Sat 03 Aug 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

S A T U R D A Y COVER 49

NASS And The Take Over Of Rivers House

Of Assembly

E D I T I O N

CELEBRITY 28

POLITICS 11

LIFE&STYLE 23

Sadiq Daba Returns To The Big Screen

Prospects And Challenges Of APC

Aderonke

Teetotaller Turned Wine Expert

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,637

www.ngrguardiannews.com

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Court Vacates Order Stopping PDP’s Convention From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja N Abuja High Court yesterA day vacated its order barring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its planned special convention to elect fresh hands into its National Working Committee (NWC). By this action, the coast is now clear for the said convention. Justice Suleiman Belgore vacated the order after the three aggrieved PDP members – Abba Yale, Yahaya Sule and Bashir Maigudu applied to withdraw the suit they filed challenging the composition of the party’s NWC. The court had on July 25, this year restrained the PDP from conducting any form of convention “whether special or ordinary,” for the purpose of electing any officer into its CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Managing Director of Insight Communications, Mr Jimi Awosika, left; Miss Nigeria 2013, Ezinne Anyaoha, Project Coordinator Miss Nigeria Organization, Konnie Nnachetan-Agu and Head, Marketing, Insight Communications, FranklinOzekhone, during a courtesy visit by Miss Nigeria to the management of Insight Communications in Lagos yesterday.

NEWS 4

My Problem With Dame Jonathan, By Amaechi

Sabon Gari Residents May Opt To Police Themselves

From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt IVERS State Governor R Chibuike Amaechi has said that he desires peace with President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, irrespective of their perceived misunderstanding. Amaechi said his misunderstanding with the First Lady arose out of his desire to provide a conducive learning environment for the children of Okrika, her hometown.

The governor stated this when clergymen of the Niger Delta Bishops’ Forum visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday as part of their efforts to mediate the political crisis in the state. Amaechi, who is also Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), however, said he has enormous respect for both President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife. The bishops had some weeks

ago visited the First Lady and Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, in Abuja as part of their efforts to resolve the issues Amaechi said: “My lords, I don’t know what to say. Believe me, the only thing I want to say to you is that, and I want to be put on record, the wife of the President said when my wife came to beg me, I pushed her away. “I have never quarrelled with my wife publicly, and I will

never quarrel with my wife publicly. So, there is no time I pushed my wife away, and there is no time I will push my wife away. “I just want to correct that so that nobody goes away with the impression that somebody told my wife, ‘go and talk to your husband,’ and she came and I pushed her away. “No, that day, I simply walked away into a bus and I sat down until they finished. So, all I did was go back to the bus to

enable my wife perform her official function of someone who had received the wife of the President and escort her to all the places she wanted to go to.” He continued: “I hope that it (this mediation) will work. Niger Delta monarchs came and no result came out of it and since you are men of God, I hope that this one God will bless it. “I hope so, because that is the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Kano Blast Latest:

NEWS 3

Privatisation: FG Commences Review Of Electricity Law NEWS 6

Septuagenarian Rapes Eight Year-Old Girl In Ilorin

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

Anambra Guber Poll: PDP Aspirants Fault Alleged Consensus Arrangement In Uba’s Favour 16, The Guardian learnt yesterday that majority of the HEAD of the forthcoming People’s Democratic Party Anambra governorship (PDP) aspirants have resisted election slated for November and disagreed on the consen-

By Samson Ezea

Court Vacates Order On PDP’s Convention CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 offices, pending the determination of the suit by the aggrieved members. Arguing the application for withdrawal, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Friday Nwosu, submitted that his clients had elected to explore the party’s internal mechanism in addressing their grievances. He noted that being loyal party men, who wished to remain in the party, the plaintiffs had resolved to withdraw their case and table their grievances before the party’s National Reconciliation Committee, headed by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson. Nwosu urged the court to strike out the plaintiffs’case. Counsel to the defendants (PDP and its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur), Tobechukwu Nweke and Raphael Oluyede, respectively, did not object to the plaintiffs’ decision to withdraw their case. But they urged the court to dismiss the case, rather than strike it out. In his ruling, Justice Belgore said he was satisfied with the application for withdrawal and all the necessary accompanying documents filed by the plaintiffs. He held that the application, having been brought under Order 27 Rule 3 of the court’s Civil Procedure Rules 2004, the court was left with no option than to allow the withdrawal. Justice Belgore, however struck out the case, but did not dismiss it, on the ground that no major steps had been taken in respect of the substantive suit. “The suit is struck out. The earlier order restraining the defendants from holding any convention is vacated. That order is now discharged, as it crumbles with the striking out of the suit,” the Judge held. He, however, frowned at

Nwosu’s decision to petition the court’s Chief Judge, complaining of experiencing difficulty in withdrawing the case. The Judge said it was wrong for Nwosu to have written such petition even before his withdrawal application was brought before the court.

sus arrangement by the national leadership. Many of them believe it is in favour of former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and presently senator representing Anambra South zone in upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Andy Uba. Sources within the party leadership revealed that Uba who wielded a lot of influence during Obasanjo’s administration, is highly favoured in the alleged consensus arrangement as means of pacifying Obasanjo and get his support for President Jonathan’s alleged second

term ambition in 2015. “You should recall that Senator Uba was made governor on the PDP platform by Obasanjo’s administration but was eased out by the Supreme Court judgment that restored Governor Peter Obi to complete his tenure. For now, the Presidency believes that Senator Uba has the ear of Obasanjo and will be of use to persuade Obasanjo ahead of 2015 Presidency. Remember that Uba was together in Aso Rock with Obasanjo some months where they had breakfast with President Jonathan. “Apart from this, it is believed in the party that Uba has a deep pocket and has

influence on the major business moguls in the country that were made during Obasanjo’s administration and are still controlling the country economy,” the source disclosed. It was revealed that it was in line with the arrangement that the leadership of the party has kept quiet over the INEC’s recent recognition of Chief Ejike Ogbuebego who is allegedly loyal Senator Uba’s younger brother, Chief Chris Uba as the authentic state party chairman against Chief Ken Emekayi-led state executive of the party which the party leadership had accorded recognition before now. Confirming the develop-

HDP Presidential Candidate Docked For Alleged N60m Fraud From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt HE presidential candidate T of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Ambrose Owuru, has been arraigned at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt for alleged N60 million fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Counsel to the EFCC, Richard Ewor, said that Owuru was arraigned by EFCC over charges of fraud, alteration and forgery of land documents. Owuru, who was the presidential candidate in the 2007 and 2011 presidential elections, was alleged to have defrauded one Ikechukwu Eze of N60 million for a property in Port Harcourt. The EFCC had in Suit No: FHC/PH/151c/2013, reeled out a five-count charge bordering on fraud, alteration and forgery of land documents for defrauding Eze. The legal practitionerturned politician, according to the anti-corruption agency was alleged to have defrauded Eze of N60 million on the pretext of selling four plots of land located at Plot 44A, Amadi Layout, Port Harcourt, to the unsuspecting Eze. The EFCC accused Owuru of altering a forged Certificate of Occupancy dated March 20, 1990, and Survey Plan also dated December 19, 1989, purportedly approved by the Rivers State Land and

Survey. The charge preferred against Owuru read: “That you, Ambrose Owuru ‘M’ on or about the 7th day of March 2011 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of sixty million naira (N60,000,000) from Ikechukwu Eze on the pretence that you have sold to him four plots of land situate at Plot 44A, Amadi Layout-Port Harcourt, a pretext to which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(A) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of

the same Act. “That you, Ambrose Owuru ‘M’ on or about the 7th day of March 2011 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, did make a document titled “CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY” dated 20th March 1990 purportedly issued by the Rivers State Land and Survey covering Plot 44A Amadi Layout Port Harcourt, Rivers State with the intent that it may be acted upon as genuine which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007, and punishable under

Section 1(2) of the same Act.” Owuru who was present in court pleaded not guilty to the five-count charges, offences punishable under Section 1 (1) (a) and 1 (3) the Advance Free Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Counsel to the accused, Mr. Geofery Joseph, made oral application for his bail but the presiding Judge, Justice Suleiman Aliu, rejected the oral bail application and requested for a formal bail application. Due to the failure of Owuru’s lawyer to produce a formal bail application, Justice Aliu ordered that he should be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned till August 13, to hear his bail application.

ment to The Guardian yesterday, one of the party governorship aspirants said that the way things are going, the party might experience another round of deep crisis reminiscent of the 2010 governorship election when former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo was imposed on the party as a consensus candidate. The aspirant disclosed that several meetings between the party’s leadership and the party aspirants in Abuja in the last three weeks, have not resolved the matter as most of the aspirants have insisted on free and fair primaries devoid any favouritism or malpractice.

Police Thwart Bail For Rivers House Leader FFORTS to bail to the detained E leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, were thwarted by the failure of the Police to produce him in court yesterday. Counsel to the lawmaker, Mr. Beluolisa Nwafor (SAN) had on Thursday secured an expartemotion from a Port Harcourt High Court presided over by Justice Letam Nyordee, to abridge the date of the matter from Tuesday, August 6, 2013 to yesterday, August 2, 2013 so as to enable Lloyd who is ill to take his plea. Attempts for Lloyd, who is to face a six-count charge, which include attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, were stalled by legal arguments involving counsel to the lawmaker, counsel to the police and the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on who is legally empowered to prosecute the case against Lloyd.

I Desire Peace With Jonathan, Wife, Says Amaechi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 same way I spoke to them (the monarchs) and they said, ‘watch out, it will work,’ and they never returned, because it never worked. “There are so many persons who had come to mediate, but nothing came out of it. If it is peace that everybody wants, I am ready for peace. “When you say you are seeking for permission, I am wondering why, because if you did not have the permission, you would not have gone to see the wife of the President. “The mere fact that you have seen the wife of the President means that you have initiated the peace move, so you don’t require any further approval than the approval of God that you have started with.” The governor also said: “When you spoke with the wife of the President she spoke publicly, and I concede to her, that she said she is my mother. “As wife of the President, who is the head of government and head of the nation, she is my mother, and you expect that as my mother, she should be able to protect her son. “No mother takes away a police commissioner to the detriment of her son, so when next you see my mother, please tell her that she should try and protect her son.”

On the Okrika story, he explained: “As the governor, by protocol, I will receive the President and you know that the President is not just our President, he is the head of the nation. “But when the wife of the President came, I went to receive her at the airport and she slept in Port Harcourt. “The next day she came up with a programme that was not part of the official programme, which was for her people to receive her in Okrika, there was no plan, no protocol arrangement, nothing. “We just had to quickly arrange protocol to take her to the place. But to do that, we wanted to also show her, as part of her own programme, not our programme, the projects we had done in Okrika. “So, we took her to the Rufus Ada George Ring Road in Okrika, which we started and completed and then somewhere, we saw a health centre and a primary school and I said stop, let me show her this health centre. “We looked at the health centre and we were satisfied. At the primary school, there were houses around the primary school too close for comfort, no football field, no playground, no space at all around the school and I turned to the wife of the President and said, ‘Your Excellency Ma, we have not finished with this build-

ing, we would buy the houses surrounding the primary school and demolish them.’ “Once she heard the word ‘demolish,’ the wife of the President flared up and took the microphone from me and started all sorts of diatribes that I won’t mention here for the respect I have for the office of the wife of the President. “I felt it is wrong to confront the wife of the President publicly. When she finished, I withdrew and walked into the bus. When we got to the ground of the reception, which was not part of our programme, I came down from the bus and went to sit in one of the primary schools. That is where she said my wife met me.” He continued: “How did the wife of the President know that my wife met me and I pushed her away when she was supposed to be in a public ceremony. Was she standing with me and my wife in that primary school and saw me push my wife away? “So, it is important the public know that the altercation between myself and the wife of the President was as a result of providing services to her place, the Okrika people. “If you build a primary school and the place is surrounded by people who are cooking and selling and buying, that is not a conducive atmosphere for learning, and

we did not say we would come there with caterpillars and demolish; we said we would buy the houses from the people and pay them off to be able to get a football field and provide playground for the children and fence off the school, so that we can protect them from pedophiles.” Regarding the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, whom he nominated for appointment as minister, Amaechi stated: “I hear you also visited Wike. I try not to talk about Wike. I say so because he is my subordinate. “Why I won’t talk about him is that Wike, his second tenure as Obio Akpor Council Chairman was by the grace of God, but I was the architect of that second term. “He was appointed Chief of Staff by me and I nominated him as minister. I was under pressure by the President to drop him and bring a woman, but I refused. “I hear he is going all over town saying I didn’t appoint him; that the President appointed him. But I nominated him to be a minister, as the Chairman of NGF.” Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Rt. Rev. James Aye Oruwori, said they came because they needed the governor’s permission to intervene in the prolonged crisis in the state and the dispute between him and the First Lady.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

NEWS

Privatisation: FG Commences Review Of Electricity Law From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HE Ministry of Power said T yesterday that it has commenced the review of the Electricity Sector Power Reform Act of 2005 in line with current realities. Stressing that it is the mandate of the Ministry of Power to formulate policies, the Ministry said the review of the law is now more paramount, especially now that the power sector is at the final stage of privatisation. In a statement, it noted: “Indeed, the Ministry is already

looking ahead to those obvious challenges that would arise post privatisation. The question is for a legislation made in a period when the power sector was wholly Federal Government affairs, should it not be reviewed to address the present realities? For example, 2005 Electricity Power Sector Reform (EPSR Act) was borne out of the 2003 National Electricity Power Policy (NEPP), which was developed by the Ministry. Why should some individuals be against review that has just begun to gather momentum?

“The current attempt, therefore, has brought to fore the observations of how the sector is faring. This informed the call for the review of the legal framework with a view to ensure that maximum benefits of the reform process accrue to Nigerians within the context of the happenings in the electricity sector, oil and gas, where the incidences of vandalism of infrastructure and theft have assumed worrisome dimensions have made it even more urgent for promulgation of legislation that will curb these

menaces.” The Ministry added that with the army of Nigerians that are unemployed, the call for local content strategy in the ongoing reforms cannot be over emphasised for the impending revolution that is anticipated in the sector. It said that a review as envisaged in EPSR Act would help provide the framework in the building of the critical mass of professionals skillful to take their rightful places in the industry.” Making reference to reports (not in The Guardian) that gave

the impression that the Nigerian Electricity Power Sector Regulatory Commission (NERC) had issues with the proposed review of the 2005 Electricity Power Sector Reform Act by stakeholders in the power sector, Deputy Director in charge of press at the ministry, Mr. Timothy Oyedeji noted: “The fear that policy and regulatory functions will be mixed up by this review is unfounded. The Ministry is neither trying to change its mandate nor take over the functions of the regulator as alleged in the

article. The Federal Ministry of Power is only coordinating the views being jointly carried out by the agencies within the power sector and may find it necessary to reduce or tweak with either the Ministry or NERC’s functions.”

APC Registration Has Opened Door For PDP’s Exit In 2015, Says Wakka From Isah Ibrahim, Gusau AMFARA State Acting Z Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakka yesterday described the recent registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as one of the national political parties in the country by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the beginning of the process that would see the ruling Peoples Democratic Party lose the 2015 general election. In a statement made available to journalists in Gusau, the state capital, and signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, Wakka described the development as a victory for democracy in the country. The statement maintained that majority of Nigerians, particularly the masses, were fed up with the underdevelopment of the country throughout the 14 years of the PDP-led Federal Government.

Upper Class Hotel, 8 Old Market Road, Onitsha, being demolished on the orders of Anambra State government after two fresh human heads, arms and ammunition were discovered in the premises…yesterday.

Makarfi Urges Nigerians To Push For Improved Welfare Services, Not Increased Pay From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief OLLOWING protests against the high pay package received by members of the National Assembly to the detriment of poorly paid workers in Nigeria, former Governor of Kaduna State and the Senate committee Chairman on Finance, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has appealed to the Federal Government to initiate a policy that would de-emphasise

increased salaries to workers, while strengthening the domestic structure that would improve welfare services to Nigerians. Makarfi said that the emphasis on jumbo pay and monetary incentives for public officers and Nigerian workers rather than improved government infrastructures that would enhance the welfare of Nigerians was detrimental to the growth of the nation and its people. The former governor, who

spoke with journalists in Kaduna yesterday on the state of the nation, argued that Nigerians must choose if they would continue to fight for increased salary and other monetary incentives or take on the government to improve all the structure that would add up to improved welfare services under the nation’s limited resources. He lamented the poor state of education, health and other sectors in the country, saying that the effect of monetising all

benefits and desire for increased pay by all workers have led to the pitiable state of our public utilities with disastrous effect on the people. “We all heard of the death of one of the most outstanding and industrious young Senator recently. This was apparently due to the poor state of our hospitals. He was to be taken abroad for treatment. But the understanding was that everything has been modernised in the country and everybody was responsible for himself

because it is assumed that you are being paid your entitlements. And you know the state of our hospital, before anything could be done, he died,” he said. Makarfi argued further: “What I believe is that in Nigeria, we are paying everybody too much, in Hungary a senior medical consultant earns something like 1, 200 dollars; we are concentrating on sharing money instead of providing key infrastructure and services. “If I were a labour leader, I

Obi Demolishes Hotel Where Human Heads Were Discovered From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka NAMBRA State Governor, A Peter Obi, yesterday ordered the demolition of the Upper Class Hotel, Onitsha, where two fresh human heads,

arms and ammunition were discovered, saying that his administration would continue to fight crime in the State. He made this comments while personally supervising the demolition exercise of the

three- storey structure at 8 Old Market Road, Onitsha. The governor disclosed that government had confiscated all assets belonging to the owner of the hotel who was arrested together with his staff.

He explained that the action was in line with the policy of his administration to sustain the fight against crime and criminality. The governor stated that government would not relent in its

FEC Begins Discussion On 2014-2016 Budget Frameworks From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja FTER more than three hours A of deliberation, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its special meeting yesterday begun debate on the mediumterm fiscal strategy framework for 2014-2016 presented by Coordinating Minister of the

Economy and Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The meeting, tagged Special FEC, was an avenue to discuss the framework so as to ensure an early presentation of the budget to the National Assembly. Information Minister, Labaran Maku, while briefing State House correspondents after the

meeting said the objective of the exercise was to get the budget out on time. He said deliberations by cabinet members on the issues can’t be exhausted at regular meetings, hence, the President’s decision to devote a special meeting for it. Maku noted that the idea was to discuss the budget forecasts

and to look critically at the revenues expectations with a view to intensely growing the economy within the three-year period, stabilise the macro-economic environment and scale up the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and ultimately consolidate on the administration’s Transformation Agenda.

resolve to flush out hoodlums from all parts of the state, saying it would continue to knock down property belonging to criminals. “I am aware some would rather want us to convert those property for public use purposes, but I tell you, knocking them down is more beneficial because the weight of the punishment is proportional to how much fear it engenders in people to run away from crime,” he said. In their separate speeches at the scene, the Transition Committee Chairman, Onitsha North, Mr. Eddie Okosi and his counterpart from Onitsha South, Mr. Ugochukwu Ezeani said the Government was already winning the war against

Fasehun Urges Investigation Into Expulsion Of Indigents From Lagos By Kamal Tayo Oropo NDER the aegis of the yet-toU be-registered Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has called on the Police and federal authorities as well as civil society groups to investigate and prosecute Lagos State officials for several Human Rights violations, including illegally detaining and “deporting” bonafide Nigerians without trial. In addition, Fasehun demanded that Lagos State must put together a package of public apology, compensation and rehabilitation for all the victims. Making these submissions yesterday in the wake of Lagos State’s recent alleged deportation of some indigents to Onitsha, Anambra State, Fasehun said the action was insensitive, provocative, unpatriotic and unconstitutional. “This shows clearly that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State governs with abundant arrogance and impunity. If Governor Babatunde Fashola cannot be sued for this illegality because he enjoys immunity, his commissioners and heads of the concerned agencies, who contrived this criminality, must be made to feel the full weight of the law.”

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

NEWS Kano Blast Latest: Sabon Gari Residents May Opt To Police Themselves From Abba Anwar, Kano N March 28, this year, the O Sabon Gari area of Kano city was faced with one of the deadliest attacks of Boko Haraminsurgents in the state. It was the day the popular New Road Motor Park was attacked by suicide bombers, who blew four to five luxurious buses, where dozens perished and many more sustained various degrees of injury. After the attack, while the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Musa A. Daura said that, “…so far, a total number of 22 people were confirmed dead, 65 people sustained various degrees of injuries, and five buses were burnt”, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state insisted that the dead ones were not less than 60. The panIgbo socio-cultural association had noted that “whoever said less than 60 people died is not telling the truth”, adding that putting the number of people that died at 22 was “an attempt to cover up.” KanoStateDeputyGovernor,Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, after visiting the injured victims at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, had angrily described the incident as unIslamic. He further condemned the perpetrators as criminals. “Those that perpetrated this ugly incident are criminals. They are not representing any religion. Islam does not preach violence, neither does Christianity,” Ganduje lamented. The recent attack in Sabon Gari was the second by the Boko

Haram sect in that area of Kano State and equally led to loss of many lives. The attack, according to some observers, was a clear indication that the insurgents have resorted to attacking areas where there is a large concentration of innocent civilians that are mostly non-indigenes as the insurgents now find it extremely difficult to attack police formations or military checkpoints. According to a resident who identified himself simply as Mas’ud, “for the fact that these insurgents could not penetrate into attacking security personnel in the state, they are now trying hard to see that they put into trouble various nationalities in the state thereby creating more of tribal crisis between Nigerians.” Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso also described the bomb attack in Sabon Gari as an attack on Nigeria when he visited the scenes of the incident a day after it occurred in the company of most members of his cabinet. “This dastardly attack is an attack on Nigeria as a whole, as far as we are concerned. We are urging people to always be security conscious and be very vigilant on the movement of faces around them,” he noted. While sympathising with the families of the victims, Kwankwaso said the state government would take care of those affected by the blast. The governor urged residents of the state to remain steadfast and pray together for the safety of the nation as a whole.

The victims of the blast were taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano. A source at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital confirmed to reporters that 24 bodies were brought to them, clarifying that 20 were men and four were women. He further informed that the hospital admitted 10 other people that sustained various degrees of injury. At the Murtala Mohammed Hospital, a source confirmed that 21 bodies were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary. “It is indeed a tragedy. We pray that whoever has a hand in this tragedy be punished by God at the quickest possible time. When I heard the blast, I ran for safety but fell down in the process. It was some good Samaritan that took me to my yard,”theManagerofTheYoung Shall Grow transport, Prince Emeka Mba, said. Another survivor, Mr. Ejike Godwin from Owerri North, Imo State, stated that he was at a spot watching people that were playing table tennis when he just heard a big sound and

We are fine-tuning plans to have private a security arrangement. When we finish, we will take it to the authorities and tell them that this is what we are doing and get their opinion on that.

the table he was sitting on jumped up like it was not real. “I was taken to private hospital but I told my people to take me to the Teaching Hospital” he lamented,” he lamented. A 21-year-old survivor, Emmanuel Ane, who cried profusely while speaking with journalists, called on the government to bring the culprits to book immediately. In a press release, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano State chapter, Mr. Tobias Idika lamented the attack, saying it was unprovoked. “Without fear of contradiction, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano, registers its deep feelings over the unprovoked attacks on Sabon Gari, Kano, dominated by Ndigbo,” he said. Idika called on President Goodluck Jonathan to be swift and protect the lives of citizens resident in the northern part of the country, particularly, in Kano. He noted that they were still confident that the security agencies have the capacity to tackle the Boko Haram menace headlong. He, however, warned that should the security agencies fail to provide the needed security to the area, the Igbo community would have no alternative than to provide security for the area through private arrangement. “We are fine-tuning plans to have private a security arrangement. When we finish, we will take it to the authorities and tell them that this is what we are doing and get their opinion on that,” he noted. However, in a bid to avert

One of the survivors

disharmony and serious crisis between the different nationalities residing in Kano, the Ethnic Traditional Leaders Forum, Kano, has urged the people to remain calm and go about their businesses peacefully. In a statement on Tuesday signed by A. Abdullahi Salihu, as Oba Yoruba Kano; Dr Boniface Ibekwe, as (Ide 1) Eze Ndi Igbo

Kano; A. Abubakar A. Obochi, as Sarkin Idoma Kano; and Deacon Fred Akhigbe, as Sarkin Edo Community Kano, the Forum said: “We jointly appeal to the people to resist any form of reprisal act and go about their normal daily businesses and maintain peace and order.”

TheGuardian SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2013

Why Fight Against Corruption Under Jonathan Is Not Working The EFCC, under Ibrahim Lamorde, is getting too cold for comfort. The heat, which kept the Commission in the headlines, appears to have vanished with Farida Waziri. What has become of EFCC’s high-profile corruption cases?

INTERVIEW:

Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola, former Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) blows hot on 2015. Hear him: “I think we have talked enough about corruption in this country and I have seen a lot of lip service to the war against corruption. We are proposing that the issue of corruption should be at the centre stage. It should be in the front burner of the electioneering come 2015. Nigerians should come out en masse to demand, as a matter of right, that any politician asking for their votes must sign an undertaken or covenant that they are going into government house to fight corruption and the battle must be won.”

BUSINESS:

IBRU CENTRE:

Why Government Is Foot-dragging on Power Sector Reform

Oritsejafor And CAN Have Failed The Christian Community –– AYODELE

The Guardian On Sunday is new, fresher, bolder; a delight to behold and more importantly, reader-friendly! Book a copy today.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

NEWS Hezbollah: Court Transfers Suspects From SSS Custody To Kuje Prisons From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja HE Federal High Court, Abuja Division yesterday ordered the transfer of three Lebanese suspects, standing trial for alleged illegal importation of firearms from the custody of the Directorate of State Service (DSS) to Kuje Prisons. The suspects are Mustapha Fawaz, Abdallah Thahani and Talal Ahmed Rodo, co-owners

More Knocks For Lagos Over Expulsion Of The Indigent By Onyedika Agbedo

of Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Children’s Park in Abuja. The trial Judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola also adjourned proceedings till Monday August 5, 2013 for continuation of the defence of the accuse persons. The court reached the decision to transfer the three accused persons sequel to an application by the suspects’ lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), requesting for the said transfer on the score that his clients are no longer comfortable in the custody of the DSS. Raji told the trial judge that his clients’ request stemmed from the fear of their safety while giving evidence in defence of their case. Raji stated further that the accused persons’ demand is not out of disrespect for the DSS but that they are no more com-

fortable based on strange experiences they have had in the DSS custody. “They said they were interrogated by foreigners for 14 days. The foreigners spoke Arabic and wore masks. Based on that we humbly apply that they should be transferred to Kuje Prisons or any other facility in order to guarantee them the serenity of mind and confidence to come to court and testify in their case.” Since there was no objection from the prosecution, Justice Ademola granted the order and consequently the suspects were taken to Kuje. At the resumed trial yesterday, the accused opened their defence. According to Raji, the accused were to demonstrate before the court that the alleged label, ‘international terrorist’ is

predicated on non-existence of state of affairs. “Under Nigerian law and in particular, the terrorism Act section 9, neither Hezbollah as a body nor any of its arm, branches or departments have been declared an international terrorist in Nigeria, therefore, all counts predicated on same must collapse and be discharged. Therefore counts 1,2,3,4,5,6, and 16 have no reason to stand.” He explained further that the accused persons would call a witness all through from Lebanon to come and testify as to the correct status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is a friendly country to Nigeria. “On the issue of ammunitions, the 1st and 2nd accused persons will give testimonies that they have nothing to do with the property in Kano where

those arms were found and so they cannot be held by responsible. “Finally, with respect to a gun found in wonderland, the 1st accused person will testify that he has license for the gun and he merely uses it for hunting.” Meanwhile, the 3rd accuse person (Talal Ahmed Rodo), in his testimony yesterday as defence witness (DW1) admitted that he was a resident at No. 3 Gaya Road in Kano as a scoter but had good knowledge of the arms in a bunker. According to him, he serviced those arms on the instruction of the owner of No. 3 Gaya Road, Kano, Mr. Abdulhassan Tahir. “Tahir told me that those arms were licensed and I had no reason whatsoever not to believe him. I was also afraid to report to the police because I felt it might be a risk for me.”

HE alleged expulsion of 72 T homeless and indigent citizens to Onitsha, Anambra State by the Lagos State government has received further condemnation. An aspirant in the November 16, 2013, gubernatorial election in Anambra State on the platform of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Chief Udo Udeogaranya has described the action as grossly unconstitutional, immoral and illegal, and called on the Federal Government to sanction Lagos State over the action. Udeogaranya, in a statement yesterday, noted that sanctioning the state would serve as a deterrent to other states of the federation. He called for the transfer of 50 per cent of the monthly federal allocation of Lagos State to Anambra State government and canvassed for an explicit order by the Federal Government that all indigenes of Anambra in Lagos State should pay their taxes to the Anambra State government. He said: “As a native of Anambra State and one running to become the Governor of the State, one of the federating units of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am mindful that the Constitution that binds all the people, resources, talents and lands of the Federation as one and beneficial to all, irrespective of tribe, state or region has made a solemn proclamation that “every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.

FOUNDING member of the A Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Segun Ogundimu has called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to investigate the controversies surrounding the recent deportation of some Igbo indigenes from Lagos by the state task force. Ogundimu also urged the Federal Government to investigate the operation of deten-

By Ajibola Amzat HE governor of the state of T Osun, Ogbeni Aregbesola has taken Igi Iye tree planting project to over 750,000 primary and post secondary school students in the state. Speaking at the last phase of the distribution of Igi Iye to students at Iwo City Hall on Thursday, Aregbesola disclosed that, involving students in the project is to cultivate their support in the environmental protection and fight against climate change. “Our efforts at ensuring the fortification of the environment by planting trees and other schemes will end up in futility if our youths who are the custodians of the future are not only involved but saddled with all the mechanism of trans generation of the idea,” he said.

Anti-Smuuggling Task Force Cautions Public From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE National Task Force to T combat illegal importation, smuggling of goods, small

Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi and Minister of State for FCT, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, at a special federal executive council (FEC) meeting in Abuja… yesterday

Senator, Rep Laud Registration Of APC From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE senator representing Edo North in the Senate, Domingo Obende, and member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and its Minority Whip, Samson Osagie, yesterday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the eventual registration of the newly formed All

Progressives Congress (APC). Domingo also commended the leaders of the now defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party ((ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for their tenacity in ensuring the registration of the new party despite what he referred to as deliberate attempts by undemocratic elements to frustrate the process. A statement by the Senator’s

Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Pendo Apologun yesterday in Benin City called on all “progressives and true democrats in the country to join forces with the new party to aid the growth or our democracy. “For too long, anti-democratic forces have held us back in the quest to bequeath much needed good governance and democratic dividend to our people. But this development has shown that when a people are resolved for change, no matter what oppositions confront them, they will get their

way. All the opposition that greeted the resolve to register our new party was a result of the fact that anti-democratic forces have seen light in us and that we represent the hope for a better Nigeria. “I commend the leadership of INEC for doing what is right and not agree to be blackmailed and I also commend the leaderships of the ACN, CPC and ANPP for burying all individual ambitions for the general good of our people and our great country’s democratic development”

PDP Chief Urges Investigation Of Deportation of Igbos From Lagos By Seye Olumide and Sony Neme

Aregbesola Takes Igi Iye To Schools

Aka Ikenga Condemns Action tion camps by the Lagos State authorities, saying that: “if such camps exists, it is necessary they are closed down with immediate effect,” .” Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, Ogundimu, a two-time commissioner in Lagos said the action of the government posed great danger to the corporate existence and unity of the country if not addressed appropriately. According to him, “A situation

where the affected governor, Peter Obi of Anambra State has threatened to retaliate if nothing is done by Mr. President on the matter would undermine the Constitution and also send wrong signals to the citizens.” The former commissioner also pleaded that the whole issue should not be politicised as some individuals are already insinuating that the Babatunde Fashola-led administration might have

clamped down on the citizens of Anambra because of Obi’s refusal to join All Progressives Congress. “This would be antidevelopment and retrogressive for the nation.” He urged Igbo people in Lagos to continue with their businesses as well meaning people of the state are looking into the matter. Meanwhile, Aka Ikenga, the Igbo Think-Tank, at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, condemned without reservation the act. Its president, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, stated: “We state

without any fear of contradiction that most of these people referred to as destitute were people going home in the night from their various places of employment or business. The method of operation of the KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline), a government agency, is to raid any bus stop around 7 pm and grab anybody seen around there. Most of the commuters who are used to these raids take to their heels but those who are new or naïve stand their ground. This latter group are abducted and taken to the

arms, ammunition, light weapons and oil pipeline vandalism yesterday in Benin City pledged to collaborate with agencies with similar missions to check the menace of infiltration of the society with small arms and other economic sabotage related crimes. Speaking to journalists in Benin City yesterday, State Director of the Task Force, Nosa Ighodaro said the intention of the federal government to set up the Task Force was check draining of the nation’s resources that should be used for development adding that the upsurge in criminal and other anti-social behaviour was having adverse effect on Nigeria’s integrity. A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the state Command, Binato Ekhosuehi threatened to clamp down on anybody or organisation that would still indulge in such vices.

CNPP Urges Obi To Show Restraint Over Deportation By Seye Olumide HELagos State chapter of the T Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) on Friday urged Anambra State Governor Peter Obi not to allow the deportation of people of Igbo extraction controversy generate bad blood among among Igbos and Yorubas in Lagos. Controversy has continued to trail the alleged deportation of about 70 Igbo traders to Anambra State by Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials. The task force on July 24, 2013 allegedly dumped about 70 persons said to be Igbo traders in the state at Upper Iweka Onitsha, Anambra State. The deportees were alleged to have been indiscriminately arrested and detained for alleged wandering and other minor offences by theKAI officials, for about six months in the Ikorodu area of Lagos before their deportation to Onitsha.

THe GUArDiAn, Saturday, August 3, 2013

neWS Septuagenarian rapes eight -Year-Old Girl in ilorin From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin. T was neither a case of marriage nor love affair that led a 70-year-old man to have a carnal knowledge of an eightyear-old girl. But the man, name withheld, who lives at Oba Bolanata street on emirs road, was reported to have mated with an eight-year old girl in his house after when he threatened the girl to keep the secret from her mother. The Guardian investigation reveals that the suspect has slept with several other underage girls in the neigbourhood. But nemesis caught up with him on friday June 21 this year when his victim, (names withheld) complained to her mother of itching on her genitalia.

enquiries from the mother showed that the man would often invite his victim to his house, entice her with a paltry sum of n20 and then had sex with her. The girl told her mother that the suspect usually warned her not to tell anybody about the intercourse. “He would say if i should tell my mother,

he would kill me.” When the itching did not stop, her mother took her to a private hospital in the town where she was treated before she was later referred to the UiTH The Guardian sources disclosed that the man in question, a local chief had defiled several other children living

in the area. One of the health workers at the UiTH told The Guardian under condition of anonymity that series of tests have been carried out on the eight year old victim, adding, “but i can’t tell you the results now, because more tests will still be conducted on her.” Already, the man had submit-

ted himself to the medical experts at the UiTH in order to determine his health status. Besides, he had allegedly confessed to the commission of the crime to the victim’s relatives. A medical source said the Mallam might equally be suffering from psychiatric disorder.

PDP Welcomes APC in Kwara State From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin. He Kwara state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the registration of the Alliance for Progressive Change, (APC), by independent national electoral Commission, (ineC), but with a warning that the

new party should shun any attempt at luring PDP members into the APC. The local Secretary of the PDP, Yemi Afolayan said in a chat with The Guardian in ilorin yesterday, the branch of the PDP in Kwara is devoid of any faction and would therefore be

difficult for any opposition party to over run in any election. But a former Governorship Candidate of one of the parties that formed the APC, Dele Belgore SAn said with the registration of the new political party, the PDP in the state

should be prepared to leave the Ahmadu Bello Way Government House ilorin by the year 2015, when new elections would have been held. “We love the way the APC has been registered. it is good for the growth of our democracy,” he said.

Dep Gov Urges CBn To Set Up Cashless education Centres in Markets From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia enTrAl Bank of nigeria (CBn) has been advised to set up education centers in the markets where traders and members of the public will be educated on the new Cashless policy. Deputy governor of Abia state, Chief emeka Ananaba gave the advice to the CBn Officials led by the Bank’s deputy governor - Operations Mr Tunde lemo who was in Abia state on a cashless policy sensitization campaign during which lemo solicited the state government ‘s collaboration and assistance for the policy. Ananaba pledged that Abia state government would collaborate with the CBn towards the successful implementation of the policy. He said that it was in the bid to fully sensitize and educate the public on the matter that the effective takeoff date was shifted from July to October 2013 adding that Abia state was chosen as one of the six pilot states due to the high volume of commercial activities involving cash that feature in the state.

VC Challenges Host Community On education Of Their Wards From John Akubo, Dutse He Vice Chancellor of the federal University Dutse, Professor Jubril D. Amin has challenged the host community to be conscious of the need to maximize the opportunity of their proximity to the citadel of learning by ensuring that their children benefit by earning degrees that will better their lot from the institution. Professor Amin who spoke to a congregation of Muslim faithfuls invited by the University authority to break their fast yesterday, said the education of their children in the university would be of greater benefit to them than the job opportunities which they have benefited from already. He said there is nothing valuable as education in life hence the need to embrace it wholly.

Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi welcomes Rev James Aye Oruwori and other members of the Niger Delta Bishops Forum when they visited him in Port Harcourt, Friday

Terrorist Attack: expert Advises nigerians To Be Vigilant By Laolu Adeyemi reSiDenTof the Association of industrial Security and Safety Operators of nigeria (AiSSOn), Dr. Ona ekhomu has described the Sabon Gari, Kano bomb attacks as evidence of a metastasizing of the Boko Haram threat, and has therefore urged nigerians to maintain constant vigilance in order to prevent future terrorist attacks. He explained that the bombing of new road and enugu road in Sabon Gari on 29th July has shown that the BH threat in Kano and other states is not to be taken lightly. According to the renowned security expert, the displacement theory of crime postulates that strong enforcement measures in one area will force criminals to migrate elsewhere. “So, with the emergency rule in the north east, which has been quite effective and commendable, the terrorists would either give up the fight or migrate to Border States or elsewhere,” he noted. ekhomu charged nigerians to stop denying the reality of ter-

rorism and undermining the fatality that result from terrorist attacks. “The 45 lives lost in the Sabon Gari Kano bombings could have been saved if the authorities and other nigerians were not in denial,” he argued. He advised state governments to urgently develop and imple-

ment a program titled: the State improvised explosive Device Prevention initiative. (SieDPi). The program would teach nigerians about terrorist attacks pre-incident indicators (TAPis) and thereby enroll citizens in the fight against terrorism.

Group laments Poor Governance in Anambra By Onyedika Agbedo GrOUP, the Anambra A reality Group (ArG) has lamented that nearly 22 years after the creation of Anambra State, it was still struggling to develop as a result of poor governance. Addressing a press conference in lagos recently, the

lagos Assembly Confirms Gbeleyi As new Commissioner for finance By Wole Oyebade He lagos State House of Assembly on friday confirmed Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi as new Commissioner for finance in lagos. Governor raji fashola in a letter to the House, read on the floor of the Assembly yesterday, nominated Gbeleyi to replace Tokunbo Abiru, who resigned as commissioner for finance for new appointment on the board of the first Bank nigeria Plc. At an emergency plenary presided by Majority leader, Ajibayo Adeyeye, the House

confirmed Gbeleyi’s nomination barely 15 minutes he was invited to the floor. The confirmation was in line with Section 192 of the 1999 Constitution. Gbeleyi, 48, has been in the service of the lagos State government since 2008. Until the new appointment, the chartered accountant has been the Director General of the State’s office of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Special Adviser to the governor on PPP. fielding question on his opinion and possible implication of borrowing to the state, a question posed by member of the House, Wahab Alawiye-King,

Gbeleyi said, “there is nothing wrong with borrowing, as long as it is channeled into productive investment.” Gbeleyi observed that major economies of the world today, including the United States thrive on borrowing, despite the current economic recession. He explained that there is only a need to borrow in a responsible and productive manner. “We must not borrow for dayto-day activities, but borrowing to invest in infrastructural development like the current light rail line project.

chairman of the group, Chief Clement Chukwuka urged the people of the state to look beyond party affiliations and use the opportunity of the november 16, 2013, governorship election in the state to elect a leader that can raise the bar of development in the state. Chukwuka noted that the group has taken it upon itself to create massive awareness about the candidates for the election and also to educate the people properly ahead of the election. He said: “At approximately 22 years, Anambra has nothing to show for its vantage position at inception. The Onitsha main market appears to be a shadow of itself as most of its arms have relocated to neighbouring states and its environs due to poor management of security and infrastructural issues by our leaders. The proposed Oba Airport was politicised and abandoned despite the fact that indigenes of the state are major users of air transport. This resulted in the swift but proactive action by the visionary governor of Delta State in setting up a functional airstrip in Asaba.

Adeyeye Hails PDP reconciliation Committee’s efforts From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti fenifere chieftain and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in ekiti State, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye has hailed the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson-led national reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying; “the committee efforts so far are indicative of the committee’s readiness to forge unity among PDP members in the country.” in a release signed by the Director General of his campaign organisation Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM), Hon. Bisi Kolawole, the governorship aspirant also said he was happy that the 30-member committee is giving priority attention to ekiti State, adding that no efforts should be spared to bring all warring factions in the State together.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

NEWS

Forum Calls For Medical Panel To Ascertain Suntai’s Health From-Charles Akpeji, Jalingo OME indigenes of Taraba SMambilla State under the aegis of Concern Citizen Forum have called on the national headquarters of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to compel Taraba State executive council and lawmakers to enforce Section 189 of the 1999

Constitution as amended, so as to address the long absence of Gov. Danbaba Suntai from office. Wondering why the issue has continued to drag on in spite of the constitutional provision, the forum said that adequate steps should be taken to compel the state executive council to constitute a five-man medical team

to go to the United States of America (USA) to ascertain the true health condition of the governor. The spokesman of the forum, Mr. Salihu M Tafiwarwar, told journalists yesterday in Jalingo that the forum is very concerned about the unity and growth of the state, hence its call for the adherence to Section 189

of the Constitution. Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution as amended says the governor or deputy governor of a state shall cease to hold office if by a resolution passed by twothirds majority of all members of the executive council of the state (the body of commissioners of the government of the state) it is

declared that the governor or deputy governor is incapable of discharging the functions of his office. This declaration has to, however, be verified by a five- man medical panel (one of whom must be the personal physician of the holder of the office concerned) to be appointed by the speaker of the state house of assembly.

The former deputy speaker of the House of Assembly went ahead to beckon on both the acting governor and the speaker of the House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, to “use their good office to ensure that the provision of Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution as amended is complied with in order to move the state forward.”

NUC Accredits Automotive Engineering For Elizade Varsity From Niyi Bello, Akure HE planned collaboration Toyota between Corporation of Japan and Elizade University, IlaraMokin, Ondo State, to produce pragmatic automobile engineers that will launch Nigeria into vehicle technology is on the verge of being realised as a major hurdle has been crossed as the Universities National Commission (NUC) has granted approval to the university to run course in automotive engineering. Apart from automotive engineering, 16 other new courses have been approved by NUC, after the university was found to possess the Basic Academic Minimum Standard (BMAS) requirements set out by the univerbody regulatory sity through a committee that visited the institution for verification. The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Valentine Aletor, who revealed the status of accreditation while presenting cheques of N1.6 million each to the university’s outstanding students who scored above 4.0 CGPA in a 5-point scale, said Elizade University is out to make a big difference particularly in our area of automobile engineering.

Dragnet Calls For Automation In Scholarships Process By Victor Olushola RAGNET Solutions D Limited, has urged stakeholders in the oil and gas industry operating in Nigeria to adopt the use of automated technology to end to the challenge of awarding multiple scholarships to beneficiaries. Speaking during a roundtable discussion tagged “One Awardee, One Award” in Lagos, Dragnet Solutions Limited Managing Director Robert Ikazoboh, bemoaned the popular practice among students where an undergraduate usually benefit from multiple scholarships from either the same or similar International Oil Companies (IOCs) scholarship schemes. Describing the scenario as a “theft of opportunities’, Ikazoboh said “if it remains unchecked, it could give rise to other forms of malpractices”.

Oloko’s children and wife: Stephanie, his wife, Grace, Steven and Stella during Paul Oloko’s wake keep ceremony at his residence, 62, Akogun Street, Olodi Apapa, Ajegunle, Lagos…recently PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Commission, Kanu Urge Lottery Operators To Adhere To Rules From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia O ensure that credibility is restored to lottery game in Nigeria, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and Abia State Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary, Deacon Godson Kanu, have called on stakeholders to play the game according to the provisions of the law. NLRC Coordinator for Abia and Imo states, Dame Anagam Ononuju, who spoke on behalf

of the commission during her visit to Kanu, said harm was being done to lottery players by operators against the provisions of the National Lottery Act of 2005 and stressed that the commission wants to protect lottery players and ensure that funds accruable to government from the gamble are properly remitted to the National Lottery Trust Fund and applied to the benefit of Nigerians. The zonal NLRC coordinator

pointed out that lottery business, if well managed, could contribute substantially to government efforts in infrastructural development. Ononuju revealed that commission has planned to hold “Lottery Road Show and Stakeholders Forum” in the two states to sensitise the general public on lottery. Kanu, while calling for the proper organisation of lottery and playing according to the provisions of the law, urged

regulators to monitor the operators so as to stop them from involving under aged children, as well as ensuring that the correct percentage of the revenue due to government is remitted. Kanu, who tasked NLRC to strive to protect lottery players and save them from being defrauded of their winnings by the operators, said that some lottery and pool operators are in the habit of cheating players.

Presidential Aide Seeks Accelerated Efforts Towards MDGs From John Okeke, Abuja HE Senior Special Assistant T to the President on the Millennium Development Goals, Dr. Precious K. Gbeneol, has charged state governors, local government chairmen, development partners and other stakeholders to accelerate development efforts in the winding down phase of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Gbeneol made this call while speaking at a meeting with the Governor of Enugu State,

Sullivan Chime, who was represented by his Deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi; Deputy Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon. Chime Oji and council of traditional rulers in the state at a town hall meeting with the public as part of her advocacy and sensitisation visit to the state yesterday. The presidential aide was also in Enugu to commission a new block at Nwani Cottage Hospital, constructed to complement the existing overstressed facilities. Gbeneol noted that while the

efforts of the governors in delivering development to the people remains commendable, there are however, increasing needs for states to step up and accelerate efforts. “We have less than 1, 000 days to draw the curtain on the MDGs and we can’t afford to fail. More than ever before, all hands must be on deck to ensure that our people get the best and this is the position of the president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” Gbeneol said. Onyebuchi thanked Gbeneol

for her effective coordination of the MDGs framework in the country as well as the passion and commitment she has exhibited in impacting the lives of the poor. Oji acknowledged the positive changes in the state and added that the 17 LGAs in the state have benefited from the MDGs projects. Acting Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo, described MDGs projects in the state as President Jonathan’s fresh air.

Foundation Empowers 105 Farmers In Kano HE Citi Foundation has T empowered 105 smallholder farmers in Gabasawa, Kabo, Tofa and Rogo councils of Kano State with farm inputs for the current farming season. The empowerment is the second phase of the Citi Microenterprise Development for Rural Farmers Initiative (CMDRFI) being executed by Growing Businesses Foundation (GBF) in partnership with Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) and the Development Exchange Centre (DEC) The Programme Director, Growing Businesses Foundation, Mr. Clement Ononugbo, said that the project is a financially inclusive programme targeted at increasing the income of smallholder farmers in rural areas by facilitating access to financial management training, access to agricultural inputs through a loan fund and access to markets via linkage to agro-products merchants and centralised logistics for post-harvest produce.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

METRONOTES lenges. Contestants were subjected to long hours, tough deadlines, intellectual challenges, personality clashes and intense analyses under the Nigeria. They are beginning to find alert observation of their supervisors more opportunities to start their and judges of the show. The end of own businesses. One of such plateach boardroom session saw the forms that have opened doors for female entrepreneurs is the just-con- weeding off of those contestants who were not strong enough to take the cluded MTN Next Business Titan heat. from which a 27-year-old female, As the battle raged, it was indeed Ogbeifun Iroghama, emerged the interesting to watch the females takwinner of the coveted and keenly contested Next Business Titan with a ing the lead, proving that the African woman is indeed no longer a N5 million jackpot. Born in Nigeria, she studied in the pushover or one to be relegated to the kitchen. The performance of United Kingdom. Now, she’s back women challenged viewers to realizhome with an amazing range of haircare products, with a difference. ing the undeniable role of women in Her passion for stylish hair brought the world economy. One of the contestants, Zion, confessed that in the Hairven into being in London, a business which she has continued to house, he met women who acted like ladies but thought and fought like build upon in Nigeria. Along with the passion for splendid hair came a men! After 12 weeks of nerve-racking burning desire to take Nigerian assignments and heart-breaking evicyouths off vices by providing them tions, the contestants dropped to the with employment opportunities. triumphant three: Olanrewaju Armed with this vision, she latched on to the platform provided Tinuade, Iroghama and Ejeke Emeka. At the grand finale, which held at by MTN Next Business Titan academy. MTN Next Business Titan ran for the Grand Ball Room of Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos the final three con13 weeks, featuring a line-up of 16 testants, in executing their final tasks, bright young Nigerian contestants, displayed the creativity, zeal and viacompeting to earn support and investments for their business ideas. bility of their personal business ideas. The 16 contestants were selected out They slugged it out before hundreds of guests who came to watch them of thousands of ‘hopefuls’ who stormed the centres for auditioning battle. Each presented and defended their business ideas. It was interestin three major cities in Nigeria. ing to note the fire in the eyes of the Armed with promising ideas and finalists. It was the heralding of a new even bigger chunks of faith, each contestant entered the academy and era, of young business moguls who sought greatness, not only for themstarted the highly competitive race selves, but for also for their country. down the life-transforming mill of Each business idea gave fresh insights the academy. that got viewers thinking and nodEvery week, the contestants ding, in approval of the contestants’ worked in two teams, each under resourcefulness. the guidance of a project manager After their presentations, Ejeke arrived at by balloting, to compete Emeka was voted out as the weakest in business-driven tasks around Lagos. With each week coming with link. Ogbeifun Iroghama was declared the winner and was presentits own unique tasks, each team ed with a 2013 Ford Focus, N5million , deployed ideas, creativity and busia four-year free post-presentation ness acumen to surmount chal-

VER the last decade, women have O slowly started to get more involved in entrepreneurship in

Ms. Ogbeifun Iroghama, posing with a N5 million cheque and a brand new car she won in the Business Next Titan TV reality show.

From MTN’s Business Mill Comes Another Female Entrepreneur service of her car by Briscoe Ford. Merely watching the amazing performance of the females in the academy has begun to inspire female viewers to reach beyond the stars and break away from whatever limitations have been holding them down. Speaking at the grand finale,

Oyinye Ikenna-Emeka, the General Manager Enterprise, Sales MTN, noted that the show was “committed to exposing young Nigerians to business and entrepreneurial experiences inherent in our environment, thereby supporting and building upon the enterprising spirit embedded in the average

young Nigerian.” Indeed, all the contestants confirmed the potent impact the MTN Next Business Titan had on them; each confirming that their stay in the academy had made them stronger and imbued them with confidence that they could achieve their dreams.

Redeemed Church Gives Free Medical Help In Lagos Community, Commissions Borehole Province 29 was giving out free medical assistance, he jumped out of his bed. He saw it as OR over four years, 73-year-old farmer, an opportunity to get treatment. Rafael Akinwande did not go to the hospital “I am surprised by this gesture. Though I stay to examine his health condition despite havat Abeokuta where I farm, I came to Lagos to ing chest and eye problems. According to him, visit. I pray progress will come to this church he had no money to foot the hospital bills and in all their endeavours,” he said. had to resort to taking herbal. But when a relaHe was given drugs to ease his chest pains. tive came to wake him up while he was sleep- “They gave me glasses too. I am really grateful ing around 11am last Saturday, that The for this opportunity,” he smiled with a sigh of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos relief.

By Olushola Victor

Church members waiting to attend to beneficiaries

Akinwande was not the only beneficiary of the free medical care as over 300 residents of Amikanle community in Alagbado, Lagos trooped out to examine their medical status, get free drugs and glasses. The smile on their faces showed how much the gesture meant to them. An example was the joy on the face of a young woman when she got a “yes” from an official after confirming if she could bring her little child. She rushed back home and in a twinkling of an eye, she returned with her baby. It was free and fair, though the older ones were given attention ahead of the young. During the exercise, Dr Alli James gave a health talk, urging the participants to be conscious of what they eat and drink. He said drinking and smoking was not only against the words of God, but also have health implications. He also gave them tips on how to be healthy. As the exercise commenced, though a little slow as a result of the rush, an elderly woman, Mrs. Deborah Adigun, could not help but to doze off. She told The Guardian that she had been there even before the exercise started. Mrs. Adigun got to know about the exercise through one of her daughters. “I have five children and all of them attend Redeemed. I also attend Redeemed whenever I go to visit them. My daughter who told me to come could not make it here because she had to attend to other responsibilities,” she disclosed. The last time Deborah went for checkup was earlier in January this year. When asked of her age, she paused and then smiled. “I have lost count but my children know my age.” Her major problems, according to her, were body pains and eye hitches. She decided to do nothing because she feared buying fake drugs or using wrong drugs except the ones pre-

scribed by the doctor. She urged the church to continue to do more because the free health care has really affected the lives of many underprivileged people. She added that some people have died because they do not have money to pay for hospital bills. “This not the first time I am benefiting from a free medical test. I am happy and it is good to think of your neighbours in whatever we do in life,” she enthused. Associate Provincial Pastor, Bola Arawole, told The Guardian that the gesture, initiated by the General Overseer of the Church, became necessary in order to make life easy for people. His words: “The Bible says in Matthew 5:13 that we are the salt of the earth and as such, we are mandated to preserve the world, to make life meaningful to our neigbours by helping them. Corporate Social Responsibility is what an organisation or institution like ours does to positively influence our immediate society.” According to him, the church spent about N350, 000 on the project, adding that Corporate Social Responsibility should not be left for the government alone. In the middle of the medical exercise, some of the officials moved to Babaegbe community, Alagbado to commission a borehole. Speaking at the commissioning, the Provincial Pastor, Matthew Oyesola, said the church was complementing the efforts of the government. “RCGG is not spreading the gospel alone but we are also embarking on CSR projects to complement government’s efforts in line with the vision of our General Overseer,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

METRONOTE

Borno Vigilance Group Vow To Move On Until Peace Returns

A vigilante on duty

From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri UR decision to collectively, first, mobilise “O in the massive manhunt of Boko Haram sect members in Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State was God’s call to intervene and assist men of Joint (Military) Task Force (JTF) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to end the incessant attacks and killings of our parents, brothers and sisters, clerics and the people that are protecting our life and property. “Secondly, what has been worrying and disturbing us are the killing of women, children and even babies by Boko Haram gunmen. “The insurgency has hurt and destroyed us and that was why we also courage them in the massive manhunt and arrest of the insurgents. “God is making us succeed in both the cities and villages, such as Mainok, Konduga, Damboa, Jakana and others in the outskirts of this metropolis,” said Bala Saidu, aka Burning Grass.

Some of the youths He continued: “I was one of those that have arrested 19 suspect with arms and ammunition. “We arrested six suspects that had slit the throats of several people in Gwange Wards I, II and III. I arrested them and handed over to JTF and soldiers. “There was a suspect we arrested one day who identified other suspects and we recovered 26 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).” Speaking on how the youths operate, Saidu said: “The working materials our members use are made and procured by ourselves and not provided by the federal or state governments, as being alleged in some quarters. “Government has never procured and distributed the sticks, knives and cutlasses we are using in the manhunt of these sect members since mid-June of this year. “We buy the materials for our operations and patrols of various wards and communities in Maiduguri. “Our members of the vigilance youths give the

local blacksmiths the iron sheets and rods in the making of local weapons we currently use, because we may be asked to surrender and submit all the working tools and materials to security agencies at the end of this Boko Haram insurgency.” On fears of being killed, he said: “There is no fear, as we are very courageous in bringing an end to the Boko Haram insurgency in this state. “We will continue to hunt and arrest these sect members until peace is fully restored in this state,” he vowed. He, however, disclosed that in their manhunt and arrest of sect members in Maiduguri metropolis and environs, the youths do not arrest innocent individuals. Saidu explained: “We first investigate and confirm the identities of all suspects before they are arrested by our members and handed over to local sector commanders of JTF.” On the relationship between BVYG on one hand and the JTF and other security agencies

on the other hand, Saidu: “The JTF, particularly its spokesman, Lt. Col Sagir Musa, has been appreciative and supportive of our activities in the manhunt and arrest of Boko Haram suspects.” He said prior to the commencement of their activities, the JTF arrested suspected members, and sometimes innocent people, whenever there was an attack or bomb blast; hence by last year up to the first quarter of this year, the people had stopped cooperating with the soldiers. “After fully understanding that these boys had suffered us a lot by killing our parents, brothers and sisters, we started to arrest the ones whose identities we knew, either through photographs or places of residences, in the metropolis. “If we arrest one of the suspects, for example, he or she will also tell us that he or she knew another suspected member in the state. “And when the other suspect is identified and arrested, he or she will also identify other suspected member of the sect,” he disclosed.

Shettima, El-Kanemi, Others Laud Borno Youths Activities

Shettima From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri HE intervention of Borno Vigilance Youths T Group (BVYG) in the effort to end the Boko Haram insurgency in the North was on Thursday described as “accepted and supported” by security agencies, the state government, religious and traditional associations, including the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi at his Maiduguri palace. The vigilance youths, who employed sticks, cutlasses and knives in their manhunt of

Boko Haram suspects, according to Governor Kashim Shettima, “was a divine intervention in bringing an end to the incessant massive attacks and killings in the state. “Their patriotic acts to collectively sacrifice their lives in the hunting of fleeing Boko Haram sect members, is supported by this administration. “We are not only giving them the courage to fish out these terror suspects, but we are also supporting them materially and morally, so that the insurgency ends to enable the people live in peace and harmony.” Speaking on vigilance youths’ takeover of routine patrolling from the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and the Police, Shettima said: “No one ever expected these boys to take up sticks, knives and cutlasses in the manhunt and arrests of Boko Haram sect members. “It was a divine intervention that enabled them to come out massively in mid-June to patrol most of the affected wards and communities of Maiduguri and Jere. “And I am made to realise that even the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Police are supporting these boys, because there was a time when the youths were asked to assembly at the Ramat Square for a preparatory message from the security agencies on how to protect lives and property, while the manhunt for sect members continues.” The Shehu of Borno also told The Guardian in an interview that all the traditional and religious leaders in state were in support of the vigilance youths in the protection of people’s lives and property, adding: “We should continue to pray for these boys that are going after these gunmen that are attacking and killing our people, without any genuine cause. “May God continue to protect them and give them the wisdom to fish out these gunmen? “Already, they (terrorist) have killed 11 of my district heads in the Borno Emirate Council (BOEC), along with many of my subjects, either at the markets or on their way to their

farmlands in Northern Borno.” He, however, cautioned the youths not to take law into their hands, expressing happiness that they were being guided by the JTF and Police on how to “hunt and arrest” people causing mayhem in this state in the last four years. The Gomari and Bulunkutu communities’ leaders, Alhaji Yakubu Usman and Umar Ibrahim, in separate interviews at their residences, lent their support to the efforts of the vigilant youths. Usman said: “We applaud the courage of our youths to end these killings and bombings. In Gomari, we have about 156 volunteer vigilance youths, while in the neighbouring Bulunkutu areas that comprise over nine different communities, we have 194 youths that have taken sticks, knives and cutlasses to continue arresting Boko Haram sect members in our areas and even beyond these two communities.” He urged the youths to liaise with community leaders in identifying suspected Boko Haram sect members before arresting and handing them over to JTF for further investigations. He said: “In Gomari

EL-Kanemi

Ward alone, the youths were able to arrest five suspects in July, while some rifles were also recovered at the Borehole Community Centre. “The boys also patrol this area up to 3am on daily basis. Some residents also do not sleep, as they keep vigil at their doors and entrances with cutlasses and sticks to wade off the insurgents that strike at any time of the day.”

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

10 |

JUSTHUMAN

Help Save Chiamaka, Girl With Hole In Heart

Chiamaka

By Emeka Ibemere

complications from developing. The doctor revealed that open-heart VER cheerful from birth, Chiamaka Nwaruh, born on August surgery for children is not 23, 2007, is the darling of any child lover. The Nwaruhs are currently available in the especially fond of her being their first child. Her radiant dis- hospital. position kept everyone around her happy until over a year when Ever since then, the Nwaruhs she started taking ill. have being running from pillar to “We observed that she was coughing, took her to a private hos- post whenever Chiamaka experiences a pital where we were directed to Lagos University Teaching crisis which has since become the pattern. She would turn blue Hospital (LUTH). What we thought was just a fever turned out to all over, breathing with pain and fatigued, and hardly able to eat. be a hole in the heart,” lamented her mother who is a teacher in Although Chiamaka is a very lively personality with high intellione private school in Lagos. gence, the ailment has altered her happy-going disposition. She In the summary of the medical report, Dr. C.A.N. Okoromah goes in and out of hospital often, thereby missing school all the stated that the clinical evaluation carried out indicated that she time. In school, she is willing to join her peers at the playground has a symptomatic cyanotic congenital heart disease, and that but she withdraws back in pain and disappointment. echocardiography is yet to be carried out. Her ability to live a normal life is endangered continually as her She added that Chiamaka requires further cardiovascular eval- condition is deteriorating gradually. The current diagnosis uation and possible open-heart surgery to correct her heart revealed that she needs a very urgent surgical operation which abnormality in order to forestall irreversible and life-threatening will cost a little above N3 million.

While time is running out on her, her parents are pleading with all kind-hearted people to come to her aid. “We beg all to join us in praying that God will approve whatever procedure and work through the hands of whoever is involved in the process of the medical operation. We are confident that God the Almighty will use willing humans to bring about her healing,” her mother said. Chiamaka’s parents can be reached on 08028703389. Those whose hearts are moved to help out financially can donate to this account name: Nwaruh Tejumola P, First Bank account number 3037805495. “We pray that as you help in fighting for Chiamaka’s life, God in his infinite mercy will continue to meet you at your point of need. You can also reach Agozino Emmanuel for more information, Mrs Nwaruh added.

Woman Needs N5m For Kidney Transplant undergoing dialysis, kidney transplant will cost N5million in Nigeria NTIL April this year, Mrs and about N10 million in India. Olawunmi Gbadamosi, 32, an He said his wife who is a native ad-hoc staff of National of Ikoro Ekiti in Ijero Council area Population Commission (NPC) in Ekiti of the state, is too young to die and State was full of life. Her only worry lamented that he was incapacitatwas her husband, Alade Gbadamosi ed to raise money to rescue her. “It who after many years of graduating is painful watching my wife in this from the university, is yet to secure a agony and unless somebody comes job. to our rescue, it will be more For the mother of two, coping with painful to watch her pass on the challenges of being the bread win- because I could not raise the ner of her family was a task she faced money,” he said. squarely with the hope that one day, Mrs Olawumi’s elder brother, Mr her husband would get a job. But her Lawrence Babatunde Alo, a civil serhope is now turning to hopelessness vant at Ado Ekiti Local Government because she was in April diagnosed of who has been responsible for her renal failure and unless the family is medical expenses, appealed to able to raise N5million for the kidney well-meaning and kind-hearted transplant in a Nigerian hospital, she Nigerians to her aid. might die any moment from now. Alo, who said the family had “I don’t want to die now. Who will expended all it had on the dialysis, take care of my two kids and my hus- said N5million was urgently needband who is still jobless? I pray God ed for the kidney transplant, saywill touch somebody’s heart and bail ing already, over N400,000 had me out,” she said with tears rolling been spent on the dialysis sessions down her cheeks. she had been undergoing twice Her husband said that it was discov- each week and other expenses. ered three months ago that his wife The civil servant, who lives at the was suffering from chronic renal fail- Odo Ado area of Ado Ekiti, can be ure, which he said has now reached reached on 08034755313, the final stage. (email: alolb@yahoo.co.uk). His According to him, medical doctors accounts details are: Babatunde at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lawrence Alo, UBA 1010407579. Ido Ekiti where she has since been

From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti

Gbadamosi

TheGuardian

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013 | 11

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics By Samson Ezea FTER months of controversy, consultaA tions, intrigues, schemings, allegations and counter-allegations between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the promoters of the new mega opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday registered the new party. This development, many believe, has ushered in a new dawn in the political landscape of the country ahead of the 2015 general elections. The registration of the party is unprecedented in the political history of the country. Such merger efforts among political parties since independence never come to fruition, it was only political alliances that worked in some cases. No wonder there was so much expectation and optimism with the coming on board of the party, despite several alleged attempts by some forces to scuttle its registration. Many believe that what gave INEC the nod to register the party might not be unconnected with the recent judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawale that delivered judgment faulting the INEC’s deregistration of political parties. In his judgment, Kolawale insisted that the 1999 constitution as amended did not make any provision for INEC to deregister political parties for not winning election, though such provisions was inserted in the 2010 Electoral Act by the National Assembly. Where any Act or law is in contradiction with the Constitution, the Constitution takes precedence. So also might be the issue of APC acronym that was in question before the party’s registration. On the party’s registration, Section 222 (e) and (f) of the 1999 constitution as amended states that; the name of the association, its symbol or logo does not contain any ethnic or religious connotation, or give the appearance that the activities of the association are confined to a part only of the geographical area of Nigeria; and the headquarters of the association is situated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. As reactions, joy and commendations continue to trail the registration, there lie ahead great challenges and prospects for the new mega opposition party, which its success or failure will depend on how the party’s stakeholders handle the situations. What many view as the greatest challenge before party ahead 2015 Presidency is how to make choice of the party’s presidential candidate for the election. Ever before now, the supporters of the presidential candidate of the defunct Congress For Progressives Change (CPC), Gen. Mohammed Buhari (rtd) were already calling on him to join the presidential race in 2015 again. There was also the alleged ambition of former Lagos State governor Senator Bola Tinubu to run as vice-presidential candidate in 2015. This move might not go down well with some members of the party, especially the young ones, if the rumour turns out to be true. The party, being made of politicians from different political backgrounds which many normally term as strange bedfellows, there are chances that there will be disagreements among them on issues, especially on the process of choosing candidates in an election. Speaking to The Guardian on the greatest challenges that will confront the party, a member of the Joint Merger Committee of the party, Mr Osita Okechukwu, said the challenge will be how to harmonize the merger legacy parties at polling unit, ward, local council area and state levels. “This is more succinct than the issue of who becomes the presidential, governorship, parliamentary and councillorship candidates, which many people speculate will pose the greatest challenge. However, mechanisms and measures have been worked out for seamless composition of

Jega

Akande APGA candidate, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Senator Annie Okonkwo of Accord Party and others. The contest at a stage became fierce, especially between Akunyili who has both popularity and state government’s support, and Ngige who had popularity, goodwill and grassroot support. At the end of the re-run, Ngige defeated Akunyili and others. For Senator Okonkwo, his major stint in politics before now apart from being a businessman, was his election as PDP Senator representing Anambra Central zone between 2007 and 2011. His choice for the position of interim deputy chairman south of APC was allegedly made possible by governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on whose group he came into and more prosperous Nigeria. the merger arrangement. Okorocha has “A lot of people had asked, why is the War recently promised to talk to him on the Against Corruption and National Re-orientaissue of the party’s governorship ticket in tion the first chapter of the manisfesto of the Anambra election. Oknonkwo hails from APC? The answer is that we cannot achieve any Anambra Central just like Ngige. meaningful result or successfully implement Ezeemo is a publisher of OrientNews any of our cardinal programmes if the monu- Magazine and a businessman. He hails mental corruption going on in the land today from Anambra South zone. He has not is allowed to fester”. held any political position before now. What many view as the first litmus test for Many see him as a greenhorn in the race. the party is November 16 Anambra governorMajority of the people are of the opinion ship election. There are no doubts that there that the way the new mega party manare many politicians in the state already ages its chances in the Anambra goverjostling for the party governorship ticket such norship election may go a long way in as the former PDP Senator representing determining how it fares in 2015 general Anambra Central Zone and now interim election. deputy National Chairman South of APC, Speaking on the Anambra governorship Senator Annie Okonkwo and Chief Goddy election, a member of the party, Osita Ezeemo, a businessman and publisher. But Okechukwu accepted that the election as many believe that the man to beat for party the litmus test first battle between the ticket for the election is the former governor APC and PDP. of the State and currently the senator repre“Permit one to say PDP, for the Anambra senting the Anambra Central Senatorial zone faction of APGA and Labour Party are the in upper Chamber of the National Assembly, same ten pence with PDP. Certainly, APC’s Dr. Chris Ngige. Senator Chris Ngige is the leading conIt is clear that since the formation of the tender and the man to beat”, Okechukwu defunct Action Congress of Nigeria of which said. he was a foundation member, Ngige has On the prospects of the party, some are remained the face of true opposition party in of the view that with the ongoing crises in the Southeast zone in the face of daunting the ruling PDP and the alleged poor leadchallenges. Unlike the APGA government in ership provided by the party in the counthe state that was more of PDP government, try since 1999, some Nigerians may see with Ngige’s popularity in the zone, especially APC as an alternative to PDP. in the state which was a result of what many Some aggrieved PDP members, especially considered as his outstanding performance the governors who have been having runwithin the 33 months in office as governor of ning battles with the Presidency and the state, the ACN under his leadership was national leadership of the party under able to secure some seats in state and National Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, may find solace in Assembly during the 2011 general election. the new APC. In the Anambra 2010 governorship election, With APC which was a product of the Ngige was the second runner up in the elecmajor leading opposition parties before tion that was marred with mutilated voters’ now, the country might be moving register that disenfranchised many voters in towards two major dominant parties that the state. will create a healthy competition in the In the 2011 general election, he contested for polity and reduce rigging and electoral the Anambra Central senatorial seat with the malpractice.

APC: The Prospects And Challenges …Anambra Guber Poll As A Litmus Test Ahead 2015 General Election the interim state, local government area, ward and polling unit executives. “An example is the seamless composition of the interim national leadership where the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) got nine slots each, while factions representing All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) got six slots and Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) got two slots. “Secondly and most importantly is that the merging legacy parties’ leadership have it at the back of their mind that the merger was borne out of national consensus. This is the guiding philosophy of the merger. National consensus in the sense that the merger is the outcome of the agitation of Nigerians for a united opposition to save Nigeria from the stranglehold of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” Okechukwu said. On the speculation that the ambition of Buhari, Tinubu, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, Governor Rochas Okoroacha and co-leaders will tear the party apart, Okechukwu said that is far from the truth, because they are fully aware and also patriotic enough to know that more than any other time in our history, Nigeria needs to be saved. He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Buhari for instance had serially proclaimed that he will abide by the rules governing the primaries of the APC and accordingly, will support whoever emerges. Even the traducers of Buhari acknowledge that he does not take prisoners, his words are his bond. Asiwaju and others had also made similar commitment. “The Joint Merger Committee before inserting the imperative of internal democracy, was reminded of how lack of internal democracy for example robbed CPC of victory in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and other states; and how it robbed ACN of victory in Ondo. Therefore change slogan of APC is not for mere platitude, but real change for a better

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

12 |

POLITICS

Umeh

Obi

Challenges Before APGA After The Umeh, Obi Peace Deal From Kodilinye Obiagwu and Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka HE decision by a seemingly significant section T of the hierarchy of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to reach out for peace and reconciliation had looked imperative and inevitable. With the affirmation of Chief Victor Umeh as the party’s National Chairman by the Appeal Court in Enugu, the options before the factions and contestants to its leadership were limited, as were a trip to the Supreme Court or decamping to another party. The looming council election in October and the governorship election in November mean that there would not be enough time to prosecute a legal battle without throwing a huge spanner in the works. And a protest move to another party would finally sound the death knell on APGA. The overriding question then was how to create a situation where everyone would participate in picking the candidates for the elections within permissible compromises. The euphoria that trailed the ‘reconciliation’ of Umeh and his old friend, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, was expected, particularly after several failed attempts. As Obi and Umeh embraced after over three hours of closed door meeting at the Government House, Awka, what was not evident on their faces was who wanted the reconciliation more, even as Umeh noted that it was a ‘novictor, no-vanquished’ situation. What was immediately obvious, though, was that both want victory for APGA in October and November elections. On the road to the recent celebration are discarded attempts spanning over two years involving prominent citizens in the Southeast and beyond. Mediators included the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Raph Uwazurike, Anglican and Catholic clergymen, the leadership of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-

Ojukwu, the widow of the party’s former presidential candidate, the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and non-governmental organisations, among others. With the factions preaching peace, even as they fought for their turfs, Umeh had constituted a peace committee, led by Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Ziggy Azige. While his committee was reaching out to stakeholders, the party’s former factional National Chairman, Mr. Maxi Okwu, set up a 14-member truth, justice and reconciliation committee, headed by Chief Regan Ufomba. In a bid to reach a compromise, the groups held sessions in Awka, Enugu, Abuja and Lagos to resolve the crisis. But the search for peace only led to more allegations and counter-allegations from the camps. With a peace deal under his toga, Umeh bemoaned that for the two years following the crisis, he never visited the Government House, adding: “With this reunion, peace has returned to our great party and government.” For Obi, the reconciliation would strengthen efforts at rebuilding the party ahead of the council and governorship elections. Emeka Umeagbalasi of the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) said: “This reconciliation is important, especially now that the Southeast is facing challenges of political survival and identity, as other ethnic nationalities are finding focus in particular political parties.” His concern though is how Okwu’s supporters other groups in the party and some members of its National Working Committee (NWC) would welcome the reconciliation. Meanwhile, some aggrieved members claim that they were not carried along and therefore view the reconciliation as a “personal thing” between Obi and Umeh without input from the NWC. In a statement, titled, ‘APGA peace deal, a victory for other parties,’ the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Bernard Akoma,

expressed the fear that the “romantic kiss at Government House, Awka” between Obi and Umeh “can best be described as a ground breaking celebration of victories for other parties. “This is because any peace deal that does not address the internal problem of the party will only succeed in exposing the party to failure, as it will prepare the ground for other parties to benefit from APGA’s misfortune.” According to him: “The truth is that as long as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to recognise the executives of APGA thrown up by the 2011 national convention, any candidate of the party who wins the election on the nomination of such executive stands to lose such mandate in the court of law. “The issue is that any structure that does not stand on the dictate of the law cannot stand the test of times, as law does not create room for anybody to benefit from illegality.” He explained that if the present peace deal allows the Umeh-led national executive to conduct the impending elections in Anambra, it would only mean that victorious APGA members would have laboured in vain, because the victories would be challenged by other parties in the courts.” Amid the uncertainty that his statement might not be the official view of the NWC, Akoma, in a telephone interview, insisted: “The statement has the backing of 18 members of the NWC. “We were all elected by affirmation during the 2011 national convention. Obi doesn’t want to deal with us anymore. “How can we be discussing peace when the members of the NWC are not involved? Is the peace a party affair or a resolution of matters between Obi and Umeh? “The APGA challenge has gone beyond a chummy relationship between Obi and his brother, Umeh, to addressing the pertinent issue that bothers on the survival of the party. “Any peace move that does not address the anomaly in the party, which is the credibility of its internal mechanisms as the national conventions, will amount to delaying the dooms day.”

He faults the ruling of the Appeal Court for leaving the “party bare for more challenges, as it dwelt only on the locus standi of the complainant. “It is a judgment without justice. It did not state in any way that the 2011 national convention of APGA, which is a pertinent issue, was duly conducted according to its constitution, and this is a time bomb. “It is our conviction that any attempt to placate this constitutional issue now in the name of reconciliation will amount to laying a political landmine that will eventually bomb APGA out of existence.” He called on Obi and Umeh “to join hands to persuade INEC to rescue APGA from possible extermination by insisting that the party adheres strictly to the letters of its constitution.” Meanwhile, Okwu, whose position as interim national chairman was ratified at the last APGA’s national convention before the Appeal Court ruling, has claimed that he was not part of the peace deal. “We are not part of whatever that is going on; we are in court to ensure that the national convention that elected us as national executive of the party still stands. “We are at the Federal High Court, Awka to state that the national convention of April this year in Awka still stands and the matter would come up soon for hearing,” he said. Beyond Akoma’s concerns over the party’s internal problems and the challenges its constitution poses, the party is facing daunting challenges, even with the prospect of a lasting peace deal. As Umeh and Obi close ranks to carry APGA through the elections, it remains to be seen what a victory for APGA in the forthcoming polls would mean to them individually. Obi knows that all his developmental strides in Anambra would taste like ash in his mouth if he fails to install a successor of APGA stock in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

THe GUARDIAn, Saturday, August 3, 2013

AFRICA

Obasanjo’s AU Monitors Declare Zimbabwe’s election Free And Fair From Oghogho Obayuwana, Foreign FFAIRS ACCORDInG to the verdict of A the African Union (AU) observer group led by chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the week’s disputed presidential election in Zimbabewe was free, fair and credible. And by that fact, incumbent 89 year old president Robert Mugabe who has ruled the former Southern Rhodesia for 33 years, is coasting home to another six year tenure. But rival candidate, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai (61), has disputted the of the polls calling it a farce. It would be the third time that he willnbe running against Mugabe. In 1996, Bishop Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa of the United Party came second to Mugabe. Western elections monitors and observer groups were barred from monitoring the exercise that including parliamentary and local council polls. Mugabe, Africa’s oldest ruler is a former guerrilla leader hailed as a hero of his country’s liberation movement, guiding Zimbabwe to independence in 1980 from Britain and white minority rule. He stired the hornet’s nest by his late efforts at wresting land from the white minority grabbers. His biggest baggage is tha he has stayed too long in power. In declaring the election “free, honest and credible,” the AU ‘s Chief of Monitor and head of the observer mission, former nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo said the incidents reported during Wednesday’s poll could not “change the outcome”. His take was that while there were “little incidences here and there”, these did not flaw the election “to the point of not reflecting the will of the people,” As potential political crisis brews in the southern African country, presidential candidates in Last Sunday’s election in troubled Mali are to head for a run off on the 11th of this month following the non emergence of a clear winner. Former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and ex-Finance Minister Soumaila Cisse are the two leading candidates to present themselves for a second time as Mali hopes to begin a new democratic journey following last year’s coup and subsequent war against insurgents seeking a separate state as well as terrorists. The first official results from national assembly elections in Zimbabwe showed that mugabe’s Zimbabwe African national Party ( Zanu-PF) had an early lead. Zanu-PF and Mr Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have

…Mali: Kaita And Cisse Head For Run Off shared an uneasy coalition government since 2009 under a deal brokered to end the deadly violence that erupted after a disputed presidential poll the previous year. Already, a leading opposition figure had called for “passive resistance” over the outcome of Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which the opposition and local monitors charge was riddled

with flaws. The Associated Press quoted Tsvangirai as saying “It’s a sham election that does not reflect the will of the people,” he said, pointing to a litany of alleged irregularities.... in our view this election is null and void... This election has been a huge farce.” he added. By yesterday, top MDC official Roy

Bennett called for a campaign of “passive resistance”. This has been explained to mean citizens completely shutting the country down — don’t pay any bills, don’t attend work, just bring the country to a standstill.... There needs to be resistance against this theft and the people of Zimbabwe need to speak out strongly.” opposition messages rang out. And as expected, foreign diplomats and independent local election observers expressed deep misgivings about the poll, the first since violent, flawed elections in 2008 which saw Mugabe and Tsvangirai forced into an uneasy power-sharing deal. “Up to a million voters were disenfranchised,” said Solomon Zwana, chairman of Zimbabwe election Support network, which has 7,000 observers. “The election is seriously compromised,” he added. Since no Western groups were allowed to monitor the polls, the view of observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) may now be pivotal in deciding how the international community reacts. Former union boss Tsvangirai won the first round of voting in 2008, but was forced out of the race after 200 of his supporters were killed and thousands more injured in suspected state-backed intimidation and attacks. It is believed thatthis could be Tsvangirai’s last bid at the top job if the MDC fails to prevent Mugabe sweeping to a seventh term. This time around he announced plans to lure back foreign investors, create a million jobs in five years and improve public services in a bid to secure a long-awaited victory. In Mali, no candidate gained the mandatory 50 votes needed for victory in an election organised to restore democracy after 22 months of unrest. To set up a re- run, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita 69, who served as prime minister from 1994 to 2000 won 39.2 percent of the vote in the first round. He ran under the Rally for Mali (RPM) party with the slogan “For Mali’s honour” His closest rival former finance minister (1993 to 2000) Soumaila Cisse 63, won 19.4 percent of first first round votes having ran as a Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD) party candidate. Twenty-five other presidential candidates also took part in the polls. even at that, the results, announced on television by Territorial Administration Minister Moussa Sinko Coulibaly, are provisional and must be confirmed by the West African nation’s constitutional court. The chaos following the March 2012 coup allowed the Islamists and their one-time allies the Tuareg separatists to capture more territory in the north before they were driven off byba coalition of forces that had France as a lead military party.

WOR LD

Lebanon Leader Rejects Intimidation After Attack eBAneSe President Lyesterday Michel Suleiman said that a rocket attack near the presidential palace will not intimidate or make him change his convictions regardless of the party behind it. Suleiman issued the statement hours after two rockets struck near the presidential compound in Baabda, southeast of the Lebanese capital, Beirut. It was the second time in two months that rockets have been

fired in the area amid tensions related to the civil war in neighboring Syria. “Repeated rocket messages, regardless of the sender or the target cannot alter national principles or convictions that are expressed freely and sincerely,” the president said in the statement issued by his office. The statement did not say whom officials believed were behind the attack that happened on Thursday night. The assault came the same day that

Suleiman gave a speech criticizing the involvement of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in Syria’s conflict in supporting forces loyal to embattled President Bashar Assad. The Shiite group’s open participation in the war is highly divisive in Lebanon, and has enraged Sunni Muslims there who sympathize with the overwhelmingly Sunni rebels fighting to topple Assad. Hezbollah fighters were instrumental in helping

Assad’s forces achieve victory over the rebels in the strategic Syrian town of Qusair near the border with Lebanon in June. In his speech marking Army Day on Thursday, Suleiman suggested Hezbollah’s weapons be folded into that of the national Lebanese army. The president said that “resistance weapons have trespassed the Lebanese border,” in a reference to Hezbollah. The Iranianbacked group has a formidable weapons arsenal that

rivals that of the army. The rare criticism by Suleiman, a Maronite Catholic, angered Hezbollah and its allies. A pro-Hezbollah newspaper put a picture of Suleiman on its front page yesterday with a bold-headlined single word: “Irhal,” Arabic for leave. It was not clear who fired the two rockets near the presidential compound. Scores of troops and policemen scoured the perimeter around the presidential palace yesterday in search

of clues. A Lebanese army statement said one of the rockets struck the front yard of a private villa, while the other hit in Yarzeh district near the palace. There were no casualties. Anti-Hezbollah politicians immediately blamed the group and lauded Suleiman. Hezbollah condemned the “terrorist” attack and the “lowly and blatant” attempts to link between the rockets and the speech by Suleiman in which he criticized the group.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

14 |

ISSUES&POLITICS

Between INEC And Political Party Deregistration By Jimi Olatunji HE news of the voiding of the Independent T National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) registration of some political parties took many by surprise. But not the Fresh Party Chairman and presidential candidates in the past two elections, Rev. Chris Okotie, and his legal team, including Fred Agbaje and Kola Dopamu, who mounted the legal challenge against the deregistration of the party by INEC on December 6, last year. Shortly after the 2011 general elections, INEC had issued a veiled warning that parties that failed to, at least, win a seat in the state or national Assemblies would be de-registered. It didn’t take long before the commission started the deregistration process in batches, taking on the worst offenders first. These were the fringe parties that were set up by some people to acquire political space for the purpose of gaining political patronage from the winning parties. Therefore, no eyebrows were raised when INEC deregistered these hustling parties, but public outcry greeted the deregistration of Fresh Party and 27 other parties on December 6, last year. But recently Fresh Party got a historic verdict against its delisting at an Abuja High Court, which took the country by storm. Not only did Justice Gabriel Kolawole set aside INEC’s action against Fresh Party, the Judge’s ruling benefitted other parties and indicted the National Assembly for its mischief in the whole saga. In his judgment, the Judge granted the relief sought by Okotie’s that Section 78 (7) (ii), upon which the commission based its action was unconstitutional and should be voided. Justice Kolawole noted that those who drafted the 1999 Constitution did not contemplate de-registration of political parties.

He also faulted the decision of the National Assembly to introduce the provision in Section 18 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act as instrument for the deregistration of political parties. The Judge described the provisions as “legislative arbitrariness and mischief,” noting that they could encourage a win-at-all-cost mentality by the political parties, which has been the bane of our troubled polity. Another key issue raised by the Judge was that of fair hearing, saying that INEC should have given Fresh Party a fair hearing before going ahead to de-register it. Justice Kolawole said, “INEC would not have lost anything by issuing the 1st Plaintiff (FDP) with a query to enhance the integrity of its decision. “The statutory powers conferred on the 1st Defendant (INEC) can be described as ministerial, but when such power concerns deregistration of a political party, it becomes a quasi-judicial power, because after registration, a political party becomes a legal entity and acquires a legal right and you cannot take away such legal right without according the political party a hearing.” The Judge, therefore, concluded: “Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), is hereby declared null and void, in so far as the 1st Plaintiff (FDP) was not heard before the decision was taken. “The said decision is null and void.” The impact of this landmark judgment is so strong that it would reshape the thinking of the legal community on the conduct of our legislators and their statutory responsibilities. Laws made by the National Assembly should not be self-serving. It ought to be for the common good, based on equity, justice and devoid of any ulterior motives. In this de-registration fiasco, INEC and the lawmakers were blatantly partisan in favour

of the ruling PDP, which has never hidden its commitment to a one-party state, despite its pretentions to multi-party democracy. The Judge exposed INEC’s bias in a case in which it ought to act as an impartial arbiter. Many observers have argued that even if the commission could recognise or register the parties to conduct free and fair elections, it could not justify a legal provision that makes a party to cease to exist, because it lost an election. The question is: Can’t a losing party win in future election? INEC, obviously by its action, had foreclosed this possibility. Before our eyes, we saw how the Alliance for Democracy (AD) won the entire Southwest states, only for PDP to win those states in another election. One of the salient points we should note from this judgment is the emphasis on fair play. It reminds one of the famous maxim of an English Judge, who said not only should justice be done, it must also be seen to have been done. In this de-registration case, not only was justice not done, because Fresh Party was never warned or queried directly by INEC before it clamped down on the party, the commission went about it in a manner that suggests that it was out to do a hatchet job for the PDP. INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, a reputed human rights activist-teacher, who, as presi-

dent of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, led lecturers in a prolonged strike for improved welfare, disappointed his many admirers with the conduct he exhibited in this exercise. This verdict is a watershed in our political evolution. Okotie has certainly brought a breathe of fresh air to a polity that is perpetually on a collision course with the progress of Nigeria. -Olatunji wrote from Abuja

Erecting Mansion From The Rubbles In Osun By Wale Bolorunduro HERE is an atmosphere of dreams, good and romantic dreams, hanging over the city of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State. The Osun environment is the type that has all the excuses for failure, but one which has stubbornly refused to be ruled by its natural limitations under Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Its allocation from the centre is meager. It is also regarded as idyllic, rustic, rural and even poor. If you had visited a couple of years back when experts in excuses held sway, you would have observed that all those limitations were held high by the rulers of the time and the elo-

quent parroting of them was the distinguished insignia of statecraft. The state and its people were offered no option than to “understand.” Coming in from Ilesha in the east, you drive in tight meanders on a strip of a poked road with bushes and trees bearing down on both sides. It gets more challenging as you enter the city, with bone-jarring craters scattered all over the roads and refuse seizing this side or that. Traffic had to file on in a single line for a greater part of the township. In any case, it wasn’t that there was much traffic left. It was a city that was thinning out, emptying out, and where the sidewalks and porches of homes filled up with people with nowhere to go at 10am. The government at the time went to a bank nearby and secured a loan of N18 billion. The usury was around N600 million every month for a state with a paltry Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of between N250 and N300 million.

To make matters worse, with the loan they intended to build, of all things, six stadia spread across the state. It is anybody’s guess how this stratagem would have created jobs, fixed the roads or make the state more habitable. After this loan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration went into margin loan to play stock market. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) decided that the state has had it and placed it under AMCON, the country official undertaker for banks and individuals in financial ruins. But since a state cannot be put on receivership in the real sense, AMCON became its Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In everyday language, the state was placed on a financial suicide watch. As such, it could no longer borrow, except for “life-threatening” tasks, such as payment of salaries. The government hung on to that borrowing dutifully to settle monthly wage bills. Every aspect of life felt the chill. The local economy naturally folded and new investments were rare. People became apprehensive and edgy, tempers flared and crime festered. On November 27, 2010, the end came to all that, as the government was sacked by a court of law and Aregbesola rightfully installed the governor of the state. It has been some 30 months since then and it makes sense to compare the ‘then’ and ‘now.’ The Aregbesola administration has made the strategic move to institute a free lunch programme for the elementary school children pupils and also established a clothing factory, in partnership with a private concern, to make uniforms for free distribution to the 750,000 students in the state with a population of about 3.8 million.

The factory is the largest of its type in the country today, employing reasonable labour and paying off dividends in the jump in school attendance. And of course, there is the free tablet computer, the Opon Imo, the one-perstudent free tablet computer programme for all senior level public schools in the state. The tablets come pre-loaded with 56 textbooks and a total of 20 years of past question papers from JAMB and WAEC, complete with solutions, as well as hours of video lessons and audio classes. The enthusiasm the Opon Imo idea has generated among students so far is electric and parents are plucking their wards from private schools to enroll in public schools, an unusual trend in Nigeria since the 1980s. School enrolment and academic performance have picked up, with the state jumping in WAEC results from 34th to the 8th position within the first 18 months of the administration. The Aregbesola administration commenced the rehabilitation of 10 roads in each of the 30 councils, with reinforced concrete in the construction of drainages. Many of those roads have been completed and commissioned, while the rest are in various stages of completion. The National Bureau of Statistics recently ranked the state lowest, ahead of the rest 35 states, having only three per cent of its population struggling with unemployment. The Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme was started by the administration to fire hope and provide some part-time employment for young people. Beneficiaries signed on for two years for a stipend and offer services to their communities, in form of landscape beautification, traffic control

or provision of paramedic services and environment sanitation. The first tranche of 20,000 beneficiaries have exited and the current batch of the same number in service. As a result of the achievement recorded through the programme, the World Bank has recommended it to the federal government. In the area of health, the landscape is changing, with the chill of the winter of dilapidation and decay gradually being replaced by the bloom of the renewal of spring. The government is renovating all the nine General Hospitals simultaneously at the cost of N1.7 billion. Farmers in the state of Osun are getting much more than new rural roads, as up to N2 billion has been spent on different farming support initiatives in the production of rice, chicken, catfish, cocoyam and to boost efforts in cocoa farming. These myriads of developments have had the general effect of gradually rolling back the era of darkness and poverty. But there were challenges along the way, naturally, and spotty outcomes here and there, which are only normal in any human system. What is important is the response of the captain to the buffeting wind that threatens the course of the ship, and this is where Aregbesola’s listening administrative style comes to bear. At Ogbeni Till Day Break programme, the governor will stay up all night in Town Hall meetings with the people and those who cannot be physically present phone in their questions, while others send text messages or make contact through the email. -Bolorunduro is the state Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget

| 15

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

POLITICS

Challenges Before APGA After The Umeh, Obi Peace Deal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

for both. APGA’s victory is not negotiable, but the challenge the Government House. If he retires from politics with- to win the election is huge for out winning this election, his a party that has just managed legacy would be questioned as to emerge from its minority status to cage the Peoples an APGA member. Democratic Party (PDP) in the APGA would face a painful state House of Assembly, with death if he fails also to plant its 18 members the 30-memthe party at the grassroots in ber Assembly. the council polls. After the last parliamentary Umeh’s stature as national elections in 2011, APGA won 16 chairman will soar if under where it hitherto had none him, APGA retains Anambra. and soon benefitted from the Without the resources availdecamping of two PDP memable from the government, APGA will wilt in the Anambra bers. With only six seats, the PDP environment, and so would has lost its aura in the House, Umeh’s office. But the question both face is where the Labour Party (LP) has one seat, the defunct whether APGA can retain Anambra? Optimism and senti- Action Congress of Nigeria ments are not in short supply (ACN) four and the Accord

Party one seat. The musical chairs in the House raises the hopes of even the most ardent pessimistic about APGA’s improved chances in the election. The party was beginning to look like a lame duck, following its failure to break the PDP majority after the 2007 elections, despite PDP labouring under a vicious, debilitating and protracted internal crisis. The failure of the ruling APGA to conduct the council polls in the last eight years was seen in many quarters as a manifestation of an ingrained fear of the PDP and the uncertainty of beating the PDP. That fear might be rested or confirmed in October.

Okwu The question of how far APGA would suffer because of the failure of Obi to conduct council elections since 2003 would soon be rested.

Another issue is whose popularity will propel and rally the party to victory in October between Umeh and Obi.

In the 2011 National Assembly election, APGA could not produce a senator. It was a personal and painful loss for Obi when he lost his Anambra Central senatorial district to the man he replaced in the Government House, Dr. Chris Ngige of the then ACN, who beat APGA’s Prof Dora Akunyili in a keenly contested and controversial tussle that spanned a rescheduled election and a legal battle. While Akunyili lost her first bid for a senatorial seat, twotime PDP senator, Joy Emodi, who decamped to APGA to retain her seat in Anambra South, also lost. Of the 11 Federal Constituencies, APGA won five, same for PDP, while ACN won one seat. For the Senate, APGA failed to grab a seat in two National Assembly elections. In the 2010 governorship election, Obi was re-elected for a second term, after scoring 97,843 votes, a mere 29.7 per cent of the votes, considered the lowest in any governorship polls in the state. In the 2003, APGA won the disputed elections with over 75 per cent of the votes cast, with Ngige scoring 60,240 votes and trailing Obi in the 2010 election, and PDP’s Prof Chukwuma Soludo coming third with 59,365 votes. The fact that Obi could not garner up to 100,000, despite his achievements in the state, has continued to raise questions about his popularity and standing before the Anambra people. This is more disturbing when it is widely believed that Obi won the election because of the appeal made by the late OdumegwuOjukwu to the people to vote for him, making many to wonder whether he or Umeh can deliver in the coming elections. Obi’s marginal victory was still put down to the crisis in the PDP, where Soludo’s emergence led to the emergence of other candidates from the party, including Andy Uba and Nicholas Ukachukwu, which ultimately led to the depletion of PDP votes. For example, Uba, who tested his might in the LP, came fourth, with 26,106 votes, while Ukachukwu, who decamped to the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), polled 20,727 votes. Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, a House of Representatives member, went to the Progressives People Alliance (PPA), where she got 9,595 votes. Their votes put together, if they had remained in PDP, would have snatched victory from Obi, all things being equal. There is no doubt that the outcome of the October council polls would be a major indication of the way the November governorship election would go. If APGA uses the state apparatus to secure the victory it badly needs, it might be able to carry the impetus into the governorship election. But if it fails, then it might not recover to make the run for the governorship election.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 3, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 3, 2013 17

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

With Michael Uchebuaku

IN THIS EDITION True Confession:

‘I Had Sex With My Friend’s Husband’

Love Connections

Princess Of

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Romantic Jokes Link-Up (Love/Dating Connections)

True Confession From Abroad:

‘I Married For Money’ Love News George Clooney In Love Again By Cathy BOUT Three Years After My A Divorce, I Went On A Ski Trip To Vail With My Sister, Becky. I Had Been Living In Miami For 13 Years, And After The End Of My Marriage, I Decided It Was Time To Leave Florida. It Never Felt Like Home. I Was Drawn To The West. I Loved Colorado, But Was Also Attracted To Northern Arizona And New Mexico. I Owned A Private Physical Therapy Practice In Miami And My Plan Had Been To Put My Practice Up For Sale After I Got Back From That Ski Trip With Becky. Once It Was Sold, I Planned To Use Some Of The Proceeds To Travel And Pick A Place To Live. As Far As Relationships Went, I Was Content To Be Single. After The Divorce I Dated Several Men – All Short-Term Encounters, All Ending Mostly Badly. After The Last One Ended I Realized That They Were Basically All The Same Person – Unavailable Emotionally, Critical Of Me, Abusive In Their Own Way. (Hint: The Law Of Attraction Was Working Here Big Time!). I Knew That I Was Attracting Something To Myself, But Didn’t Know How To Change It, So I Decided To Try Counseling. I Found A Wonderful Therapist Who Helped Me Identify And Change My Beliefs About Myself And The Men In My Life. My Therapist, Angela, Showed Me

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‘How I Met The Man Of My Dreams’ How To Raise My Vibration To The Point Where I Was Happy With Myself And, While It Would Be Nice To Share My Life With A Partner, I Didn’t Need One To Be Happy. So After About 18 Months Of Therapy, I Was In That Space When Becky And I Went Skiing. On Our First Day Out, We Were Standing At The Base Of The Ski Area Looking Up The Mountain And Wondering Where To Start. A Resort Volunteer Noticed Our Confused Expressions. Vail Is Huge And It Was Our First Time Skiing In Colorado. He Suggested That We Pick An Easy Run Higher Up The Mountain Since It Was Spring And The Snow Would Be Better, So We Looked At A Map And Picked A Run At The Top Of The Mountain On The Opposite Side Of The Resort. We Rode Three Lifts To Get There! We Never Questioned Why We Were Doing This. We Just Both, Somehow, Decided That That Was Where We Needed To Go. On Our Very First Run Down (Are You Ready For This?) Lost Boy, I Became Aware Of Two Guys Skiing Near Us. The Tall One Was Wearing A Gray And Blue Ski Outfit. He Was Obviously A Very Good Skier, While His Friend Was Less Adept. Their Progress Was Similar To Mine And

Love Adventure Becky’s. I’m Quite A Bit Faster Than She Is, So I Skied Down The Hill And Then Waited For Her To Catch Up. Then I Went Again. On One Of These Runs, After Stopping To Wait For Becky, I Noticed The Tall Guy Was Stopping Near Me To Wait For His Friend, Too. As We Progressed Down The Hill, He Would Stop A Little Closer, And Then A Little Closer Still. It Felt Like He Was Checking Me Out. This Went On For A Couple Of Runs. When We Got To The Bottom After Our Second Run, They Were Waiting For Us And Asked If We Wanted To Ride The Lift Up Together. We Ended Up Skiing With Peter And Ken All Day. Peter, The Tall One, Was Single, Ken Married. I Loved Peter’s Sense Of Humor And His Kind, Gentle Manner. Towards The End Of The Day, A Bizarre Snow Thunderstorm Hit. We Had To Wait At The Bottom Of The Ski Lift For Some Time Until It Was Safe To Get On The Lift (Because Of Lightening). Once We Got To The Top Of The Mountain, We Were Told To Take The Shortest Route Down And Get Off The Mountain. Peter Stayed In Back And Made Sure

That We All Made It Safely Down. When We Did, We Found Ourselves On The Opposite Side Of Vail From The Condo Where Becky And I Were Staying. So After A Post-Ski Beer, Peter Gave Us A Ride Back To The Condo. When We Parted, We Exchanged Business Cards. He Said He Had Really Enjoyed The Day And Would Love To Get Together Again Sometime. I Really Liked Him But Didn’t Have Any Expectations Of Hearing From Him. And That Was Okay … The Next Morning, As Becky And I Were Sitting In Our Condo Watching “The Today Show” And Eating Breakfast, The Phone Rang. Becky Picked It Up. “Hello?” Her Eyes Then Fixed On Me With A Big Grin. “Oh, Hello Peter. Sure, Here She Is.” Me: “Hello?” Him: “Hi. I Just Wanted You To Know That I Had A Great Time Yesterday. I Would Love To See You Again Before You Go Back To Florida. Any Chance You Could Spend An Extra Day Here? I Could Meet You On Saturday In Denver When Becky Flies Out And Take You Back To The Airport On Sunday.” Me: “Uhhhh … Not Sure. Let Me Think About It. Can I Let You Know

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

18 |

LOVE&LIFE Love Dictionary “I Had Sex With My Friend’s Husband” What Is Miscarriage?

1. The Expulsion Of A Fetus From The Womb Before It Is Able To Survive Independently, Esp. Spontaneously Or As The Result Of Accident. 2. An Unsuccessful Outcome Of Something Planned: “The Miscarriage Of The Project”. Miscarriage Is The Spontaneous End Of A Pregnancy Before Fetal Viability (The Stage Of Potential Independent Survival). Threatened Miscarriage Is The Most Common Complication Of Early Pregnancy.[1] Terminology Miscarriage Is The Accepted Formal Term For Early Pregnancy Loss Before For Fetal Viability.[2] Those Born Before 24 Weeks Of Gestation Rarely Survive.[3] However, The Designation “Fetal Death” Applies Variably In Different Countries And Contexts, Sometimes Incorporating Weight, And Gestational Age From 16 Weeks In Norway, 20 Weeks In The Us And Australia, 24 Weeks In The Uk To 26 Weeks In Italy And Spain.[3][4][5] A Fetus That Died Before Birth After This Gestational Age May Be Referred To As A Stillbirth.[3] Under Uk Law, All Stillbirths Should Be Registered,[6] Although This Does Not Apply To Miscarriages. The Medical Terminology Applied To Women’s Experiences During Early Pregnancy Has Changed Over Time.[7] Before The 1980s, Health Professionals Used The Phrase “Spontaneous Abortion” For A Miscarriage And “Induced Abortion” For A Termination Of Pregnancy (Abbreviated To Top).[7][8] When Terminations Of Pregnancy Needed To Be Hidden, Suspicion Sometimes Surrounded Miscarriage, Complicating An Already Sensitive Language Issue.[9] Research Suggests That Some Women Dislike The Term Abortion For Miscarriage, Some Are Indifferent And Some Prefer It.[10] These Preferences May Reflect Cultural Differences, But More Research Would Be Needed To Clarify This.[10] In The Late 1980s And 1990s, Doctors Became More Conscious Of Their Language In Relation To Early Pregnancy Loss. Some Medical Authors Advocated Change To Use Of “Miscarriage” Instead Of “Abortion” Because They Argued This Would More Respectful To Women’s Feelings And Help Ease A Distressing Experience.[11][12][13] The Change Was Being Formally Recognized By The Profession In England In The Late 1990s.[14] In 2005 The European Society For Human Reproduction And Embryology (Eshre) Published A Paper Aiming To Facilitate A Revision Of Nomenclature Used To Describe Early Pregnancy Events.[15] The Preferred Terminology For “Missed Abortion” Is Delayed Or Silent Miscarriage.[15][16] Historical Analysis Of The Medical Terminology Applied To Early Pregnancy Loss In Britain Has Shown That The Use Of “Miscarriage” (Instead Of “Spontaneous Abortion”) By Doctors Only Occurred After Changes In Legislation (In The 1960s) And Developments In Ultrasound Technology (In The Early 1980s) Allowed Them To Identify Miscarriages.[7] In Countries Where Pregnancy Termination Remains Illegal Doctors May Still Not Distinguish Between “Spontaneous” And “Induced” Abortions In Clinical Practice.

Dear Love Doctor, ’M 42 And Life Has Been Difficult Lately. I Divorced My Husband After 10 Years Of Marriage When I Found Out That I Would Never Be Able To Have Children Because Of My Fertility Issues. I Have This Friend Who Recently Celebrated Her 40th Birthday. I’m Not Much Of A Drinker But That Night In My Friend’s House, I Wanted To Forget About My Problems. I Was Out Of My Head By The End Of The Night. I Remember Wandering Out To The Backyard For Somewhere Quiet To Lie Down. I Fell Fast Asleep And Woke To Find Myself Alone With My Friend’s Husband In The Middle Of The Night. He Had His Hands Down My Top And Was Feeling My Breasts. Then

True Confession He Kissed Me. I Tried To Stop Him But He Just Carried On. Then I Was Down On The Floor, My Dress Was Pulled Up And He Was Having Sex With Me. It Was Horrible. I Pushed Him Away, Shouting: “Get Off Me!” He Went Away In The End And I Managed To Stay Awake Till Morning And Find My Way Home. I Felt So Sick And Revolted I Went Straight To Bed And Stayed There All Day. I Feel Terrible Now As I’m Not The Sort To Sleep Around And Certainly Not With A Friend’s Husband. I Feel Sick At What Happened But I Can’t Talk To Anyone As We’re All In The Same Circle Of Friends And I Can’t Tell My Friend. I Can’t Stop Crying. I Feel So Guilty

Love News The Sexy Silver Fox Has Been Tamed, This Time By A Beautiful Blonde Wrestler. IPPING Champagne In The Sunshine With A Love-Struck George Clooney By Your Side Life Could Certainly Be Worse. So It’s Little Wonder Former Professional Wrestler-Turned-Actress Stacy Keibler Couldn’t Wipe The Smile Off Her Face As She Enjoyed A Leisurely Lunch With The Man Many Believe To Be The World’s Sexiest. The 31-Year-Old Blonde Beauty Wasn’t Shooting A Scene For A Movie With The Impossibly Handsome Hollywood Heartthrob “She Was Living Every Woman’s Dream! And Word Has It That Things Are Quickly Getting Serious Between Stacy And The Silver-Haired Eternal Bachelor, With Stacy On The Verge Of Moving Into George’s Lavish Los Angeles Residence. While The Pair Haven’t Been Dating For Long, Their Red-Hot Romance Is Reported To Be Very Much The Real Deal. Not Only Are They Hanging Out, She’s Already Practically Living At His Home In California, A Close Friend Of Stacy Reveals Exclusively To Woman’s Day. It Is More Than Just A Fling. It’s Understandable If Stacy May Have Harboured A Few Reservations About Giving Her Heart To George. For Starters, The Ocean’s Eleven Star Had Only Just Come Out Of A Two-Year Relationship With Beautiful Italian Model-Turned-Actress Elisabetta Canalis, 33 “They Broke Up In June This Year. Ironically, Elisabetta Is Now

And I’m Petrified That My Friend Will Your Say: Do You Have Advice On This Problem? Please Share Your Find Out. Thoughts. Call 07031028714 Or 08131161840. Love Doctor’s Advice: *Send Your Comments/Stories To The Truth Is That This Wasn’t Your Fault. You Had Too Much To Drink But Love Doctor. E-Mail: Ireto007@Yahoo.Com If You’re In A That Isn’t A Crime. You Were In No State To Consent To Sex And He Took Crisis, Call For Help: 07031028714, Advantage Of That. That Means It Was 08131161840 Or 08023700641. For Free Marriage/Relationships Counseling, Legally Rape. Ask Yourself How You Would React If Call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, A Friend Said This Has Happened To 08023700641 Or Chris 08023913619. Visit Www.Romancestory.Org Her. You’d Feel Outraged At Him Taking Advantage Of Her. But I Know That Bringing Such A Charge Against A Friend’s Husband, When It Would Be His Word Against Yours, Is Scary To Contemplate, Especially When You’ve Already Had Salesman Go Out Of Town For To Cope With So Much Recently. So Business. Please Try To Put This Bad Experience After A Couple Of Weeks He Comes Behind You And Move On With Your Home And Tells His Wife About It. Life. “Guess What Dear, I Earned 4000 Dollars By Selling 50 Mattresses And 30 Pairs Of Panties.” The Wife Replies “Really, Well With Just One Mattress And No Panties I Earned Twice As Much.”

Romantic Jokes

Salesman

Words Of Wisdom Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder.

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Fertility

George Clooney In Love Again Preparing To Waltz Up A Storm On The Us Version Of Dancing With The Stars, Just As Stacy Did In The 2006 Season Of The Hit Reality Show, And Insiders Say Elisabetta Hopes Her Sexy Moves And Revealing Costumes Will Win Back George’s Heart. No One Could

Blame Stacy For Fearing The 50Year-Old May Have Simply Been Looking For Love On The Rebound. Courtesy: Ninemsn.Com.Au *If You Want To Advertize Or Sponsor Love & Life Call 07031028714, 07032944123.

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Love Connection CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 Lasting Relationship. 08066239699. Bb Pin 23789fc3. Oluwapelumi, In Lagos, Wants A Sugar Mummy. 08160350752. Bb Pin 263f9701. *Connect To Mike On Whatsapp Or Blackberry Pin: 21978f71 For Details On How To Send Your Blackberry Or Smartphone Connect Request. Women Looking For Relationship/Marriage: Daniella, 35, Graduate, Works, Hiv Positive, Needs A Responsible, Educated, Working, Hiv Positive Man Of 37-42years For Marriage. 08132807532. Goodnews, 29, Igbo, Needs An Educated, Pentecostal, Igbo Widower From 30-35years, With Kids, For Marriage. 08066651155. Cynthia, 25, Graduate, Genotype Aa, From Enugu, In Lagos, Needs A Serious Man Of 36-48years For Marriage. 07063651021.

Ukamaka, 23, From Anambra, Beautiful, Decent, Needs A Responsible Igbo Guy Of 28-35years For Marriage. 08140096688. Juliet, 21, Tall, Slim, Beautiful, Needs A Serious Man. 08138782829. Tracy, From Edo, Tall, Sexy, Wants A Sugar Daddy. 07084644342. Silvia, From Delta, 5.6ft, Wants A Comfortable Man. 07059450137. Chioma, 24, Very Sexy, Wants A Mature Man To Take Care Of Her. 08173758944. Praise, 31, Fair, In Lagos, Needs A Born Again Man For Marriage. 07060407255, 08166899630. Funmi, 24, Tall, Slim, Fair, Fresh Graduate, Needs A Man To Care For Her. 08094000733. Ifeoluwa, 30, Wants A Responsible Man Of 40years+ To Assist Her. 08169510070. Men Looking For Relationship/Marriage: Olamilekan, Businessman In Lagos, Wants A Responsible Woman For A Serious Relationship. 07035434304. Emmy Needs A Mature And

Independent Woman Or Widow In Lagos, Preferably In Festac Or Satellite Town Or Environs, For Mutual Companionship. Text 08131161840. Segun, 30, Banker In Oyo, Needs A Lady Of 20-25years For A Relationship. 08021484069. Chidera, 40, From Ebonyi, A Civil Servant In Ph, Needs A Girl With A Nice Shape And Extra Large Bust For Marriage. 08037317375. Pharrel, 28, 6ft, In Abuja, Needs A Caring Sugar Mummy. 08174451778, 08065044445. Winner, 32, From Imo, In Lagos, Needs An Attractive And Slim Female Friend Of 18-30years. 08158510984. Dickson, 30, Fair, Handsome, In Ph, Needs A Rich, Caring, Sugar Mummy. 08165550468. Pharrel, 28, 6ft, In Abuja, Needs A Caring Sugar Mummy. 08174451778, 08065044445. Tony, Self-Employed, Needs A Busty And Sexy Sugar Mummy. 08189236974. Abiodun, 35, Tall, Slim, Dark,

Needs A Lady Of 40-45years For A Discreet, No-Strings Attached Relationship. The Motive Is Not Finance. 08053297148, 08189925799. Olusola, In Lagos, Needs A Sugar Mummy. 08137670170. A Man Wants A Mature Woman Of 35-50years To Care For Him. 08138560498. Peter, 26, In Lagos, Wants A Rich Sugar Mummy. 08122600768. Smart, 26, In Lagos, Wants A Sugar Mummy. 07037392027. Desmond, 24, In Abuja, Wants A Sugar Mummy. 08096329472. * 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, August 3, 2013

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LOVE&LIFE

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

HE Dome Is A Naturally Carved Rock T Formation In The Form Of An Arena, Covering A Large Dry And Sandy Area

The Ogba Ukwu Dome And Cave: Wonderful Work Of Nature! True Confession From Abroad: Marrying For Money Had Never Crossed My Mind Before, But Then I Met Katie... When You’re Seriously Considering Marriage, Should Money Ever Come Into It? It Had Never Crossed Chrisa’s Mind, But Then He Met Katie... ATIE’S Fun, Quite Attractive And Easy Company. I Met Her A Year Ago On A Night Out And It Was Clear She Was Really Interested In Me, So I Suggested We Meet Up Again. I Probably Wouldn’t Have Asked Her Out If I’d Known How Much Older She Is Than Me – I’m 27 And She’s 39 And Very Keen To Settle Down - But Within A Couple Of Dates I Knew Exactly What Her Connections Are And That Changed My Mind. If I Told You Her Surname It Would Instantly Ring A Bell - Her Father’s Very High Profile And Extremely Wealthy And His Darling Daughters Are The Main Beneficiaries. Katie Has Her Own Luxury Flat “No Mortgage”, A Substantial Trust Fund And A Clothes Shop, Which Is Like An Extension Of Her Own Wardrobe And Full Of Designer Gear. She Works When She Feels Like It, Which Really Just Means Popping Into The Shop A Few Times A Week And Chatting To Her Manager There. The Rest Of Her Time Is Spent Looking After Herself - Going To The Gym, Getting Her Hair Or Nails Done And Shopping With Friends. When Katie Described Her Car As A Little Grey Thing And Then Picked Me Up For A Night Out In A Silver Porshe. I Really Started Paying Attention And Realised That While She Tends To Go For An Understated Look In Clothes And Jewellery, Everything Is The Best Quality And Price Is Simply Never A Consideration. It Didn’t Take Long To Realise That Life Is Completely Different With A

Wealthy And Generous Partner. All My Previous Girlfriends Worked And I Have A Reasonably Good Job, But There Was Always Those Few Days At The End Of The Month When We Couldn’t Afford To Go Out Or Had To Juggle The Bills. Katie Has Had The Sort Of Life Most Of Us Can Just Dream About And Although My Job As A Sales Manager Earns Me A Decent Salary, It’s Never Going To Get Me A Huge House And A Luxurious Lifestyle. She’s Quite Desperate To Settle Down And Feels Time Is Running Out To Have A Family, So It’s Almost A Question Of Whether Or Not This Seems Like A Reasonable Deal, In A Way. I Pay For Nights Out But Sometimes I Wonder If That’s Just An Investment In A Very Comfortable Future. If Katie And I Got Married Her Parents Would Buy Us A Big House As A Wedding Present And Any Kids We Have Would Go To An Independent School - Paid For By Her Dad - And Have A Great Start To Life. For Christmas, Katie’s Main Present To Me Was A Ski-Ing Holiday In France, Staying In A Luxury Hotel In Courchevel 1850, Which Cost Over $40,000. Her Other Presents Were Ski Gear - Not Just Clothes But Skis - A Signed First Edition Of My Favourite Harry Potter Book And A Cartier Watch. Last Year, She Took Me To New York For My Birthday And She’s Already Talking About Going To St Lucia For A Summer Holiday Next Year. I’m Starting To Get Used To This Sort Of Lifestyle And I Don’t Want To Do Without It. This Sounds Truly Awful, But When Her Parents Die Katie And Her Sister Susy Will Get The Lot, And It Really Is A Lot. Katie Keeps Bringing The

Conversation Round To Marriage And I Am Very Tempted, Especially When She Suggested That I Could Change Jobs. Her Idea Of The Perfect Honeymoon Would Be Spending Three Months Going Round The World And When I Said That I Would Never Be Able To Take That Much Leave She Suggested Taking A Break From Work For A While And Thinking About Getting Into Something I Really Enjoyed. That’s Almost The Biggest Temptation - My Job Bores Me Senseless And Trying Something Completely Different Without Worrying About Money Would Be Brilliant. Recently I Went Out For A Drink With Richard, Katie’s Brother In Law. He Works In Finance, But As Grandad Pays All The School Bills And Susy Has Her Trust Fund Income His Wages Are Like Pocket Money. While We Were Out We Bumped Into One Of Richard’s Colleagues And The Two Of Them Obviously Got On Brilliantly. She’s A Stunning Looking Woman With A Great Personality And After She Left Richard Got Absolutely Pissed And Told Me That She’s The Biggest Regret In His Life, Because He Never Imagined That He Would Meet Someone Like That. This Girl Is Everything He Ever Wanted, But There’s No Way He Would Rock The Safe Boat He’s In Just Now. And For The Moment, That’s What’s Stopping Me Proposing, Because Meeting That Girl Made Me Realise That Katie Is A Bit Dull. I Wouldn’t Miss Her The Way I’d Miss All The Things We Do And The Life She’s Shown Me. The Sex Is Ok But Not Brilliant And

My Porn Habit Is Already Increasing, Which Is A Bit Depressing After Just A Year Together, But I Could Never Liven Things Up By Suggesting She Watches It With Me. She Looks Good For Her Age But Although She’s Nice And Safe She’s A Little Colourless. If She Wasn’t So Wealthy The Idea Of Marrying Her Wouldn’t Have Crossed My Mind, But She’s Also The Ticket To A Fantastic Lifestyle. I Know This All Makes Me Sound Like A Right Pig But It’s Not That Simple. When I Meet Other Women Who Appear To Be Great Fun Or Really Lively It Makes Me Wonder What I’m Missing, But If I Give Up Katie To Pursue Some Mystery Women And It Doesn’t Work Out What’s The Chances Of Meeting Someone This Rich Again? If I Stay With Katie, She Gets A Husband And Hopefully A Family, While I Get A Lifestyle Most People Would Kill For. It’s A Reasonable Deal, So Why Can’t I Just Get On With It? All Names In This Story Have Been Changed. Picture: Getty Images. Posed By Model. Your Say: Would You Marry For Money? Let Us Know. All Names Have Been Changed. Picture Posed By Models. Your Say: Have Your Say About This True Confession... Courtesy: Ninemsn.Com.Au Nb: Call Mike On 2347031028714 If You Have A Story From Abroad To Share With Us.

Which Forms A Natural Beach Around The Ogba Waterfall. Next To This Dome Is The Ogba Ukwu Cave Considered The Largest Cave In West Africa, Which Will Take Upwards To Two Hours To Explore. It Forms A Deep And Complex Rock Formation With Roomy Compartments Large Enough To Take In An Entire Village. The Cave Consists Of Tunnels, Heading Off In Different Directions; However, There Are Two Noticeable Entrances To The Cave. One Tunnel In Particular Is Regarded As An Escape Route Which Is About Two Kilometers Long, From Which One Will Eventually Emerge In Oji River Local Government Area Of Enugu State. At The Centre Of Ogba Ukwu, Is One Large Area Said To Have Been The Living Room Of The ‘God’ Of OwerreEzukala. His Throne And Other Compartments Are Within His Household. His Sentries Were Always Mounted At The Two Entrances To The Cave Watching Out For Visitors And Intruders. There Are Crevices In The Rock Depicting His Wardrobe And Store Rooms. There Is One Particular Compartment, Accessed By The Aid Of Stone Steps, Where An Old Elephant’s Foot Still Stands, Long Dead And Dry. In Another Crevice, There Is A Natural Spanner Of Rock, And In Yet Another Is A Gun Of Stone, As Old As The Cave. There Is The ‘Ogba Ekezu’, A Bottomless Well Within The Cave That No One Who Ever Falls Into It Is Seen Again. In The Past, Natives Came To The Cave Once Every Year, In The Month Of March To Perform The ‘Aja Ala Onwa Ito’ Festival. Visitors Were Invited For Parties And Picnics Inside The Cave. It Is Alleged That Natives In The Past Communed Physically With The God Of Ogba Ukwu Who Appeared On His Throne In The Form Of A Man, Holding A Broom In His Hand. He Answered The People’s Questions, Gave Judgment To Their Cases And Made Predictions About The Future. Time And Encroachment However Must Have Caused His Relocation To An Unknown Destination. Guided Tours In And Around It Are A Wonder, And Leave Visitors Dumbfounded About This Wonderful Work Of Nature. Courtesy: Www.Cometonigeria.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,

Love Adventure CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

‘How I Met The Man Of My Dreams’ Hundred Dollars.” “Well, I’m Going To Call Them Anyway. If It’s A Pain To Change Or It Costs A Lot, I’ll Just Take It As A Sign That I’m Not Supposed To Stay.” So I Called … Me: “Hello, I’m Flying From Denver Through Cleveland To Miami On Saturday. Leaving At 10:00 A.M., Arriving Miami At 11:00 P.M. Is There Any Possibility Of Changing That Flight To Return On Sunday?” Continental Airlines: “I See That This Is A Group Rate Ticket. Let Me Transfer You To The Group Desk.” Continental Group Agent: “Hmm. Let Me See What I Can Do … Oh, There’s A Nonstop Flight From Denver, Leaving At 10:00 A.M. And Arriving Miami At 4:00 P.M. It Will Cost $25 To Change It And There’s OneSeat Left. Would You Like It?” And As, They Say, “The Rest Is History.” That Was Twenty Years Ago Last Month, And Peter And I Celebrated Our 19th Wedding Anniversary Last Month. We Are Still In Love And Very Happy. Culled From: Www.Largeself.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.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

RELATIONSHIP

A Woman’s Education Ends In The Kitchen By Alita Joseph MAID I used to know would complain that she missed A education because her father refused to send her to school. According to her, her father belonged to that class of parents who thought that educating the girl child was a waste of money. So she left school after pleas from teachers that she was brilliant and would o well academically, failed to impress him. “His reason was that I go carry belle,” she would lament. Carry belle means that his daughter would most certainly get pregnant half way through secondary school. But any concerned person knows that teen pregnancy is common in the rural areas by men who have little means or are willing to take responsibility for the welfare of the girls and the babies. That was always the way we ended that discussion. But it did not make her happier or forgiving, not when she saw all the wealth that surrounded her and the immense power wielded by her female employer – her madam. “Your father did not understand,” I told her once. If he had gone to school himself, he would not treated you that way”, I told her. “For example, look at your madam; how many children does she have?” “Three”, she replied, adding that the fourth one was on the way. “She is heavily pregnant, she noted. “She went to school”, I pointed out “Ah! She went o. She is Oga in her office o. “Yet, she falls pregnant”, I pointed out. (Laughter) So I thought that her old man and every parent who still see the education of the girl child as a waste of fund do not only wrong their children, but that it is a belief that comes from a wicked heart. I did not say that to her, of course, because I did not want to put fuel in the already smoldering fire between father and daughter. I am aware of the much grievance that comes any time the old man makes a financial request and the sighing that precedes the gift of the bundle of wrapper and one bottle of dry gin that she buys for him every Christmas. I totally agree with her that her father’s behaviour does not show love and did not try to disagree when she pointed out that he would not have felt any loss if she had eloped with a village lad after leaving primary school. As she also used to say, he would not have grieved if his daughter took in at 13 years of age. His problem was simply not spending money on educating a female who would go and marry. As she points out triumphantly too, his sons who he sent to school have not got the time or even the money to give him. He turns to her elder sister who is married and herself when he is in need. Having thought about the maid and her father for some time, I remember the old but insightful saying that

When It’s Not Love By Kemi Amushan OW long is “too long” when you’re H waiting for a man to commit, propose, or settle down with you? And what should you do to make the wait worthwhile? One of the biggest challenges of finding true love and happiness with a man is the long, agonizing wait for him to commit, propose, or settle down with you. Sometimes, the wait can be endless. And it’s easy to get impatient. And there’s always the danger that, somewhere along the way, something ruins the relationship. You may start arguing. Or you may uncover certain flaws in him. Or he may start growing cold and distant like he’s losing interest in the relationship. And no matter what you try to do, your relationship seems headed towards an inevitable breakup. You do whatever you can to keep the relationship together, but when you talk about it, he sighs and says: “I’m sorry, you’re just no longer the woman I fell in love with.” And that could just kill you right there and then. Has something like this ever happened to you in the past? Did you once have a near-perfect relationship but before he could commit to you, problems came in and ruined everything? Over the years, I’ve heard hundreds of women ask, “Why did my relationship end? I loved him with all my heart.” Usually, what I ask is, “Was it true love you were actually feeling?”

Now, most women don’t know how to tell if it’s really true love. The reason why I ask the question is that it’s easy to mistake ‘lust’ for ‘true love.’ Now, when I say that, some ladies disagree: “it wasn’t lust! I wasn’t just after the sex!” Sorry, ladies, but ‘lust’ isn’t just about wanting sex. You see, at its most basic, lust takes two forms. For men, lust is ‘sexual attraction.’ That’s why many guys mistakenly think they’re in love with a woman but actually, they just want to have sex with her. What usually happens is that once they have sex with her, they realize it wasn’t love at all and soon they lose interest in her, and just leave. That’s why most of the time, I advise you ladies to wait at least three months before inviting him into your bedroom just to make sure he’s truly in love with you, and not just after the sex. For women, on the other hand, lust is ‘fake love.’ And it’s much more dangerous than just wanting sex. Fake love is that tremendous, irresistible feeling of love and affection you have with a new boyfriend. Like sexual attraction, it’s at its strongest during the first few months of a relationship. Unfortunately, while sexual attraction goes away once you satisfy the itch, fake love almost never goes away. In fact, it can get more and more addicting over time. That’s why it’s so easy to mistake fake love for the real thing. And that’s why we don’t understand why, even if we “loved him with

all our hearts,” the relationship still didn’t work out. My advice? You need to know the difference between fake love and true love. With true love, the emotional bond gets stronger. The whole relationship is not only based on sex, but true companionship as well, and a feeling that is much deeper than lust. (Which, as a bonus, makes the lusty moments even better!) True love is loving and being loved. Fake love is the addiction to being loved. True love is forgiving and supportive. Fake love is critical and judgmental. True love puts your relationship first. Fake love puts your own happiness first. I hope you’re getting the picture now! Once you know how to tell the difference between true love and fake love, you’ll start steering clear of the usual problems that break up new relationships like criticism, jealousy, and unmet expectations. Instead, with every single moment you spend with your man, you build your emotional foundation. Every single day, your love for each other will grow deeper and deeper. And the best part? When you keep loving each other more with every passing day, the wait for the ‘big moment’ when he commits, proposes, or settles down with you gets shorter and shorter. Trust me. Choose wisely which kind of love you feel. To the happiness we all deserve, good luck in love and life. Cheers.

a woman’s education ends in the kitchen. Although it is a simple saying, it summarizes the woman’s position in a few words. Breaking it down would therefore start with the pretty damsel who goes to school. She reads up to the university and thereafter makes a success of her career. She succeeds so much that she can afford the same thing as the man, wish that she can marry the man and put him in the house instead of him marrying her and making her the home bound spouse. She may choose not to marry at all and she would not expect a man to look after her in the material sense of it. So she would still be all right. But then, something happens and she falls in love. The man too falls in love too, but the difference is that love boosts the man’s position. Where he struggled to cook his meal as a bachelor, love now ensures that it is the responsibility of his wife. The woman must need to adjust her previous carefree existence to accommodate other people: husband and children. She cannot help it unless she wants to remain single. So, I told my friend the maid that what her father reacted wrongly to was the thinking of those foresighted Nigerians of the past: those who surmised that despite her achievements, the woman would always come back to the kitchen. But they were right, though. And my own interpretation is that what they mean is that she falls in love eventually and that when she does, she falls literally. She crashes from her ladder of success. She is on the way of losing her identity because she must take on the man’s name. But many career women can still maintain their height while still enjoying a blissful relationship. But some give up because they think that family comes first. I think that therefore that we give kudos to families that generously educate their girl child for it is not easy to watch your little girl grow up, blossom into a self-assured woman. But at some point, she lets down all defences because she has to take in this stranger, sometimes, the son of a sworn enemy. The family disapproves when he does not meet up to expectation, for her sake, not theirs. The family that educates their women has seen the benefit of education although she may always come to the kitchen. She becomes pregnant and rears babies just like the one who did not go to school. But just as they have given her the best footing in life, they want her to be happy in her relationship. When they worry because she delays marriage and say bring us a man, they are not saying bring any man at all even if he is a bad man. So, use that intelligence and choose who will be good to you and kind to your family.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

LOVE & LIFE 21

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

WEEKEND with AMARA

Nigeria, From Criminality To Sainthood LOVE this my country Nigeria. Nigeria, Iofapart from being a country with hundreds ethnic groups, it is one country where the citizens have everything good just like America and Europe. We have model schools with the best facilities. We have the best hospitals and rail transport systems. Our roads are world class just like theirs. The only difference is that for us, everything good exists on paper and in virtual world while theirs can be seen and touched in the real world. I saw very beautiful roads and actually believed them until recently when I decided to travel by road. What we get from our leaders is the Ebeano style where pillars are called tunnels and smooth roads exists only on the pages of newspapers and TV. Our economy keeps growing on paper and in the pockets of our leaders but never experienced by the people. Anyway, we are very close to that day! Okay, I remember last year when I had issues with a former aviation minister who got up to criticize Jonathan and his government. I did attack him at that very conference but not because he criticized President Jonathan; my attacking him was because they all become saints once they leave office and find themselves irrelevant to a particular administration. In my words to this very aviation guy who ran the ministry with his girlfriend, we had our worst time in the sector under him and so he has no moral justification to open his mouth and criticize Jonathan. This very guy is not alone is not alone in this. A former minister of the Federal Capital Territory has suddenly become a saint and an activist with several newspaper columns. Nigerians, how we forget so soon the atrocities of our taskmasters? The same former minister who used our money to service his youth corp girlfriend placing her on a salary above regular workers, is now all over the place blabbing and we pay attention to him. Where do we go from here? One thing these criminals know about us is that we forget so soon. They go into government and commit all sorts of atrocities. Some of them even kill our beloved ones and it’s surprising

how soon we mingle with them and give them awards and titles. Why would they stop living the kind of life they live? Why won’t they steal when they know that it takes just a few months for us to forget it all? Why won’t they steal knowing that some hungry journalists and community heads are somewhere ready to take their money and offer them titles and awards? Why won’t they destroy our country when they are given ‘Man of the Year’ award in exchange for some good cash? It pains me when I watch television, listen to radio broadcasts, and read newspapers and magazines only to find these criminals talking and criticizing the present administration. Mind you; I am one hundred percent against any corrupt government, but I am also against criminals who act to be saints just because they are not relevant now.

A former minister of finance once said it during a meeting with us that he would never have anything to do with Jonathan’s government because of high level of corruption. Just two days after that statement was made, this same man was appointed into a committee by Jonathan. Another elder statesman said it in my presence in his house that he hated Jonathan and his government and will never go to him for anything. Few months later, President Jonathan was the special guest of honour at his book launch. My people, for how long are we going to give them the chance to go on playing with us? They steal and keep them in foreign accounts. They are flown to Germany and Israel when they have headache while our parents, pregnant women and children die as a result of poor health facilities. Their children are in the

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela

best schools abroad while our own children have no table to write on. Sadly, our traditional rulers who should protect us from them are now dining with them. They give them money and receive traditional titles from them. When it’s time for elections, they bribe them with very fat ‘Ghana must go’ bags just for them to get us to support them. Are our religious leaders left out of this? They stand on the altar and sometimes use the sacred name of God to cajole us into voting for their paymasters. Activists? Recently, I was even advised to register one because a particular political party is going to release money to civil societies when campaign starts heating up. I was on the verge of doing that registration before I heard that and knowing that I can only trust myself and not the person with me, I decided not to because some people in that same group may end up going to sell their conscience for money. Activism in Nigeria is one of money for hand, back for ground. Fellow Nigerians, isn’t it time we stone these ones whenever they shamelessly open their mouth in public? Isn’t it time we shout them down when they try to become saints after helping to destroy our nation? Isn’t it time we force our traditional and religious leaders to have integrity? Isn’t it time we walk into those their so-called conferences for the future of Nigeria and force them to pack up? If you have been in government and can’t show me what good you did, you are one of those criminals. If you have been in government and have those foreign bank accounts, you are one of them. If you have been a health minister and could not give Nigeria good hospitals, the blood of those women and children will forever cry against your generation. If you were/are a transport minister and people die regularly on our bad roads, you won’t go free. Police officers stand under the sun angry thereby abusing and killing innocent citizens because people responsible for their welfare sat on the money budgeted for their good thereby forcing them to extort the public to be able to buy their uniform.

08116706879 (SMS only). E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com

The Purpose, The Path And The Means For Daniel, he always set his heart to understand what God was saying and humbly follow exactly after His Word with courage and single-mindedness. We know that he has a good part of the journey. inheritance (Daniel 10:12, 12:13). And of Jesus, from the time He left behind all His benefits in The Path heaven even to the time he accepted and died For every man, there is a path that leads to the a shameful death His path was to stay humble. full manifestation of his purpose. It is different For if at any time – in the wilderness of temptafor each man as the fingerprints on our fintions or as the only Son of God among His own gers differ intrinsically. We must not look up had, He laid down his disposition of humility to any man to fulfill our purpose for it is imHe would never have accomplished His purpossible for man to perfect us. Only One is the pose. (Philippians 2:5-11, Mathew 13:46) author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews What is your path? Again, no man can reveal 12:2). this to you accept your creator. For Paul, his journey was plagued with strips, weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in perse- Of And By Him cutions, in distresses, etc. He asked God to take Jesus, our Perfect image and likeness, revealed this from him to which God replied “My grace that He did nothing apart from the Father is sufficient for you…”. Though we read (John 5:19), in the same way we can do nothing throughout his letters of his sufferings, he al- apart from God. (Rom) If we tried, we would ways said that he rejoiced in them for in them only be doing things in the energy of the flesh. God’s power was made perfect. It has to be only by His Spirit – “…they that worI have come to understand that the suffership him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John ings of Paul were his greatest impediments 4:23-24), (Romans 8:14). and instruments of his glory; embracing and God must be the one leading and doing rejoicing in them, being content no matter through you. “…it is no longer I that live, but what he was able to finish his course (2 Christ living in me...” (Galatians 2:20). AnyCorinthians 12:5-10, Philippians 4:11). thing short of this will be burnt up by fire. In For David, we know that he found favour many ways, either by the Master’s coming or with God because he desired always to do His death, the D-day is nearer than yesterday. will. David, in his journey constantly sought Image and Etiquette addresses general percepthe face of God – shall I do this, How should I do it, I repent, make me clean, according to tions, societal norms and expectations and you will, etc. When he was in grace and when personal expressions with the goal to cultivate he fell short of grace, he always got up and social graces, suavity and a dignified presence continued running hard after God’s heart for personal development and effective inter(Acts 13:22). personal relationships.

Acquiring The Perfect Image And Character Is your most ardent dream/desire the same with God’s purpose in your life? The Purpose Is your most ardent desire fulfilled only in this ET us start with a short self-awareness ses- earth? sion if we may. You shall need a piece of For a lot of us, we neither have a clear underpaper and pen – It is very important if you standing of what we want. If we are asked what want to reap the full benefits of the session our most ardent dream is, we might take a that you not go further than each instruction. while in answering. This ought not to be so for Now, if you are ready, we may begin. if it is a passionate desire or purpose it must be Close your eyes for a moment and think of like a fire within our heart! your most ardent desire… Write that down on I also believe that if you do not know your a sheet of paper. Now, just below it, write purpose on earth you are in the same place down whom God created you to be or what with the person whose dream does not tally purpose you believe God created you for; what with his or her God given purpose. Why? The your purpose on earth is. Now, ask yourself Word says that “Heaven and earth shall pass these questions: away, but my words shall not pass away”. (Mathew 24:25). Therefore, if you spend your lifetime on earth working apart from His will, when all our works are tried with His fire, there will be nothing worthwhile left. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Close your eyes again for a moment and imagine the peak of a high mountain…then switch the light off in that vision. Where do you stand? At the foot of the mountain or somewhere undefined? If you do not know what his purpose is in your life or if you do not work in it, you are like one who wishes to climb to the top of a mountain without the necessary light. Knowing His purpose for your life is one part of the journey; walking in the path is the other

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

WOMAN After the deaths of her friends in a car accident in December 2010, Maryam Augie decided to establish a non-governmental organization, The Action to Yield Aid to Hopeful Adults and the Young (AYAHAY) Foundation. AYAHAY aims to provide quality health care, basic education and counseling, clean water, safe sanitation practices and good hygiene education and enhance personal development through sports and recreation. The 2013 Future Award Africa Nominee spoke with VICTOR OLUSHOLA. YAHAY Foundation is a non-profit organizaA tion concerned with promoting women empowerment and child development. Currently focused on the northern part of Nigeria, the foundation has undertaken and completed humanitarian projects in Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Since 2010, it has constructed boreholes in rural communities within these states, renovated a women skills acquisition centre in Kebbi, donated grinding machines to widows who had problems providing for their families, and runs a scholarship programme for underprivileged children of primary and secondary school age. The success story of the foundation within its short existence recently earned Maryam Augie, the 28-year-old founder of AYAHAY, recognition from The Future Award, an award that recognises young people who have made great strides in their fields and areas of specialisation. She was nominated in the category of advocacy and activism for The Future Award Africa season 8. “It feels wonderful. I am especially grateful that someone recognised the effort we have been making to impact lives of the underprivileged in our society,” Augie says of the honour. Born in Lagos, Augie had her primary education in Sokoto before moving back to Lagos, where she attended Queen’s College, Yaba and then completed her secondary education at Federal Government Girls’ College, Gusau, Zamfara State. She has a B.Sc in International Business from National American University, Sharjah, UAE and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Ehsal

Augie

‘Educated Girls Make Better Decisions In Life’ University, Brussels. During her National Youth Service (NYSC) year, Augie served at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). She later worked at the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) as a Liaison Officer between various civil societies and the legislative arm of government. Upon voluntary disengagement from CISLAC, she joined BGL Securities where she was trained and worked as an investment banker. “It was a wonderful experience being at SEC because despite being corps members, we were given the same responsibilities as the full staff members. However, it was my experience at CISLAC that fully matured me. At first, it seemed a bit too much but looking back now, I appreciate every moment I spent there. I only left CISLAC to join BGL Securities due to my admiration for the financial sector,” she recounts. She confesses that her experience with BGL made all the difference in her career because she learnt “what it really meant to work with people and also manage office politics.” Her goal, she says, is to give opportunities to the underprivileged people around the country, es-

pecially children. She emphasised that the fo undation is guided by the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals Declaration (2000) and African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990). “We believe in the values of discipline, diligence, dedication and determination. These values are what guide our activities in the course of our pursuits to achieve our goals,” she discloses. Although most of the foundation’s women empowerment and child development campaign is currently centred in the northern part of the country, Augie says their work would soon move further south and all around the country. She however laments the difficulty she faces getting funds, blaming it on the way most NGOs in Nigeria are run. “Setting up this foundation has opened my eyes to a lot of unpleasant scenarios within charity organisations. Most of them are fraudulently set-up and run, with more money going into private pockets than to the cause being promoted. Of course, a philanthropist or international funding body that has come across such dubious NGOs will feel extremely reluctant to donate to even the genuine ones. “It is hard to find people of integrity that one can really trust to help carry out a project without looking out for self-profit,” she adds. AYAHAY foundation believes that education is a tool for sustaining development in the society. “It accelerates growth and progress by providing a platform for awareness and enlightenment of people,” Augie says before pointing out, with a sad voice: “Educating women and the girl child continues to be a major challenge in the pursuit of increasing the literacy level in the nation. “The importance of girls’ education cannot be overemphasised. Educated women are more likely to use better health services and have fewer and well-nourished children. Girls who are educated can make better lifestyle decisions and contribute to the future economic growth of their nation. Education is indeed freedom and for women and girls, access to basic education will indeed provide them the opportunity to make the right choices in life and contribute to the future progress of the nation,” she explains. One of the foundation’s core goals is supporting and promoting efforts to reduce the incidence of infant and maternal mortality. The foundation aims to achieve this goal through education, awareness, advocacy at the government level and provision of the necessary health resources, especially within rural

communities. “We intend to implement helpful health programmes such as providing mobile clinics to communities to aid in the conveying of pregnant women to hospitals especially in cases of emergency; organising health care programmes to enlighten women on maternal health, infant health, breastfeeding, immunization, safe sanitation and good hygiene practices and infant nutrition; assisting in equipping primary health care centres with essential amenities to improve the quality of health services delivered, and establishing empowerment programmes for women in rural communities to enable them have the financial resources required to cater for their health and nutritional needs during pregnancy and after child birth, among others.” Most of the foundation’s programmes are targeted at rural dwellers based on the high level of poverty and under-development found in such areas. Augie believes that skills acquisition is a way of empowering oneself economically, hence, the foundation’s goal to support and build skills acquisition centres for women in rural communities. She also sees the programmes targeted towards achieving these goals as an escape route for women from poverty and economic hardships. “Empowerment through the acquisition of different skills, be it hair dressing, clothesmaking etc, has proven very effective in enhancing the development of women. Through this medium, many women have been able to discover their potentials and achieve their dreams. “The empowerment of youths through sports is also an integral aspect of our programme. We believe that through sports competitions, talents can be discovered and skills can be harnessed for personal and national development”. Besides, all the beneficiaries of the foundation’s scholarship programme are given counseling on life goals and encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities that would enhance their physical and mental health. As a big football fan, Augie is especially interested in partnering with footballers and clubs to organise football clinics for underprivileged children where talents can be discovered, sponsored and promoted. “We do not want them just to have an academic education; we want them to explore whatever other talents they might have which would help them excel in life. Also, living a well-rounded balanced life devoid of unnecessary distractions,” Augie says. Speaking on the challenges faced by the average Nigerian child, she pinpoints access to clean water; safe sanitation practices and good hygiene education as some of the major challenges, especially for children in rural environments. “Poor sanitation and hygiene practices are a major cause of water related diseases such as dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever, diseases that are pretty deadly to young children. Imagine a child with such potential having his or her life cut off at a very young age due to circumstances that could have been prevented.” Augie hopes that the government would do more to see that Nigerians, especially young people, are provided with the right environment to thrive and become useful to the society. “But in a case where such responsibilities are not being carried out, it is our duty as individuals concerned with the growth and development of our nation and of ourselves, to create these environments not only for ourselves, but also for those who are not able to while still challenging the government to live up to its responsibilities. Augie sees marriage as a mutual, respectable and understanding thing and should be built on a foundation of strong friendship. Frowning against early child marriage, she says she supports the growth, development and education of every female child and her right to choose her future. If she is not too busy, she hangs out with friends, listens to music or reads books. She likes honesty, self-respect and empathy. “I dislike selfishness, hypocrisy and greed.”

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

WOMAN

A Teetotaller Turned Wine Expert By Sony Neme RS. Aderonke Sobodu (nee Bamgbade), is the Managing Director/CEO Spronks Creations Ltd, an event management company and organisers of the Nigeria International Wine and Spirit Fair. She is the last child of her family. Sobodu who took The Guardian through her very busy schedule at her OpebiIkeja, Lagos office, said she grew up with her mother and five sisters mainly. Spronks, as she is fondly called by her friends, had attended Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Lagos and obtained a degree in Business Management from Metropolitan State University, Minnesota, United States. A certified Mixologist and Sommerlier from the American Association of Sommelier; she is an entrepreneur by day, proud mother of a beautiful baby boy and a wife to a very supportive husband. So, how did she get to the position of an employee with offices at the high brow Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos? “I’ll say passion, tenacity and hard work brought me here. In 2001, my immediate elder sister introduced me to a friend who was bringing in wines from South Africa. He needed someone to help with marketing and distribution and my sister thought I could do it.” She took on the new challenge and the rest is history as she grew from being the small marketing executive to a brand manager under a very short period. She had looked forward to becoming a lawyer as she looked up to people like the late Chief Gani Fawehnmi (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN) and a host of others; but from the day she stepped into her new world, she knew that her law dream was over. “I enjoyed every bit of it as I met people who encouraged me to pursue this as a career. One of them even got me my first wine book, which became my bible and novel. It was so funny because I was a teetotaller and now I am enthusiastic about wines. And now I can identify different cultivars and even differentiate a Cabernet Sauvignon from a Merlot by tasting them,” she further explained. “After a few years, I wanted to do more as the wine and spirit market in Nigeria was evolving and getting saturated. I knew I needed to do something different from my normal day-today building the wine brand and setting up wine tastings. That was how I formed Spronks Boisson Palais, a beverage catering business servicing both corporate and social clients, and Spronks Creations Limited, a full event management company with focus on wines, spirits and the hospitality business as a whole.” Since then, Spronks Boisson Palais has grown beyond just catering, as the company now writes cocktail recipes from both alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, while Spronks Creations Limited organises major wine and spirit events in Nigeria. She said: “The challenges are enormous, but that is what makes us strong because if you have a smooth ride to success, you will never appreciate anything. One must experience difficulty to attain greater heights as they make you strong and firm. For most entrepreneurs, finance is usually a major challenge. It is difficult to raise capital for businesses, especially in this part of the world, where you have to know one ‘Oga at the top’ to get things done.” She said with the financial challenge out of the picture, the next hurdle is the needed human resources who are willing to work and learn. “Despite the alarming unemployment rate, most Nigerian youths are not willing to work, while others do so with nonchalant attitude. This was a major challenge for me when I started, as it was really difficult working at the same momentum at which I work. All that is in the past now as my present team have made it easier as they support the company’s vision.” She stated that the wine market is very difficult to penetrate because Nigerians are generally not open to new ideas. Her words: “I honestly think that’s one of the major reasons we are where we are. It is also sad to know that Nigerians are not very supportive of their own. It’s amazing to see how

easily we accept ideas from foreigners and neglect our own people. In 2010 when we started the Nigeria International Wine And Spirit Fair, it was so hard to con-

Aderoke

vince exhibitors to come on board.” She recalled that many people asked her who was on the company’s board, which international company they were working for

and more. “It was sad because all the people who asked me these sort of questions are mostly Nigerians and of course, Indians. These challenges are enough for anyone to quit and forget the whole entrepreneurship idea, but one must have something driving him/her. “For me, the passion is one of the major driving forces because you can have the funds, ideas but without passion, the end result will still be disastrous.” On corporate social responsibilities, Sobodu believes that you don’t have be extremely rich to give back to the society. It is necessary to help the needy. “Charitable and philanthropy act is an every day thing for me. I had a very humble beginning and having gone through difficult times as a young girl taught me the lesson to help the needy, give and keep giving. I was born with a silver spoon but had it yanked out of my mouth at age five. For 10 years and more, my family knew what poverty is but that is a story for another day. With the help of few friends, I started a charity event last December. I went back to the neighbourhood I grew up as a young girl and threw the children a Christmas party. “I remember when I was young, my sisters used to take us to Federal Palace Hotel or NTA 5 and 7 to see Father Christmas (Santa Claus) and every time we get back to home, our neighbours’ children would cry and ask their parents to take them there as well. Of course, they never did. Our background was totally different. My father used to do those things and many more and my elder sisters wanted us to share in those things as well.” In 2012, she decided to put smiles on the faces of some underprivileged kids by asking her friends and family to support and they threw them a lovely Christmas party. “We had both used and new clothes, shoes, school items, party pack, books, chocolate, Santa Claus, music, cakes, ice cream and lots of games... That was the highlight of 2012 for me aside from the arrival of my son,” she enthused. Apart from these, she also works with the GEARL Foundation, an NGO founded by her friend, Tomisin Ariyo, to empower and educate young secondary school girls within age 12-15 bracket. “Research shows that most prostitutes got engaged in the act at that age bracket. The wicked ones who scout for them target them at that young, so we go from one secondary school to another to educate these young ones and instil some values into them, teach them crafts and things they could do with their hands and make a living without having to sleep with one Brother TJ (sorry to all the TJ I know),” she emphasised. She also talked about the ‘Take A Girl Student To Work’ project by the South African High Commission, which is conceived as a day when young female students from Nigeria are exposed to the reality of the workplace. The same theme is adopted for this year’s Women’s Day anniversary celebration in Lagos. She said that she would be working with the High Commission on this project by soliciting for corporate participation. “All we need is for these corporate bodies to take a couple of these students in for a day or more as they so wish. My participation in the girl child project is expected, being the last of six girls.” Despite the difficult business terrain, she said: “We have worked on a lot of projects in the past and have a large clientele, both corporate and individual. The Nigeria International Wine And Spirit Fair, borne out of passion and the need, is a major one for us and this year’s edition is scheduled for November. After two successful editions, we decided to open a Trade Channel for both off and on trade. It’s been a fantastic experience.” The major part of this year’s event, she said, ‘Is the Toast To Life Gala Night’ and ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaign. “We are very excited about this year’s edition and the responses have been overwhelming. We’ve hosted other wine events in Nigeria and outside the country.”

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

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PEOPLE

‘The Place of Ikorodu In Yoruba History’ By Sony Neme There are claims that the inhabitants of Ikorodu are immigrants. Could you give insight on the history of the people and where they emigrated from? UR ancestors established the efo odu (Odu plantation) in the forest, called Oko, to cultivate Odu. That is where the name Oko Odu came from, before the British came and corrupted it to Ikorodu. The same thing applies to a settlement across the lagoon, Idu Garan (Benin pepper) on the Lagos Island. Igaran is pepper. And the Benin Empire migrated into every district and called that area Idigaran. It is amazing, but the agrarian nature of existence in those days, impelled the naming of towns and settlements against the most prominent crops of that location. So for us, it is iko odu and not Ikorodu. There are supposed to be two principal ruling houses - the Rajemo and Olasuwon ruling houses, and they rotate the obaship. They are part and parcel of the Yoruba heritage where we have houses nominating for the obaship. They both came from remo. Yoruba migration is about people arriving to establish a settlement. Once that is done, they would find out who was the founder and the next to arrive there. That is how Rajewo and Olasuwon became the two principal houses in Iko Odu. When it is the turn of each ruling house, they will nominate a candidate who will be screened for the exalted position in the town. There is a huge artwork located at Iko Odu main roundabout. What does it signify? And how has it influenced your love for arts? The founder of Iko Odu is a hunter from remo. Over time, when people embellish their environment they create all kinds of myths. About my love for the Arts, I will say that is because Yoruba heritage is about accepting carvings and representational arts. Even the festivals have all kinds of deities we celebrate. It is African. We worship our ancestors because we remember them through legends and myths; what used to be and what comes after life. We also propagate the essence of spiritual values and the society. At

such events, people come together to dine and wine. Each festival has its peculiarity. In Ikorodu, there is a particular festival, called Magbo, that women are not allow seeing and participating in for a whole day until date, as the men will take over the town. They say it is about purification. It is a general belief. There is a tougher one that is called Eluku. In terms of cleansing the society, Eluku represented the executioner in the society. It has been in abeyance for a while now. What does art mean to you? Art is an expression of existence because when you look at yourself, you are a being who came to the world one way, and you are surrounded by a lot of things in the environment. It is true of every society. Even before missionaries came to teach us how to reach out to the Supreme Being, representational arts had been part of existence. The Christian and Islamic religion helped us to stay away from reaching God through devotion through inanimate objects. This is a practice that has been with us over time, but the essential bit of being creative that embellishes our belief system on the walls, doors and on the palaces of the Oba are not things that can be expunged from our history. Which of the artwork collection here is your best. And how do you remember Fela? They are all my best. I see artwork as a collection of creative minds. Each of them has evolved over time. About Fela, it is not possible to forget a great creative talent like him. He got two existing modes of music, transformed them into something else and christened it Afro Beat. Again he went beyond creating a genre of music and made it a protest cultural entertainment. He was able to compile our angst and sorrow into hit songs. It was just unbelievable. For those of us who admire Fela, we have to keep his flag high. With his Museum, I am so happy; it represents Felaism, the clothes that he wore, his memorabilia, his believe system (not that you will necessarily agree with him) and more. You were in charge of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulation Agency, PPPRA. What mem-

Ikorodu must have been established sometime in the 17th/18th century. It is the outline barrier in downward migration of Ijebu people, particularly the Remo people towards Lagos. The Lagos lagoon formed a natural end barrier. The immigrants settled there because there was this significant vegetable plantation called Odu.” These were words of Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, OFR, as he spoke on the history of Ikorodu, and a host of other issues, including his time at the head of PPPRA, the January 2012 mass action, and Fela.

Gbadamosi

ories do you still relish? I am happy that the essential emphasis on regulating petroleum prices is still retained. There have been some arguments and reservations about some sophistication on payments modus. Thank God it has been nipped in the bud. Sanctions have been applied to those who misused the opportunities that was meant for the benefit of majority of Nigerians. Now that there has been abuses and sanctions applied, not that judgment is for the neck of Rasheed Gbadamosi, I feel vindicated. What went through your mind during the January 2012 Fuel Subsidy Removal strike?

People have the right to vent their feelings. It means that perhaps, officials have gone beyond the endurance of the people. Even if you are to increase the price of water or school fees and people perceive that government policy is oppressive, it doesn’t have to be petroleum alone, they will go on the streets. Do you agree the decision was unpopular? You have to see it in the context of revenue accruable to government to carry out its functions. Essentially, subsidy is meant to lessen the burden that the people are passing through in their daily economic activities. But when government is losing funds, they are bound to look at how to reduce expenditure and seek where to raise revenue. And the easiest way out will be to lessen the amount of subsidy for the activity of procuring petroleum products for you and I. It could be for any product, which is an act of running the economy of a sovereign state. Recently, the finance minister has been lamenting that the resources available to government may not be able to pay for September salaries, except something urgent is done. All through human history, government has always devised ingenious ways of tackling its economic problems. How do you assess this government? There is no perfection anywhere. It is all about doing a relative comparism of what has been done before and what is happening now.

‘Lack Of Legislation Bane of Insolvency Practice’ Business Recovery & Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) is the voice for professionals in the practice of business recovery and insolvency. Its new president, Dele Odunowo, a Chartered Accountant, told BERTRAM NWANNEKANMA that lack of enabling legislation is hampering the practice, which is an unavoidable tool for financial management of distressed companies in their twilight zone. He also gives insight on steps taken by BRIPAN to ensure enactment of enabling laws that could guide practitioners in resolving complex situations involving the protection of financial lenders’ interests as well as other stakeholders in a company As the new president, what is your programme for BRIPAN? RIPAN is still very young and you would recall that my predecessor in office, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) started a lot of programmes that needs to be completed. The chief of it is the insolvency law, which we are spearheading. We are also collaborating with the Ministry of Industry, Trade an Investment as well as the Ministry of Justice to ensure that it is passed into law through the National Assembly. Other programmes, we will pursue include the growth in membership and the development of our members’ capacity. We also intend to develop our services to make sure that they attain global standards. These are the immediate areas that my administration will focus on. What is your rating of Insolvency practice in Nigeria? Basically, we are still lagging behind in many areas. First, there is no law or legislation to assist practitioners, guide the judges in dealing with insolvency cases and so on. We have always been working with the United Kingdom laws, which was adapted to our Company and Allied Matters Acts (CAMAS). The law is in fact archaic and very sketchy, but now, we are working to make sure that this is changed. A lot of banks involved in insolvency cases, are just interested with recovery of debts or loans, unfortunately our economy is such that apart from recovery, we want to keep companies going, so as to maintain employment. But this is not so, they just want the recovery of their money. Thanks to the gov-

ernment’s intervention through the creation of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). I think AMCON will have a different approach to the problem. We are now in a world, where there is so much confusion because of unemployment, because of the down turn in the economy. So it is not just recovery of monies or funds that matters, it is the growth in the economy, growth in employment and other opportunities, so that the entire global economy can be more active. How do you think that an association like BRIPAN can help drive Nigeria’s development? The first step is the law. We need a good law to protect investors and lenders. Money is the blood in the economy, when money is not going in, investment is not going in, and then the economy will be stalled. Unfortunately our politicians believed that there is so much money because they have access to it. Forgetting that, it is the industry, the employment, and the private sector that need to be empowered so that a larger majority of the popula-

Odunowo

tion can access funds. I think, this is really the issue. Government must give insolvency practitioners laws to protect investors and lenders. They must provide enabling environment for resolution of different situations, for recovery of debts, while also rescuing the companies that erred. Should practitioners focus more on debt recovery or rescue operations? What I am saying is that the focus should be on business recovery. It should rescue businesses, save employment and at the same time protect creditors, who had put in their money in the economy or into companies. There is also cross borders issues involving foreign investors and creditors bringing in their money. They want to be sure that when they bring their money, there is political stability and that there is good chance of taking back their investments, when they want to. These issues, we are working on. We have been working seriously with our affiliates abroad like International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL) to ensure that we are up to date with the principles that are involved in these transactions. What is stage of the legislation on insolvency now? We have been working on this for quite a while but two week ago, we had a meeting with the Minister of Industry Trade and Investments, Mr. Segun Aganga and we submitted our draft copies of the bill and it was well received. Arrangements are also on to get all the stakeholders to look into it before it is passed on to the National assembly. Considering the recent political and security upheavals are there any hope for Nigeria’s economy? This is a loaded question, because, business can only thrive in a stable and peaceful environment. The political turmoil in Nigeria today unfortunately is not helping the situation. It is true that we have resources; it is also true that there is advantage in adversity but unfortunately; we are not maximizing the benefits from these situations. Rather we are creating confusion because of selfishness. I think whatever we do, particularly those in government, we must always remember that what we do today will affect our children in future and the fact that we are in government today does not mean that we will be in government in future. So we have to do what need to be done now, to create environment where businesses can thrive.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

| 25

PEOPLE

Ojei

Chinasa Ojei is a trained teacher and child evangelist who taught for many years before joining the financial sector where she is now a Human Capital Manager. A promoter of Corporate African Dress Code (CADD), a project that promotes the appreciation and adoption of African corporate dress styles as the preferred dress code for Corporate Africa given our identity, weather and idiosyncrasies, she is also the founder, Teens Empowerment & Salvage Initiative (TESI), an outreach focused on helping youths lead a fulfilling life. Now in its 10th year, she speaks on the strides made by TESI among other issues. By Olawunmi Ojo HAT led you to set up Teens Empowerment W & Salvage Initiative (TESI)? It came from a simple desire I had in 2003 to give my twins a holiday away from home because they couldn’t take a holiday. I wanted to spice up their holidays and God told me to do the same for other children of their age then. I obeyed. The vision has since been enlarged and today we celebrate the 10th year. The objectives of Teens Empowerment & Salvage Initiative (TESI) is to help the Nigerian teenager believe in himself, his country and in God – three levels of energy that can make him live a productive, successful and fulfilled life, another three important outcomes. It is imperative to assure him that his citizenship is not by accident, not by mistake, but by the divine providence of God, the Creator of man. So the prevalent preference for second or third class or classless citizens occasioned by the quest for greener pasture would not have been the best option (Andrew’s checking out option). He has to be convinced that he is a complete creature with opportunities and non-discriminated innate abilities. And finally, that he is created by God, a loving, caring and faithful Father, whose mind is full of his welfare even in the face of a stagnated economy. Our economy is quite challenging, opening up unguarded citizens to easy vulnerabilities that make them prey to unhealthy options – girl child prostitution, youth criminology and asylum in unfamiliar terrains. If we succeed in these three areas for our

Chinasa Ojei… Toiling That Youths May Have A Brighter Future teenager, he will progress in life seeking out God’s plan for his life, and living in accordance to His plans, fully obeying His commands and not rebelling against his precepts wherein he aligns with those given to perverse academic laurels (certificates acquired by sitting for exams in special centres where others write exams for them or where other exam malpractices are the order of the day), perverse pre-marital relationships (pre-marital sex) and perverse marital union (same sex marriages). Our second objective is the equipping of teens with economic and life skills. Thirdly, we cultivate our teens to become nation builders rather than destroyers by imbuing them with the spirit of patriotism that seeks to contribute to the quota and not demand selfish individual quota system – my share of the national cake. Our participants bake cakes for the nation. We also make university education available to as many physically challenged and less privileged teens as possible through the magnanimity of philanthropists and friends who have identified with us. Success without character is unsustainable, so we invest in their character molding and nurture values in them that set them against vices and root to live responsibly. Specifically, what impact would you say your organization has made so far? A lot and this is why we have many attendees to all our programmes every year. In addition, we have feedbacks from people who have access to our yearly magazine – Yes Teens Can (YTC), which we distribute to secondary schools free. Our past participants from the upper class who studied abroad have returned because they believe in Nigeria. In the past ten 10 years, we have sourced university scholarships for two vision impaired students. They are currently studying Law and History in UNILAG and UNIMAID respectively. We have raised bead crafters,

cloth dyers, discovery tourists, leather work experts, bakers, leaders, sales magnets, authors, passionate readers, law-abiding students and high self-esteemed motivated teenagers. These we achieved through organized summer camps, seminars and magazine (Yes Teens Can (YTC) distributed to secondary schools free. There is no doubt that we are building teenagers into motivated, skilled, bold, holistically groomed and upward-bound adults. We have depopulated the rehabs. What has worked for us is the fact that we are real, committed and passionate about our assignment. We are partners with government and schools in raising worthy ambassadors. What are the challenges the organisation is going through? The challenges have to do with the Nigerian society and corroded trust. The evils of proliferation affect how a well-meaning organization as ours is sometimes perceived. It takes effort to attract the ‘Aarons’, the ‘Joshuas’ and the ‘Calebs.’ The pressure on time is impacting our mentoring scheme. Though accommodation is a kind of challenge today, I believe we shall do better when the TESI ground, which is under construction is ready. However, none of these is insurmountable. We are some your projections for the future? I am glad that we are celebrating 10 years of remarkable effort, passion and commitment to service. Above all, we are culminating our celebration with the launch of the book, ‘Balanced Parenting, a Partnership that Works’, a one-stop, teaching book on teen parenting with insight into some issues of life that will benefit teens. In this year’s summer camp - 10th year anniversary Super Summer Camp, tagged “Your Parentage Does Not Determine Your Destiny”, holding at Greater Scholars

International School, Abraham Adesanya Estate, Lekki/Ajah Expressway, participants will acquire the following skills web design (New Horizons), culinary (Fudminers), soap making, cloth designs (Nike Arts Gallery), dance and drama aside the healthy programmes planned already. We also have been able to attract the attention of such role models as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Prof Pat Utomi, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Prof Dora Nkem Akunyili, Chief (Mrs.) Nike DaviesOkundaye, Mr. Fela Durotoye, Mr. Tim Akano, Mrs. Comfort Ukpong, Mr. Sam Onukwue, Obiwon, Mr. Goodie Isibor, Mr. Cosmas Maduka, Alhaji Shuaibu Idris, Mrs. Antoinette Falohun, and Mrs. Violet Agbogo. We have been able to expose our teenagers to historic sites like the Erin Ijesha, the Osun Groove, Slave centre in Badagry, the National Conservative centre in Lagos, Whispering Palms, and taken excursions for firsthand experience with many companies in Lagos. They know about our traditional dances and appreciate our foods – we are indeed breeding aborigines. We foresee that among other vocations the teens’ ground will promote, I would strive to give expression to my crusade for Corporate African Dress Design project through this project. My heartbeat is to run an African-only fashion school for teenagers who will be certificated by our Association to take African fashion to an enviable height. This will happen on our ground. I see the TESI ground as a one-stop centre for youth transformation. What I see is a place where every teenager will come to and be metamorphosed. What is your take on governance in Nigeria as it affects the masses? To lead is to serve. Then these questions: What goes on in the minds of our political leaders when they visit Dubai, a one-time desert, right from the gushing water that greets you as you exit the airport? How can the central leadership and other state managers face their states at the end of their tenure? How would you react on the child marriage issue? It is an Abrupt Termination of Destiny; it should not even cross the mind again after a 3600 turnaround from ever deliberating on it. The girl-child has a right to life – freedom to play with sand as a child; freedom to be loved and cared for as a child; freedom to experience teenage life; freedom to participate in competitive and leisure sports; freedom to acquire good education; freedom to healthy living and freedom to mature before marriage. Which of these will happen when she is married as a child? My words to people is that they hear the cry of the indigent, envisage their suffering and engage your heart to assist TESI to salvage their lot. Allow God to break your heart to identify with the good of the younger generation. We are out to make teenagers know that their parentage does not determine their destiny, God does. That one is born by poor parents does not mean he is poor. You have God’s DNA just like the children of the affluent and this is the crux of the matter. You must make the best of your opportunities and also create opportunities to accomplish this. Write your life vision, mission statement and set goals. Be determined, make good friends and cling to God your maker to see you through. Your parents are the conduit pipes through which you were brought into existence. What matters is what you landed with and what has been put on ground by the Almighty God to fertilize and make you productive. This is why I am sure that you can make it. My part through the activities of TESI is to see that we convince you that you can make it. So, I want the Nigerian teen to stand up and say, “I can make it through God my Maker & Helper. The choice is yours.” Could you give some insight about your background? I am the author of eight bestselling books, which includes ‘Bigger Troubles for Higher Grounds (Life Challenges ≈ Super Achievements),’ ‘Overcoming the monster called Fibroid: Let God sort it Out,’ ‘African Fabrics & Arts for Corporate Africa - Our Identity, Unity & Economic Revival;’ ‘The Beautiful Wife (Whose Damsel is this?);’ ‘The Loving Husband,’ among others. I hold a degree in Economics, Masters in Public Administration (Human Resource Management) and MLS (Law: International Law and Diplomacy). I am a full Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (ACIPM) as well as Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, London. I am happily married to Jonathan Ojei and has twins and many surrogates.

TheGuardian

26 | Saturday, August 3, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Travel&Tourism

... Explore, experience the best of destinations!

Rough Is The Road That Leads To Lekki Beach… And Little Is Tourism Earnings Arising Therefrom

Lekki Beach Road blocked with rubbish

Holloway

Tourists from everywhere still find one reason or the other to visit Lagos, and spend hard currencies. But Lekki Beach Resort no longer attracts such spenders. In this report, AJIBOLA AMZAT reveals why the Beach is left out from getting a piece of the pie. OCATED off Lekki- Epe ExLLocal pressway at Eti-Osa West Council Development Area, Lekki Beach was one of the most visited beaches in Lagos. Tourists even from far afield used to come and savour the freshness of the pristine air at the beach. The crowd included Caucasians from all nations of Europe and America who were either in Nigeria on fortune hunt, or were around for pure pleasure. It mattered little that there were no lodging facilities on the beach; few hours spent trudging barefoot on the smooth sand while drinking plain coconut juice under the huge sky are just enough to revive life force. And there was sun too, warm enough to give good tan to white skin. Well, not again. At least, tourists no longer come in droves. Though Lekki beach still holds the allure and restorative magic that used to pull the multitude to the resort in the past, fewer visitors patronize the beach these days, especially tourists from distant land. Many would rather

prefer to head for other beaches such as Oniru, Alpha, Akodo, Eko Tourist Beach Resort and a few others than to spend time at Lekki. And the reason is not farfetched: The road is broken. To describe the dual-carriage way leading to Lekki beach as an eyesore would be an understatement. Like several other roads in Lagos, Lekki Beach Road characterizes everything that is wrong in a megacity with meager commitment to building a decent city for all. Bumpy, rowdy and filthy, such are the epithets fitting for the description of Lekki Beach Road. From Lekki-Epe junction up to the beach side, it is a tortuous ride through waterlogged road. During raining season, the situation is worse. Few metres from the junction, a refuse of food cartons, plastic bags, jerry cans, tins, bottles, baby diapers, rotten fruits and vegetables and other maggot-infested foodstuffs spread across one side of the road. At the time of this report, the heap is still growing as people from Olorun-

sogo market nearby continue to throw junk onto the pile. Parts of the waste intermittently slips into the drainage, and get soaked up in smelly water. The rubbish becomes bloated and impedes the water flow in the drainage. When it rains, debris of dirt and sand is shoved across the road and makes the damaged road impassable for pedestrians and motorists. Yet, a signboard nearby warns: “It is an offence to dump refuse at this location. Offenders will face 5-month jail term or pay N500, 000 fine. By Order.” If anyone sees this warning, no one cares. Seeing that the road is gradually becoming disused, motorcycle taxi riders have cleared a section of the road and appropriated the space as their parking lot. Similarly, sedentary traders, hawkers, roadside mechanics, market loafers and all kinds of characters have taken over another part of the road. Also, Lorries, oil tankers and cars

are recklessly parked at both sides of the road. These abandoned vehicles shelter the night raiders at Lekki beach. The obstruction created both by the derelict automobiles and the huge refuse have reduced the Lekki Beach dual – carriageway to a single lane through which thousands of residents of Igbara community, Mayegun community and Ilasan Housing Estate commute every day. Their daily travel on the road is in fact defined by constant gridlock. And the location of Olorunsogo market by the roadside does not help the matter. The hustle and bustle around the market is key to the chaos that Lekki Beach Road has become. A worker at the Beach Gate hotel who requested for anonymity, said, traders in the market “drop all kinds of junks on the road without minding the effect it has on the road”. But the Babaloja of Olorunsogo market, Godwin

“When it rains, debris of dirt and sand is shoved across the road and makes the damaged road impassable for pedestrians and motorists. Yet, a signboard nearby warns: “It is an offence to dump refuse at this location. Offenders will face 5-month jail term or pay N500, 000 fine. By Order.”

Masajuwa objected. According to him, both the traders and the residents of the neighbouring communities are guilty of the bad conduct. He explains: “People come from as far as Igbo Efon, Gbara, Mayegun Ilasan Estate and Okunnu Estate to drop refuse here. When the refuse became too much we invited LAWMA (Lagos State Waste Management Authority) to help us remove it from time to time and we were paying them N18, 000. The LAWMA people brought their container and employed a young man to compel people to dispose their refuse properly. But LAWMA defaulted in paying salary of the man so he stopped coming. That is how the debris started to spread everywhere.” The PRO Ilashan Housing Estate, Are Moshood corroborated the statement of Mr Masajuwa, that both the residents and traders have turned Lekki Beach Road to dump site. Nevertheless, he said the poor state of the road is not the only factor preventing tourists from visiting Lekki Beach. “People also get robbed on this road.” The terrible condition of Lekki Beach Road and its impact on the fortune of the area is a source of worry not only to the community peo-

ple, but also to Eti-Osa local government council chairman, Anofi Elegushi. In a telephone interview on Thursday, Mr. Elegushi told The Guardian that it is the responsibility of the Lagos State government to fix the road. But it appears the government is indifferent, he declared. According to him, government reclaimed a portion of land in the area and handed it over to an unserious company to develop. Till date, no work has commenced on the reclaimed land. And during rainfall, the sand gets washed into the drainage and blocks the waterway, leading to heavy flood flow on the road. “Government should stop giving land to speculators instead of developers,” he stressed. The chairman also blamed LAWMA officials for dereliction of duty, which according to him, caused build-up of garbage. “I have called them to remove the refuse container from the road permanently, but that has not happened yet”. The chairman believes that as long as LAWMA keeps the refuse container on the roadside, vehicular movement would always be impeded. Lekki Beach: ‘Demise’ of Entertainment Hot Spot

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

TRAVEL&TOURISM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 With the bad state of the road, the soaring of refuse dump and the attendant gridlock on the road, beach business has suffered enormous loss. “This is not the situation many years ago,” said Tajudeen Mayegun, one of the Tourism officers that operated on the beach in the 80s. Mayegun, a scion of one of the earlier coconut farmers on the Lekki Beach said tourism has been a moneyspinner many years even before the government realized the profitability of tourism. “We have been managing the beach and we were making good profit before the government of Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudasiru took control of the beach. The beach was then known as Mayegun Beach, not Lekki beach. But after taking over, the government could not handle it, and the place eventually became a den of criminals due to mismanagement,” Mr. Mayegun recollected. However, the history of entertainment on Lekki or Maiyegun beach will not be complete without mention of Desco Tourism Development Co. Limited, owned by Desmond Majekodunmi, the son of First republic Federal Minister, Dr. M.A Majekopdunmi. With his Sunday Talent Hunt Show, he featured many up coming artistes such as Plantation Boys, comprising Tu Face, Black Face and Face; the Remedies comprising Eddie Remedy, Tony Tetuila and Idris Abdulkarim; the P Square boys, Paul and Peter. Before DTD, there was Dapo Adelegan owner of Lekki Sunsplash who pioneered entertainment at the waterfront, and Nelson Brown, a producer and environmentalist, like Majekodunmi, who pioneered the grooming of Nigerian artistes at the Lekki beach. When DTD was forced out of the beach through what was described as “high-power politics,” Coconut Grove, owned by another environmentalist cum entertainer, Athanasius Ogbome came on board. Mr. Ogbone improved the facilities at the beach, erected bigger and more modern equuipment, including lighting that al-

Deserted Lekki Beach

Bad Road Creates A Blockade To Tourism Earnings lowed regular hosting of night shows. Among the regular artistes at Lekki beach then were Seun Kuti and his Egypt 80 Band, Orlando Julius and Dede Mabiaku. With the exit of some of these influential entrepreneurs, neglect set in, which invariably affected the profit potentials of the Lekki beach. In 2004 or thereabout, government came with bulldozers and demolished shops along both sides of the access road leading to the beach; sand filling came thereafter, and that marked the beginning of the business bust on the Lekki beach. Revenue Loss At Lekki Beach In the view of the Chairman of Lekki Beach, Ademola Ba-

logun Sarafadeen, the collapse of tourism business at Lekki Beach is caused by non – indigenes whom the government granted the authority to manage the beach. “Each government came around to give mandate to their relations or friends to manage the beach, but these are the people who have no understanding of the business or the history of the beach. Lekki beach has existed long before Eleko beach, Alpha beach and several other beaches in Lagos. It was one of the beaches first discovered and many tourists used to throng the place. But non-indigenes ‘killed’ the business.” In 2012, the indigenes got the nod of the government to manage

the beach. Though the resort is taking a new shape now, according to Sarafadeen, the turnout from the beach remains marginal. The new managers attribute the poor outing to bad state of the road. Contrary to the view that criminality in the area discourages tourists from visiting; the new executive denies that the crime is rife in the beach. “Security is much better since we have taken over,” said the Chairman. According to the CEO, Almond Technology Limited, Busayo Jegede whose company manages Beach Gate Hotel, the hotel loses an average N3 million per month. Beach Gate is located along Lekkki Beach Road, but in-

stead of reaping the gain of proximity to one of the foremost beach in Lagos, reverse is the case. Thanks to the bad road, say Mr. Jegede. “Which tourist would like to stay even in a five-star hotel where the access road is this messy?” He pleaded the government to reconstruct the road and remove the refuse as a matter of urgency. Meanwhile, the commissioner for tourism and intergovernmental relations, Hon Disun Holloway in a recent press briefing said the state has recognized Lekki as the tourism belt of the state, and tourism as a major employer of labour. He said the government is completing plan to re-invest in the in-

dustry so as to expand the economic frontiers of the State. Quoting a major financial service solution during the inauguration of the committees for the grading and certification of hotels and hospitality facilities held on Monday, Governor Bataunde Raji Fashola himself said the number of visitors in Lagos last year was 2.2 million. The government is eager to increase the number in the year to come. How many of these tourists will Lekki Beach attract? Certainly not a critical mass, if the state of Lekki Beach Road remains depressing, and for as long as the Lagos state government continues to look in other directions.

Current offers from British Airways: ‘Government Should Invest More In Hos- NTDC To Build Tourism Centres In Six Geopolitical Zones $1180 return Lagos-Los Angeles pitality Industry’ $432 return London-Abuja $765 return New York-Abuja $463 Paris-Abuja

By Laolu Adeyemi OSPITALITY industry remains one H of the major industries that make the nation proud and government must invest more in it, the Sales and Marketing Director of Welcome Centre Hotel, Lagos, Jeff Fischer has said. “Aside Oil and Gas industry, Hospitality industry projects the image of the country and even help attract foreign investors”. In an interview with The Guardian, Fischer who sits atop a four star deluxe standard hotel urged government to invest more in tourism industry by ensuring regular power supply. Fischer, a former staff of INTEL in United Kingdom, says government needs to pay more attention to necessities such as power, roads and water in order to attract foreign investors.

“If there is regular supply of power, portable water for Nigerians and good road networks; government does not need to spend much on rebranding the nation,” he argued. Fischer maintained that Nigeria would become the best destination for investors and tourists, if all these basic amenities are put in place. Tracing the upsurge in crime rate and terrorism to the joblessness of the nation’s youths, the Sales and Marketing Director called on the government to do something urgently to reverse the ugly trend. On issue of multiple taxation in the industry, Fischer urged federal, State and Local councils to harmonize their position on tax in order to check cases of paying multiple tax to government pulse in the hospitality industry.

S part of efforts to rapidly deA velop domestic tourism destinations by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) six tourism centres are to be built across the six geopolitical zones in the country, says the Director-General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo. NTDC boss made this declaration while addressing members of Management and staff in an interactive session at the tourism village in Abuja during the week. Mbanefo who took time to intimate staff on progress report and recent developments since her assumption of duty, emphasized that the core of her administration remains a comprehensive development of Nigeria’s local tourism attractions hence the need for the lo-

cation of tourism centres across the geopolitical zones. According to her, the NTDC also plans to introduce information desks at major airports in Nigeria with the aim of supplying tourists and visitors, relevant information on areas of interest, directory on places to visit, activities of NTDC and the tourism industry in general. During the meeting, Mrs. Mbanefo noted that NTDC will work with stakeholders and professionals on strategic imperatives aimed at growing revenue base while restructuring the corporation and repositioning it to better finance its activities. The NTDC boss also said that a productive workforce is essential to achieving her vision, which is to make NTDC an employer of choice in the public sector.

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

TheGuardian

28 | Saturday, August 3, 2013

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

Sadiq Daba: Good Old Bitrus Returns As Waziri On The Big Screen that have been described as the etry and film buff and will spend his off school glory days of Nigerian Television and prep periods watching films at home and at drama. A lanky young man, a prothe cinemas. Then too, Daba used to imagine duction staff of the Nigerian Televi- himself “talking on radio or television to milsion Authority (NTA) who plays the lions of people’’. He admired the legendary role of Bitrus in Cock Crow At Dawn, re- broadcaster Williams Roberts and decided that puted as one of the most successful tele- he was “going to be like Roberts” when he grows vision drama series which showed weekly up. then on NTA, meets the series teeming viewers Daba recalled that he told his late dad how he regularly. so much admired Roberts and to encourage As Bitrus, the teenage son of Bello, played by him, the elder Daba bought him a recorder, the late George Menta, Daba soon became the which he used to practice. “I will pretend to be darling of all especially young viewers then, as reading the news or presenting a live show and he held fans of the series that has been long when I am done, I will play it back”, he said. rested, spell bound week in, week out. He Daba walked his dream until he found himself put up a high wire act many TV viewers in the newsroom of the NTA in Sokoto. He was at who followed the programme then his beat as a news presenter, reporter and prohave not forgotten even till date. ducer when his path crossed with the inimitable There are fans that still call television man, Peter Igho who was at that time him by his stage name head of the drama unit of NTA Sokoto. Igho, until Bitrus till date even recently Director General of the National Lottery though the pro- Regulatory Commission, found Daba a good cengramme was tre to hang some of the stories he produced. rested nearly When Cock Crow At Dawn was born, Igho who two decades retired as Executive Director Programmes of the and half ago. NTA, drafted Daba to play Bitrus in that series A critic once that became a big hit. It was from there that said Daba, Daba’s career swivel chair engaged a sharp bend. who volun- He became an acting star and instant celebrity. tarily retired “I enjoyed every bit of my stay on the set of Cock from the Crow At Dawn. It is the kind of programme that NTA, put up we should have on our screens today because we a profound preached hard work, being focused in life and performbeing obedient. It is almost 20 years after and ance on the people are still talking about the programme. It series that means we impacted positively on them. It is rewill be diffi- ally amazing that till date people still remember cult to forget. my character, Bitrus. I enjoyed playing the role The critic rea- and we all gave it our best shot and that is my soned that philosophy. I give everything I am involved in though Daba my best. I mean, people still ask me to go back has gone ahead and present AM Express. They tell me that they to feature in miss me on the screen”, he said. other producIf Daba did not continue acting on television, it tions including the MNET short film A Place is because of a needless NTA policy that barred Called Home, and had also presented and pro- staff of the station from participating as actors By Shaibu Husseini duced some television programmes, it was as on television drama productions. That policy led Bitrus that Daba shot into prominence. to demise of a number of television drama proN Nigerian acting skies, reality means that It is that high wire act and his other classical ductions produced by NTA. “I faced productions relevance patters out like butter melts on a artistic contributions that have permanently until I retired after NTA came up with that polhot knife. It follows then that every screen star retained an irreplaceable place for Daba in the icy”. has his time. Only a finger-countable number artistic scheme of things. Married with children, Daba didn’t embrace of Nigerian stars have remained timeless and A detribalized and approachable personality Nollywood as the Nigerian movie industry is afthe veteran actor, broadcaster, director and who has dedicated his life to television profectionately called, as most of his contempoproducer Sadiq Daba is one of them. duction, Daba’s love for theatrics started way raries did. Producers approached him, but he Flash back to the 70s and the 80s, periods back in early school. He was and still is, a po- would not bulge. He has issues with the stories

Celebritygist… Opa, Comedy Merchant, Is 51 laugh’. ONGRATULATORY messages Opa also takes the credit for C flowed freely on Wednesday as humour merchant and acclaimed founding father of modern day stand-up comedy in Nigeria, Opa Williams clocked 51. Friends and well-wishers converged on his Surulere office to congratulate the man who is best known for birthing the first ever stand- up comedy show in Nigeria called Nite Of A Thousand Laughs. The show made its debut in 1995 and since then, Opa has been neck deep in the business of putting smiles on the faces of comedy and movie buffs who through his pioneering effort, have to now ‘pay to Opa Williams

throwing up a number of today’s notable stand-up comedians such as Julius Agwu, Basket Mouth and I Go Dye. A Deltan from Isoko North local government area and ironically not one who likes the limelight, Opa is CEO of Virgin Productions, a media production outfit that has produced some of the sectors critically acclaimed productions like Deadly Affairs that is reputed to be Nollywood’s first multi-lingual movie; Sgt Okoro, Tears for Love and Onome. The entertainment content provider also has a number of television programmes under his belt. Opa caused a stir when in 2011 he announced that he was quitting standup comedy business. Prominent members of his huge fan base prac-

tically begged Opa to rescind the decision. For them, Opa was and remains the comedy show host with the most. Opa returned to the turf in February of 2013 but this time christened the show Nite Of A Thousand Laughs Xtra and it has remained one of the biggest and most sought after stand-up comedy shows in the continent. An elated Opa who went through a successful operation in India in December 2012, had through his Media Company, Media Image Managers (MIM), thanked all for the congratulatory messages and assured Celebritygist that the show will continue to go on for him and for Virgin Productions. Happy birthday, ‘Ose’.

they told and the lack of attention to details. He also felt that both Nollywood and Kannywood as the industry up north is commonly referred to, were not original in their thematic preoccupation. Even though he is billed to feature in a couple of Nollywood movies including the big budget flick October I, Daba still expresses displeasure with development in Nollywood and Kannywood. “I have stayed back and have been watching them from afar. I am sick and tired with the kind of stories they tell. If it is not about juju, it is about a wicked mother in-law, or about people singing and dancing as we have in Kannywood. I even see them totting guns in some movies. They are just imitating Hollywood and Bollywood. Meanwhile, we have great stories that have not been told. We have stories about some of our heroes that have not been told. There are a number of historical subjects that we have not exploited. I have completely distanced myself from them and will only accept scripts or accept to be part of productions whose stories will remain timeless. You will find me in those movies once I get a serious offer”, he said. Daba says he is fulfilled as a broadcaster. He adds that he is grateful to God for allowing him follow his heart in terms of the career he eventually chose. His words: “I don’t have any regret and that is because I think through whatever I want to do before I get myself involved in it. I have had a good time as a broadcaster and I am still in it even though independently. You don’t actually retire as a broadcaster especially if you a production person. You keep doing it until your body says otherwise. “I only feel pained that television is not the same as we used to have then. There are no funds to commission programmes; even the programmes that have been done in time past cannnot be properly archived. I mean, it is possible not to find a complete recording of a programme that was a big hit like Cock Crow At Dawn. It is a pity really but reality is that we need to document things for this generation and our unborn children to come and see”. Daba makes his return to the big screen in Kunle Afolayan’s next big budget flick titled October 1. Written by Tunde Babalola and to be directed by Afolayan, the production, which is set in 1960 against the backdrop of Nigeria’s independence, is expected to gulp about $2 million. Daba will feature as Waziri in the ‘psychological thriller’ that parades actors like Kehinde Bankole, David Bailie and Demola Adedoyin and he is excited about being part of the big budget historical feature. He said: ‘’Kunle Afolayan is one producer and director that I have always wanted to be associated with. When he approached me and I read the script, I liked it because it is a story that cut across the whole of Nigeria and that talks about our inter-relationship. This is the kind of story that we should be telling. Stories that remind us of our past, our oneness, of our diversity and the need for us to co-exist”. And what is on the card for Daba after October 1? He replied: “I work independently now. I am into consultancy practice as a broadcaster and I produce documentaries. Not too long ago, I worked on a highlife programme titled Soul of Highlife, which aired on NTA. So I direct and produce and do some acting when I get a good script. But besides all this, my business partner and I have floated a film production company because we want to deviate from what is obtainable in Nollywood. Our plan is to churn out historical movies because there is so much to talk about in Nigeria, stories that can unite us a people. So I am still making my mark on the entertainment scene”.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

FOOD&WINE

Chicken Gizzard Pepper Soup Served With Eko (Agidi) By Chinelo Nwagbo

HICKEN gizzard pepper soup served C with eko (yoruba word for cornstarch meal) is a food that you will always enjoy. It is a native food that is known well in some parts of Africa, especially in Nigeria. In the eastern part of the country, cornstarch meal is known as agidi. Gizzard pepper soup is a real medicinal soup for cleansing the bowel because of its peppery nature. This dish does not only taste great, it is a mouth watery, energy-giving food that provides all the essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin C, B12, iron, zinc, phosphorus and potassium, which are needed by post-natal or lactation mothers to help produce sufficient milk for the infant, strengthen the immune system of the mother and the child, cleanse the bowel and burn excess fat that accumulates during pregnancy. This dish is not beneficial to only women that have just given birth, it is also good for nourishing and repairing of worn out tissues in the body. Those suffering from anaemia can benefit from consuming this dish because of its high content of iron, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, and protein. It is advised to take

chicken gizzard in moderation because of its high cholesterol content, which can be harmful to health. Take a plate of chicken gizzard pepper soup or use it today and enjoy all its health benefits. Equipment for the preparation Cooking gas or electric cooker or kerosene stove knife, or firewood, pots, plates, wooden turner, knife, cutting board Ingredients Quantities Chicken gizzard 10 medium size Ground pepper 3 table spoons Onion 1 small bulb Ground Uda (spice) 1 tablespoon Ground Uziza (spice) 1 small bunch Effirin (scent leaves) 1 small bunch Water 1 litre Seasoning cube 1 Salt To taste Method of preparation Wash the gizzard, cut each into two and place in a pot. Add the chopped onions, salt and Knorr cube and steam for about 10 minutes. Add the pepper, uda, uziza and leave to boil for another 15 minutes. Wash the effirin leaves, cut and add to the

A Dry Wine For All Occasions By Ibukunoluwa Kayode ROVIDING a more healthful alternaP tive for those who prefer the taste of white wine to red, Vin-Art dry is a perfect wine to indulge in. This dry white chardonnay taste has given its consumers years of extreme satisfaction with cardiovascular health benefits that help slows the aging process, and prevents and regulates diabetes. Research also suggests that white wine is just as powerful as red in improving heart function and preventing artery blockage. Vin-Art is a rich wine, rounded in aroma of pronounced citrus fruits, white fruits, followed by caramel and vanilla. This is a carefully selected grape white wine with unique taste of rich and long lasting flavours crafted in narince and chardonnay grape. It can be taken by anyone who prefers the taste of white to red wines, at dinners, cocktails, weddings to house warming. It also sells well in restaurants and hotels across the globe. It can be purchased in any wine store here in Nigeria. Made in Turkey, it can be best enjoyed with ice cubes and served at 8-10° C. It can be perfectly matched with smoked salmon, smoked trout, fried turbot, chicken sauce, sea food linguini with crème, porcini taglietelle, yellow and goat cheeses.

pepper soup. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir and add salt to taste. Serve hot with agidi. Preparation of agidi or eko (corn starch) Mix a thick paste of ogi or akamu (pap) in clean cold water in a bowl. Boil water for about 10 minutes. Add the thick paste in a pot and stir gently with a long wooden turner and cook until the mixture is cooked thoroughly. Add little water if necessary. When agidi is smooth and of a dropping consistency, wrap spoonful in prepared agidi leaves or plantain or banana leaves. Serve with chicken gizzard. E-mail: chineloeby@yahoo.com

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

HOME&DECOR

Beating The Rainy Season By Ekwy P. Uzoanya ITH the current onslaught of rain W on many parts of the country, temperature has come down, making many homes to have their windows shut. The humid temperature can affect the home and interiors in many ways. Some tips on home care can help to keep things in top form while the rainy season lasts. Leather sofas Clean leather sofas regularly during the rainy season to prevent fungus from developing on them. Carpets Moisture does not augur well for carpets. Therefore, remove and roll expensive carpets and cover them up in plastic sheets to keep them safe from moisture. You can try replacing them with acrylic carpets. But where you have chosen to have carpet in use, vacuum it at least once a week. This way the carpet will not smell of dampness. Wooden doors, windows and floors These tend to absorb excess moisture in the air, which makes them swell. Oil can be used to prevent this condition. Apply wax to the hardwood floors to protect it from the excess moisture. Wooden shelves Put camphor in wooden cupboards and wardrobes to reduce the moisture in the wood. It also helps to keep the clothes safe from insects. Keeping cloves also prevents smell problems associated with dampness in clothes. Bathroom tiles, iron frames, grills Ensure that all gaps between the bathroom tiles are sealed and filled. Painting all grills, metal doors and window frames with a fresh coat of paint will prevent them from rusting. House painting Have the outside house walls painted with weatherproof paint. The internal walls of the house can be given a coat of waterproof/resistant product before painting. This will block all small pores in the walls. Drainage system Get the drainage system checked and cleaned regularly. Have rain gutter made near the house to ensure easy flow of the rainwater into it.

Handling Household Odour HEN windows are shut, household odours every few weeks with appropriate essential oil. W which can usually escape through open Shoe odour can be eliminated by sprinkling biwindows, remain, leaving the air stale and some- carbonate of soda or dry, powder herbs, such as times offensive. chamomile in the shoes each evening. Make sure Cooking odours are one of the main culprits of that the powder reaches the very inside tips of the unpleasant household odours. They, along with shoes. other nasty smells can be quickly eliminated. A cup of rosemary vinegar, placed close to the stove helps to eliminate cooking odours. An easy to make air freshener, spray is one of the simplest ways to combat cooking smells and to freshen up a room. Apart from making the surroundings pleasant, its natural disinfectant and antiseptic properties will help to eliminate air-borne bacteria and virus. Other offensive odours can emanate from areas such as the refrigerator, garbage bins, including indoor compost buckets, and even shoes. Deodorise refrigerator, garbage bin and compost bucket by washing them out with a litre of water, to which has been added one teaspoon of lemon juice. Lavender and other fragrant herbs are ideal for preventing musty drawers. Add your favourite fragrant herb or pot-pourri to little sachets, made from cotton or other coarsely woven material, and place them in drawers. Renew the scent

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

GARDENING

Strelitzia reginae shrub for form, foliage and the exotic in the garden. Musa species (banana) tropical trees and large striking leaves

Alocasia spp. Lustrous darkgreen color and texture and sculptural form that’s magnificient

Plant

Fatsia japonica (Aralia sieboldii) for form and foliage effect that also creates an oriental air around the house

Texture

Agave Americana ‘century plant’

forms that provide the living structure, the backbone or frame that gives stability to the garden picture at all times of the year while color is generally fleeting and changes at different times in the year. Color along with plants form as living structure are some of the creative gardener’s principles for successful design. Let us go on to other principles to be considered. Plant Textures The next thing to notice about plants is that they all have a well-defined texture, partly as a result of size, shape and angle of the leaves and partly depending on their ability to reflect light. When considering different grouping avoid thinking in terms of color combinations alone. A really successful garden is a blend not only of colour – foliage as well as flowers, but of texture as well. Texture is the soft fluffy quality of fennel foliage and the dense furry surface of grey stachys leaves than flowers (whose main role is to provide color). Try to set plants with very different textures next to one another. Group the rough with the smooth, the hairy with the spiky, and so on. Varying foliage textures influence the quality of light reflected or diffused by plant and so the effect of a mass of dull leaves will notably be different from a mass of bright shinny leaves. For a damp spot, ornamental grasses will contrast well with feathery ferns

and the leathery leaves of hostas. So much emphasis is placed on the appearance of flowers and fruits that the importance of foliage – unless highly colored like leaves of plants such as crotons tends to be forgotten infact it is one of the most vital elements in a garden composition and repays careful study: not only the close-up appearance of an individual leaf – although many of these, with their strange shapes, markings and textures, can be absolutely fascinating – but their general effect when seen from a distance. Qualities in combination The abstract shapes you have already arranged can therefore be given a texture – fine medium or coarse, light reflecting or light-absorbent – arrange your plants so that you maintain a balance of texture and shape. One word of warning at this stage, however: Any two of the three attributes of plant material – form, texture, color – can be contrasted to advantage, but to contrast all three at once produces such a striking effect it should not be attempted too frequently or the result will be restless and spotty. Generally, speaking, you will find that a ‘coarse’ plant or group is best used as the major feature in a setting of ‘fine,’ because fine foliage is recessive and most suitable for creating a background, while the coarse plant will appear highlighted as though it were a sculptured object. Think also about the texture of objects in your garden. A large smooth stone placed by a composition of plants of bold shapes can create a

most pleasing scene. Plants As Sculpture Few people can afford good sculpture in their gardens, so focal points have to be created in a simpler way. There are many plants both evergreen and deciduous, that have exactly the quality of carving and, if well placed against a neutral background or deep shadows can create suitably dramatic incidents without the use of hard materials. Some plants of this kind earn, by reason of their angular form or other attributes, the epithet ‘architectural,’ but plants do not have to be so idiosyncratic in shape to be worthy of display as specimens. Plants with sculptural form like cacti which include the spiky yuccas; which as specimen plants are set off by the fine foliaged masses of surrounding shrubs and groundcover plants. The stiff-leaves form and striking coloring of these evergreen plants make them suitable substitutes for modern garden sculpture. The art of converting plants into sculpture by topiary is a very old one; evergreen bushy slowgrowing ixora, conifers are ideal for clipping into complex shapes. Growth Patterns Plants not only have form and texture, but also specific growth habit, which in many cases give an added dimension. Having decided on abstract shapes and complementary textures, you will probably find that there is only one plant which you can use under the particular set of growing conditions

Architectural and striking palmlike cycas revoluta

Astrophytum myriostigma, desert tropical flowering cacti for the small landscaped garden

Nerium Oleander ‘little red hedge’

N the previous article, we have discussed the Igarden, basic qualities and functions of color in the and plants as abstract shapes and

– and the problem is solved. This is the ‘cooking’ and presentation stage: the choice and positioning of actual plants to create pleasing visual effects. It is this, the art of skilful plant association, that distinguishes the creative gardener from the plantsman. The latter may be an expert at growing and nurturing his specimens, but it takes a different kind of skill to produce an effect that can truly be termed artistic. However, large or small your garden there is no reason for it not to have impact and originality.

An artistic sculpture from natural plant brings the garden alive

Cordyline australies purpurea, palmlike architectural plant which is dramatic against stone wall

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

FASHION Get cosy in elegant knitwear that suits your body shape in this rainy season. By Ibukunoluwa Kayode THIS yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rainy season is characterised by heavy rainfall accompanied by cold. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the weather dampen your mood to looking your best in those gorgeous casual and work place outfits. It is time to warm up in cosy outfits that will help to keep the cold at bay. Suits and blazers are well suited for women in corporate environments where the dress code strictly demands it. However knitwear are usually a must wear in cold weather which can be worn singly or layered on clothes to keep us warm and cosy. The knitwear comes in different colourful designs and more sophisticated cuts that can fit in, from casual to a work clothes, flexible for any environment. There is elegance in knit wear today as one can wear them tight or cropped, loose and comfortable or somewhere in between. Knit is just a cute sweater to reflect our individuality and also flatter the figure. Woolly or cotton sweaters, jumpers and ponchos are among knitwear serving both style and function. In order to attract bold attention always go for the ones you will get compliment in. So get witty, follow these simple tips on how to choose and flatter your shape in knit wear. . Large breast: If you are heavily endowed in the front try out a low cut V-neck or plunging jumper and wear a scoop neck vest in a different colour underneath. It helps divide your front creating distance between your neck and breast thereby sliming your shape. . Small breast: Jumpers with details will do the magic for anyone who is not so endowed. Details like, ruffle panel or patterns with different colour will make your breast look fuller placing emphasis on your breast to give more detail. . Short body-type: Jumpers with vertical stripes makes a perfect pick they are good for elongating the body as they simply add length. Also, try and stick to fitted chunky jumpers this will help swap your small frame. Small breasts: Jumpers with details will do the magic for women in this category. Round tummy: Most women belong to this class. The strict rule is to simply choose a slightly oversized jumper that will hide your tummy with a fitted panel that finishes just under the tummy, never go for a tight

Knit Wit

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

FASHION

Plush

Ve lvet The rich fabric is back this season with more opulence By Ibukunoluwa Kayode FTER reigning in the 50s, 70s and being hugely popular in the 90s, it is back again! The retro velvet in recent times is taking a top notch sweeping the fashion scene in different grand styles. The renaissance of the old school fabric, Velvet, is gaining more popularity in different bold young and youthful appearances, from corporate outfits to evening wears, casual even traditional aso-ebi where it is being mostly embraced. The ubiquitous fabric in recent times also made multiple runway appearances in evening dresses, colourful brogues, formal blazers for men and women alike and flirty forties- style heels with a proof of it making a long stay and not just a single-season fad. Velvet is one of those fabrics that just ooze opulence, appealing to both the eye and touch. It is also a fabric that gives you the slinky feel of charm use or jersey while being just slightly more forgiving to the figure. Also, velvet offers a very romantic, yet sophisticated retro-inspired collection of dresses and gowns in a muted colour palette to include slate grey/green, beige, brown, rust, ivory, pink, grey and basic but always chic black while some are embedded in embroidery designs. The rebirth of this plush fabric has successfully made the royal velvet trend the most favourite this season. From incorporating its richness in dresses to skirts and even jeans, the designers all around the globe are doing it all uninhibitedly. The innate grandeur of the fabric is gaining visibility mostly throughout the wedding scene in Nigeria while it continues to charm the fashion scene with opulence, creating stunning attention.

Going Sans Necklace By Nonny Utomi

ellery, you look timelessly elegant even without one. ECKLACE is a simple, For women with timeless, elegant exceptionally high collar accessory, which can bones itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually better to be a tad too bulky or overgo bare neck, rather than done at times. Although wearing a necklace that the necklace is a nice acces- makes them appear too sory it is not always a neces- skinny, tiny or even ill sity. Many women believe under the bulk or glamour that an outfit is not comof the necklace. For those plete without a pair of ear- women high necklines rings and a matching neck- with no necklaces are the lace; but that is not the exceptional option because case, an outfit or dress does it brings out the beauty of not require a necklace all the neck and face of these the time, because a woman women. can look beautiful with just Necklaces can a LBD (little black dress), a sometimes be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;show stealbracelet and an elegant ersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, drawing attention pair of earrings. away from your face or Women can actually dress, this can make look astounding without a women look less attractive necklace; it just takes the or simply go unnoticed; right type of dress and the but not wearing a necklace right earrings and or gives people the opportunibracelet. For example, ty to admire your face. Also, dresses that have either a wearing long, dangling earreally high or a really low rings instead of a necklace neckline are amazing on outline the face and draw their own without anyattention to your face thing but earrings. No need rather than down to your for a necklace, or extra jew- chest.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

34 |

SOCIETY Day Jonathan Commissioned Apartments Built For Police By Odita Sunday RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan recently launched luxurious apartments built for policemen

and their families at Idimu, Lagos. The Estate named after president Jonathan was built under the Federal Government’s Public Private Partner-

ship (PPP). Remax Realtors has 40percent stake in the Estate while the Nigeria police has 60percent stake in it. Here are some faces at the event.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police ‘C’ Department (Works), Mr. Kachi Udoji, Managing Director of Remax Realtors, Mrs. Funke Adesoji and the Chairman of Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Okiro at the Commissioning of the Police Estate in Lagos

Okiro, Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, Minister of Police Affairs, Captain Olubolade Caleb and Udoji

Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Bandeh, Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim and the representative of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika

Olubolade, Oba Akiolu, President Goodluck Jonathan, Abubakar and Adesoji

Okiro, Olubolade, President Jonathan, Abubakar, Oba Akiolu and Adesoji

Abubakar congratulating Adesoji

Jonathan being received by a student of Police Children’s school

Adesoji and some government officials

Ibrahim and Abubakar

Badeh and Okiro

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

SOCIETY When Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ibom Hosted First National Widowhood Summit ECENTLY, the wives of the Governors of the South-South and South East geo-political zones of the country co-convened the First National Widowhood Summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, R where widows across the two zones gathered to brainstorm on how to move on with life. Below are some of the faces at the event, which was facilitated by the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke.

Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke addressing the summit.

National Vice President, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Hauwa Shekarau addressing the summit.

Mrs. Liyel-Imoke (left); wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Margaret Peter Obi; and wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio.

Representatives of the widows association in Cross River State, Mrs. Akpabio Mkpang (left) and Mrs. Rose Ojiji.

Mrs. Liyel-Imoke (left); Mrs. Peter Obi; Mrs. Godswill Akpabio; wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; and wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Mercy Orji.

Their Excellencies, governors wives and other dignitaries

Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon.

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Margaret Peter Obi (left); Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Barr. Valerie Ebe; and wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Josephine Martin Elechi

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Obong Rita Akpan (left) and a member of the House of Representatives, Nkoyo Toyo.

The Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam addressing the summit.

Mrs. Liyel-Imoke flanked by the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edak Iwuchukwu (left) and Commissioner for Development, Mrs. Patricia Endeley.

Chairman, Cross River State State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Etiyin Okon Edet and other guests

A cross section of Cross River State delegation at the summit.

TheGuardian

36 | Saturday, August 3, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Entertainment

Sony Neme nemesony@yahoo.co.uk 08111813096

Vicky, Toolz, SmoothBoiz

Drama As Vicky, Smoothboiz Escape Glo X Factor Eviction N intriguing drama played out at the first eviction show of Glo X Factor as Vicky and SmoothBoiz, generally regarded as fan’s favourites, nearly got booted out from the world’s biggest singing reality TV show. The near eviction of two of the best singers in the Top 9 brought to the fore the need for fans not to take things for granted by ensuring they vote for their favourite contestants to remain in the show in the challenge for Globacom’s N24 million and Sony Music’s recording contract. When the audience turned up at Dream Studio, Ikeja, Lagos, expecting to witness the first eviction in the contest, they were certainly not prepared for what was to follow. There was palpable excitement as a representative of renowned auditors, Alexander Forbes came on stage to hand over the result of the voting to show host, Tools. But the excitement soon thinned out as Tools announced: “the two acts at the bottom having secured the least votes are Vicky and SmoothBoiz.” If the audience thought that Tools was up to some game, the flicker of hope faded as she proceeded to request the rest of the contestants to go and prepare for their performances. Ironically, the two acts had put up scintillating performances that earned them a standing ovation from the audience and judges at last week’s show, and nobody imagined they would not top the voting charts. The two contestants were no less surprised. “I am so shocked, I am surprised, but it is all good,” Vicky said as she fought to hold back her emotions. Victor of SmoothBoiz also said: “I can’t explain what happened, I am really surprised.” Both acts would later sing for survival for the judges that determined which of the two would go home. Again, the two delivered fabulous performances which left the audience applauding on their feet. First to deliver his verdict was Reggie Rockstone who incidentally mentors the SmoothBoiz. “First of all, I want to thank God for the two of you. You both have brought it on. Now, it is really a hard one for me to make this decision…. For Onyeka, “I don’t know what happened, why the two of you are here in the bottom two. Both

acts are exceptionally good.” Then came MI and his frank assessment: “I don’t understand what happened. From the reaction of the crowd, it is obvious they don’t want the two to go. I am going with Onyeka. I think both deserve to be in the competition. I am not voting,” the rapper declared. With their verdicts, it was decided that there would be no eviction and that the two should join the rest seven for the performance show of the day. A relieved Vicky said: “I thank God, the judges and my fans for keeping me in the competition. On my part, I will give my best and pray that people’s hearts will be touched to vote for me.” Similarly, the leader of SmoothBoiz, Victor, said: “We are very excited the way things turned around for our good.

The guest artiste, Burna Boy, a fast-rising music star and Glo ambassador, set the tone for the evening with a spectacular performance to a standing ovation to his hit tune, “Tonight”. Meanwhile, Vicky is seen by the three judges, Onyeka Onwenu, Reggie Rockstone and MI, as having the best voice among the remaining contestants, while SmoothBoiz have continued to earn the judges’ plaudits for their beautiful renditions and synergy. Interestingly, Glo is offering the public a chance to win fantastic prizes by voting for the contestants. The prizes include Glo Bolt internet modems, Samsung Galaxy tabs, Blackberry phones and Glo recharge cards. Each week, the voting lines will open at 8.00 p.m. on Saturday and close at 8.00 p.m. on Monday. Members of the public can vote for their

favourite contestants by sending the contestant’s voting number via SMS to “33680” from Nigeria and “1732” from Ghana. Viewers can watch the X Factor eviction show on the following television channels on Friday: AIT (7.30 p.m.), STV (8.30 p.m.), V Channel (7.00 p.m.), Sound City (8.30 p.m.) and AMC (7.00 p.m.) and on Saturday at 5.30 p.m. on NTA, NTA Iinternational and WAP TV, at 6.00 p.m. on ONTV and Real Stars and at 6.30 p.m. on TV Continental and Kennis Music. The performance show will also be broadcast at 7.00 p.m. on Saturday on AIT and Soundcity and on STV, AMC and V Channel at 8.00 p.m. The show is also broadcast on Sundays on NTA and NTA International at 5.00 p.m., WAP TV at 6.00 p.m., ONTV and Real TV at 7.00 p.m. as well as on TVC at 8.30 p.m. and Kennis Music at 9.30 p.m.

Family Set To Immortalize Fela’s Trumpeter HE family of late Stephen Ukem T Okemezie of Fela’s Egypt ’80 Band, is set to immortalize the ace trumpeter. This was disclosed to The Guardian by a brother of the deceased who is based in United States of America. And in line with that, a nine-man committee is already in place to actualize the dream. A ccording to a mail sent by Hon. Okems Innocent Okemezie, the decision was reached during the funeral ceremony held in May. The statement reads in part: “At the reception and celebration of life of my late brother, Stephen Ukem Okemezie ‘Eewo’ on Friday May 17, 2013, the Okemezie family with the Humanity for Africa Foundation (HFAF)-an international non-profit organization in New Jersey, United States of America, adopted to immortalize the late Stephen Oke-

mezie through an Annual Memorial Lecture in his honour”. “The purpose of the lecture will be to contribute to the public debate about contemporary issues in Afrobeat music and to highlight the role of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and other musicians. It will include among other things, awards to deserving institutions/individuals in the music industry and students of music department.” He said lecturers will be drawn from distinguished musicians, academia and policy makers that will be chosen on the basis of their ability to illuminate some important topics or issues which have wide relevance to Afrobeat music, policies and business. While congratulating those appointed to serve, he stressed that the

responsibilities of the committee will include the organization of the lecture; determine the format; and select the lecturer, chairperson and special guests; as well as determine the venue, date and award winners. The committee members whose chairman is Vitus Ekeocha, Director National Orientation Agency, Imo State, include A. Oloye (Seun Anikulapo Kuti`s Manager), Kevin Luciano Gabriel, National President, PMAN, Prof. Victoria Adaobi Obasi, Imo State Commissioner for Education, Tonye Jumbo Koripamo, PMAN Chair, Port Harcourt, Sony Neme of The Guardian Newspaper, Dr. Ray Opara, Chief Executive, R. Johnny-Fort International Ltd, Michael Okemezie, and a representative of the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism. Hon Okemezie

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ENTERTAINMENT Stories by Sony Neme

PMAN At Peace In Rivers, Says King Usiereyo Abasi HE recent nationwide fence-mending tour T of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association on Nigeria (PMAN), Caretaker Committee, is already yielding dividends among its state chapters. This is the view of some state chapters and national officers who spoke with The Guardian. The first to speak was the Rivers State chapter where Arthur Pepple (JNR) holds sway. A statement signed by Secretary of the chapter, King Usiereyo Abasi, said there has been relative rebirth since Arthur Pepple (JNR), the ‘Reggae General,’ was unanimously adopted as the chairman to operate a Sole Administrator style regime. Pepple is known for his 1991 hits that include Heavenly Race and General. “What was thought impossible happened in the history of the Rivers State Chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN Rivers). This decision by a Peace Forum consisting of elders and major stakeholders came after tremendous painstaking deliberations that lasted several months,” Abasi said. He recalled that the desire to pull the union together became imperative as they are desirous of re-enacting the scenario that made the chapter an envy of other chapters. “That was when celebrated artistes such as Geraldo Pino, Daniel Wilson, Singerman Flash, Etien TBoy, Alex O, Arthur Pepple (JNR) held the country spell-bound with hit songs. “Without an iota of any doubt, I’m glad to say here that with the new found peace within the union, the glory days of Rivers State musicians have returned.” The choice of Arthur Pepple (JNR), he further stressed, was reached after a thorough understanding of the state of the state chapter. “Arthur Pepple (JNR) who was the chairman of the association that had his regime interrupted barely three months to elapsing in April 2010, was adopted with the sole responsibility to put the house in order and conduct constitutionally free and fair elections of chapter executives into the various offices, thereby reinstating the association on the wheels to exploit.” Conscious of the constraint with time and with determination to maintain the confidence reposed in him, the Reggae General declared that, “it’s not business as usual” just an office was secured and King “Usiereyo” Abasi appointed as state secretary for the effective administration of the association. “With all disagreeing factions sincerely reconciled and the consolidation of a practicable manning list through a Membership

Revalidation exercise extensively done, election is certain,” Abasi concluded. On her part, Azeezat Allen, National Treasurer, PMAN Caretaker Committee, believes God is at work with the renewed efforts by her team led by Barrister Kevin LucianoGabriel’s efforts at reconciling aggrieved members of the crisis ridden union. Azeezat, who is known by her fans as the Queen of Love, said: “I believe that God is at work. The new PMAN Caretaker Committee has a clear vision of what we want to achieve, and the way we want to go about it. We are resolute at doing the right things at every point in time.” She emphasized that her team is in a hurry to make a difference and bequeath members with a respectable and responsible union that they will be proud of. “We recently went on a tour of some state chapters with a view to meet and interact with elders of our industry on the way for-

ward. We met with Sir Victor Uwaifo, Dr Bongos Ikwe, Chief Morocco Maduka, Elder King Sony Brown, Tony Grey and a host of others,” she added. This trip, she further said, also served as some sort of retreat to help them understand one another, their strengths and weaknesses. “We were able to establish platforms for communication, and we got a lot of preambles over with. Now we all have serious respect for one another and our commitment to get this done. By this, I mean laying all the right foundation to make the music industry union united and more formidable. “We all believe it’s possible and that soon, and very soon, PMAN as a brand will no longer be rubbed in the mud. Ours is to also create the platform for free and fair elections, to usher in a dynamic leadership for the union, and make sure the union leadership is never hijacked ever again.”

Azeezat

Knowing-The-Ledge At July Edition Of Str8 Up Hip Hop IP HOP enthusiasts were exH posed to the impact of knowledge and the power of mind over matter at the July edition of Str8 up Hip hop last Thursday held at The Place in Ikeja. Themed Juice! Know-the-ledge, the urban monthly event afforded guests to learn at the feet of a veteran like Edi Lawani, who was the special guest for this month’s edition. Although he was unavoidably absent, his message was aired to guests. Drawing from experience, Edi encouraged and advised young artistes to be open to knowledge on their way to success in their chosen career. Sly of Classic 97.3fm hosted event. The crowd was treated to almost all the hip-hop elements which include mesmerizing B-boy stunts, captivating spoken word, energetic performances and superb DJ’ing by DJ OZ. A major feature of Str8 Up, Hip-hop, Emcee battle, was tightly contested. Thus the audience settled for four best rappers who slugged it out but it was eventually won by M2B who took home N20,000 cash prize. Spoken word poet, Ndukwe thrilled the crowd with his famous poems like Puff puff Pass and Boom, which earned a call for an encore from the

crowd. The crowd was also treated to scintillating performances from Mr. Raw, who used the event to premiere his new video, Ose Jioku. Terry Tha Rapman came on stage and delivered old and new hits. He performed Na beans?, Sample Remix (by popular

demand) and his latest single, Testing 1,2. In recognition of his contributions to the development of hip-hop and Nigerian music, Edi Lawani was presented an award of honour while the first prize winner of the Str8 up Hip hop Juice! KnowTheLedge Quotes

competition was presented his prize on stage by Mr.Raw. The NM En.Core produced event and proudly supported by Kally drink and Mowa water, attracted many hip hop fans who interacted with Terry Tha Rapman, Illbliss, Mr. Raw, Splash, Teegee among others.

SonG23 Records Set Sail FTER a decade in the sound engineer and jingles and radios for and Gulder Ultimate A advertising industry, sound designer for mo- flagship brands like Search theme music as Rotimi Akinfenwa, a.k.a tion pictures and movies. MTN, Indomie Noodles, well as TVC sound design Rotimikeys, has started his music and audio solutions outfit, SonG23 Productions and SonG23 Records which leverages on business relationships home and abroad. The outfit offers music and sound solutions for the advertising industry, recording artistes and TV production companies. Rotimikeys who has risen to be one of the best music and sound producers in Nigeria, is a prolific songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist,

Before now, the young man had worked with various advertising agencies and recording artistes for over 10 years. According to him: “SonG23 Records produces and manages prolific gospel artiste PITA whose debut album “As I Am” was just released in June 2013. The album was fully produced by me at the Song23 Studios in Nigeria and was mastered in the United States.” He has also developed

Amstel Malta, Glo, Seaman’s Schnapps, Samsung, Heineken etc. Indeed, a huge percentage of the jingles on TV and radio in Nigeria today can be credited to him. Some of his music for advertising credits include: MTN “Life is Richer Campaign” theme music running on several platforms (call back tune, radio, TV etc); Indomie “Mama Do Good” Campaign music; MTN Project Fame Theme Music;

(2008 till date); and The new “Glo Portability” theme music, amongst many others. The versatile young man has an intimidating record of having worked with almost all the notable artistes in the country. They include Cobhams Asuquo, Asa, Tiwa Savage, WizKid, 9ice, MI, TufaceIdibia, Midnight Crew, Nikki Laoye, Kore, (formerly of the group, Infinity), and Ben Ogbeiwi(of MTN Project Fame)

YEES In Nigeria For Youth Empowerment & Enterprise EES In Nigeria For Youth EmpowY erment And Enterprise YOUTH Empowerment and Enterprise Series (YEES), an international award-winning employment scheme is in Nigerian to help teeming unemployed youths. Towards that end, a whooping sum of N100 million has been earmarked for the lucky 12 contestants that will be groomed in an enterprise challenge reality show where they would be trained in different industries and compete in enterprise challenges to win cash prizes to set up a business or pay for further education to improve job prospects. Already, 12 states have been shortlisted with over 1,200 entries received for the pilot edition of the annual series, which started in Accra, Ghana in 2010 as Make Me A Success. They are Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Imo, Abia and Kogi States. Mrs. Fathia Plange, CEO/Founder of the highly educational, enterprising and entertainment-inspired package, said: “YEES is where the youth and young adults from all backgrounds, disadvantaged or unemployed, are trained in different industries and compete in exciting challenges to win a big cash prize to set up their own business, or pay for further education to improve job prospects. “Our aims and objectives are on job creation through self employment,

youth empowerment, alleviate dustries, and inspire and motivate jobpoverty in some communities, com- seekers and the unemployed public munity development through sus- through the power of television. tainable small scale projects; and “Viewers also get to win cash prizes discouraging crime related activities to start a business or pay for educaamong the youth. It is also to encour- tion; young people have a great deal to age the youth, young adults and grad- contribute to our workforce and econuates to be in gainful employment; omy. It’s time to help unlock their poencourage empowerment by training tential,” she said. the contestants to recognize their own potential; and providing an income gene r a t i n g scheme for young people.” YEES is also to reach out to the youth through television, helping them focus on a new career; empowerm e n t through self employment; educating viewers on career developments in different inSeason One Participants In Ghana

Mrs. Plange who doubles as the Chief Operating Officer of the African Film and Entertainment Investment Summit that is billed for Lagos in December, said YEES is a unique format that crosses all cultural and geographical territories worldwide, and that the Season One which held in Ghana was watched by millions of people in Africa and the UK. Her words: “Make Me A Success’ in Season One won the Association of International Broadcasting Award in London, United Kingdom, for Best Creative Genre. We follow the incredible journey of the contestants, and see t h e m transform from hardship to

prosperity, from unemployment to the world of business success, and discover who’s got what it really takes to become a successful entrepreneur.” In Africa where the show began, the unemployment figures are even more alarming. To buttress her points, she said: “The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that close to 75 million young people around the world are unemployed, with millions more being underemployed, trapped in jobs not suited to their skills, and millions more are unable to go for higher education due to poverty, hardships or government cuts in higher education. “According to United Nations’ figures, 75 per cent of Africans under 35 are unemployed, and the National Bureau of Statistics pegged unemployment in Nigeria at around 19.7 per cent. This includes figures from poor communities and urban graduates. Survey also has it that 49 per cent, that is almost half the youths living in urban areas around are jobless, while in the rural areas, 39.7 per cent are unemployed. Nigeria is not alone; other African countries face similar issues”, she said. For participating companies, the show provides a promotional platform to build their profile in the local community, and develop a base of enthusiastic, future employees and customers.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Femi, Yinka For Muson Jazz Festival

Seasoned Hotel Managers Invade Asaba ESIDENTS and visitors to R Asaba, the Delta State, capital are certainly having the

…Tee Mac, Bright Gain, Others Jazz Up Mandela Day Celebration REPARATIONS are already in top gear P for the yearly MUSON Jazz Festival billed for the Shell Hall of the prestigious MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos on Saturday, October 19, 2013. To make it an unforgettable experience, the event which has become the toast of jazz and jazz related music lovers in the country, will this year be celebrating two of Nigeria’s contemporary music icons: Femi Kuti, Afrobeat King who is the son of Afrobeat creator, late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; and Yinka Davies, a celebrated Afro Jazz and soul diva. Tickets prices to be announced later. Meanwhile, African icon, Nelson Mandela fondly called Madiba, was celebrated penultimate week. The July 18 show is an event that is held annually on a date that

has been officially declared the ‘International Nelson Mandela Day’ by the United Nations. Expectedly, Nigeria was not left out of the celebrations as the South African Consulate General in Lagos also marked the day at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos. The well-attended event had several highlights that included speeches by the South African Consul General, Ambassador Monaisa and Political Counselor, Thandi Mgxwati, sponsors and other well-wishers. The high point of the very entertaining night was the cutting of the birthday cake and a raffle draw by South Airways that produced a winner of a free return ticket to South Africa as part of the programme. There was a cultural performance by a very energetic troupe of Zulu Dancers. Veteran Nigeria musician and Chairman of the Nigerian-South African Week -Tale of Two African cities (TOTAC 2013) planning committee, Dr. Tee Mac Omatshola was also present to honor Nelson Mandela with several performances as he collaborated with foremost bassist, Bright Gain. The skilled flutist reportedly played a happy birthday tune in Madiba’s honor, before joining Gain in a beautiful set where members of the Zulu band joined them. Dignitaries at the event included Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway and members of his ministry including Mrs. Ranti Alebiosu-Bush (SA to the

governor on tourism), Mrs. Shonibare (Director Intergovernmental Relations), Mrs. Aduke Gomez, Mr. Wale Adeniji (SA to the Commissioner). Others included the acting Consular General and head of Public Affairs, US Embassy, Mrs. Dehab Ghebreab, The Group Managing Director of Stanbic IBTC Bank Mrs. Sola David-Borha, the Managing Director of Unilever and his wife Mr. and Mrs. Thabo Mabe. The African World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, the Ultimate Commander, Mr. Baxter, CEO, Silverbird galleria and leading Jazz promoter/TOTAC project director, Ayoola Sadare.

Dimeji, Busayo, Adebayo

Yinka

Femi

best of time as far as entertainment, hospitality and tourism are concerned. This probably has a link with the much-touted ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ slogan that the state government has given so much life to. This has attracted reputable professionals in hospitality, tourism and entertainment to the fast growing city that Nollywood practitioners have adopted as the home for filmmaking. Consequently, this has encouraged seasoned hoteliers as well. The Guardian’s recent visit revealed a core group of hotel professionals who have spent their careers in the hospitality industry. They are Dimeji Daramola, Busayo Adeojo-Josh and Adebayo Asebajo. In an interview with Daramola at Vision Serviced Apartment, Asaba, where they are based, he said: “We have all, without exception, learnt our trade

from the shop floor to the top management level, through sheer hard work and continuous training with major chains of five-star hotels in the country. This is after the required technical training in hospitality schools and other institutions around the world.” He said they are in Asaba to make a difference, “ as a group of hospitality professionals with a collective working experience of not less than 15 years in various positions in major five-star hotels. We are equally equipped with the latest information technology in use in the industry.” He said that apart from Asaba, they are majorly based in Lagos, Ekiti and Akure amongst other states. Their main strength, he further explained is in “hotel bookings and reservations, staff recruitment, training and orientation, general setup, management and consultancy services.”

IDL Doles Out N150m Miss Hip Beauty Pageant Set To Hold Nov 30 To Customers T By Tony Nwanne T was fun galore last week when one of Nigerian’s leading indigenous brands, Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL, makers of Chelsea Dry Gin) rewarded customers’ loyalty by giving over N150million in cash and prizes during its Annual Distributors’ Award recently held in Lagos. Held at the Airport Hotel, Lagos, it was indeed an entertaining night for the awardees as the award ceremony was well attended by distributors from all over the country with Sir Mathew Ugwueze of Blessed Mattex, emerging the overall winner, winning a Platinum award, the sum of N7.2 million and a three-tonne truck. Other platinum award winners, Asizebu Enterprises and Merdian Marketing, went home with N6.4million and N5.19million as well as three-tonne trucks each. The Managing Director of Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Patrick Anegbe in his address acknowledged the hard work and success recorded by the distributors in the previous year despite harsh business climate in Nigeria. He announced that the factory expansion project would be completed and commissioned in September this year. He noted that in the previous year, two distributors were caught aiding and abetting the faking and adulteration of their products. He said the culprits were handed over to the Police and blacklisted and are no longer distributors for the company. Mr Innocent Oboh, Head Marketing IDL, said the company’s commitment to remaining the first in the wine and spirit segment will compel the re-launch of some of the brands . “The essence of this is to ensure improved packaging of our products to command more shelf appeal, market acceptance and more importantly, satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of our valued customers,” he added. He concluded that apart from the re-launch, consumers can look forward to the introduction of new brands as IDL will expand her market in the new business year. Other prizes given out at the award include washing machines, double- door fridges, deep freezers, generators, sets of executive leather chairs as well as various cash rewards. Also, in an unprecedented move for the company, a member of staff from the sales department, Isaac Agbana was given N750,000 as reward for managing the portfolio of the three platinum winners.

By Tony Nwanne HE organizers of the Miss Hip Beauty Pageant have concluded plans to hold the second edition of the pageant come November 30 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. Speaking during a recent media briefing on the preparation for the event, CEO Posh Event Concept, Eric Ezekiel, explained that the idea behind the Miss Hip Pageant is to celebrate the unique beauty, curves and brains of the model Nigerian woman. According to him, “Africa, rich in culture and natural resources, has wonderful women with unbeatable body structure and admirable intellectual acumen worth celebrating and showcasing to the world.

Unlike the norm where pageants are patterned after the European standards, Miss Hip is aimed at unearthing, showcasing and celebrating the unique beauty, royalty, culture and style of Africa”. Wilfred Brown, Project Manager of Smile Global Entertainment Limited noted: “Miss Hip Nigeria is meant to discover the curviest beautiful girl in Nigeria from among contestants who are expected to be between the ages of 18 to 30 and with brains to portray the true African woman in good light. Miss Hip is a pageant to celebrate the perfect figure-eight body structure that also houses a sharp and brilliant mind. “This year’s edition is designed to parade contestants representing all the geographical lo-

cations in Nigeria as auditions will hold in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Benin and Port Harcourt. Shortlisted models will be camped for two weeks in-house, where they would be put through a series of coaching and screening that will eventually bring out the finesse and unique African attributes in them before the contest proper”. He added that the eventual winner of the contest will go home with a car, an all-expense paid trip to Dubai plus monthly salary all through her one-year tenure as Miss Hip. There are also cash and other exciting prizes for the first and second runners-up, as well as consolation prizes for the fourth and fifth place winners.

Mystro Returns with Skelebe … set for school tour By Daniel Anazia NE year after the release of O his hit single, Ojoro, teenage sensation, Mystro has hit the airwaves and music stores with another smashing new single, Skelebe, the fourth single from his forthcoming debut album. According Mystro, the new hit is diverse in style, exciting in vocal delivery and generally super confident in theme. The self-produced Skelebe is fast becoming an item in the clubs and dance halls. “I am never scared of stretching my imagination. I do different genre of music – Soul, Pop and R&B. I play all the mu-

sical instruments. I’m the future, and the world will know that through my music and my activities in the coming weeks,” he said. Signed unto Don G Entertainment, a record label with twigs in Lagos and Abuja, Mystro says he will be visiting both primary and secondary schools to train students how to play musical instruments. “I won’t stop till I make an impact in the society. The new project is a product of an unquenchable desire to make good music, even better and make the fans happy.” Born Segun Michael Ajayi, the multi-talented artiste, producer, performer, song-writer and singer shot limelight last year following the release of his

debut singles Ojoro and One Kain love featuring MTN Project star and Kedike crooner, Chidinma Ekile. Influenced by the works of Cobhams, Asa, Adele and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Mystro’s path to prominence started in 2004, when he began producing for singer Morrell. His dexterity on multiple musical instruments endeared him to some of the industry heavyweights including Illbliss, Mode 9, Junior Reid, Wale Wave, Chidinma, Faze, Rayce, Silver Saddih among others. Mystro

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Saturday, August 3, 2013 39

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Arts&Culture A Global Garden For Mandela In Nigeria By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu HE whole wide world is stark awake, day and night, waiting for the Mandela hour. But there’s no escaping the fact that even in life or death Mandela trumps all. It was indeed with bated breath that the global village waited the great one’s 95th birthday on July 18. Of course, that date has been universally fixed as Nelson Mandela International Day, or Mandela Day for short. The epochal day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, and the first UN Mandela Day held on July 18, 2010. The Mandela Day celebrating the icon’s 95th birthday on July 18 was marked specially in Asaba, Delta State with a World Press Conference proclaiming the establishment of a garden of 95 trees to be known as “The Mandela Garden of 95 Trees.” The celebrated environmentalist and conqueror of the Sahara Desert, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, as the Chief Executive of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE) will partner with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Delta State Government to make broadcast the well over 134,000 square metres of prime land within the Asaba International Airport complex, designed to build “The Nelson Mandela Garden of 95 Trees.” The conceptual design of the Mandela Garden is in the shape of the map of Africa, featuring a life-sized bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, 95 trees symbolically planted as the Robben memorial, freedom mini-gardens, well-landscaped terraced fences made of hedge plants, concrete walkways, state-of-theart restrooms, adequate parking, Nelson Mandela playground and park for children. The Mandela Garden is due for commissioning in August with members of the Nelson Mandela family, led by Ndaba Mandela, flagging-off the planting of the 95 trees. Jibunoh in his drive toward greening the environment through FADE always had the abiding dream of planting the trees. It has been a life-long passion, culminating in the FADE Wall of Trees planted in Makoda Kano in the spirited bid to arrest desert encroachment. He then followed up on January 1, this year when he was accompanied by Governor Fashola of Lagos and other dignitaries to plant 75 trees in Lagos to celebrate his own 75th birthday. The 95 trees Jibunoh is partnering with the Delta State Government to plant in Asaba to mark Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday is the climax of his lifework. He plans to retire to the Mandela Gardens to manage it by himself. “I will run the park for the rest of my life as the keeper,” Jibunoh says in his Lagos Island Didi Museum office, adding, “My family will have to come and visit me there. They know my passion. It helps that the project is situated at the airport. They can always fly in and fly out. I believe Asaba provides a conducive atmosphere batter than Lagos, London or New York!” He then adds this info: “I’ll build myself a small hut where I will live to keep it.” Governor Uduaghan will lay the foundation stone of the keeper’s lodge while the enquiry office will also be in the initial works. The lack of maintenance that almost always bedevils most Nigerian projects would not be the lot of the Mandela Gardens, Jibunoh avers,

stressing, “Not only will I manage it fulltime, I will put a succession plan in place devoid of governmental bureaucracy. They will run the place better after my time. Governor Uduaghan gave me 100 percent control over the place.” Jibunoh revels in the drive of Ndaba Mandela “to mobilize over a billion people all over the world to key in to the Nelson Mandela inspiration.” The Nelson Mandela mystique is seen as an eternal legacy that is forever compelling even if Madiba dies. “We have to use Mandela to inspire people,” Jibunoh says, pointing at the legend’s picture on the wall of his office. “We used to have Kwame Nkrumah. There is no other Mandela anywhere. He gave the world all he had. He went to prison for 27 years and came out with nothing. He ruled South Africa for only one term of presidency and came out with nothing. That’s the legacy!” It is therefore incumbent on Jibunoh to mobilize people of the world to think like Mandela. “What did this man not go through in the fight for freedom?” Jibunoh rhetorically asks, shifting on his chair. Jibunoh feels quite fulfilled that he has a green-loving governor in Uduaghan who supports wholeheartedly the placing of the Mandela Gardens in Asaba. “We are looking for a global institution, and the site of the gardens at the international airport in Asaba gives it the strategic global appeal,” Jibunoh informs. For Jibunoh, the term “Charity begins at home” was done in reverse order. He was heavily involved in improving other places, notably the Sahara Desert and places like Kano and Lagos before returning to his home locale of Delta State. He mentions the Igbo term and name ‘Nkeiruka’, stating that what is ahead is greater than the things done earlier. An irrepressible optimist, Jibunoh believes that security challenges such as kidnapping can be solved to make Nigeria a tourist haven, starting with the Mandela Gardens in Asaba. “There are so many things to challenge the world in Nigeria,” he affirms, nodding. He argues that he had seen it all, from the days of colonialism through the Apartheid years and the Nigerian Civil War. He believes that Nigeria deserves celebration for leading the

charge for the freedom of Nelson Mandela and South Africa. “We lost Barclays Bank and British Petroleum in the Mandela fight,” he says. “Nigeria was a Frontline State. We cannot now be a minor player. This project will re-establish Nigeria as a Frontline State. Our fight was not in vain. Through the Mandela Gardens Mandela will live forever! It will put Nigeria in a different platform.” Jibunoh points at the irony that people thought that Mandela was only fighting for black Africans, only for it to be discovered at the end that the whites benefited more! According to Jibunoh, “The whites who saw him as a terrorist are now the ones benefitting from Mandela the most!” To mark the first global celebration of Mandela Day on July 18, 2009, to wit, Mandela’s 91st birthday, a series of educational, art exhibits, fund-raising and volunteer events leading up to a concert at Radio City Music Hall on July 18, were organised by the 46664 Concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Then in November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly formally declared July 18 to be “Nelson Mandela International Day”. Born Nelson Rolihlahla Dalibunga Mandela in Mvezo, a village near Mthatha in the Transkei, on July 18, 1918, to Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Henry Mgadla Mandela, the man popularly celebrated all over the world as Madiba, spent all of 27 years in jail for fighting Apartheid South Africa to a standstill. His head never bowed until he was released from prison and won election as the first President of a free South Africa. On the historic day of May 10, 1994 that Mandela was inaugurated as the democratic President of South Africa, the great man said,

“We dedicate this day to all the heroes and heroines in this country and the rest of the world who sacrificed in many ways and surrendered their lives so that we could be free. Their dreams have become reality. Freedom is their reward. We are both humbled and elevated by the honour and privilege that you, the people of South Africa, have bestowed on us, as the first President of a united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist government. We understand it still that there is no easy road to freedom. We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world. Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all…” The global icon Nelson Mandela richly deserves the “Mandela Garden of Trees in Asaba” initiated by Jibunoh and supported by the Governor Uduaghan-led Delta State government.

Incheon (South Korea) To Succeed Port Harcourt As UNESCO’s World Book Capital 2015 HE Port Harcourt World Book T Capital 2014 team has congratulated the city of Incheon, South

young people, to build on the knowledge economy of the city. Governor of Rivers State, the Right Korea, for its nomination as Honourable Chibuike Amaechi, has UNESCO World Book Capital 2015. set up a special committee, chaired Incheon’s tenure will commence by his deputy, His Excellency, Engr. following an official handover from Tele Ikuru, to oversee a team of Port Harcourt in April 2015. As notable men and women to deliver World Book Capital, Port Harcourt a successful World Book Capital in will deliver on an exciting array of 2014. In addition, various stakeprogrammes primarily targeted at holders are also teaming up with

the Rainbow Book Club to ensure that the city’s tenure is a roaring success. As 2014 also happens to be Nigeria’s centenary, the milestone certainly presents a unique occasion for positive change. The World Book Capital title is accorded as ‘an exclusive symbolic acknowledgement of the best programme dedicated to books and reading’. According to the Selection

Committee, Port Harcourt was selected, beating 10 other contenders, “...on account of the quality of its programme, in particular its focus on youth and the impact it would have on improving Nigeria’s culture of books, reading, writing and publishing to improve literacy rates”. According to a statement from Port Harcourt Book Capital team

said, “Once again, congratulations to the people of Incheon, South Korea, on securing this nomination. We are certain that it would impact positively on the South Asian region, much as the Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 nomination is expected to have rippling effects on the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and indeed the continent of Africa”.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 3, 2013

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For Cross River Tourism… Govt, Stakeholders Form Pact VER a decade after it took its first tentative O step into the murky waters of tourism development, Cross River State government has given birth to a new initiative known as ‘Cross River Tourism,’ which is a formalised partnership between the government and private sector tourism operators for the effective management of Cross River as tourism destination. With this new initiative, the state government has signalled intention to take tourism development to a new level and open a new vista for public – private partnership (PPP) in the state. The formalised partnership for destination management formed part of resolutions taken at the recent tourism stakeholders meeting in Calabar convened by the Special Adviser on Tourism Development to the Cross River State Governor, Mr. Wilfred Usani. The meeting was held on the heels of the approval of the amended Regulations for Licensing of Operators of Tourism Facilities and Related Matters by the state Executive Council on March 20, 2013. It’s also in recognition of the need to implement these regulations in partnership with the private sector. The meeting was attended by stakeholders and operators from across the sectors with the Chairman of Hoteliers Association of Cross River State, Mr. Charles Ogar, Chairman of the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Chris Ogar and National President, National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, among others in attendance. Others were the officials of Cross River State Tourism Bureau (CRSTB). Usani, the meeting’s convener, set the tone for the discussion when he underscored the importance of forging a permanent partnership with the private sector with a view to making Cross River State truly Africa’s warmest tourist destination. Unfolding the vision and plans of the state governor, which is to take tourism to a new dimension, he then proposed the need for the forging of a partnership to be known as ‘Cross River Tourism,’ for the purpose of effective regulation of the industry, realising revenues from tourism for government and providing support and

(L - R): Special Adviser on Tourism Development to Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Wilfred Usani; Chairman, Hoteliers Association of Cross River State, Mr. Charles Ogar and President, Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung during the stakeholders’ forum held in Calabar ... recently incentives for private sector operators. His proposal was welcomed and adopted by consensus with a call for the immediate establishment of this partnership. It was also decided that a committee be set up to determine the modus operandi of this partnership, which is expected to henceforth determine the pace of development of tourism in the state.

Besides, other issues agitating the minds of stakeholders and operators as well as the government were deliberated on with a communiqué detailing the decisions and steps for resolving some of the knotty issues agreed on. Some of these issues included that multiple taxation, with the Chairman of the state’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Chris Ogar informing of the engagement of consultants

by the state government to harmonise and unify the various tax regimes in the state under the auspices of the State and Local Government Reform (SLOGOR). On the state’s prevailing licensing regime, it was agreed that a committee be set up to look at the issues identified and advise the Special Adviser on Tourism Development on how best to tackle them and a declaration of a Licensing Day.

Abuja Writers Forum’s Evening Of Film, Poetry By Elvis Iyorngurum HERE are writers whose works are very popular in our homes, T yet they are neither books nor published materials. They are films. Every film begins from a story concept, evolves into a script and then undergoes the production ritual that makes it a material for the proverbial silver screen. Since film scriptwriters are also writers, their films can also be celebrated as products in the manner books are recognised. It is upon this premise that the Abuja Writers’ Forum (AWF) hosted two filmmakers, Kasham Keltuma and Ishaya Bako as Guest Writers for its monthly Guest Writer Session, alongside poet and academic, Dr. Idris Okpanachi. All three turned up on Saturday, July 27, 2013, to entertain and engage literary and art enthusiasts at Nanet Suites in Abuja’s central business district. The event began with a rendition of the National Anthem, followed by a musical performance by Tokunboh Edward, an Abujabased soft rock musician and guitarist. He sang ‘Broken One’.

Filmmakers, Kasham Keltuma and Ishaya Bako at the event

The poet was the first guest to take his turn as the event entered into full throttle. Okpanachi, winner of the ANA/Cadbury Poetry Prize and author of The Eaters of the Living, began his reading with ‘In Praise of the Night,’ the first poem in the new collection, From the Margins of Paradise from which he drew all his reading for the night. The poem alongside ‘A Lonely Road to Baghdad’ first featured in the Iraqi Literary Review. The audience savoured the depth of his thought and craft. After the reading, it was the moment for the filmmakers. Kasham Keltuma’s A Spoon and a Dog was the first to be screened. The 15-minute film, which tells the story of two families whose friendship defies their religious differences, showcases the innocence of childhood and its beauty as shown by the major characters, two boys who commit to being true friends. The film received a resounding applause and rave commendations from respondents in the audience. Next was Ishaya Bako’s Fuelling Poverty, a documentary film on the corruption in Nigeria’s oil industry, was released in 2012. It

was inspired by the crisis that erupted across the nation arising from the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government on January 1. Upon the government’s decision which was announced by President Goodluck Jonathan in a New Year address to the nation, millions of Nigerians filed out in the streets in cities across the country to protest the government’s action which made the cost of living soar within a day and worsened the dire living conditions of the Nigerian people, majority of whom are already impoverished. The documentary captures the wealth the nation earns on a daily basis through the export of crude oil and the irony of the perpetual struggle of its citizens to survive the onslaught of poverty, hunger, disease and the lack of social infrastructure. The picture it painted is familiar, yet grim and as evidenced by the reaction of the audience, ever-increasingly shocking. There were jeers as faces of government officials came up on the screen. Occasionally, one heard a sigh, an exclamation or some other expression of disgust at the distressing irony of Nigeria’s story as an extremely rich nation with an extensively poor and impoverished population. The interaction session with the audience was lively. To many people, the source of inspiration for a creative work is always a subject of curiosity. So in answer to a question from someone in the audience, Okpanachi disclosed that he wrote the collection upon the prompting by a man that appeared to him in a dream in the night. He said he eventually published it when he got tired of making endless changes to the manuscript. He acknowledged that it was a trend with writers that they were never satisfied with their work. So each time he read the manuscript, he found something to change about it until he got tired and decided to have it published. Asked about his fascination with Baghdad considering that the collection has three poems about the city, including the longest poem in the collection, ‘A Road to Baghdad,’ which is eight pages long, Okpanachi said he wanted to juxtapose Chechnya and the Iraqi capital. He said the destruction both cities witnessed at different points in their history inspired him to write the poem and highlight the ills of war and sympathize with the victims. He deplored the annihilation of a whole civilization under the cover of war against terrorism. Ishaya Bako said he produced the film as a mirror to society and as a record of the events of 2012, which saw the people rise in resistance against corruption and despotism. Asked what efforts he is making to ensure the film is available to all Nigerians, he said they have appealed against the ban and are hopeful for a positive outcome. He said the film was, however, still available on Youtube. The banning of the film, he stated, did more good to it than harm. It eventually won an AMAA award for best documentary film of the year and its popularity soared within a short time after the ban was announced.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

DIARY

Drs (Mrs.) Efe Eworuke (2nd left) with her German Supervisor, Prof. Almut Weinstein, flanked by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. O. Ordia at the convocation ceremony of the University of Florida, where she obtained PhD in Pharmaceutical Science…recently

Biofem Group Regional Manager Lagos, Olaide Soetan (left); Product Manager, Augustine Usifo; Chizobam Enyinnia; Tunde Ogunleye; Executive Director Biofem Group, Abiodun Soremekun; Deolu Demehin and Daniel Awolaja at the training for regional managers in Lagos…recently

Immediate past Senior Prefect, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos, Adesina Gbadamosi (second from left) flanked by his father, Gbolahan Gbadamosi, his mother, Olubunmi Gbadamosi and his sister, Adekanyinsola Gbadamosi during the 2012/2013 Valedictory/ Service recently

Financial Director, Propertygate Development and Investment Plc, Mr. Vitalis Anieze; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adetokunbo Ajayi and the company’s secretary, Mrs. Tosin Aarinola, during a chat with the media recently at its corporate headquarters, Lagos State

Adeyemi Adepetun of The Guardian and his wife, Oluwaseun after their wedding ceremony in Lagos…recently

Chairman Board of Directors, Diadem Group of Schools, Mr. Olapoju Oladinni (left) and Proprietress, Mrs. Abimbola Oladinni (right) with graduands of Diadem College, Ifako, Lagos at their first graduation ceremony in Lagos…recently

Mr. Samson and Mrs. Shola Oyeniran after their wedding in Ibadan…recently

Pupils and students of Hezek School Preparatory, Nursery, Primary and Secondary School during their graduation ceremony in Ogun State…recently

Mr. Osaro and Mrs. Abiola Okungbowa during their traditional wedding in Benin City, Edo State…recently

Participants at a recent roundtable conference tagged One-Awardee,One-Award organized by Dragnet Solutions for the Oil and Gas Scholarship scheme in Lagos…recently

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

NEWSMAKER

‘Nigerians Need Re-orientation; CCECC, which is constructing the road to Ota and the Badagry Expressway, to set up training for Nigerians on how to run and manage trains. The school was commissioned last year. After training here, they sent them to China for about three months training to expose them. How do we go about correcting that? For someone who studied History, you say, ‘look, the option you have is to go and teach. There is nothing you can do other than teaching.’ But with your degree, you can get three or four of your friends and say, ‘we want to learn how to plant cassava.’ It sounds a bit stupid, but you will be amazed to know the use that cassava is put to, including starch and medication and export. You can produce mushroom from the chaff and cover of the ordinary maize you eat. But nobody is interested in that. You see, your first degree is a foundation. If you get a good degree, it enables you divert into other areas. But most of the young men and women want oil and gas. Can we exonerate those who have been handling the affairs of Nigeria from your own time? Chief, how were things in your days? I know this is the old-house story. People HOSE of us who went to Europe in the late 1940s and early 1950s came back to the coun- blame our generation and that before us; they try where we believed we had achieved a meas- don’t blame the present day generation. I tell you, a good majority of us had to work ure of success by being granted independence. hard to get to where we are today, in the sense But on coming back and seeing the state of that our generation, who went to England in things in the country, it bordered us. the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s had to pay our way Today, things are not satisfactory enough. Some school of thought, rightly or wrongly, says through. It was later that the federal and state governments started awarding scholarships. the British should come back, because they see If some of our top Judges, who have retired the mess some of us have created for ourselves. It is like you asking a child to sweep his room and he knows precisely where the dirt is and the child ignores the dirty. The following day you ask him to sweep the same room. The dirt continues to be there. After a week or so, the dirt has mounted. For you to remove it will entail scrubbing. But some believe the British gave us independence full of booby traps, by sidelining the true nationalists to give undue dominance to a section of the country. I would not subscribe to that. If someone tells you or leaves a death trap for you, you are not blind or stupid, bur sees the death trap, wouldn’t you avoid it? They gave us independence, as they say, at the time, on a platter of gold. If we saw areas that were tarnished on that platter, we should find ways of scrubbing them. We shouldn’t leave them and blame the British for giving us what they had given us. What are your disappointments over the state of things? My disappointment is enormous and in so many areas, including education, history and culture. Today, our education has gone awry. We have many universities, but what do we turn out? In all honesty, we are producing graduates who have to live with their pen and paper, not chaps who can use their hands and say, ‘I am going to plant cassava here; I am going to plant maize here.’ And if we are not prepared to re-orientate our education in this country, we aren’t going to get anywhere. Today, despite the number of engineers that we have, I don’t think we have 100 Class A welders in this country. We should train more technicians and artisans; these are the strength of developing countries. In England, they have technical schools and colleges and universities. They have to train artisans and technicians. There are two different classes of training; you train an engineer. What we have today in this country is a pyramid; there is that lone engineer on top there and this broad base here and there is nobody carrying him. The artisan and technician should carry that single engineer, who is standing right on top there. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo sent 8,000 Nigerians to Europe when he was in Dodan Barracks to go and train as technicians and artisans, but how many of them came back? Most of them were shouting that they wanted degrees; they never came to be artisans or technicians. Last year, I was able to get a Chinese group, Olopade

As Chief Jonathan Adio Obafemi Olopade clocks 87 today, the entrepreneur and industrialist, who is chairman, board of directors in eight companies, director of the boards of three and a trustee of two bodies, including The Metropolitan Club (Gentlemen’s Club), Lagos, in an interview with YEMI OGUNSOLA and DEBO OLADIMEJI, reflected on the high hopes of pre-independence activists, like himself, the state of the nation, education, Nigerian youths, the political class, moribund refineries and national security, among others.

today, tell you what they were doing before they went through their Law examinations, you will say to yourself, ‘I can’t go through this.’ Some of them were working in post offices on night shift. Some were working with the British Railways, cleaning the coaches. Some were washing buses at night. Then, they were married and were living in one cubicle. In the same room, they were cooking and having children. Today, most students have two or three telephones. Some telephones they have, I can’t buy them of will not buy them, if I can. And the same student will tell you that he is an indigent student. How does he have money to load it? Nobody has asked questions. Go through the university door today, about 60 per cent of the students are carrying telephones. I went to recharge this phone with my PA (Personal Assistant). We sat down there and there was a young girl who came in, maybe about 19 to 20 years old. She had a telephone. My PA couldn’t stand it. He said, ‘please sir, you see the phone that girl has? It is about N100,000.’ I said, ‘Sola, don’t talk rubbish.’ He

The race the present generation is running is such that most of them may die young. It is not a curse.

called one of the staff to ask how much that phone cost and was told it is about N100, 000. And that same girl will say she hasn’t got money to buy textbooks. People talk of our generation. Yes, our generation has contributed immensely, selflessly. We are not selfish. But this present generation is a selfish generation and I pray God Almighty most of these children will lead a life that will enable them live up to 60, 70 and 80, because the way they are going, the race they are running is such that most of them may die young. It is not a curse. But people are going through worse things today abroad? Some of them should not have gone there; they should have been better off here. What some of them do, say in America, is juggle three jobs. How can he manage it? After a year, they die; their health failed them. You can cheat nature for a short while, but not for long. Then they want to live big, ride a car and have all the good things of life. I am not querying that, but first things first. Your education or you want to live a luxurious life first? If you want to achieve your education, then okay. I will pick up a job, pay my fees and go through my schools. After doing that, I can look for a job and work on a full-time basis. You can’t have your cake and eat it. Where are the adult role models for the youths? The political class is not a yardstick of measurement, in the sense that what is their background, what is their pedigree? Nobody asks them, everybody is working hard to go into politics to make what money they can make out of it. These are the types of people these students see and think they are yardsticks of measurement. But we should advise them and say, ‘no, they are not yardsticks of measurement.’ Many believe today’s youths today are actually victims of the Nigerian system? I am sorry to say they are not victims, because … But even PhD holders are now work as drivers…? The young man who goes to do PhD, what did he do it for and in what discipline? You do PhD or MBA because you want to do MBA without considering in what field. In America, we have girls with PhD who are stewards in aircraft. If you do it tomorrow, people will complain, but when the girl stays there and earns a good salary, others will jump into it. Nobody is prepared to take risks and say, ‘I am going to start with my PhD and work on a factory floor.’ Your degree makes you think better than the other person. Your PhD enables you to apply yourself in a more responsible fashion than the person who hasn’t got those degrees, because you have been used to working under supervision and you know how to handle your own situation. But if you are there with your first degree and you are not prepared to work, you can’t achieve any measure of success. There is no magic to it, let no one deceive you. Today, the youths spend more of their time in leisure; they want to live a life of leisure. I was at a reception a few weeks ago. A young man sitting next to me finished a whole bottle of champagne right there. This is not something you drink in big glasses. If an English or French man wants to drink champagne, he puts it in a little glass and holds it for about an hour, sipping it. This young man consumed one bottle of champagne all alone by himself. He wasn’t drunk; he was sober when he stood up. Now, this same young man will tell you he hasn’t got a job. His lifestyle has gone up; he is used to good things. Even if you offer him a job in your press as sub- editor, he would decline, because he hasn’t got the money for a bottle of champagne that costs N35,000, which he drinks in one sitting. Should you be President, what would be your priority? My priority will be to provide employment for the able-bodied and willing youths. You find a youth who should resume work at 6am still in bed at that time. Then he wakes up, brushes, comes late to the office and blames traffic holdup. These are the type of people you have in society. I will provide employment that will make them use their brains and their hands at work. Steve Jobs, before he died, sent 30,000 American

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

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NEWSMAKER

The Present Generation Is Selfish’

Olopade technicians to be trained in China. I will also drastically cut down the strength of the civil service. Will that not worsen unemployment? It will and it will not, because there are more dead woods than life woods there. When you go to an office, say a minister’s office, he has a personal assistant, who has an assistant and a secretary, an assistant secretary and a typist attached. Under one small umbrella, you have about 10 different people working. You may not feel this, but if you have an opportunity of going to a ministry, you see the type of tasks you have. I was reading in a paper the other day that the governor of one of the states went to Abuja and found they had 70 staff in their liaison office. Mind you, they still have what they call ghost workers. What do they do? Twenty of them will come to the airport to welcome him on arriving in Abuja. He had to close the office. He was able to save money and has not regretted closing the office and nobody came out to complain when he did it, because they themselves know that they were not doing anything. The governor comes into Abuja and about 20 cars were waiting for him; just one person. Let us say, for security reasons, three or four cars; one in front, his own car and two behind. It is enough. Why 20 cars? That means you will cut down wastefulness? Yes! There is so much wastefulness. Then you can create employment by asking people to do a chart for you to justify the designated jobs to each person. Those of them whom I classify as unemployable, I will ask to go away. Those of them whom I think are employable, I will have other areas to create employment for them. For example, they created lots of employments in government today, but the employments are not the types that enhance what the country needs. Today, railway lines are being built. If I ask people to come and work on the rail line now, they will refuse, because they want to buy and sell. And again, the average person who has been unemployed for years wants quick returns. I took four graduates from a university, a first class university, and sent them to Korea for training. They came back and one left for no reason. We got a resource chap to come to Calabar to speak to them. When this lady was talking to them, I observed that this boy who had just returned from Korea was not interested. I was paying $50 a day for his feeding while in Korea. I got him a passport, paid for the flight from Lagos to South Korea and back and provided him accommodation there for weeks. At night when others were sleeping, he packed his bag and baggage and came back to Lagos. I phoned the professor who assisted us. Not that I wanted him back, but the document they gave him for the course, he should please return them to me; they are my property, and he returned them. The second one said someone was unwell in his family and wanted two or three days off. I said, ‘you can’t have three days

Some are now asking for division because they have been brainwashed to believe that they come from a particular section. You have states in America, but no American comes to tell you that he is from this state; he tells you he is an American. Look at the Russians, who live in America and play tennis, they were all calling themselves Americans. In England, you don’t fill a state in your passport. We are not following whatever they do abroad, that is why we are divided. You now tell me that I am from Kwara, I can’t come to Ogun State to enjoy the facilities that are there. But I am a Nigerian. May be my grandfather was born in Ogun State and helped build that place, and you say because I am from Kwara, I cannot enjoy Ogun facilities. Why? It is nonsense. You are saying breakup is not a solution? There will be no end to it. You are talking of Boko Haram coming in, the moment you create a division, there is a possibility of your enemies trying to find a way to make life unbearable for you at the other end. It is bound to happen. Look at places like Somalia, Indonesia, Sudan, Egypt and other such places. When will they ever see peace? This is something you can’t buy with money. That is why I don’t advocate breaking up. I have always maintained that I come from Nigeria. I was the president of the Nigerian Students Union in Britain from 1962 to 1963. I never joined Egbe Omo Egba, Egbe Omo Yoruba, and I frowned at those people who joined it, because I see myself as a Nigerian. I think what we have to try and do is to go to the drawing board and find ways we can live as members of one family. I used to advocate that perhaps marriage will help consummate such relationship, but again, the background of some of the people you are getting married to may not be the same as yours. I think perhaps it is only among the Yoruba that you have it in a successful manner. For instance, in an Egba family, there are Muslims and there are Christians. In other parts of the country, you find just purely Muslims or purely Christians, but that is changing gradually. As a result, if you say you want a Muslim to fight a cause against his fellow Christian in Yorubaland, it is difficult. But they are “succeeding” in Lagos. If you go to Alausa, some people will tell you that all the offices are dominated by one off. The travelling day from Calabar to Lagos is a whole day. Your religion and that you must belong to this religious sect. And if return will be a whole day. Are you telling me that you will there is opening there, they must make sure someone of that spend just one day to see your family?’ same religion fills it. We gave him a week and that was the last we saw of him. But religion has got nothing to do with your work. The third one stayed and got married. You know that in some Do you think the government tackling Boko Haram insurgency areas, you can get job, in some areas you cannot get job for your the right way? wife. But these are the chances you take, as a married person. I think yes. But one of the root causes of the uprising is the If your wife has a job, you can ask her to stay until you can extravagant lifestyle of our legislators, who allocate outrageous secure a job for her in your place, or you don’t accept the offer. salaries and emoluments to themselves amidst widespread But this one just left us. poverty. That was how the four of them left. The talakawas see persons who were just like them a year ago The point I am making is that people tell you they are unemnow boasting of a fleet of cars and building mansions all over ployed, they don’t tell you what job they have gone for and how the place. they left or why they left. That is one reason the people are rebelling; because their legisI am prepared to help, but I am not going to create problem lators are fleecing the country. What is your assessment of Nigerian politicians? Do we have politicians in Nigeria? If you are about to get into office tomorrow and you have the money, you can sway people You have selfish Nigerians who want to milk the to come with you, without any ideology. It is a shame. About 99 per cent of the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) in country dry and are not interested in Nigeria. The Lagos today were not PDP members originally. They were dispeople who are responsible for this are people in gruntled from other parties, so they went to PDP, because they thought they were going to be big gods there. power today. Some of them are 50 or 60 years And when you talk of parties, how many of them actually have an ideology? Can they give you a manifesto of what they have in old; they are not young. view? If tomorrow, they are governors, what will they do? What will be their priority? It is chop chop do-or-die politics that we are practicing in Nigeria. The question they ask is, ‘how much money is in it for for the friend who wants to offer my own relation employme?’ It is not ‘what I can offer to my fellow countryman?’ ment. I can get a job for you, but I can’t do the job for you. If today we fix their salary at X thousand per annum and they And if I go all out trying to scout for a job for you and you are will seat for 200 days in the year and nothing else other than not prepared to follow it up, so be it, don’t come to me again. Some have said that Nigeria might ‘expire’ in 2014. What do you that, you will be shocked to see that the number of politicians/legislators that will show up will drop drastically, think? You know that I have travelled wide enough and visited almost because there is no chop chop in it anymore. every part of the world. I have been exposed and I am grateful to What about the issue of national conference? I will call it something else, not a national conference. I will call God that I have had the privilege of meeting people who have it a meeting among people of like minds. something upstairs than myself and who were prepared to If I use the word ‘national,’ some people will quote me, because assist and talk. You know it (expiring) is easier said than done. Take Abeokuta there is a group using that word. They will say I am on the side or Ogun State. As small as it is, the man from Odogbolu is at log- of that group. But it is not being on the side of one group or against the gerheads with the man from Ijebu-Ode. The man in Ake dislikes other, all I want done is to create a Nigeria where everybody is the man in Ijaiye or the man in Owu. That is just one state. equal. We all have equal right, benefits, opportunities, this and Now talking of one section against the other. Even River State, that. you can see it from the dialogue that (Governor Chibuike) Amaechi is having now that it is not one unit that everyone pur- We must have new and unadulterated minds to rally the forces together on a round-table, not those who have a fixed ports it to be; it is a divided unit, one unit broken into fragmind. ments. Why are our own refineries in Nigeria not working ? The riverine people are complaining that the people upland are taking everything; that all the facilities are in their own area. Because you have selfish Nigerians who want to milk the counWhy should one person come and say it is our turn this time to try dry and are not interested in Nigeria. The people who are responsible for this are people in power be the governor of the state. We all belong to one state, to one country. Let me bring a dictionary and you look at the interpre- today. Some of them are 50 or 60 years old; they are not young. The people who make life unbearable for the workers are withtation of a state. in the age of 50 and 60. I know so.

THE GUARDIAn, Saturday, August 3, 2013

HEALTHFEATURE

‘How To Regulate IVF In Nigeria’

Prof Giwa-Osagie

Medical Director of Omni Advanced Fertility Centre and distinguished Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL)/ Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof.Osato Giwa-Osagie, who co-pioneered in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with Prof. Oladapo Ashiru in Nigeria in 1986, gives insight on how IVF practise should be regulated in Nigeria.

n your assessment, has IVF improved in nigeria from where you and Prof. Ashiru started off in 1986? I have taken an interest in keeping a tag of how many IVF centres are in nigeria. As at June this year, there were 31 IVF clinics in nigeria. Out of the 31, 28 are privately owned and three are in government owned hospitals: national Hospital, Abuja; University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). That is a great number. When you compare that, for instance, with Ghana, which people like to compare nigeria with, you will agree that nigeria is doing great. Ghana, which is like Oyo and Lagos State combined, has four clinics. Togo has one, just as Cameroun has three/four clinics. Uganda and Kenya have two /three clinics each. You can see that the explosion of IVF in nigeria is far ahead of those countries. There is no doubt that we are the leader in that field in Africa. The only other country in Africa that has a lot of clinics is South Africa. But the explosion has equally attracted a lot of quacks. I would not go as far as calling them quacks because all the 31 clinics I am aware of are owned by doctors, usually certified gynaecologists. Where a gynaecologist does not own them, the owner makes sure that there is a gynaecologist involved who does the gynaecological work. Of course, we know that in general medical practice, there are doctors who do not practise

well, sometimes propelled by the urge to make money quickly. But remember that we are in nigeria, a country where mediocrity is hailed and where people who do not have qualification pay money to get doctorate degrees. We should not be surprised if some of these rub off on some of these doctors who are in the field of IVF. Some of them even go the extent of boasting of achievements they have not gotten. Some may exaggerate their results to the extent of saying that they are getting 60 per cent pregnancy rate where it is 25 per cent. But when they talk with their colleagues, and some of us older ones are in the audience, they hide such lies. What do we do to curtail such menace? The Association for Fertility and Reproduction in nigeria (AFRin), which consists of doctors and scientists who are interested in infertility work, has had meetings and drafted guidelines regarding regulation. Regulation will include things like who can practise IVF, the basic qualifications practitioners should have, how many embryo(s) can practitioners transfer and guidelines for obtaining informed consent from those who want to do IVF. We have already drafted the guidelines and before the end of the year, we are going to publish these guidelines in major newspapers. These guidelines are meant to inform the government and interested parties what experts are saying. We are very aware that it is quite possible for government in nigeria to set up a committee to regulate IVF and not a single IVF specialist would be on that committee, and the committee would not involve the association. Government has done it on many things and when they do it and problems arise, which will surely arise because those advising them do not know enough, they will then behave as if nigeria were a hopeless country. nigeria is not hopeless. But there is controversy over who should regulate IVF in nigeria – whether government or experts should be the ones to regulate it. In your opinion, who should be the regulator? Our (experts’) attitudes is that if we were to wait for government, it might never get done for the simple reason that government has other far more important things it should be involving itself with like quality education, basic health, food, housing and security for nigerians. Those are the things that threaten

the very existence of nigeria if they are not taken care of. So, we have drafted those guidelines, which we will give to our members to guide them to know that this is what our colleagues are saying. If they don’t abide by them and they run into problems, the Medical and Dental Council of nigeria (medical regulatory and legal council in nigeria) will be interested and say ‘your colleagues said you should transfer not more than three embryos, why did you transfer seven for this particular woman?’ We want to put the guidelines in place, abide by them, encourage government to look at what we are saying and use that as template for regulation. In Britain, for instance, the government sets up the body that regulates IVF, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). But the government does not control the body. The body has a chairman and members. The chairman is not the Minister of Health. Minister of Health should be looking at policies concerning health generally, not to chair a specialist committee. The chairman is not the director of hospital services commission or planning and research in the Ministry of Health. They can be members of the committee but they should not head that committee. HFEA in Britain can suspend a clinic if it finds out the clinic engaged in unethical conduct. The picture is different in the U.S. where professionals regulate themselves. The result of that is that in some places, experts transfer seven embryos and everybody is doing what they like. Those in Europe maintain the same pattern with Britain. From your experience, which pattern should we adopt in nigeria? I think the government should look at what experts are saying and set up a regulatory body. But government must avoid the pitfalls. In nigeria, when a body is set up, someone will say one must be a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before one can be chairman of that committee, or the minister, director of the hospital service commission must be chairman. That is absolute rubbish. It is what has stopped the country from progressing. Achieving goals has nothing to do with whether one is a member of a political party or not; it has nothing to do whether one is from the South-South or the

northeast geopolitical zones. The earlier we understand that, the better for us. We have to put these things behind us if we want to make progress. High cost of IVF is a major complaint of most patients. Is there nothing that could be done to reduce it? High cost of IVF is universal. A cycle of IVF costs between $12,000 and $15,000 (about n2 million) in U.S. In UK, it goes for about £5,000 or £6,000 in private hospitals. But under the nHS (national Health Service), it is about £600, or nothing at times. What is bad in what is happening to us in nigeria is that we have imported the cost of IVF because we do not produce anything here. It is only the manpower that is our own. And where we could have helped our patients, drug companies have conspired to ensure that our patients buy drugs at a bulk purchase price. In Egypt, you can get one cycle of IVF done for $1500 (n200,000). You can’t do IVF in nigeria that cheap. In private practice, one will be lucky to get IVF done with less than n700,000 because we are purchasing drugs at about four times what the Egyptians are paying for the same drugs produced by the same companies. Their agents in nigeria are making sure these drugs do not get to the hands of nigerians at a reasonable price. They sell them at high price and the practitioner has to make profit to survive. That is why IVF is expensive. Even though you are a millionaire, by the time you spend n2 million or n3 million on the same woman, you start having a second thought that maybe it is easier for you to marry a second wife. Why is our case different from that of Egypt when we are buying drugs from the same source? It is like that because in Egypt, professionals often lead the government to write drug companies to ‘say there are 50 IVF clinics, for instance, in Cairo. We will use two million ample of drugs per month; we want you to give us a bulk purchase price’. The company will not dare to ignore their letter because their government would support them. In nigeria, even if the society writes such a letter, some members of the society would go and sign contracts with the drug suppliers to get discount for themselves, or become agents for the drug suppliers. And so the whole negotiating process is sabotaged within nigeria.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

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YOURMONEY

Power Reforms: Will Payment Of Severance Package To PHCN Workers Clear The Coast? By Onyedika Agbedo HE report in the week that the Federal GovT ernment has ordered the immediate release of severance pay to the members of staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) who are to be disengaged to enable new owners take over the country’s electricity plants was cheering. The news was not only encouraging to the PHCN workers alone who would be smiling home with lump sums to start a new life but also to millions of Nigerians who grope in darkness due to poor electricity supply but pay high tariff in return as a result of PHCN’s poor and dubious billing system that leaves them wishing that the privatisation of the power sector becomes successfully completed in no time. The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, had at the Federal Ministry of Power-Siemens Power Development Forum last Tuesday in Abuja disclosed that he had approved the payment of the workers to start immediately and expressed hope that the workers would get paid before the end of the week. The following day (Wednesday), the Ministry of Power issued another statement to that effect saying: “The Minister has directed the commencement of the payment of severance package to PHCN staff, on which about N384 billion is going to be expended with additional N16 billion to pay other retirees and pensioners of the company. “Nebo also directed that all issues surrounding metering and unfair billing should be resolved immediately without any Nigerian being shortchanged.” The statement further assured that “at the end of the ongoing privatisation, Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief as generator importers will soon be eased out of business.” Great promise! But how soon? How soon would the PHCN workers and retirees really get their severance pay given that the Minis-

Nebo

ter of Power had made a similar promise about six weeks ago, but failed to make it happen? Is the settlement of labour issues the only remaining cog in the wheel of the privatisation process in the power sector that will send generator importers packing? If so, can government now give a definite date on when the new owners of the Generation Companies (GENCOS) and Distribution Companies (DISCOS) fully take over the outfits and abide by it? These questions are imperative because Nigerians have had enough of the PHCN workers excesses and have seen the privatisation of the power sector rigmarole for 13 years now. Attempts to privatise Nigeria’s power sector date back to the development of the National Electric Power Policy, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2000. The pol-

Managing Director of Eternit Limited, Mr. Dirk Modderman, in this interview speaks on the need for the maintenance of quality standards in building construction in Nigeria and the place of dry construction in modern architecture. By Onyedika Agbedo Dry construction is gradually emerging the preferred choice in building construction globally. Why is it so? ORMALLY when you conventionally build a house, you take brick or block and cement. In this case of dry construction, what you use for the outside wall is still block and cement, but for the inside walls, you use steel framing where we put plastic board. We didn’t introduce this dry construction in Nigeria before because the wood was fairly cheap and we could not very well compete with it. However, the quality of wood in this country at this moment is quite poor. The quality of the steel that we can produce by ourselves in Nigeria is enormous, it is very high quality, and it is affordable. So, it means the price of dry wall is cheaper than conventional building and this is the moment to put that one into the market. The quality of the product is better; the walls are absolutely straight, and it is fast to install, and cheaper than conventional building. Moreover, the weight of buildings done with dry construction is lighter than conventional building. That’s why we say that now is the time to put this in the market. Dry construction buildings are not fragile. They are solid, but for the outside wall, we always recommend that cement and block be used. But for inside, you use still panel for partitioning. It also takes less space. So, it means for the same square metre your rooms will be certainly bigger. The other thing is since we don’t use wood inside the partitioning any more, the quality will be very good. Up to a few years, the wooding roof thing was used and now it is still being used a lot, but the quality of wood really is deteriorating in Nigeria. What does this imply? Once, the wood starts to dry up, it would crack the roofing sheets; if aluminum, it would bend the aluminum or push the nail through and it would start leaking. With steel panels, there is no termite, no rot and there is 40 years guarantee. Dry construction is increasingly affordable and we believe that it can help address Nigeria’s housing deficit. There has been campaign against the use asbestos in roofing. What led to this? Asbestos is made up of small fibres used in holding the

icy called for fundamental changes to the ownership, control and regulation of the power sector. However, following numerous delays, it was not until 2005 that the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSR) enshrined these policies in law. Under the EPSR, the newly incorporated Power Holding Company of Nigeria Plc (PHCN) assumed the assets, liabilities and employees of the state owned and operated National Electric Power Authority. The PHCN provided a temporary umbrella under which the power sector assets were unbundled into 18 separate successor companies, each responsible for the generation, transmission or distribution of electric power. Meanwhile, PHCN’s liabilities were transferred to an SPV called the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company, to give confidence to investors that they would not be responsible for unforeseen liabilities following PHCN’s dissolution. The ESPR also established the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as electricity regulator, whose responsibilities include, inter alia, setting the price of electricity. Under the ESPR, the NERC is to ensure that electricity prices are fair to consumers and also provide an adequate return to generators. In 2008 the NERC introduced the “Multi Year Tariff Order” (MYTO) structure, with the aim of making electricity prices in Nigeria cost-reflective. The MYTO also provides for continuous reduction in transmission and distribution loss, as revenue earned by operators is made dependent on achieving performance improvements. Although the pace of reform of Nigeria’s power sector following the unbundling of PHCN has been slow, it got renewed impetus under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, which has demonstrated a strong determination to put the sector back on its feet. President Jonathan’s appointment

of Prof. Barth Nnaji as Minister of Power in 2011 was the first major sign that he was serious about revamping the sector. Nnaji, who was the Special Adviser on Power to President Jonathan and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power, had in 1993 served as Minister of Science and Technology. An Industrial and Systems Engineer, Nnaji assumed office with passion and vigour. From a miserly 2,800 Mega Watts of electricity available when he took over in July 2011, power supply rose steadily to 4,348 Mega Watts. He no doubt tried to force through government’s reform agenda in the sector but didn’t have his way. He resigned in controversial circumstances in August 2012 and it was thought that his exit would have a negative effect on the reform process. However, it has a mixture of both hisses and hurray since Nnaji left the stage. The appointment of Nebo as a replacement for Nnaji on February 4, this year, effectively reignited the power sector privatisation process. A seasoned administrator, he brought his experience to bear on the process. His handling of the labour issues with the PHCN workers, which has led to their acceptance of government’s severance package for them and the subsequent release of the money, is a credit to his administrative sagacity. Although he has missed the July 2013 date he had set for the completion of the privatisation of the sector, the settlement of the workers is a plus; it puts the entire process in perspective. But Nigerians are getting weary of this game of power sector reforms. They are anxious to witness in the power sector, the kind of revolution that made telecoms to cease from being the exclusive preserve of the affluent. The country would gain and its leaders know it. So, every remaining clog in the way of the privatisation process, should be brushed aside or even crushed if need be, if generator importers in the country would truly be eased out of business soon.

‘Dry Construction Can Address Nigeria’s Housing Deficit’ product in place, but has now been replaced with artificial fibre. Asbestos, when used to hold product in place, is not harmful itself, but can be otherwise during damage, when dust from it becomes harmful. At Eternit, we stopped using asbestos for over 10 years and we remain in the forefront of producing products that are industry benchmarks. As a firm with decades of operations in Nigeria, what are the challenges that you have had to contend with? There are lots of inferior products and unfair competition in the Nigerian market. I don’t mind competition; I’m all in favour of it. But when it is unfair competition like you have in Nigeria at the moment, which is definitely to the disadvantage of Nigerians, then we have a problem with that. That is one of the major challenges we have at the moment. I mean there are products in the market that are not up to the standard and this is not good enough. When we are talking about PVC, there are four countries in the world where this PVC is allowed and Nigeria is one of them. Even in China where PVC is produced, people are forbidden from using it because of poor quality. The reason for this is that PVC has fire hazard and it is poisonous. It is also very cheap. We have the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to make sure that no inferior products can enter into the country. But one of the main challenges that we still have is that we have a lot of competition from inferior products. What makes it cheaper and why can’t you bring down your own cost? One of our main ingredients for our production is cement, which forms 70 to 80 per cent. We use cellulose, which is paper, which also comes from local waste papers. Everything we use during our production process is sourced locally and those prices we cannot artificially reduce. There is no government subsidy. So, we have to do everything by ourselves, but

Modderman for some imported products, there are lots of government subsidies, which we don’t have. So, that makes our products slightly more expensive than that our competitors. Now, at this moment, there is a good trend in this company, which is that the price of cement is under pressure to go down. That will automatically make our products cheaper and we have been able to remain at the same price for over two years. So, instead of following inflation with 10 per cent price increase in the last two years, we remain at the same price and we want to remain at the same price over the next two or three years. That means our products will significantly be cheaper than it used to be. We understand you have been investing on local skills lately. What have you been doing in this respect? Eight hundred people will be trained in the installation of new products and this will be continued in subsequent years. Not all the people know how to install our products to bring out the beauty in them. To promote them, we have to make sure that our installers know how to employ them, and we train installers at no cost and give free manual on how to do it.

YourMoney

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

With DESMOND EKEH desmondekeh@yahoo.com; 08023215535, 08111813032

CSR: Astymin Motivates Kids With ‘Brilliance Reward’ By Henry Otalor HERE is a growing consensus among busiT ness analysts that Corporate social Responsibility (CSR), a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interactions with stakeholders on a voluntary basis, has crossed the line from being just a business jargon to becoming a critical business function. To this end, most businesses now incorporate CSR as part of their general business strategy. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) defines CSR as the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as the local community and the society at large. In this light, it has now become quite imperative for businesses to increasingly become socially relevant. In Nigeria, the last few years has witnessed a heightened involvement of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in CSR activities. It could be recalled that some years back, a bill sponsored by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, representing Abia North Senatorial District, sought compulsory percentage deductions from every company’s Profit After Tax (PAT) as donation to CSR, for the socio-economic development of the country. This move was seen as an approach to get the private sector more

involved in CSR activities. It is no news that CSR can bolster a brand’s image in the eyes of investors and consumers. While majority of companies have embarked on CSR initiatives simply as a tool to increase the company’s financial status or perhaps because they are coerced to, a few others find it as an opportunity to indeed make a perceived positive impact in the socio-economic environment in which they operate. Such companies, in the long run, always reap the benefits of their CSR efforts. One of such companies that deserve commendation in the area of CSR in Nigeria is Fidson Healthcare, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry. The company’s focus on the development of education through its Astymin Brilliance Reward (ABR) initiative is coming at a much-needed time when the country’s educational system is currently bedeviled by huge challenges. The Astymin Brilliance Reward, which is in its third year, has experienced incredible growth due to the amazing impact it has made among school children. There has also been a remarkable increase in number of schools involved in this unique initiative which is aimed at encouraging and rewarding outstanding performance amongst primary school pupils in Nigeria. The inaugural edition took place in July 2011 with 110 schools in attendance; the second edition had 170 schools in attendance, while the latest edition featured over 200 schools from across the South-West and

South-Eastern regions. The best pupils from these schools are appreciated and rewarded with educational materials. The Astymin Brilliance Reward is one of the ways the brand is demonstrating its obligations to support the academic endeavour of Nigerian children and propel them towards excellence. The last ABR event, which took place recently, brought together hundreds of kids, parents, teachers and stakeholders in the Nigerian educational system in an atmosphere of fun, friendship, sharing, networking and excitement. Beyond the ABR, the Astymin brand has also put together in other schools, activities aimed at building the total child both physically and mentally. These activities include debates, inter-house sports, PTA meetings, children’s parties and more. At the event, General Manager Marketing, Fidson Healthcare, Mr. Ola Ijimakin, explained the rationale for the event. He pointed out that Astymin Brilliance Reward is one of the ways the brand intends to contribute to the development of the country’s educational system and the future of the Nigerian children. He said: “This is our effort to enrich the lives of Nigerian children by supporting their drive for academic excellence and inspiring them to attain greater heights in life. We believe that the future of our nation is tied firmly to what we put into our children today. Astymin does not just offer nourishment; the ABR is aimed at inculcating the virtues of

hard work, diligence and a belief that honest work will be rewarded in our children. “The enduring experience we are giving to these youngsters is beyond the material rewards you will see today. We recognise the extra efforts put in their studies in order to excel above their mates; an acknowledgement of the extra moments cut out of play-time to brace up their knowledge and capacity; an appreciation of that rare willpower and discipline to overcome peer pressure and influence; and above all a motivation to keep the spirit high and the flag flying in their future academic endeavours.” Ijimakin also revealed that Astymin is proud to be associated with the educational development of children. “We believe strongly in the absolute necessity of education and the tremendous impact of children’s education on the future of our country. This is why we constantly renew our commitment to supporting children’s education by encouraging them to excel and also providing them with the right motivation to reach for heights which they have attained today,” he said. In the last two years, over 250 pupils from different schools have been rewarded, and admitted into the Astymin Hall of Fame — a platform Astymin provides to foster friendship, networking and knowledge sharing amongst these kids. These new set of kids will join their older colleagues in the Hall of Fame, as each of them has earned the right to put the initials, ABR after their names.

Assistant Director, Policy Planning Research and Statistics, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Grillo Aderoju addressing a cross section of awardees of the 2013 Astymin Brilliance Award…recently.

Facebook Adverts: S’African Marketers Among Highest Payers OUTH African marketers pay SFacebook among the highest rates for advertising in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region (EMEA), with cost per click, cost per page like, cost per thousand impressions and average cost per app install numbers that are all significantly above the global average. That’s one of the key findings of the Facebook Ads Benchmark Report from Salesforce.com, the provider of the cloud-based Social.com social media advertising platform.

The report also shows that South African marketers experience relatively average performance for these costs, with an average click through rate of 0.332 per cent. These facts are just some examples of the rich insights in the free-todownload Benchmark Report, which seeks to provide marketers around the world with data they can use as a baseline for their own Facebook campaigns. Using Social.com data, Salesforce Marketing Cloud decided to bench-

mark performance and cost metrics for social advertising, focusing on Facebook advertising, to provide a baseline for key metrics by creative type, industry, and geography. The data is drawn from the top 25 countries globally, based on Facebook advertising impressions. Performance was measured from Social.com across more than one million ad units and over 114 billion impressions. According to Salesforce, spending advertising budget without using

such benchmarks amounts to wasting money, particularly when digital marketing is so rich with data to guide marketers. With the right data at marketers fingertips, they can measure performance and costs against relevant countries and industries so that they can optimise spend and performance. South Africa is the most expensive country on the average cost per install metric at US$2.46; the next most expensive is Canada at $1.71. With an average CPC of $0.40, South

African Facebook advertisers pay the third highest rate behind Denmark and Sweden. Australia, Sweden, Taiwan, the Netherlands and Australia pay significantly more than South Africa’s $0.86 when it comes to average cost per impression. The report reveals that on a global scale, Facebook ads with a true social context such as Sponsored Place Check-In Stories and Sponsored Page Post Like Stories have higher click through rates than average.

YourMoney

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

BRANDNEWS

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

Publicis Consultants/Soulcomm Wins Three New Accounts HILE some players in the marketing communications are groaning over business inactivity, one of Nigeria’s leading communications and marketing agency, Publicis Consultants|Soulcomm, recently added three new accounts to its portfolio. The accounts are Chi Limited, Ado Bayero Mall and Pearson Nigeria Limited. Following its outstanding performance while pitching, Soulcomm emerged the preferred agency to handle these reputable brands. Whilst Chi Limited is a household name in the foods and beverage sector, Pearson Education Limited is one of the world’s leading providers of educational services solution known for some of the best

SON Launches New Nigerian Standard

subject textbooks like Nelkon physics. The Ado Bayero Mall in Kano is reputed to be biggest retail mall in Nigeria. With impeccable competence stemming from the two lead business offerings, Perception Management and Brand Activation and Marketing, the agency proffers services and support to corporate organisations and individuals across the banking, hospitality, FMCG and other sectors. According to the Chief Operating Officer, Mojisola Saka, “more than ever before, we are poised to take a leading role in the sector by proffering quality and valueadded support to our partners because their progress is ours.”

HE Standards Organisation T of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with her knowledge partner, ThistlePraxis Consulting (TPC) formally presented the new Nigerian Standard to a cross section of stakeholders at the Southern Sun Hotel recently in Lagos. The launch, which marks the inception of a standardised approach to implementing social responsibility by organisations of all sizes and in all sectors, also serves as a tool to enshrine socially responsible business practices in Nigeria. The standard was formally launched by the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade & Investment, represented by the CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Jim Obazee. In attendance were Technical Partner representatives from organisations, who con-

tributed their expertise to the process of adoption, which began in July 2012. Sponsors of the adoption process include Etisalat Nigeria, Nigeria Breweries Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), while ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited (TPC) served as Knowledge Partner to the process. In his welcome address, the Director General of the SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu explained that “the standard is about how you do your business, and not about how much money you give. It is about top management’s commitment on how business operations are done in a way that prevents negative impact on the environment; it is about aligning business strategies in conformity with the ISO standards.”

S part of programmes lined up to mark its 10 anniversary A on August 29, national telecoms operator, Globacom has launched a new N500 million promo aimed at rewarding its subscribers for their support and loyalty to the network over the years. Launched under the name, Glo “Recharge to Stardom”, the promo offers loyal subscribers on the Glo network the opportunity to celebrate with Glo as they stand the chance of winning various prizes ranging from N10, 000 up to the grand prize of N25 million during the promo, which will last for 100 days. Speaking at the launch of the promo at Glo’s corporate headquarters in Lagos on recently, Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator (Channels), Kemi Kaka said prepaid and post-paid Glo subscribers who recharge with N200 and above during the promo period stand a chance of winning any of the fantastic prizes. He said about 25, 071 winners would emerge during the promo. “The grand prize of N25 million will be won by a customer at the end of the promo. Two lucky winners will cart home N5 million every 10 days while five winners of N1 million each will emerge every 10 days. In addition, 50 lucky winners will take home N25, 000 daily while 200 customers will win N10, 000 every day. This means that winners will emerge every day till the end of the promo,” he said.

Glo ambassadors Desmond Elliot (left); Waje; Chee; Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator (Channels), Mr. Kemi Kaka; and Omawumi at the media briefing to launch the company’s 10th anniversary N500 milion consumer reward promo in Lagos...recently.

Lagos State Appoints Heritage As Revenue Collection Bank

bank using the Lagos State Electronic Banking System of Revenue Collection and Monitoring (EBS-RCM) payment platform. This is coming on the heels of similar mandates from other corporate organisations and institutions such as the Nigerian Customs Service, Oyo State Government, PHCN Eko Distribution, PHCN Ikeja Distribution and DSTV/Multichoice. Commenting on the significance of the Lagos State mandate and others, Heritage Bank’s Executive Director,

Lagos Star League Winners To Receive iPads In Homes OLLOWING the successful FLeague completion of the Star – Text & Play campaign and the delivery of prizes to the homes of winners in Enugu, Enugu State and other parts of the country, Star, the premium lager beer brand is to personally deliver prizes to winners in Lagos. Star Brand Manager, Omotunde Adenusi, said the brand is redeeming the promise it made to consumers at the commencement of the league. “We are constantly looking out for revolutionary and creative ways to excite, engage and reward our consumers. It gladdens my heart that people have come to love it. We believe that there is no limit to what one can

achieve,” he said. The presentation will be made to consumers at Ketu, Surulere, Agege and other parts of Lagos. Adenusi stressed that Star has also been able to reward consumers who live in the interior of Nigeria because “we strongly believe that everyone, no matter where they are, deserves to shine. IPads should not be a luxury beyond the people. Our consumers should expect more amazing giveaways from Star. We are promising them more fun, excitement, engagement, and more rewarding moments. Soon, we would be bringing more excitement to their neighbourhood because when Star promises, Star delivers.”

New Gestid Advert Excites Radio Listeners new Gestid ad on radio recently released has elicited lots TTheHE of comments from listeners across the country. new Gestid commercial commenced with a male voice-

Glo Launches N500M “Recharge to Stardom” Promo

ERITAGE Bank has been H appointed as a Lagos State revenue collection

Niyi Adeseun noted that “Heritage Bank commenced operations March 4, 2013 with a philosophy to offer banking services with guaranteed convenience riding on the platform of simplified service innovation, leading technology solutions and experience driven relationship management. “Our corporate vision captures the essence of our institutional aspiration of creating, preserving and transferring wealth across generations. As a niche bank that is established on the premise of innovation, partnership and sustainability, the various mandates are strong testimonials to the direction in which the bank is headed.”

Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu (left); CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Jim Obazee; CEO, ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited; Ini Onuk; and Director, Operational Strategy, Etisalat Nigeria, Ndidi Opaluba, at the launch of NIS: ISO 26000 in Lagos…recently.

MDA Seven: PH Audition Throws Up Potential Finalists HE first step into how the famous Maltina dance academy would look like was crossed at the Port Harcourt regional audition of Maltina Dance All (MDA) season seven tagged “The Evolution” which took place at the Atrium Event Centre in the Garden City recently. Eight budding dancers were able to satisfy the judges with their dance steps and were thus selected from the hundreds that participated as potential family representatives. These eight dancers, alongside their family members will now progress to the next phase in this highly competitive selection process. The rave-making family show sponsored by Maltina, the pre-

mium non-alcoholic malt brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries which has brought happiness and excitement to homes across Nigeria and beyond shortlisted Ebi Williams Konugah, Sotun Briggs, Felix Ekadio, Ikumonein Titus, Nornubari Treasure, Jones Pius Samson, Emmanuel Asiyefia and Miaya Tomas the deserving and potential family representatives and qualifiers into the MDA house. They will, however, undergo comprehensive medical screening which is on-going and the medical fitness result will ultimately be the basis for the selection of their family considering the highly physical and mental rigours of a competitive dance like the MDA.

over of the notorious “police check-point antics”, which is followed by a seamless make-over to take on the attitude of a “health officer”. The transition is smooth and creatively handled. In the words of Jeremy Akindele, a communication consultant and online blogger, “this is one of the few well-conceived and executed creative works in recent times in the industry, away from the ubiquitous and common place use of music for popular appeal in commercials.” Dissecting the ad further Akindele says, “ the commercial, in simple terms, makes its point clearly and unequivocally, without much noise. It is also able to arouse the interest of the target audience, right from the outset. It does this, excellently, with the audio simulation of the ubiquitous Lagos traffic and the blaring of vehicle horns, which have become symbols for chaos. Yet, it was able to restore order as the “officer” turned medical advisor was able to drive home the import of the message.”

Battle For Etisalat Geek Force Contest Enters Final Stage N line with its ongoing Internship Contest, which Icustomers, commitment of offering its focuses on two core areas of particularly the innovation and customer satisyouth, a chance to join its workforce, Nigeria’s most innovative and fastest growing telecommunications company, Etisalat recently unveiled the Top 10 Finalists of its Geek Force Internship contest at a media event held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi. The Etisalat Geek Force

faction, is yet another unique idea from the leading telecoms company. The contest came about as a result of etisalat’s commitment to not only provide innovative products and services to its customers, but to also provide a platform to help in the development of career opportunities in a creative and exciting way.

Samsung Introduces Bottom-Mounted Freezer Refrigerator AMSUNG Electronics West Africa, a subsidiary of Samsung Sappliances, Electronics Company Limited, a global leader in digital home has announced the introduction of its new Bottom Mounted Freezer refrigerator featuring several category firsts. The new refrigerator, which automatically adjusts cooling speed in response to temperature fluctuations for more energy efficiency and to strengthen durability, affirms Samsung’s dedication to providing appliance innovations that deliver unparalleled performance, greater flexibility, superior organisation and more convenience for today’s busy families. With the new Bottom Mounted Freezer, Samsung brings powerful technology innovations into the home, empowering families to get more out of their appliances and enabling households to run more efficiently and harmoniously. Most notably, the new refrigerator features Samsung’s superior Digital Inverter Compressor that strengthens durability and improves energy efficiency and cooling performance by automatically adjusting across five speeds of RPM in response to cooling demands. Whether due to frequent door openings, a hot plate of food or outside temperature changes, the compressor reacts to either rapidly provide cold air or slow down to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. And, unlike other models, Samsung’s compressor operates only in case of need, producing less noise.

Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye (left); Retail Marketing Manager, Etisalat Nigeria, Haidrah Burke; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans; and Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Charles Ogunwuyi, at the unveiling of the Top 10 Etisalat Geek Force Interns in Lagos…recently.

Search For 2013 IIDA Heroes Peaks HE Search for the 2013 T Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria, a corporate social responsibility initiative of Dufil Prima Foods, Makers of Indomie Instant Noodles is now in top gear. According to reports by Market Probe Ltd, the Independent Research firm commissioned to carry out the search process, “work is ongoing and several stories have so far been gathered from the 10

States selected for this year’s edition of the project.” Speaking during a telephone chat on the search process, the Head of the Team and Chief Field Officer, Market Probe Ltd, Mr. Raymond Fatunji confirmed that the search exercise is being carried out concurrently in the identified locations and environs — Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Aba, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kaduna, Minna and Kano State.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

48 |

BUSINESSINTERVIEW By Debo Oladimeji NDUSTRIALISTS from India, China, Indonesia IChemical partnered with Chemexcil at the Indian Exhibition which ended in Lagos on July 17, to promote the export of their products to Nigeria. It was an opportunity for the Nigerian textile manufacturers to interact one on one with their counterparts from other countries. Most of the participants who were coming to Nigeria for the first time admitted that Nigeria has a large market with great opportunities. Speaking during the event, S.G Bharadi, Acting Executive Director, Chemexcil, Mumbai said Chemexcil, which is a premier Export Promotion Council in India, was set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote exports of dyes and dye intermediates, basic inorganic and organic chemicals, including agrochemicals, soaps detergents, cosmetics and toiletries and essential oils. “Chemexcil’s total export performance during 2012-13 has been US $13855.4 million as compared to US $11270.8 million of the similar period last year, registering an increase of 22.9 per cent. Although the whole world was witnessing downturn in economy, Chemexcil did very well during 2012-2013. And in spite of economic downturn, chemical exports have shown modest increase of 20 to 25 per cent,” he said. Bharadi added that Chemexcil’s export of inorganic chemicals and agrochemicals for the year 2012-13 was to the tune of US $6780.6 million as compared to US $5385.6 million in the corresponding period the previous year, registering a growth rate of 25.9 percent. According to him, last year, the export promotion council organized a Buyer Seller Meet in Nigeria and due to the good response, they received another one was planned for this year. “This exhibition is in coordination with the High Commission of India, Lagos. After this Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India, Mr. Suresh K. Makhijani (middle) opening the 2013 Chemexcil exhibition in Lagos. exhibition, Chemexcil is holding two Buyer Seller Meets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on July 19 . and in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on July 23, 2013 respectively all of which are also in co-ordination with the High Commission of India in the respective countries,” he said Pradip Dave, President Pesticides Manufacturers and Formulators Association of India (PMFAI), said PMFAI is a national level association representing the agrochemical industry in India with more than 200 companies as its members. Mohammed Kouadir, Managing Director Mitesh Shah, CEO, Ariphant Dyechem, “PMFAI has played an important role in Trustchem, Nanjing, China said Mumbai, India said his company deals in difIndian agriculture and in protecting the interhis company deals in agrochemicals, herbiferent types of products. “We have good ests of the agrochemical industry. The African cides, insecticides and fungicides. chemicals for leathers. At the moment, I have region offers the most potential for improve“Too many Chinese companies want to sell clients in Lagos and Kano. It takes 25 to 30 ment in productivity of crops and therefore, their products here. We are in good reladays for our products to be shipped here African governments have given priority for tionship with our Nigerian partners. from India. Our competitors are in different development of agriculture in the region. Most “The Chinese produce based on cuscountries, Spain, Germany and China,” he of African countries are now concentrating on tomers’ request. It depends on local said. development of irrigation projects with modimporters. The local importers want to earn As for Hemal Shah, the Director of Winner ern irrigation system by optimizing and conmoney very fast. So they go to China to Dye Chem, Panchvali, Ahmedabad, India, his serving water resources and also introducing request for low quality products. The govcompany provides quality agricultural chemdrought-resistant varieties,” he said. ernment in China is fighting this type of icals. Dave added that the drought-resistant and business. But our company is not selling “It is a family business. For 15 years, we have high-yielding varieties will boost agricultural bad products. We are dealing in quality been in the business. My father was in the production in the African region which will products,” he said. business for 33 years. We are exporting to also help in boosting agricultural export from Shibu Joseph, a marketer for Vapchem, Indonesia and Pakistan. We want to start Africa. Surat, India said the company has been proexporting to Nigeria. This is my first visit,” he Cynthia Hu, General Manager, Jarzic ducing chemicals for the textile industry said. International Industrial Limited, Wahan, for the past 35 years. Shah said just like other companies which China, said she expected more people to come “We are in the textile industry. We have participated at the exhibition, his company is for the exhibition. “I expected to see more peobeen producing some value added proda member of Chemexcil. “We were invited by ple for the exhibition. I have been to Ghana, ucts particularly for African print. This is Chemexcil to participate in the exhibition. Germany, Thailand among others. Customers “We are the only manufacturer of some of my second visit to Nigeria and it is an We are not afraid of our competitors. here are not as many,” she said. the products like Spartek Dyes in the world. opportunity for us to have direct cusWithout competitors, the industry cannot Jarzic, she said, exports agro chemicals. “Our We produce at competitive prices as comtomers. We want to have a distributor in thrive. It is through competition that we will products are original. Nigeria is a big market. pared to other manufacturers,” he said. Nigeria who can supply our products or be innovative in our approach,” he said. We have good relationship with our Nigerian Khurana added that the company is always distribute to our clients,” he said. Vaishali Zinzuwadia, Assistant Director, partners. We trust each other. We sell good Joseph said that with 300 staff, the compa- ahead with new products and new developChemexcil, Paidi, Ahmadabad, India disproducts to them,” she said ment. “We are based in Surat and it is a strong closed that the last time the exhibition was ny adds value to its products from time to Paras Bhojwani, a representative of PT Daizon time. With 26 years experience in the indus- market for textile products in India”. organized in Nigeria, the turnout was impresChemicals Jakarta, Indonesia said Vista He described Surat as a fashion market and sive. That was why they decided to organise try, he said he is ready to share his wealth International Ltd is their business partner in of experience with Nigerian textile compa- with new trends. “There are always new another one this year. Nigeria. “This is my second time in Nigeria. We nies. demands. To remain in the market, we have “We discovered that there is a good market sell agrochemicals. The challenge is to continto keep on with new innovations; particularly in Nigeria. This is a two-way trade. We export “India is very strong in textile chemicals. ue to innovate new products. We export to for value addition with new fashion trends. Some people think that China is stronger to Nigeria and import from Nigeria. We are Europe. We do not fear globalisation. We are We have been able to sustain our competition ready to train Nigerian manufacturers in but right now, India is exporting textile one step ahead,” he said. because of new development. chemicals to China. We can produce at India. We chose Lagos for the exhibition Another participant, Tim of Eastchem “The colour of our products can never competitive prices. What people are doing because Lagos is the commercial city of the Company Limited, Jiangau, China also change. Nothing will happen to the colour. in Nigeria is ordinary print, but we can country,” she said. described Nigeria as a big market for Chinese Textile products only change colours when help them get value addition. We can help She implored the government to encourage products and that she expected more people to to train the local people,” he said. the manufacturers are not using the right the textile industry to grow. “They should attend the exhibition. The General Manager of Vapchem, Surat, chemicals for dye and printing. They might support the textile manufacturers with subsi“This is my first time in Nigeria. We are yet not be adopting the right process for that India, Sanjeev Khurana said they are still dies,” adding that if the government can to have a local partner in the country. We deal looking for a Nigerian partner. “Right now, particular type of printing. Nigerian manuaddress the problem of insecurity, more in herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. factures can come to Surat so that we would we don’t have a partner but People prefer to buy from us because our prod- we have been making contacts. It is a fami- be able to train them on the right chemicals investors will be ready to invest in Nigeria. “Indians are ready to invest in the Nigerian ucts are of high quality and our prices are realy business. I hope to come back to Nigeria to use. It does not have to do with the quality market but the government must address sonable,” she said. of the cotton, ”he said. again. the problem of insecurity.”

Chemexcil, Others Partner Nigerians On Textile, Agric Products The Chinese produce based on customers’ request. It depends on local importers. The local importers want to earn money very fast. So they go to China to request for low quality products. The government in China is fighting this type of business. But our company is not selling bad products. We are dealing in quality products.

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 3, 2013 49

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

Mark

Tambuwal

Amachree

Discordant Tunes Over National Assembly’s Takeover Of Rivers Assembly Function From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt HE decision of the National Assembly to T invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended which empowers it to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has continued to elicit mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While some political analysts have lauded the federal lawmakers’ decision, the Felix Obuah-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party in Rivers State, the Ijaw National Congress and others have described the take over as rather too hasty. The former President, the Nigerian Bar Association, Onueze C. Okocha (SAN), told The Guardian that the National Assembly acted in keeping with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. According to him, the National Assembly has done what it was expected to do to prevent the state from descending into anarchy. “The decision is proper. It was clear to all of us that the Rivers State House of Assembly was having very serious difficulties, and was unable to meet and carry on its constitutional functions. Yes, it can work; and I hope it works. This is not the first time it has happened, and it is my hope that all concerned will act with a full sense of responsibility and ensure that no bottlenecks arise in governance, and that Rivers State continues to make progress,” he said. Also shedding light on the resolution by the National Assembly resolution, the Senator representing Rivers South-East, Senator Magnus Abe, explained that the action does not authorize the impeachment of the state governor on behalf of the State Assembly. “All the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, except the power of

impeachment, are now moved to Abuja. So it is now vested in the National Assembly. If you want to pass any law in Rivers State, you have to approach the National Assembly. If you want to do anything that the Rivers State House of Assembly is entitled by law to do, you have to approach the National Assembly. That is what it means,” he said. On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee commended the National Assembly for its intervention, describing the two resolutions as the only non-partisan decisions to ensure peace in Rivers State and diffuse the tension created by the crisis. He told The Guardian that the State Assembly had made concerted efforts to sit but this had not been possible because of the palpable fear that some persons might recruit thugs to invade the state legislature premises as they did after days after the lawmakers suspended the chairman of ObioAkpor Local Government council and 17 councilors said to be loyal to the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike. Kwanee explained that if the take over had not taken place and they had made further efforts to sit, there would have been loss of lives. According to him, the only reason why they were able to sit on July 9 to pass the averment to the 2013 Appropriation Law was

because the Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, had come to the Assembly with security agents attached to the Government House, Port Harcourt. He explained that the resolution of the National Assembly basically affects the act of lawmaking and all activities on the floor of the House. He pointed out that a situation where five persons will sit and say the Speaker has been removed implies that it is also possible for them to come back and sit and say the governor has been removed. “Remember, the governor went to court to say let the court grant an order that he should not be impeached illegally. So, if five members can sit and say Speaker is removed and the police fold their arms and watch, any other thing is also possible, including the five sitting to say, ‘governor, you have been impeached’ and maybe the next day you will see Police Commissioner Mbu with all his troops coming to say, ‘Amaechi, you have been impeached,” he said. The National Assembly’s resolution has however not gone down well the Obuah-led PDP faction in the state which recognizes Evans Bipi, who was purportedly elected by five of his colleagues as Speaker in a House of 32 member. For Mr. Jerry Needam who is the Special Adviser on Media to Obuah, the resolution of

Similarly, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has frowned at the many rash, ill-informed and ill-motivated comments in reaction to the ugly events in the Rivers State House of Assembly. It said the undue haste with which the House of Representatives, for instance, passed its resolution to take over the duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly, would seem like pouring fuel on fire in a bid to douse it

the National Assembly was rather hasty and not in the best interest of the Rivers State. According to him, the take over of the affairs of the State House of Assembly has created a vacuum in the governance of the state. Needam regretted that the highly reputed Nigerian Senate could go on to hastily deliberate on the issue when it knows that the matter is in court over an earlier decision by the National Assembly to take over the State House of Assembly, describing it as deviant and prejudicial. “From the position of the law as cited by the National Assembly, it’s evident that the only reason for their unnecessary intervention is to save Amaechi from a possible impeachment as though the impeachment clause is unconstitutional and affects only Rivers State House of Assembly. “Yet governor Amaechi has continued to claim to the high heavens that all the House of Assembly members save five, are his ardent supporters. Why then is he afraid of impeachment. “The unanswered question remains what interest these National Assembly members, and Amaechi’s friends have in Rivers State that they should close their eyes to all manner of atrocities and restiveness in their respective states and senatorial districts to want to proffer quick solution to the selfishly motivated crisis in Rivers State,” Needam Similarly, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has frowned at the many rash, ill-informed and ill-motivated comments in reaction to the ugly events in the Rivers State House of Assembly. It said the undue haste with which the House of Representatives, for instance, passed its resolution to take over the duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly, would seem like pouring fuel on fire in a bid to douse it.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

COVER Controversy Over National Assembly’s Takeover Of Rivers Assembly Function

NASS Takeover Of Rivers Assembly Makes No Difference, Say Nwogu

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 INC spokesperson, Victor Burubo, said the National Assembly should rather have brokered peace between the factions involved in the Rivers State political imbroglio. According to him, this may require taking the extra-ordinary step of inviting all factions and some non-partisan groups to a neutral venue for a peace parley. The action of the House of Representatives not only amounts to an “impeachment” of the entire Rivers State House of Assembly in total negation of the spirit and letter of the often-quoted Section 11 sub section4 of the 1999 constitution, but is also the legislative equivalent of a state of emergency declared on Rivers State.” Burubo described the unruly conduct of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the ensuing physical combat in which dangerous weapons were used as unfortunate and that the INC condemns it in the strongest terms. He stressed that all the persons involved in the fracas have brought shame and odium upon the people of the state. “Congress hereby warns for the avoidance of doubt, that outsiders’ meddlesomeness and sinister manipulation of the situation in Rivers State to cause further mayhem will be resisted by the INC. The lives of Ijaw people and other citizens of Rivers State are more valuable than the greedy calculations of political adventurers from outside the state. We are not ignorant of the devices of those who wish to grab political power and the resources of Rivers State and other Niger Delta states by pretending to be crusading for democracy, rule of law and due process” he added. Former Petroleum Minister, Professor Tam David-West, has advocated that the five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly whose failed attempt to oust the leadership of the legislature, should be tried for treason. He said the Inspector General of Police will be deemed to be taking sides in the crisis if he fails to take into account the actions that elicited the reaction of Lloyd who is accused of slamming a colleague with a fake mace that was smuggled into the legislative chambers by five members. According to him, the confidence of the people of Rivers State in the Police has drastically waned with the role being played by the State Police Command in the political crisis. “What they (five lawmakers) have done is treasonable and I know that they will not have the audacity to breach the constitution without the assurance of the presidency and the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike. The five lawmakers should be rounded up and charged for treason,” he said.

Kelechi Nwogu, representing Omuma Constituency 1 and one of the five antiAmaechi lawmakers, spoke to ANN GODWIN in Port Harcourt. OW do you look at the decision of the National H Assembly in taking over the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly? For me, the move by the Senate and the House of Representatives does not make any difference, because it is not going to affect me in any way. A situation whereby you want to make contributions during debates in the house and you are not allowed, a situation where I have been denied of my allowances and approvals for my constituency projects, then what is new in the resolution. Five of us have been denied the privilege accorded to other members in the house, so I feel the resolution will not affect me because we are used to it. If the decision would not affect you, what about the governor, don’t you think it may affect his performance? For instance, if the Rivers State Government needs little approval, should he be waiting for the Senate and the House of Representatives? I also do not think the takeover of the state Assembly by the National Assembly will affect the governor in any way, because he has played some vital roles in pushing for the resolution. I have to state here that I do not have any personal grievance with the Governor, what happens is when people want to buy favour, they play any game without minding the consequences. But there is an allegation that you ordered a police officer to shoot the governor during his appearance in the chamber? The allegation is by the opposition members and those that do not have the interest of the State at heart. If you look at the video, all you can see is the governor, his Chief Security Officer and the orderlies.

The truth is that the Governor’s CSO does not have any defence to use against me so the framed up the lies. There is no way a civilian like me will order a police officer to shoot the governor. Nigerians should look at the whole video and judge. Chidi Lloyd in his interview said I ordered the officer to shoot the governor’s convoy, while Victor Amadi, in his own interview said, I ordered the officer to shoot the governor. So, which is the truth? That is enough evidence to show that it is a mere allegation, there is no truth in it. One of the resolutions of the National Assembly is the transfer of the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu. But your group seems to be at home with him? I am worried about the continuous call for the transfer of the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Mbu. For me, the call is not necessary and unwarranted. Mbu was neither the state Police commissioner when corps members were kidnapped severally nor when people attempted to assassinate the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyeson Wike. He was also not the commissioner of Police when a woman and her baby were killed. So, the call for his transfer will not mean well for the people. Since Mbu’s assumption of office, the security situation in the state has improved. So, I see no reason why people should call for his removal. One assumes that you desire that normalcy, peace and unity return to Rivers. How can we achieve that? Yes, Rivers State should seek peace. I do not have any thing against the governor and will not. What is happening now is a wind of change, there is life after here and more to life after politics. Politicians should drop their personal pursuit and have the interest of the State at heart. The issue of zoning should also be put Nwogu to an end; it is not good for democracy.

NASS Action A Masterstroke That Nipped A Possible Loss Of Life In The Bud, Says Brown The Chairman of the Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Information and Communication, Mr. Onari Brown, welcomed the intervention of the National Assembly.

the situation critically? It is not hasty; it is proper, because a stitch in time saves nine. A goat does not give birth in tethers where there are elders. As former United States President Ronald Reagan put it this way, ‘I know it is a hell of challenge but ask your-

O you see the decision by the D National Assembly to take over the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly as an affirmative step in managing the crisis rocking the State Assembly? The events of the 9th of July, this year, when the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened for the 3rd Session of the 7th Assembly are no longer news. A plethora of videos fill our social media. Although the House finally sat, deliberated and passed the amendments to this year’s Appropriation Law. It was the amazing grace of God that saved a bloodbath worse than what is now common knowledge. As disheartening as the takeover of the legislative functions of the House by the National Assembly is, one sees it as a masterstroke that nipped a possible loss of life in the bud. It is an opportunity for all members to have a common agenda and jettison parochial pursuit for the good of Rivers people. Some persons are of the view that the decision is hasty, as there was need for the National Assembly members to set up a joint committee to look at Brown

selves, if not now, when? If not us, who?’ Don’t you think the development may slow down the performance of the state government, considering that it has to go to the National Assembly for almost approvals and the time that it entails?

For now, there is no alternative to that. But I do not foresee unnecessary delays on the part of the National Assembly. The Governor may not even have a need to go there if we can quickly put our house in order. The legislature is a veritable arm of government that is crucial to good governance. It sure can’t be the same without the House. However, the fact that there is an Appropriation Law and that some laws that have direct bearing on performance have been passed will go a long way in mitigating the effects. What are your fears if the situation lingers? It is in the hands of members and all well meaning Nigerians to quickly resolve the issues tearing the Assembly apart. The National Assembly should also take immediate steps to address the issues raised in the course of their investigation. Are you really worried about the uproar and what should be the way forward? There has never been such divide in the House of five versus 27. The Felix Obuah led PDP brought this through their misguided suspension. The Abuja Judge never sent them on a mission of excision, sectional cleansing or confusion. Why the invasion of the House? They should leave the House alone. The issue of security of the Assembly is also key. The House Committee on Local Government should as soon as our powers are restored, be allowed to conclude investigation on the Obio/Akpor matter. The blockade of the Council has been the stumbling block.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

COVER

‘National Assembly Intervention In Rivers Assembly Crisis Saved Lives The Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Leyii Kwanee, told KELVIN EBIRI in Port Harcourt, that if the National Assembly had taken over the functions of the State Assemby and they had made efforts to sit amid the tense situation, there would have been lost of lives.

ed noticing the division and there after the Obio-Akpor matter. I also feel that some other bigger interest might have a part to play in all these. Maybe as we nearing 2015, people may be interested in positioning who will takeover from Amaechi. It borders basically on interest. Interest which I consider to be selfish and not looking at the whole state in its totality because you can give it to the present governor that he has tried in terms of developmental stride.

Was the takeover of the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the National Assembly not hasty? HE framers of the 1999 constitution envisaged a situation where what transpire on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly on that fateful day will occur and that actually informed the vision behind that provision. As an insider and somebody that saw it all, I don’t see it as being hasty in any form. It is a welcomed development. In the State Assembly, we have made persistent effort to sit and we have not been able to sit and for every attempt at sitting, it has been one form of crisis or some thugs being brought into the Assembly premises to disrupt sitting. Don’t also lose sight of the fact that it is not just taking over the functions of the Assembly, they also went a step further by saying that the present Police Commissioner should be removed or sent on transfer immediately out of the State because he seems to have been the brain behind the facilitating of those thugs getting into the premises of the Assembly for every of our sitting. If the takeover has not taken place and we have made further effort to sit, God forbid, but there would have been lost of lives. Lives are very treasured and we should not do a thing that will make us lose the life of any Nigerian or Rivers person at this point in time. But after the fracas the House still sat? We sat but for how long do you think we need the coverage from security from the Government House. Don’t forget that the deputy governor of the state came with his whole lot of security men. That was the only thing that assisted our sitting if not, fracas would have also ensued. And if you were around the Assembly that day you could see the acclaimed speaker, Evans Bipi giving order from the gallery in the presence of policemen watching. But for the security men from Government House sitting could not have been possible also on that same day. Did you envisage the National Assembly intervention at the inception of this crisis? That was not on our mind. We never knew it will degenerate to this point but like I have stated severally, the problem is not just a Rivers problem, it is a Nigerian problem. With them, National Assembly stepping in, it has arrested the level of unrest in the State legislature. We never expected that they will step into the crisis, but it is a welcome development. But some people have argued that it is a setback for the State? You see, in life there are always moments when you have to sit and take stock of what you have done. I think for us as a House it is a period of somber reflection for us to sit back and look at all the issues holistically and see where we may have gone wrong. Don’t also forget that with the calm that is coming in now, maybe before the National Assembly resumes in September, this problem would have been over. I don’t think it is going to take too long for the issues to get settled. A lot of Nigerians have shown interest. You must have also read in the papers that the Governor of the State and Mr. President have started talking. So, sooner or later, we will be back to the business. What are the real issues that precipitated the crisis rocking the Assembly? In every situation there are always interest. I thought we were together as one until the issue of the vote of confidence on the Governor came in, that was when we start-

Will the House ever work harmoniously whenever it reconvenes? There are no wounds that time does not heal. I believe that in the process of time all the wounds will be healed. We the 27 on the other side we have started making moves to reach out to the other parties because we see ourselves as brothers. That was why I was very shocked when I listened to the member representing one of the Port Harcourt constituencies, Victor Ihunwo saying that the Deputy Leader has been too empathic on the Leader of the House and has not created time to visit Hon. Michael Okechukwu Chinda. Efforts are being made to reach to the other five so that we can come back together as a whole. Will that ever be possible considering the deep animosity that exists? It is very possible. I believe it is very possible because we have to make them see reason why we have to work together. It is not about ourselves, it about the interest of the average Rivers’ person. It is about creating the conducive environment that will allow the governor deliver on all his electoral promises. If the Assembly is not together as one, he will find it difficult to construct more roads, build more schools, more health centres and provide conducive life for the average Rivers person. I believe they are going to see reason beyond their own personal interest and look at the interest of the generality of Rivers people. What I want to do is to encourage all of us to learn from the lesion that has transpired. If we learn the proper lesson we should be able to manage ourselves and live harmoniously. At least, if we are not able to reproduce the Amaechi Assembly, because that still remains a model, we should be able to get to something close to it. By the grace of God, I think it is possible because some of us are involved. I am not a pessimist. With our prayers so far, I am sure this matter will be resolved before the Senate resumes in September. I have stated earlier that even in a family house, members are bound to have disagreement and it depends on how the disagreement is managed, otherwise it can escalate.

Evans Bipi had insisted that more than five persons participated in the purported impeachment of the Speaker. Can you confirm this? If he has his facts, he should bring it to the public glare. I challenge him to that. If he has such facts, he should bring up for us to see. It is not all about making claims that does not exist. Are members discontented with the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree leadership style to warrant an impeachment? Perception is not always veridical, it does not conform to objective reality most of the time. You are bound to see things differently. I am bound to see things differently. Well, Amachree has been in the House from 1999 till date and you will believe with me that experience is the best teacher. He is a very experienced lawmaker and experiences are not gotten with money. It takes time to get experience and I believe he is an experienced lawmaker. What is the implication of the National Assembly intervention?

Kwance

If the takeover has not taken place and we have made further effort to sit, God forbid, but there would have been lost of lives. Lives are very treasured and we should not do a thing that will make us lose the life of any Nigerian or Rivers person at this point in time

it is also possible for them to come back and sit and say the Governor has been removed. The intendment of the constitutional provisions in times like this relates to act of lawmaking, activities on the floor of the House is completely removed. Members can still go about with their oversight functions and other administrative works. Don’t forget that legislation goes beyond making laws. These are also period for us to do very extensive constituency outreach programme so that we can be in This basically affects the act of lawmaking touch with the various local communities. and all activities on the floor of the House. A Did the five lawmakers plan to impeach the situation where five persons will sit and say Governor? the Speaker has been removed implies that I will not say that but if you remember the

Governor went to court to ask the court to grant an order that he should not be impeached illegally. So, if five members can sit and say Speaker is removed and the police fold their hand and watch, any other thing is also possible including the five sitting to say Governor you have been impeached and maybe the next day you will see Commissioner Mbu with all his troops coming to say Amaechi you have been impeached. Because in one of the radio programme one of the callers said Otelemaba has been impeached, if he does not like it, let him go to court and challenge it. So, all of these are possible. People will say oh our democracy is still growing and but you were around when five persons sat and impeached a Speaker in a House of 32 members. They claimed that the Speaker was impeached and you have also told me that Evans claimed that over 22 persons signed the impeachment letter. So, any claim could also have been made concerning the removal of the governor. Are you really convinced that there are no treacherous members amongst the 27 proAmaechi lawmakers? I have challenged Evans Bipi if he has evidence he can bring it to the public let all of us look at it together. If he claims that more than five on his side, I doubt much if he has more than five.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

COVER

‘National Assembly’s Take Over Of Rivers State Assembly Was Hasty’ Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Rivers State chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Aguma told The Guardian that the National Assembly was hasty in its decision to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly. From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt What is your view on the take over of the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the National Assembly? IRST, Section 11 (4) of the 1999 Constitution permits them to do so upon the occurrence of the contingency in Section 11(5) of the same constitution. That contingency is that the House of Assembly is unable to meet and perform its deliberative roles. I have two problems with that, with regards to the Rivers State issue and I say so purely as a legal practitioner and objective person. First, the incident that precipitated the take over occurred on July 9. There were two sets of incidents. The first was the alleged impeachment of the Speaker and the emergence of a new Speaker. The second incident was that subsequent to the alleged impeachment there was also a sitting, where the alleged impeached Speaker presided. So, it is difficult in such a circumstance to say that the Rivers State House of Assembly is incapable of sitting or performing its function because they did actually sit on the 9th July from what we saw on the television and they passed an averment to the Appropriation Law of 2013. We don’t know what the content of the law is but that very act in my opinion, I might be wrong subject to better views, that subsequent sitting defeats the provisions of Section 11 (5) therefore calling into question the operation of Section 11 (4) by which they took over the running of the House. That is one aspect of it. So, to that extent, I am a little bit worried as to the act in view of the fact that it does not appear that the contingency in Section 11(5) has been met because the House actually sat after that event. Secondly, this is a bigger problem that I have. I have read the provisions and I wonder if Section 11(4) can actually come into effect upon the concurrence of the Senate and the House of Representatives without a presidential assent as a bill. Because in my humble view, those two resolutions, that of the House and the Senate, are mere resolution that are directory. They are persuasive. For completeness, there ought to be an enacted bill stating why they are taking over and signed by the president and that will be the law to form the basis upon

which they can validly now take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These are the two objections I have to the actions of the National Assembly which is within their constitutional power to do and if they believe it is in the interest of legislation, good governance and the wellbeing of Nigerians. In a situation where two persons were laying claim to the position of Speaker, won’t you concede that the National Assembly took a proactive step to forestall chaos? I really don’t think so unless there are more things that are happening within the House of Assembly that we outsiders are not privy to. I say so because on the very day that all these things took place, there was a meeting and there was not any additional violence. At least the pictures we saw in the subsequent meeting was a peaceful meeting where the Deputy Governor was in attendance, where deliberations took place and where they said they came out with a new law amending the Appropriation Law. So it is going to be difficult for me to be convinced that any subsequent meeting would have been any different from the one in which the bill was amended. But these are all conjectures, no such a thing has taken place and we don’t know what will happen. But while the Deputy Governor was at the House that fateful day, there was still disturbance. The pictures I saw of the attendance on television of the Deputy Governor presenting the bill inside the House was peaceful. I don’t know about the outside. And if it was rowdy, I wonder how the Appropriation Act would have been amended in a rowdy situation unless they are saying they did not sit effectively to amend the law. But if they sat effectively and they amended that law, I think that defeats the whole further argument of rowdiness. Invariably you are saying that the National Assembly was hasty in its decision? I want to sincerely believe that there was a little bit of haste in it. However, they are the ones in governance, they are the ones who have access to various security reports which I as a private legal practitioner I do not have. I don’t know what could have informed their decision but if look at it empirically, that yes, there was some fracas at the beginning, that yes after the fracas there was a sitting where mileage was gained from the fact that the Appropriation Bill was amended, I will say it was a little bit hasty, although on the other side of it is what some people may say is pre-

Aguma

vention is better than cure. Is it valid for five lawmakers in a House comprising of 32 lawmakers to impeach a Speaker? It is impossible for five people to impeach a Speaker in a House of 32 members if the other 27 don’t concur. It is absolutely impossible. So, if there is no palpable fear of concurrence from any other person outside the five, I don’t see what the fear is because they will remain a minority. But if the fear is if you let these five guys in, probably there are other people who have not declared where they stand and will probably hide under them to achieve what the five want. Then that is a different matter, that is political issue not a legal issue and I am not in a position to comment on those ones. What is your reaction to the fracas that broke out in the chambers of the State Assembly on July 9? I don’t think anybody will make anything good out of it no matter what. We are all civilized people. We are all

gentle men and I believe they are all honourable and I believe that even those engaged in the fight will not think that what happened was right. Will the National Assembly intervention restore peace in the state Assembly? I have always believe that one cannot solve a problem by ignoring the fundamental causes of that problem. I am sure that members of the House and the leadership of the party understand what the problems are. The National Assembly take over as far as I am concerned, is more like trying to create a truce, an atmosphere for eventual resolution of whatever the issues are. They are not intractable. So, I do not see how the resolution of the issues and the take over of the House meet. One is a constitutional function, the other is an internal dispute within the House. So, I don’t know how the mere take over of the functions will resolve the dispute in the House because any day you tell them to sit, those dis-

putes might arise again. Doesn’t such makes the intervention cogent? I don’t see how that intervention will solve the problem that they say exist. What are these problems? I don’t know. To be honest with you, as a legal practitioner, I don’t even understand what the issues are. Is it the issue of the constitutional right to take over or is the issue the problem in the House? I know the National Assembly does not have any constitutional role to act as a mediator in a dispute in a House of Assembly. What they have is to make laws if a House of Assembly is incapable of performing its functions. If they take over those functions when the House is incapable of performing its functions, I do not see how that translates into resolution of disputes in the House. Those are independent matters that stand at parallel lines.

‘The Takeover Was In Line With The Provision Of The 1999 Constitution As Amended’ Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN) speaks on the decision of the House of Representatives to take over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly. From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt What is your view on the decision of the National Assembly to takeover the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly?

T was in line with the provisions of the Idone Constitution. The National Assembly has what it was expected to do, and we, the Peoples of Rivers State and residents will pray and hope that we do not suffer any reversals. Is the decision proper and not too hasty? The decision is proper. It was clear to all of us that the Rivers State House of Assembly was having very serious difficulties, and was unable to meet and carry on its constitutional functions. Yes, it can work; and I hope it works. This is not the first time it has happened, and it is my hope that all concerned will act with a full sense of responsibility to ensure that no bottlenecks arise in governance, and that Rivers State continues to

make progress. Don’t you envisage that the move can slow down the state governments’ performance? Yes, it can; but we must hope that it does not slow down the pace of governance. What are the fears if the decisions lingers more than expected? I sincerely hope that the situation does not linger on, and that normalcy is quickly restored. What is the way forward? The way forward is for the members to quickly resolve their differences, and settle all pending controversies. Once they can do so, I have no doubt in my mind that they will be able to convince the National Assembly to allow them resume their legislative duties and other functions. Okocha

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

COVER

NASS Is Right, But …, Says Activist Technically, Senate and the House of Representatives were right in their decision but their resolution lacked in-depth analysis, a human right lawyer, Idaye Opi spoke with ANN GODWIN in Port Harcourt. How do you interpret the decision of the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly? Y reaction is simple; I will say the Section 11 sub section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows the National Assembly to do what they have done. If you read that section very well, it says when the State Assembly is unable to carry out the functions and it’s obvious that for several months, the state Assembly in Rivers State has not been able to carry out its functions. But technically, you can say they were right to do what they have done but then on the other side, one would have looked at a situation where some more caution would have been involved, in-depth analysis, trying to see what can be done to salvage the situation, for me there is a rush in the whole thing. We all know that there is a rush, especially in the House of Representative. They did not bother to do any fieldwork, they just passed the resolution but the Senate was a bit more careful. The proper thing to have been done was that, the joint house should have formed a committee to look into what is happening in Rivers State, talk to the both side, see if they can settle the matter, when they can’t, then they can invoke section 11 but for them to invoke Section 11 they way they did, it was not proper because the conditions are there. For instance, the way president Goodluck Jonathan declared state of emergency, I like it; he did not just rush at that. He consulted, he talked to people; he spoke with stakeholders. This provision in section 11 is the last resort after all these things have been done. You don’t say because a legislator is not sitting for weeks and you rush in there, no, it can only be done when you have explored other means. Just like what President Goodluck Jonathan did, unlike what former President Olusegun Obasanjo did. Obsanjo just woke up one morning and declared a state of emergency and even removed the governors, which is not constitutional. So, technically they are right but one would have expected them to go deeper into the matter before taking the resolution.

Can this really work; do you envisage a situation where this development will affect the performance of the state governor? Yes, it will work because the provision says all laws made by them will be seen as the law made by the state. Anything the Rivers State legislature can do, they can do it but the only thing they cannot do is to impeach the governor or his deputy, which is one of the reasons things are playing out this way. Let me quote Section 11, Subsection 4 of the constitution: “At anytime when the House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a house of Assembly can make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to the section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State. Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office.” I do not belong to any of their camp; I am just watching the way every other person is watching, but the development is like using one stone to kill two birds. There is going to be challenges like delays in approvals and all that because I do not see the National Assembly members coming down here, but these days where one can send message online, it can help but I see bureaucracy all over but it is better than allowing the crisis to continue. What they have done is okay but I am saying they acted in haste. They are in order, but it is better than a State Assembly that is not working. If this lingers, what are the consequences to the economy? In the interest of democracy, they should make it as snappy as possible to get back the House working. Nothing is free in Freetown, these National Assembly members will get some remuneration for the extra job they may be doing and we are also paying the state legislators for the functions we elected them and they are not doing. Honestly, it is not a healthy situation; it is not their fault, however. So, I crave the indulgence of everybody to resolve this issue so that we can have a normal situation. What we have in Rivers now, is legislative emergency. An emergency is an emergency no matter the level. So, the earlier you resolve it and have normalcy, the better. You cannot deny them their pay

because most of them are willing to work but they cannot work, we have a lot of them in the National Assembly who are not working but they receive their salary. I know most of the national lawmakers who sit down from year to year without contributing to any matter at all, yet they receive their salaries and allowances. Are you worried? Frankly speaking, The Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Chibuke Amaechi are playing with Rivers people. I am not saying Amaechi is right or Nyesom is right but I think both of them are wrong. Amaechi went and removed an elected local government chairman. He does not have that right under the constitution, which made it clear that anybody who is elected cannot be removed by another elected person. One single man cannot remove a man who people queued up and voted for just as President Jonathan does not have the right to remove Amaechi. Also, if Amachi has done something wrong, I don’t see why there must be a gang up, Amaechi today is a world personality because of democracy and you gain nothing by destroying him. Those five persons in the Assembly who ganged up to remove the speaker and the governor are also mad. You cannot do that and the person who went and broke somebody’s head is not a lawmaker. He is a tout and the annoying thing is that these people have gotten so much from the system and they want to destroy the system that fed them. What they are doing is tan-

tamount to defecating into the very well they drank from. Wike has failed in his duty, what is he doing in Rivers State every time when the education system is in shambles? As I speak to you, there is no education in this country, where is the education, is it the one students are being asked to pay for handouts without lectures, education where all the big men will take their children abroad for schooling? Think of the private schools that collect as high as N500,000 for school fees without facilities except computer, they do not have play ground. The public schools have everything; they have play ground, it is just to revitalise them, but no body cares. What advice do you have for the people? The difference between human beings and animals is that human beings disagree and reconcile, but animals when they disagree, they kill each other. So, any human being who has done something wrong should come together and reconcile and let’s move forward.

Opi

‘NASS Acted Objectively And In Tandem With The Constitution’ Human rights lawyer, Ken Atsuwete told ANN GODWIN in Port Harcourt that the National Assembly’s takeover of the functions of the Rivers State Assembly following the crisis that engulfed it was in the best interest of the people and the state. Is the National Assembly takeover of the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly appropriate? HE National Assembly acted objectively and it is in the best interest of Rivers State and Nigeria that they take over the functions of Rivers Assembly. Furthermore, it is in tandem with the constitution. Remember, we also have national legislators from Rivers State. It is their role to ensure that the governor is swiftly granted the legislative privileges that are accorded him as if it is the Rivers

state assembly that is at work. Since this is a special circumstance, as all such issues from the Rivers State government and Governor Chibuike Ameachi should be accorded a special consideration and perhaps accelerated hearing. What is Atsuwete

your impression about the fracas and political upheaval in the state Assembly? The current political situation is an implosion borne out of lack to internal democracy in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and imposition of unqualified people as leaders. This situation could make or mar genuine democracy in the state if five members of the

assembly’s attempted removal of the current leaders are allowed by Rivers people and Nigerians at large. Also, the continued stay of the Police Commissioner, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, is contemptuous in view of the resolution of the senate that he be redeployed immediately. The Inspector General of Police may be acting out a script from his ultimate commander. This is the height of impunity and it is a flagrant one for that matter. Apart from security, are you worried about the consequences of this crisis to the economy, if it lingers? The economic and social life will be badly damaged and crippled. Lack of accountability, lack of good governance and denial of the people’s participation will

become more obvious than ever. Godfatherism will thrive in significantly. How do we move on from here? The way forward begins and ends with the President, who is the Commander in Chief and leader of the PDP, the political party, whose long-envisaged implosion is playing out in not only in Rivers State, but also in a lot of other states in Nigeria. The President is arguably the political figure-head in the Niger Delta where Rivers State is situated. There is no denying the fact that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is the head of all governors who cuts across political parties. It is his place as a father to invite all aggrieved parties for an amicable resolution of the impasse in Rivers State.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

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SHORT STORY “Come inside quickly with your son for treatment,” he said. Instantly, she rushed her son inside the docT was chaos, uproar and confusion that tor’s office and the doctor began treatment. Docparticular Monday afternoon at Matori tor Andrew called the attention of two other Street in Lagos as people took to their heels nurses and they tried all they could to revive the when a big, rabid dog went on rampage dying boy. Mrs. Ojuri started praying fervently with the aim of attacking and biting innowhen the life support machine was placed on cent people. The black dog was panting with Ariyo’s nose so that he could bounce back to life. slobbering jaws and barking fiercely like a The poor boy was in between life and death. She messenger of the devil from hell. People ran wept and wept, seeking divine intervention. for their dear lives. About four injections were given to him one As the dog advanced to the next street, a after the other. five-year-old boy who was playing in the Mrs. Ojuri felt her whole world was crashing front of his parent’s house, and was obliviright inside the hospital. And about five hours ous of the looming danger, became the first later, Ariyo started responding to treatment. His victim of the mad dog. It dog pounced on mum was overjoyed. She passed the night at the him and sank its poisonous teeth on the General Hospital with her ailing son by her side. boy’s thigh. Instantly, the dog left the poor His condition continued to get better gradually boy who had started bleeding and continand smile came to her face. ued its endless chase. In a twinkling of an The following day, around 12p.m, Ariyo was diseye, passersby and neighbours came to res- charged from the General Hospital and some cue the boy. drugs were given to his mum for her son’s good “Where are your parents?,” screamed an health. Mother and son went home that day elderly man. The boy was writhing in pain thanking God for His miraculous intervention. and was very weak. There was a deep gash One week later, there was commotion and on his right leg. He raised his left arm trouble again at Matori area. A 21-year-old man weakly and pointed towards where he lived. suddenly collapsed and started convulsing to the About three people ran inside the house to shock and dismay of passersby. People rushed alert the his parents. They were screaming hither and thither not knowing what to do. The that a young boy had been bitten by a rabid young man was well-dressed and holding a bag dog. The next minute, about eight people inside the house heeded the distress call and rushed out to see the cause of the pandemonium. Among them was the mother of the boy. It was a sad and pathetic sight to behold when she saw her child in a pool of his blood. She bent down instantly, with tears in her eyes, and carried lifted from the ground. “Oh, my son Ariyo!” she cried. “Don’t let Ariyo die…please don’t let him die…Where’s taxi? We must rush him to the hospital. Help! Help me…dear God! He’s my only son…dear God!” Mrs. Ojuri was in sorrowful tears as her son continued to bleed and was in a coma that eventful day. Sympathizers had rallied round her, looking for a taxi to take Ariyo to the hospital. As the grief-stricken woman wailed and wailed, a taxi appeared at the scene. People waived it to stop and the driver stopped in front of the troubled woman. “General Hospital! Please, take us to General Hospital! It’s an emergency,” she begged. In a jiffy, mother and child hurriedly entered inside the taxi and they headed for General Hospital. Mrs. Ojuri was carrying Ariyo on her laps and it seemed the young boy wouldn’t make it to the hospital because he had lost too much blood. She prayed and prayed to God to come to her rescue. About fifteen minutes later, Mrs. Ojuri was at the General Hospital. She got down from the taxi with Ariyo by her side and rushed him to the emergency ward. She was in a terrible state of mind. “Help! Help! My son is dying! Where’s the doctor?,” she screamed as she entered the emergency ward. “Heh woman, stop making noise here,” a bespectacled senior nurse shouted at her. “Go and queue and wait for your turn!” “Please, I beg you in God’s name, let me see the doctor quickly, my son is dying…I beg you…it’s an emergency…” she pleaded in tears. Ariyo’s leg had swollen heavily and his eyes were half-closed, suggesting he was in a coma and could die any time. “Yee…Almighty God…help me…I have to see the doctor fast! His leg is getting bigger and bigger, please nurse…don’t let him die,” she begged. Senior nurse Patricia was now very angry and highly exasperated. She fumed: “What the hell do you want and who do you think you are? Take away your son and come back next week! I don’t give a damn!” Then she walked away, leaving Mrs. Ojuri to her fate. The troubled woman ran her fingers desperately through her hair, wondering why the nurse treated her badly despite the condition of her dying son. “No…no…no…don’t do this to me…don’t let my only son die!” she cried, sobbing like a kid. Ariyo was about giving up the ghost. But as fate would have it, the doctor on duty strolled out of his office and saw Mrs. Ojuri crying, with her dying son on her laps.

By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855)

containing his laptop computer when he was gripped by fits of convulsion. “Help! Help! What shall we do?” screamed sympathizers and passersby as it looked as though the young man would die. From all indications, it seemed the young man was not residing in that area. People were really worried. Water was splashed on his face and body but this didn’t revive him. It actually dawned on people that the unknown young man would definitely die. People looked helplessly as the man rolled on the ground while suffering from the deadly spasm of convulsion. Some concerned sympathizers were so touched by the man’s condition that they didn’t know when tears of streamed down from their eyes. Just then, a woman appeared at the scene holding a tin of milk and cold water. She rushed towards the young man, bent down and raised his head a little. Then, she gently him the milk and water to drink. Not quite long after, as the milk settled inside his tummy, relief came and he felt better. He stood up, now stronger and healthier. “Thank you ma,” the young man said, full of gratitude. He dusted his bag and wiped his mouth with his right hand. “What’s your name and where are you going?,” the woman him. “My name is Benjamin Adedeji. I’m a final year student of Lagos State University and I’m

A Black Monday

studying Computer Science. Thank you for your help. If not for you, Iwould surely have died, just like that. I’m coming from a friend’s place and heading for campus. God bless you ma”. “Just thank God for His mercies,” the light-skinned woman replied, and bade him farewell. It was a day like every other day. People were going about their normal businesses without fear or anxiety. Benjamin Adedeji was profuse with thanks for the mystery woman who saved his life the previous day that he took along his mum and dad to particular area to show their gratitude for the umpteenth time. But it turned out to be a day of great surprises, reckoning and revelation. Benjamin was happy and excited to introduce his mum to the mystery woman. It became a most shocking scenario as Benjamin’s mum turned out to be the inhuman Nurse Patricia working at General Hospital and the mystery woman was Mrs. Ojuri, whose kid almost died barely a week ago, if not for the intervention of a kind-hearted doctor. Nurse Patricia was dumbfounded. The shock and shame was too much for her frame to bear. She was just sweating and speechless. She didn’t know the right word to say for a long while. Her husband, Mr. Adedeji, was confused for his wife’s inability to say something. He wondered at the unfolding drama! “I’m so sorry the way I treated you a week ago…please forgive me…thanks for saving my son’s life,” Nurse Patricia managed to say. “May God forgive you…you should know there’s always a reward for good and bad things done in life…it’s a small world,” Mrs. Ojuri said softly. “D’you know this woman?,” Mr. Adedeji asked his very sober wife. “Yes. I’ll explain better when we get home,” she replied. Nurse Patricia left feeling remorseful for her unwholesome and wicked disposition.

| 55

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 3, 2013

TRANS ITION

James Ogboko Edewor, Five Years After

Edewor By Obire Onakemu HE late Chief (Dr) James Ogboko Edewor (JP) was an icon of all T times and a quintessential personality. He was a man who at an early age stood tall among his contemporaries and peers as a glowing symbol of all that is desirable in life. He was a distinguished man who lived an equally distinguished life. He was born on October 21, 1923, into the illustrious family of the late Chief Ogboko Edewor of Eku and the late Mama Onorievbe Ikokodje of Samagidi, Kokori, in the present Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. He had the title of Olokun of Eku, which he renounced after committing himself wholly to the service of God and mankind. In its place, the Anglican Church, Eku, honoured him as the Omor’vie R’urinrin of Urhoboland. From a rural and very humble beginning in Eku, the late Edewor grew into immense fame and affluence. He lost his father at an early age but he made it with the love and support of her

mother who took him to Warri to begin a new life under the care and tutelage of his uncle, Pa Akpoteheri Edewor, a veritable merchant. He learnt the ropes of the trade between 1932 and 1939. Edowor started formal education late in life. He attended St. Andrew’s (CMS) School, Warri, where one Mr. Ugokwe was the Headmaster. A strict disciplinarian, he noticed the potentials of the young Edewor and made him the senior prefect of the school in his final year. He effectively carried out his duty and was feared by students and also earned the respect of his teachers. Edewor commenced his own business in timber and rubber in 1948 and remained in the business until 1950. In 1951, he joined textile trade and had become so established in the trade in 1964 that he started to add other types of businesses to his stable. Through his association with the United African Company (UAC), he made contacts with some expatriates who identified his vision, business acumen and hard work. These encounters not only broadened his business but also increased his enlightenment and widened his world-view. This led to his first overseas business trip in August 1962. In 1964, he went into property development and became the owner of vast estates, shopping centres, industrial layouts, vast waterfronts and warehouses. In 1973, he established a factory for the extraction of palm kernel oil known as Edewor Vegetable Oil Company Limited, which was one of the largest in West Africa. Thereafter, the branch office of the Edewor Group was opened in Lagos and London in 1975. Between 1964 and 1988, the late Edewor became a shareholder and executive director of several companies. These include: Edewor International Limited, Edewor Timber Co. Limited, Edewor Vegetable Oil Co. Ltd, River Valley Hotel limited, Nigerian Services and Supply Co. Limited (NISSCO), Edewor Brewery Limited, West African Communications Co. Limited, Gulf Crane Services Nigeria Limited, Niger-Spain Nigeria Limited, and Ogboko Hotel, Eku. While making his mark in business, he also made his impact in politics. He was one of the pillars of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC), Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). Until his death, his love for politics remained but he was no longer into partisan politics. Rather, he became a father to all political persuasions. Between 1968 and 1970, he was the chairman of Western

Bona Nwokoleme Azorji, A Tribute By Olamide Olayiwola-Fadare HE late Lieutenant Colonel Bona Nwokoleme Azorji was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Onyeguzoro and Esther Orianu Azorji on May 14, 1940, at Umulolo village in Amator, Amuzu autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise Local Council Area of Imo State. He started elementary school the community in 1947 but left to stay with his uncle, Peter Eronduat, at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria in 1952. It was there that he completed his elementary education and enrolled in 1954 as the “first set of 30 boys” to be admitted as Boy Soldiers in the then Boys Company (now known as Nigerian Military School, Zaria). He excelled in the Boys Company and was one of three boys including Jeremiah Useni and Clifford Obilonu who were sent to the Apprentice College Harrogate, United Kingdom to complete their secondary education in 1957. At completion of his training as Electronics Technician, he returned to serve in the Nigerian Army Signals in 1960 and was immediately posted to see combat in Congo Brazzaville where he was engaged in providing technical support for the Nigerian contingent. On return, he took further technical training in Switzerland, Germany and France to become an Electronics Instructor at the Nigerian Army Signals Training School, Apapa, Lagos. He got married to Esther Iheoma Azorji in June 1965, and continued to serve the Nigerian Army until late 1966 when the drums of the Nigerian civil

Azorji war started. He fought for Biafra until its surrender in May 1970. He was subsequently reabsorbed into the Nigerian Army and remained in the rank of Staff Sergeant until he was commissioned a Lieutenant in 1974. As an officer, he was well known and liked for his knowledge and teaching abilities as an Instructor at the training school and as a Staff Officer at the Army Signal Headquarters. He proceeded to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1975 to acquire a Diploma in Electronics Engineering. On completion in 1978, he was posted to the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL-5) as Deputy Chief Signal Officer. On return in 1981, he was moved to Three Armoured Division, Jos,

as Commanding Officer (CO) Signals Workshop. He later proceeded to Command and Staff College, Jaji, as a member of CSC-5 in 1982/83 and graduated in flying colours. His next posting was as Staff Officer (SO 1), Systems and Planning until July 1984 when he became Commanding Officer of 521 Brigade Headquarters and Signals of 4 Brigade Benin City. He also doubled as Chairman of the Bendel State Special Investigation Panel (SIP) that investigated corrupt politicians after the collapse of the Second Republic. He remained in the position until the end of 1986 when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The high point of his Military career was his posting as CO, Giwa Project, Ikoyi, where he was charged with providing

communications for the Head of State in and out of the country, where he remained until December 1987 when he retired from the Nigerian Army after 33 years of meritorious service. He received many medals in the course of his military career including the Distinguished Service Medal in Congo and at the UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon. Although retired from the Army, Bona was not tired and as such was appointed an Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC Customs). He was AC-Administration in Kaduna State from 1989 to 1992 when he became AC-Zaria Unit. He served there until 1995 when he was posted to Lagos as Assistant Comptroller, Apapa Port, Lagos, a position he held until 1998 when he resigned. A devout Christian, he was an active member of SS Peter and Gabriel Arch-Angels Catholic Church in Satellite Town, Lagos. He was inducted into the Order of Knights of Saint Lumumba. The late Bona was as a respected community leader in his hometown and the Amuzu Community Association in Lagos as well as the Ijegun Egba Landlords Association. He was a very kind, considerate, disciplined and progressive personality who always brought purpose and happiness to whatever he laid his hands on. Bona gave a good account of himself in all aspects from his career, family and community life. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Urhobo District Council with the Headquarters at Orerokpe. He was also member, Bendel Development and Economic Recovery Advisory Council (BDERAC); member, Federal Government Board of Revolving Loans for Industry (1962-1964); and Director and shareholder, Niger Pool Co. Limited (1963-1966). In appreciation of his generosity and philanthropy, several titles and awards were bestowed on him. He was the Olukun of Eku, the Obarisi of Urhobo land, the Olorogun of Ewu clan, the Olorogun of Olomu clan, the Olorogun of Jeremi clan, the Olorogun of Iyede, the Oloualogbo of Olomoro, and the Okakuro of Agbon. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace (JP) on December 1, 1989. He was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Business Administration by the City University Los Angeles, California, United States of America. Edewor was in deed one of the world’s most dynamic and successful entrepreneurs. He was a brilliant and inspiring leader who would forever live in the minds of his admirers especially his family members.

Tribute To My Grandmother, Anirejuoritse Elizabeth Olugbo Richard By Ahonaruogho

Oma

HILE growing up in Warri between 1961 and 1969, Grandma was MAMA to me. Aponto, Asameighor, Oritsegbubemi and Johnbull were the early names by which I was fondly called by Mama depending on whether I was being good or naughty, or a combination of both! Richard, given by my parents who were then sojourning in England, came much later, when I was to be enrolled in primary school. Aponto was when she was happy with me. When she called Aponto, I replied Apontoto, and she would be very happy and laugh heartily. Asameighor was for when I was dressed, usually in wrapper and shirt on Sundays for church, and in suit with tie for Christmas and New Year celebrations with brand new shoes from Bata (which one had to remove and walk bare footed soon afterwards). I was known to walk “majestically” and for “showing off like a lawyer!” Mama would then hail me – “Asameighor, O lori edema”. God knows, Mama knew I was born to be a lawyer! Oritsegbubemi was when Mama could not readily decide whether to be happy or angry with me. Usually, you heard “Gbu-be-miiiiiiiiiiiiiii”. I a n s w e r e d “maaaaaaaaaaaaaa”. Then followed her favourite English language expression – “damn silly can’t you”, meaning whatever you are doing, you stop immediately. I usually did, failing which I was spanked. Then comes Johnbull. This usually came with a question – “what has Johnbull done (again)?” Often, when I got into trouble from fights, the reason for the fights, I cannot readily recall, I would be brought home. Upon seeing the manner in which I had been apprehended by the collar, Mama would shout, “J-o-hn-b-u-l-l, you no go kill me o”. I never did. My father returned to Nigeria in 1968 and my mother in 1969. I was brought to Lagos by Mama in 1969 to live with them. But Mama was always there for me, even bringing me food at the University of Benin and praying for my success. She fondly called my wife Mojisola, “Egude meje”, literally meaning a beautiful

woman seven times over! An “apuja” reserved for a woman that is precious, presentable, dependable, respectful, dignified, trusted and honourable. Mama was full of love for everyone. She nursed her father, Pa Olugbo till the very end. She was there for her senior sister, Mama Kano, and indeed for her entire siblings and other relatives. She spoke very warmly and affectionately about her late mother, Mewe. Her home was a home for all. She was kind but strict and prayed several times daily. She loved God and His Church. She was exceedingly happy when she was made a Deaconess of the Christ Apostolic Church, the only Church that she attended throughout her lifetime. Mama was a beauty and very neat. She was very proud of her trade and content to be a trader in the dry fish business selling “kaka” (a.k.a.“bonga fish”) and crayfish, amongst others. Born to Pa Olugbo Ofuyaekpone of Ekurede Itsekiri and Madam Mewe Olugbo (Nee Owe) of Urhuoku Quarters in Eku, in 1913, Mama was “posted” to her husband, Pa Thomas Erikowa where she begat her only child, my mother, Ajua Oniyeyone Josephine Ahonaruogho some 74 years ago. Mama slept peacefully in the afternoon of Monday June 24, 2013, in the arms of her daughter, my mother, when death came calling. She was not afraid of death. She was calm. May Mama’s soul rest in peace,

Olugbo

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 3, 2013

Change of Name ADAMS: I formerly known as Miss Sonia Adams, now Mrs. Ehikioya Sonia. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. ADAMS: Formerly Miss Maryam Abidemi Adams now Mrs. Maryam Abidemi Adewoyin. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEITAN: Formerly Adeitan Adebimpe Omowunmi, now Mrs. Sosanya Adebimpe Omowunmi. Documents valid. Public note. ADEKUNLE: Formerly Miss Adekunle Olukemi Temitope now Mrs. Okwechime Olukemi Temitope. All former documents remain vlaid. General public note. ADELEYE: Formerly Miss Adeleye Adeola Fadekemi, now Mrs. Abayomi-Esan Adeola Fadekemi. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. ADENUGA: Former Miss Foluke Elizabeth Adenuga now Mrs. Foluke Elizabeth Adegbie. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEOGUN: Formerly Manam Adejumoke Adeogun now Manam Adejumoke Adegun. Public note. ADEOYE: Formerly Miss Adeoye Zainab Adeola, now Mrs. Tairu Zainab Adeola. Former documents valid. Public note. ADETOYE: Formerly Miss Adetoye Esther Adebukola now Mrs. Tomori Esther Adebukola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEWALE: Formerly Miss Adewale Adedamola Adefisayo, now Mrs. Ayegbokiki Adedamola Adefisayo. Documents valid. Public note. ADEYEMI: Formerly Adeyemi Esther Olukorede, now Mrs. Akintoye Esther Olukorede. Documents valid. Public note. ADUROJA: FORMERLY Miss Olufunke Abiodun Aduroja now Mrs Olufunke Abiodun Akanbi. Former Docu-

ments remain valid.

public note.

Public note.

AFOLABI: Former Afolabi Olabimpe Olajoke Owafunke now Mrs. Abraham Olabimpe Olajoke Owafunke. All documents valid. FIRO, public note.

ANEKE: Formerly Miss Aneke Ugochukwu Lilian now Mrs. Ezenwaji Ugochukwu Lilian. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

AYODELE: Formerly Miss Ayodele Sabinah Bukola now Mrs. Oluwabukola Sabinah Ibikunle. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AJAYI: Formerly call Ajayi Adebola now called Adu Adebola Felicia. All documents remain valid. General public note.

ANENE: Formerly Miss Anene Augustina Obianuju now Mrs. Agbai Augustina Obianuju. Former documents remain valid. Emzor Pharmaceutical, public note.

BADA: Formerly Miss Bada Omobolanle Kafayat now Mrs. BadaOdele Kafayat Omobolanle. Documents valid. OGSG Civil Service Commission, public note.

ANI: Formerly Miss Ani Chizoba Irene, now Mrs. Rotenna Chizoba Irene. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

BALOGUN: Formerly Miss Balogun Nurat Morenike now Mrs. Idowu Morenike Nurat. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKA: I, formerly known as Miss Aka Modinat Atinuke now Mrs. Ayodele Modinat Atinuke. All former documents remain valid. General public note. AKINOSHO: Formerly Oluwabusola Elizabeth Akinosho now Mrs. Oluwabusola Elizabeth Adeshola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKINTOLA: Formerly Akintola Kolawole Health Oluwakolawole now to be addressed and called Oluwakolawole Emmanuel. All documents remain valid. General public and UK Embassy should please take note. AKINWANDE: Formerly Miss Akinwande Khairat Abiola, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olaifa Khairat Abiola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKPOMUDJERE: I, formerly Miss Kohwo Joyce Akpomudjere now Mrs. Kohwo Joyce Ositebo. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ALKALI: Formerly Halima Bello Alkali now Halima Halliu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKPAN: Formerly Miss Itoro Ekan Akpan, now Mrs Itoro Ekan Ladesuyi. Former documents valid. Public note. AMELE: Formerly Amele Khadijat Olamiji now Amele Jimoh Khadijan Olamiji. LASU, LASIECH, general public note. AMORE: Formerly Miss Amore Victoria Ayobami now Mrs. Adebayo Victoria Ayobami. Former documents valid. ADO-ODO/OTA LGEA, OGUNSUBEBE,

ANICHE: Formerly Miss Aniche Ogechukwu Quinet, now Mrs. Okafor Ogechukwu Quinet. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANIFOWOSHE: Formerly Miss Anifowoshe Olaitan Sherifat now Mrs. Awolesi Olaitan Sherifat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANIEZE: Formerly Miss Jennifer Anieze Olise now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Jennifer Kingsley-Onyem. Former documents remain valid. Public please note. ANIKWUOLUM: formerly miss Anikwuolum Chika Emmanuela now mrs Onuebunwa Chika Emmanuela. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANIOKE: Formerly Miss Anioke Cynthia Chinenye, now Mrs. Agbo Cynthia Chinenye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANYANWU: Former Miss Joan Chikodi Anyanwu now Mrs. Joan Chikodi Kemas. Former documents remain valid. Public note. APALI: Formerly Apali Mary Ebele wishes to be addressed as Mrs Oseghale Mary Ebele. Former documents remain valid. General public take note ATOBATELE: Formerly Miss Funmilola Abiodun Atobatele now Mrs. Adekaiyaja Funmilola Abiodun. Former documents valid.

BADARU: Formerly Mr. Lateef Adio Badaru now Mr. Lateef Adio Amusat. All documents remain valid. Public note. BISIGA: Formerly Miss Bisiga Olamide Mary now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Akinsanya Olamide Mary. Former documents remain valid. General public note. BRIGHT: Formerly Mrs. Bright Oby Irene Ogonnaya now Miss Opra Ogonnaya. Former documents remain valid. Public note. BRIGHT: Formerly Olubunmi Oyedepo Bright now Mrs. Ruth Oluwabunmi Tinuola Adepoju. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHANGE OF FAMILY NAMES: OKONKWO: We the following family members formerly known as Okonkwo Cletus Chukwuemeka, Chioma Okonkwo, Adimora Chiamaka Judith, Adimora Onyinyechi MaryJane, Adimora Chinaza Emmanuela, Adimora Nechedo Jenniffer, Adimora Okonkwo Chimere Okonkwo Raphael now wish to be known and addressed as Cletus Adimora Okonkwo, Chioma Adimora Okonkwo, Chiamaka Judith Adimora Okonkwo, Onyinyechi MaryJane Adimora Okonkwo, Chinaza Emmanuela Adimora Okonkwo, Nechedo Jenniffer Adimora Okonkwo, Chimere Raphael Adimora Okonkwo. All docu-

ments bearing both names remain valid. Ministry of Education and general public take note. CHIKE: Formerly Ibegbu Chukwudubem Chike now Ibegbu Chukwunwike. Former documents remain valid. Financial/Academic Institution, NCS and public note COMFORT: I, formerly Comfort Ngozi now Mrs. Comfort Ngozi Iheme. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME: OMOREGIE: Monday Omoregie and Monlee Omoregie is one and the same person. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CYNTHIA: Formerly Miss Cynthia Ifeoma Ifeonu now Mrs. Dasgupta Ifeoma Ifeonu. All former documents remain valid. General public note. DAIGBE: Former Charity Chibuzor Daigbe now Mrs.Charity Chibuzor Aniemeke. Former documents remain valid. Union Bank Idiaraba, public note. DAVID: Formerly Miss Mary Bose David now Mrs. Mary Bose David Torogiwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EBELE: Formerly Miss Ebele Felicia Ekulide now to be addressed as Mrs. Ebele Felicia Ibuzo. Former documents valid. General public note. EGBEDI: Formerly Miss Comfort Ibikunle Iyabo Egbedi now Mrs. Comfort Ibikunle Iyabo Oguntuase. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EGESI: Formerly Miss J a a c h i m m a Ogadimma Egesi now Mrs. Nwabisi-Gerald Jaachimma Jasmine. All former documents remain valid. Abia State Ministry of Health. Public take note. EGONU: Formerly Miss Mabel Ifeanyichukwu Egonu now Mrs. Mabel Nwanosike. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EGUNTOLA: Formerl Mr Eguntola Ezekiel Gbenga, now Mr Olusesan Ezekiel Gbenga. Former documents valid. Public note. EHIGIATOR: Formerly Dr. Miss Ehigiator Ifueko Julia, now Dr. Mrs. Ojemolon Ifueko Julia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EJIKE: formerly miss Ejike Jennifer Ebere now Mrs IhuomaÂ Jennifer Tony. Former documents valid. Public take note. EKOMS: Formerly Ekoms Emmanuel Nnabuenyi, now Ekums Emmanuel Nnadiebube. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EMMANUEL: Former Mr. Madu Ikechukwu Emmanuel now Mr. Madu Neboth Oluchukwu. All documents valid. Public note. EMMANUEL: Formerly Miss Emmanuel Precious Uzoamaka .L. now Mrs Uchechukwu Precious Uzoamaka .L. Former documents valid. Public note. ENEBELI: Formerly Evelyn Chinyenum Enebeli now Mrs. Evelyn Chinyenum Adeigbe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ENEH: Formerly Miss Eneh Odera Sonia, now Mrs Odera Sonia Emma-Onyia. Former documents valid. Public note. ERNEST: I, formerly known and addressed as Ernest Odianosen now wish to be known and addressed as Richard Paul Odianosen. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. ESAN: Formerly Miss Esan Adenike Idowu Truth now Mrs Oyeyiga Adenike Idowu Truth. All former documents remain valid Public note. ESAN : Formerly Miss Opeoluwa Rolake Esan now Mrs Opeoluwa Rolake Oladokun-Kuforiji.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 3, 2013

Change of Name All former document remain valid Public note. ESIONYEABA: Formerly Miss Esionyeaba Ruth Eberechi now Mrs Christopher Ruth Eberechi. Former documents valid. Public note. ETEFIA: Formerly Miss Titilola Etefia now Mrs. Titilola Alfred Umoh. Former documents valid. Public note. EVUE: I, formerly known as David Akpobome Evue now to be known as Biye Omoevue. Former documents remain valid. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Nigerian Open University (NOUN), and general public note. EZEAGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeagwu Ifeoma Josephine now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emelobe Ifeoma Josephine. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. EZEAZUKA: Formerly Miss Jennifer Ogoo Ezeazuka now Mrs. Jennifer Ogoo Sarzilla. Former documents valid. Public note. EZE: Formerly Miss Eze Ukwuoma Felicia now Mrs Ukwuoma Felicia Nnaoma .V. Mbagwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZENWA: Formerly Miss Ezenwa Constance Chinwe now Mrs Onuigbo Constance Chinwe. Former documents valid. NYSC, public note. FABUSOLA: Formerly Miss Fabusola Oyinranti Esther now Mrs. Ajayi Oyinranti Esther. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FAGADE: I, formerly Fagade Adenike Kafayat now wish to be known as Arigbadu Adenike Teniola Kafayat. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FALASINNU: Formerly Miss Tolulope Funke Falasinnu, now Mrs Tolulope Funke Maurice-Ekpong. Former documents valid. Public note. FALEYE: Formerly Fal-

eye Babajide Daniel now Oluleye Olajide Daniel. All former documents remain valid. U.S.A., UK Embassy and public note. FAMUYIWA: Formerly Famuyiwa Oluwaseun Samuel now Joseph Oluwaseun Samuel. Former documents valid. Public note. FISHER: Formerly Kanwulia ‘KAN’ Fisher now Kanwulia ‘KAN’ Frances-Benedict. Former documents remain valid. Public note. GANIYU: Formerly Ganiyu Fatimo Omobolanle now Owoeye Faith Omobolanle. Former documents remain valid. SCB and public note. GBADEBO: Gbadebo Adebayo Opeyemi Oriyomi Isau Male. All documents bearing Gbadebo Adedayo Opeyemi, Gbadebo A d e d a y o Oriyomi.Gbadebo Adedayo Isau remain valid. General public note GIWA: Formerly GiwaOsagie Otaniyenuwa now Giwa-Osagie Faith Grace. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IBE: Formerly Miss Onyinyechi Ibe now Mrs. Onyinyechukwu Ibe Catherine AlexNtuka. Documents valid. Public note. IBITOYE: Formerly Miss Ibitoye Gbemisola Racheal now wish to be addressed and called Mrs. Ayantayo Gbemisola Racheal. General public should please take note. IDEHEN: Formerly Elena Okharedia Idehen now Elena Okharedia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IDOWU: Formerly known as Idowu Ibukunola Damilola now wished to be addressed as Olurin Ibukunola Damilola, All documents remain valid, public please note. IHEASI: Formerly known as Iheasi Happiness Agwabunma now to be known as Mrs. Ezeala Happiness Agwabunma N. Former documents remain valid. Fed Poly Nekede Owerri. ABSU, NECO, WAEC, GTBANK and general public note.

IHEDIGBO: I, formerly Miss Ihedigbo Chinegbomkpa Esther now wish to be known as Mrs. Oluremi Esther Chinegbomkpa. All former documents remian valid. Public note. IHEZIE: Formerly Miss Ngozi Assumpta Ihezie now Mrs Ngozi Sincere Soronnadi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IKE: I, formerly Miss Ike Ijeoma Charity now Mrs. Onyemara Ijeoma Charity. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Nekede and public note. IKIRIKO: I, formerly known as Carol Dans Ikiriko now wish to be known as. Mrs Carol Odiong Eneh. All Former documents remain valid. Public take note. IKWU: Formerly Miss Ikwu Afoma Akunna now Mrs. Ifediora Afoma Akunna Ifediora. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ILEABOYA: Formerly Miss Ileaboya Augustina Iziegbe now Mrs. Ikiebe-Ileaboya Augustina. Former documents valid. Public note. ILEBIYI: Formerly Miss Ilebiyi Olukemi Kehinde, now Mrs. Oju Olukemi Kehinde. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IMERI: Formerly Miss Imeri Grace Ezinne now Mrs. Grace Ezinne Chukwuma Kalu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IMHONLELE. Formerly Miss Felicity Imhonlele now Mrs. Felicity Imhonlele Ojieabu.All Former documents remain valid. Public note. ISMAILA: I, formerly Miss Ismaila Patience Sikemi now Mrs. Patience Sikemi Ogunwole. All documents remain valid. Public note. JEGEDE: Formerly Miss Tolani Olatoun Jegede now Mrs. Tolani Olatoun Atanda. Former documents remain valid. Connect Marketing Services, public note.

JOHN: Formerly Miss John Ladi Blessing now Mrs. Ladi Blessing Sunday Iwodi. Former documents valid. Public note.

Miss Nnaebue Perpetua Nwamalubia, now Mrs. Izuakor Perpetua Nwamalubia. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

LANGLEY: I, formerly Miss Valerie Adaobi Langley now Mrs. Valerie Ailenubhi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

NNOROM: Formerly Miss Roseline Chidinma Nnorom now Mrs. Roseline Chidinma Olehi. Former documents valid. Public note.

LASISI: Formerly Lasisi Monsuru Kunle now addressed as Samaad Dhool-Ikram Opeoluwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. LATEEF: Formerly Mrs. Lateef Fajoye Mudirakat Motunrayo now Miss Daramola Mudirakat Motunrayo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. LAZARUS: Formerly Lazarus Chris Ifeanyi now Uche Chris Ifeanyi. Former documents valid. Public note. MABINUOLA: Formerly Miss Mabinuola Taiwo Modupeola now Mrs. Adejare Taiwo Modupeola. Documents valid. OGSG Civil Service Commission, public note. MUSA: Formerly Miss Musa Sherifat Ozidawemi, now Mrs. Abdullah Sherifat. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. NASIRU: Formerly Miss Nasiru Modinat Olatinuke now Mrs. Oyerinde Victoria Olatinuke. Former documents valid. ADOODO/OTA LGEA, OGUNSUBEB, public note. NDEKA: Formerly Miss Ndeka Chidimma I, now Mrs. Chidimma Immaculate Okwuegbu. Former documents remain valid. General public note. NNADIKA: I, formerly known and addressed as Killy Clifford Okwonkwo Nnadika now wish to be known and addressed as Sir-Clifford Nnadika. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. NNADOZIE: Formerly Miss Nnadozie Ebere Lydia now Mrs Oparaji Ebere Lydia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NNAEBUE:

Formerly

NOSIRI: Formerly Miss Nosiri Mercedes Adaeze, now Mrs. Ukwunna Mercedes Adaeze. Former documents remain valid. General public note. NWANKWO: Formerly Miss Ijeoma Agom Nwankwo, now Mrs. Ijeoma Agom Igbo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWAODIKE: Formerly Miss Nwaodike Gift Onyinyechi now Mrs. Stephen Gift Onyinyechi. Former documents valid. Public note. NWOKE: Formerly Miss Joy Akudo Nwoke, now Mrs Joy Akudo Obi. Former documents valid. Public note. NWOKENAKA: Formerly Miss Nwokenaka Monica Nwabuisi, now Mrs. Nwandu Monica Nwabuisi. Former documents remain Valid. Public note.

Veronica, now Mrs. Chukwu Chimee Faith. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OCHUKO: I, formerly known as Miss Soko Christy Ufuoma Ochuko now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onugbo Christy Ufuoma Soko. All documents remain valid. Public note. ODEOGBOLA: Formerly Miss Odeogbola Aminat lyabo, now Mrs. Amusat Aminat lyabo. Documents valid. Public note. ODERINDE: Formerly Miss Oderinde Oluwatosin Beatrice now Mrs. Aluko Oluwatosin Beatrice. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ODUBANJO: Formerly Miss Odubanjo Olusola Esther now Mrs. Okunoye Olusola Esther. Former documents valid. Tai Solarin University of Education, public note. ODUMAGA: Formerly Miss Cynthia Onyinyechi Odumaga, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Cynthia Alexander Bassey. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

NWOSU: Formerly Miss Nwosu Uloma Ngozi now Mrs Onyejelem Uloma Ngozi. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

OGIDI: Formerly Miss Ogidi Prudence I. O. now Mrs Charles Mbah Prudence. Former documents valid. Abiapoly, public note.

NZEAKOR: Formerly Miss Nzeakor Ogechi Cynthia now Mrs Obiakor Ogechi Cynthia. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OGU: Formerly Miss Ogu Rukayetu, now Mrs. Musa Rukayetu. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note.

OBETTA: Formerly Miss Obetta Chigozie Eucharia, now Mrs Ezechukwu Chigozie Euchari. Former documents valid. Public note.

OGUNDIPE: Formerly Miss Ogundipe Lydia Oluyemi now Mrs. Alarape Lydia Oluyemi. Former documents valid. Public note.

OBIDIKE: Formerly Miss Obidike Chidimma Ngozi now Mrs. Okoye Chidimma Ngozi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBOTOR: Formerly Miss Obotor Osarieme, now Mrs Adewusi Osarieme. Former documents valid. Public note. OBUMSELU: Formerly Miss Obumselu Chimee Faith Eyiche

OGUNGBE: Formerly Ogungbe Emmanuel Abiodun now Abolaji Emmanuel Abiodun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNKANMI: Formerly Miss Ogunkanmi Titilope Foluke, now Mrs. Adebayo Titilope Foluke. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNLADE: Formerly Miss Olajumoke Ade-

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 3 , 2013

Change of Name ola Ogunlade now Mrs. Olajumoke Adeola Adedugbe. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNLEYE: Formerly Miss Ogunleye Deborah Aderonke henceforth bears Mrs. Fagbolagun Deborah Aderonke Yetunde. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNLEYE: Formerly Miss Ayodele Adedamola Ogunleye, now Mrs. Ayodele Adedamola Medupin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNREMI: Formerly Ogunremi Samuel Kayode now wish to be known as Oluremi Samuel Kayode. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNTIMEHIN: Formerly Mr Robert Oguntimehin, now Mr Robert Olorunsola. Former documents valid. Public note. OGUNTUNASE: Formerly Miss Oguntunase Deborah Oluwatoyosi, now Mrs. Ajao Deborah Oluwatoyosi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OHAMONYE: Formerly Miss Stephena Onyinye Ohamonye now Mrs. Michael Ikpa Stephena Onyinye. All former documents remain valid. Falma Organics Limited, National Open University of Nigeria, general public note. OJAIDE: Formerly Mrs. Omobolade Ojaide now wish to be addressed as Omobolade Otukoya. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OJAIDE: Formerly Master David Olaoluwa Ojaide now Master David Olaoluwa Otukoya-Ojaide. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ubunkola Ajose-Adeogun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKAFOR: Formerly known as Chinelo Adannia Okafor now Mrs. Chinelo Adannia Chukwuka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKAFOR: I, formerly Miss Joy Ngozi Okafor now Mrs Joy Ngozi Chimezie. All former documents remain valid. Public note OKE: Formerly Miss Oke Florence Bukola now Mrs Ajibawo Florence Bukola. General public note OKERE: Formerly Florence Okere now Mrs. Florence Oladunjoye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKEREKE: Formerly Miss Okereke Ngozi Rebecca, now Mrs Anietie Ngozi Rebecca. Former documents valid. Public note. OKOCHUKWU: Formerly Miss Okochukwu Stella Chigozie now Mrs. Orji Stella Chigozie. Former documents valid. Public note. OKOLI: Formerly Miss Okoli Jennifer Ifeoma, now Mrs. Fasakin Jennifer Ifeoma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKORO: Formerly Miss Okoro Chinomso Nwamaka now Mrs. Ebisike Chinomso Nwamaka. Former documents remain valid. Public take note. OKPARA: Formerly Miss Okpara Cynthia Amarachi now Mrs. Cynthia Amarachi Obi. Former documents valid. Public note. OLAGBAJU: Formerly Miss Olabisi Oluwasola Olagbaju now to be known as Mrs. Olabisi Oluwasola Olufelo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OJO: Formerly Miss Ojo Temitope Oluwaseun now Mrs. Ayo-Adefemi Temitope Olwuaseun. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

OLAGUNDOYE: Formerly Miss Olagundoye Temitope now Mrs. Oladele-Olarewaju Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

OJUTIKU: Formerly Oluwamayowa Olubunkola Ojutiku now Mrs. Oluwamayowa Ol-

OLAKITAN: Formerly Miss Olakitan Oluwakemi Adenike now Mrs. Lawal

Oluwakemi Adenike. Documents valid. NSDC, public note.

Adaobi. Former documents valid. Public note.

OLANREWAJU: Former Miss Olanrewaju Abisola Ayo now Mrs. Akomolafe Abisola Ayo. All documents remain valid. Public note.

ORJI: Formerly Miss Nwangwa Orji Nnenna now Mrs Nnenna Precious Nwangwa. Former documents valid. Public note.

OLUDARE: Formerly Olarewa Oludare now Oladele-Olarewaju Oluwadamilare. All former documents remain valid. General public note. OLUKOYA: Formerly Miss Mojisola Doyin Olukoya, now Mrs. Mojisola Doyin Abel. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLUTOLA: Former Miss Olutola Oluwatoyin Felicia now Mrs. Esan Oluwatoyin Felicia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OMOLARA: Formerly Miss Omolara Olajumoke Qudari now Mrs. Olajumoke Olufunmilayo Qudari. Documents valid. Public note. ONI: Formerly Miss Oni Ester Olaitan now Mrs Omodele-Oni Esther Olaitan. Former documentsvalid. Public note ONOVAS: Formerly Onovas Goodnews, now wish to be known and addressed as Kuesiri Bonny Edem. All former documents remain valid. Jinie Schools, Barnawa. General public note. ONUKWILI: Formerly Miss Clara Ogochukwu Onukwili, now Mrs Clara Ogochukwu Egbufoama. Former documents valid. Public note. ONYEMA: Formerly Miss Onyema Okwuchi Racheal now Mrs. Ezenwa Okwuchi Racheal. Former documents remain valid. Public Complaints Commission. Public note. ONYEMA: Formerly Miss Onyema Joy Obiageli now mrs Dim Joy Obiageli. Former documents remain valid. IMT, ENUGU, public note. ONYIA: Formerly Miss Onyia Ifeyinwa Adaobi now Mrs. Agu Ifeyinwa

OSAZE: Formerly Erhunmwunse Osaze Terry now Erhunmwunse Martins Cyril. Former documents valid. Public note. OSOBA: Formerly Miss Formerly Miss Osoba Elizabeth Adebimpe now Mrs Lawal Elizabeth Adebimpe All former documents remain valid Public note. OTESILE: Formerly Miss Otesile Aarinola Omowunmi, now Mrs. Johnson Aarinola Omowunmi. Documents valid. Public note. OTON: Formerly Oton Anietie Mercy now Mrs Ogbonna Anietie Mercy. Former documents remain valid. OVWUFETI: Formerly Miss Faith Onofure Ovwufeti now Mrs. Faith Onofure Adeshola-Ogunride. Former documents valid. Public note. OWOJORI: Formerly Miss Owojori Abimbola Tolani now Mrs. Ogunjimi Abimbola Tolani. Former documents valid. Public note. OWOLABI: Formerly Owolabi Doris Damilola now Mrs. Doris Damilola Farojoye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OYEBOLA: Formerly Miss Oyebola Kabirat Eniola, now Mrs. Kusade Kabirat Eniola. F o r m e r documents valid. Ogun State Water Corporation, public note. OYEGOKE: Formerly Opeola Mary Oyegoke now Mrs. Kikiopefoluwa Opeola Mary Wale-Okewale. Former documents remain valid. Public note. POPOOLA: Formerly Popoola Sekinat Ajoke, now Mrs. Odebiyi Sekinat Ajoke. Documents valid. Public note. RAHEEM: Formerly Miss Ramotalahi Yetunde Raheem, now

Mrs Ramotalahi Yetunde Oyewolu. Former documents valid. Public note. RICHARD: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Funmilayo Richard now known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Funmilayo Ejide. Former documents remain valid. General public note. SAWA: I, formerly Sawa Oluseyi Folorunso now as Olufolahan Oluseyi Joshua. All documents remain valid. Public note. SODUNKE: Former Miss Yemisi Abidemi Shodunke now Mrs. Yemisi Abidemi Akingbehin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. TAIWO: Formerly Miss Oluwagbemileke Omolara Taiwo now Mrs. Oluwagbemileke Omolara Otun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. TIJANI: Formerly Miss Sekinat Olaide Tijani, now Mrs Sekinat Olaide Ayeni. Former documents valid. Public note. TYOKULA: Formerly Miss Mbafan Esther Tyokula, now Mrs. Mbafan Esther Zamber. Former documents remain valid. BSU Makurdi Federal Poly Nass, JAMB note. UCHENABO: Formerly Miss Uchenabo Amaka Augustine, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oloyede Amake Augustine. All Former documents remain valid. General public note. UDEGBE: Formerly Miss Chinenye Jane Udegbe now Mrs. Chinenye Jane Eke. Former documents valid. Public note. UDEMGBA: Formerly Miss Thelma Adaeze Udemgba, now Mrs Thelma Adaeze Luke Nwoye. Former documents valid. Embassies, LASU, Access Bank & Public note. UDOH: Formerly Miss Chinwendu Emmanuel Udoh now Mrs. Chinwendu Thomas Akweke. Former documents valid. Public note. UGWU: Formerly Miss Ugwu Nkechinyere Ann, now Mrs. Eneh Nkechinyere Ann. Former documents re-

main valid. Public note. UGWU: Formerly Miss Ugwu Ukamaka Vera, now Mrs. Ogbodo Ukamaka Vera. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UKA: Formerly Miss Glory Onuoha Uka now Mrs Glory Chibuzor Ojigwe Kalu. Former documents valid. Abiapoly, NYSC, public note. UMEJURU: Formerly Miss Umejuru Rita Chidinma, now Mrs. Chukwukere Rita Chidinma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. UNOGU: I formerly Miss Unogu Nancy Ndubueze, now Mrs. Adigwe Orevaoghene Ihuoma Nancy. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. USMAN: Formerly Miss Safiya Usman Sule now Mrs. Safiya Usman-Lawal. Former documents valid. Public note. UZOUKWU: Formerly Miss Uzoukwu Chiamaka Damaris now Mrs. Uche Chiamaka Damaris. Former documents valid. Public note. YUSUF: Formerly Miss Yusuf Oladunni Ganiyat, now Mrs. Bello Oladunni Ganiyat. Documents valid. Public note.

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TheGuardian

Saturday, August 3, 2013 59

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports Ituah Enahoro: I Want To Be Nigeria’sMagic Boy At The Olympics

Enahoro competing in a pole vault event letes by coaches, who were in Ukraine to scout for talents for their countries. “I came to Donetsk to participate in the game and not to compete. I hope to win my first medal for Nigeria next year in China,” Enahoro told The Guardian at the media Tribune of the Olympics Stadium in Donetsk. The young lad is building on the sports foundation already laid by his father, Mike Simeon Enahoro from the famous Enahoro family in Edo State. Mike played football with the Hawks of Makurdi in Nigeria’s lower league before relocating abroad for study some years ago. He also played collegiate in Mexico, Cyprus and non-league in Belgium. Mike became the youngest America Soccer Federation A License coach in 1996. His son (Ituah Enahoro) has heard some wonderful stories about Nigeria, including how their big daddy, the late nationalist, Anthony Enehoro, raised the bold motion for the country’s independence in 1953. The young lad has equally been told stories of how Nigeria shocked the world at Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games in USA, where Chioma Ajunwa’s golden moment in the long jump event was followed by the football team’s sucEFORE he appeared in the colours of cess over such great nations as Brazil and Team Nigeria at the recently concluded Argentina. IAAF World Youth Championship in “I had also heard stories about mosquitoes Donetsk, Ukraine, his story was everywhere. and malaria fever in Africa,” he told The Multi-talented 15-year-old Ituah Enahoro has Guardian during the interview in Ukraine. been the target of several European countries, “But I am always thrilled by the track record of including Belgium, since he came into limeNigeria in sports and I have been looking forlight in athletics two years ago. ward to a day when I will wear the colours of At the Olympics Stadium in Donetsk, venue of Nigeria,” he said. the 8th IAAF World Youth Championship, the At a time in Nigerian sports, it became a fashyoung Enahoro was the cynosure of all eyes. ion for athletes to seek the proverbial greener His physic and performance in training made pasture by moving to environments where him one of the most sought-after young aththey could flourish and make better living.

Promising star, Netherlands-based young decathlete, Ituah Enahoro, has a Nigerian father and a German mother. The lad, who relocated with his mother from Germany to Netherland in 2007, is currently placed under a European coach, Hidde Egbers, a specialist in decathlon. His excellence in track and field has made the young Enahoro the target of many European countries, but he says his heart and loyalty is for his fatherland, Nigeria. Speaking with GOWON AKPODONOR at the recently concluded IAAF World Youth Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine, Enahoro talked about his dream of becoming a world champion like Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, beginning with the 2014 World Youth Championship in Oregon, USA and the Youth Olympic Games also next year in China. He also spoke on why he is pitching his tent with Nigeria when many European countries are dangling carrots around him.

Some Nigerian athletes like Gloria Alozie, Francis Obikwelu and Olusoji Fasuba have dumped the country at different times to pick citizenship in other countries. The young Enahoro will have nothing to do with such idea of donning the colours of another country to compete against his fatherland. He started his sporting career as a footballer shortly after his mother moved from Germany to the Netherlands in 2007. According to the young lad, his father and mum met some years ago when the woman visited Nigeria as a tourist. After a short stay in Netherlands, mother and son moved to the city of Aruba, a former Dutch colony inland near Cuba. Here, the young lad developed his interest in athletics in the middle of 2008. He became a specialist in decathlon, competing in the sprint, long jump, high jump and the pole Vaulte. In the middle of 2010, they moved back to the Netherlands and settled in a municipal town called Apeldoorn, a city in the province of Gelderland, about 60 miles/100 Kilometres south east of Amsterdam. Recalling the genesis of his athletics career with The Guardian, Enahoro said: “When we relocated to the Netherlands, I decided to make enquiries about clubs where I could perfect my athletics career.” Enahoro’s search for a club yielded the desired fruits soon after, as he relishes his experience in the city of Apeldoorn: “I was so fortunate to get a club nearby. It is called Club AV 34, which is named after the city of Apeldoorn.” The Nigerian joined Club AV 34 in 2011 and was immediately placed under the supervision of coach Hidde Egbers, a specialist known in most parts of Europe in decathlon. Coach

Egbers, who is one of the trainers in Club AV 34, accompanied Enahoro to Donetsk for the recently concluded IAAF Word Youth Championship in Ukraine. During the Dutch national athletics trials for the world junior athletics championships, Enahoro was invited to compete in the A1 category. He finished the day with 3.52m in the Pole Vault. “Ituah is a talented young man and I am very sure Nigeria will reap from whatever investment on him,” Coach Egbers told The Guardian in Donetsk shortly before their departure to Netherland. “I am saying this because I have worked with him for sometime now and I should be in a better position to talk about him. He is very good in the sprint, long jump, high jump and the pole . That is why many countries want to have him, but I am happy Ituah is sticking to his fatherland.” Before the IAAF World Youth Championship in Ukraine, the 15-year old Enahoro competed at the Dutch U-18 Athletics Championship, where he improved his personal best to 7.50 seconds in 60 meters. “I am looking forward to improving on my personal best, improving on my racing and hope that in a short while, I will be able to make the world crawl at my feats,” he said. “My dream is to rule the world like Usain Bolt of Jamaica and I am working towards it.” Now that he has registered his name as a Nigerian athlete, Enahoro’s main focus is to go for the medals, beginning with the World Junior Championships in Oregon, USA next year. “From Oregon, I hope to win a gold medal for Nigeria at the Youth Olympics in China in 2014. Who knows? I may just be one of the athletes that will do Nigeria proud at

THe gUARDIAN Saturday, August 3, 2013

60 |

SPORTS

Stephen Keshi, Beware, Remember 1981! In that year, Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations for the first time and were very convincing in doing so. The green eagles did not lose any game. So well did the team play in the and form that is disturbing. As the Super eagles approach their final match that when the qualifying matches of the 1982 preparations for the last lap in their qualification matches and World Cup were to start that same year everyone took Nigeria’s qualification from Africa almost as a foregone conclusion. I follow the ‘conversation’ between Stephen Keshi and his In the same manner, looking at how convincing the Super hoards of critics, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to remind eagles won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (not losing any him of 1981! I hope it helps him even as the pressures are already mounting (post the Confederations Cup) that his team match), one could easily understand why the eagles have absolutely no excuse not qualifying easily for the 2014 World is not good enough without some old players! Many people Cup in Brazil. It makes sense. The good coach would just stick have been calling on him to recall Joseph yobo, Obafemi to their winning teams and winning formulae. Martins, Osaze Odemwingie and co, players that have really Lets return briefly once again to 1981. not been a major part of his remarkable success story so far. My opinion would make so much sense to Keshi because, not After the 1980 victory, a few key but ageing players in the national team were dropped and younger players were only was he directly involved in the incident I am about to brought to undertake the qualifying matches for the 1982 recount, he was its major victim at the time. World Cup. Permit me to go back and forth in time and events to make That’s where Stephen Keshi and Franklin Howard came in to my points. replace Christian Chukwu (ageing) and godwin Odiye (moved First, lets go back to 1980. to the US) who had held the centre of defense between them for years. The partnership of Keshi and Howard as central defenders had helped established their local club (New Nigerian Bank FC) in the domestic league as the best in the country at that time. They were young, sharp, strong and very hardworking. The only thing they really lacked was enough international exposure, which, of course, they were now amassing successfully through the World Cup qualifying matches. The pair was a revelation, a breath of fresh air, intelligent, strong and hardworking, holding fort beautifully and effectively through all the qualifying matches from 1980 to 1981 until the last hurdle against Algeria, the same team that Nigeria had defeated convincingly only a year earlier to win the African Cup of Nations. Suddenly, in 1981 some agitations by a section of the media started for the recall of some ageing players that had been dropped from the national team (Chukwu and Okala in particular, two African legends that had served their nation very well and should have been left to continue with their clubs). Otto gloria was distracted by these calls, allowed his heart to rule his head and recalled some of the old ‘reliable.’ To his chagrin, he discovered too late that he should have kept his winSuper Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi. ning team and formula up till that point by sticking to his AM writing about Stephen Keshi for the second time in about INigeria’s as many weeks for a good reason. The emerging picture in preparation for the 2014 World Cup takes a shape

etisalat Joins FC Barcelona In Search Of U-17 Schools’ Talents By Tony Nwanne SPIRINg footballers in secA ondary schools now have the opportunity to realize their dreams. The deal is simple: etisalat has teamed up with european giants, FC Barcelona, to spread their nets across Lagos, offering Under-17 students in secondary schools the platform to grow in the game, and in the process attract attention to their talents. Organisers of the event, tagged etisalat FC Barcelona U17 Schools’ Cup, said during the launch of the programme yesterday that fun, excitement and display of talents are some features football lovers can look forward to during the five-a-side football competition. They said 16 secondary schools involved in the programme started competing against each other for the star prize of N1 million educational award to the winning school and an all expense paid trip to the United Arab emirates. Speaking at a media briefing to launch the programme, Director, Brands and Communications, etisalat Nigeria, enitan Denloye, explained that the etisalat FC Barcelona Under-17 Schools’ Cup is an innovative platform created by the company to provide an opportunity to young

football lovers to express their passion for the game. “Since signing a partnership deal with Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona in 2009, we have provided our customers with the best of both worlds, –our world class quality of service and the best in football by FC Barcelona,” Denloye explained. “As the official telecommunications partner for FC Barcelona, we have been rewarding our customers with the etisalat FC Barcelona Promo, one of the biggest cash and prize promotion currently

in its second year. Now we are taking the passion of football to secondary schools in order to develop young talents, build great friendships in a fun and exciting way as well as winning prizes,” he added. He revealed that participating schools in the competition have been selected by the Lagos State Ministry of education and the Lagos State Football Association, adding that the 16 schools gearing up for the competition represent each of the six Local education Districts in the state.

Segun Odegbami ‘inexperienced’ but winning pair of Keshi and Howard. He did not and he failed. Nigeria lost at the final hurdle! Keshi was sidelined for the ‘old reliable.’ Back again to 2013 and the parallels. Keshi had started a transition to a new generation shortly before AFCON 2013. The younger players won the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. So convincing were they that most analysts believe it would take a catastrophic ‘accident’ for the team to fail to qualify from Africa for the 2014 World Cup. They have been on course. Suddenly, as Nigeria coasts to the end of the qualification matches of the 2014 World Cup, the players are no longer good enough in the thinking of a section of the media to take the country there, hence, the start of a romantic campaign to bring back ageing players using the sentiments of nostalgia and past service. yobo, Martins, Osaze must now come back to conclude the assignment at the final hurdle! It is simply preposterous! I have observed Keshi’s pressured but guarded response up till now to this distractive call. I am worried by his body language. My advise is that he goes back to his own story in 1981 and take lessons! Once a transition has started and is on course, it is very unwise to go back and dust materials from the archives. yobo, and Co have served Nigeria well. They have been great ambassadors of Nigeria’s national team, the Super eagles, of the past decade and more. But change is called for and a transition has begun, all should hearken to the tolling of the bell. I hope Stephen Keshi does!

Nomination For 2013 Sportz Businezz/Media Awards Begins RgANISeRS of the Sportz O Businezz and Media Awards have revealed that media nominations for the event started yesterday and would end on August 31. According to the organisers, Hallysports International, voting for the nominated personalities commences on September 1 and ends on October 31, adding that nomination and voting would be open to sports journalists and the general public. According to Chief executive Officer of Hallysports International, godwin Spiff-

Sagbamah, a world press conference would soon be held to unveil all the activities slated for this year’s edition, including the various high personalities across diverse sectors billed to attend the event. He revealed that collation of votes would hold in November, while the remarkable event with all its glitterati and splendor will hold on December 7, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos. He said, “the buzz about the 2013 edition of the Sportz Businezz and Media Awards

have started and this will no doubt mark the second year of rewarding with excellence the efforts of performing sports media personalities, corporate bodies, and supporting individuals. “We are still working assiduously to ensure the sports media industry gets the necessary accolades,” adding, “this year’s edition will be much better than the pioneer edition as we hope to gain more recognition in the sports media industry and those involved in the business of it.”

ARS Inspires Kids In Port Harcourt LAyeRS, whose teams could P not make it to the final of the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) at the

work on my stamina which they said will help me to be a better player.” Port Harcourt Zonal Centre, Also Ufot Magdalene, who have commended Airtel Nigeria came from Akwa Ibom to try for given them the platform to her luck said: “The Airtel Rising excel. Stars competition has made A few of these players, who me to believe in myself shared mixed feelings after because I know I will be great their elimination from the com- having gone so far in this competition, expressed optimism in petition before being dropped. their ability to excel in their “It’s so painful that I will not football careers in future. be going to Lagos for the According to Uchenna national final because that has Madabuchi, a 15-year-old striker always been my ultimate from Abia State: “The Airtel dream; but I will try my luck Rising Stars have given me the next year since I’m just 14 opportunity to showcase my now.” talent even though I couldn’t ARS U-17 Tourney, in its third make the final team, but I am year, is a pan-African initiative happy I was able to show my of Airtel Africa, designed to proskills. The coaches told me to vide support for the developcontinue to train hard and ment of football talents across

Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye (left); Assistant Director, Co-Curricular, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, Akojenu Adeyinka; Head, Events & Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani and Vice Principal, Admin, Army Cantonment Senior Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos, Nwokedinobi Joy Ngozi, at the official activation of the Etisalat FC Barcelona U-17 Schools Cup held at the Ikeja Army Cantonment, Lagos…yesterday.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 3, 2013

SPORTS Simpson In First Round Lead At WGC

Ondo Rules Southwest U-17 Tournament OST – Ondo State confirmed H their superiority over their counterparts from Osun and Ekiti after the team dominated the Southwest Zone Two of the National Sports Commission (NSC)-organised U-17 tournament, which was concluded yesterday at the Akure Township Stadium. The participating teams competed in volleyball, basketball, handball and taekwondo with the host dictating the pace in all the events. In the volleyball event, Ondo won the male and female events, while its male teams won the handball and basketball events. The team also shared the top place with Osun in the taekwondo with Ondo winning the

female category while Osun claimed the title in the male. With Osun winning the women basketball event, Ekiti only managed to win the female handball event. In the overall result, Ondo had the highest number of medals to be declared the champion, while Osun played second fiddle to the host state. The three-day championship was hosted by Ondo State. According to the Co-ordinator of the zone, Peter Nelson, the essence of the tournament was to prepare the zone for the maiden National Youth Games, as well as, part of the plans of the zone to present formidable teams for the Southwest qualifiers of the national games.

US Open champion, FleadORMER Webb Simpson claimed the in the first round of the £5.6million WGC Bridgestone Invitational, but Tiger Woods was ominously poised at one of his favourite venues. Simpson carded a six-underpar 64 at Firestone Country Club to lead by one shot from Open runner-up Henrik Stenson, with Woods, defending champion Keegan Bradley, Ryan Moore and England’s Chris Wood a further stroke behind. Starting from the 10th, Simpson had gone to the turn in 31 with birdies at the 13th, 15th, 17th and 18th and made it four birdies in succession when he picked up shots at the first and second.

Simpson

A bogey at the third halted his charge briefly before further birdies at the sixth and seventh, but a superb round ended on a disappointing note with a dropped shot on the ninth. Stenson had no such concerns after a flawless 65 that began with a birdie at the first and eagle at the par-five second, with the Swede picking up further shots at the 11th and 12th after changing shoes due to a painful blister. The 37-year-old won his maiden European Tour title in 2001 but then went through the first of two career slumps, the second coming in 2011 and leaving him 230th in the world rankings at the start of last year.

Airtel, MTN Expectant, As SuperSports Airs Telecom Games ITH the highlight of W matches of the 2013 Nigeria Telecom Games (NTG) beginning to enjoy airtime on two television channels, teams will commence the medals race in Chess and Scrabble, even as high flying debutants, Airtel Nigeria files out today for their second fixture, which has pitched them against Alcatel Lucent. The CEO of MediaVision Limited, Fela Bank-Olemoh, whose company organises the games, broke the news of the partnership with satellite sports channel, Supersports and terrestrial broadcasters, MITV, describing it as “a delivery of our promise to continu-

ously add value to the corporate games under our management through innovations.” He said the partnership with such big television brands was indicative of the acceptance of the corporate games brand as a credible sports asset. Looking ahead this weekend’s fixtures, Airtel Nigeria Sporting Director, Felix Ofulue, declared his team’s readiness to continue with their superb form that led to the defeat of LM Ericsson last week. Some of his players, defender Leye Tejuosho and forward, Paul Ejiogu queued behind their boss to describe their readiness to rout Alcatel.

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 3, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Glo Premier League

LMC Sympathises With Pillars, Postpones League fixture HE League Management T Company (LMC) has sympathised with the board and management of Kano Pillars, whose technical officials were involved in a road accident while returning from the Federation Cup quarterfinal match in Ilorin against Warri Wolves. Chairman of the LMC, Nduka Irabor, who flew into Abuja on Thursday afternoon, made several contacts with Abba Galadima, the Kano Pillars’ General Manager to ascertain the extent of the accident and consequently announced a postponement of the Globacom Premier League match this weekend between the club and Akwa United. Irabor commended Akwa United for their understanding and accepting that the match be put on hold. “We obviously are saddened by the report of the accident involving Kano Pillars in Gangarida, Ikara Local Government Council of Kaduna State on their way to Kano. I am in contact with the club officials and are wishing the injured a quick recovery while we continue to monitor the situation,” Irabor remarked. Pillars were knocked out of the Federation Cup Wednesday night in Ilorin and were returning to Kano ahead of the Glo Premier League, which they are the defending champions. However, the LMC says the match will now hold on a date to be determined next week. “We have agreed with Akwa United that this weekend’s Glo League fixture between the two teams be postponed to allow Pillars recover from the trauma. “We commend officials of Akwa United for showing an understanding of the situation. It was a great demonstration of sportsmanship from them to readily agree to the postponement which was coming on very short notice,” the LMC Chairman said.

Super Eagles’ striker, Emmanuel Emenike (centre), celebrates with Ogenyi Onazi (left) and Victor Moses after scoring against Cote d’Ivoire in Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat of the Elephants at the South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup. PHOTO: AFP.

2013 Nelson Mandela Challenge

Spartak Moscow Turns Down Keshi’s Request For Emenike By Christian Okpara HE Nigeria Football T Federation (NFF) is currently in a tough battle with Spartak Moscow to secure Super Eagles’ attacker, Emmanuel Emenike, for the August 14 international friendly between South Africa and Nigeria. The game, tagged Mandela Challenge, will see the Eagles tackling the Bafana Bafana in Durban courtesy of the South African

Football Association (SAFA) and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF). A top NFF official told The Guardian yesterday that the Russian club have refused to release Emenike for the game despite the match slated for Wednesday, which is a FIFA free day. According to the official, the NFF has written to all the clubs harbouring Nigerian players, but Spartak Moscow are the only side reluctant to hon-

our Federation’s request because of issues that have nothing to do with the Super Eagles. The official said, “Apparently, the Russian club fear that Emenike’s manager would get the opportunity to convince the player to consider the recent offers on the table hence they are reluctant to allow him out of their sight. “You know that Fenerbahce and Liverpool have enquired of his avail-

ability and Spartak Moscow do not want to lose their prized jewel, so they have resorted to monitoring him closely. “We may be forced to take the case to FIFA because we are not requesting for Emenike’s release outside the FIFA window. Most European teams would be engaged in World Cup qualifiers so they have no reason to hold onto the striker.” The Nelson Mandela Challenge will be played in

Guinness International Champions Cup

Mourinho Banks On Mikel, Moses, As Chelsea Clash With AC Milan The defence roster has The 2-0 victory against Inter In tomorrow’s semifinal Mourinho, who managed Milan on Thursday was played against AC Milan, Mourinho is Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Chelsea from 2004-07, opting for 4-2-3-1 system, with Cole, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, returned to the Blues on June before a crowd of 41,983 at HELSEA manager, Jose John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, 2 after managing Spain’s Real Lucas Oil Stadium. Mikel in the midfield roster Mourinho, is banking on Although an exhibition, the alongside Ghanaian Michael Thomas Kalas and Ryan Madrid the past three seaSuper Eagles’ duo of John Obi Essien, Ramires, Frank Bertrand. inaugural eight-team, 12-game sons. Mikel and Victor Moses, as Thursday’s match featured Lampard, Juan Mata, Oscar, English football fans are fond International Champions Cup they face AC Milan in tomorintrigue on the sidelines with of the Portuguese coach, who is being staged to promote Kevin De Bruyne, Mako van row’s semifinal of the Mourinho coaching against some of Europe’s best, while Ginkel, and Eden Hazard. dubbed himself the ‘’Special Guinness International Moses is listed in the attack his former team for the first One’’ on the first day of his first offering the teams the chance Champions Cup at the MetLife roaster alongside Fernando time since his two-year stint to prepare for their league seastint with the team. He then Stadium in East Rutherford, with Inter Milan from 2008sons that begin at the end of Torres, Andre Schurrle, led Chelsea to two Premier Indianapolis. 10. the month. Romelu Lukaku, Demba Ba. League titles and one FA Cup. The Blues handed a 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan in Thursday’s Published by Guardian Newspapers Limited, Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos Tel: 4489600, 2798269, 2798270, 07098147948, 07098147951 quarterfinals match with Fax: 4489712; Advert Hotline Lagos: 7736351, Abuja: 07098513445 (ISSN NO 0189-5125) Oscar dos Santos and Eden Acting Editor: All correspondence to Guardian Newspapers Limited, P.M.B. 1217, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria. •ABC Hazard accounting for the E-mail letters@ngrguardiannews.com; www.ngrguardiannews.com FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU goals.

By Gowon Akpodonor with Agency Reports

Durban for the first time in 19 Editions. Staged in honour of Nelson Mandela, the Bafana-Bafana versus Super Eagles represents a good will gesture by SAFA in support of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund in upholding the children’s well being. The Challenge has been played on an annual basis except in 2001 when it had to be cancelled after Mexico withdrew at the last minute. This year’s annual Nelson Mandela Challenge fixture has been moved from the usual date in November to fit in with the celebrations surrounding Madiba’s 95th birthday this month. The match against Nigeria will happen a few days before the Nelson Mandela Sports Day, which will feature the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, against Argentina. Another football game featuring the Bafana Bafana against Burkina Faso will hold on August 17 at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg. South Africa have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive fixture. Their only victory came in the 2004 Mandela Challenge when a depleted Eagles lost 2-1.