B6), thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) riboflavin, copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and folic acid. These vitamins play important roles in antiaging, immune function, wound healing, bone growth; maintaining healthy mucus membranes, healthy skin, proper night vision, growth and protection from lung and oral cavity cancers. Consuming ikokore helps in reducing the risk of heart disease and controlling blood pressure. Presence of high level of Vitamin B6 in water yam reduces depression among women. Ikokore dish is recommended as an ideal food for diabetic patients because of its complex carbohydrates, which is slowly absorbed into the blood stream and does not cause abrupt increase in blood sugar. Dietary fibre in water yam helps to reduce constipation (a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened faeces), decrease bad Low-Density-Lipoporoteins (LDL) cholesterol levels by binding to it in the intestines and prevent colon cancer risks by preventing toxic compounds in the food from adhering to the colon mucosa. Eating ikokore is recommended for healthy living.

Beef or chicken (optional) Â˝ kilo Beef, saki, ponmo (optional) 4 pieces Shrimp 10 pieces

Ingredients

Quantities

Water

2 cups

Palm oil spoon Salt

1 cooking To taste

Tatashe 3 medium size Fresh or tin tomato 5 medium or 1 tin Onion 1 medium bulb Seasoning 2 cubes Ogiri ijebu (optional) To taste

Water yam 1 tuber Vegetable of your choice 1 medium size Dried fish 2 medium size

Method of preparation Clean and cut the fish (meat) and put it aside. Boil the beef, saki, ponmo with onions, salt and one seasoning cube. When it is cooked, leave to cool; then cut into tiny pieces. Use a knife, peel the skin off the yams and wash them afterwards. Using grater or food processor, grate the yams into a mush. In a clean pot add about 4 cups of water, the dry grounded pepper, ogiri ijebu, dried fish and shrimps, meat and allow to boil. When it is boiled add the grated yam using your hand to cut it into balls, then cover and allow to boil. Add palm oil, salt and remaining seasoning cube. Use a wooden spoon to mix gently so that the balls do not break. Serve with cold pap (eko), cold eba or garri. E-mail: chineloeby@yhaoo.com

Chocolate Liqueur For Every Occasion By Bukola Apata OR a light refreshment to enjoy the weekend Fis aalone or with family and friends, Thorntons perfect blend of chocolate liqueur that will sedate the palate for optimum refreshment. This product of Britain holds the combination of luxury cocoa, vodka and cream that is deliciously smooth and chocolaty in flavour, which can serve any given occasion and can easily be purchased from both local and sophisticated wine markets across Nigeria. Also, this chocolate liqueur can be served at cocktails, dinners, beach parties and pool parties to enjoy the refreshing moment of outing or requested for at any wine bar. It holds 17 per cent alcohol by volume in a 70-centilitre bottle. Thortons liqueur can be best enjoyed over crushed ice, which can also be used as an ingredient in a selection of drinks and desserts such as cocktails, hot chocolate or coffee, or in a rich fondant. On the palate, Thortons is lavish smooth and delicious velvety experience that leaves memorable tones of luscious taste. The wine is friendly to combine with both and continental and traditional dishes such as gizzard, sharwama, chicken and chips just to mention a few. This wine is guaranteed to truly delight chocolate lovers due to its perfect choice for pure indulgence.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

GARDENING

Trendy Tillandsia - “Airplants” ILLANDSIA species are epiphytes (also T known as airplants or aerophytes). This means it doesn’t need soil, but, instead, obtains water and nutrients from the air which are absorbed through their specialized leaves. Their roots are used as wire-like anchors. These unique abilities as ‘Air plants’ to live without soil, allows them to live anywhere in nature, suspended from treetops or bare rocks, cliffs and on various types of cacti and shrubs. They grow in areas with more rain and in areas more subject to drought. Tillandsia are often termed “pioneer plants” occupying environments, that few other plants can. They grow through a process called a CAM cycle where they close the stomata during the day and open it at night to uptake carbon and release oxygen. Native to forests, mountains and deserts of central and South Americas, Southern USA and the West Indies. They have an amazing variety of shapes, colors and sizes. There are more than 650 types of Airplants (Tillandsia spp) that can grow and thrive without soil. Thin-leaf varieties grow in areas with more rain, and thick-leaf varieties grow in areas more subject to drought. They are warm weather lovers that can thrive on neglect. Many grow with strap-like or slender triangle-shaped leaves, their wispy ethereal air and striking sculptural shapes captures attention, one just can’t stop admiring these beauties that seem to exist by magic living on nothing at all, looking like adorable alien creature with so much personality, you might just want to possess each and everyone of them. The fact that they don’t require soil to grow, only moderate light and a good soak every week – very low maintenance, means the lack of a green thumb doesn’t stop success with air plants, as they are easy to grow and beautiful as modern home décor, bringing sculptural/architectural elements. Because they are so versatile, the possibilities for use are endless. A single suspended air plant is simple and captivating, but they can also be arranged in groups any style and in any area. Their diversity makes it fun to design and display with airplants. They can bring nature and beauty into any space, indoors or outdoors. How to grow Tillandsia Being ‘air plant’, it does’t grow in soil. You grow not in pot but by mounting to a board or nestle among mosses, stones on drift wood or other organic materials. To water mist two or three times a week. If not mounted bur in planter, take our the plant like every ten days submerge in room temperature water for an hour or two. Afterwords, take it out and gently shake away excess droplers and return back completely dry to its globe or enclosed area. They like temperatures from 50-90 degrees. Propagation is by seed or offsets which are known as ‘pups’. When a pup reaches 1/3 the size of the ‘mother’, it can be removed. Alternately, you can leave the pups attached and allow to grow in cluster around the original air plant. One single air plant can produce up to 12 pups and many of them will flower regularly. Plant arrangements and design Air plant based design work and ornaments are featured in residences, offices, hotels and restaurants, retail spaces and various aesthetics, as diverse and unique and beautiful as the plants. Tillandsia can be placed on anything! (Rocks, shells, pottery, driftwood, around water fountains, reptile tanks etc) arranged in any style and design themes. They are kept in a terrarium or globe. Air plant globes have extra holes to improve air circulation and humidity. They can be displayed in the globe terrariums using moss, gravel and common found objects. Also in plant frames and boxes. Air plants look great alone as architectural elements. Place varieties such as Tilandsia aeranthos ‘Amethyst,’ also called the rosy air plant, into a pot or against a container that

will compliment or contrast with its pink flower spike. Play off the spikeness of the foliage by grouping three tillandsia ionatha and add a tiny toucan, parasol, or other objects for a tropical touch. Airplants that are naturally suited to growing in trees can be lashed against a protected wooden post by using translucent fishing nylon thread and a bit of Spaghnun moss to add extra moisture.

Tillandsia also make fine companions on a planted branch with orchids since they like essentially the same conditions. They can be latched onto tree bark, in true epiphyte fashion or placed in simple, yet alluring globe conglomeration, as upside down, hanging “squids” fashion. One can create airplant ‘bonsai’ tree, use airplants to give life to old objects you might have forgotten about or to

Handpainted wall pocket blue cottage floral moss dried flowers tillandsia airplant holder

Indoor display of lovely collection of airplants on white ceramic vessels

Airplants give life to old objects and library bookshelf

Airplants hanging on driftwood frame

Airplant holders are just white tiles

Wall hanging of tillandsia plants on bark

Wreath creation of tillandsia blooms

Centerpiece design with tillansia aeranthos amethyst in glass bowl terrarium

Flowering airplants latched on wooden frame in true epiphyte style for outdoor display

Tillandsia vernicosa with flower spike

liven up spaces. They can be elements in design of wreaths or centre pieces; in fresh flower arrangements and to complement dried floral arrangements, and as complement or contrast to other architectural and sculptural features. For the eclectic modern plant collector and urban gardener ‘Airplants’ give varied opportunities and endless possibilities.

Tillandsia plants mounted on tree bark. a pink phalaenopsis orchid blooms to the right of it

Tillandsia stricta in bloom

FASHION

Weird And Wonderful It was a sea of colourful and outlandish hats at the June Royal Ascot race. Get your milliner to create a brand new look for you from these hats By Nike Sotade

EIRD and wonderful W hats stole the show at this year'sRoyal Ascot

horse-racing show in London. From beautiful hats to avant garde fascinators, milliners have always looked towards the Royal Ascot to get inspiration for their new collections and this year's show was not disappointing with the dramatic hats on parade. Historically, as the men run their hot horse races with heavy bettings going on, their women also pull out their best hats and outfits thus mixing sports with fashion. And , over the years, the Queen has always led the pack on Ladies' Day to parade very colourful and eye-popping hats at the popular annual dig. And Royal Ascot 2013 was no different. From the weird and wicked to the chicest and most wonderful, hats stole the show again. From the most beautiful to downright bonkers, here are some of the best hats for show. Milliners can get creative and hat lovers can also take a cue on how to turn heads in different hats and fascinations for every occasion. This is vintage Royal Ascot 2013.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

SOCIETY Turbaning Ceremony of Danjuma In Zaria Former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, was recently turbaned by the by the Emir of Zauzau, Dr. Shehu idris in Zaria. Here are some faces at the occasion

Gen Danjuma and his wife.

Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, Speaker of the House of Reps, Waziri Tambuwal; Emir of Zauzau, Dr. Shehu Idris

Former Military President, Gen. Babangida and ex-Information Minister, Prof Jerry Gana

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the Emir of Zauzau

Gowon, Danjuma and his wife with other dignitaries

Former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu congratulating Danjuma

Danjuma being decorated with his traditional title, Jarmai Zauzau Danjuma after his turbaning

Speaker of the House of Reps, Aminu Tambuwal delivering an address

Danjuma during his turbaning as Jarmai Zauzau by the Emir of Zauzau, Dr. Shehu Idris

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

SOCIETY

IYDA Celebrates 10th Anniversary Youth Development Association (IYDA) IJAW founded by Comrade Joseph Evah, recently

marked its 10th year anniversary. The event, which was well attended by eminent citizens from Niger Delta,

Father of the Day, Chief Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, Founder Odua People Congress (OPC), Comrade Joseph Evah, Chairman of the occasion Mr. Guymmviy Bruce and former Commissioner of Transport, Delta State, Chief Gilbert Benafa.

Members of the high table during the celebration of IYDA.

took place at the National Theatre, Lagos. Here are some faces at the event.

Joseph Evah explaining the progress of the association in 10 years.

Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Bayelsa State, Dr Felix Tuduodolo presenting posthumous award to wife of the late Capt. Empere killed during the Okar coup of 1999.

Evah (4th right) supported by others in cutting the anniversary cake .

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 29, 2013 | 35

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Entertainment

Sony Neme nemesony@yahoo.co.uk 08111813096

All About OJB Health And Social Network Hullabaloo Stories by Sony Neme T is no longer news that ace producer, Babatunde Okungbowa, popularly known as OJB Jezreel is down with a terminal kidney ailment. It is equally public knowledge that he lacks the $100, 000 needed for the kidney transplant. Thus, concerned friends and fans of the Edo-born magic fingers are out cap in hand looking for kind-hearted Nigerians to save the dying man. There has been a plethora of questionable reactions and some subtle blackmail that are raising eyebrows. The committee saddled with raising the needed funds has had to react to the worrisome development. Expectedly, Muyiwa Osinuga aka Nomoreloss, Head of Fund Raising Committee, Save OJB Jezreel sent out this statement to clarify issues: “Dear friends, family and fans, we are yet to raise the much- needed money to Save OJB Jezreel. Please I ask for your help in ending these malicious rumours being spread that we have... OJB’s manager never made any public announcement claiming that the money to help save OJB Jezreel has been found!” He added, “This malicious rumour was spread by individuals/groups of people who we asked to desist from using OJB’S name to organize shows without proper donation verification structure. In addition, please disregard any other account numbers being circulated other than the ones provided here as the same group of people are parading themselves as collection representative on behalf of OJB. They are fraudsters please do not give them your hardearned money! For those who have responded to their distress call, Nomoreloss expressed appreciation for their supports: “We are trying to raise funds for his kidney transplant which will cost $100,000 or 15million naira. We want to seize this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported with money and prayers. May God be with you. We are still far away from the amount needed, but we are confident in God’s grace and the beautiful hearts of all that now know of OJB’S situation. No amount given with a heart of love is small. Your contribution will be saving a life. Please support.” He further said, “You can make your donations at any UBA branch or online to: Babatunde Okungbowa, 1015075120. For those within or outside Nigeria, you can make payments to: Okungbowa Babatunde Zenith Bank: Account number- 1004186282. Sort code057150628 Branch-Marina 2.”

Already, donations have started pouring in with Don Jazzy taking the lead with a million naira, just as he called on other artistes to please do same. Ruggedman has also donated to OJB. A blogger, Linda Ikeji, described the donor thus: “Don Jazzy has got to be the most generous Nigerian celebrity ever. A few weeks ago he gave a mutual friend of ours who has kidney issues, N1million. I kinda asked the guy to ask Don Jazzy, and a few days later, he calls me to say IDJA gave him N1m. And today I found out that he has also donated N1million to prolific music producer, OJB Jezreel… And let’s not forget the N2million he gave cancer patient Funmi Lawal last year and many things I hear he does very quietly. God bless him.” Good as the efforts are to help out, on the flip side are credible Nigerians whose good intentions have been called to question. One of such is Chris Kehinde Nwandu, who was contacted to render free publicity, using his medium. CKN is already on the firing line for this. According to the former Sony Music anchor man, “Several of my friends have been calling me saying they heard from OJB manager that I was trying to dupe OJB Jazereel through a fraudulent concert I was putting up in Abuja…I am not and have not organized any concert for him and won’t… The Abuja Concert was being organized by a young man in the industry by name Chris Odey (08033468079) with some of his friends. CKN Nigeria was only contacted to render free publicity for the event using our huge platform. They have also cancelled the event based on a disagreement with the OJB crew and managers. This is a final write up from me on this.” Irked by the seeming indifference by musicians, an anonymous writer sent said: “If Wizkid can damage a N50million Porche Panamera car in less than two months; If D’Banj can wear a N3million suit just for a show; If Davido can refer to a N10million endorsement deal as chicken change; If P-Square can buy a property for N400 Million; If Don Jazzy can pop a $1.5Million champagne…And the many others... Why can’t they put heads together and donate $100,000 (N15million) in 24 hours? It’s obvious there’s beef in the industry. If all these big artistes don’t save OJB JEZREEL from his kidney problem with their money, Sango kills anyone who goes to studio to produce “Tribute to OJB’.” Many respondents see this as blackmail. For this school of thought, OJB is a producer who got paid for jobs done; if he needs any form of OJB and one of his wives assistance, his health promoters should em-

OPYRIGHT Society of Nigeria C (COSON) has begun a significant COSON Intervenes On OJB fund-raising drive in support of the talented artiste and music producer, Okungbowa Babtunde Jezreel aka OJB Jezreel who urgently needs a kidney transplant to save his life. In this regard, a special OJB Support Fund account number 0033556333 at Dia-

Azeezat

mond Bank has been opened by COSON. COSON has also begun the activation of its communication platforms to reach its members, friends and lovers of music everywhere. Speaking from New York where he is

Okoroji

currently on international assignment, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, said, “I spoke with OJB on the phone a few days ago and assured him that COSON will do its best to ensure that he gets the assis-

tance he needs. As at then, a member of the COSON Board, Dare Fasasi (Baba Dee) was at OJB’s home. Since then, members of our board have been involved in several conference calls to ensure that we do this right.” According to Okoroji, every member of the board is involved: Obi Asika, Banky W, Efe Omorogbe, Audu Maikori, Joel Ajayi and Hon. Udegbunam among others. “I know that there are so many people who need help and it is impossible to provide the quantum of help needed by everyone, but it is agreed that we must support OJB, not just because of his incredible talent and contribution to the development of modern Nigerian music, but also because if anyone else was facing these challenges, OJB would be one of the first to be there for the person.” He further expressed appreciation to everyone who has been of help so far, just as he asked for the immediate contribution of all musicians, all lovers of music and all well-meaning institutions across Nigeria to “Please contribute to the OJB Support Fund today.” In a related development, popular singer and member of the Board of

COSON, Azeezat Allen, said ‘From this development, people can now see why the COSON Music Foundation that we have just set up is very important. Regardless of how many millions COSON has, we cannot use the funds meant for royalty distribution to our members to deal with these emergencies. It is important that we have a special fund for this purpose.” For COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, “The instruction from the COSON board is that management should go out in the tradition of COSON and mobilize all ‘mobilizables’. That process has begun. I thank our friends at Diamond Bank for their quick action in setting up the OJB Support Fund account. I have also spoken with OJB. We will do whatever is necessary to show that the Nigerian music industry has come of age.” Edo State born OJB Jezreel is one of the foremost music producers in Nigeria. He is responsible for the monster hit recording, African Queen by 2face Idibia. Jezreel is also instrumental to the success of such music acts as Ruggedman, Jazzman Olofin, Nomoreloss, Raskie, Abounce, C-mion, K-Show among others.

THE gUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT Stories by Sony Neme

Tourism Minister Hails Globacom, As Benin Hosts

Slide & Bounce Concert HE minister of Culture and T Tourism, Hon Edem Duke, has described globacom as the

Duke flanked by Globacom officials OCATED at a strategic part of the LAlausa sprawling Ikeja Shopping Mall at At Bheerhugz, Unpolluted Leisure is Bheerhugz, a relaxation center with a difference. In an exclusive interview at the leisure spot during the week, the manager, Miss Mariam Rammal, said they are in the business to ensure that their clients’ leisure needs are better taken care of. She described the place as a, “Restaurant and a lounge; a place to hang out. And celebrities find the facilities here so enticing that they can’t stop trooping here for relaxation.” According to Miss Rammal, “The main challenge is for us to remain on top of our game as we have other outlets within this shopping mall. Though we have an edge as we offer the best in hospitality, especially as it concerns our foods and services.” Some of their unique services, she said, include, “Wednesdays we have Karaoke and Beer Burst when drinks are sold at half of the cost. On Fridays we have a live band and a DJ, while on Saturdays is a Karaoke, then on Sundays we have a live Jazz band.”

Is Our Watchword, Says Mariam Rammal is on a familiar turf coming from a family of top chef as her dad reigned in the 70s with the famous Phoenician on Lagos Island before relocating to Surulere, also in Lagos. Prior to moving in with Bheerhugz, she was in charge of Double 4Restaurant at the new local airport, Ikeja, Lagos. “My love for my dad actually encouraged me into the catering business, because he remains the best you can find around any day. His reputation in the business, more than anything else, actually encouraged me into catering,” she enthused. So how does she handle her customers, especially the men who throng the eatery daily? She replied: “I am not here because of men and I don’t think any of them can distract me from my purpose of repositioning Bheerhugz as the place to wine and dine.”

Mariam

only Nigerian company that has identified with the aspiration of the ministry in the area of youth engagement and empowerment. Duke made the remarks in Abuja last Saturday night at the glo Slide & Bounce Concert at the ThisDay Dome, Abuja. He said that the giant telecommunications outfit had contributed significantly to the promotion of arts and culture in Nigeria. The show, at which the minister spoke, was anchored by, Okey Bakassi, while Chee the Voice, Bona Boy, Bez, Lynxx, Omamwumi, Waje, Naeto C, the legendary Lagbaja and PSquare got all dancing. The minister, who commended globacom for its efforts at empowering the Nigerian youths, particularly through the endorsement of artistes in the country, urged other corporate organizations to emulate globacom. According to Duke, “I am particularly happy to be here tonight and I must commend globacom for organizing this show for the entertainment of Abuja residents. By and large, globacom has demonstrated that it is a truly indigenous company and it is the only leading corporate

Funke Akindele Is Qlichy.com Brand Ambassador AST-growing online business netter, is the future. I say this because this spoint, Playpoint and Thoughtpoint for Fannounced working platform, Qlichy.com has new platform will empower a lot of businesses and consumers to meet and star actress, Funke people.” interact. Akindele, as its brand ambassador. She was presented to a section of the media on Saturday at a ceremony held inside the premises of The Quadrant Company in Ikeja, Lagos. Her presentation came on the heels of a successful official launch in April and a town storm campaign in May by the brand. Akindele remarked after being unveiled as the brand ambassador, “I am delighted to be associated with Qlichy.com and consider it a honour to be their brand ambassador. The Qlichy brand, besides being the ultimate virtual meeting point and resource cen-

She added, “I admire the thought process behind it, that’s why I am thrilled to be part of the Team Qlichy. Because it will empower a wide range of people, I enjoin all business operators, owners, content developers and resource persons to key into it. Qlichy.com, a multi-site business portal, news service and e-commerce platform, is linked to the Interswitch platform for payment purposes. The platform has been enjoying growing patronage and traffic since its launch in April. Qlichy.com offers access to platforms like Bizpoint, Talkpoint, Sale-

Earlier, Managing Director of The Quadrant Company, owners of Qlichy.com, Bolaji Okusaga, explained that with the unveiling of Akindele as brand ambassador, the multimedia awareness campaign to further deepen the brand’s acceptance was set to roll out. Okusaga said, “We’re launching the radio and online campaign next Monday to further avail more businesses and individuals the limitless opportunities that Qlichy.com offers enterprises across different sectors of the economy, be it consumer goods, oil and gas, real estate, telecoms and financial sectors among many others.” He further revealed that the projection of Qlichy.com within the next six months is to become a household name in busiBy Victor Olushola sent in from all over lisher of TW Magazine, ness intelligence and social commerce Nigeria, was no easy Adesuwa Onyenokwe; given the ability of the platform to offer a NIgERIAN beauty feat. Uche Pedro of Bella seamless experience which cuts across brand, House of Tara “Everyone had someNaija; actress Omoni business information, lifestyle and eInternational, on Tuething unique and I was Oboli; Toyosi Akerele of commerce. For him, the Qlichy platform sady launched its highly extremely inspired; it Rise Networks, On-air is able to achieve its audacious targets anticipated book, House has taught me to never personality, Tosyn Bucthrough daily news feeds, crowd sourcof Tara 100 Voices at The take for granted invest- knor, Funke Bucknoring, networking and other varied opporFour Points Hotel by ment in people, she Obruthe and Mrs. tunities which it provides. Sheraton. added. Ibukun Awosika. “Achieving this target will require luring One of the inspiring Other inspiring women In her opening address, businesses and consumers searching for women who selected the who selected the stories Awosika disclosed that opportunities to visit and explore possistories, Cynthia Moinclude Honourable 100 Voices book is to inbilities which were before now fragsumola, said that select- Member of the Federal spire young Africans to mented in the Nigerian online space,” ing 100 stories out of House of Representause stories to inspire Okusaga further stressed. several hundred entries tives, Abike Dabiri; Pub- people.

House of Tara Launches 100 Voices Book

Funke Akindele

body that has identified with the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at promoting and empowering our youths and resuscitating our cultural values. The endorsement of Nigerian artistes by globacom is highly commendable as that singular action has given life to the entertainment industry and I urge other corporate bodies to emulate globacom and assist in building the industry.” For globacom’s Divisional Director for North West, Mr. Olukemi Kaka, “the glo Slide & Bounce Tour is a way of appreciating our youths and it is one of the series of youth empowerment and engagement initiatives of globacom. The train moves from Abuja to Benin City this Saturday at the Best Western Hotel. The minister had seized the opportunity to reassure Nigerians that the Federal government would continue to cooperate with the company and continue to find common grounds through which the nation’s entertainment industry could be developed and make it more competitive in the global village which the world has become. The Abuja edition of the the glo Slide & Bounce Concert, the first in the eight-city tour was a night of fun and entertainment as the best hands in the nation’s entertainment industry were on stage to delight the people.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT Stories by Sony Neme ROM January through June every year, Lagos and other parts of the country usually witness a deluge of comedy shows. And then there is some quiet as everybody awaits the big masquerade to emerge in October: Opa Williams’ Nite of A Thousand Laughs. Preparations leading to the family comedy show, usually begin from around this period as sponsors are seen jostling for space in the premier comedy show that usually holds on October 1, in Lagos, its traditional home. And this year’s edition is a special one as the show which

began in 1995, marks its 18th anniversary. “The boys have finished playing, now is the time for the man, the father, the owner of the home, to play,” Williams said in a statement signed by his media Company, Media Image Managers (MIM), early in the week, obviously referring to the undisputed number one position of Nite of A Thousand Laughs show in the country. He said at 18, a child has become an adult and as such has to evolve in character and attain self-reliance. “Against this backdrop, Nite of A Thousand Laughs’ edition this year

will take on a different shape and size because we have attained adulthood. So we are playing on the maturity of the brand just like the proverbial old wine, it should taste better. We have stayed on top as the premier comedy brand and you know staying on top is the hardest part of the game.” William added, “No comedy show in Nigeria is above 13 years of age at the moment, but we have been able to sustain our dominance. While we celebrate, we should also be mindful of the fact that people who troop out to watch our shows yearly deserve to get more value for their money. So

this year, we will ensure they laugh a thousand times as the brand’s name implies. If it’s a comedy show, it’s a comedy show, not a music concert, that is why we are redefining comedy show organization with this oncoming edition of Nite of A Thousand Laughs.” Opa Williams will not go into details but had this to say, “I want to assure you that Nite of A Thousand Laughs is not going to be about some comedians and musicians climbing the stage and entertaining people anymore. We started that trend. We later introduced dance to the menu and everybody followed

suit. We are introducing something unique this year that will make the audience truly laugh a thousand times, but we are keeping that under the hat for now. So if you allow yourself to be told about it, too bad.” Meanwhile, tickets will be on sale on www.ariiyatickets.com a month prior to the event as well as at other designated spots that would be announced later, instead of selling at the venue. “We want to be able to control the crowd that day because yearly we always had a hard time controlling the crowd for that purpose.

Singer Takes Sibling Rivalry To Glo X Factor HAVE a younger brother with whom I “It is so fulfilling, now that my brother and I “I have this sibling rivalry. He auditioned can really battle it out. I stepped it up and I in Ghana and qualified. I am here basically am proud that I got the nod from the three

Klause

Buchi’s Concern That Became A Concert PERATION Ceasefire is a given them their due. It is the On this mission, all proceeds O philosophy of the street. Only from Buchi’s fifth album, concert that employs education and the knowledge Judah! is dedicated to “sing the music as a tool in the fight against cultism and violence in Nigerian schools, especially at the tertiary level. At the head of this campaign was award-winning singer and university lecturer for many years, Buchi, who, with some of his friends in the music and academic communities, came to raise his voice in songs and speeches against the evil of campus cultism and social violence. But that was not how it all started…. According to Buchi, “Operation Ceasefire did not start as a concert. It started as a concern! Worried by the spate of violence in our tertiary institutions, and the more sobering reality that this deviant subculture had permeated the secondary schools with grave consequences, I began to think of how I could help to combat this hydra-headed monster. I am acquainted with the motions of the street life enough to know that robbery, prostitution and other vices are manifestations of spiritual impoverishment, rather than economic measures for sustenance.” Buchi, who left his lecturing job at the University of Lagos to use music as a medium to touch the lives of people and to preach the message of peace, said, “ Violent criminals, more than just seeking to meet their needs, are expressing their anger against a society they believe has not

of Christ can change it.” Having been involved in the dangerous misadventure of cultism and violence as a student and later, as a lecturer, Buchi understands the life of a cultist and as such, has a passion to enlighten young people on the evil of all forms of social violence. His words: “This passion resulted in my first novel Ceasefire!, a narrative which has been variously described as riveting, captivating, compelling, un-put-down-able and irresistible. The book has received very encouraging reviews from the media. Ceasefire! is the heartrending story of Maha, a brilliant, young undergraduate who gets entangled in the hideous underworld of campus cults and therefore, becomes a story that every parent must solemnly tell their children in order for it not to happen again.” He said it is a cry to society; to parents, governments, the youths and everyone that has an ear or a voice that there is a lurking, potent and raging danger called cultism. It is the passion that became the narrative; and it is the theme of this narrative that has taken the form of a musical concert. Ekiti State, which prides itself as the cradle of intellectuals, played host to the maiden concert.

children off the streets!”. “You can actualize this by buying and sharing copies of Judah! Every copy you purchase is a donation to the Inner City Missions, an organization dedicated to taking our children off the streets and giving them a wholesome life,” Buchi said.

Mi and Desmond

because he has been rubbing it on my face and boasting about it. So I am motivated to achieve the same thing.” These were the words of 27-year-old Klause Uche Umeh, a major highlight of Episode Six of X-Factor singing reality show broadcast last weekend. The show is sponsored by Globacom. The Anambra State-born singer confidently promised before taking the stage that, “I will put up a very emotive performance, a heartrending performance that the judges will have no option than to give me 3 “yeses”, not 2, I want 3.” And this was exactly what Klause did. He rendered Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ so smoothly that the judges had no choice but an all yes. A highly impressed M.I. said, “Wao! This is what the show is about. You got the X Factor”, while Reggie Rockstone gushed: Amazing! Amazing grace! It is ‘007 Yes’ for me.” For Onyeka Onwenu, Klause nailed the song, “What a voice! You are truly a performer. And mine is the cherry on the top. It is a big “Yes” for me.” Having made it into the next round, Klause said to X Factor show presenter, Toolz that,

judges.” Another performance that got the three judges applauding was that of the group, SmoothBoiz, led by 25-year-old Victor, who lost one of his legs in a motor accident a few years ago. ‘Little Boy’ as performed by Paul Simon, got the group a standing ovation from the audience, just as they left the judges speechless. “This is what it is all about, this is why we are here,” Onyeka declared. Rockstone said of the group, “You are blessed, talented and amazing!” M.I. shared their sentiments thus: “It is a big, big yes for me.” Despite arousing much sympathy and emotions from the judges and audience, 21year-old, beautiful but blind Mary Musa Owoyemi, could not gain entry into the next round. She, however, earned compliments from the judges for her beauty and spirit and for being an inspiration to other physically challenged people. Ironically, her rendition of Maria Carey’s ‘I will be there’ could not see her through as only M.I. gave her “an absolute yes from me”. For Rockstone and Onyeka, she needs to work more on her singing prowess.

T was a night of fun and excitement that Iwould the residents of Festac and its environs MI, Desmond Elliot not forget for years to come. The music was upbeat while the comic perform- Thrill At Legend ances were action-packed, keeping the delighted audience reeling with laughter. The Consumer Promo event was the final raffle draw for the 2013 edition of Legend Extra Stout’s National Consumer Promotion held at Eldorado Hills Bar, Festac, Lagos. The high point of the event was the sublime musical performance by hip hop artiste, Mr. Incredible, who sent the audience into a fever-

pitch excitement as he made his way through the crowd to the stage. He kept the audience spellbound with tracks like ‘Action Film, One Naira and Africa Rapper No. 1’ from his MI 2 album. The hip hop artiste also laced his lyrics with words of encouragement for budding musical talents. He further thanked Legend Extra Stout for the opportunity to thrill Festac town residents. The presence of top Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, added glamour to the event. He was accorded the honour of presenting the star prize to Roselyn Monday, who emerged the biggest winner of the Legend Real Deal Promo. She was shell-shocked when he informed her that she would be taken to Dubai to shop for gift items up to a million naira in value! Hear the joke from Elliot: “Oh, so you actually didn’t know the true worth of the prize? Well, you have just won the opportunity to be flown to Dubai, all expenses paid. While there, you will have a chance of shopping for gift items up to N1 million in one of the biggest shopping malls. Congratulations to you, and I hope you shop wisely.” The presence of popular comic, Gordons and upcoming comedian, Acapella, also added excitement to the event, as both acts got the audience reeling with rib-cracking jokes. Other consumers of Legend Extra Stout that will be joining Roselyn Monday for the trip to Dubai are: Tokunbo Bolanle Balogun, Oluchi Umunakwe, Fisayo Abiodun Johnson, Anosiri Chukwujejwu, Eduh Onuninya, Christopher Johnson and Peter Uvoh.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

DIARY

Director, Public Affairs and Communications, PFIZER Specialties Ltd, Margaret Olele; Chairman, Board of Trustees, DABMA Sickle Cell Foundation, Pastor Emmanuel Ibekwe; Representative of Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Mr. Lawrence Osiegbu and guest speaker, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru at a national summit to mark World Sickle Cell Day in Lagos…recently

Ambassador Moses Essien, Chief Executive, Institute for Government Research & Leadership Technology and Brigadier-General MY Ibrahim of the Civil & Military Affairs,Nigerian Army at the 2013 International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Drug Trafficking Lecture: New Psychoactive Substances, organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Abuja during the week

The Vice Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Professor Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi with the keynote speaker, former Director General of FRCN, Mr. Kevin Nsochukwu Ejiofor during a seminar on Parenting in Tertiary Education in the 21st Century organized by Bells University Parents Forum (BUPF) at the institution’s premises in Ota, Ogun state… recently

Christiana Tetede (middle) flanked by her parents, Mr. Femi and Mrs. Funmi Tetede during her graduation ceremony at Howard University, Washington in USA…recently

Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun, Mr. Bola Ilori and Kabiyesi Orangun of Oke –ila, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin displaying Igi-Iye during the launching of 2.5 million trees at school of Postgraduate Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, during the week Graduating students of Avi-Cenna International School, Lagos at a dinner organized for them by the school authorities at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja…recently

Former Managing Director, Lafarge WAPCO Plc, Mr. Ranti Sokunbi and his wife, Bukola during his 60th birthday celebration in Lagos …recently

CEO Futures and Bonds Group, Mr. Akin Oladeji; Managing Director, Henry George Ltd., Mr. Nelson Oladimeji; Assistant Commissioner of Police (SFU), Mr. Olasupo Ajani and Chairman/CEO Havilla Group, Mr. Lanre Adesuyi during the marriage ceremony of Mr. and Mrs. Abayomi Animashaun in Lagos…recently

Mr. Kunle Disu, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State, Engineer Taofeek Tijani and his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Iyabo Obasa during the wedding ceremony of Mr. and Mrs. Abayomi Animashaun in Lagos… recently

Chief Executive Officer, Bestman Games Ltd., Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe presenting the City of Lagos Monopoly board to the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida in his office in London as part of the activities in unveiling the City of Lagos Monopoly in United Kingdom…recently

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 29, 2013|39

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Arts&Culture By Bridget Chiedu Onochie AWMAKERS in their recent oversight tour of LMinistry some Abuja-based parastatals in the of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, have expressed dissatisfaction with low level of activities in the culture sector. They blamed the situation not only on poor budgetary allocation but also on chief executives’ inability to create means of generating funds internally. At the National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM), the Ahmed Hassan Barata-led Senate underscored the need to integrate the Commission in the National Tourism Master Plan in recognition of its tourism potentials. The National Tourism Master Plan was launched in 2007 under the administration of Prince Adetokunbo Kayode as the minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to serve as a road map for the growth of the nation’s tourism industry. The launch was graced with funfair and enthusiasm by stakeholders, who felt that at last, an impetus has been provided to turn the tourism sector around. Unfortunately, implementation is yet to kick-start six years down the line. But in spite of the late implementation of the Master Plan, Barata was of the view that if the Commission is integrated in the Master Plan, it could also contribute its quota to tourism development as experienced in other countries of the world. “Many years ago, we heard about the Tourism Master Plan but we are yet to see anything on ground in terms of implementation. I feel there is need to incorporate the Museum Commission to enable it contribute to the development of Tourism in Nigeria”, he said. While that is been awaited, the lawmaker enjoined the Commission to explore other avenues of enhancing their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). One of such steps, he said, would be to attract tourists through the establishment of more specialized museums across the nation’s geo-political zones. In his response, Director General, NCMM, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman, listed some of the challenges confronting the Commission. According to him, most of the Museums house national collections that are not only rich in Nigeria’s culture and history but also those that reflect the unity of the country. Yet, most of the structures holding the collections were dilapidated due to lack of maintenance. He further told lawmakers that out of about

CBAAC DG, Prof. Tunde Babawale (left) and members of Senate Committee on Culture

Senate Committee Bemoans Low Activities In The Culture Sector • Seeks Improved Funding For Parastatals N300 million budgeted for Capital project in the 2012 fiscal year, only about N53million was released to the commission. At the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism NIHOTOUR, the Committee observed that the Institute has the greatest

challenge of producing the required trainedmanpower that will drive the tourism industry in line with international best practices. Noting that the Institute presently lacks the required funding and enabling environment for optimum performance, Senator Barata

When Masters Serenaded Guests At MUSON Centre By Tony Nwanne ENOWNED pianist and lawyer, Louis R Mbanefo, and the music composer and cello maestro, Thomas Kanitz, engaged their audience in a spellbound piano and cello concert recently at Muson Centre, Lagos. Highly recognised for their musical prowess, both performers didn’t fail to in their pieces of Beethoven, Schubert and Vivaldi. The show attracted a mixed audience that had come to witness the beautiful sounds of classical music performed by two great players. Besides the personalities for the night, the creative stage set complemented the event as drapes of different colours were used to create a vibrant ambience, which reflected the mood of the pieces played. Starting with the ‘Red Priest’ (Antonio Vivaldi) piece sonata No. 6 in Bflat major, Mbanefo flaunted his command of the black and white keys of the piano. Creating different colours of music in the four-movement piece, Mbanefo set up a rhythmic tone with accompaniments beyond imagination. Joining him on stage, the cello maestro Kanitz, displayed an unequivocal dexterity as both played one of the greatest composers Ludwig van Beethoven’s sonata for violoncello and piano, A-Major, Op. 69 piece. Starting off with the violoncello, Kanitz maintained a striking balance and Mbanefo and him went back and forth with the three-movement piece in a

melodic interplay. A bit melancholic, this symphony ostentatiously captured the innate strength of the instrumentalists. They both returned on stage after a brief interval to play the contemporary Nigerian composer Pemi Oludare piece, ‘Irapada’. This was followed by Schubert’s impromptu for piano. Schubert is famous for his impromptus, which are eight in series. Playing Op. 90 and G major, Mbanefo again showed his astounding finesse on the piano. For the next 20 minutes, Mbanefo and Kanitz entertained the audience with a powerful rendition of Schubert’s Sonata ‘Arpeggione’ in A minor. This three-movement piece is the only substantial composition for the Arpeggione, which exists today. Enticing the audience with its crescendos and decrescendos, the players showed a fine, if not aggressive dialogue of the piano and violoncello. This particular piece was composed during Schubert’s deteriorating health and was specifically designed for bowed strings guitar but there have been contemporary transcriptions with the cello and viola. Though grim in nature, Mbanefo and Kanitz added a scintillating touch to this piece with its breezy and romantic rhythm. Kanitz particularly exuded a ravishing glow with his fingers on the violoncello, breathing in the rhythm as he creates resplendent beautiful sounds. Mbanefo, on his part, tried to maintain balance, meeting up with the demand of

the violoncello as he struck the keys with vigor as if he was dueling with Kanitz. This brilliant piece earned them a standing ovation and an encore. No wonder the culture-enchanted lawyer was surrounded by loved ones and admirers alike at the end of the show, shaking and back slapping him in admiration. An elderly guest shook his hand fondly and paid him a compliment on maintaining his stance on the piano. Accompanied by his lovely wife Monica, the two made an enviable couple. The reputable lawyer built his passion for the piano at an early age of six. He received his first piano lesson from a church organist in Onitsha and had remained faithful to the instrument ever since. While studying law at Queens College, Cambridge University, he attended music lessons and performed in various concerts at the university. He is also one of the founding members of Musical Society of Nigeria and has served in various committees of the body. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Saviours’ Schools, Ikoyi and Ebutte Metta and also the Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria Kanitz is well known for his versatile musical background as an illustrious performer. The German player is notable for his vast knowledge as a composer, instructor and performer as well. He is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the MUSON Symphony Orchestra.

pledged support of the committee as an important stakeholder with great interest in the success of the Institute in its training and public enlightenment programmes. He said the need to support the Institute is more desirous now that the country looks up to the tourism industry as alternative to oil in the diversification of the nation’s economy. “The Senate is prepared to partner NIHOTOUR in view of its significant role in repositioning the nation’s tourism sector for better service delivery”, Barata said. Responding, Director General of the Institute, Dr. Munzali Dantata solicited the support of the Senate for adequate funding of the Institute to enable it fully perform its statutory functions as both a training and regulatory agency of the tourism and hospitality sector. He also expressed need for the Institute to a acquire a standard hotel and other necessary facilities for effective practical training in its vocational courses that are aimed at capacity building for the manpower needs of the hospitality and tourism industry. In the company of Senator Barata were Senators Sadiq Yarádua, Hosea Agboola, and Babafemi Ojudu. Earlier, the House of Representatives Committee led by its Sub-Chairman, Honourable Muniru Abiodun, had visited the Museum for the same purpose. Having gone through the Commission’s account book, the Committee concluded that it has performed averagely in the implementation of 2012 allocation considering the fund available to them. Their visit to the Commission’s headquarter, Muniru said, was to inspect their financial books to ascertain which projects have been executed and the amount of money expended on them before embarking on tour of project sites. He said: “Without knowing what is in the book, we cannot go to the site. There are some projects that have been on-going for the past four or five years, if we don’t track it to see how much that has been released, it would be difficult to appraise such projects when we get to the project site. “In the next one month, we will visit a number of project sites across the six geo-political zones of the country. The House of Representatives has taken the oversight function as a very serious challenge and we are pursuing it with all vigours”. Aware of the implications of the new introduced envelop budgeting system; the lawmaker tasked the Ministry of Finance on early release of funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) for timely execution of projects.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, June 29, 2013

ARTS

Age grade in ceremony of manhood By Maureen Obiageliaku Oguebue tradition, one of the rights of pasIage.NsageAfrican in an individual’s life is the coming of It is an important stage in an individual’s life that ushers him/her into adulthood. In the cultural practice of the people of UmueszealaNsu, it is referred to as Iwa-akwa, where young boys graduate into manhood. Umuezeala-Nsu is one of the autonomous communities out of the 29 in Ehime Mbano. It’s people are predominantly farmers and hunters. They are also deeply rooted in a variety of cultural practices and are also involved in trading. Ehime Mbano, one of the 27 Local Government areas of Imo state, has its head quarters in Ehime. It has an area of 169 sqkm and a population of 130, 931 at the 2006 National Census. It is made up of five major clans namely Umueze Agbaja Umukabia, Akanumuezeala, Nneato Ugwuemezi and Nsu. Ehime Mbano is bounded on the East by Obowo, on the west by Isiala Mbano, on the North and South by Ahiazu Mbaise and Ihitte Uboma respectively. Iwa-akwa Iwa-Akwa ceremony in Umuezeala-nsu is an age-long tradition. This tradition is as old as the town itself. The ceremony is usually practiced by the people of Ehime Mbano, Ihitte Uboma, Obowo and Ahiazu Mbaise Local government areas, all in Imo state. The ceremony comes up once tri-annually. This Iwa-akwa ceremony, also known as ‘cloth wearing’, means an initiation into manhood. It is a ceremony that entails the passage of a young boy transforming into a full-fledged man; and it is highly valued and respected in the community. The participants are usually mates of a certain age grade. In this place, when a young boy gets to a certain age, usually 21 years, he is assumed to be due to become a man and partakes in this ceremony as a proof that he has grown into a man, who can now take up civil responsibilities within his community and family circles. When a young boy gets to that age, he and his mates would gather at the village square where they undergo age grade selection process. This entails certain qualification, through the tracing of family background, like whether the mother was married properly and indentified by the women of the community, whether the father of the initiate was known to have properly passed through that

Iwa-Awka in Umuezeala-Nsu in Ehime Mbano stage in his days. It is equally checked if he has any link or heredity with osu (outcast). The successfully selected ones would then form an age grade with a symbolic name attached to identify them. This age group will then prepare and go through the sensitization process of how to be responsible men in their family and the community. A date is usually set aside for the proper ceremony of initiation, and it must be on the particular market day in which the people of Umuezeala-Nsu do their buying and selling. That day is the orie market day because it is known and seen to be the community’s day. The ceremony proper Before the day of the celebration, a lot of preparation is usually made by the participant and his family for this remarkable ceremony. The indigenes, including participants residing in other villages and cities, usually travel back home to witness and partake in the ceremony. Friends and relatives are invited to witness as well because of its fun-filled in nature. It is mandatory that every male in the family must go through this right of passage in order to be identified as a man in the community and thus be accorded due respect. It happens only once in one’s lifetime. On the appointed day, the participant ties a colourful George wrapper as a banner in front of his family house as a sign that a young boy of that household is partaking in the ceremony. The participants are also clad in their George wrappers tied around their waists. They dance in a procession and are led by the elders of the community. Traditional band groups play and sing folk songs of celebration and proclamation with very unique drumbeats and songs. As they approach a participant’s compounds where they see the George as a banner, the participant is expected to run out or step out bravely with his George wrapper tied round him and march forward with them, to receive or invite another participant.

During the procession, at the back is usually the younger age group next in line; they all dress in their own uniform of different George wrapper. Family members and friends who wish to accompany the participants to the ceremonial ground are allowed to dance alongside the celebration. For the women among them, wrappers are tied on their waist. The men tie theirs around their neck. In huge excitement as a mark of great support, everyone heads to the village square called ogbor, where the proper ceremony takes place. At the ogbor, the younger age group that will be next in line, forms a large ring by holding hands together, thereby separating the participants from the entire crowd present at the ceremony. They are usually respected at the ogbor because they do anything within their powers to protect the initiates. The participants are then required to run around in that circle; jumping up and down to show their excitement and masculine virility but they are not expected to burst through that ring. This very stage is known as ‘ihuahia’. During this stage, every participant must show how excited he is to be present and to have come of age, and this is made evident by the shouts of joy, jumping and running around with the real traditional dances and steps exhibited. The reason why they must not burst through the ring is due to security consideration, to keep them safe from the crowd and for proper organization. After the ihuahia stage, the procession line of regal men will then usher the young boys into a secret meeting with the traditional ruler of the community known as the eze and his cabinet. In that secret place, they identify themselves individually and make a “vow of honour” to protect their community. After this the eze advises them on how to be responsible men, blesses them and finally proclaims the young boys full-fledged men of the community. Thereafter, they are accepted to partake in the recognised activities of men in the

community. After this, the young men are sent out in a to the ogbor where their family members are waiting to cheer them up. The running and shouts of joy is that of excitement to show that the boys are now men. The newly proclaimed man is carried shoulder high with joy and excitement for a great achievement to his family house, where further refreshment and entertainment are extended to visitors. Lots of assorted foods and drinks and different forms of entertainment including performances by dance groups are made available Significance The iwa-akwa ceremony in Umuezeala-Nsu is a special ceremony that is valued by the community because of its great significance. A male in any family in Umezeala-Nsu who partakes in this right of passage is known to be a fullfledged man and should be respected by the community and his family. He is also assumed to be a responsible and noble man in the community. In the olden days, every male participant of the iwa-akwa must be physically present in performing this rite of passage. It is mandatory for every male in every family in UmuezealaNsu to pass through this stage in life. But in recent times, there may be situations where the participant may not be physically available. It falls on even a female member of the family to represent him by tying a George wrapper and carrying an enlarged photograph of him during the procession. In the past, women were not allowed to either join or actively participate in the ceremony, not even female members of that age grade. But today Christianity and modernity have connived in watering down some of the concrete essence of this cultural practice. * Maureen Obiageliaku Oguebue discussed this topic with the National Museum Study Group, Port Harcourt recently

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

SHORT STORY By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855) O and tell the people of my town that “G there would be a ritual this week for our ancestors. Anybody caught must be sacrificed to the gods! Go now, I command!” This was the fearful declaration of King Adegoroye Onimole of Jangbade town on the outskirts of Agege, Lagos. The town crier was fidgety and sweating on hearing the orders of King Adegoroye that early morning. Who dares play with the head of a cobra? Who can face the wrath of thunder? Who can look at the scorching rays of the fiery sun? The whole of Jangbade town lived in morbid fear of this heartless king who was always thirsty for human blood. There was no way the townspeople could dethrone him. He was very hard and merciless on his people. They all lived like slaves under him. Those who dared to oppose his monthly human sacrifice had always paid dearly with their lives. Without wasting time or raising eyebrows, the king’s orderlies obeyed instantly. The town crier, along with about four hefty royal guards, went out to tell the people of the town about the impending ritual. The town crier was holding the gong and beating it with the aid of an iron rod. “Let the people hear,” he screamed, “let strangers hear and not walk into the trap of the king’s men for ritual! People must stay indoors for one week. The stay-at-home order takes effect from today. If a dog or a fowl is missing, look for it, please! But if a man or a woman suddenly goes missing, please don’t look for him or her. The gods are in need of blood. I say no more or less!” As he was repeating these words he continued sounding the metal gong in his left hand. The people were gripped with fear. There was a particular touching occurrence that happened in Jangbade town that eventful week of May. The pregnant wife of a man by name Fatai Oyekanmi was in the throes of labour. She was really in pains due to her advanced pregnancy. Fatai was confused and perplexed. Fear was visibly written on his face. “What am I going to do?” he soliloquized. “God, I’m at your mercy! My wife is in the throes of labour, about to deliver and the king has sent words through the town crier that anybody caught flouting the stay-athome order would be killed and sacrificed to the gods”. He was weeping and filled with pessimism. His wife, Tunbi, was a beautiful woman, tall, enchanting and charming. Despite being pregnant, she was lovely and admirable. She had been showing signs of weakness for the past few days but now it had reached an unbearable level. She needed medical attention fast or else she would die. “My husband,” she called in tears, “take me to the hospital, I’m feeling real bad…don’t let me die here… This pain is too much….please.” Her face looked pale. She was losing so much blood. Fatai was in dilemma and perplexed. He was shaken and helpless. “Eh….eh…” he stuttered, “the hospital is quite a distance and we’ve been warned to stay at home or face the dire consequences. What should I do?,” he asked rhetorically. He focused his entire attention on his wife and summoned courage to take her to the hospital. When they got out on the street, he was shocked that there was not a single person on the road. The whole area was desolate and deserted. There was not even a single vehicle on the road. He thought of what to do next. He was sweating profusely. He was at a loss. ‘Where would I begin?’ he thought again, gazing at the sky for an answer. Then he helped his wife on his shoulder and began the trek to the hospital. The time was around 7p.m. and the entire area portended evil. An air of ominous silence pervaded the town that evening. The cloud looked sad and morose. Drenched and suffused with terror, they continued this heartrending journey to the hospital. Fatai’s heart was beating at a fast pace. They had trekked for about fifteen minutes when they suddenly saw seven men wielding sharp machetes and moving towards them. The seven men were all robed in white clothes. Three people among them were carrying white calabashes containing the blood-soaked heads of goats. There were kolanuts, cowries and feathers inside the three calabashes. And palm oil was over the whole content.

“Eeeeeeeruubeh! Aaashapee!! Eeeeeeeruubeh!!!,” the leader of the sacrifice bearers screamed at the top of his voice. “He who sees it will surely die! He who hears it has no hope of living! No one sees it and lives to tell the tale! Ashapee! Eeeeeeeruubeh!” Fatai was visibly afraid and trembling. He was speechless and gasped for breath. He knew there and then that the approaching men were ritualists sent out by their king to get victims for sacrifice. He stopped and was lost for words, neither moving backward or forward. The fear that gripped Fatai and his pregnant wife was indescribable. Without hesitation, the juju men surrounded the couple and manhandled them. They were instantly taken to the shrine and tied there, for the king to give the go-ahead to kill the couple. The town crier and the head of the ritualists went straight to the king to inform him of the ‘good news’ that a particular husband and wife had been caught. King Adegoroye Onimole was overjoyed on hearing the development and showed his willingness to physically sacrifice the couple to the gods at the shrine. King Adegoroye was tall, darkskinned and stern-looking. The following morning, he requested for the special machete mainly used for sacrifice from his medicine man. He was given the machete. Accompanied by about five of his aides, they went straight to the shrine. On seeing the victims of sacrifice, the king was really happy and delighted. “Ha! Haa!! Haaa!!!,” he laughed ominously, “They are even a couple! You’ll both rot in hell!,” he said wielding his machete threateningly. “Please, forgive us, O king…” Fatai begged in tears. “As you can see, my wife is pregnant and is about to deliver…don’t kill us…we need your mercy and forgiveness…” “O King,” the pregnant woman said and burst into tears. “I beg of you don’t kill us… consider my condition and plight…don’t waste me, my husband and my unborn baby….please O King.” “Shut up!” King Adegoroye shouted angrily. “You’ll deliver your baby in hell, this is my domain and I’ll do whatever I like as custom demands. Your tears cannot save both of you. Even if God comes from His abode in Heaven, he can’t

free you from my shrine. The gods are thirsty for blood! Ha! Haa!! Haaaa!!!” Without further wasting time, the king moved forward, raised his shining machete up and beheaded the husband first. There was blood everywhere with tears of pain and anguish coming out of the eyes of the pregnant woman. Then in a jiffy, he moved forward again, raised his sharp machete up and beheaded the pregnant woman. King Adegoroye, once again proved that he was merciless and heartless. That day, March 4th, 2004, was an unforgettable day in Jangbade town. The whole townspeople were angry at the manner their king treated them, with no mercy or pity for human beings. It was a most painful and heart-rending experience to remember. Why should he (the king) kill a pregnant woman and her husband? It was most shocking and sad. But no one dared oppose King Adegoroye’s moves; to oppose him was to dare the lion in its den or face the puffadder with all its venom and vengeance. So, the townspeople suffered in silence, wondering why their king was always thirsty and happy for human blood, and begging Almighty God to deliver them from his deadly grip. Another episode in the life of King Adegoroye took place the following month of April. He always did a festival in this month every year. So, this year he decided to use a camel for the ritual. There was this very big camel in the neighbourhood that had been reared by its owner right from its birth. The camel was well-loved by everybody in the neighbourhood. Children and even adults always rode on the back of this gentle and friendly camel. The camel was even pregnant this very year. The owner of the camel was a man by name Musa, who was in his early 30s. He came to the king, prostrated and begged him not to kill his camel for the ritual, but the king was adamant as usual. “Ha! Haa!! Haaa!!!” he gave a strange laugh. “I kill humans as a sacrifice to the gods, how much more an ordinary animal. There’s nothing you can do young man, I’ve chosen your camel for the ritual and it must die!” The young man felt so sad and dejected that he wept and left the king’s palace that hot after-

noon. So, the camel was dragged to the front of the king’s palace with a long rope. Camels by nature are like human beings. They are homely and very friendly. They have very good listening ears and understand whatever language you speak to them. They have feelings like humans. Without much ado, the king ordered for his shining cutlass. As he moved forward to kill the camel, the animal knelt down in front of the king and looked into his eye with pity. The camel knew the king was really determined to kill it for the ritual. There was no sympathy or pity in the king’s eyes. He was very rigid and strict. When the camel realized that the king moved a step forward again and raised his machete, it started crying. The king was shocked and surprised. The camel was shedding tears and looking deep into the king’s eyes so that the king could spare its life. Instead of tears, the camel was shedding real blood from its eyes. But the king was unmoved. He raised his machete, swung it sideways and gave the camel some cuts on the neck. The camel bled profusely for several minutes and died on the spot. King Adegoroye was now happy and satisfied that the camel was dead. He ordered its meat to be cooked and shared among his household. The following week the king was infected with a strange illness. He started emaciating every passing day. He consulted his medicine men and diviners for a solution to his problem, but it was to no avail. Three weeks later, his body started decomposing gradually. He had a terrible hacking cough ailment too. He coughed out blood persistently. A week to the end of that month, four of his children died one after the other under mysterious circumstances. He became so lean, gaunt and sunken like a dehydrated and starved vulture. At the end of that month, he went blind. He could only hear about the death of his children. He had eight children. In the second week of May, death had wiped out all his eight children, including Adisa, his eldest child. And in the third week of May, the king joined his ancestors.

The Blood-Thirsty King

TheGuardian

42 | Saturday, June 29, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

Mobile phone no: 08033065263, E-mail: ihesie84@yahoo.com.

The Amazing Healing Power Of Watermelon W

ATERMELON, botanically known as Citrullus lanatus, is actually a vegetable, not a fruit. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which comprises vegetables like cucumber, pumpkin, etc., that grow in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Watermelon is believed to be native to Africa. Watermelons vary considerably in size and colour from cultivar to cultivar. It can be oblong or spherical in shape and light-green to dark-green in colour, with white mottling stripes. The inner pulp is usually bright red. However, there are other varieties that have pink, dark-brown or orange coloured pulp. The red pulp, the rind which is whitish green in colour and the seeds are parts of watermelon used as a refreshing drink or for therapeutic purposes. Chemical Constituents/Nutritional Benefits Watermelon is a nutritional powerhouse, low in calories, no fat and no cholesterol. It is made up of 90% water. The red pulp is a good source of lycopene (a carotenoid) and betacarotene which are powerful antioxidants that protect against many diseases such as heart disease, prostate cancer and other types of cancers. The lycopene and the betacarotene content of watermelon increases with ripening. Also, watermelon is a very rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and bioflavonoids, folic acid, the B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) and essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and smaller amounts of copper, iron and zinc. A recent study has shown that watermelon has a high concentration of an amino acid called citrulline; and the kidneys (and other organs in the body) convert this amino acid into another amino acid known as arginine, which helps to give strength to the blood-carrying vessels (cardiovascular system) and promotes their overall health. For the male reproductive health, citrulline and arginine have been found to work like “natural Viagra” in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

the risks of age-related glaucoma, macular degeneration and drying up of the eyes that may result in loss of vision. 4) Cancers Watermelon is one of the best sources of antioxidants (lycopene, beta carotene, bioflavonoids, vitamins A and C). These antioxidants help to neutralize the “free radicals” that can initiate the establishment of cancerous growths in the body. The seasonal intake of watermelon reduces the risk of many cancers, especially prostate, colon and breast cancers. 5) Circulatory problems

The same study revealed that drinking watermelon juice with meals for 21 days will raise the blood level of arginine by 22 percent. Watermelon is equally a rich source of pectin which is believed to help protect the body against any form of harmful radiation. The watermelon rind is the whitish green part between the skin and the red pulp. This part which contains some chlorophyll, silicon and essential minerals should be taken together with the pulp and should not be discarded. The seeds of watermelon are low in carbohydrates, but high in protein (about 30%), edible oil (20 40%) and a phytochemical known as cucurbocitrin – a substance believed to dilate the capillaries and may therefore help in reducing blood pressure. Furthermore, the seeds are high in micro- and macro-nutrients like potassium, iron, zinc calcium and phosphorus. Therapeutic Properties, Health and Medicinal Values of Watermelon Watermelon has the following therapeutic properties: Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory,

Antioxidant, Antiprostatitic, Antipyretic (Febrifuge), Cardiac, Demulcent, Diuretic, Enuresis, Hypocholesterolemic, Hypotensive, Laxative, Litholytic, Pectoral, Purgative, Tonic, Vermifuge, etc. 1) Kidney, Urinary Disorders and Infections A regular intake of watermelon juice acts as a mild natural diuretic (the high level of potassium and low level of sodium lower the density of urine and increase its flow). In this way, watermelon juice assists the kidneys in eliminating chlorides, nitrogenous waste products (such as urea, uric acid and creatinine), excess salts, etc. The increased flow of urine helps in drawing out accumulated toxins ((man-made products, tobacco smoke, pesticides, artificial flavours, etc.) from the blood, the kidney itself and other internal organs. Therefore, in conjunction with other remedies, watermelon is used in the treatment of all cases of acute infections, sexually transmitted infections, nephritis, kidney and urinary bladder stones, bedwetting, prostate enlargement, fluid

Free radicals are known to contribute to inflammation and cholesterol deposits in the blood-carrying vessels, causing arteriosclerosis, heart diseases and strokes. Watermelon lowers high cholesterol; and is rich in anti-oxidant (lycopene), beta-carotene and potassium, which help to regulate blood pressure, improve cardiovascular functions and protect the heart against diseases. Watermelon is often given as a mono-diet therapy to help lower high blood pressure. retention (especially in pregnant women and those with premenstrual syndrome). A healthy person has healthy blood with favourable blood chemistry and inner biochemical harmony maintained by the liver and the kidneys which act as body filters. 2) Erectile Dysfunction Watermelon is an excellent source of B-vitamins, citrulline and arginine; (and the last two give energy and act like natural Viagra). Therefore, it is highly beneficial in checking erectile dysfunction and in boosting male fertility. 3) Visual Problems Watermelon juice contains powerful antioxidants like betacarotene, lycopene, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin which help to protect the eyes or the optic nerves and lower

6) Other Health Problems Watermelon has thirst quenching properties and is rich in electrolytes. Eating it daily especially during the hot season prevents dehydration and heat stroke. The intake of fresh watermelon juice improves appetite and digestion, prevents overeating, assists in weight loss programs, brings down fever in feverish condition, eases leg/muscle cramps and the pains of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It relieves symptoms of depression and mental irritability. It cleanses the colon and prevents constipation. The Rind of Watermelon Diabetes patients are usually advised to eat the rind of watermelon because it increases insulin sensitivity in the body. Pregnant women consume the rind to ease morning sickness, heartburn and muscle cramps. The rind is given to alcoholics to help prevent alcoholic poisoning.

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir

Crack, Ring Or Hum, It Is A Score T

HE humming sounds of the birds welcome you to their world. At the patio of his selfcontent abode is an array of cages holding several of these beautiful creatures with the best assemblage of colours. They all seem to be singing, chattering and cracking all at the same time. The parrot is a fixture, a marvel that welcomes you with an E k’aabo (Yoruba welcome). It is like being in the forest, along the rivers at dawn or early dusk when everything is quiet and you are at peace, alone with your creator. Such is the peace I felt when I stumbled at the residence of this adorable man who perhaps loves birds more than himself. It was indeed a peaceful place among a cacophony of sounds. It

was infectious. I lingered more than my welcome, but I learnt. I had wanted you to meet this man, but not yet. Let me just give you a snippet about birds in Nigeria. Today, not many keep birds as pets; only a few people who had mixed with bird lovers can be

said to have the hobby. Even then, birds that can be eaten are their priced possessions. For example, chickens, pigeons, bush fowls, ducks etc. The Yorubas of the South West say Oniranu lo n sin eiye which literarily translates to, “it is the jobless that keeps birds”. Such is the attitude of our people to these lovely things. I am not sure if the Igbos have the same attitude to birds, but one thing that I know is that Northerners love birds. Immediately the Niger Bridge at Jebba is crossed, one is at home with these beautiful creatures. The reason for this congeniality of the Northerners to birds can be explained. The north of the country from the middle belt region of Northern Kwara, Kogi and Benue to the extreme fringes of the country, different types of savannah vegetations predominate. The farming practices of our people, with grains as the prime crops, also provide ready invitation to these flyers of fortune, who trasverse great distances as far as Europe to nest in our hearts. Areas around Jebba, Mokwa, Tegna, Kaduna, Zaria, Funtua, Danzabua, Sabua, Anchaun, Jos, Bauchi, Markudi etc. are havens to birds such as the canaries, finches, parakeets, doves, pigeons, lovebirds and even the Senegal parrot. They exist in great numbers, delighting

their neighbours with their talents. The fields here are a theatre of music either in the quiet afternoon, when the tired hands of the farmer and the hurting feet of the nomads force a rest under the oasis of trees, or when the moon beckons and the shrills of the night complete the heavenly gift. It is not that the South of Nigeria is not endowed. In fact, one of the most cherished birds, the African Grey Parrot, is a resident of the south and the Niger Delta for that matter. Now, why must they have all the beautiful things? Oil, women and African grey parrot? Why! Just joking! But, it is indeed true that the riverine areas around Oron, Warri, Eket, Port Harcourt, and Escavors etc. habour these precious birds. It is however sad that catchers (or should I call, the poachers), have almost decimated the population of these adorable birds whose popularity stretches beyond imagination (I am sure, we shall discuss this later). Apart from the parrot, other birds found in the Arewa zone migrtate to the South , all forming a humming cloud. Anyway, let’s return to my birdman, who told me just the other day that, whether it’s a crack, a ring or a hum, it is always a score in the canary world.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

HEALTHINTERVIEW

‘Most Causes Of Infertility Are Preventable’ Infertility has become a serious health issue worldwide with a prevalence rate of about one in six couples. In Nigeria, the increase in cases of infertility has been alarming, with recent figures putting the prevalence at about one in three couples; that is, about 30 per cent. But the Chief Medical Director, ReGenesis Fertility Specialist Hospital, Dr. Norbert I. Ekeh, who uses modern Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to give comprehensive fertility care, told OLAWUNMI OJO that the incidences can be much lower among Nigerians but for the twin reasons of ignorance and preconceived beliefs. EDICAL literature has dubbed sub-Saharan M Africa as the ‘infertility belt,’ given that one-third of couples in the region are unable to reproduce due to infertility challenges. What, in simple terms, is infertility and what predisposes couples to this condition? Infertility is defined as two years’ exposure to pregnancy without conceiving, but a more widely applied clinical definition is failure of conception after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. In British, though, the word infertility is not used because a couple could stay together without the notion to produce babies; it is referred to as sub-fertility. The time lag in this definition takes into cognizance the concept of the trying time in fecundity and fecundability. Another slight modification is the addition of miscarriages or infertility to the definition such that infertility is now defined as the failure to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or the occurrence of more than two consecutive miscarriage or stillbirths. Notwithstanding the time frame in the definition of infertility above, infertility from the epidemiological point of view is a very complex medical disorder with interplay of significant medical, psychosocial, cultural, and economic aspects. However, the prevalence of infertility has been reported to be higher in resource-poor developing countries compared to the developed countries. In some developing countries, this figure could be as high as 30 per cent, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report. In Nigeria, infertility was found to be the leading reason for gynecological consultation with a prevalence rate in about one-third of the couples. Talking about the causes of infertility, it is a complex medical disorder with significant psychological and economical dimensions. It is also a unique medical condition, in that it involves the couple rather than the individual male or female. However, and in most cases, the cause could be traced to either of the gender, being then classified as either male factor infertility or female factor infertility or sometimes to a combination of both. Could you expatiate on the conditions associated with both female and male factor infertility? First, female factor infertility could be linked with general factors, such as age (probably the single most important factor for female infertility), smoking, STDs, body weight and eating disorders. Others include medical diseases (autoimmune disease, SLE, adrenalitis, etc.), alcohol and drugs, environmental and occupa-

tional factors – including stress, excess exercise, malnutrition, etc.). Female factor infertility could also be due to structural factors: hypothalamo-pituitary factors (for instance, hypogadotropic anovulation); ovarian factors (for example, PCOS, premature ovarian failure (POF), Luteal phase defects (LPD); tuboperitoneal factors (e.g., endometriosis, PID, STDs, pelvic adhesions), uterine factors (Submucous fibroids, uttering synechia and adhesions (asherman’s syndrome); congenital uterine anomalies (septate, bicornuate, etc.); cervical factors (e.g. cervical stenosis and blockage), and vulvovaginal factors (e.g., vaginal atresia), among others. Iatrogenic (surgical) removal and/or diseased destruction or damage of any of the above structures would impair fertility. Genetic factor is another cause of infertility. From an epidemiological viewpoint, female infertility could be classified in terms of whether preventable or non-preventable. This is especially significant for female infertility viewed from the poor developing countries. Majority of the infertility causes are potentially preventable, and it is these that are largely responsible for intra/inter-regional variations in etiology all over the world. Speaking on male factor infertility, it is interesting to know that while women are oftentimes the focus of infertility management, research, and social blame, male factors are the cause or contributing factor in approximately half of infertile couples. Yet there it has remained continuingly difficult to diagnosis male factor infertility. The etiology of male factor infertility is commonly subdivided into obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia, viewed as either defects with respect to sperm production or sperm delivery. By obstructive azoospermia or altered transport, we mean such conditions as could result from erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation or other dysfunction, hypospadias, vas deferens absence (cystic fibrosis, epididymis absence). On the other hand, non-obstructive azoospermia include such conditions as could result from testicular failure, varicocele, drugs and medications (gonadotoxins), including alcohol abuse, testicular injuries and surgeries, genital irradiation or chemotherapy, testicular infection, postpubertal mumps, STDs, chromosomal abnormalities, exposure to excess heat (hot tubs, saunas, prolonged cycling or horse riding) and to toxic chemicals/gonadotoxins, environmental pollutants and pesticides including cigarette smoke. From explanations, it could be seen that male infertility lies at the crossroads between genetic determinants and environmental effects, being associated with a host of disease conditions, including testicular cancer. But age is said to also play a key role in fertility. To what extent does it determine the fertility or otherwise of a couple? Naturally, fertility declines with age. This is especially applicable to the human female species, where the optimum time for them to conceive is in their late teens and early twenties. The meantime to conception (that is, time at which 50 per cent of women conceive) increases with age from four months in normal ‘fertile’ woman younger than 30 to nine months in similar women older than 35. In terms of ovarian reserve, a typical woman has 12 per cent of her reserve by age 30 and only about 3 per cent at age 40 with 81 per cent of variations in ovarian reserve being due to age alone. Furthermore, the incidence of spontaneous abortion is almost doubled in women in their late 30s, compared to women younger than 30. All these

Ekeh

While women are oftentimes the focus of infertility management, research and social blame, male factors are the cause or contributing factor in approximately half of infertile couples. Yet, it has remained continually difficult to diagnosis male factor infertility mentioned above combine to make age the single most important factor in female fertility! In the human male species, age does not appear to be a major factor as in females probably because spermatogenesis only begins at puberty and appears to continue throughout life with continuing meiosis. As such, new sperm cells are continually being formed. What ways would you then suggest to help reduce infertility or improve fertility as the case may be? Modern infertility management is a unique medical interventions because it provides a rare window of opportunity for extensive prepregnancy counseling with maximum health education and promotion before the couple benefits from the results of the intervention, that is, before pregnancy is achieved. Thus, management of the infertile provides the clinician with an unparalleled opportunity, which ought to be mandatory, to counsel and educate the couple on the basic physiology of reproduction as well as lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, alcohol and caffeine reduction, and so on, all that will help to improve fertility. These modern infertility management interventions include Low-Tech Fertility treatments (Low-Tech ART) which incorporates such interventions as timed intercourse and Artificial Inseminations (AI) that involves the artificial placement of sperms inside the woman’s genital tract other than via sexual intercourse. Some of the AI techniques are Intrauterine insemination (IUI), Intravaginal insemination (IVI), Intracervical insemination (ICI), Intrauterine Tuboperitoneal insemination (IUTPI), Intretubal insemination (ITI) and Donor sperm insemination (DI). The Donor sperm insemination (DI) is essentially an IUI procedure but with donor sperms. It is therefore usually indicated when there are azoopermia or severe oligozoosper-

mia that pregnancy is unlikely. Such conditions could result from testicular trauma, genetic defects, or iatrogenic causes such as orchidectomyor cancer therapies with radiation. Also, single women or lesbians seeking pregnancy could use the method. Interestingly, this therapeutic DI is by far the most successful and cost-effective form of therapy for couples with male factor infertility. With more than 50 per cent if infertile couples in Nigeria still unaware of how modern medical science could help their situation, how are you bringing your expertise to bear in this regard? I am a trained specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with 25 years practice experience across three continents - Africa, Europe and North America. And only recently, I obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Embryology during which I developed keen interests in adapting modern high technology and expensive infertility treatments for resource-poor developing countries. Now, since relocating my practice to ReGenesis Fertility Specialist Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, as a health institution, our focus has been to provide the most modern cost-effective infertility treatment in a resource-poor country like Nigeria. This explains why, through regenesisfertility.com, we have been at the forefront of bringing complex ART procedures to within grasp of the common man not only in terms of financial costs but importantly in terms of educating the masses that ART could be applied here in Nigeria at affordable cost. The emphasis has been on cost effective treatment strategies with respect to the mainstay modern ART treatment procedure called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), commonly referred to as ‘Test Tube Babies’ in layman’s terminology. At ReGenesis, in the first instance, there is always free initial consultation where extensive discussion and counseling are done with individual clients, with a view to determining best treatment strategies through modern fertility treatments as obtainable in the developed world.

TheGuardian

44 | Saturday, June 29, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

YourMoney An Overview Of Structural Transformations In Nigeria And Africa Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Roberts Orya, in this analysis takes a critical look at structural transformation in Africa particularly in Nigeria and how it can change the economy for rapid development. the 35 years leading to 2005, crude oil exItheNploration, production and export provided only talking point on Nigeria in international business of scale. Over this period, the Nigerian economic outlook was impacted mainly by global politics and market events. The ripples generated in Nigeria, positive or negative, were too weak to travel far and wide enough to impact the country outlook in the estimation of the international community and systems that controlled global markets, except when the ripples were ultra-negative. We were susceptible to external shocks transmitted through the conduit of international oil market. This scenario has been changing. Improvements in governance frameworks through multi-party democracy since 1999 and purposeful (market) reforms have been re-defining the influence of Nigeria in global politics, finance and investment. We see two recent evidences of this. One, in quick succession, JP Morgan and Barclays have listed the Federal Government Bonds in their respective emerging market indexes. Consequently, global demand for Nigerian sovereign debt issues has gone through the roof. It is the supply side of the market that has been exercising caution, quite appropriately, with the recent intent to link higher debt capital to delivery of specific infrastructure projects by the Federal Government. Two, Benzinga.com, the financial media outlet that provides heads up for Wall Street’s top traders, alerted its audience and through NASDAQ, to growing evidence that Nigeria’s influence on global portfolio performance is no longer limited to financial assets that enjoy the sovereign guarantee of the Federal Government. “Nigeria ETF gets good news on glum day for global markets” was how Benzinga put it on a day Exchange Traded Funds tracking global markets sagged last month. The “newlyminted” Global X Nigeria Index ETF, (only two months old), listed on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), closed downward by marginal 0.9 per cent when emerging and developed markets tracker funds lost lowest 1.5 per cent value. What inspired this? Your guess is wrong if you thought the Nigerian hydrocarbon sector provided the inspiration that made the fund tracking Nigeria to hold out above its seniors. Bloomberg reported Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to say the ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) at Nigerian banks to credit total fell to 3.8 per cent in April 2013, from 35 per cent in November 2010. The star performances of Global X Nigeria ETF and the banks (in relation to their aggregate low NPLs) are two of the several positive outcomes of the extra-ordinary intervention Sanusi led to rescue the Nigerian banking industry in 2009. I have read reports which claim the intervention was very expensive. I say Nigeria could not afford the unravelling of her banking sector as it was bound to happen before the last intervention, which originated in Nigeria a tsunami that is still sending positive waves to the global market. Nigeria could afford the bailout and the needed investments to keep the banks alive and well, because the country’s oil revenue could back efforts to save a very key industry that has been supporting the Nigerian economic might in some ways since the end of the banking industry consolidation in 2006. What else can we do with our petrol dollar? It definitely provides investment capacity for economic diversification and higher GDP

growth. Following my invitation to a high-level panel at the just-concluded Annual Meetings of African Development Bank in Marrakech, Morocco I started interrogating the theme of the conference: Structural Transformation of African Economies. Can Africa inspire growth across sectors of the national economies? Do we have needed infrastructures to support intra-Africa trade, which is a necessity for national economic diversification in the continent? And, of course, what is the role Nigerian Export–Import Bank can play in the mix? The Necessity Structural transformation of the African economy is a necessity. The good news is that it is one agenda which we can deliver. Financiers look at how ideas like this can be delivered with the required financing. Over the last 10 years or more, notwithstanding the minor setback during the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2008, balance sheets of several African countries have been strengthening. In Nigeria, we seized the opportunity of high oil prices to do a very smart deal to exit the Paris Club debt. Thereby, additional resources were freed, which otherwise would have been used for debt servicing. We also built savings buffers. The required institutional framework to counter pro-cyclical budgeting is now gaining grounds in several African countries including Ghana, Angola and Nigeria. The market conditions that made these possible have since returned. We are seeing bright price outlooks for commodities. Several commodity-exporting African countries can generate the financial windfall to make secondary investments in agriculture (with emphasis on agro-processing), manufacturing, solid minerals and services. We call this our MASS Agenda for Nigeria at NEXIM Bank. When one looks at the strategic imperatives for this transformation, one sees that today we can still talk of the demographic dividend that is inherent in our population structures. Africa has the manpower, at least in the very basic sense, to support economic growth on the continent. The youth population is huge. They can be employed. They must be employed. But can we go far with reliance on extractive industries? It is not necessarily a categorical and capital “NO”. If that were the case, we might again be talking about a “hopeless continent.” But that characterisation has been confounded. Therefore, the extractive industries of Africa can provide resources to invest in secondary industries. Mother Nature has blessed our continent. However, the major problem with extractive industries, especially hydrocarbon, is that it employs very few people. The OECD says in its recent report that the extractive industries accounted for no more than one to three per cent of global employment. Even then, most of the jobs in the sector are highly skilled. In most cases, expatriates take most of the jobs. Therefore, we have to re-engineer economic growth in sectors where we can generate employment for our teeming youth population. So, we have the two building blocks for the realisation of structural transformation of African economies. The necessity is quite obvious. The resources to make the initial investments are available. The combination of both encapsulates the frontier emerging market status of several African states. And that is generating the interest of global investors in our continent and in our country. Trade Infrastructure Africa currently contributes no more than three per cent to global trade. That is dismal, and it puts a glass ceiling on the prospects of higher GDP growth rates of African countries. For there to be an improvement, African countries must grow trade within. Intra-Africa trade must be a key strategy for private sector development and conse-

Orya

We must ensure that our women are integrated in both policymaking and business. When the woman is empowered, the family–the critical building block of functional societies is empowered. Civil society must continue to demand governance reforms. One of the greatest enablers of the growth we have seen in our continent over the last 10–15 years has been recovery from political instability in several African countries. A representative government; one that is accountable to the people and is transparent, would influence domestic stability and attract external support for economic growth and structural transformation.

annual maritime freight payments of average $5 billion from import / export tonnages will be localised. This will help in generating maritimerelated employments on the continent. Additional investments will be stimulated in multi-modal transport infrastructure that will also link non-littoral regional member countries. NEXIM Bank is enjoying extensive stakeholders support for this project. The African Development Bank has endorsed it, so also the ECOWAS Commission and Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA). The Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) is sponsoring it. The Sealink Project will operate as a private sector business. Accordingly, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) is in place to deliver the project. Strategic Underpinning Investment in education is very important to the realisation of the structural transformation of the economies of African States. Strategies for human capital development for up-and-coming young Africans must target quantitative and qualitative outcomes. At every level of production and service delivery, we need to train and re-train our people. Although I have talked about intra-Africa trade growth, there is nothquently job creation and elimination of exing there that says we can circumvent global treme poverty in our continent. competitiveness. We must benchmark global NEXIM standards. Bank found that absence of direct maritime The role of technological know-how has allinks between West African States constitutes ready entrenched in our present world. One can serious barrier to cross-border trade within the only imagine that technology will continue to sub region. Shipment delays, which arise from dominate performances of future economies. trans-shipment arrangements that are largely Africa must connect with this reality. through Europe, prolong cargo delivery time Inclusive growth is important as well to between 45 - 60 days within the sub-region. We must ensure that our women are integrated This can be reduced to three days in most cases in both policymaking and business. When the when direct maritime link is established. Poor woman is empowered, the family–the critical road infrastructure also drives up the cost of building block of functional societies is empowtransportation, causes excessive transit time, ered. Civil society must continue to demand and therefore makes intra-regional trade non- governance reforms. One of the greatest encompetitive within West and Central African. ablers of the growth we have seen in our contiThe time and cost efficiencies the Sealink Proj- nent over the last 10–15 years has been recovery ect will bring about are immediately from political instability in several African counapparent. Beyond this, however, it will unlock tries. A representative government; one that is opportunities in the maritime sector through accountable to the people and is effective indigenous participation. Much of the transparent, would influence domestic stability and attract external support for economic growth and structural transformation.

YourMoney | 45

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

INTERVIEW

‘Nigeria Must Abandon Western Economic Models To Progress’ Oscar E. Ossai is the Presiding Bishop of City of Refuge Church, Lagos. An economist by training, Bishop Ossai is worried by the continued downward movement of Nigeria’s economy. In this interview with ONYEDIKA AGBEDO, he advocates the development of homegrown economic policies against the adoption of western economic models to put economy on the path of growth. HAT is your view on Nigeria’s lingering W economic crisis? I have always maintained that we need to change our approach to economic development. If you take the indices that the government is using to measure our progress, you could agree with them that what we are seeing in the papers is true. But if you, as an outsider to government, look at the indices that people on the streets use to measure national progress, you can easily understand the reason for the apathy and hopelessness in the land. I have been consistent in saying that this nation will never make economic progress until we abandon western economic models, look inwards and come up with an indigenous economic package that is Nigeria-centric. Until we do that, Nigeria cannot make economic progress. I recently listened to the Minister of Agriculture at a function where he was talking about creating value chains. He was talking about how an American farmer goes to the farm in an air-conditioned car, uses air-conditioned farm equipment and rests in air-conditioned farmhouses, among other luxuries. He had a lot of comments to make about the indices they are looking at. He sounded very articulate being a very knowledgeable person. But my problem is that the factors that I see them considering are not traditional factors. What do I mean by traditional factors? The man on the street must find something to eat and every

household must have food on their table. So, my view is let’s bring the whole thing down. Now, has what I’m saying been ever practiced? The answer is yes. China, Japan and other Asian nations closed their doors, looked inwards and came up with original packages that were able to produce results for them. And it is visible. As we keep following western economic models, Europe is collapsing. The nations in Europe whose economies are stable as we speak are not up to five. So, the question is why following something that seems to be closing down? Is it because we must satisfy the egos of our sons and daughters that were trained in Oxford and Harvard universities? Is that why we must mortgage the future and destiny of almost 200 million people? I am saying that we must change our approach to economic development. As I speak, God knows that I’m not out to attack any structures of government. I am saying that there is a shift in paradigm that we must come to as a reality before we can even start. I cannot see anybody who is angling for political office give me the impression that he/she understands what I am saying. I look at those who are called progressives; I look at the party in government; I look at all other political parties in the country; I have not seen anybody who is saying that it is time for us to readjust our economic policies. Do you have an economic framework in mind in advocating for this policy shift? My desire is for us to have town hall meetings and symposia where will take up the different sectors of the economy and analyse them one by one. What can we do with Nigeria? What can we do the economy of Nigeria? How can we make the Federal Ministry of Works, for instance, to become a ministry of works in deed? How can we make the Federal Ministry of Housing to work? A functional Federal Ministry of Works can undertake the construction of a super highway that can commence from the length of the nation to the very breadth of the nation. That is why it is called ministry of works. So, I am talking about a redefinition of a lot of things. For example, who does not know that Nigeria is porous? Porous in the sense that you don’t even know the exact number of the people because people from other African countries

come in and go at will especially through our northern borders. If we have a government that can decide to look inwards as I am saying, we can tell every Nigerian unemployed graduate to come out at the Eagle Square, Abuja, that we want to create direct labour. We can move to the north and begin to build a wall that can cover the length and breath of Nigerian borders. Every day you work you get a certain amount of Naira. I am talking about direct involvement so that we can use one stone and kill three birds. First of all, we are trying to control the movement of people in and out of our country. Secondly, we are providing jobs for people. Thirdly, we are putting money in the hands of people for a multiplier effect of cash. What stops us from addressing infrastructural development through the same approach? China built railways in the country by direct labour to the best of my knowledge. The western model is advancing reduced size of government. The western model is advancing that the private sector should drive the economy. My question always is where is this private sector? The definition of the private sector by the designers of the western model is different from what we have here. The New York Fire Service, which is a form of private sector organisation, is bigger than the Nigerian nation in its budget. Also go and check the budget of the New York Police Department and the number of people on their employment and the living standards of people that work there. So, when they begin to advance these arguments, I know that the things they are standing on are not practical for an African country. Your strategy on how to achieve the policy shift you are advocating seems loose…

Bishop Ossai That is no problem. That is how every great movement starts. There is an existing structure that is not working. So, by the time there is a cross breeding of ideas, there will be first and foremost an aggregation of people of the same interest. Listen, that is how original political parties are formed. This is because in the process of the discussion, a group of people could say ‘we believe in this thing that we have heard, let’s aggregate around it’. It then becomes a move. So, the people that have aggregated around it, if they grow in size and over run the existing structure, it becomes the structure that will be running. That is what I am seeing. It may not make sense to some people but that is what I am seeing.

Of Nigeria And Made In China Products By Sunday Olayinka Joseph HESE days, China and its people, products and food are freT quently mentioned and seen in Nigeria, which invites various comments. As a student of the University of Lagos, I would like to share my knowledge and awareness of China, based on my direct and indirect relationships with the country, her culture, people, food, folklore and myth. My knowledge and awareness of China started in Kwara State, when I was growing up as a child. Almost every product used in our neighbourhood, ranging from batteries (tiger head especially), Chinese ointment (balm), toothpastes, razor, clothing materials, home appliances (televisions, radios, clocks, and even kitchen cutleries) all had the bold inscription MADE IN CHINA. To my young mind, Made in China was probably what was written in any manufactured commodity. But on getting to senior secondary school where I was exposed to Economics, History and Government, I started to ask some probing questions about Made in China products. Why should Nigerian import so much goods from China that can easily be produced locally knowing full well the concept of balance of payment and trade and how our terms of trade with China favours the Chinese? How has China grown tremendously from a country of peasant padi cultivators to the beacon of Asian development and growth? What was behind their meteoric rise from penury to prosperity, from the Chinese misery to the Chinese mystery and the endless battles between her teeming components, ideas, ideology and between herself and the west? Is it possible to develop a country that is not democratic? Can communism as explained by numerous textbooks really benefit the average Chinese and the possibilities of extending such practice to Nigeria? These questions became in-planted in my consciousness. I, therefore, decided to undergo a journey of self-discovery disre-

garding my prejudiced Americanised and Eurocentric mode of logic and reasoning. I felt I had been indoctrinated by the west through communication imbalance which formed the basis of my thinking, sense of ethics and truth. I felt that Nigeria, my country, had been programmed and colonised to be a net exporter of raw materials and net importer of finished goods by the west (America and Britain especially). This was favourable to the colonialists as it surely gives them the advantages of international trade whereby they pay peanut for these raw materials but sell the finished products as gold dust. Every mechanism to manipulate and subjugate economic growth and development were put in place to ensure my country is dependent on them regardless of the consequences on the deveopment of my country. The corrupt practice they started ate into the fabric of the local people themselves with each successive government borrowing a form of westernised government (especially democracy) and modifying it in a way to suit themselves and their paymasters. With neo colonialism, they continue to dominate my “independent” nation whose economy is a kitchen adjunct of the colonialists. To me, the Chinese in understanding the intricacies of Nigeria, which coincidentally is the most populous country in Africa, decided to wake Nigerians up from their slumber of economic dependence. As the Nigerian market was opened to foreign goods and services, the Chinese with their efficient production methods and cheap labour, which ultimately results in cheap quality finished goods comparable to that of the west, quickly overtook the place of the west in providing goods the common man could not hitherto think of buying. Before one could say Jet Li, apologies to Jack Robinson, the Europeans and their exploitative counterpart came out to say that Chinese products were substandard. When that could not work, coupled with the reduction in their former advantages, they quickly ran to China to set up plants that would produce European and American brands, which

ended up bearing the inscription, MADE IN CHINA. From this, I learnt something; China is not flooding or dumping goods fake or otherwise into Nigeria rather China is helping Nigerians have access to goods and services they would never have had because the west had stiffled Nigeria’s development prospects with her imposed system of government, her unceasing interference in the country’s affairs and her greed to milk Nigeria dry of her resources and wealth. I see the Sino phobia the west are expressing about China as not only irrational but also hypocritical, as they brand their products Made in China. To me, China is being lenient with them by not collecting royalty on western brands with that inscription. In my dealings with the Chinese, I have come to realise that a Chinese may joke with you concerning anything but time and honour is very important to them. This and other historical attributes of the Chinese, including their food and tea, which I have now become accustomed to, serve as a binding factor between China and myself. Although I live in a so-called democratic nation, I have come to distrust even the basic tenets on which democracy is built. Based on the Nigerian context, I am beginning to feel that communism, as practised by China, will end that cycle of neo-colonialism in Nigeria and open the door for the overall development of the country. Unlike the propagandist view of the west concerning communism, I have come to understand that China’s system of government, which gives no room for the dictation of the west in its local affairs, is the major reason for the transformation of China from what is used to be and what it is now. I may have limited knowledge of China, her government, people, food, music, dance, geography, etc. But one thing is certain: The little I know is enough to convince me of China, it greatness and my conviction that even with dissimilar cultures compared to Nigeria, I would love to see and experience China first hand as so many life changing goods are MADE IN CHINA.

46 YourMoney

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

With DESMOND EKEH desmondekeh@yahoo.com; 08023215535

Public Relations Officer, NIPR Lagos Chapter, Kalu Olekauwa (left); aspiring Vice Chairman, Comfort Nwankwo; aspiring Chairman, Ken Egbas; former Executive of NIPR, Olive Diala; member, Marce Anyanwu; and member, Akinpelu Sherrif, all of NIPR, Lagos State chapter, at the manifesto presentation by contestants for the July 4, 2013, election. PHOTO: PETER BASSEY By Abiodun Obisesan LTHOUGH the razzmatazz, deafening sound A of sirens and ego flaunting activities which characterise most political campaigns were lacking during the manifesto presentation by chairmanship aspirants of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter, public relations practitioners were fully aware of the significance of the manifesto session in moving the body forward. After serving for two terms as the Chairman of NIPR Lagos Chapter, Barrister Jide Ologun has set up machinery in place for the emergence of his successor on July 4, 2013. His exit as Chairman of the institute in Lagos has engendered mixed reactions, ranging from satisfaction by some PR experts who hold that he has stabilised the corporate co-existence of the institute to dissatisfaction from others who believe that the distracting influence of his legal profession has made the institute extensively docile. Since the inception of NIPR as the legitimate and government recognised body vested with the function of regulating reputation management in Nigeria, practitioners have had to grapple with a wide range of challenges. In Nigeria for instance, the duplicitous nature of the public relations profession by a huge army of unregistered PR executives and disrespect from government machineries are some of the hydra-headed monsters facing NIPR as a body. The out-going chairman also added poor finances arising from the reluctance of members to pay dues and levies as another major setback to the body. Three candidates have been ratified by the electoral board of NIPR to contest in the elections. They are Mr. Kunle Ogedengbe, Mr. Joseph Okonma and Mr. Ken Egbas. According to NIPR observers, the emergence of these candidates is a worthwhile development judging from the high and consistent display of apathy by members in previous elections. With over 100 PR practitioners present on the day of manifesto, out-going executive led by Jide Ologun set the stage for the three candidates to reel out their plans for the institute. Ogedengbe, who incidentally is serving on the current executive board, spoke first. He promised to work with all stakeholders in the institute for the growth of NIPR. He said: “If elected into office, I promise that each member will receive benefits worth N500, 000 in form of free legal service/audit and tax accounting. I will ensure that the welfare of members is given due consideration. We will create an expert room so that members with great business ideas will be attended to. NIPR deserves better service than what it is currently experiencing. I will build more intellectual capacity with our master’s class.” Also addressing the congress, Egbas focused on his cardinal programmes for NIPR. He lamented the low state of public relations activities in the country and spoke on some of modalities he intends to engender in order to grow the profession. “I hope to bring about visibility, stabili-

Promises, Great Expectations As Lagos NIPR Picks New Officers ty and unity to the institute. The sad commentary of the down trend of PR is my major concern. I intend to work with members to restore the glory days of the institute and also empower members. However, our perception needs to be upgraded. We also have to accentuate the position of public relations to overturn advertising. I believe there is a new and better way to do anything in order to achieve optimum result. This makes me innovative and result-oriented. Hence, I am not deterred and remain resolute in what I believe,” Egbas stated. The third contestant, Okonnah, spoke on his five-point transformation agenda if elected as chairman of NIPR. “I intend to expand the career opportunities in the institute. Also, I will work with members in terms of building capacity. I will also ensure there exist an effective networking within the institute. More importantly, I will erect an NIPR secretariat where members can come to engage services. I also intend to build synergy with NIMN, NBA, APCON and others. The institute will be given a face-lift through several activities,” he promised. In spite of the outpouring of these promises and agenda, some stakeholders shared their reservations and opinions on issues bordering on the elections as well as challenges affecting the growth of NIPR. Arising from the manifesto presentations, The Guardian caught up with PR experts who gave differing opinions about the elections and ways of bolstering the professional integrity of NIPR. Managing Director of AS+A Communications, Mrs. Agnes Shobanjo enumerated some of the teething challenges of the institute. “NIPR is low on patronage from the public sector. Government has not completely appreciated the role of public relations in governance. If that were to be done, all other issues facing practitioners would have been factored into the developmental programmes of this government. Jide

Ologun’s performance is such that his effort so far has not been appreciated by the government. The two-way communication pattern is not complete because it has been one sided. NIPR has done so much reaching out to government but we have not been able to get the commensurate response that is required. The fact is that we have information officers in all ministers and if you go and find out the elevation process within the hierarchy, more needs to be done by government to appreciate public relations practice,” she said. In view of the manifesto presentation, she gave her opinion on the ideal candidate for the exalted post of chairman of Lagos NIPR. “NIPR is evolving rapidly with the entrant of young practitioners and the older ones that ensure that its values are not eroded. Public Relations is about professionalism and excellence and we must ensure that it shows in everything we do. The ideal candidate for the post of chairman must be ready to wear the big shoes. It should entail performance, understanding the system and relating with the national level. It is important for us to reposition NIPR in Lagos State as the soul of NIPR nationwide. The ideal person should be able to propel the team forward. We need somebody who has clout within the corporate world in order to ensure that our fellow practitioners are not cheated in the field of operations. Hence, the institute is expected to ensure that CEO’s and Managing Directors should respect the views of the in-house public relations person so that they can enjoy their job as reputation managers,” she opined. Administration/Human Resources Manager, Frankfurt Network Limited, Doris Ndiala, who used to be a part of Jide Ologun’s cabinet (ExOfficio) before she pulled out, also bared her mind on the forthcoming election. She said: “During elections, these people come with mouth-watering promises only to get there and do nothing. They engage in so much deceit during elections. As far as I am con-

NIPR is evolving rapidly with the entrant of young practitioners and the older ones that ensure that its values are not eroded. Public Relations is about professionalism and excellence and we must ensure that it shows in everything we do. The ideal candidate for the post of chairman must be ready to wear the big shoes. It should entail performance, understanding the system and relating with the national level. It is important for us to reposition NIPR in Lagos State as the soul of NIPR nationwide. The ideal person should be able to propel the team forward.

cerned, these are just mere words without actions to back them up. This profession has put food on my table. It is my membership in NIPR that that gave me the edge in my present employment. But we are not where we are supposed to be. Presently, I envy some professional bodies like APCON because they are recognised by the government. We have over 5,000 NIPR members in Lagos alone but less than 100 are here. This is because members are not motivated and interested. Many of its members are disenchanted with apathy and lethargy because of the various internal wrangling.” However, former Secretary of NIPR Lagos State Chapter and Managing Partner of Gean Integrated Concept, Mr. George Akpan expressed hope on the future of the profession. “I hope the new set of executives can proffer solutions to sanitise the system. Although, the out-going chairman is a lawyer, he is also a qualified practitioner. He has succeeded in moving the chapter forward from its fallen state. He was Vice Chairman before running two terms and he has tried tremendously beyond our expectations. Government is a continuum and another person has to deepen his successful steering of the institute. “NIPR has not really exhausted options open to it. There has never been an equitable collaboration with government and legislators to regulate and enact the laws of NIPR as a professional body. The institute has been docile in this area because they have not been able to go after unregistered PR agents. The incoming chairman must be professionally sound and be active in administration. He should also be on ground to put all the machinery in place for a successful administration.” The CEO of Global Gate Communication Network, Olisa Emeka Obi, is grieved that a lot of PR people do not identify with NIPR. In his words, “like other professional bodies, NIPR should command respect but it is not well branded. Jide Ologun has stabilised the house but has not really raised the bar in attracting attention from government and global players. This is why we need someone who is steeped in the PR profession and can bolster more professional engagement and opportunity for the institute, someone who is an active PR person thoroughly. Since Jide is a lawyer, he does more of law practice, so he cannot devote more time to PR network. Hence, we need someone who is into core PR practice.”

YourMoney 47

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

BRANDNEWS LG Marks World Environment Day With Beach Cleaning Exercise

BRANDINTELLIGENCE V-Connect Targets SMEs With ‘Flash 2 Follow’ Data Service

Qlichy.Com Names Funke Akindele As Brand Ambassador

RONT line search engine HE popular saying that the earth provides enough to satisFservice and on-line information T fy every man is in deed true. But today, given the enorprovider, V-Connect mous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant devastating

growing online business networking platform, FitsAST Qlichy.com has announced star actress, Funke Akindele, as brand ambassador. She was presented to a section of the

effects on the environment, life on the planet is threatened. These concerns were brought to the fore when LG Electronics, a global leader in Consumer Electronics and Mobile Communications, joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s World Environment Day by embarking on a beach cleaning exercise. In line with the global theme “Think. Eat. Save; Reduce your Foodprint”, the event was aimed at protecting the environment as well as to forge a collective path towards a sustainable urban future. Showing its commitment to issues that affect the earth, members of staff of LG Electronics Nigeria, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Novelpotta Y&R as well as the media came out in their numbers to clean up an expansive beach in Epe, a Lagos suburb.

Deepankar Rustagi said: “VConnect is concerned about the lack of information and contacts especially during Global Service, has introemergencies and risky situaduced a fast and efficient means of validating business tions. We have discovered that data services for small, medi- most people cannot make strategic calls in times of life um enterprises and corpothreatening situations. This is rate organisations. V-Connect’s unveiling of this our major interest in the gennew SMS verification technol- eral public. For three years now, V-Connect has been servogy termed Flash 2 Follow created a wild reaction from icing over 700 businesses. a cross section of brand jour- Basically, Flash 2 Follow is designed to connect buyers nalists in Lagos recently. and suppliers so that medium Speaking on the essence of scale enterprises can grow. It the Flash 2 Follow to the should also enable producers Nigerian business market to know and derive the phone community, General number of their consumers.” Manager of V-Connect,

media recently at a ceremony in Ikeja, Lagos. Her presentation came on the heels of a successful official launch in April and a town storm campaign in May by the brand. Qlichy.com is a multi-site business portal, news service and e-commerce platform that is linked to the Interswitch platform for payment purposes. The platform has been enjoying growing patronage and traffic since its launch in April. Qlichy.com offers access to platforms like BIZPOINT, TALKPOINT, SALESPOINT, PLAYPOINT and THOUGHTPOINT for businesses and consumers to meet and interact. Speaking at a ceremony where she was unveiled as the brand ambassador, Akindele said: “I am delighted to be associated with Qlichy.com and consider it an honour to be the brand ambassador. The Qlichy brand besides being the ultimate virtual meeting point and resource centre, it is the future. I say this because this new platform will empower a lot of people.” She added: “I admire the thought process behind it and that is why I am thrilled to be part of the Team Qlichy. It will empower a wide range of people and I enjoin all business operators, owners, content developers and resource persons to be part of it.”

Mr. Chef Urges Preference For Iodized Salt R. Chef Iodized Salt from the stable of Royal Salt Limited M is embarking on sensitisation campaign for consumers in the North on the nutritional benefits of consuming

Assistant Human Resource Manager, LG Electronics, West Africa operations, Mr. Majidi Babatunde (left); Managing Director, LG Electronics, West Africa operations, Mr. Deog Jun Kim; Assistant Manager, Account, LG, Mrs. Oluwatosin Idowu; and Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohammed Fouani, during the LG Beach Cleaning activity to mark the World Environment Day in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, recently.

ADVAN Marketers’ Evening Holds Next Month HE Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has conT cluded plans to hold its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 12, 2013, in Lagos. Tagged ‘Marketers’ Evening’, the AGM aligns with the body’s initiative for professionals to learn, network and socialise. According to the Executive Secretary of ADVAN, Ediri OseEdiale, the ‘Marketers’ Evening’ will provide a platform for industry professionals to deliberate on issues. She said the objective of the event is to advance marketing decision-making by disseminating unique insights to ADVAN members, as well as bringing members together with industry thought leaders to develop new ideas, and facilitate industry-wide networking. She noted that leaders in the nation’s marketing industry would attend the evening ADVAN is the only body in the nation that represents the collective interest of advertisers. It was founded to advance the interest of the marketing industry in Nigeria by spearheading and ensuring global best practices as well as facilitating collaborative partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Today, ADVAN is a strong voice of 60 of the biggest marketers in Nigeria representing over 200 brands with an annual marketing spend of well over N100 billion.

Encomiums Trail Nexus 4 Smartphone ONTHS after it was introduced into the Nigerian market, M consumers have continued to commend the LG Nexus 4 E960 phone. The phone has been enjoying rave reviews with many users finding it to be a refreshing new way to interface with a smartphone. The Nexus 4 is a Smartphone with a beautiful minimalist design and fast performance. It thrives on internal performance and user experience. The Korean giant, LG Electronics, strategically designed and manufactured the E960 in partnership with Google. The introduction of this high-end phone is informed by the company’s quest to achieve its primal objective of meeting the needs of its esteemed consumers. A 35-year-old computer analyst, Rosemary Osunde, detailed her thoughts and experience after two months of using the Nexus 4 phone. She said: “This new smartphone from LG comes complete with my favourite Google Apps, an amazing Photo Sphere camera, cutting edge hardware, and access to my favourite entertainment on Google Play; Nexus 4 puts the best of Google in the palm of my hand.” She added: “Before buying the Nexus 4, I needed a good phone. But to me it is an investment. I don’t believe in buying a phone every now and then for the fun of it. It is better than nearly every phone in the market.

iodized and branded packaged salt which is healthier than the unbranded and unpackaged salt which is usually exposed and sold in cup measurement. As part of activities for the sensitisation campaign, the company’s management team led by the Executive Director, Alhaji Lawal Idirisu, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Shehu Idris in his traditional palace in Zaria, Kaduna State. Speaking during the courtesy visit which was well attended by the Emir, members of the cabinet and other community leaders, the Executive Director, Royal Salt Limited, Alhaji Lawal Idirisu, explained that the visit to the palace of the Emir was to obtain the royal blessing for the consumer sensitisation campaign on the importance of consuming packaged and iodized salt. Highlighting the advantages of the packaged iodized salt over the exposed salt, Idirisu stated that iodized salt is thoroughly processed and fortified with iodine which makes it very healthy for consumption while the iodine content also helps development and optimum functionality of the brain especially in children.

Trophy Lager, Grand Malt Bag Global Recognition Trophy Lager is brewed to international quality standard,” he said. He further explained that International Breweries Plc the premium quality of and Pabod Breweries Trophy Lager is achieved Limited (subsidiaries of through a thorough brewSABMiller Plc in Nigeria) ing process using the highrespectively were recently est quality ingredient and honoured with the world-class equipment by International Monde Selection awards for quality well trained and committed staff. in the gold category. Also speaking on the The Monde Selection is an award, the Chief Brewer of international award that the SABMiller group of busirecognises the taste and nesses in Nigeria, Mr. Ray De quality of brands from across the globe using criti- Power, stated that the company’s adherence to reliable cal evaluation by an indequality assurance earned pendent jury. these two brands the According to the Chief deserved recognition. Operating Officer of In his words “we conduct International Breweries Plc, Mr. Carlos Gomes, the award critical analysis of all our ingredients in all our plants for Trophy Lager was well to ensure we achieve consisdeserved. tent quality time after time”. “This Monde gold award truly reinforces the fact that ROPHY Premium Lager T and Grand Malt, two high quality brands brewed by

Project Manager, Tosin Adefeko (left); Brand Ambassador, Funke AkindeleOloyede; and Marketing Partner, Bayo Idowu, of Qlichy.com at the unveiling of Akindele-Oloyede as the company’s Brand Ambassador in Lagos recently.

SPAN Graduates First Set of Students HE Society for the T Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), a non-governmental

concerns them, and create opportunities for them to dialogue, develop, and overcome organisation recently gradu- limitations using the perated its first set of 20 students forming arts as a healing and as part of its commitment to transformational tool.” boost human development Boulos stressed that the 2013and skill acquisition to 2014 season “will be filled reduce poverty in Nigeria. with educational proThe event, which held at Eko grammes followed by rewards Hotel and Suites, Lagos, and awards to inspire the purattracted brand custodians, suit of excellence so that more entrepreneurs, investors, cor- men from underprivileged porate organisations, memcommunities can stand tall in bers of the diplomatic comthe sunlight of achievements, munity and other notable contributing great impacts high-profile personalities. that affect and change socieThe event also saw the ty.” launch of a Special Health Some of the top patrons and Fund for students by the sponsors behind the trainings management of SPAN. and creative abilities of SPAN Speaking at the occasion, include Indomie, SCOA, Sevenfounder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Up Nigeria Bottling Company, Boulos, said: “Today, we are Cool FM, Mountain Dew, I.T.B defined by what we do more Nigeria Limited, Tropic Ice, than who we are and that is Audio Visual First (AVF), GEA, the rationale behind the edu- Chellarams, Aleeco Nader, CIS cation of Nigerian youths to Group, Group Fadoul, and achieve greatness in all that Netcom, among others.

Enhanced Training Will Fast-track Nation’s Development, Says Red Star MD IGERIA’S chances of actualising its growth potentials and N catching up with the developed world in an increasingly competitive global environment can only be achieved

Marketing Director, Sabmiller Nigeria, Mr. Chris Wulff Caeser (left) and Chief Brewer, Sabmiller Nigeria, Mr. Ray De Power, during the press briefing to announce the Monde International Awards won by Trophy Lager Beer and Grand Malt, recently.

through training and continual human resource development, the Managing Director of Red Star Express Plc, Mr. Sule Bichi, has said. Bichi emphasised this at the closing ceremony of the strategic training session for the company’s sales force and key operational personnel. He noted that, “though training is highly spoken about in both the private and public sectors, it is yet to be fully inculcated in the fabric of our developmental scheme; and during economic hardships, training is one of the quickest disposable activities. Paradoxically, the contrary should be the case, as any organisation or nation is only as good as the quality of its people. We at Red Star Express have long taken this long term approach and we see training both as an end and a means to an end.” In order to continue offering world-class quality service, the foremost courier company, Red Star Express Plc, recently concluded training of over a hundred staff.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

DEVELOPMENT

Boosting Lawmaking At The Grassroots By Bayo Ogunmupe OCAL councils are the third tier of governLfederation. ment. The first two are the states and the So far, we do not know where local governments are independent of the state. That certainly isn’t in the British Commonwealth and the United States, the countries we look up to as our icons. This is because we share the same heritage, such as the Common Law and system of government with these countries. Be that as it may, local governments are the government nearest to the people. They comprise the executive, expressed in the council chairman and his supervisors. Like in the states and the federation, supervisors are commissioners in the state and ministers in respect of the federal government. Like the council chairman, the councilor is elected. The councilors constitute the legislative arm of the council. Like members of the state assembly, councilors make laws — theirs are called bye-laws. Councilors are to make laws for the good governance of the council. They too have oversight functions. They ensure adherence of the chairman and his supervisors to the budget, execution of projects and the like. Like assemblymen in the states and members in the National Assembly, Councillors can impeach and remove the chairman for misconduct. It is for these reasons that the refusal of some of our state governors to conduct local government elections leave much to be desired. In the 1999 Constitution under section seven, it was envisaged that some people must be in charge of their affairs. The constitution wants people to assume office in the manner prescribed by it. For that reason, the basic law directs that there shall be local government elections in the 774 local council areas the federation. Aside, every governor is a product of election. The constitution clearly forbids anyone or group of persons from taking control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof except as prescribed by the constitution. Thus, those saddled with discharging authority at the local level without election constitute the usurpation of the authority of the local government. The state governors should be blamed for these lapses. Indeed, failure to conduct local government elections on time is grievous breach of the constitution. But governors have a duty to preserve the values and ideals of democracy. In the current circumstance, chairmen are mere pawns in the hand o f governors. Expenditure patterns of local authorities are variously regulated by the governors. Thus the admonition of the State Peer Review Mechanism that state governments should give utmost priority to the conduct of local government elections and work with all stakeholders in the resolution and removal of impediments to elections was well made. Adhering to such recommendations will boost our democratic values and leadership credentials. This will also ensure that dividends of democracy reach the grassroots faster. This in turn will boost the nation’s image as an emerging democracy. However, we should not miss out the federalist doctrines, which confer power on the federating states to control and promote their local governments. Certainly, the present federalism in Nigeria is skewed to favour certain communities. Which was why they were arbitrarily created, exemplifying the contradictions of the system. That arbitrariness had encouraged many states to create local governments without the corresponding financial powers. Thus subsequently led to their conversion to area councils. Thus, reinforcing our skewed federalism will result from federally created councils. The best way therefore, is to allow the status quo to remain. We should therefore empower our local governments like Lagos state government is doing by enabling councils to perform their roles through creating enabling environment for elected officials at the grassroots to perform their oversight functions more effectively. Thus, they will be able to deliver greater dividends of democracy to the satisfaction of their constituencies.

Foundation laying ceremony of Freedom House at Amuwo Odofin Local Council Secretariat, Festac Town, Lagos, featuring Senator Oluremi Tinubu assisted by the Chairman, Comrade Ayodele Adewale in June 2012 The infrastructural concerns of the local communities will be taken care of. Such concerns are the roads, low cost housing, water supply and flood control through neighbourhood sanitation and surveillance. In fact the more ardent task of the public should be how to make council officials accountable to the people. Under section seven of the 1999 Constitution, the system of local government by elected councils is guaranteed. Thus, the government of every state shall subject to Section 8 of the Constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils. While all the states have complied with this requirement, sadly most of them have done other things to render local governments irrelevant and powerless to fulfill their functions. Under the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, the functions of a local government council include, construction and maintenance of roads, streets, street lightings, drains and other public highways, parks, gardens, open spaces or such public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time from the House of Assembly of a state. Councils are also to establish and maintain cemeteries, burial grounds, homes for the destitute, slaughter houses, markets, motor parks and public conveniences. Since the advent of democracy, the impact of local governments regarding these objectives has been minimal. But there are some exceptions. In this regard, reference must be made to the giant strides being recorded at Amuwo Odofin Local Council Area since 2009 when Comrade Ayodele Adewale assumed office as chairman. In addition to touching people’s lives greatly by focusing on all the primary duties of local council administration, efforts are on-going to ensure that infrastructures that guarantee efficient running of the local council are put in place. In June 2012, the foundation laying ceremony of the legislative building, which has been estimated to cost over N100 million, was presided over by Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Christened Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legislative Building (Freedom House), the edifice, which is expected to be complete by the end of this year, comprises the legisla-

tive chamber, an up- to-date library, records office and archives. The building also houses councilors’ offices. Each councilor has, also, been given a blackberry phone to keep up with information on the council and around the world. Each councilor has also been given a 2012 made modern vehicle to ease his or her movement. In order to keep up with legislative matters, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Council has also sent councilors on overseas training to intimate them with current trends in local government administration. These programmes have boosted the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislators. This exemplary style of Amuwo Odofin is rare in the annals of local government administration in Nigeria. Certainly their actions are commendable. It is however disheartening that some states have conspired to strangulate and diminish the importance of councils. This is what some states are doing by diverting council funds into other uses. They thereby restrict their initiatives by reducing councils to an appendage of state governments. Unfortunately, the constitutional provision requiring the payment of local government statutory allocations into the state joint local government account has not been helpful. Curiously, there

is widespread poverty in Nigeria. Local governments should assist in ameliorating it. As poverty and unemployment are increasing and the manufacturing sector is in the doldrums, local governments should be empowered to handle this. With the establishment by councils of import-substitution industries, Nigeria may heave a sigh of relief from the debilitating scourge of poverty now ravaging the country. It is now public knowledge that our money realized through the sale of crude oil is being used to fuel corruption by our rent-collecting elite. The widespread corruption visible in every sphere of our lives is eating up the growth of this nation. These monies being wasted could be channeled through the local governments for the building of houses for the people as obtains in Great Britain. As an agricultural country, Nigeria should invest in agrobased businesses that could give employment to our teeming population of idle university graduates. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, unemployment in Nigeria doubled between 2006 and 2011. At the same time, we have allowed our factories to close down in favour of a trader mentality that imports everything including toothpicks from China. If we must use the Chinese for their cheapness, why don’t we bring them here to manufacture the goods and create jobs? Clearly, many things are wrong with Nigeria. Let the local governments do these things for us as Amuwo Odofin is blazing the trail for all Nigerians.

Work-in-progress… the legislative complex under construction

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 29, 2013 49

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

Ashiru

May

Jonathan

Cameron

By Godwin Ijediogor (News Editor)

Burdens Of The Nigerian Abroad

OR quite some time now, Nigerians Fsion,abroad or visiting abroad, and by extenNigeria have been in the news, more for the wrong reasons. It is either they are found on the wrong side of the law or they are ill or maltreated, sometimes when they are innocent and lawabiding, just out of petty jealousy or that they are Nigerians. Those desperate to travel abroad by all means and at all costs, must eke out a living at all costs and by all means too, including entering and living in a country illegally and indulging in criminal and underhand activities. Some become servants abroad when they could be kings at home if only they work harder and be resilient. Some of them would take loans, sell off their houses, cars, businesses and even quit their lucrative jobs to achieve this. Some of them end up worse off than those who choose to remain at home. But for those sweating it out at home, it is despicable, saddening and unimaginable how their fellow countrymen and women would descend so low and bring the country to international disrepute. They are worried that fellow citizens are made to suffer and in some cases, simply marked down or set up for offences they really knew nothing about. Today, many Nigerians are serving sentences abroad even in little known countries for their misdeeds or because they are Nigerians. For the former, let the law take its course, but for the latter, there is a need for the Nigerian government to act to protect its citizens wherever they are. Indeed, it owes them a duty to ensure that they are accorded due process and their fundamental human rights are not denied. After all, immigration is a worldwide phe-

nomenon. According to a recent World Bank report, Nigerians in the diaspora remitted over $10 billion into the global economy in 2009 alone. Reports of racist attacks against foreigners, including Nigerians, in the United States, Europe and even South Africa, are gradually assuming a new dimension. Even Nigeria’s renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, was denied entry into South Africa in 1995 despite visiting as a guest speaker at Dr. Nelson Mandela’s birthday. Probably the height of it all was the deportation of 125 Nigerians on Tuesday, March 2, last year by the South African government for allegedly carrying fake yellow fever vaccination certificates, even when the World health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nigeria from the list of endemic countries as no case had been recorded in Nigeria since 15 years ago and many countries in the world no longer require evidence of yellow fever vaccination for visitors from the endemic zone. Unlike in the past when it would wait for answers before taking any action, Nigeria reciprocated by deporting some South Africans. And by Thursday morning, when the face-off was resolved following the

Nigerians treat foreigners with respect but you don’t get that reciprocated outside this country, and we want that to stop, she stressed. She alleged that the executive arm of government was not doing enough to address the problems confronting Nigerians abroad. Nigerians are known to have been executed in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and China for offences, including drug-related offences, fraud, kidnapping, armed robbery and rape. But a lot of innocent Nigerians get caught up or killed without any concrete action to bring their killers to book.

apology tendered by South Africa, 136 South Africans had been deported for “improper documentation.” Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, in reaction, said: “It will be measure for measure; we will not let it go unreciprocated. The signal must go out, not just to South Africa, but also to the rest of the world, that when you treat Nigerians with disrespect, we also will find a way of treating your nationals with disrespect. “No country has a monopoly of treating Nigerians with disrespect; we too can hit back.” Not long ago, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on the Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed that there were over 40,000 Nigerians in prisons in different parts of the world for different reasons. “Nigerians treat foreigners with respect but you don’t get that reciprocated outside this country, and we want that to stop,” she stressed. She alleged that the executive arm of government was not doing enough to address the problems confronting Nigerians abroad. Nigerians are known to have been executed in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and China for offences, including drug-related offences, fraud, kidnapping, armed robbery and rape. But a lot of innocent Nigerians get caught up or killed without any concrete action to bring their killers to book. For example, a white racist gang in London murdered Stephen Lawrence, a Nigerian boy. The police refused to conduct normal investigation and it took 20 years to convict only two of his five alleged killers. Just recently, it was announced that visitors from Nigeria, India, Pakistan and other “high risk” countries in Africa and Asia will be forced to pay a £3,000 (about N720, 000) cash bond before they can enter Britain from November this year, when a pilot scheme targeting visitors from seven countries who will have to pay the government a form of

cash guarantee or deposit to deter immigration abuse. They will forfeit the £3,000 if they overstay in Britain and fail to return to their home countries by the time their visa has expired. The controversial move by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to introduce the Australian-style system reflects her determination to show that the Tories are serious about cutting immigration and curbing abuses. But Ashiru said that Nigeria would respond “appropriately” when it receives a formal notification from the UK, assuring that the interests of Nigerians would be protected. Ashiru urged Nigerians not to flout the laws and regulations of other countries to reduce the unnecessary burden of Nigerian missions having to deal with the legalities surrounding incarcerated Nigerians. He particularly singled out drug trafficking, an act which is more detectable due to the sophistication of equipment at airports all around the world. “If you know that the penalty for trafficking of drugs to a certain country is death, why would you do it? If you willfully commit this crime, then you want to willfully commit suicide as the sophisticated detectors would catch you,” he said. He however noted that Nigerian diplomats all over the world were still bound to provide consular services for all Nigerians, including those being detained in their countries of accreditation. The House of Representatives Committee described it as discriminatory and unacceptable to Nigeria. This was after Anthony Chinedu, a suspected Nigerian drug lord, who was arrested two weeks ago (around April 9), but released on a cash bail of Ksh200, 000, pending the mention of his case on May 12, after which his hearing has been scheduled for June 17, was CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

COVER

Pains Of Life Outside Fatherland CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 unceremoniously deported. Chinedu was allegedly arrested with 10 grammas of white powder suspected to be cocaine along with other apparatus suspected to be used to make narcotics. The prosecution consequently applied to have Chinedu held in custody until his trial ends, but Nairobi Chief Magistrate Kiarie Waweru rejected the application. Chinedu is also facing charges of being in the country illegally, forging a Nigerian passport and refusing to cooperate with anti-narcotics officers who wanted to search his Kileleshwa residence. Chinedu and his estranged Kenyan wife and mother of his three children, Akinyi, who recently returned to the country after serving jail in India, are currently feuding over assets and property. Chinedu had said: “Akinyi will want to use every opportunity to fix me,” after the police searched his residence and business premises. The rival couple has court cases relating to their various properties and custody of their two children. Chinedu and five other Nigerians were finally deported on June 3 on the basis that they were in Kenya illegally. In apparent retaliation against the manner of their deportation, more so when Chinedu’s case is still pending in a Kenyan court, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) impounded the chartered East African Safari Express aircraft which brought them at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and held the 11 accompanying officials and crew. But they have since been released, following diplomatic engagement between both countries. Adewale Kupoluyi of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in an article published in the Economic and Financial Times, wrote that “maltreatment of Nigerians abroad also stems from unnecessary persecutions, stereotyping, false accusations, harassments and other forms of racial abuses. “In many cases, these unfortunate citizens receive little assistance or protection at all from the embassies. “What could be best described as self-inflicting or home-induced problem is the issue of the renewal of expired passports. It is a common knowledge that such Nigerians often wait in frustration for several months without succeeding in getting their passports renewed. “During this period of despair, they are forced to live like fugitives. Some end up being arrested and deported in the process. The main excuse by our embassies is that of shortage of machines that could produce the

passports.” He added: “What usually happens is that these stranded Nigerians often resort into going to nearby countries to explore the possibilities of obtaining their passports at great cost, thus encouraging corruption and racketeering amongst dubious embassy staff and touts. “Just as what is obtainable at home, civil servants on diplomatic postings as well as their underpaid non-home based staff who are locally recruited are said to have perfected ways of demanding and receiving bribes.” But he acknowledged: “Some Nigerians knowingly break the laws in foreign lands. Out of their desperation, they get themselves involved in smuggling hard drugs into countries where the punishment is very severe and their own citizens are not spared, such as Thailand”. Speaking on this topic recently, Senate President David Mark said Nigeria would no longer come to the rescue of its citizens found guilty of criminal activities in foreign countries. He was reacting to the fate of 18 Nigerian inmates sentenced to death in Indonesia. But he promised that the country would always be there for any of its maltreated citizens abroad. He said: “We will not defend any Nigerian who breaks the laws of foreign countries. If they break the laws there, they should face the consequences. This is a warning to other Nigerians abroad that they cannot continue to tarnish our image.” This was re-echoed by Ashiru who said: “There is nothing the federal government can do if you are caught with drugs on your body. If you are taken to court, our embassy officials will be there, they will

‘Maltreatment of Nigerians in foreign airports and countries,’ bemoaned that custom or immigration officials maltreat Nigerians abroad and in foreign airports, even when on transit. Former Foreign Affairs minister, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), who is Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), regretted that the leadership in Nigeria suffers from primitive acquisitive tendencies and believes solely in the accumulation of wealth at all costs, which has led to widespread poverty in the land.

Some Nigerians sleeping on the sand in the desert on thier way to European countries

Chiedu, a Nigerian recently deported from Kenya watch the proceedings.” Adebisi Obafemi, writing on ‘Maltreatment of Nigerians in foreign airports and countries,’ bemoaned that custom or immigration officials maltreat Nigerians abroad and in foreign airports, even when on transit. Former Foreign Affairs minister, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), who is Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), regretted that the leadership in Nigeria suffers from primitive acquisitive tendencies and believes solely in the accumulation of wealth at all costs, which has led to widespread poverty in the land. Speaking on the theme, ‘Managing Nigeria’s Image: Whose Responsibility?” Nwachukwu said Nigeria’s dwindling reputation abroad is not only hinged on isolated cases of some dubious Nigerians abroad, but also on corruption. He stated: “Instead of efficiently utilising public funds for the development of the country, unscrupulous politicians use the

PHOTO: INTERNET

financial resources of the state as private means. “The result is a complete disavowal of the norms of good democratic practices such as transparency, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the population.” He listed other consequences of the unfavourable image as targeted persecution and maltreatment of Nigerians in different African countries, restrictive labour policies aimed strictly at Nigerians, among others. Worried by the harassment of Nigerians in foreign lands, the federal government recently lodged a formal protest with the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations, with reprisal on the table. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, noted that the harassment of Nigerians by foreign countries, especially the UK, had reached an unacceptable level. He stressed that a situation where security operatives harass Nigerians at entry points was unacceptable, regretting that in most cases, it was only Nigerians that were subjected to such inhuman treatment. “Dignity of Nigerians must be given the highest priority… We have decided that we are going to take up the issue with all the seriousness it deserves. “Why should it be only Nigerians? You send dogs to us in the name of screening; they scare our children and do all sorts of things to our women. “We are insisting that they must find a civilized way of doing it, instead of this humiliation. The issue is before us and we are dealing with it seriously.” Following the death of a Nigerian in Spain in suspicious circumstances, Ahmed disclosed that the federal government had directed its missions abroad to be more concerned about the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora. He said that henceforth, any Nigerian envoy who treats complaints from Nigerians in his country of assignment with levity would face disciplinary action. Ahmed added: “If a Nigerian says he or she is in trouble and the Ambassador or the High Commissioner refuses to attend to the person, he or she will be queried immediately.” But he lamented the inhuman conditions under which some Nigerians in foreign lands live, citing Italy where he said about 22 Nigerian commercial sex workers live in a room.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

COVER By Sony Neme HE recent £3, 000 visa bond slammed on visitors from T Nigerian and some other countries by the United Kingdom has once again brought to the fore, the pains of Nigerians living abroad. Concerned Nigerians are asking why their fellow citizens cannot call the bluff of foreign countries like the UK who treat Nigerians with disdain. The UK bond controversy is just one of many hassles Nigerians are made to go through in search of greener pastures abroad. Many of these Nigerians, especially young girls and boys, in their desperation to travel out due to what many of them perceive as the harsh economic realities back home, take unimaginable risks. Investigations on how the journey to Europe starts from Nigeria revealed a very sordid and worrisome danger. According to a victim, who is still holed up in Tunisia: “The journey started when I was called by my boy friend that his classmate urgently needed someone to take something to his brother in France by road. “So my boy friend, thinking it was going to favour me as a French language student, advised me to take the opportunity and I thought it was a great idea. “His brother, who purportedly lived in France, asked if I could pay $1,500 for him to help me cross into France. He also asked if I had any vocational training, especially in hair making, to which I replied, ‘yes,’ because I am good at it, having learnt it before gaining admission into higher institution.” She continued: “Thereafter, he directed me to his mother’s place in Benin, the Edo State capital, to collect the parcel I was to bring for him. He said I should thereafter wait at his brother’s place till he sent transport fare. “After three days, he called to say the guy who was bringing me said he could not bring only me, unless if we are up to three. “So, I called my friends, both of who came from my school, to meet me in Benin. That was when we were taken to the Big Joe Park and paid N4, 550 for each of us to Kano. From there, a guy picked us to his house, where we met three other girls. “At 5a.m. the next day, we went through desert and thorns, then we took motorcycles to the border with Niger Republic. “From there, we were transferred to a driver that would take us to Zyden, a state in Niger Republic, where a driver, one Mohammed, who we later learnt is a retired soldier specialised in taking girls to Agadez, drove us to Agadez, where the main camp is located and from where people took Hilux Jeeps every Monday to Libya.” “We got to a camp called Bola Ghetto, with a three-bedroom mud house owned by a very dark-complexioned old woman who limps. She is called Bola. Every Monday, about 34 people leave in a crowded Hilux Jeep from the main camp to Libya. “At the departing border town, we had 700 jeeps heading to Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, Egypt, Guinea Conakry, etc through the desert.” On arrival, she said they were faced with bigger and different kinds of unprintable problems that they had to adjust to. Earlier last year, a very disturbing report came in from Brazil about Nigerians languishing in jails across the South American country. Unfortunately, the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), the government

Some Nigerian women recently arrested by security agent at a boarder town of Gumel in Jigawa State on their way to one of the European countries through illegal route

For Nigerians Abroad, Tortuous Path To agency saddled with the responsibility of checking the menace, is grossly under-funded. According to a reliable source at the agency, it hardly gets enough funds to carry out its job. Another militating factor is the leniency of the laws, which carries a maximum of 18 months jail term for the offence. Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, has warned that destination countries of victims of human trafficking who don’t develop mechanism for victims’ identification and protection, even before repatriation to coun-

We got to a camp called Bola Ghetto, with a threebedroom mud house owned by a very dark-complexioned old woman who limps. She is called Bola. Every Monday, about 34 people leave in a crowded Hilux Jeep from the main camp to Libya.

tries of source, hamper investigation, endanger the victims and push the crime underground. Mrs. Jedy-Agba, while receiving the Swedish Minister for Justice and Police, Ms. Simonetta Sommaruga, during her working visit to NAPTIP office in Abuja, advocated an all-hands-on-deck approach to curb the menace. She urged Nigeria’s lawmakers to take a good look at the criminal justice system to help nip these kinds of shameful developments in the bud. Ironically, not much awareness is beamed on the demerits of the infamous activity now, unlike when wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Titi, brought the issue to the front burner of national discuss through her WOTCLEF. Adequate information, especially among undergraduates, enables them think twice before embarking on such risky trips. It will also equip parents too to pay more attention to where their children/wards are, and who their friends are. With a sustained awareness campaign, would-be travelers would be educated on what to expect as the gold they desire may not really be there, considering the kind of risks they are exposed to.

‘Nigeria Should Pull Out Of The Commonwealth If Britain Insists’ COMRADE Abdul-Kareem Motajo is the Acting Secretary of National Union of Air Transport Employees of Nigeria. By virtue of his unionism, he has travelled the length and breath of Europe, America, Scandinavia and Africa, canvassing for the welfare of the members of his union. In this interview with BANKOLE SHAKIRUDEEN ADESHINA, he is the opinion that Nigeria should instigate an emergency meeting of the Commonwealth of Nations to discuss the “obnoxious and extortive” policy of £3, 000 deposit by immigrants to the United Kingdom. What is your reaction to the recent policy of £3000 compulsory deposit by all immigrants of some countries, including Nigeria, travelling to the United Kingdom by the British government? THINK the British government is not fair to Nigeria at all by including it in such a discriminatory policy, especially judging from our longstanding mutual relationship. The UK government should not use the waywardness of a few immigrants to subject many, including many legitimate Nigerian travellers, to such exploitative condition. Sincerely speaking, the policy is impracticable because there is no way everyone, including those who are on a short business meeting or family visitation and even students to the UK, can afford such a huge sum of money; except for our wealthy and prodigious politicians. Things like these have been happening before but went

Motajo unnoticed. For example, many of our Nigerian immigrants have been subjected to dehumanizing conditions at foreign embassies even when they have the right documents. I recall when I had to renew my German visa recently. I had to be at the embassy by 3a.m simply because of one unacceptable policy by the embassy that all applicants must have been accredited and on a queue on or before 6 a.m. And when the embassy eventually opens to attend to applicants, they just pick a few people and dismiss the rest till the following day, not minding how urgent such people’s appointments in their country

were. But our leaders could not address this simply because many of them have diplomatic passports and those directly responsible to frown at such are not doing their job. The point is, how would the United Kingdom feel when similar policy is reciprocated against them? Statutorily, part of the original concepts of the Commonwealth family was to remove all serious hindrances that could frustrate mutual relationships in areas like economy, trade, policy, funding and immigration among others. How come the United Kingdom is acting contrary to this resolution? Could it be because of the imminent economic meltdown? Even at that, no country has the legal right to subject legal immigrants to such exploitative policy. And it is not possible to say Nigerians should not travel abroad or the UK for that matter anymore. It’s not possible. There are many Britons here and many Nigerians were born and doing great out there too. No human being and even country, can be independently sufficient. How do you think the Nigerian government should respond? Initially, when I asked myself a fundamental question like what could have necessitated such a wicked policy on Nigeria by the government of David Cameron, the answers I could think of were first, a renewed strategy by the erst-

while colonial emperor to continue their exploitation of our weak and bad leadership. Another answer I could think of was the mad rush by many Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad and the United Kingdom among their countries of destination. Now, to show to the world that we are not a push over country when it comes to critical issues like this, I strongly recommend that all the Commonwealth countries should rise up to challenge this neo-colonialism. Specifically, I advise the Nigerian government to summon or instigate an emergency meeting of the union to discuss this issue. If a favorable conclusion is not reached, Nigeria has the right, as a sovereign country, to pull out of the Commonwealth family that is highly discriminatory, even by its leader. Be that as it may, our leaders also need to be blamed. They are responsible for such embarrassment. Their definition of success is having houses and fat bank accounts abroad, hence their relentless selfishness and desperation to continue to steal our money, keeping it in countries like the UK. If our government had domesticated our wealth, created jobs, funded education and invested in necessary infrastructures that would make our economy, agriculture, health, education, culture and tourism maximally developed and competitive, Britons will even be in position to come seeking greener pastures here.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

COVER

Looking Beyond A Bond That Kills Bonding By Debo Oladimeji HE monetary crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of the economies of the developed countries and the extent to which their prosperity has been built on our poverty. “The lower the prices we were paid for our natural resources, the higher the prices we had had to pay for the manufactures made out of the same natural resources purchased from us.” This is an extract from a speech by the late head of state, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, at the Extra-Ordinary Summit Conference of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) held in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia on January 11,1976. Beyond the diplomatic row brewing between Nigeria and the United Kingdom following the proposed controversial policy requiring Nigerian travellers to the UK to deposit £3,000 as bond in case they overstay their visa, is the deportation and other maltreatments meted to Nigerians in many parts of the world, in spite of the hype about globalisation. Nigerians again woke up on Monday to hear that Nigerians intending to travel to the UK are to deposit £3,000 as bond, under the proposed new visa policy that will take effect in November. Reacting to the unjust treatment of Nigerians abroad, Prof. Itse Sagay, a Professor of International Law, averred that charity begins at home. “We must learn to live in our country. Then we must not travel out to commit crime. Beyond that, we need a strong assertion by the Nigerian government. If a country treats Nigerians badly, we should reciprocate,” he said. In the same vein, the Chairman of International Inner Wheel, District 911, Mrs. Mopelola Adisa said that the government should make sure that Nigerians travelling abroad have the requisite papers. “The government should fight for Nigerians that were unjustly deported from Kenya. At least Nigerian living abroad are working there and helping to boost the economies of those countries. Deporting them back to Nigeria with flimsy excuses does not augur well,” she said. She also urged the government to fix the economy. “It is the economic crisis that is causing this problem. Before, Nigerians used to travel abroad and return to Nigeria at the right time. Today, people travel without proper documentation. Then, our embassies should be able to help Nigerians that are being intimidated abroad,” she said. Member, House of Representatives and Chairperson House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Abike Dabri-Erewa said that the government must ensure that justice is done to Nigerians living abroad. “Nigerians are being deported from Kenya. Even Guinea Bissau deported many Nigerians from their country. You need to see how they are treating Nigerians in Norway or the Philippines where they are not finding it easy to renew their papers,” she lamented. Dabiri-Erewa recalled that in those days, no country dared maltreat Nigerians. “Take the issue of drugs. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is doing well in that area. In most of these countries the culprits are not Nigerians; they are only holding Nigerian passports,” she said. She added that against all odds, many Nigerians are doing well abroad. “We must reject generalisation. We should be proud of those Nigerians that are doing well”. She urged Nigerians to be good ambassadors of the

“T

The Federal Government should take a quick response to the proposed visa policy by Britain. It should stick to its principle of reciprocity. How Nigeria or Nigerians are treated by other countries should inform the way we react to them? country wherever they go. “Then the government should try and fix the economy by providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths”. As for the proposed £3,000 visa bond for Nigerians travelling to the UK, she said that the house is still waiting for official confirmation from the British government. “But the report from the media cannot be taken for granted. What if suddenly the Nigerian government increases the landing fees for British Airways to N2 million? How will they feel? There are many things the government can do to reciprocate”. On his part, the Director General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, Prof. Tunde Babawale said that the new visa policy by Britain is an unjust and discriminative policy. “No matter the justification advanced for it, it cannot be right because it is selective and not universally applicable to all intending visa applicants,” he said. He explained that the thinking behind it itself is totally wrong because it singles out specific countries for vilification. “I think that there is no basis for that in international law. Nigeria has taken the right step by promising to reciprocate if the UK should go ahead. I think that it is a proper thing to do.” He disclosed that there is enough law in UK to take care of those who violate their immigration law. “We do not need a bond to enforce that rule. Except they are up to rip people off,” he stressed. Babawale said that the measures may jeopardize the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and advised Britain not to implement the policy in the interest of peaceful bilateral relations. “Britain has nothing to gain from this policy except more enemies and international opprobrium,” he added. He pointed out that the Commonwealth is a glorified assembly of former colonies of Britain. “It also shows that Britain has little respect for the Commonwealth of Nations and there is nothing common about it.” The Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Content Committee, Engineer Chris Okoye (FNSE), corroborated Babawale’s views, saying the measure by Britain is against the principles of the Commonwealth. “It would be significant to know that Britain is now singing a different song. Increasingly, nations are coming together. The era of isolation is gone.” Prof Ogaba Oche, the Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) said: “The Federal Government should take a quick response to the proposed visa policy by Britain. It should stick to its principle of reciprocity. How Nigeria or Nigerians are treated by other countries should inform the way we react to them,” he said. He said that it is obvious that Britain is trying to make money from the acquisition of visa by Nigerians. “I think that Nigeria should respond appropriately,” he added Oche explained that there are some other avenues that Nigeria can take. “I don’t think it is because Britain want to keep out immigrants or anything because it is on record that they make a lot of money from Nigerians travelling to y Saga

Britain. Ditto for other countries.” Oche said that the federal government shouldn’t be cowed and allow itself to be ridden roughshod by the British government. “No! I think we should respond in a similar manner. With an equal and opposite impact,” he stressed. The research expert said that travelling is not by force but some travels are necessary. “You may have to engage in some travels out of necessity, maybe for health reasons or business or whatever. What we are looking at is the policy being imposed by Britain which is clearly untenable”. He added that if the UK gets away with it, other Western countries of major destinations for Nigerians might come up with similar policy. “So, the government should think along those lines. If they decide not to do anything, that is an action in itself. And it has repercussions which the Federal Government should be aware of now,” he said. Oche said the Western countries themselves have economic problems. “Many British individuals and groups are coming to Nigeria for economic reasons. “We see the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, here so frequently. We see John Major and Linda Chalker coming to Nigeria frequently.” All of them, he pointed out, are pursuing one business or the other for themselves and for their business partners. “Why should Nigeria be exploited in any way? I still insist that the Federal Government should look at it appropriately. “You can’t expect a country of more than 150 million people not to travel. People are entitled to Nigerian passports and to travel if they want to. So, the government should not inhibit their desire to travel,” he said. Segun Shitta Bey, mother of Toyosi, a 15-yearold Nigerian, who was stabbed to death in Tyrrelstown, West Dublin in April 2010, fumed: “They killed my son because he was black. God has taken him from me, but in my dreams, I can see my son. He never did anything to anyone. “All he did was play football; that was his life. Is it a crime that he is black? My life is finished in Ireland. I regret ever coming here.” Nigerians are unjustly being deported even in other African countries such as Kenya. Many Nigerians are either unjustly detained or awaiting deportation in different parts of the world. In the Philippines, Nigerians who paid for new passports at the Nigerian Embassy in Manila are in danger of running foul of Philippines immigration laws if nothing is done to help them get their visa. In Norway, the story is the same. One of the Nigerians being persecuted wrote: “I am a mother of five- four girls and a boy. I am writing to you because I need help, there are so many injustices going on here in Norway. “We came to Norway because of peace, but we have been living in sorrow, worry and fear; fear of the government, police and child welfare in Norway. “Our children are being used for business. Many homes are broken; many mothers are lonely, seeking help. I came to Norway on March 20, 2004 with my three children. We were living in a city called Hedmark for a short time, we then later moved to another city called Alta where my children and I lived until they were wrongly taken away from me by the child welfare.” For many Nigerians abroad, the greener pastures they sought after and the reason for traveling out of Nigeria is indeed still far from them, for sundry reasons, and this could be a lesson for those still intent on ‘checking out.’ a is Ad

Babawale

Oche

Dabiri

Okoye

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

54 |

NEWSINTERVIEW

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nigeria Will Be Stronger After 2015 Elections Despite The Challenges Nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah in this interview with SAMSON EZEA spoke on 14 years of democracy in Nigeria, the state of emergency in some northern states, the proposed six-year single term for the President and state governors; autonomy for council areas, and the noise about 2015 presidency by politicians. HAT is your assessment of the state of W emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state so far? So far, so good. We thank God for how things have turned out. I commend the federal government and the security agencies. The loss of lives is sad and we pray that their blood will ensure us a more peaceful Nigeria. Despite the dramatic figures, we must note that still, more Nigerians are dying from malaria and road accidents than Boko Haram. This is a war that we must win. So, we must continue to push on and I personally believe that we will win this war sooner than later. Our nation will also be stronger and hopefully, we will begin to learn that this is our country to build and we must put our common citizenship before everything else. As you see, being Muslim has not saved anyone from these criminals who themselves claim to be Muslim. What is your view on the unguarded utterances of politicians from North and South over the 2015 general election? I like the word unguarded. That means the guard was either sleeping on duty or deliberately looked the other way. The culprit here is the media. You are the ones who open your airwaves or pages to sensation and in some cases, outright irresponsibility and rascality that masquerade as commentary. You should put the nation first and we should have some irreducible rules of engagement. It is not everything that drops from a leaking mouth that gets printed. Some of the abuse, libelous and irresponsible comments made that feed our prejudices and stereotypes should not be in print. So, when you speak of unguarded utterances, you are indicting yourselves in the media because you left the door ajar. Learn to weigh what people say and follow the Four Way Test by the Rotarians. Do you see Nigeria surviving the looming political crisis considering the confrontational and belligerent posturing of political leaders ahead of 2015? Nigeria will be here and even

Kukah

stronger well after the posturing of those who think their selfish interests outweigh the national interests. If you know this country well and the characters who strut and fret, contractors who parade as politicians, you will know that most of this noise making will subside once the salivating palates have been wetted with filthy lucre. Na chop dem de find. They are driven by hunger and the threat of losing their feeding bottles. They will grow up with time and appreciate the nobility of politics and service to nation. Are you in support of the six-year single term for the President, state governors and autonomy for council area as proposed by the National Assembly on the planned constitutional review? Most of this debate is rather incestuous and politicians of the moment are not thinking of the national interest. People are anxious to get on this gravy train even without tickets. The issue of our country is not about how long, but how well. Tenure is not the issue, but respect for the process. Who says that when the next man is elected on a single term, he or she will not find enough greedy thieves in the legislature to help them change the rules? Indeed, even autonomy for council areas simply takes the resources from one thief to the other. I would rather prefer that we devise a system that really puts this money in the hands of ordinary people by way of the various town unions that represent the communities or that we have a system that enables ordinary people have a say in what we have and what their priorities really are. So far, there is nothing to suggest that the chairmen have less itchy fingers. After all, they all want to go from being chairmen to the council area, and then governor. I am more interested in processes that can help our people become more

involved in deciding what happens to their resources and how they can have a voice. So far, at all levels, these politicians are all hostage takers and kidnappers of our resources when it comes to our money. Do you agree that the North should not seek for political power in 2015 having ruled the country for more than 35 years with nothing much to show for it? I do not know what you mean by the North seeking power. Which part of the north, what faith, region, ideology, and gender? This is because whenever we have talked of the north, it has been men and when we have talked about men we have meant Muslim men. Run the numbers and clear the foggy assumptions and tell me whether in all honesty, anyone can cross their heart and say that if you nominated Thomas or Theresa, the northerners you are talking about will accept that logic. Or, if we chose Hajiya Maryam, will northern Muslim men accept that this is the north they mean? I do not have the answers but I believe that I need to provoke you to cross your heart, ask the northerners to answer the question. If you do not clear this conceptual confusion and veiled ambiguity, we will not be able to proceed. As an intellectual and as a Nigerian, I reject the idea of a Northern, Christian, Muslim, Southern, Middle whatever as a power category. It has no scientific value and my hope and prayers is for a Nigerian to be treated on the basis of what he or she is marketing to us. Ordinary Nigerians are more discerning than this. It is the effete and corrupt elites who have almost nothing to offer that continue to hide behind the fingers of opportunism by appealing to these useless identity categories. This is why the politicians continue to use these identities as a foil. They then steal not as northerners, or Muslims or Christians. Do you see the yet-to-be registered APC providing a virile alternative option platform for Nigerians in 2015? There is opposition within all parties, all. Many people are disenchanted with all parties and they will move in different directions. As for APC, yet-to-be registered, it is still-born and we cannot speculate delivery has taken place and we know the full gender and condition of the baby. As you know, it is easy to know what we are united against. The real challenge is what we are united for. Different people dislike President Jonathan or the PDP for different reasons and that does not mean his opponents are friends or united. So, there is still a long way to go. What is your reaction on President Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mid-term scorecard which was presented on May 29? I have not read the document. However, the idea of a President offering us a scorecard

is impressive. But we did not set the examination so, I am not sure what matrix we can use. I am more interested in the effort as a step towards accountability. It has been good listening to the various ministers and ministries. This is an innovation and we ordinary citizens must somehow isolate the criticisms of the opposition and crosscheck what these ministers are saying. Ministers are making some clear and verifiable statements about their ministries. I am impressed with the idea. It is now our duty as civil society groups, NGOs and interest groups to shout if the ministers are lying or if the roads have not been built or completed or if the trains are really moving. This is the way to go and I am pleased with it. It is better than what we see on newspaper advertisement where one 50 meter tunnel or less than one kilometer road are made to look like the real McCoy. We can clear the debris of deceit and that is our duty. They have done their own. If we suspect cheating, then we should shout. It is what energises democracy. It is called voice. Rather than criticize, governors should follow the lead. Do you think that PDP-led federal government has done well to continue in power or do we seek for alternative? Sadly, the PDP has been ruling not governing our country. It has been in office but not in power. To that extent, it has retained raw power, power to monopolise and distribute resources, power to make politics a distribution agency. It has retained too much of the indiscipline of the past and with little or no effort to put the bad ways of the past behind us. Elections have retained a semblance of military coup. There has not been much effort towards overcoming gerontocracy. There has been too little respect for ordinary people, too much obsession with primitive accumulation and racketeering. Our people wonder if this was what we bargained for. But we must remain hopeful and look beyond the present situation. There are no short cuts and no one must believe that those who are making noise now and are part of this system will be dramatically different. On the whole, barring a few bright spots, the political class has left too much to be desired and greed poses a real threat. Anyone hoping to overthrow the PDP must do more than name-calling or merely promise us the usual nonsense.

Nigeria will be here and even stronger well after the posturing of those who think their selfish interests outweigh the national interests. If you know this country well and the characters who strut and fret, contractors who parade as politicians, you will know that most of this noise making will subside once the salivating palates have been wetted with filthy lucre. Na chop dem de find. They are driven by hunger and the threat of losing their feeding bottles.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

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ISSUES&POLITICS

Sunday Ehindero: Paying The Price For Leadership? By Babatunde Isiotan HE negative impact of corruption on the socio-economic development of any country is not in doubt. Corruption is a monster that renders everything in its path prostrate. It is like wildfire that consumes, leaving ruins and desolation. So, nobody must excuse corruption, or handle matters that bear the slightest affinity to it with kid’s gloves. For Nigeria to take her rightful place in the comity of nations, corruption must be fought to a standstill, and reduced to the barest minimum. In battling corruption, however, we must be discernible enough, so that we can distinguish between real crime, which must be punished, and mere conjectures, which may end up tarring the innocent with the brush of infamy. A case in point is that of former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, which is currently before the courts. One will not dabble into the finer details of the case, lest one runs foul of the law. Certain kinds of comments are off limits when a case is subjudice, so, we restrict ourselves to the man Sunday Ehindero, how he has faithfully served his country and how his current travails may be part of the price to pay for leadership. For over 34 years, Ehindero served in the Nigerian Police Force. And you know what? He did not receive a single query throughout the period. Rather, what he got were commenda-

tions and awards. So exemplary was his career that when it was time to retire, his tenure was extended twice by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. A graduate of Mathematics from the University of Ibadan, the young Ehindero enlisted into the police in 1973, along with 25 others. Significantly, by the time he retired in 2007, he was the only one left of his 25 squad mates. Others had either retired earlier, had left the service or were dead. But the grace of God kept Ehindero: he became I-G and left service with full honours. However, the super cop did not leave the police without imprinting his footsteps on the sands of time. He did so indelibly. He is today remembered as the officer who pioneered police prosecution in superior courts. Since the establishment of the Nigeria Police in 1930, no officer had appeared in the high courts or the Court of Appeal. Ehindero did in 1995, when he was Commissioner of Police, Legal, at Alagbon. Also in 1996, the then Attorney General of the Federation, had requested for six lawyers from the police to assist the ministry with failed banks cases. This the police lawyers did to the admiration of the AGF. Ehindero trained as a lawyer while serving in the police. And he proved that he knew his onions. He was the first police officer to prosecute and gain conviction of an Advanced Fee Fraud (419) suspect, who had duped a

German national of 385,000 Deutsche Marks. The suspect was found guilty and sentenced to 52 years imprisonment. The policeman-turned-lawyer went further to write six books while in service. Ironically, Ehindero is now being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), over alleged misdeeds committed while in office. And curiously, when the ex-IG was invited to the ICPC office, and he asked for a copy of the petition against him, none could be produced. This showed clearly that there was more to it all than met the eye about the case. There is a buzz in police circles about the case. As IGP, Ehindero had sidelined some officers from investigating graft cases, because there were official complaints lodged against them. Some of those who were trustworthy and whom he deployed for such cases, now hold offices as high as AIG (Assistant Inspector-General). But then, some of those sidelined in the past have found their ways into other sensitive positions. So, it is now time to get their pound of flesh from Ehindero. Even more curious is the fact that the case for which the ex-IG is now standing trial is one that involves the office of the Inspector-General, and not Sunday Ehindero as a person. It is alleged that the sum of N557 million was deposited in the IGP’s account. No kobo of it was traced to Ehindero’s personal account, neither

was the interest on the money traced to the former number one cop in any way. But we leave the courts to adjudicate on this, as our judges are impartial arbiters. After reading law as an external degree student of the University of London, Ehindero was called to the Bar in 1985. The first of his six books was on ‘Police and the Law in Nigeria.’ He served in various capacities as DPO Ikoyi, DPO Lion Building, DPO Apapa Police Station, AC Advance Training, Ikeja, O/C Crime Alagbon, CP PMF (Mobile), CP Legal, Alagbon, CP Plateau State, AIG Zone 4, Makurdi, AIG Zone 2, Lagos, DIG, and finally IGP. In none of these positions was his integrity compromised. Despite his present travails, it can be submitted that Ehindero is going through the price he has to pay for leadership. He is being prosecuted six years after retirement in a case that had earlier been declared as a no case. The mill of justice may grind slowly,

but it grinds finely. For those of us who have implicit faith in the impartiality of the judiciary, the day will come when we shall rejoice with the former IGP. The court will consign the case to where it belongs – in the dustbin of history – and we shall clink glasses, and rejoice with a man who served his country meritoriously and deserves every bit of peace he can get in retirement. *Isiotan writes from Abuja

Odimegwu Onwumere And His Unending Brickbats By Eddie Onuzuruike not difficult knowing the subject matter IicsTofisand Odimegwu Onwumere’s writings. His topsubjects are easily known and therefore, very easily predictable. If you endure the grammatical and structural insults encountered going through his gibberish like I have done on many occasions, he is either praising Orji Uzor Kalu, extolling Njiko Ndi Igbo- Kalu’s pet project or heaping unwarranted insults and blackmail on Abia Governor His Excellency Governor T.A. Orji. To some, it may be a wonder reading his numbskull in elitist newspapers like Thisday, The Guardian and Vanguard, but not to me and many discerning Abians. He badly needs credibility and so posits in credible newspapers. He is a hacker, intent on achieving maximum results with his uninspiring, jaundiced and pejorative articles. One thing is certain: the world knows Chief T.A. Orji. The world equally is aware of his efforts to rewrite the history of Abia from a negative and indolent past to the present status of developmental changes. Many notable Nigerians ranging from ministers, legis-

Onwumere

lators to the presidency, have seen and testified that all claims of good governance and provision of monumental social indicators in Abia are evident, under-reported and are existent in the maps of Abia State, consequently one thousand Odimegwus cannot obliterate or obfuscate the quantum of developmental strides of T.A. Orji. One thousand Odimegwus cannot make their lies stick against glaring facts. According to an African proverb, ‘no matter how long a tree trunk remains in the River, it does not make it a fish.’ I urge Nigerians and others to read the unmerited claims and praises in support of Kalu. April 9th, 2013 in the Daily Independent, where Kalu was turned into a hero for volunteering to negotiate with Boko Haram. These are a few examples: the papers are awash with other supportive articles by Odimegwu on Kalu’s pet project, Njiko Ndi Igbo. From the above, there is no doubt about whom Odimegwu is working for. If in any doubt, look at the most laughable which was his piece on Kalu’s 53rd birthday where he wrote about Kalu as a man of the people, calling him the big masquerade-THISDAY, April 28, 2013. On October 23rd, 2012, he disdains Igbo leaders as do nothings, uncouth and myopic- same THISDAY. If any doubts exist, it is better read than narrated. Of all virtues imaginable, he credited Kalu for his humility. From the above, Odimegwu has shown that he does not know what humility is all about. Abia people and their leaders like Gen Ike Nwachukwu, Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe and Chief Tony Ukasanya can testify to the impropriety of his hyperbole. In literary styles, irony and opposites are allowed anyway. In order to minimise the negative, let’s leave that to readers to judge for themselves but one thing is certain that Odimegwu is Kalu’s protege and has shamelessly done Kalu’s dirty jobs on broadsheets and tabloids across the country’s news stands. The article of Tuesday, June 11, page 19, is a bundle of lies, blackmail and a poor attempt to discredit Abia State, Abia people and the Abia government. Poor in the sense that the world knows the honest attempts and efforts of the incumbent governor to substitute, reinvent and address the iniquities of past administrations. In the said article, his opening line is the

worst attempt at philosophy. It is as grammatically offensive as it is devoid of logic- a potent aspect of philosophy. Sample this rigmarole: “some persons are so clever that they do not understand their misbehaviours. A cheap bookshop is better than the costliest ignorance. A person with intelligence through an organised religion/government has a measured intelligence. And anybody with measured intelligence is not just wittical.’ Does this make any sense? In paragraph two, he wrongly accused the governor of ruling from abroad and condemned an aide for granting an interview in Lagos. Any alert mind will know that Odimegwu in Igbo parlance is not only ranting but asking for palm oil to chew palm fruit. What stops an aide from granting an interview when in Lagos, Aba, Kaduna or any other part of Nigeria? After all, some of the aides live in Lagos and Abuja as their workplaces in the liaison offices. The case of the governor ruling from abroad is neither here nor there. His Excellency Sir T.A. Orji hardly travels without reasons and come to think of it, the governor is entitled to vacations and as a well-trained administrator, always working to improve the lot of Abia, he works during vacations with proven results. From the records, the former governor who Odimegwu roots for made not less than 63 trips while in office and it is this same governor that held the office for Kalu for eight years. In paragraph six, he relapses into their old refrain of unsubstantiated claims profiling uncompleted projects. One would be forced to ask again, can Odimegwu name projects completed by his master in Aba where he lived all his live except building roads to toilets and to bushes where he intended to appropriate lands in his hometown of Igbere? We will be repeating ourselves if we take on the quantum and monumental projects of T.A. Orji. They are manifest in the three senatorial zones viz the roads in Aba and beyond, the agricultural revolution in Ukwa, Umuahia, Abam, Arochukwu, Ikwuano. The cocoa plantations and nurseries, and the expanse of pilot cassava farms bear testimonies of a man who has come to re-engineer visionary governance for the greater good of the citizens. Do we keep repeating the legacy projects some of which are completed like the ultra-modern

judiciary complex commissioned this week and others at advanced stages of completion? Think of the renovated old secretariat and the fastpaced new one spawning the most current in gadgetry. The Broadcasting Corporation of Abia’s 48 room offices is still the rave of the day in office accommodation, and the imposing international conference centre? What about the ASEPA House recently commissioned by Hon. Aminu Tambuwal? The list is endless as it will be immodest to keep referring to the Good Governance Team led by Mr Labaran Maku, Hon Minister for Information who acknowledged that Abia is under-reported by the media- Mohamed Garba, NUJ president. Hon. Ozo Mgbachi and his team of the House Committee on works were highly impressed with what they saw. The good Governance team couldn’t complete the project sites due to their large numbers. Odimegwu true to type and style sees nothing good in Abia, to him the bequest of cars and tricycles are nothing. He blindly sees no job opportunities in owning and driving cabs. Onwumere is a hireling of no fixed address claiming Rivers and Aba as home. We know of Kalu’s other aides like Iyke Ekeoma and his special assistant on media, Emeka Obasi. We are aware of the staff in the Sun Newspapers even though they write negatively to protect their jobs, but who is Odimegwu? What is his motive? In paragraph 12, he makes reference to our people, whose people? Is Odimegwu from Abia? Where exactly? I challenge him to prove this or appear for a public debate. In paragraph 13, he dabbles into a non-existent incident in Umuocham Girls Secondary School, World Bank, Aba, where illegal fees were collected as he claimed. If Odimegwu knows his onions, why did he not investigate to know who collected the money? Is T A Orji the principal of this school? Is this alleged situation going on in other schools in Abia? Again in paragraph nine, he denounces the empowerment of youths with vehicles and in his narrow and little mind sees it as an opportunity for the governor to flaunt his photos. What a shame? Does the governor need to buy vehicles to post posters? The cost of two vehicles alone can pay for flex posters and billboards in thousands of places.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June, 29, 2013

Change of Name ABAZUWA: Formerly Miss Perpetua Chisom Abazuwa now Mrs. Perpetua Chisom Ezeiheukwu. Former documents valid. Public note. ABIDEMI: Formerly Adebimpe Jumoke Abidemi now Ogunyemi Adebimpe Jumoke. Documents valid. Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs & Culture, public note. ABOH: Formerly Miss Aboh Silverline Uchechi .P. now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Abraham Uchechi Silverline. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ADEDAYO: Formerly Miss Adedayo Mayowa Anifat now Mrs. Olasope Mayowa Anifat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEBAYO: Formerly Miss Adebayo Abiola Adenike now Mrs. Oyekunle Abiola Adenike. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEBISI: Formerly Adebisi Sikirat Kareem, now Mrs. Adebisi Sikirat Kareem Ojodu. Former documents remain valid. NYSC & general public note. ADEPOJU: Formerly Miss Comfort Kofoworola Adepoju now Mrs. Comfort Kofoworola Famakinwa. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEGORITE: Formerly Miss Adegorite Funmilola Adejumoke now Mrs. Adewuyi Funmilola Adejumoke. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Aderopo Ranor. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEPOJU: Formerly Adepoju Adeola Felicia now Itoha Adeola Felicia. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADETORO: Formerly Miss Hossanat Aderinola Adetoro, now Mrs Hossanat Aderinola Ajiboye. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEWOLE: Formerly Miss Adunola Adunfe Adewole, now Mrs. Adunola Adunfe Iweka. Former documents valid. Public note. ADIMOHA: Formerly Miss Uchenna Jane Adimoha now Mrs. Uchenna Jane Chukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGADA: Former Miss Agada Chinyere Precious now addressed as Mrs. Ibeawuchi Chinyere Precious. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBENIYI: Formerly Miss Agbeniyi Temilade, now Mrs Adeleye Temilade Adebimpe. Former documents valid. Public note. AGBI: I, former Miss Agbi Felicia now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ukaegbu Felicia. Lagos State University, Nigeria Police Force and general public please note. AGWU: Formerly Miss Grace Agwu now Mrs. Grace Cyril. Former documents remain valid. NYSC and public note.

ADEGBITE: Formerly Miss Adegbite Modinat Adeola now Mrs. Awoyemi Modinat Adeola. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AJALA: Formerly Miss Ajala Iyabode Moriam now Mrs. Sabitu Iyabode Moriam. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADELEKAN: Formerly Miss Adelekan Oluwatoyin Adeola now Mrs Ndukwe Oluwatoyin Adeola, former documents remain valid, Public note.

AJINDE: Formerly Ajinde Opeyemi Stephen now Opeyemi Omooluwa Greatnes. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEOKUN: Formerly Miss Adebowale Aderope Adeokun now Mrs. Adebowale

AJISEKOLA: Formerly Miss Ajisekola Adeola Seun now Mrs. Adesiyan Adeola Seun.

Former documents valid. Public note. AJIYOR: I, formerly Miss Louisa Esseoghene Ajiyor now Mrs. Louisa Esseoghene Jenle. Former documents remain valid. Segun Carew Oladimeji & Co and general public take note. AJOSE: Former Evelyn Ifeoma Ajose now Evelyn Ifeoma Egbokwu. Former documents remain valid. AKANDE: Formerly Akande Jacob Adeleye now Bankole Jacob Adeleye. Former documents valid. Public note. AKANIRO: Formerly Miss Chito Chigozirim Akaniro now Mrs Chito Chigozirim Okwandu. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note. AKEWUSOLA: Formerly Miss Sukurat Folake Akewusola now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Sukurat Folake Raji. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. AKIBOR: Formerly Faith Revival Akibor now Mrs. Faith Revival Omoye Awosusi, Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKINLOTAN: Formerly Miss Akinlotan Anne Olayinka now Mrs. Adefule Anne Olayinka. Former documents valid. Public note. AKINTUNDE: Formerly Miss Akintunde Jumoke Margaret Abeni now Mrs. Alamu Olayemi Margaret. All former documents remain valid. Public note. AKOMAKOWE: Formerly Mr Pender Ogaga AkomakoweEnuofu, now Mr Pender Ogaga Akomakowe-Enuofu. Former documents valid. Public note. AKUWUDIKE: Formerly Miss Chinyere Chidinma Agnes Akuwudike, now Mrs. Chinyere Chidinma Agnes Ukaigwe. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ALLOH: Former Miss Chinenye Cynthia Alloh now Mrs. Chinenye Cynthia Unegbu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMAMCHUKWU: Formerly Miss Amamchukwu Rosie Tochi, now Mrs. Ekwenugo Rose Tochi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMBA: Formerly Miss Mercy Anwana Amba, now Mrs. Mercy Keteh Ohenhen. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AMUSAT: Formerly Miss Amusat Sakirat Adedamola now Mrs. Sakirat Adedamola Amusat-Mohammed. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANANABA: Formerly Miss Ananaba Ugochi Ndidi, now Mrs Idahosa Ugochi Ndidi. Former documents valid. Public note. ANDREW: Formerly Andrew Jane Tomodhiagbo, now Mrs. Ogedengbe Mariah Tomodhiagbo. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. ANUONYE: Formerly Miss Anuonye Adaeze Chioma, now Mrs. Nwoko Adaeze Chioma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANYANWU: Formerly Miss Anyanwu Chijiozo Liz now Mrs. Emma-Nwobu Chijiozo Liz. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Arike Michael. Former documents remain valid. Signal Alliance Ltd & public note. AWE: Formerly Miss Awe Abimbola OluwakemI now Mrs Adesope Abimbola Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. Public note AYANDA: I, formerly Miss Ayanda Aminat Titilope now Mrs. Banala Titilope Aminat. All former documents remain valid. General public note. AYOBO: Formerly Miss Ayobo Shirley Amiosinoh now Mrs. Chibueze-James Shirley Amiosinoh. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME: That Kolawole Olorunsogo Rufus and Kolawole Olabisi Samuel are the same person. Former documents valid. Public note. CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH: I, Akpojiyovwi Kelvin Efe was born on 20th May, 1994, which was wrongly written as 20th May, 1995 in my certificate No. NGWASSCS 14663621. Authoritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerned and public note.

A YO MI D E- B AA FO G: Formerly AyomideBaafog Oluwasola Maria, now Mrs. Eguavon Oluwasola Maria. Documents valid. Public note.

CORRECTION OF NAME: My correct name is Audu Ibrahim Joshua not Audu Ibraheem Joshua that was wrongly spelt. Former documents valid.

BADEMOSI: Formerly Miss Adetoun Fadesola Bademosi now Mrs. Adetoun Fadesola Salau. Former documents valid. Public note.

DADA: Former Miss Ayodele Oyindamola Dada now Mrs. Ayodele Oyindamola Osisanya. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

BELLO: Formerly Taiwo Gbemisola Bello now Mrs. Taiwo Gbemisola Olatunji. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

DADA: Formerly Miss Dada Mulikat Yetunde now Mrs. Jimoh Mulikat Yetunde. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

BELLO: Formerly Miss Bello Mutiat Olaitan Favour now Mrs. Atanda Favour Olaitan. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

DAISI: Formerly: Daisi Abimbola Ganiyat, now, Oladimeji Abimbola Ganiyat. Al-Hikmah Formal Document Remain Valid University, Ilorin Kwara State and public note.

ARCHIBONG: Former Miss Archibong Blessing Asuquo now Mrs. Seth-Kanu Blessing. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

CHISOM: Formerly Miss Chisom Nwamaka Dan_Ejiofor, now Mrs. Chisom Nwamaka Ejifor. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AROWOLO: Formerly Miss Arowolo Upe Florence now Mrs. John Upe Florence. Former documents valid. Public note.

CHUKWUEMEKA: Former Chukwuemeka Grace Ihu now Mrs. Osaretin Grace Ihu. All former documents remain valid.

ATETEDAYE: Formerly Miss Tolani Tunrayo Atetedaye now Mrs. Tolani Tunrayo Olatuja. Public note.

CHUKWU: Formerly Miss Ebere Mercy Chukwu Chima now Mrs Eberechukwu Frank Oweregbulam. Former documents valid. public note.

ATOYEBI: I, Miss Bolajoko Arike Atoyebi now Mrs. Bolajoko

Miss Chinenye Chukwu, now Mrs Chinenye ChukwuTownsend. Former documents valid. Public note.

CHUKWU:

Formerly

DAVID: Formerly Eyimiegha Linus David now Eyimiegha Seidougha Linus David. Documents valid. Public note. DAVIES: Formerly Miss Davies Adepeju Hanat now Mrs. Onawoga Adepeju Hanat. All former documents remain valid. Public note. DIEVBIERE: Formerly Miss Tejiri Ann Dievbiere now Mrs. Tejiri Ann Philips-Owie. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June, 29, 2013

Change of Name DJALLO: Formerly Miss Inayatou Hassan Djallo, now Mrs Inayatu Ibrahim Zarma. Former documents valid. Public note. EBARETONBOFA: Formerly Miss Ebaretonbofa Alamerefa Toby now Mrs. Awoyale Alamerefa Toby. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EGBO: Formerly Miss Adija Faith Egbo now Mrs. Adija Faith Uzodinma. All former documents remain valid. General public note. EKEOMA: Formerly Miss Chinasa Ekeoma now Mrs Chinasa Igwe Akwari. Former documents valid. public note. EKESI: Formerly Miss Chinenye Mariam Ekesi, now Mrs. Chinenye Mariam Raymond-Chuma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EKPO: Formerly Miss Ekpo Stella Osen now Mrs. Okolo Stella Osen. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EKWUOGO: Formerly Miss Ekwuogo Nneka Euphemia, now Mrs. Uzoekwe Nneka Euphemia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ENWEANI: Formerly Miss Adaeze Esther Enweani, now Mrs Adaeze Esther Ogbulafor. Former documents valid. Public note. ENEKWE: Formerly Nwamaka Leila Enekwe now Nwamaka Leila Filatet. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ENWELU: Formerly Miss Enwelu Chinelo Grace, now Mrs. Agbo Chinelo Grace. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ENYI: Formerly Miss Enyi Blessing Chinwa, now Mrs. Nwobodo Blessing Chinwe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ESI: Formerly Mrs. Esi Oghenekome Juliet Uchechukwu now Nka Juliet Uchechukwu. All for-

mer documents remain valid. Public note. ESILOKUN: Former Sefiat Bukola AdekunleEsilokun now Sefiat Bukola Esilokun. Public note. EUCHARIA: Formerly Miss Eucharia Chizoba Okeke/Onyeogulu, now Mrs. Eucharia Chizoba Ogbuefi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EWOH: Former Dr (Mrs.) Chetachi Christine Val-Ewoh now Dr (Mrs.) Chetachi Christine Ewoh. Public note. EZEAZUKA: I, former Miss Jennifer-Ogoor Ezeazuka now Mrs. Jennifer OgoorEzeazuka Sarzilla. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZIMUO: Formerly Miss Rosemary Adaobi Ezimuo now Mrs. Rosemary Adaobi Mgbachi. All former documents remain valid. General public note. FALETI: Formerly Miss Faleti Elizabeth Abosede now Mrs. Anato Elizabeth Abosede. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

Rekiat now wish to be known as Mrs. Ibrahim Temitayo Rekiat. All official and former documents remain valid. General public note. HARUNA: Formerly Mr. Haruna Oluseun Davids now Mr. Oluseun Davids. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IDRIS: Formerly Miss Idris Ramot Motunrayo now Mrs. Adebayo Ramot Motunrayo. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note. IGE: Formerly Miss Oluwatosin Priscilla Olubunmi Ige now Mrs. Oluwatosin Priscilla Olubunmi Adelaja. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IGBOKWE: Formerly Dr. Igbokwe Ogochukwu Onyinye, now Dr. Mrs M a d u e k w e Ogochukwu Onyinye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IGBO: Formerly Miss Igbo Ndidi Pauline now Mrs. Nwanganga Ndidi Pauline. Former documents valid. General public note.

FAMUYIDE: Formerly Miss Yewande Odunola Famuyide now to be known as Mrs. Yewande Odunola Peters. All documents remain valid. Public note.

IHEANACHO: Formerly Miss Iheanacho Chika Jacinta, now Mrs. Nkpologwu Chika Jacinta. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FAYEMI: Formerly Miss Ayodele Angeline Fayemi now Mrs. Ayodele Angeline Okeke. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IHEBINANDU: Formerly Miss Ihebinandu O. Ann-Maria now Mrs Ann-Maria Oyaze. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FILANI: Former Miss Filani Adebola Oluwaseyi now Mrs. Zubair Adebola Oluwaseyi. All documents remain valid. Public note.

IHEOMA: Former Miss Huldah Ihechi Ihuoma now Mrs. Huldah Ihechi Uwom. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FRANCIS: Formerly known as Bamidele Gbenga Francis now wish to be addressed as Oluwagbemiga Bamidele. WAEC Kwara State Polytechnic, NYSC, Nigeria Immigration Service. South Africa Qualification Agency and public please note.

IMOMOH: Former Miss Imomoh Augustina Omoalukhie now Mrs. Ighalo Augustina Omoalukhie. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

GEORGE: Formerly Miss George Temitayo

ISMAIL: Former Miss Zainab Mummy Ismail now Mrs. Zainab Abubakar Sambi. All other documents remain valid. General

public note. IZUKA: Formerly Izuka Chinonso Emmanuela now Mrs. Chinonso Emmanuela Nwamu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IZUNDU: Formerly Miss Izundu Helen Sylvia now Mrs. Anumba Helen Sylvia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. JOHAKEEM: Former Johakeem Oluwasegun Junaid now Aliyu Mohammed Jubril. Former documents remain valid. Public note. JOKOSENUMI: Former Miss Safurat Iyabo Jokosenumi now Mrs. Safurat Iyabo Majolagbe. All former documents remain valid. Public note. JOLAOSO: Formerly Miss Jolaoso Olaoluwakitan Bose, now Mrs Adeusi Olaoluwakitan Bose. Former documents valid. Public note. KOLEOSHO: Formerly Miss Koleosho Oluwadamilola Latifat, now Mrs Efunwole Oluwadamilola Latifat. Former documents valid. Public note. JUSTIN: Formerly Iwobho Aigbodion Justin now Aliu Iwobho Aigbodion. Former documents remain valid. Ambrose Alli University, NYSC and public note. KOMA – CHUKWUEMEKA: Formerly Koma – Chukwuemeka Emmanuel now Uzoma – Chukwuemeka Emmauel. Former documents valid. Public note. KPENOU: I, Mrs. Angela Nwalokomobi Kpenou now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Angela Nwalokomobi Izegbu. All former documents remain valid. Public note. KUMOYE: Formerly Miss Kumoye Hannah Temitope, now Mrs. Alagbe Hannah Temitope. Documents valid. Public note. KUTI: Formerly Miss Oluwayemisi Anuoluwapo Kuti now Mrs. Oluwayemisi Anuoluwapo Arogundade. All former

Former documents remain Onyeagba. documents valid. pubvalid. Public note. lic note. LAWAL: Formerly Miss Bilqis Folashade Lawal NJIDEOFOR: Formerly now Mrs. Bilqis Fo- Miss Chinenye Marlashade Anifowose. All garet Njideofor, now former documents re- Mrs Chinenye Marmain valid. Public take garet Akukwe. Former note. documents valid. Public note. LAWAL: Former Lawal Kudirat now Mrs. Kudi- NJOKU: Formerly Miss rat Lawal Kadiri. For- Njoku Vivan Chinenye mer documents now Mrs. Orioha Viremain valid. River vian Chinenye. All fordocuments State Universal Basic mer remain valid. General Education note. public note. LINUS: Formerly Miss Martha Linus, now NKAMEME: Formerly Mrs. Martha Agada. All Miss Nkameme Beneformer documents re- dicta Anita now Mrs. Benedicta main valid. Public Nwosu Anita. Former docunote. ments remain valid. MADAYESE: Former Public note. Miss. Yemisi Beatrice Madayese. now Mrs. NWACHUKWU: ForMiss Yemisi Beatrice merly Oladunni. Former doc- Nwachukwu Oluchi uments remain valid. Anthonia, now Mrs. General public take Uhuaba Oluchi Anthonia. Former docunote. ments remain valid. MADUBUKO: Formerly Public note. Miss Rosemary Nwamaka Madubuko now NWAKANMA: ForMiss Rosemary Nwa- merly Miss maka Onyeonoro. Gen- Nwakanma Ugonma, eral public note. now Mrs Uchenwa Juliane Ugonma. Former MOHAMMED: For- documents valid. Pubmerly Miss lic note. Oluwabukola Eyiwunmi Mohammed NWAKILE: Formerly Ogonna now wish to be ad- Nwakile Maria now Mrs. Goddressed as Mrs. Oluwabukola Eyi- frey Ogonna Maria. wunmi Mohammed – Former documents reOjo. Former docu- main valid. Public ments remain valid. note. General public note. NWOSU: Formerly MOHAMMED: Former Miss Nwosu Grace Miss Mohammed Oluchukwu, now Mrs. Grace Mariam Sylvia now Chima Oluchukwu. Former Mrs. Falola Mariam documents remain Sylvia. Public note. valid. IMSEMB, public MUFTAU: I, formerly note. known as Miss Muftau Monsurat Morinola A. OBADINA: Formerly, now Mrs. Atinuke M. Miss Bukola Agnes Olayinka-Pedro. All for- Obadina now wishes mer documents re- to be addressed as Mrs main valid. STACO Bukola Agnes OlaInsurance Plc & gen- jumoke. All former documents remain eral public take note. valid. General public NDIFE: Formerly Miss please note. Ndife Pauline Amaka, now Mrs. Mbah OBASAJU: Formerly Pauline Amaka. For- Miss Modupe Bethy mer documents re- Obasaju now Mrs. main valid. Public Modupe Bethy Okeneye. Former docunote. ments valid. Public note. NDUBUISI: Formerly Miss Chinyelu Chinazo ODUKOYA: Formerly Ndubuisi, now Mrs Miss Odukoya KeChinyelu Chinazo hinde now Mrs. AfoNebo. Former docu- labi Kehinde. Former ments valid. Public documents remain note. valid. Office of AcNDUKA: Formerly Miss countant General of FiAmarachi Ekwutosi nance and public Nduka now Mrs Ama- note. rachi Ekwutosi Emeka

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June, 29 , 2013

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Public note. OKOH: I formerly known as Miss Ehimhen Ejemhen Okoh, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ehimhen Ejemhen Agunloye. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OKONOFUA: Formerly Miss Jennifer Otibhor Okonofua now Mrs. Jennifer Otibhor Osode. Former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, All Embassies & public note. OKORIE: Formerly Miss Okorie Ijeoma Eucharia, now Mrs. Ibekwe Ijeoma Eucharia. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. OLADIPO: Formerly Oladipo Oluwatobi Hannah now Ikolaba Noimat Oluwatobi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLALEYE: Formerly Olaleye Adijat Abosede now Ogongo Adijat Abosede. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLASUNKANMI: Formerly Miss Olas u n k a n m i Omobolanle Tosin, now wish Mrs Longe Omobolanle Tosin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLIKA: Formerly Miss MaryJane Chukwudumebi Olika now Mrs. MaryJane Chukwudumebi Ossai. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLOGUN: Formerly Miss Ologun Yetunde Mary now Mrs. Akomolafe Yetunde Mary. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note. OLUFEMI: Formerly Miss Ooreoluwa Omolabake Olufemi, now Mrs. Ooreoluwa Olufemi Ayodeji. Former documents remain valid. AUMTCO, public note. OLUGBEMI: Former Miss Olugbemi Olufunke Afolami. now Wish To be known as Mrs. Fimoroti Olufunke Afolami. All former documents

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Chinelo Mabel. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UGWUEGBU: Former Miss Juliet Chinyeaka Ugwuegbu now Mrs. Juliet Chinyeaka Chukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UMEONU: Formerly known and addressed as Umeonu Chidiebere now wish to be known as Okoye Chidiebere. Former documents remain valid. General public note. UMUKORO: Formerly Miss Umukoro Eunice now Mrs. Eunice Ogugu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UNACHUKWU: Formerly Miss Okeoma Theresa Chidinma Unachukwu now Mrs. Okeoma Theresa Chidinma Ezike. Documents valid. Public note. UZOMAH; Formerly Miss Uzomah Chinwe Anthonia now Mrs Ofagbe Chinwe Anthonia. Former documents valid. SEMB, UMUAHIA, public note. YUSUF: Formerly Miss Bukola Rukayat Yusuf now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Bukola Rukayat Balogun. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

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UGBOMAH: Formerly Miss Ugbomah Ifeoma Uchechukwu now Mrs. Udeh Ifeoma Uchechukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

TRANSITION

Remembering Moses Arize Anaenugwu By Segun Durojaiye N Monday July 1, 2013, it will be exactly two O years since Ozonkpu (Engr.) Moses Arize Anaenugwu passed on. An engineer by profession and popularly called Ozonkpu by close associates, he started his primary education at St. Anthony’s Primary School, Enugu– Ukwu in 1942 and passed out in 1949 with distinction. In 1949, he enrolled into the prestigious Government College, Umuahia. His education at the college was, however, cut short following the death of his father, the late Chief Anaenugwu Ogudo. Following the death of his dear father, Ozonkpu, whose burning love for educational pursuit was not deterred later got admission into the Technical College, Enugu, in 1951. He successfully completed his post primary education at the College in 1955. In 1956, he enrolled into the famous Ellis School of Building, London, United Kingdom, where he graduated as the best student in his set with a Degree Certificate in Building Technology and Engineering in 1960. This feat was reported in the then Daily Times of London and that of Nigeria. As a result of his academic prowess, many reputable contractors and builders offered him instant appointment without writing job applications. His early training and experience in woodwork and his later excellent degree in Building Technology and Engineering combined to produce in Ozonkpu an astute, proficient and eminent Civil Engineer, fully equipped to commence his professional practice. Ozonkpu started his engineering career as a Site Engineer with R.O. Nkwocha & Company Ltd, an indigenous engineering company in 1960, up till 1964. On September 8, 1964, he joined the Civil Service as an Inspector of Works in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Enugu.

Ozonkpu did not relent; he undertook several in-service training programmes, postgraduate courses and studies to promote his thirst for education and self-advancement. His commitment and dedication to duty resulted in rapid promotion in service as follows: Principal Technical Officer, Government of Eastern Region of Nigeria/Anambra State (1964–1974); Town Engineer, Nsukka Local Government Area (1974–1980); and Town Engineer, Onitsha Local Government Area (1980–1982). As Town Engineer for various Local Government Areas, Ozonkpu was reputed to have designed, mapped out, developed and built networks of roads, bridges, culverts, urban infrastructures in such cities as Enugu, Nsukka, Abakaliki, Awka, Aba, Onitsha and a host of others. Most of his innovations and developments in these cities still stand up till today, enduring better than some recent ones. The late Ozonkpu was a devout member of the Catholic Church. He was instrumental to the formation of Enugwu–Ukwu Catholic League in 1958 wherein he became its Secretary General with the late Chief R.A.O. Ilounoh as the President General. He fought for the formation of Enugwu– Ukwu Catholic Parish. As an accomplished engineer and technologically qualified builder, Ozonkpu personally mapped out, pegged and constructed the foundations of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Enugwu–Ukwu, and the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Omagba, Onitsha, services he rendered pro bono for the growth of the church. He also designed and built St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Rev. Father’s house at EnugwuUkwu. He also held several positions of service in the church which includes the following:

Anaenugwu Secretary General, Enugwu–Ukwu Catholic Parish; Pioneer Secretary, St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish; Pioneer Secretary, St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish, Enugwu– Ukwu Building Committee; Pioneer Secretary, Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, Omagba, Onitsha; and Secretary General, St. Jude’s Society, Onitsha Archdiocese for a record of six years. In the area of community development, the late Ozonkpu sponsored the education and training of many people. For this he had one sad story to tell. He mortgaged one of his houses at one of the cities in the state to purchase a brand new tipper vehicle with which

Tribute Lion To Azighode Idoko, An Excellent By Viva L’amour Lions Club CCORDING to William Shakespeare in Julius Ceasar, “there are no comets seen when beggars die, but the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” The latter is very true of Azighode Idoko, an Excellent Lion. With the breaking of the news of her sudden and unexpected passing away, the whole Lions community, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, erupted into thunderous outpouring of grief that was unprecedented. Hey, wait a minute! What exactly are we doing? Writing a tribute? For who? For Azi? Azi as in Azighode Idoko? Nothing can be farther from reality! Azi dead? No! But we were sitting besides each other at the board meeting of VIVA L’AMOUR Lions Club on Tuesday June 4, 2013, where she presented her report of the recently concluded Lions National Convention of which she was the club Chairperson. How can she be dead? While searching for answers to assuage our pain, we shall try to define Azi from some perspectives to begin to understand her. Azi as a person: Nobody can be more pleasant in Demareous and disposition. She was beautiful, gentle, charming very respectful and endowed with overdose of the spirit of service to humanity and drive for excellence in all she did. She was a lady who believed in self-development like she was a sponge soaking in as much knowledge as possible in every sphere of endeavour. Azi the professional: She joined

Lionism like a duck takes to water. Hers was Lionism without borders or limit. She threw herself and her resources into Lionism thus bringing excellence to any role assigned to her in both her nuclear VIVA L’AMOUR District 404 and the Multiple District 404 Nigeria. She sponsored many clubs; she was Guiding Lion to some and was also responsible for the formation of about three Leo Clubs at her own expense. As president of VIVA L’AMOUR in 2010/2011, she returned the club to its traditional position— the best and number one club of District 404B Nigeria. Under her leadership, the club partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Education in rebuilding a block of Four Classrooms at Oke-Odo, Agege Oke. For this feat, she and the Club won laurels from the Lagos State government. Azi was philanthropy personified even as a young widow saddled with the responsibilities of Idoko parenthood. She always went beyond the normal call of duty to serve the needy. Besides Lionism, the Nigeria Airways fresh from she also belonged to other charity school in the Radio Communicaorganisations in her church and tions Department from where she moved to Operations Department in socio-cultural clubs. Azi was married to the late Captain the same establishment. She was John Idoko, an airline pilot and they one of the first set of the crop of young men and the ladies trained in were blessed with wonderful children. Fortunately, one of these chilPerth-Scotland. She returned when dren made her a grandmother early the airline became defunct as Assistant General Manager Ticketing and this year. She was still bubbling with good health and was full of Sales. Thereafter, she joined the many innovative plans for Lionism Nigeria Aerospace Management in the 2013/2014 Lionist year when Agency from where she moved to Aero Contractors, where she retired unknown assailants unexpectedly translated her to the great beyond in December 2012. in her prime. Azi the Quintessential Lion: She Great Lion, great friend of the joined Lionism in 2005/2006 as a charter member of Pearls Lion Club poor, we mourn you. We pray your and later became a charter secretary great soul rests in peace, Amen. We of VIVA L’ ARMOUR Lions. Azi took to shall miss you sorely. Sleep the gentle sleep of the righteous.

he empowered one of his brother’s sons. When eventually the said vehicle was alleged to have been stolen in circumstances too suspicious to be real, Ozonkpu again demonstrated his abundance of human kindness when he refused to heed to the advice, suggestions and insistence of some villagers to arrest the suspect, who opted to bite the finger that fed him. Instead, he decided to leave the man to his own conscience and left everything to God to settle. Ozonkpu eventually lost his said house because of this singular act of generosity. Ozonkpu equally left his foot print in the sands of time in Enugu-Ukwu through his services to the community at various times such as Administrative Secretary, Enugwu – Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU); Secretary General, ECDU; President General, ECDU; Founding Member and Secretary, Enugwu – Ukwu Community Bank Nig. Ltd; and Founding Member and Secretary, Enugwu – Ukwu Industrial and Investment Co-operative Society. The late Ozonkpu’s marriage was blessed with eight well-accomplished children who are following in the footstep of their father by focusing on values and ethics he believed in while he was alive. To this end, they have established the Ozonkpu (Engr) Moses Anaenugwu Educational Scholarship Award for Indigent but Brilliant Students.Ten students at the Enugwu-Ukwu Girls Secondary School benefitted in the first set of the awards. More will follow soon in other secondary schools in the area. The scholarships also include supply of school materials and books. The family has also established skills acquisition centre for transfer of skills and knowledge to unskilled persons. They are also in liason with government and other agencies on Ethics and Values.

By Alamina Sasore-Asunramu HE first son of Ambassador Joe-Iyalla T (JTF) and Mrs. Mabel Olufunke Iyalla, Alexander Senibo Opuene Iyalla began his elementary education in AddisAbaba, Ethiopia, where his father was stationed as a diplomat. He proceeded to Montessori School in New Rochelle, New York, and then to J.F. Oyster Elementary School in Washington D.C., where his father served as the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States. On return to Nigeria, he completed his primary school education at St. Mary’s Private School, Lagos Island. For his secondary school education, he attended Kings’ College, Lagos, and Federal Government College, Port Harcourt. He attended Hurtwood House, Surrey, United Kingdom, where he bagged his A-Levels. Subsequently, he proceeded to Buckingham University where he studied and acquired a degree in Insurance. He proceeded to pursue his professional examinations and qualified as an accredited member and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Great Britain (ACII and FCII). He was at that time the youngest person to become a Fellow in Nigeria. He began his working career with H. Clarkson Edu & Co. He then moved on to Hogg Robinson & Co. Thereafter, he left brokerage and decided to go into underwriting, becoming the General Manager of Lamda Insurance and also ran the regional office for Crusader Insurance in Port Harcourt. The late Iyalla’s NFE life spanned 51 years. Senibo loved his son, his family, his horror movies, conspiracy theories, reggae music, especially that of BobMarley, football and, of course, knockout fireworks. From his childhood living in the United States, through the streets of London and finally the boardrooms of Lagos and Port Harcourt, the Christian values that graced his life were his steadfast loyalty to his family and

Iyalla

Adieu, Alexander Senibo Opuene Iyalla friends, his dogged, honest determination and his unwavering generosity and amiable personality. We honour his life by remembering his pride in his son – his love for his family…His unbridled passion to defend those he loved and the downtrodden with all his heart…His willingness to do honest hard work, no matter how humble. And his kind-hearted nature. Life is to be celebrated. Therefore, in spite of our profound sadness, we choose to celebrate your life, a life lived with grace, integrity and humility. As we (Amb. J.T.F. Iyalla (OFR) and Omo Oba Mabel Olufunke Iyalla, your father and your mother, your brother, Dr. Apiribo Iyalla and your sisters, Mrs. Ibiere Ademola, Mrs. Ogita Finnih, Mrs. Alamina Sasore-Asunramu and your son Fabiawari Joe-Iyalla) that you left behind remember you, dearest Senibo, with love, we still ask why now, but we submit to the wish of God.

TheGuardian

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports Brume Dreams Olympics Gold By Gowon Akpodonor ONG jumper, Ese Brume, is in Team Nigeria’s LAthletics camp preparing for the African Junior Championships scheduled for Mauritius in August. She was one of the revelations at the just concluded Cross River/All Nigeria Open Championship in Calabar, where the country’s senior athletes for this year’s IAAF World Champions in Russia were selected. Since the championship, Brume’s superlative performance in the long jump event, where she beat senior girls to place second behind US-based Blessing Okagbare, has been the talking point for athletics followers. While the Beijing 2008 Olympics bronze medalist, Okagbare, placed first with a leap of 6.68meters, the young Brume jumped 6.53m to settle for the silver. The bronze went to Chinazon Amadi (6.31m). Three days before the commencement of the All Nigeria Open Championship in Calabar, Amadi beat Brume to the gold medal in the same long jump event at the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) Grand Prix/Relays in Warri. In that competition attended by top athletes from the United States, Great Britain, Jamaica and some African countries, Brume jumped 6.24m to finish second. “After the Warri CAA Grand Prix, something told me that I could do better even in the midst of senior competitors in Calabar,” Brume told The Guardian at the U.J Esuene Stadium at the end of the championship. “I intensified training and I thank God for this achievement. I will continue to build on this success, especially now that I am preparing for the African Junior Championship in Mauritius.” The 11th edition of the Africa Junior Athletics Championships was originally scheduled for South Africa but the country pulled out after Athletics South Africa was suspended for financial impropriety by the country’s Olympic body. Mauritius was picked to replace South Africa by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and the city of Reduit will host the event. Brume said she would do everything possible to win the long jump gold for Team Nigeria in Mauritius, adding that her ultimate aim is to become a world champion and Olympics medalist in the nearest future.

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After the Warri CAA Grand Prix, something told me that I could do better even in the midst of senior competitors in Calabar. I intensified training and I thank God for this achievement. I will continue to build on this success, especially now that I am preparing for the African Junior Championship scheduled for Mauritius.

Her mother was among the spectators that cheered Brume to victory on the day of the long jump event at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar. And Brume told The Guardian: “The presence of my mother and my coach actually helped me today.” “Any time I looked up and saw my mum waving and cheering me, I got fired up to do my best. My coach was also giving me tips to push on and that helped me a lot. “But my greatest joy and inspiration was competing alongside Blessing Okagbare in this final. I took a cue from every jump she made and it helped me so much. It was a big encouragement jumping with Okagbare because she is my hero in sports. “I chose Blessing as my hero because she is not a foreigner. She is doing very well in the sprint and long jump. She is internationally acclaimed and has won several laurels in Nigeria’s colours. To be candid, I don’t see why I should not choose someone that has that kind of profile as my hero.” Brume came to limelight after winning a gold medal for Delta State in the long jump event at Eko 2012 National Sports Festival in Lagos. At that competition, Brume told The Guardian that passion rather than the love for money lured her into sports. “I came into sports because of the passion I have for sports. It takes someone that has passion for sports to win a gold medal in a competition of this magnitude. It is my passion for sports that gives me the courage to combine education with sports. And I am happy that I don’t have any cause to regret taking such step.” In the build up to the maiden African Youth Athletics Championships (AYAC), which Nigeria hosted in Warri earlier this year, Brume was among those profiled to fly the country’s flag. The athlete arrived Warri beaming with enthusiasm that she would compete in front of her family members, friends and supporters for the first time. But things went against her plans, as the AFN screened her out of its team on the ground that the athlete was above the age. It was a big blow that could have demoralized the athlete, but a sober Brume took AFN’s decision in good faith. “I didn’t need to contest it because the AFN should know better,” she said in a phone chat with The Guardian during the AYAC Games. Some athletics followers believe that an athlete like Brume, if given encouragement and support by the Federal Government, will be a world-beater in the nearest future. The multi-talented Brume had jumped 6.51m to emerge the best athlete during the trials conducted for junior athletes in Port Harcourt and her 6.53m leap in Calabar last Friday is giving AFN President, Solomon Ogba, and Technical Director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, the courage to do more for the team.

“Brume really impressed me in this championship,” Ogba told The Guardian at the end of the championship in Calabar. “It means our efforts and investment in the youth and junior competitions are not in vain. I have been sounding it loud and clear that the youths are the bedrock of Nigeria’s athletics and I am happy we are getting things right.” On his part, Nesiama said he is confident that Team Nigeria would put up a good performance at both the African Junior championship in Mauritius and the World Youth Championship in Ukraine. Apart from Brume, the AFN Technical Director is banking on young athletes like Chibuike Harry, who finished fifth in the 100m won by Ogho-Oghene Egwero in Calabar. Harry was impressive in the 100m at the Warri CAA Grand Prix two weeks ago. Others are Anthony Egode, Mamusi Mounonuvie, Victor Ikhazoboh, Briggs Tamunotoye, Oshasha Samson, Ottah Ugochukwu, Akere Amazie, Adeniji Ademola, Ebelebe Charles, Peace Ukoh, Deborah Odeyemi, Mariam Bassey, Nkem Ezeala, Morolake Akinwusi, Rita Ossai, Ekanem Comfort, Ada Benjamin, Abike Egbeniyi, Uwakwe Nkeiruka, Abike Egbiniji, Aminat Olowora, Efe Favour, Nwanneka Okwelogu and Foustina Oguh. The African Junior Championship will begin on August 10 in Mauritius, a few days after the World Youth Athletics Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine. The nation’s contingent to Ukraine is putting finishing touches to its preparation in Port Harcourt under the watchful eyes of former Delta State Director of Sports, Coach Seigha Porbeni and others. One major headache for officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) at the moment is non-availability of funds to prosecute its major programmes, including the World Junior Championship, which runs from July 10 to 14. The Guardian learnt yesterday that the AFN was yet to get money from the Federal Government, a factor many fear may scuttle Team Nigeria’s medal’s hope in Ukraine.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

My greatest joy and inspiration was competing alongside Blessing Okagbare in this final. I took a cue from every jump she made and it helped me so much. It was a big encouragement jumping with Okagbare because she is my hero in sports. I chose Blessing as my hero because she is not a foreigner. She is doing very well in the sprint and long jump. She is internationally acclaimed and has won several laurels in Nigeria’s colours.

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THE GUARDIAN Saturday, June 29, 2013

SPORTS European Round-Off

Transfer Gossip

Everton Faces Baines Battle

HELSEA manager, Jose Mourinho, will switch his sights C back to Borussia Dortmund’s 24-year-old striker, Robert Lewandowski, if he is unable to sign Napoli’s Edinson

VERTON face a battle to E hang on to Leighton Baines after Manchester United had an opening bid for the England left-back rejected. United boss, David Moyes, who does not technically begin work at Old Trafford until Monday, returned to his former club with a bid of about £12million for the defender. It was dismissed out of hand by Everton, who have stressed the 28-year-old is not for sale. While the Toffees are determined to maintain that stance it is unlikely to deter United, who can offer Baines Champions League football at a time when he is probably at the peak of his career. Last season the left-back created 116 chances - more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues - and was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive season. Baines has been Everton’s most consistent performer over the last couple of years and while they are not prepared to consider a sale the

club value the player, who is close to deposing Ashley Cole as first choice in the national team, much higher. Manager Roberto Martinez, who succeeded Moyes at Goodison Park, is due back in the country on Friday after his commitments as an American television pundit for the Confederations Cup are over. He will meet his full squad for the first time when they return for pre-season training on Wednesday. The Spaniard stressed from the moment he was appointed he wanted to keep his squad intact - with midfielder Marouane Fellaini the other player linked with a number of clubs. Chairman Bill Kenwright reiterated that view on Wednesday when he said: “He (Roberto) wants to hold onto it but he also wants to bring in two or three players in the positions were we need them. “He hasn’t met the squad yet. The first step is to get the players back and get to know them and bring in two or three.”

Baines

Ribery Extends Bayern Stay AYERN Munich winger, that he had agreed to sign a B Franck Ribery, has deliv- new deal with the record ered on his promise by put- German champions. ting pen to paper on a new four-year contract. The 30-year-old Frenchman announced after winning the treble with Bayern last season

Hoddle Wants Bale To Stay In England The 23-year-old enjoyed a would look elsewhere in order ORMER Tottenham midstandout season for Spurs in to further his career. FHoddle, fielder and manager, Glenn which he netted 21 Barclays Yet Hoddle believes Bale has urged star man, Gareth Bale to continue his career in the Premier League. Bale has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a move overseas, with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid rumoured to be planning a big money move for the Welshman.

Premier League goals and was named the PFA Players’ Player and Young Player of the Year. Despite his efforts, the north London club missed out on the final Champions League place to rivals Arsenal on the final day of the season, leading some to suggest Bale

should remain in England and the 55-year-old is better placed than most to talk about the winger’s future after he swapped Tottenham, with whom he made over 300 appearances, for Monaco in 1987.

Now, following the first two days of pre-season training, he sat down to rubberstamp his commitment by signing on the dotted line. “I’m really pleased,” he told the club’s official website. “I always said how great it feels to be at FC Bayern. “I have a good feeling for me and my family and I hope things will carry on the way they were in the past year.” The 72-time France international joined Bayern in 2007 from Marseille and soon became a hit in the Bundesliga. He has won three Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles and the Champions League for Bayern.

Cavani, 26. Arsenal’s hopes of signing Swansea City defender Ashley Williams, 28, are fading as the Welsh club are refusing to lower their £10m asking price. Manchester United will turn their attention to Tottenham’s Gareth Bale, 23, if they fail to convince Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, to return to Old Trafford. But Bale’s future at White Hart Lane has been made “clear” to Spurs target Paulinho. The 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder reveals he is on the verge of joining from Corinthians, with assurances given about Bale staying at the club. Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez, 27, tops the list of targets for Manchester City as they look to replace Carlos Tevez. Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo, Roma’s Pablo Osvaldo and Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo are also in contention. West Bromwich Albion are interested in Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair, 24, with the former Swansea player hoping to go out on loan. Sunderland are close to signing Argentina right-back Gino Peruzzi, 21, who shot to prominence with Velez Sarsfield after he kept Neymar quiet over both legs of a Copa Libertadores tie. Liverpool are monitoring Mamadou Sakho’s situation as the Paris St-Germain defender, 23, stalls on signing a new contract. Sakho made his senior international debut for France in a 2-1 win over England at Wembley in November 2010. Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace have agreed a fee to sign Peterborough United striker Dwight Gayle. The 22year-old spent the 2011-12 season on loan at non-league Bishop’s Stortford. Sunderland will receive £2m when they sell Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady to Premier League rivals Hull City in the next 24 hours. The 25-year-old right-sided player helped Hull win promotion during a loan spell last season. Swansea City are hopeful they will complete the signing of Wilfried Bony from Vitesse Arnhem, despite the Dutch club’s denial that a deal has been agreed for the 24-year-old Ivory Coast striker. Newcastle United could be poised to make a £15.2m offer for St Etienne’s 24-year-old striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov, 27, has hinted he would be happy to follow striker Carlos Tevez in taking a pay cut and moving to Juventus. Marseille have confirmed the signing of Lille forward Dimitri Payet, 26, subject to a medical. Barcelona attacker Gerard Deulofeu, 19, is a loan target for a number of English clubs which include Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton. Brighton’s new manager Oscar Garcia is also keen, though Arsenal are regarded as favourites.

Laura Robson Makes Wimbledon 2013 Third Round RITISH number one, Laura B Robson, is into the third round of Wimbledon for the

Robson at Wimbledon yesterday

PHOTO: AFP

first time thanks to a comfortable 6-4, 6-1 win over Mariana Duque-Marino. Robson’s serve was fragile at times but her attacking game proved too much for the Colombian to contain in the opener. The 19-year-old broke at the first opportunity in the second and completed victory in an hour and 13 minutes under the Centre Court roof. Robson plays New Zealand’s world number 71 Marina Erakovic in the last 32. “It’s a big win for me. Any match on Centre Court is a big one and it was a great atmosphere out there,” Robson told BBC Sport. “I didn’t think I played my best, my timing was a bit off, but I just had to accept that and try to control it,” she said. “I was feeling nervous but then thought she was probably more nervous than I was.” The teenager’s win over Maria Kirilenko in the first round added to a list of high-profile career victories that already includes Li Na, Kim Clijsters and Venus Williams. Robson, whose best display in

a Grand Slam is reaching the fourth round at the 2012 US Open, was due to play DuqueMarino on Court Two on Thursday but the match was postponed because of rain. Ranked 162 in the world and more comfortable on clay, Duque-Marino is a far less celebrated name, but the 23year-old broke first as Robson’s groundstrokes initially strayed. The British number one, ranked 38 in the world, soon

found her range and her powerful ball-striking had DuqueMarino chasing in vain as she took a 4-2 lead in the sixth game. Service jitters undermined Robson’s efforts, with double faults offering up two breakback points, before MarinoDuque ‘s defensive slices took her back on serve at 5-4. But Duque-Marino’s own serve lacked venom and she surrendered the set in the next game. A superb dipping forehand

pass from Robson flummoxed Duque-Marino and gave the Briton a second break point in the second game of the second set and she barely looked back. Duque-Marino’s defences were undone again in the penultimate game as Robson advanced in impressive fashion, with possible meetings with Agnieszka Radwanska and Serena Williams ahead if she win her match with Erakovic.

Murray ‘Way Too Good’ For Serena, Says Tarango ERENA Williams would have Srankings to drop way down the men’s –– possibly as low as 350th –– to find an opponent she could beat, according to former player Jeff Tarango. The first week of Wimbledon has seen British number one Andy Murray challenge 16-time grand slam winner Williams to a match in Las Vegas. Williams later admitted she would be open to such a showdown - even if she laughed off her chances of troubling the US Open champion - saying: “He wants to play me? Is he

sure? That would be fun. Williams went on to joke that Murray should get no serves and would have to play without his legs, but Tarango, famous for his angry walk-off at Wimbledon in 1995, was quite serious in his assessment of how she would fare. “She would be tested. She could test a lot of men on this planet, probably seven and a half billion, but Andy Murray is not one of them. He’s way too good for her,” the American told BBC Radio 5Live. “Maybe if they found a handi-

capping system. I’m sure Andy could come up with something, maybe redraw the lines a little bit... “Let’s go to the depth of it. What they’re asking is ‘how low do you have to go in the men’s game before Serena pulls off a win?’. “I’m going to say 300-350, those guys aren’t used to playing for US$500,000, they might start getting a little nervous and I think on a good surface on a good day, she could maybe take someone out.”

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, June 29, 2013

SPORTS

The Dream Final Samba Versus Tiki Taka! OW the world has a dream final between the superpowN ers of global football – the best teams of Europe and South America. This match, to be played this weekend, is of great

For most of the past decade, Spain have been favorite at every world championship. Since they took over the position of the world’s highest ranked team from Brazil, they have not looked back. Their football development strategy, through the youth club academies and a great professional league, has yielded positive dividends. At junior, club and national levels their dominance has not been in doubt. On top of that they introduced a brand of football called Tiki Taka that the rest of the world is till struggling to understand, decode and detonate. On Thursday night, Spain played an inspired Italian team that Brazil had beaten mercilessly earlier in the group matches. It was a very difficult match for Spain. For 90 minutes the two teams cancelled each other. It was a match that revealed, for the first time in the championship, Spain’s vulnerability and showed that Spain can be beaten. Spain could easily have lost against Italy and no one would have felt they did not deserve to lose. Indeed, for spells during the encounter, but for the national colours of the two teams that distinguished them, one could easily have confused them for each other – Italy were the team playing more of the possession and attacking, and the Spanish team were playing more of the long-established defensive system of Italian football. In the end, Spain survived the Italian scare and joined Brazil as they both emerged the two best teams at the championship. They will now play in a final match that promises to be as pulsating as the entire championship has been, providing more

Segun Odegbami

interest for many reasons, the first of which is that it provides a window into the World Cup taking place in Brazil in 2014. I needed to see the two semi-final matches before I could make up my mind about the two teams in this weekend’s than enough of everything that the great festival of football final match. Before then, I had liked but not been very can offer – tension, excitement, entertainment, great individimpressed with the Brazilian team – Neymar and all! They ual performances, the best and the poor of football, great offiwere not playing with the usual panache, comfortability and ciating, plus high drama such as in the penalty shoot-out that flair of the great Brazilian teams of old – of the Garrincha era, settled the scores between the two European giants. the Pele era, the era of Socrates and Zico, and even that of Rio 2013 has so far provided everything that makes football Ronaldo and Rivaldo. This Brazil team had looked unconvincgreat. The final match promises even more. ing, sometimes ordinary, and a bit jagged. That is, until the So, as we prepare to watch the climax to the drama of the last two matches against Italy and their great South American 2013 Confederations Cup, it is looking more and more likely rivals, Uruguay. to me that the die-hard global followers of Brazilian football Particularly against Uruguay, the team had to dig deep, will soon have something to celebrate after several years of a fought for 90 minutes and invented two important goals that drought. halted the Uruguayan challenge. It was a match that revealed Brazil are looking more and more like the champions, even the hidden depth of the Brazilian team. if the Spanish have not been far behind. Brazil are perched Any team that will win a championship must dig deep at difon the edge of history, for to win the Confederations Cup is to ficult times and win crucial matches particularly when they start to erase the ghost of 1950 when they hosted the World don’t play well. Usually there is a match that does not go so Cup and lost in the final. The country has not hosted any well, that tests the resilience of even the best teams, that global championship since then. requires something special and extra during a champiSo the die is cast for an epic confrontation, and it is only onship. It is that kind of a match that separates the great Spain that can spoil the party that would erupt all over Brazil teams from the pretenders. That is the stuff Brazil produced should the Brazilians win. against Uruguay to survive their semi-final scare. Against Italy, Spain also showed their vulneraThe Brazilian team has been under incredible bility to the heat of Rio at this time of the year. pressure playing at home at a time when, They could not play with their usual speed and beyond the walls of the stadia where matches endless movements and passing, as a result of are taking place, the people are on the streets the dehydrating effect of the weather. The protesting. The team knows that the only way Brazilians will exploit that. to help bring down the tension on the streets is Spain also showed weakness in burying the for them to win on the field. There can’t be a chances that their mercurial midfielders better way to justify the huge expenditure always created. They have been fielding incurred by government to host three very Fernando Torres as their main arrowhead. He expensive global sporting events back to back – is not the clinical finisher that the Spanish the Confederations Cup, the World Cup in 2014 style of football requires to flourish as we have and the Olympic Games in 2016. seen in some games of during the champiThe players realize that Brazil must win the onship. Confederations Cup to placate the people on Brazil’s Neymar has the opportunity now, and the streets. Such pressure-cooker atmosphere definitely the talent, to make his final entry can break even the best players and make them into the top echelon of world football in this fumble. battle of football artists. Brazil and their teemFrom what we have witnessed so far, the ing colourful parade of football’s most enlightBrazilian team has soaked in the political tenened supporters will provide the perfect setsion, and converted it to fuel for their ambition. ting in the biggest and best theatre (the new They are now playing and fighting like lions. and glittering Maracana stadium) for the ultiThe team may not have been truly outstanding, mate performance of the world’s best football but they have more than made up for this with artists to dance and dazzle to the beat of Tiki their fighting spirit and the ‘will to win’ attiTaka and of Samba in a final match that will tude. It is such a spirit that can propel them to provide a sneak preview of the 2014 World become Champions this weekend, as they take Brazil’s Neymar (left) and Marcelo celebrating their semifinal defeat of Uruguay at the on-going Confederations Cup. on the current world champions, Spain. Cup. Spain and Brazil will meet in the final of the competition… tomorrow.

Cameroun Government Annuls Football Laloko Wants LMC To Compel Clubs Federation Polls To Establish Genuine Feeder Teams have to be done because the AMEROON is on a collision Commission invalidated the Blatter wrote in his letter to HE Director, Pepsi Football down to ensure that all league game was not progressing C course with FIFA following June 19 poll, which retained T Mohammed. Academy, Kashimawo teams have proper youth the way it should. the annulment of elections at Iya Mohammed as president. “I am convinced that your Laloko, yesterday called on the development programmes in the country’s football federation (Fecafoot). The Ethics and Fair Play

Cameroun Captain, Samuel Eto’o has been at loggerheads with the country’s football authorities over alleged corruption.

Mohammed is under arrest and facing possible charges of embezzling money at stateowned Cotton Development Company. State auditors say the company lost millions of dollars when Mohammed was managing director. He has been under arrest since June 10 and is being held in a prison pending trial. Prosecutors say he could be held for up to six months before trial while investigations continue. The verdict of the Ethics Commission comes two days after FIFA chief, Sepp Blatter, gave his seal of approval to the Fecafoot elections. “Your election is a clear vote of confidence on your capacity from the Cameroon football community and I hope to use our friendship and excellent collaboration to ameliorate good governance,”

rich experience, knowledge and personal qualities would have a tremendous impact on the stable development of our sport in Cameroon.” This latest development follows an appeal filed by one of the defeated candidates. Mohammed has headed Fecafoot for the last 15 years - a period that has seen divisions deepen in Cameroonian football. His presidency has been much criticised and critics hold him responsible for the poor state of the game in Cameroon. Various factions are fighting for control of the sport and Mohammed’s woes are seen by some as an opportunity to effect change. The Cameroon government also has a long history of conflict with Fecafoot, with successive Sports Ministers clashing with the federation.

League Management Company (LMC) to enact policies that will compel clubs to set up genuine feeder teams, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Laloko, a former Stationery Stores’ coach, noted that what most clubs currently passed off as feeder teams was a far cry from what feeder teams should look like. The former Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) added that most of the players in the feeder teams were even older than those playing for the clubs. He stressed that the absence of viable feeder teams had in a way stunted the growth of the sport, adding, “Clubs will tell you that they have feeder teams, but you will be surprised that the players are not feeder team materials. “The LMC has to put its foot

place, because we haven’t progressed well in that regard. “We need to be sincere with ourselves on our youth development programmes that could move our football to the next level.’’ On his assessment of the growth of football at the grassroots, Laloko said a lot

“We need to get things right at the foundation level: we are having problem with our teams, especially in the attacking side. “The Pepsi Academy remains the only viable academy in this country that has various age categories that are exposed to the rudiments of the game,’’ he added.

Kano Pillars are the defending champions of the Globacom Premier League.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, June 29, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Glo League Clubs To Get N10.5M Each LUBS in the Globacom C Nigeria Professional Football League will each get N10.5 million from the sponsorship cash next week, reports MTNFootball.com. “They have agreed to give each club N10.5 million, but we have been made to understand that this does not include broadcast rights money, which would be shared according to how each team finishes at the end of the season,” a top club official revealed. The clubs have not received sponsorship cash for the past two seasons. The League Management Company (LMC) and the representatives of the 20 premier League clubs rose from a meeting on Thursday with agreed terms of sharing the N550 million Globacon cash for the title sponsorship of the 2012/203 season of the Nigeria Professional Football season.

LMC Chairman, Nduka Irabor

The Spanish team celebrating their semifinal victory over Italy...on Thursday. PHOTO: AFP

Keshi, NFF May Clash Over Team Selection, Bonus Crisis HE face-off between the Football T Nigeria Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, could be reignited when the African Nations Cup winning coach meets with his employers this weekend. The NFF allegedly hold Keshi responsible for mishandling the bonus issue when it came up shortly before the team left for the Brazil 2013 Confederations Cup. They also accuse the ‘Big Boss’ of taking mediocre players to 2013 Brazil the Confederations Cup, and have decided to vet the sort of players invited to the team henceforth. to According MTNFootball.com, an NFF official disclosed that the federation “will meet with Keshi immediately the Eagles resume camping in Abuja. We are not happy at the manner the coach allowed his players to create a national disgrace for this country, he is fully aware of the situation on ground and he should have made his players understand.” The NFF have continuously blamed Keshi for the show of shame in Namibia when Eagles threatened to boycott the Confederations Cup owing to the bonus row.

The Super Eagles will reassemble in Abuja tomorrow ahead of a date next week with Cote d’Ivoire in a Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifier in Kaduna. NFF President, Aminu Maigari, recently said that Keshi would no longer be solely responsible for selecting the squad following the Confederations Cup debacle. Maigari queried Keshi’s selection for the Confederations Cup in Brazil, which Nigeria exited at the group stage, and said he is dissatisfied with the current set-up. “The Confederations Cup is a big tournament and that’s why the other teams brought their best players,” Maigari told Supersport’s Soccer Africa show. “Spain brought their best players, but we did not. Why would you bring a local player to play Spain at such a big stage? “This is unacceptable. We have experienced players that were not selected and this is where we have to step

in. ‘The coach doesn’t have the sole responsibility on squad selection. We all have to contribute. This team belongs to 165 million people. “Selections should affect all these people so we cannot

continue to let this happen because we need to compete well with others.” However, Keshi is said to be ready to defend his right to pick his players. “I understand Nigerians are emotive and sentimental

sometimes, but all the players that went to Brazil deserved to be there,” Keshi told BBC Sport. “I’m the coach and I can honestly listen to constructive ideas on how we can improve as a team.

Brazil 2013 Confederations Cup Final

Fatigue No Excuse For Failure, Says Del Bosque coach, Vicente del SbePAIN Bosque, says fatigue would no excuse for failure in the FIFA Confederations Cup final against Brazil after his side edged a gruelling semi-final with Italy on penalties in Fortaleza. Thursday’s game, played amid stifling humidity, saw Spain prevail 7-6 in a shootout after 120 energy-sapping minutes failed to yield a goal, with substitute Jesus Navas netting the decisive spot-kick. Brazil will benefit from an extra day’s rest prior to tomorrow’s final at Rio de Janeiro’s fabled Maracana, having beaten Uruguay 2-1 on Wednesday,

but Del Bosque said he had no concerns about the uneven turnaround. “I’m not looking for excuses,” said Del Bosque, who has already led Spain to glory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA EURO. “It shouldn’t be an excuse. It’s a different match. We have 72 hours, others have a bit more, but we want to put on a good show. “Today the players put in a great effort, although it’s true that they play two times a week for practically the whole year. “They’ve stepped up to the mark for the national team,

but we still want a little bit more. We’ll see if we can do it on Sunday.” Midfielder Juan Mata, a second-half substitute, said Spain’s efforts had left them “physically diminished”, and captain Iker Casillas admitted that Cesare Prandelli’s side had asked them searching questions. “They put a system in place that really complicated things for us,” said the Real Madrid goalkeeper, who was voted man of the match. “Italy were well organised, with two full-backs who attack a lot, get forward and come into the centre. I’m convinced that

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FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU

“But no-one has come to tell me who to pick and not to select. If the team fails the coach is responsible. As the coach, it’s my decision and responsibility. For now, the local players have earned the rights to be in the team.”

E-mail letters@ngrguardiannews.com; www.ngrguardiannews.com

••ABC

Brazil won’t play like that. “The whole world wanted to see a Brazil-Spain final, and in the end the two teams who are there are the ones who deserve it. “It’s basically a curtain-raiser for the World Cup (next year), and everyone who loves football will agree that it should be a great match.” Leonardo Bonucci was the only player to miss a penalty in the shoot-out, the Juventus centre-back hoisting his shot high over the bar and presenting Navas with an opportunity to send Spain into the final. It was a symbolic outcome, as Spain’s dominance of world and European football was sparked by a shoot-out victory over Italy in Vienna in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.