Sat 17 Aug 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

S A T U R D A Y

E D I T I O N

COVER 49

ENTERTAINMENT 36

COVEREXTRA 51

CELEBRITY 27

The Next ‘Big’ Political Party, Who Are The Promoters

Kenny St. Best Takes

Why Boko Haram Is Still Potent, By Ekhomu

Nollywood

Reality Shows To Another Level

Divorce

Cases… And The List Swells

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,651

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Court Restrains Rivers Judicial Commission From Probing Assembly Crisis From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt PORT Harcourt High A Court yesterday declared as illegal and unconstitutional, the judicial commission of inquiry set up by the Rivers State government to investigate the crisis which rocked the House of Assembly on July 9 and 10, 2013. The Rivers State chapter of the Felix Obuah-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lauded the ruling and gave kudos to the judiciary for its courage to insist on the truth. One of the five antiGovernor Chibuike Amaechi, State lawmaker, Victor Ihunwo, had filed a suit in a Port Harcourt High Court presided over by Justice CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

NEWS 2 Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare (middle), Cote d’Ivoire’s Murielle Ahoure (left) and Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce during the women’s 200 metres final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships. Okagbare won the bronze medal to add to the silver she won in the long jump event of the on-going championships. PHOTO: AFP

INEC Registers PDM, ID

FAAN Orders Relocation Of Oil Tankers Out Of Lagos Airport NEWS 4

From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced the registration of two new political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDM) and the Independent Democrats (ID). This came shortly after it

• Others Coming Soon denied the report by a national newspaper which associated the PDM with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and nine serving governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a swift reaction, Atiku’s

media adviser, Shehu Garba, dissociated his boss from the party, insisting that he remains in PDP, though “he will always welcome the expansion of the political space to accommodate all shades of opinion or political

hue.” Also, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, had earlier denied the report of registration of any political party. He disclosed that INEC had received applications from over 10 political groups for registration as political parties and the commission was

processing the documents submitted by the groups. He assured that it would not fail to register any one that meets its requirements for registration, stressing that the commission would also not hesitate to turn down the request of any one that fails to do so. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

JTF, Vigilance Youths Arrest Female Boko Haram Suspect, Recover Arms In Maiduguri

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

FAAN Orders Relocation Of Oil Tankers Out Of Lagos Airport By Wole Shadare N a bid to sanitize the Lagos IAirports Airport, the Federal Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ordered the relocation of petroleum tankers at the airport within 48 hours. The relocation order was disclosed to journalists by the Regional Manager,

Southwest, Edward Olarerin, at a meeting with stakeholders at the airport yesterday. As at yesterday, there were close to 200 oil tankers at the Airport Road axis of the airport, which stakeholders said was giving the authorities sleepless nights. The stakeholders include FAAN, oil marketers, NUPENG, the State Security Service

(SSS), Police, Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Olarerin stated that in 2005, there was an instruction from Abuja that the tankers littering the Airport Road should be relocated, making FAAN to tow 111 oil tankers to where the agency’s power

plant is currently located. He lamented that up till yesterday, some of the tankers were still there. He added that after some time, the tankers returned to the area and started constituting security risk and traffic nuisance to the gateway airport, passengers and airport users. Olarerin disclosed that ini-

Aregbesola, CAN, Other, Pay Tributes To Obadare From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo MINENT Nigerians from all E walks of life, including Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday paid glowing tributes to the founder of the World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry (WOSEM), the late Prophet Timothy Obadare, at a lying in state held in his honour at the Osogbo Township Stadium in the state capital. Aregbesola noted that the work and deeds of the late renowned preacher would forever remain indelible in the history of the state. The remains of Prophet Obadare arrived the Osogbo Satadium in a long motorcade from Akure and were received by the members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and hundreds of members of the CAC family, including the state government officials led by the State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun. Represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Yinka Owoeye, Aregbesola urged Nigerians to emulate the late cleric for his good

Jigawa Mourns Deputy Speaker, Ex-Commissioner IGAWA State was thrown Jfollowing into mourning yesterday news of the death of two prominent politicians, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Inuwa Sule Udi, and former Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim Dandoka. Udi, who represented Ringim Constituency for the third term, died along with his driver, Mallam Mas’ud Ringim, in an auto crash along Kano-Ringim road, when the driver lost control Thursday night during a heavy downpour.

work, adding that the deceased touched many lives. He said the death of Obadare should be celebrated and not mourned, describing him as a great man who fulfilled his mission on earth. According to Aregbesola, “Obadare’s life should be a source of challenge for the people on the earth surface, particularly the younger generation. He is a rare gem and a gift to mankind. As much as we love him, the owner of the beautiful rose has taken it away.” Also speaking, Osun State Chairman of CAN, Superior Apostle Abraham Aladeseye urged Nigerians to emulate the

virtues Obadare. He observed that the founder of WOSEM was a good example of Christ’s teaching, saying that the society would be a better place for all if the exemplary life led by Obadare is emulated. The National Publicity Secretary of Christ Apostolic Church Supreme Council Worldwide, Pastor (Dr.) Olu Arijesudade said that Timothy Obadare was a rare gift to his generation as he touched so many lives with the gospel he preached and he was known majorly for his evangelism. Eulogizing his late father, son of the deceased, Pastor

Abraham Obadare expressed gratitude to God for the gift of “a father who taught us to live in peace with everyone, to forgive everybody and most of all to be heaven conscious.” He expressed gratitude to the government of Osun State as well as all others who had come to bid his father farewell. The lying in state was witnessed by dignitaries from the political class, ministers of God from all over the country and others whose life was touched by the eminent cleric. The remains of Obadare, who died in March, will be buried at Ilesa, his hometown today.

tially, there were six oil marketers at the airport, but two others later joined them and later increased to over 48. He stated that at one of the meetings some years ago, it was agreed that each oil marketer should not use more than six tankers, but that the coming of Sahara Oil and MRS has further increased the number of tankers at the airport. The regional manager explained that most of the tankers parked on the road don’t transport aviation fuel, also known as JET-A1, while others are also not functional and broke down years ago. The tanker drivers, he said, have turned the airport into dumping ground where all kinds of tankers are kept, forgetting that the Lagos airport is a gateway airport. According to him: “If we have such facility as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, equipped with so many facilities, and yet the road leading to the facility is rough, visitors to the airport would think that we are not a serious people. “A lot of the tankers are not

supposed to be here; they have turned this airport into dumping and this cannot continue. “We are now at point of no return. I am not speaking as Olarerin; I am not speaking for FAAN, but for the Federal Government.” Speaking at the meeting, the Assistant Secretary, Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD), a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), Tayo Aboyeji, said they were not opposed to relocation and appealed to FAAN to provide toilets, restrooms and bathrooms at the new location for the tanker drivers. He stated that for the very first time, FAAN is taking the issue of oil tankers’ relocation seriously. Aboyeji urged FAAN not to threaten them by bringing in the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and other agencies, adding that when they need LASTMA, they would call. The PTD scribe implored FAAN to reconcile with the oil markers to address how they will provide facilities at the new location.

Court Restrains Rivers Judicial Commission From Probing Assembly Crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Lamenkara Iyaye, seeking to prevent the judicial commission from investigating the crisis. The respondents are Justice Biobele A. Georgewill; (Chairman), Mr. Baribura Gbaragbo, Chief Goddy (Godwin) Agbaraosimini, Iboroma B. Akpana, Mr. Ejike Iwediba, Chief Desmond Nwosu, Mr. Uba Agadagba, Mrs. Asivosuo M. Oriye , Mr. Barinua C. Keenam, Rt. Honourable Chibike Rotimi Amaechi (Governor of Rivers State) and the Attorney General Of Rivers State. Ihunwo had in the suit asked the court to grant an order of injunction restraining Amaechi and the Attorney General of Rivers State from receiving any report from the judicial commission, or in any manner whatsoever implement or put into use any report, findings or opinion tendered by or submitted by the commission in its capacity as a judicial commission of inquiry. Delivering his judgment yesterday, Justice Iyaye restrained

the commission headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, from further sitting to primarily investigate the crisis that broke out on the floor of the state Assembly following a botched attempt to illegally impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree. Justice Iyaye stressed that the principle of natural justice forbids Amaechi from constituting a panel to investigate a crisis in which he is an interested party. According to him, only s regular court is competent to try anyone over the crisis. The court then restrained Amaechi from receiving or acting on any recommendations submitted to it by the commission which had just on Thursday ordered the State Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, Ihunwo and others to file in their responses to the memoranda submitted by the Speaker, Mr. Amachree, the

Leader of the House, Chidi Lloyd and 25 pro-Amaechi lawmakers by August 20. Ihunwo in his suit had said that the governor and his government as represented by the Attorney General, instigated the crisis and supervised the execution of the said crisis which the governor now purports to investigate by the instrumentality of a commission of inquiry selected, appointed and inaugurated by him. The lawmaker alleged that the judicial commission consists of persons who are publicly known to be Amaechi’s apologists and who are fiercely loyal to him. Ihunwo claimed that since the judgment of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja was made on April 15, 2013 in Suit No. CV/779/12; Obuah Amaechi Felix and Another vs. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others, wherein the court restored the mandate of Obuah as the duly elected

Chairman of PDP for Rivers State, the governor who had employed his state executive powers to impose Chief Godpower Umejuru Ake as the Chairman of the PDP in the state, has been struggling to regain control of the party. He alleged that some of the members of PDP who are prominently working with Amaechi in this effort to regain control of the PDP in Rivers State and to destabilize the leadership of Obuah, are interestingly members of the commission. A statement issued by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media to Obuah, said the nullification of the commission and the consignment of any report and, or document from such enquiry to the waste basket of history, has vindicated the position of the party that the setting up of the commission ab initio was ill-intended and had no other motive than to witchhunt perceived opponents of the governor.

“We are happy and wish to express our renewed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to uphold justice in the face of intimidation and wanton display of power. Particularly noteworthy is the recognition of the fact that the state legislature is a separate arm of government, as significant as both the executive and the judiciary, and must not be hijacked by either of the arms,” he said. Needam said the Obuah-led PDP however regrets even though it holds the individual members of the dissolved commission of enquiry in very high esteem, that they should in the first instance accept to serve in such illegal commission which it described as a tool for indictment of opponents. The party, according to him, said by this development, the ongoing reconciliation of aggrieved members of the party at both the state and national levels, has been given a boost.

INEC Registers Two Parties, Others Coming Soon CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 But the commission in a statement yesterday from the Secretary, Mrs. Chinwe Ogakwu, said: “INEC has registered two new political parties in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). “The Constitution, Manifesto, Logo/Flag and list of National Executive Officers of each party have also been approved by the Commission,” the statement added. Idowu earlier told The Guardian that registration of political parties is an ongo-

ing thing in the commission as established in the electoral act, adding that the commission cannot stop the registration of new parties as it will follow and implement the provisions of the electoral act in the area of registration of new political parties. But he could not name some of the groups that have applied for registration, as well as those behind them, noted that as INEC has continued to deregister those parties that have fell short of the requirements of the electoral act, it will not fail to register those that have fulfilled the requirements of the act. “Registration of new political parties has been an ongo-

ing thing in the commission. We have currently received and are processing the applications of over 10 political groups that have requested to be registered as political parties. “As the commission will continue to deregister parties that have failed the requirements of the electoral act, it will also not hesitate to registers groups that have fulfilled all the requirements for registration as political parties. “Right now, the commission is still going through their documents and if we deem them fit to operate as political parties, they will be issued with certificates of

registration,” Idowu noted. The Guardian gathered that one of the groups seeking for registration is led by former loyalists of late Chief of Staff during the military regime of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Shehu Yar’ Adua, who have applied to the commission for the registration of the late general’s political group, Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM). The group, which has met severally in Abuja, it was gathered, has agreed to pull out of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that the majority of members of the PDM in the PDP are currently being marginalized.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

NEWS

Nigeria Cannot Disintegrate, Says IBB At 72 From John Ogiji, Minna ONTRARY to insinuations C in some quarters of the possible disintegration of the country in 2015, former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said there is nothing in the horizon to suggest Nigeria will go into extinction. Speaking during an interactive session with newsmen, the former leader who turned 72 today stated that the cur-

rent political challenges facing the country are not enough for Nigeria to disintegrate. “Forget about the country disintegrating in 2015, I cannot see it happening. Nations don’t just go into disintegration. Two, three years before that, the signs would have been there; the signs would have been ominous. Certainly there are no such signs today and those talking about disintegration are people I think do

not know Nigeria,” he said. The former head of state, who expressed reservation over the happenings in the political scene, stressed that, “my findings have not indicated any serious threat to the corporate existence of the country in 2015.” He added: “A country that is about to disintegrate does not happen overnight. From the prevailing circumstances on the ground, there is no imminent danger to the con-

tinued existence of the country as one indivisible entity. “I know it will not happen, although people say all sorts of things simply to cause fears and panic among Nigerians” According to Babangida, Nigeria is one of the most amazing countries in the world. “When you are outside the country, you will think the country is about to collapse only for you to return and see people smiling and laughing.”

He reiterated his earlier position never to seek elective office again and declared that he would continue to play a stabilising role in the politics of Nigeria He said the kind of leaders Nigeria need now are those that believe in the unity of the country and promotes peace and stability of Nigeria. “I will continue to contribute towards stabilising the nation and not seeking for any political office. We should do

everything possible to believe in the country.” He refused to share the view of former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the younger generation of leaders in the country has failed Nigerians, pointing out that some of the young leaders are really doing well without mentioning names. He, however, said that Obasanjo may have made the remark because a lot is expected from the younger generation of leaders in the country, adding: “Our expectation about the younger generation is very high but there are some other young men that have equally done well; they are not doing badly.” Babangida acknowledged the efforts being put in by Obasanjo for the peace of the nation, saying that Obasanjo is one of the people in the country who believe in the unity of Nigeria.

We Were Sacked For Refusing To Support Suntai’s Removal, Taraba Ex-officials Allege From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo ONTRARY to the reasons C given for the sack of the former Secretary to the

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab maina presenting financial support to some families in distress in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

ASUU Will Wait Until FG Gets Money, Says Ex-chairman By Isaac Taiwo HE Academic Staff Union of T Universities (ASUU) will sustain its ongoing strike until the Federal Government gets the money to meet its demands, an ex-officio member of the union, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, has said. Okolie, the immediate past chairman of the union at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka, Enugu State yesterday that the government should not allow a total collapse of tertiary education in the country. But former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has called on the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) and the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) to intervene in the seven-week old ASUU strike. The District Superintendent, West and Central Africa, Apostolic Faith Church, Rev. Bayo Adeniran, also called on the Government and ASUU to expedite action on the settlement of the rift between them, urging them to remember that keeping the students out of school would result in breeding criminals

…Continues Negotiations With FG On Monday that would further endanger our society. Meanwhile, the meeting between the Federal Government and ASUU in Abuja was postponed to Monday. Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, who chairs the universities needs assessment committee, told newsmen that both parties had rescheduled their negotiations for Aug. 19. Suswam, who is the negotiator for the Federal Government, said that tremendous progress had been made in the negotiations. Oloyede, who expressed worry about the lingering strike, said the two bodies should not fold their arms and allow the situation to continue. Okolie argued that no country had attained enviable height economically and technologically without adequate funds for the education sector. He said the sector remained the engine room of national development. “The National Assembly and some executive

members are paid jumbo salaries but when it comes to education funding the government has no money. How will the country be able to achieve its vision 20:2020 of being among the 20 leading economies if the education sector is not well-funded,’’ he asked. The former chairman solicited the understanding of the students and their parents, saying the union’s demand was to ensure quality teaching and learning in the universities. “It is unreliable that in some universities student receive lectures under the trees and in stadium. Books, laboratory equipment in our libraries and laboratories are outdated while some politicians and government officials are wasting money in building houses in every state capital and buying fleets of exotic cars. The demands will enable the universities to produce quality graduates employable in any part of the world,’’ he said. Okolie urged the government to see reason in fulfill-

ing the promise it entered with ASUU in 2009 to enable the students and lecturers to go back to class. He said the union was not making a fresh demand but for the government to implement the agreement it signed with the union in 2009. Oloyede said: “These two academies can no longer afford to watch this development continue since their major obligation is to promote academic activities and the education sector in general. I feel the Nigerian Academy of Letters and the Nigerian Academy of Science have a lot to do to ensure that the problem is solved once and for all. The face-off between the Federal Government and ASUU over the strike is becoming a perennial one.” The immediate past Chairman, Committee of ViceChancellors of Nigerian Universities, said everything should be done to resolve the impasse. According to Oloyede, the only way out of the impasse is to go scientific since every oth-

er process has failed to work. “When I say scientific, I mean it is time to sit down as a body of intellectuals and get the issues well thought out in order to arrive at a workable solution.” Oloyede, who was recently inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Letters, said the two intellectual bodies owed the country a duty to rise up to the challenge. Speaking during the 2013 Camp Meeting Concert Programme which took place at Apostolic Faith Church Campground, Faith City, Ogun State, Adeniran said: “The best way to solve this problem is for the stakeholders to move into effective, collective bargaining that would bring peace and harmony to our institutions. “I am pleading with our government and ASUU to come together and resolve this prolonged problem that would not only speak good of our educational system but also of the entire nation. The more we move together and encourage a society that thrives on law and order, the better for the nation. ”

Taraba State Government (SSG), Ambassador Emmanuel Q. Njiwa and other five commissioners, the sacked top government officials have debunked the allegation, saying they were thrown out of office for refusing to allow for the removal of Governor Danbaba Suntai from office in his absence. The affected officials alleged that the “injustice meted on us by the state government” was as a result of their unflinching support to the ailing governor who has been out of office for the past nine months. The officials, who stormed the secretariat of the Taraba State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists yesterday to state their own side of the story, denied that they were sacked for mismanaging the N400 million fund meant for the 2012 flood victims in the state as announced by the state government. Flanked by the sacked Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Anthony Jellason, former Commissioner for Education, Yakubu Agbazo, and former Commissioner for Women and Child Development, Charity Jonathan Green, Njiwah said their sack was based on sentiment and not as government is making the public to believed. The sacked SSG, who observed that the public was being stirred “against us”, stated that he and his sacked colleagues were shoved out of the way because they are not aiding the leadership of the state in carrying out their “ill” plans on the sick governor.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

NEWS

APGA Disqualifies Soludo, Five Others From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE screening panel of the T All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday disqualified six of the party’s aspirants, including one of the front-runners, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo. The panel in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its chairman, Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi and Secretary, Mr. If rani Mbaeri and a member, Chief Onwuka Ukwa, said at the conclusion of the panel’s sitting yesterday, six of aspirant’s failed to scale through the test. The other aspirants that

failed the screening include, Mr. Emmanuel Nweke, Ogbuefi Tony Nnaechetta, Mr. Chinedu Francis Idigo, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Mr. Oseloka Obaze. The panel however said that seven aspirants were successful. They included Hon. Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Nwogbo, Mr. Paul Odenigbo, Hon. Uche Lillian Ekwunife, Chief Willie Obiano, Mr. John Nwosu, Mr. John Okechukwu Emeka and Nwachi Patrick Obianwu. Sources at the at the panel sitting said some of the reasons given for not clearing the

aspirants ranged from nonpresentation of the party’s voters card, lack of evidence of financial strength to execute the campaign, incomplete certificate to their inability to submit tax clearance. One of the affected aspirants, Idigo while reacting to his non-clearance expressed surprised and shock at the reasons given by the panel for dropping him. Idigo who spoke to The Guardian, at the APGA headquarters, venue of the screening said he is going to make another presentation to the appeal panel today. He said

Borno Floods Destroy Houses, Roads From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri 75-minute heavy downpour in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, yesterday destroyed several mud houses and roads in the metropolis, disrupting Muslims’ Jumat prayers in mosques, with over 6, 500 worshippers unable to perform their prayers mosques. The destroyed houses are located in the outskirts of Maiduguri, including Njimtilo, Dalaram and the settlements on the banks of River Ngadabull. At Njimtilo village, 11 houses collapsed two hours after the rainfall has ceased in the afternoon.

Lamenting the flooding and destruction of mud houses and makeshift shelters, the ward head of Njimtilo, Aisami Abba said “This is the heaviest rain we have witnessed in recent times, and it has left some of our mud houses in ruins. Even the roads and community pathways are flooded to knee-cap level.” The Guardian also learnt that the Lagos Street under construction by Grandscope Company Ltd. was also been affected, as the flow of traffic was cut off for half an hour, before the soldiers opened the road for motorists by 3pm. The other lane of the road that was paved with “gravels and laterite soil for half a kilometre

was however submerged by flood waters, despite the construction of drainage facilities. Other communities affected by the Friday floods include Bulunkutu, Dala, Bulabulin and Ruwan Zafi wards of Maidguri metropolis. In the Bulunkutu and Abba Terab Housing Estate on Gambouru/Ngala road, residents resorted to the use of sand bags to prevent the flood waters from entering their houses, shops and mosques. The community in the outskirts of the housing estate was also affected by the floods, as six of the mud houses gave way to the surging flood waters that continued up to the time of filing this report.

TheGuardian SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2013

APC: Will This Be Buhari’s Retirement Benefit? EN. Muhammadu Buhari is no longer a young man. Having contested the presidency for three times, 2015 could put a seal on that aspiration. But the question is whether the Young Turks from the North will concede this last chance to him. Also, it is not clear if his political assets will outweigh his liabilities when he takes his campaign outside the North to the South-South, Southeast. Take a look at the options.

CROSS the country, we bring you A tales of incoherent policies on hous- Vanishing Values ing, failing public housing estates, aban-

RUINS OF HOUSING ESTATES

donment and defacements. See what has become of FESTAC Lagos and others!

they were informed that evidence of financial status was going to be part of the screening requirements. “ The outcome of the screen-

ing came as a surprise to me but I am going to prepare my appeal immediately and submit to the Appeal Panel,” he said.

JTF, Vigilance Youths Arrest Female Boko Haram Suspect, Recover Arms From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri ESIDENTS of Gomari and R Bulunkutu wards of Maiduguri metropolis in Borno state were gripped with fear as members of Borno Vigilance Youths Group (BVYG) and the military Joint Task Force (JTF) Thursday, arrested a female Boko Haram terror suspect, along with a 35year old man, suspected to be an informant to the Islamist sect. According to JTF sources yesterday in Maiduguri, the vigilance youths had arrested five female Boko Haram suspects with rifles and 254 rounds of ammunitions in three wards of the metropolis, before the youths arrested this woman

and a man, during their routine “stop and search” operations. Ibrahim Isa, a vigilance youth of Gomari told The Guardian yesterday that the arrested terror suspect sneaked into Ajeliri area along with 11 other girls to poison water points and underground water reservoirs of residents in Bulunkutu and Gomari wards of Maiduguri. “We were able to arrest this woman with a rifle and ammunitions, hid under her flowing veil in a tricycle. The 35-year-old man was also arrested in Bulunkutu ward. Our boys were able to confirm that the man did not carry any rifle, as he sneaked into this area to collate information on our activities and the JTF in Maiduguri.

Plateau Police Command Says Its Efforts Have Yielded Peace From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos LATEAU State Police P Command is happy with the relative peace being enjoyed in the state, a feat it attributed to the command’s efforts in direct collaboration and cooperation with other security agencies. According to the command, community policing, deep – rooted interaction with members of the pubic and other operational strategies are put in place to elicit information flow through the synergy and collaboration arising from community partnership with the police. In a chat yesterday with the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Chris Olakpe, he said that one of the devices that helped the police to achieve the success was the fact that they created a special emergency line code for every citizen to get access to the police to tell them about the identity criminals and their hide – outs. In addition to that, Olakpe said that the Inspector – General of Police had told all commissioners of police to ensure that joint practical steps be taken through visible policing “and

so we dominate our environment through robust beat system and that has also helped us a great deal. Collaboration with other security agencies has also helped. We have collaborated with the Special Task Force (STF), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDS), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). We are working in collaboration to deal with the issue of crime and criminality and that has worked out very well.” The issue of dialogue with the stakeholders, according to him, is also very instrumental to achieving the success achieved by the police. On his objective assessment of the police apart from the view held about the police by members of the public, the police boss said that they are doing their best within the limit of the paucity of logistics, adding that that can be very well articulated by the performance of the police in international fora. “We have gone to international peace keeping and we have performed very well where we have enough logistics to back up our operations.

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From Kolawole Timothy, Lokoja ATIONAL Deputy Legal N Officer of the newly registered All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. James Ocholi (SAN) has said that the party is ready to accommodate any aggrieved member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who want to use the platform of APC to contribute their quota to the development of the country. Ocholi disclosed this in a chat with The Guardian in Lokoja, pointing out that PDP is now a building without foundation, which can no longer

stand the test of time. According to him, APC is out to correct the mistakes of the PDP in governance of the country and in the states of the federation. And with the support of all Nigerians, we will take the country to the promise land. Also, a chieftain of the party, Professor Yakubu Aliu has urged members of the three merger parties to bury their political differences and team up to form a credible opposition to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] ahead of the 2015 general election.

Ekhomu Commends JTF For Gains In Terror War By Laolu Adeyemi expert, Dr. Ona StheECURITY Ekhomu has commended Joint (Military) Task Force (JTF) on the elimination of Momodu Bama, the secondin-command to Boko Haram leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau. Ekhomu said that the decimation of the top leadership of the terrorist organization would lead to early victory in the war on terror and safety of Nigerian lives. He also urged Boko Haram leaders to embrace peace and stop further terrorist’s attack on innocent citizens. Describing the JTF security operation in the northeast as a huge success, Ekhomu urged the military to develop a new security master plan aimed at containing isolated attacks on the civil populace. Ekhomu called for the implementation of a security initiative which he tagged “Community Vigilance Defence Shield” (CVDS). He said that the “Civilian JTF” in Borno State had shown that vigilantism was essential in winning the anti-terror war.”

Akinlade Urges Yewa-Awori To Associate With Amosun’s Govt By Nnenna Ugwu Special Adviser to STaxENIOR the Ogun State Governor on and Revenue, Mr. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade has advised the people of Yewa-Awori to associate and negotiate with the present government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun towards 2019. Akinlade made this submission at a meeting held with members of ‘Proudly YewAwori’, at Ilaro, headquarters of Yewa South Local Council, Ogun state. He argued that the coming out of any Yewa-Awori son/daughter to contest Ogun governorship seat in 2015 against Governor Amosun would not help as been envisaged by the people of the area.

Maina Donates N3m To Indigent Families From Omotola Oloruntobi, Abuja S part of Federal A Government efforts to ensure adequate well-being of the less privileged, particularly children and women in the society, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina has touched the lives of about 15 indigent families with N3.3million. The minister, who personally handed over N3million cash to the beneficiaries in Abuja yesterday, urged them to use the money effectively to address their individual wants. Some of the beneficiaries include a 15-year-old teenage girl in need of surgery to correct deformity in her right leg, a middle aged woman suffering from breast cancer and two women who gave birth to triplet and quadruplet respectively.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

UNIJOS Don Castigate Politicians From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos ORMER Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Prof. Onje Gyewado, has described the political class in the country as essentially a bunch of illiterate people who are not willing to learn, adding that the country’s elite and political class are so selfish that if an event will not personally benefit them, “they will not be there.” Also Gyewado, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), and who spoke yesterday at a book launch titled, “Celebrating Njinkook: Studies in the history and culture of the Mupun of the Jos Plateau in Nigeria”, said the Middle Belt is suffering from dying languages and culture and called on Plateau people to start the process of engagement by redeeming their cultural heritage.

NEWS Britain Denies Funding Nigeria’s Space Programme By Chukwuma Muanya ONTRARY to a report that C Nigeria’s space programme is being funded by the British Government, the British Government yesterday came out to deny financing the project. First Secretary, Science, Innovation and Climate Change of the British High Commission, Mr. David Woolf, who spoke yesterday on behalf of the British Government during a visit to the National Space Research

and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja, described the recent statement credited to a member of the European Parliament, Mr. Godfrey Bloom, that the Nigerian Space Programme is being financed through aid from the British Government as a personal opinion and unfortunate. According to statement from NASRDA and signed by Head/Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Communication, Mr. Felix Alle, Woolf was accompanied

during the visit by Head of Press and Public Affairs at the British High Commission, Mr. Robert Fitzpatrick. Woolf declared that the United Kingdom is not funding Space Programme in Nigeria, adding that there was no basis for such misinformation and misrepresentation by the media. Woolf said: “Nigeria Space Programme is a worthwhile venture purely being funded by the Government and people of Nigeria. No British aid fund has been channeled or

spent on the Nigerian Space Programme.” Director General, NASRDA, Prof. Seidu Onailo Mohammed, expressed delight for the visit, saying Bloom’s comment, which has been given undue media attention globally, was quite embarrassing and callous. He described the relationship between the agency and its technical partner in the United Kingdom, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, as purely commercial and very cordial.

Mohammed explained that the space agency remained undeterred in pursuance of its 25-year roadmap in space for the progress of Nigeria. Mohammed said: “The agency is more than ever before determined to continue to collaborate with its technical partners in the United Kingdom and across the globe with the aim of achieving its 25- year roadmap as well transforming the laudable programmes and noble ideals of the Federal

Group Seeks Youth Council Dissolution From John Ogiji, Minna ITH less than one week to the National Delegate Congress of the National Youth Council of Nigeria schedule for Minna, Niger State, crisis may have engulfed the leadership of the Niger State Chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) This follows a call by a group under the umbrella of Local Government Coordinators of National Youth Council in the state for the dissolution of the state executive whose tenure the group alleged, has expired. In a letter signed by its Chairman, Usman Musa Ushe, the group also accused the leadership of the NYCN in the state under the Chairmanship of Hamisu Jankaro for not holding regular meeting of the association a situation which they claimed has led to inactiveness of youth activities in the state. But in a reaction to this development, Niger State Ministry for Youth Development disowned the group yesterday, describing it as faceless as the ministry is not aware of the existence of the group.

Council To Partner Rotary On Breast Cancer From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu HE Udenu Local Government Council of Enugu State has revealed its plan to partner with Rotary Club, Enugu Municipal, to tackle breast and cervical cancers in the state. Chairman of the council, Dr. Godwin Abonyi, who revealed the plan yesterday while receiving an award bestowed on him by the club, stressed that several persons have lost their lives to breast and cervical cancers. President of the Club, Mrs. Ijeoma Okpe, lauded Abonyi for the good work he is doing at the council, stressing that ending smoking of Indian hemp among youths in the area remained remarkable project of his administration.

Former Managing Director of ADC Airline, Capt. Augustine Okon; Managing Director/CEO, Belujane Konsult, Mr. Chris Aligbe and Managing Director/CEO, Aero Consult Limited, Engr. Babatunde Obadofin during a memorial lecture in honour of the pioneer Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), late Engr.Zakari Musa Haruna in Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SOLA OJEDOKUN

FG Commissions Schools For 10 Million Almajirai Children Soon From Adamu Abuh, Abuja INISTER of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has said that all is set for the take off of the model Almajiria schools in the entire Northern part of the country. The minister, who made the revelation during an interactive session with members of the civil society yesterday in Abuja, stated that official handing over of the schools would hold in Dutse, Jigawa

State, in next two weeks. Wike said the completion of the schools was in fulfillment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign promises aimed at integrating nine million children that ought to be in school, but roam streets because of their inability to gain access to both Islamic and formal education in the northern part of the country. The minister explained that it has became pertinent to put in

place the almajirai school system because of the 10.5 million populations of children that were out of school. Wike disclosed that 80 out of the 125 almajirai model schools, equipped with stateof- the -art facilities, have been completed, adding that work on the remainder and which is being supervised by a panel headed by Prof. Shehu Galadanci, has reached advanced stage of comple-

tion. The minister further stated that no fewer than 13 special schools have been constructed with the aim of encouraging girl-child education in the northern part of the country. Mr.Emmanuel Onwubiko of the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) applauded government for keeping its campaign promises to reintegrate the almajirai and other underprivileged children in the country.

India Wants Nigeria To Create Enabling Environment For Investment By Debo Oladimeji HE First Secretary and Head of Lagos Office of India High Commission, Mrs. Rani Malick, has said that there are lots of things Nigeria and India can learn from each other. “India has made progress in education, health and in the manufacturing sector. There is the need for the government to create the enabling environment for

Indians to come and invest in Nigeria to provide employment for Nigerians,” she said. Malick, who spoke on Thursday during the 67th Independence Day anniversary of India, said that India and Nigeria have a lot of things in common. “We both speak English language. We have diverse cultures and similar challenges. There are many

Indian companies in Nigeria,” she said. Malick said India has a lot of reasons to celebrate her 67th independence. “We are the world largest democratic country. Our media is free,” she said. Grover Anil, the Chief Marketing Director of ME CURE Diagnostic Centre and the Vice-President of India Professional Forum in Nigeria, said ME CURE has

opened free eye test and screening centres in Oshodi and Lekki “for those who cannot afford good healthcare,” he said. He added that the free screening and eye test for patents is part of the firm’s corporate social responsibilities. “More than 2000 people had benefitted from the free eye test and screening in the last one month,” he said.

Govt Aides In Trouble Over Cash-For -Employment Saga From Kolawole Timothy, Lokoja HERE are strong indications that two top aides of kogi State Governor may soon be sacked over their involvement in employment-for-cash scandal that rocked the now-suspended recruitment of teachers for secondary schools in the state. Sources in government house informed The Guardian that the two offi-

cials (names withheld) had asked those shortlisted for screening to pay the sum of N3, 000 to a certain private account as examination fees without the knowledge of the state governor. The sources revealed that though the state government was only planning to recruit 500 teachers, the officials went ahead to shortlist over 17,000 applicants in order to enrich themselves.

The Guardian gathered that many unsuspecting applicants rushed to the bank to pay the money with the hope that the state government approved it. However, the bubble burst when some of the applicants who could not pay the money staged a protest at the office of the commissioner of education where the applicants were informed that the said N3, 000 was not illegal but also

did not have the blessing of the state governor. The development made the Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Grace Elebiyo, to inform the governor of the illegality carried out by the duo. Sources said the governor, who felt sad over the development, immediately set up an investigative panel to probe the activities of the duo.

Lawyers Honour Judges, Liyel-Imoke OUR judges and the Cross FObioma River State First Lady, Mrs. Liyel-Imoke are among the distinguished lawyers to be honoured next week at the Annual Reunion of the Class of 1985 of the Nigerian Law School in Calabar, Cross River State. Also to receive an award is the outgoing Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Tahir Mamman, even as the event will herald the launch of the Nigerian Law School endowment fund by the class preparatory to the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Among the leading judges to be honoured are Hon. Justice John Olabisi Ige of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Kulu Aliyu (OFR), Chief Judge of Zamfara State, and Hon. Justice John Tsoho also of the Federal High Court. Others are Ambassador Obed Wadzani, former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain with concurrent accreditation to the Vatican, Barr. Francis Ekwere, former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and Barr. John Asein, Director/Head, Nigerian Copyright Institute and consultant to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The awardees are, except Mamman, all members of the 1985 class at the Nigerian Law School, and were chosen in line with the mandate of the body to identify and reward deserving class members who have distinguished them-

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

NEWS

Cinderella Story In Loughgall Village

Jonathan, Northern Governors Greets IBB At 72

7-YEAR-OLD Kirsty Crooks, 2 from Loughgall, Northern Ireland, became a royal after

From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja

marrying Nigerian Prince Mustapha Oniru yesterday. This County Armagh teacher, Kirsty Crooks is now officially a princess, and not just for her big day but for the rest of her life. The royal couple exchanged vows at Loughgall Presbyterian Church. The Guests included the groom’s parents, the king and queen of Lagos, King Idowu Abiodun Oniru and Queen Olori Arike Oniru who wore traditional Nigerian ceremonial dress for the wedding, while their son opted for a three-piece beige suit that he looked stunning in. The reception took place at the magnificent Castle Leslie in County Monaghan, the same venue that hosted the wedding of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills in 2002. The 27-year-old met her prince through her job at the British International School in Lagos, which is owned and run by the royal family, with Prince Mustapha as the School Administrator. Miss Crooks was recruited to teach languages at the school but she said she had no idea of the administrator’s royal status. She said her new in-laws arrived in Northern Ireland earlier this week with a large entourage that included other Nigerian kings and

chiefs. They all went to her grandmother’s house in rural County Armagh, where the two families were formally introduced. The bride said such a meeting was “customary in Nigerian tradition. I was provided with a new wardrobe to start my life as a princess, so it had definitely been very exciting,” she added. Lynne Harvey, the bride’s mother, confessed that it has been an incredible journey and the attires provided at the wedding were “breathtaking display of colour,” adding that the bride’s family were “definitely not

upstaged,” as both the bride and her mother were given traditional Nigerian outfits and headgear to wear at the evening reception. Speaking of her daughter’s new reyal status, Miss Harvey said: “She will always be a princess, she didn’t need to marry a king’s son.” The royal couple is due to travel to Monaco and then St. Tropez for their honeymoon, but plan to set up a base in Northern Ireland. They are living in London at present, where the new princess teaches GCSE and A level French, and German to high school students in

Uxbridge. However, she said it is likely they will split their time between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, as her husband will have royal duties to perform in his homeland.

inmates this year from various prisons across the state by settling their fines. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, Chairman of the state Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, as disclosing this while paying for the release of four inmates in Daura Prison. Yusuf, who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Shema on Community Development, said the freed inmates were from 11 prison formations in the state. He explained that the com-

mittee was mandated by the government to visit the prisons on quarterly basis with a view to freeing such inmates. “The state government also gives N10,000 to each of the freed inmates as start up capital to enable him or her start small business or trade to become self-reliant,” said the governor’s aide. According to him, the gesture is part of the state government’s magnanimity and concern for the less privileged in the society. Yusuf urged the four freed inmates, who were given N10,000 each, to change for the better and utilise the money

Babangida (rtd) clocks 72 years old today, President Goodluck Jonathan has joined his well wishers in congratulating him. Paying a glowing tribute to the former leader, the President in a statement by his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati praised the former leader’s life of accomplishments. The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has

The Couple

UIAA Alumni Embarks On 1,000 Bed –Space Hall

Katsina Frees 212 Prison Inmates HE Katsina State T Government said yesterday that it freed 212 prison

S the former Military A President, General Ibrahim Badamasi

also felicitated with Babangida, commending his untiring efforts at preserving the unity of the nation. The President said in part, “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I rejoice with you as you mark your 72nd birthday anniversary. “I join your family, numerous friends and many wellwishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past seventy-two years of a life of outstanding accomplishment.”

to economically empower themselves. Earlier, Alhaji Bukar Usman, the Assistant Controller of Prisons in charge of Daura Prison, commended the state government for its concern to the inmates. Usman also advised the freed inmates to be of good behaviour. Responding on behalf of the inmates, Sani Nasir thanked the state government for facilitating their freedom, assuring that they would be good citizens of the state.

From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri HE University of Ibadan T Alumni Association (UIAA), ended its four-day 157th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Owerri recently, with a passionate appeal to the Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha and other stakeholders to assist the body financially and materially to complete the on-going construction of 1,000 bed-space Hall of Residence at the new site of the institution. The new National President

of the association, Dr. Nathaniel Merenu, during the courtesy visit and dinner given to the members of the association by Okorocha at Government House, Owerri, said that the body has successfully completed its 28room project, adding that the gigantic 1,000-bed space would enhance and alleviate the problems of the institution if fully realised. He noted that the 158th NEC meeting of the body had been fixed for September 2013 in Onitsha, Anambra State.

2015: Enugu Group Commends Chime On Zoning GROUP, Marshal 7 Club, A which has members across the South-East divide rose from a meeting in Lagos recently, expressing gratitude to Governor Sulivan Chime of Enugu State for his honest disposition in his choice of Enugu North (Nsukka) to succeed him in Enugu State Lion Building in 2015. The Chairman of the club, Chief Fidelis Ezema, who spoke on behalf of the mem-

bers, stated that there was nothing more solemn than the truth as expressed by the Governor of the state in his frankness to the issue of a successor. “His Excellency has exhibited not only honesty, but a rare civility in leadership. We thank him not only for his statement but also for the good work he is doing in the state. Peace and security plus infrastructural and human

capital development have become a hallmark of his administration. “His presence is felt across the nooks and crannies of Enugu state. It must be put on record that this same club had some times in the past advised all political officer seekers from Nsukka divide to rally round the governor in 2011, so as to enable him have his own tenure unencumbered.

‘Why We Are Supporting Buhari’s Candidacy In 2015’ By Samson Ezea NE of the chieftains of O the newly registered All Progressives Alliance (APC) Mr. Osita Okechukwu yesterday explained why some of them in the party are clamouring for Major General Muhammed Buhari’s (rtd) candidacy for president in 2015.

According to Okechukwu, it is because Buhari is a man of integrity and has the uncommon courage to stop the monumental corruption going on in the country. He said: “Corruption has eaten deep into the marrow of the country, that we need a disciplinarian and a man of principle to redeem our

INEC Serves Notice For Anambra Governorship Poll From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki HE Independent National T Electoral Commission, (INEC) has released notice for the conduct of the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State to fulfill the constitutional requirement for that purpose. In the “Notice of Election” signed by the Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) in the State, Prof. C. E. Onukaogu, a copy of which was made

available to The Guardian, the electoral body stated: “Pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 30(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), the Independent National Electoral Commission hereby gives notice that the Election into the Office of Governor of Anambra State shall hold on Saturday, 16th day of November, 2013 in Anambra State.”

dear country. “Nigeria cannot make progress if we fail to fix Nigeria, cleanse the Augean stable and reposition the country. I am sure Buhari is one of the few Nigerian leaders who have the track record of transparency to take Nigeria to the next level. “His traducers are afraid that he will question the rot in the system, that’s why they malign him and splash mud on his image. We recollect that when he was rigged out in 2003, the outcome was Third Term, when Buhari was rigged out in 2007, the outcome was Doctrine of Necessity and when he was rigged out in 2011, the outcome is rudderless leadership. “We must eschew bitterness and religious and ethnic propaganda and support GMB to salvage Nigeria from the dangerous slide to a failed state. He wondered how the party could ditch a man who got 12 million votes in 2011 presidential election with little resources and a small party.

ThE GuARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

Man Burnt Trying To Rescue Baby From Burning Building From: Joseph Wantu, Makurdi. T was not an easy battle for medical doctors at the Benue State university Teaching hospital (BSuTh) who were all out to yesterday to save the life of a young man, Michael Anthony who last Tuesday night, ran into a burning building to rescue a 16 months old baby that was trapped in the inferno. Narrating the ordeal to The Guardian at the hospital, the mother of the little baby, Mrs. Shiminenge Terfa, said the incident happened at about 8 pm Tuesday night while she left her four children in the house to go and

buy drugs within the vicinity. She said unknown to her, as soon as she left the house, fire, which she suspected, must have been sparked off by a candle light enveloped the house trapping all her four children in the room. Mrs. Terfa added that whereas, the other three children were rescued by neighbours, the last child, a 16- month old baby boy, Saanmoyol Terfa was not so lucky as he was forgotten in the burning house. She further intimated that it was the cry of the baby in the burning house that alerted the neighbours who watched helplessly as the in-

ferno devour the building as every body stood afar due to the intensity of the fire. But Michael, 27, and Igbo man and indigene of Enugu State who also happens to be a neighbour to the parents of the victims could not help to watch the child die in the fire and put his life on danger, ran into the burning house and rescued the baby. It was in the course of saving the baby that Mike got badly burnt, sustaining serious degree of burns in some parts of his body while the baby whom he rushed to save was fast recovering at the hospital. Michael’s elders brother, Charles has been keeping

vigil at the hospital bed, said he was not home when the incident happened adding that he was later informed

of how his brother tried to rescue a baby from the burning house and got burnt in the process.

Jigawa Pilgrims To Be Airlifted From Dutse Airport From John Akubo, Dutse hE ExECuTIvE Secretary of Jigawa Pilgrim Welfare Board, Alhaji Muhammed Alhassan has disclosed that Max airline would airlift Jigawa pilgrims from the Dutse International Airport under construction for the 2013 hajj. This is to confirm the assurances given earlier by the Jigawa State Government that

the construction works on the multibillion-naira airport would be completed and the airport would be utilized for this year’s hajj, he said. he said that eleven different committees have been set up to coordinate and oversee the operation within and out side the country. he said their mandate covers security and welfare.

NEWS Gregory varsity Gets NuC’s Approval From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia ESS than two years after Lvately its formal takeoff, the priowned Gregory university uturu in Abia state has gotten the National universities Commission (NuC) approval to commence degree courses in Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences with effect from the 2013/2014 academic session. Consequently, the university Registrar Dr Austin Orisakwe in a press release made available to The Guardian on yesterday, urged students desiring to study Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in Gregory university uturu from 2013/2014 academic session to apply for admission. The release stated that, “final approval for the commencement of programmes in the new colleges came after series of meticulous facility inspections by different teams of professors and other academic technocrats from the NuC.

Tastee Fried Chicken Opening Soon In Ajah ASTEE Fried Chicken a preT mium brand in the Quick Service Restaurant business is about to open another outlet at Ineh Filling Station, by vGC bus stop, Ajah, a statement says.

Director General (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, flanked by lady golfers and the children to jointly cut the ceremonial cake at this year’s Children’s Summer Golf Development.

By Chris Irekamba

Rivers Group Wants Wike Sanctioned hE Rivers Peoples’ Forum T (RPF) has said that the continued refusal of the police to arrest and prosecute Minister of State for Education, noting that the theory of social responsibility originates from the need to cover disaster and conflict effectively. fairness to all is important Nyesom Wike, for openly threatening the lives of Rivers people, and the peace and security of the State would force the group to mobilize Rivers people for the ‘mother of all’ protests to push for the arrest and prosecution of the minister. Wike, at a Grassroot Democratic Initiative (GDI) event in Port harcourt had said that, “for those who think that they can destroy Obio-Akpor

(Local Government Council), we will make life uncomfortable for them. We will make sure they will not sleep again. When they are sleeping, they will not sleep with their two eyes closed. One eye will be open because they know there is danger.” The group alleged that, Wike was referring to the former Chairman and Councilors of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area who were suspended by the Rivers State house of Assembly for the house to carry out investigations of monumental fraud and corruption against them. RPF had last week call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the junior

minister over this comments, which they say is dangerous to democracy in the country, threatens the peace and security of Rivers State and could lead to a break-

down of law and order in the State. In the statement signed by its President, Charles Bekwele, RPF described the comments of Wike as a direct

threat to the good people of Rivers State, since the Assembly members acted on behalf of the people who elected and mandated the Assembly members to represent them.

Catholic To Raise Fund For Church Building By Daniel Anazia

hE CAThOLIC faithfuls of holy Family Catholic Church, Ewupe area of Ogun State will today launch a N50 million appeal fund for the building of a befitting church cathedral in the community. The event, which holds at the St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba will help realise the dreams of the Reverend

fathers, who had visited the parish in their pastoral assignments, especially, Late Rev. Fr. Comas Olufemi Famoroti, who contributed to making the place habitable for worship. Speaking at a press briefing held at the church site, the Convener, Mrs. Eve Enakimio said the idea of building for the Lord came as a result of her encounter with Late Rev.

Fr Famoroti, who instructed her to lead the members in carrying out the project. “Before his death, he assigned me a responsibility to handle raising funds for the land on which the plank shed structure of worship was occupying. It was one of the outstation under his jurisdiction. Though, part of the land was purchased and the worship centre is still ongoing.

Soludo, Obidigbo Support Consensus Candidate As APGA Screens 14 Guber Aspirants From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja S the All Progressive A Grand Alliance (APGA) begins the screening of candidates that have indicated interest to fly the party’s flag at the November 16 governorship election in Anambra state, two of the aspirants, Chukwuma Soludo and Chike Obidigbo

have stressed the need for the party’s leadership and the candidates to embrace any arrangement that could arrive at producing a consensus candidate for the party. The aspirants who spoke separately shortly after facing the screening panel set up by the party at its national secretariat in Abuja,

noted that the coming together of the aspirants to agree on a consensus candidate would ensure that the party goes with one mind to approach the great task of retaining the Awka government house, stressing that their aspirations to govern the state should not be a door-die affair. Obidigbo, who noted that

Church Marks Golden Jubilee

the fact that there are as many as fourteen candidates contesting for the tick of the party indicates that the party is a strong and can produce people who are qualified to do that job, adding that he will be ready to support any move by the stakeholders to promote cohesiveness within the party.

“I have always said it that, Anambra state at this point in time needs a good luck. We want to strengthen the economy of Anambra state; we want to reduce the incidents of criminal activities. We want to grow our economy. We want to provide serious sustainable jobs to our young unemployed graduates and even artisans.

S the Lagos Presbyterian A Church (LPC), Yaba, celebrates its golden jubilee, the Minister in-charge, Rev. Nnanna Odege has underscored the achievement of the church in the past 50 years. At a press conference in Lagos, recently, the Minister said the church came into existence on May 5, 1963 and since then it had witnessed a considerable phenomenal growth. “From a one parish denomination in 1963, the Church is credited with the establishment of over 35 other parishes, 42 congregations and outstations spanning the entire Southwest of Nigeria, which includes Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Osun and Delta states. Presently, the one-parish church in Lagos has extended beyond the Nigerian borders to Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso and Mali. The LPC has produced many fervent Christians, distinguished professionals and captains of industries within her relatively short period of existence. her achievements in the past 50 years provide a platform to visualise a future that looks much more promising than her equally glorious past”, he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

METRONOTES

Awoyemi

Animalu

Oki

Controversy Over Appointment Of Babaloja For Ladipo Market By Debo Oladimeji N a letter dated August 16, 2011 signed by Hon. Yahya Ismail, Secretary to Mushin Local Government, Alhaji Abibu Oladotun Oki was endorsed as the Babaloja of Ladipo International Market. In the discharge of his functions as Babaloja, he was required to carry all the stakeholders in the market along, particularly, Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee (LACEC) which is the umbrella body of all the units of the market. He was advised to also ensure that there is absolute peace and orderliness in the market. In an address delivered by the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olatunde Babatunde Adepitan during the installation of Oki as the Babaloja Ladipo Market on June 27, 2013, he said in Yoruba land where Ladipo Market is situated, every market must have a traditional leader (Babaloja), so Ladipo Auto Spare part market cannot be an exception. “The responsibilities of the Babaloja cannot erode the functions of the LACEC. I urge you all to collaborate especially in the area of environmental sanitation, discipline, security and others,” he said. That was before the fracas which happened in the market recently during which many people were injured and property worth millions of naira damaged. It happened during the first environmental sanitation that was being supervised by the newly installed Babaloja. Reacting to the incident, Comrade Iyke Animalu, President of LACEC said that what really happened was that three months ago, the chairman of Mushin Local Government called him and explained that they wanted to install Babaloja in Ladipo market. “I asked what is the meaning of Babaloja? He said it is a Yoruba traditional title (for a market leader). I said let me go and inform my people and I will get back to you.” Animalu said he went to Ladipo and called a stakeholders’ meeting. “I presented what the Chairman of Mushin Local Government said to them. They said that they don’t want anything like Babaloja,” he disclosed. He added that his people kicked against the idea of installing Babaloja inside Ladipo Market where 99 percent of the traders are Igbos. He disclosed that he went back to the chair-

man of the local government to inform him that his people don’t want Babaloja to be installed in Ladipo Market. “The Chairman said that I should find a way to talk to them that they will agree. I said that I already called all the sectional heads and talked to them and they said that they don’t want Babaloja.” He said that he was surprise to discover that the chairman went ahead to install Oki as Babaloja who he alleged later hired some “area boys” on that fateful Thursday during their environmental sanitation exercise. “Before we knew it they, left their warehouses and started approaching Ladipo junction. They started chanting war songs that Alhaji Abibu Oki, Babaloja has taken over. “I asked Alhaji Baruwa what is happening? He said nothing is happening, that they have taken over, that Alhaji Oki is now Babaloja. I said ‘please my brothers, today is environmental, go back to your warehouse and do your environmental’. “They didn’t even allow me to finish when they started breaking bottles, saying they have taken over. Two weeks earlier before then, Ladipo Market was shut down. Before Ladipo was opened, we entered into an agreement that there will be peace in Ladipo with Lagos State government,” he said. Animalu said that most of the plaza in Ladipo belongs to individuals. “Ladipo is not a commodity market. It is an international market. Even if at all such a thing will happen, won’t they consult us? Won’t they call the stakeholders, the elders and the board of trustee of this market and tell them? Then, if they want to introduce or install Babaloja in Ladipo Market it must be an Ibo man. But they have to discuss with us before doing anything,” he added. He said that there is no way LACEC can exist with Babaloja. “How can the two exist. It is not possible. If my time elapses, I will go back to my business. We will conduct election for another person to take over,” he said. He said his people said that instead of them to accept Babaloja, they are ready to quit Ladipo. Animalu said his function as the President of LACEC is to coordinate all the unit heads. “We have 36 unit heads. And we hold meetings about the security of the market and the envi-

ronmental issues,” he said. On his part, Alhaji Omobolaji Olaiya Awoyemi, the Babaloja General of Mushin Local Government, urged the parties to the dispute to resolve it amicably. “What I know is that one should accept the will of God because whatever God says will certainly be. Oki was appointed as Babaloja of this market since the time of our mother, Abibatu Mogaji, the former President of Iyaloja of Nigeria. “Nobody complained. As the Babaloja General, I invited the LACEC executives on several occasions to the council. They did not come. They don’t believe that Oki is their leader. The Chairman of Mushin Local Government called them that they should come so that we can resolve the matter. They refused.” He said that was the situation of things before the mayhem that happened in the market. “This man was supervising the environmental sanitation before they started fighting. I was here that day and I saw that it was what the Chairman of Mushin Local Government asked him to do that Oki was doing. “The Chairman called them to tell them that Oki is the Babaloja of this market. I am the Babaloja General for Mushin Local Government. They ought to listen to the Chairman because they are under his jurisdiction,” he said. He added that in Yoruba land there is nothing like Chairman in the market. “As our mother, Abibatu Mongaji used to say: ‘we don’t have chairmen in Yoruba markets. What we have is Iyaloja or Babaloja.’ Even in Igbo land, they have similar things,” he said. He urged LACEC to accept Oki as Babaloja, adding that as a Lagosian, he is interested in the peaceful coexistence of everybody in the market. “There is no need to start fighting with cutlasses and shooting because of Babaloja. They should let bygones be bygones. As the Babaloja General, Ladipo Market is under my jurisdiction. They were thinking that Oki was going to impose levies on them. But this man is not asking them to pay money. He just wants them to accept his leadership and to

allow him to perform his duties,” he said. Speaking on the issue, Oki said that the Babaloja General is like the leader of the market. He admitted that he used to attend LACEC meetings before he became the Babaloja of Ladipo. “I became the Babaloja at the right time. The problem is that some people don’t understand the meaning of Babaloja. I was the third person to have warehouse here. We did not say that LACEC should not exist. But I am the Babaloja,” he said. He stressed some people don’t want Babaloja because they were thinking of market levies they will have to pay. “But I am not for that. I am only after the welfare of the people. We are one Nigeria. You have to obey the traditions of the people where you are living. After staying in this market for 20 years, how can somebody say that I cannot become Babaloja?” he said. He recalled that he was supervising the environmental sanitation that Thursday before the crisis. “All of a sudden, we saw a group of people who came with cutlasses, and guns and started chanting war songs. Then we all ran for our lives. Because of the memorandum of understanding we had with the Lagos State government, it will be out of order for me to fight or cause mayhem in the market,” he said, adding that the matter is now with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. “What I want them to know is that they don’t vote for Babaloja in Yoruba land. It is a tradition title”. His assistant, Mr. Babatunde Baruwa said that the concept of Babaloja is not new. “If you go to Onisha, Aba, etc it is the Igbos that are the Babalojas there. The same thing is applicable here,” he said. He admitted that the Igbo people are in the majority in Ladipo market. But the Yoruba people, he said, are mostly their customers. “The Commissioner of Police said they are going to settle the matter. But if after that they are not pleased, let them seek legal redress,” he said. He described Oki as a gentle man. “He does not want any trouble. He is after the progress of the market.”

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

METRONOTES project has had the passion of facilitating the human capital agenda of T was like a carnival recently when the state government, which to a about 750 women, mostly widows, large extent has enabled women to engage in productive and economic descended on the Delta State capital, Asaba, for an empowerment pro- activities. She firmly believed that no woman gramme organised by the wife of should suffer; hence he determinathe governor, Mrs. Roli Nere tion to effectively reached out to Uduaghan. women through the provision of Drawn from the 25 councils of the state, the gaily-dressed women start- skill acquisition equipment, distribution of agricultural input, provision ed arriving the Event Centre on of means of transportation on land uptown Okpanam Road venue of and water, free health initiatives, the ceremony as early as 7 am in chartered mini-buses, with 30 from awareness campaigns and the annual widows package, among others. each council. She disclosed that so far, over None left empty handed, as the heaps of bags of detergent and salts 38,000 women have benefited from disappeared in a twinkle of an eyed Master Care Foundation’s various schemes, adding: “Today, the when Mrs. Uduaghan came and empowerment of 750 women, who started doling out the mite to the widows, so as to mitigate the effects are mostly widows, is to boost the of losing their husbands. It was like already created atmosphere for the financial independence of more manna from heaven. women in Delta State. In a way, it was a time for them to “There is joy in small beginnings. If forget the pains and trauma of losyou take this venture seriously, with ing a love one, as they took to the diligence, hardwork and consistency, floor to dance away their sorrow. poverty will be far from you and As melodious tunes blared from the giant loudspeakers, the women there will be room for expansion.” Mrs. Uduaghan tasked Deltans to couldn’t resist the urge, as they left join the state government in adding their tents to join the governor’s wife in reciting the tunes and gyrat- value to the lives of the needy, saying such would help build a strong and ed to the music. Overwhelmed by the turnout and enduring legacy in society. About 1, 749 bags of detergent and 1, show of love, Mrs. Uduaghan said 520 bags of salts were given out to the culture of empowerment is a the women. way of life at the Master Care For 80-year-old Mrs. Victoria Foundation, her pet project. Odumah from Oruakpor in Ethiope She said the proper show of concern and expression of love for chil- East Council, things took a dramatic turn for the worst when she lost her dren, women in difficult circumstances, widows and orphans is the husband over 20 years ago. She had to fend for her nine chilFoundation’s sole objective as a way dren through the little profit from of making them become valuable sales at her provision store. human resources that would in Mrs. Odumah, who was given four turn give back to their immediate bags of detergent, intends giving out families and communities. In the last six years, she added, the two to her fellow widows. From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba

The gift items, and some of the beneficiaries.

Uduaghan’s Wife Puts Smiles On Widows’ Faces “Times are very hard for the widows, but we thank Mrs. Uduaghan for remembering us,” she said. Mrs. Peace Obonoje, a native of Okpara Waterside, also in Ethiope East Council, could hardly believe it when she got a call from the chairman of the council intimating her of the trip to Asaba. The 42-year-old mother of five

explained that it was the chairman paid for the chartered mini-bus that brought her and the other women to Asaba, adding that she intends to give out part of the four bags of detergent she got to other people. Going by the look on Mrs. Alice Ojegba’s face, there was no doubt that the mother of seven from OriaAbraka in Ethiope East Council has

been through terrible times, as she looked older than her age. The widow, who had to carry on all alone since her husband died of a high blood pressure 17 years ago, confessed that the five bags of salt she received meant so much to her and commended the governor’s wife for finding time for the widows, in spite of her busy schedule.

Kudos As Students Shine In Spelling Bee Competition Catching the children of the future young seems the best way to correct that anomaly. And that precisely what was on the mind of ITH so many borrowed words from French, Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Arabic and Mrs. Hannatu Ochei, wife of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, other major languages, spelling and prowhen she organised the competition in Asaba. nouncing English words is not always easy. Miss Christabel Odegua Ogbeide, 14, who Even a native speaker will have to stretch himself to the limit to always get the spellings came third in the competition, has definitely seen too much too soon. right. An orphan, who lost her mother as a toddler, So, it was recently for secondary school stuand her father a few years later, the Spelling dents in Delta State when they filed through Bee contest may have reinforced her belief the to the podium to compete in the first edition truism in the assertion that “in the desert of of Spelling Bee competition in the state. adversity, there is an oasis of salvation,” as she There is no doubt that the dwindling stanwas given a scholarship by Ochei as a result of dard of education is a cause for serious concern in the country. It is a fact that there are so her sterling performance. It was interesting to see the students spell many graduates whose proficiency in both spoken and written English, the country’s offi- words that could task even a First Class graduate of English. cial language, is appalling.

From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba

Some of the contestants at the competition

Take these: Denouement, clairvoyant, synecdoche, mayonnaise, oscillate, callisthenic, monophthong, parsimonious, soliloquy and others that could take one’s brainpower. In the beginning, the test was supposed to be restricted to only secondary schools in the state capital, Asaba, but Mrs. Ochei confessed that it took the prompting of her husband to expand it to the whole state, with 530 participating students. With the display of brain power by the 15 contestants- five from each of the three senatorial districts- she seemed to have savoured every moment of it, not minding the financial implication, if the smile on her face throughout the event was anything to go by. When the 15 school children marched to the podium on that cool and breezy evening, it was quite obvious that the test was going to be keenly contested. Laid up for the winner was a princely sum of N250, 000, while the second best was to have N150, 000 and the third, N100, 000. The remaining 12 were not left out, as they were promised consolation prizes for making it to the grand finale. The master of ceremony, Mr. Andrew Blaze, promptly reeled out the rules of engagement to the youthful contestants. In the audience were Ochei; former Speaker Martins Okonta; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Betty Efekhoda, who stood in for the wife of the governor, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; and Deputy Speaker, Basil Ganagana; Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, lawmakers and a host of others. When the first round ended, only five of them remained standing, a figure that was further reduced to three when the remaining two failed to correctly answer the questions posed to them. Left standing to slug it out were Miss Onyinye Okolie of Graceville Secondary School, Asaba and Master Emmanuel Ogheneochukome. After a dramatic duel between the duo, which held the audience spellbound for about an hour, Emmanuel finally won. The evening had started with a speech by Mrs. Ochei, who bemoaned the appalling level of both spoken and written English. She stated that the importance of communi-

cation couldn’t be over-emphasised, as being literate begins with communication, and communication entails the transaction of ideas, using words and symbols, as the fundamental platform. This, she added, necessitated the need for the Delta Spelling Bee Contest, which is designed to inculcate the basic imperatives of effective communication, ultimately impacting on improved spelling skills, development of poise, inflate student vocabulary, pronunciation and accurate word usage. She disclosed that the initiative was borne out of the need to position students for greater challenges, especially improving their grasp and usage of English Language. Christabel, who had earlier resigned to a bleak educational future, being the second runner-up at the maiden contest. Her emergence has given fillip to Mrs. Ochei’s passion to support the Delta child in pursuit of academic excellence, as harbinger of economic emancipation. Undoubtedly, her success story justified the essence of the project, which, according to the sponsor, is also aimed at assisting children in the state the opportunity of developing and applying a systemic approach in enhancing the children’s mental development, which in turn beget self-confidence, the spirit of sportsmanship and ultimately, the ability to perform optimally under pressure. When Christabel entered the spelling contest, little did she envisage that she was keeping a date with destiny, a watershed in her long sought ambition of using education as the springboard for economic emancipation, which hitherto had remained a mirage, having lost both parents, amidst eight other siblings. Speechless at the sudden transformation, Christabel, a Basic 9 student of Kudos Model Secondary School, Warri could only manage to say: “Words are not enough to express my gratitude, first to the sponsor of the contest, Mrs. Hannatu Ochei, for the thought, more so as she opted for this project. “Of course, the promoters of the Victor Ochei Foundation, who never knew me before, but chose to help a poor orphan, like me.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

METRONOTES By Jesutomi Rotimi ELL on earth is the best way to H describe Ipaja-Ayobo Road in Lagos. The road is horrible. People change their shoes, shirts on their way to work because the one they wore from home has already been stained by dirt. “White is an abomination around here, especially for pedestrians. Motorists are fond of splashing dirty stagnant water on the clothes of pedestrians. The roads are terribly bad! It’s a crazy route,” said Mr. Nkem a bus driver who plies the road. He said that the bad road has shot up the cost of transportation. “It’s not my fault that the road is bad, neither is it my fault that it is yet to be repaired. Driving here is a difficult task because of the danger to the vehicle. So, unless something is done really fast to hasten its construction to make the road better, nothing can change on the transportation issue. How many years will it take them to construct this road? We are grateful for what they are doing but the sooner they finish up, the better for us all,” he said. A resident, Jaiyeosinmi Mobolade disclosed that she has been staying in Ayobo for over five years now. “The reason why I moved here is the affordable accommodation around here when compared to other parts of Lagos. “This road is a terrible route! I have to ply it every day to my working place in Ikeja. I’m always scared of wearing anything, especially below the knee, because it will be stained. “I keep polish and handkerchief in my bag with which I dust my body from time to time. This place is another world on its own. It is worst during the raining season. It’s a complete mess. Let’s talk of the cost of transportation itself; it is damn too expensive and constantly unstable. It is hard to tell the precise amount. It depends on where you are going or coming from and what time of the day. It can be frustrating,” she said. Mobolade added that the road has been under construction for about a year or so. “It’s good that at least the government is giving it attention and we appreciate what they are doing. I think they should please speed up the work they are doing. They should not abandon this project. It is urgent, they should come here to see what we’ve been going through as residents and workers plying this road with no alternative. It’s disastrous,” she added. When contacted, the Information Officer of Ipaja-Ayobo Local Government , Mrs. Yusuf and the Head of Department (HOD), Education, Mr. Odunewu Kamar said:“As regards the feeder roads, construction work is seriously going by the local government on Megida Alhaja Olayemi road. This will serve as a link road to Asipa Road. The Lagos State government is working on the road which will serve as a major link road to other roads and communities. “But the Ayobo Road is being handled by Plycons Construction Company at Amule-Ayobo under the state government. “About 350 roads are under this local government. So you can imagine the enormity of what we are talking about. Aside from this, College Road to Command Bus top has been done. Fatolu road and Oluonasi have been done by the state government,” they said. Concerning the promise of the Lagos State government to construct a fly over on Asipa Linking Road, they said that they have been reminding the government through placement of jingles on radio. “Construction is currently going on from Baruwa to Church bus stop. The construction of drainage along that road is on. The construction company handling this work has already been given till November to complete the construction of the Ipaja-Ayobo Road but basically construction started in late 2011,” Kamar said.

Ipaja-Ayobo Road: Hell On Earth

Pains Of Commuters, Motorists On Ikorodu-Itoikin, Sagamu Roads By Modupe Ojo

KORODU-ITOIKIN and Sagamu Roads are federal roads that are in a bad shape and have been been a source of worry to motorists and residents of the areas. The downpour in recent times has made them worse off with potholes. The roads are link roads to Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu and travelling on them is difficult. Although repair work was carried out on them recently, there is still a whole lot to be done. Road users and residents are worried particularly because of the heavy traffic jam they go through daily. It has led to high cost of transportation. Businesses also suffer. A resident, Mrs. Funke Ajayi noted that because of the influx of people into Ikorodu and its environs, the roads are now very busy with heavy duty vehicles.

Miss Folarin Oreoluwa, a trader, disclosed that there has been a drastic reduction in the number of customers that patronize her because of the bad roads. Mr Tolu Shogbesan observed that there is a lukewarm attitude on the part of contractors repairing the roads. “Ultimately, we can’t say government is not taking action but the issue is that we are bothered about the time spent on the project without result,” he said. On the cause of the heavy traffic on the roads, an official of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) officials who prefers anonymity, said. “The roads lack proper drainage system and once there is downpour, flood usually makes them to become bad. Besides, there are no designated bus stops for commercial buses. Most of them stay on the road to drop or carry passengers”.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

METRONOTES

Taking Nature To Man: The Osun Example By Abiodun Fanaro ENERALLY, tree planting has become G part of policies of governments at all levels in Nigeria. Tree planting which has been permanently keyed into the various governments’ statutory programmes with a particular day set aside annually by every state government, is one of the major ways of responding to the call by the United Nation on member states and other stakeholders to re-grow the ozone layer and reduce the increasing danger its rapid depletion poses to mankind. In Osun State, the programme is completely different in concept, implementation, sustenance and participation strategies. The State government aptly demonstrated this when it recently launched its Green Environment Programme tagged Igi Iye, meaning ‘Tree of Life’. The programme officially launched at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on June 25, 2013 has also been launched in all the state’s three senatorial zones while plans have been completed to do same in all the state’s 30 council areas to be followed by the ward to ward and towns to town phases. Governor Ogb Rauf Aregbesola who performed the official launch, underscored the importance of the project to the general wellbeing of people in the state. His words: “We shall be doing ourselves a mortal disfavour and even risk the curses and wrath of the generations to come, if we stand akimbo doing nothing to enhance and rejuvenate the ecosystem, to create conducive atmosphere for the regeneration of the fauna and the replenishing of the flora which we daily deplete and poach into extinction. “Hence our resolve at making the state of Osun a centre of ecotourism enclave where the living cares for the environment and where the environment oozes forth clean air for the living to enjoy long life in good health. “What we are initiating today by the launching of Igi Iye scheme is not a jamboree or a social celebration, but an essential step which we must take now in order to reconnect the broken chain between the land and the atmosphere”. The project has been launched in Ilesa for Osun East senatorial district, Iwo for Osun West senatorial and Osogbo for the Central senatorial. At the end of the senatorial launches, a total of 2.5 million trees were planted. Mr Bola Ilori, Special Adviser to Aregbesola on Environment and Sanitation whose office coordinates the project, in an interview with The Guardian spoke on the Igi Iye concept. “For us, coming up with Igi Iye is the realization of the need to take nature back to man. This is a clear departure from the general objective of ecotourism, which is to take man to nature. When a man goes to tourist centres with the hope of re-uniting with nature, it is usually a temporary thing because one day he must return home. But when nature is taken to a man in his residence, it is a permanent thing. “These are two distinctly different things. Go to a typical African setting, there is no house that would not have some fruit bearing trees around it or a garden. So, we deeply reflected on this and we came to the painful conclusion that the absence of this eco-culture in our contemporary homes today, is the cause of many preventable diseases today. Its absence has done more damage to the immunity level of an average African. Having realized this missing link, we now concluded that we must quickly arrest the worsening situation by taking trees back to people’s residence. Again this is different from foresting, that is forest regeneration which ongoing now. What we are doing under Igi Iye is residential tree planting”. Ilori noted that God Himself appreciated the importance of trees to man and the inter-relationship between the two when at creation, He established the Garden of Eden where He put Adam and

Governor Aregbesola planting a tree at the occasion. Eve to live as husband and wife. To buttress this position, Ilori said: “Before God created man at, He first created the Garden of Eden. The truth of the matter is that God Himself is the first environmentalist in the world having realized the strategic importance of the eco-nature to mankind which is that trees and man are inseparable. When God got angry because of the way man abused the garden He bequeathed unto him, He sent man out of the garden. In our own modest view, the farther a man is from plants and nature the farther he is from the will of God and the closer a man is to plants and nature without abusing it, the closer he is to the will of God. It is as simple as that”. The involvement of the corporate world was attested to with the pledge of the Corporate Business Department of the Gurantee Trust Bank (GTB) Osogbo, when Ilori took the tree planting message to there. A top official of GTB, Mr Jelleel Olaleye who received the state government team, said: “GTB will plant the trees as directed by the government not only because it is a state government project, but essentially because we believe in it and share the vision of the state governor at making Osun an eco state where natural and ecological disasters are preventable”. The involvement of youths, particularly students, in the planting is also serving another strategic purpose as the vehicle to sustain and carry the project to the future. of the environment. This clearly is the objective Aregbesola sought to achieve when he used students to launch the project in the state’s three senatorial districts at Ilesha Grammar School, Ilesha, Oshogbo Grammar School, Osogbo and Iwo Grammar School, Iwo. “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 transgeneration of the idea. “Igi Iye is about the present but of more

the monitoring content where the We shall be doing ourselves a mortal isstate has partnered with the OAU’s disfavour and even risk the curses and Institute of Ecological and Studies which, apart from wrath of the generations to come, if we Environmental offering professional advice on the projstand akimbo doing nothing to enhance ect, is also responsible for its monitorThis is not only novel, but it is anothand rejuvenate the ecosystem, to cre- ing. er missing link in the implementation of ate conducive atmosphere for the such projects in other states. The strategic importance of the partregeneration of the fauna and the nership towards the success of the projreplenishing of the flora which we daily ect was attested to by the Acting Director of the Institute, Dr Olusegun Awotoye deplete and poach into extinction. importance, is about the future and we will be deceiving ourselves if we refuse to partner with the students, our youths who own the future. They are the pivot of our endeavors in the process of development and we cannot relegate them to the background,” he said. Another feature of the Osun experiment

when he said: “It is commendable and remarkable to note that Governor Aregbesola is the first governor to formally see the virtue and necessity in partnering with professionals in environmental sector in Nigeria. Hence, the collaboration and partnership which our department is strengthening and exploring to boost the well being of the earth”.

Ilori, left , presenting a bag containing Igi Iye seedlings to Aregbesola.

12 |

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

NEWSFEATURE

AfDB’s Economic Outlook Report: Why FG Cannot Last weekend, the African Development Bank (AfDB) released its yearly report, the African Economic Outlook, which indicated that Nigeria’s economy was not on the path of growth. The report strengthened the belief of many Nigerians that President Goodluck Jonathan’s mid-term report on May 29, this year, which gave the impression that the country was gradually achieving economic viability did not reflect the realities on ground. In this report, ONYEDIKA AGBEDO takes a further look at the economy, bringing in experts’ views on its real state and what should be done to make it truly strong and viable. XACTLY 81 days ago, President Goodluck E Jonathan presented the mid-term report of his administration to Nigerians where he highlighted the sector-by-sector achievements of the government through its “Transformation Agenda”. The administration had claimed that that in spite of the security challenges of the country, Nigeria remained the favourite investment destination in Africa. While presenting the report as part of activities to mark this year’s Democracy Day, President Jonathan had noted: “A number of comments about the performance of this administration are based on the heartbeat of people. Those who want to write and assess should prepare their marking scheme, compare with previous government.” He insisted that despite the challenges facing the nation, the administration had done well so far in giving Nigerians dividends of democracy, noting that the economy had attracted a lot of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), recorded an impressive growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and surpassed its annual growth rate in eight out of the 14 broad areas of the “Transformation Agenda.” The President had further revealed that Nigeria’s global GDP ranking had improved from the 44th position in 2010 to the 36th position presently. But despite that claim of excellent performance and economic growth, the masses of this country have been asking: Are Nigerians better off today than they were when President Jonathan assumed power? Is the government’s assessment of its performance real or it’s just trying to take glory where there is none? Is the country now threading on the path of economic stability that would guarantee her total independence, spur growth and safeguard her future? Has Nigeria truly become the number one investment destination of choice in Africa even with her power problems? Has it suddenly found its feet back as the ‘giant of Africa’? These questions and more are still begging for answers. However, the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently released its own verdict on the Nigerian economy. The bank, after analysing Nigeria’s economy, wrote it off for the fact that the nation’s acclaimed economic growth did not translate into job creation or poverty alleviation. The assessment was contained in the African Economic Outlook, a yearly report of the bank, which was released last weekend in Abuja. According to the report, “Nigeria’s prospect of halving poverty by 2015 seems weak. The proportion of people living below the national poverty line has worsened from 65.5 per cent in 1996 to 69.0 per cent in 2010. Poverty is higher in rural areas at 73.2 per cent than in urban areas at 61.8 per cent.” The document pointed out that inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, rose from 0.429 in 2004 to 0.447 in 2010. Gini coefficient is a measurement of statistical dispersion developed by Italian Statistician and Sociologist, Corrado Gini, which measures the extent of distribution of income or consumption expenditure among individuals or house-

Okonjo-Iweala

holds. The report noted that the rate of poverty varied significantly between the urban and rural citizens and among the geographical zones, adding that 66 per cent of the rural population lives below the poverty line of one dollar per day. “Malnutrition is widespread. Rural areas and disadvantaged groups are particularly vulnerable to chronic food shortage and unbalanced nutrition. Forty-one per cent of Nigerian children are stunted, nine per cent wasted or thin and 23 per cent underweight,’’ the report said. It added that as at 2011, unemployment rate was at 24 per cent compared to 21 per cent in 2010, adding that the rate was high among the age bracket of between 15 and 24, and 25 to 44, at 38 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively. The report pointed out that an average of 1.8 million people entered the labour market every year over the past five years. It quoted the statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics to have projected that the number of entrance to the labour market yearly would grow from three million in 2012 to about 8.5 million in 2015. Those were the pronouncements of the AfDB, a regional multilateral development bank, engaged in promoting the economic development and social progress of its member countries. Although the Federal Government quickly faulted the report through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, who described it as “devoid of truth and political” since Nigeria recently received an award from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), a United Nations body, at its 38th Session in Rome in late June as one of the nations that made significant progress in reducing hunger, analysts are on the side of the AfDB. Those of them who spoke with The Guardian were of the view that much of the claims of the government about economic growth do not truly reflect on the daily lives of the people. A Professor of Business and Executive Director at Olawoyin Awosika School of Innovative Studies (OASIS), Prof. Abiola Awosika-Fapetu noted that while the indices of economic growth projected by the government might look good, there is no government policy driving that. She said: “When we look at the indices, it looks good but when you dig deeper, you find out that a lot of the things that they claim ownership of were not accomplished by them. When we look at the GDP per capita, you find out that it is on the increase in deed. But when you look at where the increase is coming from, you discover that there is no government policy that could have helped us to accomplish that.” Prof. Awosika-Fapetu, who did a sectoral analyses of the economy to drive her point home, said the average Nigerian still lives on about a dollar and half per day and wondered whether that is something to be excited about. “Now, our economy is divided into four major

categories. We have the manufacturing sector, the petroleum sector, the service sector and the agricultural sector. Forty-five per cent of us are in the agricultural sector and the Minister in charge of the sector right now is doing a great job. So, that may be what the government is claiming as victory. But even with the great job that he is doing, 40 per cent of us are still below the poverty line. The average Nigerian still lives on about a dollar and half per day, which is about N300. So, I don’t know whether that is something to be excited about. “Our petroleum industry, which is the main sustaining sector of this country, only represents about 11 per cent of our GDP. Unfortunately for us, when we export about $94 billion worth of oil, which translates to $94 billion worth of money to the country, we turn around and import about $70 billion worth of goods; which means manufacturing is not happening in this country, which means multiplier effect is not happening in this country, which means our people are unemployed, which means young people are walking the streets with nothing to do. And if you look at the young people that are unemployed, majority of them would fall into the ones living below the poverty line. So, it is a bitter spiraling effect — they don’t have a job, they are poor, the poverty is going to continue to spiral their lives downward. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector that could have absorbed them is spiraling down so the country can’t promise them anything in terms of work,” she said. Awosika-Fapetu continued: “Now we have 11 per cent in the petroleum sector, 14 per cent in the manufacturing sector, 30 per cent in service and 45 per cent in agriculture. I don’t know how may multi-millionaires we have that are farmers. So, you don’t even have to be the African Development Bank to see that the majority of Nigerians are poor. They are in agriculture, which is not the highest paying sector; and they are unemployed as young people, which again put them in the poverty group. Now, may be a few people are in the petroleum sector but not many Nigerians are in that sector; it is only 11 per cent of what we do. Manufacturing, as I said, is just 14 per cent. The rest of us are in the service sector — buying, selling, hair dressing, and all of those other things. And who is helping the service sector? It appears nobody. Because they can’t get loans, they can’t build their businesses. Even the CBN has said that they are not vibrant and so banks don’t want to lend to them. If the banks could write them off, who is going to help them? So, you look at the different sectors and you find that very few people can now boast three square meals in this country; may be we don’t need three square meals any more.” The builder of entrepreneurs said although government could claim they are reducing poverty, the percentage they are talking about is not appreciable. She queried: “What is the

percentage we are talking about. What part of the 40 per cent that are below the poverty line have they been able to move beyond that level.” She advised: “I think we just need to stop being on the defensive. We have issues; we have problems. If we don’t know how to solve them, let’s ask for help. Let’s get the intellectual power to help us channel this money that we have in this country in the right direction. Let’s have policies that are time-tested and that would give us a future. Let’s stop kidding ourselves about vision 20: 2020. Let’s just get real and say we have issues and that we can handle them. “Primarily we have to fix power. If power is not fixed, our industries are not going to come back. If power is not fixed, even the service sector is not going to be functional. The 30 per cent of us that seems to be moving the GDP will soon die if power remains unfixed. “And if we think that our power problems are insummountable by us, if we think we have limited knowledge in the sector, then let’s go out and get expatriates who have the knowledge to help us. So, we have to put the right people in the right places; people who know what they are doing. Let’s fight corruption so that it does not stall the progress that we can potentially make and let’s get realistic.” She advised the government not always brush aside criticisms by insinuating that somebody is paying somebody to say something. A lot of times we need to embrace it and then try to make it better. Yes, we can count our wins; it is good for the Nigerian people to know that we are winning. But somebody is talking of an award that was given outside this nation and we know how we are suffering. I mean that will be like robbing our noses in our suffering. Yes, a lot of Nigerians are millionaires and billionaires but the majority is not. The majority is still hungry; the majority needs to be employed.” For the Chief Executive of Bifex Consultants Limited, a development and management consultancy firm, Dr. Ndi Onuekwusi, the opinion of government on the report is normal given that no government the world over would welcome an adversarial report. “The opinion of government on the report is normally what all governments all over the world would do when they have an adversarial report reflecting on their performance and the state of their nation,” he observed. But he affirmed that the AfDB report stated the obvious. He said: “Talking about the conclusions of the AfDB report, it is a question of stating the obvious. However, as far as I am concerned, we are always chasing things that are dramatic and avoiding the fundamentals and also trying to point fingers at individuals when our problem is a system failure. Therefore, the problem of Nigeria today is not a President Goodluck Jonathan problem. Nigeria had failed before Jonathan became president. Nigeria had been on the road to failure right from pre-independence and no government has seriously done anything to arrest it.” He added: “The failure of a nation state is hardly

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

NEWSFEATURE

Rubbish Document As ‘Political’, By Experts ever a tsunami incident; it is not immediate catastrophe or dramatic. It is something that happens gradually. So, it depends on whose watch that it begins to look terminal while some of the leaders of the past who may have even contributed greater to the failure of the nation state strut around pretending to be super stars when actually they are serious idiots that should hide their faces in shame.” Onuekwusi argued further: “If we start from the beginning, the clear problem of Nigeria is going on the wrong trajectory right from before Nigeria gained independence. In development, throughout history from creation till today, there are two sets of tracks that people can walk in building their nations. One is successful while the other one always ends in failure. The only time that nations develop and progress meaningfully is when they subdue partisanship be it ideological, ethnic or religious and take on development as the core goal of that society. This is a fundamental law of development throughout history. “So, we can start from asking why is America developed while Mexico, which is next door, is not developed. Why was communist China failing and modern China using communism as ideological system and politics is progressing? Why did USSR fail and some of the elements from USSR are now succeeding? Why is United Arab Emirates (UAE) progressive when Syria is boiling, Iran is down, Iraq moribund, and Egypt boiling? Why is Israel successful even surrounded by enemies? Why was old Europe poor and was almost wiped out by plague and from medieval ages under kings Europe started to change? If you try to answer these questions, you find that the reason is that whether it is at the beginning like in America or in the middle like Europe or recently as in China and UAE, leadership at some point decided that development was more important than politics. Politics is adversarial; it is divisive and creates enmity. What drives politics is partisanship.” Giving an insight into the developmental history of America, Onuekwusi said America focused on development after it ended the civil war 1776 and became independent and focused on development, a decision, he argued, has paid off for the country. He explained: “The values that drive development are objective and positive whereas the values that drive partisanship are negative and subjective — it is hate, putting down the other person, corruption and nepotism. For development, it is value for money, value for time, sincerity, meritocracy and productivity. But in politics it is nepotism, quota and entitlement. And this is the road that Nigeria has gone on from before independence till now.” Onuekwusi continued: “Since we have shown that Nigeria is on the wrong road, it is therefore not surprising that over time, the degeneration of Nigeria has led to a situation where if you move into an estate with a police post you find about 30 people in a street working as security guards. If the society were structured and well managed, would you still be having the security guards here and there? Is it not stupid? Is it not under employment? Is it not unemployment? Is it not waste? We have a society in which there is no governance at community level. You go to your village and you just discover that nobody cares about what happens at the primary

school there. At the point of service, we are not spending money because all the money is stolen. So, why would the economy be okay?” On the way forward, he advised against what he termed Cassandraisation of Nigeria. “I am one of those who believe that there is a significant level of Cassandraisation of Nigeria. Cassandra in Greek mythology was a very powerful positive prophet who was never believed because the god, Apollo, caused her that she would never be believed even though she was right. So, Nigeria seems never to have believed or used those who have positive ideas that could solve the Nigerian problems. And so we have continued to use either those who were unwilling or incapable who were thrust upon us in managing the affairs of the country. It is the human capacity that develops countries,” he explained. He noted that there is no country in the world that gives its wealth to foreigners the way Nigeria does, while its citizens are suffering. “Chinese build bungalows in the country; Indians sell, retail and monopolise even car distribution system in the country. No Nigerian citizens can do those businesses in India, China or America unless you have become their citizen. And even with

that, a glass ceiling would still be put for you. If this economy were in the hands of Nigerians, the AfDB would not have written it off because the multiplier effect would have been impacting the lives of the people positively.” Onuekwusi stated that the richest people in the country are civil servants and politicians asking: “How will the economy be good?” He then added: “So, the issue is not about this government but about what has become culturally Nigerian. There is no way this country will survive as a strong developed economy on the path where we are because the core goals have not changed.” He argued that the present administration has the capacity, constitutionally, to turnaround the state of affairs in the country and re-focus the economy. “Every government has the capacity to change evil to good. But the vision, the intelligence, the character, the determination to do this must be put in place in governance, not just in one person. But first of all, the apex leader must share this vision and then bring people who will deliver the vision and anybody seen not to be contributing to the achievement of the vision should be made to leave the boat immediately. So, it can be easily done because Nigerians follow

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

NEWSFEATURE

‘We’re Resolved To Give Nigeria Accurate, Credible Census’ Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Festus Odimegwu spoke to a select group of journalists last week in Abuja on the politicization of critical issues in the commission by some “mediocres”, authenticity of the 2006 census results, issues on the third term agenda by former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration and other issues. LILLIAN CHUKWU was there.

He is the first person who recommended me for a political job. I have a lot of respect for him. I called Prof. Joe Irukwu and the then Governor of Imo state, Achike Udenwa, I said, “this is what they are telling me, three of you should go and have a meeting with Baba, whether he really means these thing he is saying or when I come now, he will begin to mess me up. Three of them went to have meeting with Obasanjo four times in the Villa and I refused to be present in those meetings. Baba told them, “yes Festus should go and help his state, what he did for Nigerian Breweries, let him go and do it for his state, let’s really have a Governor that is performing. Three of them came and told me, he says you should run. I said Achike, but you know am not a politician. I don’t have a Structure. Achike says he will give me his Structure but that he doesn’t know whether the zoning arrangement in Imo will allow me to run because he is my brother. He doesn’t know whether Imo people will allow, after an Orlu man has ran, it is another Orlu man. I said ok ask. I told Baba that zoning doesn’t favour me because I... He said what is zoning? Your quality is good. I now called Morris Iwu who says, “with Eze’s quality, there is nothing like zoning, let him run, I will support him” and then I declared. After spending, haha, I don’t have to tell you the money. After spending money, trying to run to convince Imo people, taking over the two Radio stations, doing 2,000 billboards, moving to win on my own merit, that Imo people approved me, 24 hours to the primaries, I was asked to stop. I said, “What hap-

The controversies in the NPC seem to be mounting after your public declaration that the 2006 census was incorrect. Could you shed light on recent happenings at the commission? INCE we were inaugurated on June 26, 2012, we have been focused on serving Nigerians and Nigeria as best as we can. You know my background. I come from the organised private sector where I was a key player. I am one of the executives that redefined corporate management in Nigeria and implanted some of the best global practices we now have today. So when I was appointed Chairman of the NPC, expectations were high. Two things will happen in NPC under my watch, either we do the job exactly as it should be done and give Nigeria accurate and credible census that will be used to improve the lives of all Nigerians and Nigeria or we will not do anything. The detailed plan and the total budget was N600billion for everything we will do in five years as a Commission. In that 600 billion, 249 billion, 250 billion approximately is required to set up a national vital registration infrastructure that will come from 200,000 localities in Nigeria. Registering 21 characteristics, vital information; birth dates, marriages, divorce, stillbirths and then in a line of cyber communication, now communicate this information to Local Governments, from Local Governments to States, from States, streaming it into our Abuja Enterprise Data Architecture. The structure of NPC has for instance, 80 per cent administrative people serving 20 per cent technical people, which is a misnomer. As a statistical organization, it should have 80 per cent technical people with 20 per cent people at least serving them. So, we are going to restructure that by removing the excess administrative people or remove them properly; train them, give them what they will do. We articulated a strategic architecture to take the NPC into the 21st century statistical organization that it is supposed to be. So, when part of the people who followed us to develop it and acclaim it, because they stole money, the former NPC Director General, Jamin Zubema removed 400 million naira from the NPC without authorization. They talk about rules of civil service; the rule is that the limit for approval of capital expenditure is 5 million, so how did he approve 400 million? He brought the request to the Commission three times and three times, we told him, we will not approve it, in the whole Commission because it is not right. On your third term bid for former President Olusegun Obasanjo and gubernatorial attempt for Imo state. It was Jim Ovia (former Zenith bank executive) who saw me one day and said that I (Odimegwu) am an ‘Eze’, “I had a dream one day that you should really go and be Governor of Imo state and help your state”. The whole idea started from him. He took it to Baba (Olusegun Obasanjo) and then they started calling me, “come and be Governor”. I called the current Secretary of the Government, Senator Pius Anyim because he is my friend and my brother, he is the one who recommended me for this job before the President approved it. So, he is like my political mentor. Odimegwu

pened”? They said Morris Iwu said he went home and the Chiefs in his village said they will kill him if another Orlu man wins and then to take over from Achike, that he is saying he is sorry, I should stop. And because these things, am not doing it for personal reasons, it’s for service, I immediately stopped. With the criticism that came thereafter, did you regret ever being Obasanjo’s friend? The Obasanjo you know, two-time Head of State, Army General, does he look like a man somebody will tell what to do or somebody will urge on? I think he is above that, that’s one. Two, the Obasanjo himself have told me that he didn’t do third term, why don’t you believe him? He was our President. He is an elderly man. If he told you there was no third term, you should believe him because there was no third term. He handed over. So, I think Nigerians should take it as that. On my own personal level, Obasanjo made me to be spokesman of the organised private sector during his eight years. On the 22 commissioners that recently signed an advertorial against you on the 2006 and past census figures you said were default: The 37 Honourable Federal Commissioners of National Population Commission under my Chairmanship, the 36 states plus the FCT, all of them with the DG, with all the Directors and assistant Directors and everything have approved what we have done up till date. That is point one. Point two, the review of the 2006 Census in Minna, all of them were there, all and all of them heard all

these things I have told you and all of them took part in writing the way forward; how we have to do the 2016 Census to correct all the errors they have found in the review. This is the review with all the errors, the Presentation. This is their recommendation to me. When they came back they gave me how we will have to do 2016, to correct the errors seen in here. All of them took part in it. So, I do not believe the Press publication that 22 Commissioners said anything because their names were not there. If their names were there, I would address them one by one to you now. One thing I can tell you is you know some human beings can be funny. Some people can be bought for reasons best known to them. The problem, all these rumour mongering, peddling of lies emanates from Jamin Zubema and Alhaji Haliru Pai for the reasons I have told you. It is possible they go and wipe up sentiments and everything but all these things will fail because we are focused on doing the right thing. That, I assure you but I have it, the Commission will deal with it at the right time. Did Zubema use the 400 million naira for development of NPC? Any money that is withdrawn without authorization has no end use. It is stolen. That is my philosophy. If the Commission did not approve it and you took it fraudulently, what could you have taken it for? It is only when the Commission approves it, that the Commission is approving it for something. So, he took it without authorization, that is what is important. I don’t know what he did with it because I didn’t approve it. If I will approve it, I will ask what it will be for before I will approve it. Let me even add something that, since you want information and this is not a mistake because for nine months, the Papers for whatever they are claiming to take money from came to my office here, but they came here and stamped it seen by the Chairman and they take it back without my signature for nine months. So, it is an organised crime that was perpetuated over nine months. Papers come here, they stamp, the Chairman has seen it, they minute on it, pay, the Chairman says pay but I didn’t see it for nine months, all the papers. All the originals are with me. So, when he finally brought it for me to approve for him to pay, I will take the originals, I say, “Don’t pay”. And they took the money, so I don’t know what they did with it because the original to pay for a reason, I say it is not correct. I still have it. So, the reason for withdrawing it, I don’t know. Withdrawing without your approval? Without my approval, I didn’t know. I didn’t even see the papers. That is impunity 202. What action have you taken, are the EFCC, ICPC notified now? I have reported it to the President. I have reported it the Minister of Finance. Then, they said we should inform the EFCC. We have informed the Head of Service for Disciplinary action. We have informed the Secretary... We have informed everybody that we are to inform and we are following it up. I am interested in it personally. What are the major challenges in preparation for the 2016 Census? Part of this question I didn’t raise, it’s not just money. There are laws to be reviewed. If you don’t review even if you have money, you cannot do those things. So, those laws will be reviewed and the money, we are not expecting Government to bring all of them but the ones they will bring are the necessary money. No Development Partner will give you money to build an office. They don’t give money for such things. Those are the things countries should do. So, once the Government does their bit, we have ability to raise money from Organised Private Sector, everything. About the demographics. Is it possible to include the state of origin, religion, ethnicity etc? We will put ethnicity and religion in what we will do. If we don’t do it I will resign. You cannot have demographics if you don’t put religion and ethnicity.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

With Michael Uchebuaku

Love Connections

IN THIS EDITION

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‘I Was A Fool For Love’

Zuma Rock: ‘Watchman’ of the F.C.T.!

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Romantic Jokes Link-Up (Love/Dating Connections)

Love News How To Make A Long Distance Relationship Work True Confession From Abroad:

The Lucky Pancake

Princess Of

Love

Dakore Egbuson,

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

By Ijeoma Y name is Ijeoma and this is the M story of how I met Azunna. I’m a radio broadcaster, so he walked into the office one day after months of interaction through the social media network. I was on duty the day he came so I didn’t really give him attention. So to make up for the ‘shabby’ treatment I gave him, I sent him my mobile line which I don’t often do. From there we started talking and the love thing began. I was very inquisitive to know his marital status, and he said he was single, profession: Police officer. He quickly added that I shouldn’t see him as one of those ‘officers’ that make new families in any city they were posted. He convinced me, so to say, of his status as a graduate of Political Science from a good university. With time, his younger brother started talking to me through his phone, sounding so excited speaking with this rare lady his strict brother fell in love with. My officer friend took time to explain

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

‘I Was A Fool For Love’ some things to me especially his financial set back due to a project which I saw he handled. I didn’t mind so I made no single demand from him for the five months the relationship lasted. Rather, I spent because I felt my friend needed the help. He asked for money to fuel the car which I did severally and he showed so much gratitude with promises to pay back when he stabilizes. He later took a loan of N30,000 to support his red oil business he jointly does with his friend. I obliged because he promised to pay by the end of that month. One fateful day, we went to see an old friend of his who asked him about ‘Madam’. Actually that was the second person to ask him that question so I became curious to know who the ‘Madam’ was because I’ve repeatedly asked if he was married to the extent that his brother had to call me to say I should take his own words that his elder brother was single.

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being close to them still. I was to go for an official training that was to last ten weeks and that looked like ten years but I had to go. So for the third time in our five months, we spent the night together. I traveled two days later. When I saw three missed calls from his That night was very ugly for us as he line, I happily called back only to hear a nearly hit an electric pole on the road woman’s voice asking if I wasn’t done out of anger in my inability to trust with her husband? She didn’t even him. He said he had a live-in lover allow me utter a word. She called me all whom he did not marry and people the names she could remember and said seeing us together could still refer to I enticed her husband with my money me as his ‘Madam’. I blamed myself and food. I still did not get it because the for not trusting him and we moved guy I was dealing with ‘proved’ that he on. He invited me to a place one day was single, apart from his brother and to show me his ex-girlfriend who was those his women, he would return from married and expecting her third weekends and say he was cleaning his baby, and we exchanged pleasantries. house since no one was living inside. A few days later, he brought another He operated from his semi urban city ex of his with five children who still village while his station was in the capifollows him about, though he was tal where my office was. She kept calling assisting her with her husband’s till 10pm when she told me that my sinpolice case. That one did not like my gle boyfriend is a father of three! I face and she did not hide it though flashed back to the day I asked him of they came to my house and my office two little girls he used as his screen on many occasions. saver. He had told me that they were his I sought to know why he couldn’t let nieces. However, I managed to send his ex be. He saw nothing wrong in apologetic text messages to the woman

Love Adventure

explaining from my own angle all that happened. I fell sick, ashamed and sorry for my naivety. I felt bad when I recalled him saying, ‘No lady has ever been this nice to me. I won’t pay you back with a bad coin,’ etc. It was hard for me because I did not tell him a single lie for the period the friendship lasted. I remembered a song by Don Williams entitled, ‘I’ll be faithful to you’ that he always played for me whenever we were together. All the same, I switched my mind to other things and felt better. Thank God I was away from the city so I did not have to see him for ten weeks. Memories of him have now been replaced by other positive activities. Though he thinks we can still make up when I return, I do not know on what platform that will happen. I WAS A FOOL FOR LOVE. *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 17, 2013

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LOVE&LIFE Love Dictionary

‘I Want My Man To Think That I Am A Virgin On My Wedding Night’

What Is Infertility?

Dear Love Doctor,

been deceiving him all along. best bet would be to tell your partner the truth. Lying will not do you Your say: Do you have advice on this any good because it would destroy problem? Please share your y name is Joy. I am a 26-yearInfertility primarily refers to the biothoughts. Call 07031028714 or the trust he has in you. There is old lady in Ondo. I was once logical inability of a person to conlook like a virgin on my wedding nothing wrong in telling your man 08131161840. dating two guys and they both tribute to conception. Infertility may night. Please I don’t want to look like that you were deflowered by the *Send your comments/stories to Love also refer to the state of a woman who knew I was a virgin. But I lost my a fool on that day and I don’t want Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com man you previously thought would virginity to the one I thought I is unable to carry a pregnancy to full him to feel that I have been deceiving marry you, and that you regret the If you’re in a crisis, call for help: term. There are many biological causes would marry. I had to leave him 07031028714, 08131161840 or incident. Tell him you’re sorry for of infertility, including some that med- when I discovered he already had a him all along. Please help. 08023700641. For free marriage/reladisappointing him and ask for his wife and kid. I am left with the oth- Love Doctor’s Advice: ical intervention can treat.[1] er guy now and we are going to get Telling the truth. It is always the best forgiveness. It would be wrong and tionships counseling, call Love Women who are fertile experience a decision to take in every situation, Doctor Mike 07031028714, unfair for you to keep deceiving married very soon with the belief natural period of fertility before and especially if you want to build trust in your present partner, and it would 08023700641 or Chris 08023913619. during ovulation, and they are natural- that I am still a virgin. Please tell be worse if he finds out that you’ve Visit www.romancestory.org ly infertile during the rest of the men- me anything I can use to make me your relationship. Therefore, your strual cycle. Fertility awareness methods are used to discern when these changes occur by tracking changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature. Definition Definitions of infertility differ, with demographers tending to define infertility as childlessness in a population of tle remarks which were put downs clothing. EARS ago, I lived with a friend of to earth. Rob and I continued to women of reproductive age, while the and started to really eat away at I didn’t have the heart to talk to Rob mine called Rob. He’d been a have a great time as flatmates. I epidemiological definition is based on my confidence. How could someabout it as he seemed so in love with boyfriend from my teenage years and was always happy to have a chat “trying for” or “time to” a pregnancy, one I barely know pull me down her. almost the son my mother never had. whenever Camille visited. generally in a population of women like this. The safe haven that I used I felt my heart sink every time I He was always invited home and used When he bought his first house, exposed to a probability of to call home was now the source of heard her voice at home and to do his homework at the kitchen he rented a room to me which conception.[2] The time that needs to anxiety. seemed to spend more and more table after school. When I went over to helped pay the mortgage and it pass (during which the couple has In France, they celebrate Shrove time in my room whenever I was his parents for Sunday lunch, his dad seemed the natural thing to do as tried to conceive) for that couple to be Tuesday (pancake day) the day there. always prepared my favourite foods. we were such great friends. He condiagnosed with infertility differs before lent. Camille was being the After a few years, we mutually decided tinued to see Camille who lived out Eventually I broached the issue between different jurisdictions. charming side of her duplicitous quite lightly with Rob as it started that what we had was more of a friend- of town. She’d come over and stay Existing definitions of infertility lack character when she suggested we affecting the relaxed feeling I had ship than a relationship. We both went for a few weeks at a time. uniformity, rendering comparisons in all make crepes together. Crepes whenever I was home. I told Rob off to university but kept in touch Over time her friendly carefree prevalence between countries or over are the French version of pancakes. how I was feeling and he said he’d when we had time. After Uni, we both demeanor seemed to erode away time problematic, and therefore data She told us that in France there’s a talk to her. He didn’t want me to got jobs in the city so it made sense to revealing a more manipulative and estimating the prevalence of infertility tradition to put the first pancake feel that I had to move out but he share a unit closer to the city. By the calculating character underneath. cited by various sources differs signifiwhich is flipped up on top of a cupdid love her. He understood how time we were in our mid 20’s we’d When Rob wasn’t around she’d cantly.[2] A couple that has tried board in the kitchen for luck. It’s uncomfortable it was making me both made the transition from relachange her tone with me giving unsuccessfully to have a child after a supposed to bring the person and feel. tionship to great friendship. certain period of time (often a short me the clear message that she didthe household harmony in their After he talked to her things got One day, Rob met a French girl called period, but definitions vary) is somen’t appreciate me being around. relationships and work. She felt even worse when he wasn’t Camille. I was really happy he’d found times said to be subfertile, meaning All of the sweetness and light that very strongly about this tradition. around. She’d slam doors in the less fertile than a typical couple. Both a girl who he seemed to really like. She she put on around Rob was just infertility and subfertility are defined was lovely; quite charming and down showing her to be a wolf in sheep’s kitchen just to make her point that she was really angry. She’d make litCONTINUED ON PAGE 19 as the inability to conceive after a certain period of time (the length of which vary), so often the two terms overlap. World Health Organization The World Health Organization defines infertility as follows:[3] “ Infertility is the inability to conceive a child. A couple may be considered infertile if, after two years of regular sexual intercourse, without contraception, the woman has not become pregnant (and there is no other reason, such as breastfeeding or postpartum amenorrhoea). Primary infertility is infertility in a couple who have never had a child. Secondary infertility is failure to conceive following a previous pregnancy. Infertility may be caused by infection in the man or woman, but often there is no obvi-

True Confession

True Confession From Abroad

The Lucky Pancake

Romantic Jokes First Thing to do After Jail Bad Bernie was in prison for seven years. The day he got out, his wife and son were there to pick him up. He came through the gates and got into the car. The only thing he said was, ‘F.F.’ His wife turned to him and answered, ‘E.F.’Out on the highway, he said, ‘F.F.’ She responded simply, ‘E.F.’ He repeated, ‘F.F.’ She again replied, ‘E.F.’ “Mom! Dad!” their son yelled. “What’s going on?” Bad Bernie answered, “Your mother wants to eat first!”

Words Of Wisdom All that glitters is not gold.

Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers. Hardeyi, female, from Ogun, via 08131087185, is asking all men: “What is meant by the word ‘Love’?” *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

Fertility Fertility Problems/Fibroid/Seeking Male Child: Do you have Fibroid, sexually transmitted infection/disease, find it difficult to get pregnant, have any form of infertility problem, miscarriages or need a baby boy or girl? Call 07025350586, 08122352054. Low Sperm Count/Premature Ejaculation – Solution is here. Call 07025350586. Baby Sex/Gender Selection – Decide the sex of your baby (male or female). Call 07025350586, 08122352054,

Love Connection CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

riage. 07030952495. Samuel, dark, Yoruba, self-employed, need a sugar mummy. 08165481061 or Emmy needs a mature and inde08165271503. pendent woman or widow in Lagos, for mutual companionship, James work in a private hospital, not for marriage. Text 08131161840. needs a sugar mummy. 08089853969. Oladimeji, 35, 5.7ft, an Engineer in BB PIN 25884db0. Francis, from Benin, needs a beautiful Lagos, needs a responsible and mature lady of 30-35years for mar- sugar mummy. 08061114773. BB PIN 30D5E40B. riage. 08128131007. Ola, 40, wants a woman for mar-

* Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641 to link up and for direct hookup. *If you have announcements to make: Call Mike-07031028714 or Simon07032944123. *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 17, 2013

LOVE&LIFE

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

Zuma Rock: ‘Watchman’ of the F.C.T.! DUSTY veil hangs over Zuma. The Sun had A slipped into her night gown of romantic crimson, saying goodbye and goodnight over the

jagged skyline of granite inselbergs. A mighty rock stands bold, undaunted by the coming dusk. It bears a face: one that looks

straight ahead, starring at the setting sun. It is never distracted. Since centuries past, her gaze has remained unchanged; a gaze that threatens to swallow its admirer, one that looks you in the eye if you look it in the eye. With a slightly opened mouth, it proudly declares its royal location. This is Zuma Rock, the ‘monolithic’ rock that marks the centre of our Nation’s landmass with a human face. The massive inselberg which is depicted on the N100 note, is located in Niger State, just north of Abuja (F.C.T.). It conspicuously appears to swallow the Abuja-Kaduna express way, rising ostentatiously to an height of about 700m. The Zuma Rock Nigerian village constructed behind the rock has a vantage spot to savour the wonders of Zuma. It’s also fitted with chalets and other facilities for relaxation. Zuma Rock remains the unquestionable watchman of the F.C.T. as long as her face remains. Courtesy: services.logbaby.com *Are you going to get married or wed soon? Do you want us to cover your wedding or to report on your hotel/resort next? Call 07031028714, 07032944123, 08023700641. *If you want to advertize or sponsor Love & Life call 07031028714, 07032944123.

How To Make A Long Distance Relationship Work AKING a relationship work M requires sincerity, commitment and conviction in equal measures by both the partners to achieve the desired success in a relationship. However in long distance relationships, an overdose of commitment and love is all it takes to keep it steady and strong. Keeping the spark alive can become an uphill task if your partner is miles away from you. For any relationship to work, communication is a necessary and most vital tool. In today’s age unlike the bygone days where communication was limited to writing letters, we have a whole array of communication tools to choose from which are not only quick but cost effective too! So make the most of your electronic gadgets. Sending messages or exchanging jokes through your cell phones is a fun and easy way to cheer up your

Love News partner. E-mails and chatting online is another popular method used worldwide to keep a long distance relationship going. If these methods deprive you of seeing your sweetheart’s face, then install a webcam on your computer/laptop and enjoy the pleasure of seeing your partner’s face on your computer screen. If these technological advancements don’t work, an impulsive decision to visit your partner can keep the spark alive in a long distance relationship. Long distance relationship can become extremely difficult to sustain if the separation time stretches beyond a year or two. So make it a point to visit each other as often as possible. Chalk out a plan, decide who will visit whom, and then keep that

promise. Long distance relationships can tap the creative streak in some couples. Sheryl, a young doctor was posted to a small town near Birmingham. Being married to Mick after a courtship of 3 long years was a dream come true. As a software engineer, Mick could not obviously shift base from Birmingham to the town where Sheryl was posted. Their first marriage anniversary was just round the corner and due to prior job commitments; Sheryl was unable to be with Mick on their anniversary day. The creative streak in this doctor’s brain hatched a plan to make their anniversary a memorable one. She called up a florist and ordered for red roses to be delivered to Mick

and a parcel of his favorite pizza was delivered to his workplace on her behest. The red roses made his day. Such thoughtful ways of expressing one’s love towards your partner irrespective of the distance can definitely maintain the romance across the miles. Let not the distance dampen the spirit of romance in you. Be adventurous and imaginative; take impulsive decisions of surprising your partner in one way or the other. Frequent visits to see each other also keep the spark alive and may rekindle the romance between you. It’s like you were never separated. Courtesy: ninmsn.co *If you want to advertize or sponsor Love & Life call 07031028714, 07032944123.

The Lucky Pancake CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 One day several months later she hissed through gritted teeth that she’d get me out of his life and then slammed the front door shut on her way out to meet Rob. I couldn’t ignore the full extent of her seething rage. I was shocked and couldn’t understand what I’d ever done to make her so angry. I had a serious boyfriend so couldn’t understand why she felt so threatened by me. I started thinking there must be something seriously wrong with her. This time I lost it. All the emotions I’d been keeping under wraps, all the tension that had built up from all the put downs, the constant feeling of not being able to relax in my own home finally exploded out of me. I stomped around the house for a while banging doors wherever I went. Suddenly, I remembered her precious pancake. I stomped off downstairs in a rage, grabbed a chair and found the ‘lucky pancake’ on top of the cupboard. Surprisingly it wasn’t mouldy or dry even though I’d expected it to be after several months. Venting all of my anger at the pancake I threw it in the bin and covered it with some newspaper to hide the evidence of my crime. I felt so much better and it served her right for being such a cow. Things never got that bad again but the tone still continued whenever she spoke to me on my own. We did try to avoid each other as much as possible when she came to stay. I was much more relaxed as I always had the secret knowledge that I’d thrown away her precious lucky pancake. It seems that sometime later her luck in relationships did start to fade as Rob started to see the other side of her personality. I often heard them arguing in the bedroom. Rob finally finished it with Camille and I was relieved. You’d think that was the end but her manipulative and calculating mind turned on Rob who found out that she’d been speaking to their mutual friends telling them that he’d given her the sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia. Poor Rob, as if that wasn’t bad enough she then faxed it through on the company fax machine for anyone in the office to see. In those days there was no email or I guess it would have been worse. His reputation at a top accountancy firm was shaken for sometime afterwards. It was a lucky escape for him and a welcome relief for me. I did confess to Rob that I’d thrown the lucky pancake in the bin and he just laughed and said I probably did him a favour. All names have been changed. Picture posed by models. Your say: Have your say about this true confession ... Courtesy: ninsn.co NB: Call Mike on 2347031028714 if you have a story from abroad to share with us.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

RELATIONSHIP

Tips For The Big Girl ance which can be attractive and intimidating, especially in a loving relationship. But we always need love to feel complete as human beings. However, the big girl should take heed and must not settle for any man. Look for him who compliments you. He is still around. So search with these tips at the back of your mind He Won’t Drag You Down At this stage, stability is important. And it is not possible if you become involved with one who is likely to want you for what you have. If he is interested in what he gains from associating with you, he will not hang around for the long term. So avoid the man you know to be struggling with money issues. You are thinking of love and family, he is thinking Sugar Mummy. Well-meaning people may think that at this stage that you are suitable only to marry a divorced person. There is nothing bad about it. But before you become involved with him, make sure that the ghost of his past union is laid to rest. If his former wife would cast a shadow, cast him aside as soon as possible. You are no nightingale either. Do not consider a person with serious health issues. He may try his best to make the relationship, but can you cope? Go Out It is the only way you can meet Mr. Right. If you do not go out, you may be forced to settle with just any man. You can’t afford to make this costly mistake, not after working so hard to get to where you are. When you were younger, you wanted to please and be accepted by a man by all means. At this stage, you can’t afford to spend time in a stressful relationship which is likely to break. Leave a relationship if you think that it could not work between you and him. You can tell what you want. Know the difference between friendship and coupling relationship. People go from just being friends to enjoy a lifetime of marital bliss. But if you force friendship to move to that level when there is no romantic feeling,

you could ruin a great friendship. But don’t rule out romance with your best male friend. Accept invitations and even try to move things a bit by doing things together without the kissing at the initial stage. Introduce Him To Friends Invite your friends to meet him. They will be able to know if he has serious intentions. If he is not receptive with your friends or even refuses to come, chances are that he has a secret. He may be involved with another woman or may be married and thought he could pass time at your side. Don’t Rush In Take it slowly. Know him well before you confide in him. Discuss intelligently. Show a sense of humour. Ask him about his hobby while you talk to him about yours. You may think that you need to be honest and tell him your life history, including past relationships. But he is not interested. He is thinking that you have probably played the field as wide as he had. But he does not want to know, not within two weeks of knowing you. He is interested in the woman behind all that glamour. Have Fun You are already intimidating to him in your sense of capability, so show that you do have a playful side. Dress the part when you go out together. State that you are open to fun by dressing simply at the initial stage. When Children Are Involved Whether they are his children or yours, their needs are more important than yours. So be aware of that if you want a man your age. So if you have come together with a father, expect that much looked-forward date may not come because of a child. But instead of complaining, be thankful because he will show such thoughtfulness when it concerns you. If you are the parent, bring your children together with him only when you are sure that it will work. But if he shows disinterest or behaves cruelly to them, quit the relationship immediately.

must understand what’s going on up there first. Simple, right? It’s easy to complain about a man’s quirks but it takes a strong, mature woman to unHAT’S the fastest way to make your relationderstand them. ship with a man easier, more fun, and more Now let me explain a little more rewarding? It has to do with decoding him comclearly. Have you ever gotten lost in a pletely! new country and you didn’t have an adHave you ever heard of the saying, “People fear dress with you? Or maybe you did have what they don’t understand?” Men are not as an address but it was misplaced somecomplicated as you might think. We often think where along the way. If you have, then they are, simply because they are definitely wired that hundreds of ladies have applied in their differently than we are. And when you don’t un- own lives, and as a result dramatically changed you know how helpless, intimidating, and frustrating it feels. You’re lost, and derstand how they think, deep inside you’ll fear the way men looked at them forever. The lesyou don’t know where to go or what to your relationship would fail. Fear alone can deson: If you want to change a man’s mind, you rail your relationship because it leads to so much frustration. So lets get rid of that fear now. Now I need you to get rid of your fear of men by completely understanding how a man acts, reacts, thinks, and feels when he’s in love. Find out why he does what he does, and most importantly, learn not to treat him based on how you think you would react to a certain situation. If you can do this, you’ll finally have that happy, satisfying relationship you’ve always wanted. The main reason men drive us crazy most of the time is that we simply can’t understand men. We don’t understand why they’d break their promises, or date more than one woman at a time, or even have the gall to flirt with other women even when they’re married. And yes, if you like dating and going out with new guys, then you’ll run into these men often, so often that it’s easy to conclude that all men are like this. Are all men really jerks on the inside? Fortunately that’s not the case. After all, you probably know of women who are happily married to good men, strong, familyoriented, hardworking, and successful. What’s more, you may have also heard stories of hopeless players who did a complete 180-degree turn and become mature, commitment-minded keepers just because they fell in love with a wonderful woman? Yes, it happens a lot more often than you think! And what we are going to do today is make sure you are that woman! Obviously, not all men are jerks. And do you want to know a really big secret? Most men who are jerks can change into wonderful, lovely husband-material men very quickly if you’re the kind of woman who can change his mind! So how do you make a man change his mind? How can you turn players into keepers quickly and effortlessly like some women seem to do? Here’s a lesson we’ve known for years. It’s a lesson

do. And it doesn’t matter if you’re in an exotic place like Paris, or Hawaii, or dubai. When you’re utterly lost, you don’t feel like you are on vacation. All you feel is frustration. Am I right or am I right? ;) Guess what? that’s pretty much what it’s like when you go into a relationship without understanding the male mind. You get lost. You feel helpless, intimidated, and frustrated. That’s no good. Loving someone is supposed to be fun! Men need certain very specific things from women. Yes, you guessed it; physical intimacy is very high up on that list. But so is respect and appreciation. And most of us already know it. We also know men react to us based on how we make them feel. And nothing feels as good to a guy as to be with a woman who “gets” him. It immediately offers him a place of comfort. Now let me ask, are you that girl for him? When he looks at you, does he feel you understand him? Let me ask you something else. How does it make you feel when your guy “gets” you? It feels good, doesn’t it? So this really is a no-brainer. Until you can figure out why he does stuff, what he’s thinking, why he responds a certain way, you will be confused and frustrated. So why not just fix it? Right? This is one of the biggest secrets that successful women have. They know how a man’s mind works. And as a result, they know how to make them do whatever they want. Here are some of the things you’ll be able to do when you understand the male mind completely: *You won’t need to “teach” him how to act, he’ll figure out what you want all by himself. *He’ll be more sensitive to your needs. *Instead of having a one-track mind, he’ll listen to you more closely, intently, and lovingly. *You’ll instantly know if he’s lying or telling the truth and know how to make the best of both situations. *Instead of being insensitive, he’ll be more sympathetic and supportive whenever you have a problem. *You’ll be able to defuse an argument immediately, and instead find a kinder, better, “winwin” way to solve a problem together. *You’ll be able to turn a commitment-phobic man into a commitment-minded one without nagging, begging, or bribing. The good news is he’ll think it is all his idea!

By Alita Joseph T is not news that as a woman grows older, Iofthat it becomes difficult for her to meet a man her dream. But it can happen. Thirty-something year-old Jenny finally meets a man, a Mr. Right, not Mr. Manage, falls in love and they live happily forever after. On a serious note, however, the problem with

By Kemi Amushan

the big girl and relationship is that having gone this far, age-wise, she has not waited for Romeo to come calling, with hands folded on her lap and fantasizing. Relationship-wise, she has definitely tried her hands in at least one long term affair that did not work. Career-wise, she may have gone far and even become successful. So she can be said to have a good sense of self. She possesses this assur-

Decoding Your Man

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

LOVE & LIFE 21

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

WEEKEND with AMARA

Importance Of Post-Natal Care REGNANCYis one thing that is so much desired by every married couple in Africa. It is always expected that 12 months after the whole wedding party, the couple should call friends and relations for a naming ceremony.

Pregnancy is one experience every real woman prays to go through, although some, like a former beauty queen, don’t want to be seen pregnant. People tend to nurture and take extremely good care of a pregnant woman. Husbands become more loving the very moment she is confirmed pregnant. In most cases it is not because the man cares so much about the woman, but because he doesn’t want to lose the baby. Pregnancy, especially in Africa, is a thing of pride. This is why you see women struggle so much; some have sex with other men while some go the way of “Pota Baby” just to be seen with a child. It is not every woman that knows how to handle pregnancy. Some grew up with the negative mentality that a pregnant woman should be lazy. Some women stop taking care of themselves the moment they become pregnant. They want everyone around to show empathy. Most of the pregnancy related problems, I have found out, are psychological. We are not talking about pregnancy here; thank God you are done with all that spitting and vomiting. Congratulations, you made it in and out of the labour room and it’s something to be thankful for. You deserve every good thing because it is never easy going in coming out of that room alive. By post-natal care, we mean after birth care. The word pos- natal is derived from the Latin word, ‘Post’- ‘After’ and ‘Natalis’- ‘Of Birth’. Biologically, so many things are happening with a woman’s body at this time when hormone levels and uterus size return to prepregnancy conditions. Before you go on in your celebration, I want you to go through these tips for you to come

out a better person. So many women have lost their lives and those of their babies because they took to the obsolete ideas of friends and family. I can’t imagine any woman in this 21st century still buying the idea of having a surgery-free delivery at all cost. Ladies hear this; however you have your baby delivered, is normal and supernatural so long as you come out alive and the baby is well. There is nothing bad or abnormal about you having your baby through caesarean section. In fact, many women prefer the elective section because it is no longer as painful as it used to be. It is no longer the long vertical incision most of our mothers went through. Caesarean section is now done horizontally very close to the vagina. I will start by talking to women who had their babies through caesarean section. I have women come to me for weight management. What is their reason for having very big tummies. Caesarean section? Caesarean section shouldn’t be an excuse for a big tummy. Rather, you should blame it on your inability to take care of yourself after the surgery probably due to ignorance. As Africans, we are so filled with so many negatives when it comes to caesarean delivery. I had a caesarean section here in Nigeria and I also had one in the UK. I can tell you they are two different things entirely. Here, the stitches are covered with so many layers of bandage that you even find it uncomfortable. But there in the UK, I wasn’t even covered up. I remember coming out from the theater at 4.30pm and being allowed to drink six jugs of chilled water before the next morning. Though our individual cases and bodies are different, it is now the norm here. You are told not to taste anything till after 24 hours. There were exercises I was made to take part in just three days after surgery. It’s just a different ball game but I know our doctors have good reasons for doing it differently. Yes, you have left the hospital and now you are home. I remember my mum pressing my tummy and giving me some good massage after the surgery. So many people avoid this but I can tell you, it helps. Like every other African woman, I was surrounded by people who were ready to

pamper me. My mum was there; my motherin-law was there to attend to every need. I was made to understand I should just wake up in the morning, take my bath, eat, watch television, and sleep again. But that was a very tough one for me. I couldn’t imagine that kind of life and I am happy I didn’t accept that option. Gone are the days when women sit and eat all the eatables at home all in the name of breastfeeding. It is a pity that so many women are still living in the days of our grandmothers when a woman was made to eat even when she doesn’t feel like it because of the baby. Ladies, it is not the quantity of the food that matters; quality is what you need. Cut down on the pounded yam you eat. Yes, the soup is highly nutritious; you can have your soup with the fish and still feel full. It shouldn’t be a time for you to keep drinking all the chocolate beverages. Go for your low fat milk. It is as nutritious as the full cream; the only difference is the taste. For your beverages, there are a million and one low fat beverages and drinks available in stores. Some women forget their post-natal checkup as they get so busy entertaining visitors and rejoicing over the birth of the baby. When I talk about check-up, I am not just talking about your usual six weeks with the gynaecologist. A good number of women have died as a result of late detection of cancer of the cervix. Even when your doctor says nothing about this test, please create time to visit a laboratory for this test known as Pap Smear or Cervical Smear. Even if you are not nursing a baby, it should be a part of your annual comprehensive health screen. In taking a pap smear, a tool is used to gather cells from the outer opening of the cervix of the uterus. The cells are then examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities. Don’t stop after your post-natal period. Pap smear test should be done every year or at least every three years. Some women get that cut popularly known as ‘tear’ in the process of delivery. You need to pay special attention to it to avoid infection. Al-

IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela

ways use warm water with salt and antiseptic to wash the place. Some of our mothers prefer you sit in the water. After delivery, it is advisable to avoid sitting on very soft surfaces. Also make it a habit to keep your legs as tightly as you can while seated as this will help in the tightening of the vaginal muscles. I don’t know if you have noticed this, but a good number of women have this unpleasant sound coming from the vaginals when they walk. This is because of poor post-natal care. Eating the entire pounded yam and drinking all the pap believing you lose it all after the postnatal period, is not all that easy. Exercise alone does not do it. You must have a good eating habit. I believe you are the one to decide when to resume your regular workout after delivery. Whatever the case, you can start with the little ones like the kegel squeeze, little walk in the evenings. Make sure you consult your doctor before resuming exercise. Remember, it took you 40 weeks to gain all the weight, don’t hope to lose it in two months. Losing weight that way can be detrimental to your health. Give yourself time for full recovery. And as you bond with your new bundle of joy, don’t forget the man in your life. He needs you now more than ever. Make sure you always sleep on the same bed with him every night. Sleeping with him on the same bed will help you cuddle and bond better. Please drop that old wives’ mentality of no sex until three months elapses. This has done more harm than good to African marriages. That your friend waited for two months before resuming sex doesn’t mean you must wait for two months before yours. Listen more to your body than friends. Once you feel like it, please go for it. Like I always say, the gift of God does not come with sorrows. If that baby is your gift from divinity, it should foster love and oneness in your home. Never allow the gift of God to tear you Amara Blessing Nwosu apart. Website: www.amarablessing.com Email: amara@amarablessing.com Tel: +2348116706852; 018446595

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

The Loving Hand Of Grace And Judgement LOT of us know Jesus as our Redeemer, our Friend, our Father (Isa 9:6), our Helper …I knew so much more of His love for a long time and still do, thank God. This intimate relationship is beautiful and precious. It is fitting that all God’s children know Him in this tender way for He is the perfect embodiment of Love. God is Love, but He is also glorious, righteous, fearful, holy, almighty, A jealous God greatly to be feared and He is Judge! I wish to speak very plainly to you about this on a level that I have come to appreciate and can suitably express. I believe it is important to us all that we know our God in all His names to an appreciable degree. Yes, the same God we run to and call Father, the same one who makes us shed tears in wonder of his kindness is the same that should move us in fear because of is fearful countenance. God moves His hand in grace as well as in judgement towards His children and we ought to understand this in order to appreciate it. The easiest way I can speak of this is by examples in the scripture. I hope by this that it will serve as material for further study and meditation. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” – Proverbs 9:10 It was by grace that Christ came and died for us all, by grace that we receive salvation, by grace that we can all come into the most holy place – both great and small; by grace our sins are forgiven. All this is an expression of God’s attributes; however we must also know Him as the righteous Judge. By grace God chose a people for Himself, when they sinned against Him by not believing in Him to enter into the Promised Land. They provoked him ten times and yet His mercy towards them was great. Though they repented and God forgave, however, His hand of Judgment stayed; not one of that generation (20 years and upward who provoked Him) entered into the Promised Land.

Aaron Aaron committed a grave error with Moses and was judged and died in the wilderness. Yet, while he was still alive, God let Him be priest over His people – this is the grace of God (Numbers 20:24). Moses God is no respecter of persons. When Moses did not sanctify God in the eyes of the people by striking the rock twice instead of speaking to it like the Lord had commanded, he was denied entry into the Promised Land. At the mountain of Abarim, it was God’s hand of grace that showed him the Promised Land from afar – It was even His hand of grace that Moses met Jesus there many years later but His Judgment stayed; “therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them”. (Numbers 20:7-12,). It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of God. Once His judgment is passed it is most difficult to remove it for it will run its course. Adam And Eve It is God’s grace to save and yet it does not change his Judgment. God drove the first man and woman out of paradise after they had sinned and yet He promised and gave them a Saviour that by the Seed (Jesus) of the woman Satan will be destroyed, (Genesis 3:15) David God chastises His children. We ought to know that God will chastise us if the need arises and that when we are chastised of Him we ought to humble ourselves under His hand. I find one of the most expressive examples is that in the life of David. David had a remarkable relationship with God and great understanding. He sinned against God, against Uriah and against Uriah’s wife by his adultery and murder – he gave great occasion for the enemies of God to blaspheme and God judged Him thus (2 Samuel 12:1-14) The child he had with Uriah’s wife would die The sword will not depart out of his house and And the thing he did in secret will be done to him in the open. All the word of judgement concerning David came to pass though he repented and begged God to remove His judgement. While he was being

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons”. – Hebrew 12: 5-8 (KJV) chastised also, David humbled himself before God and obeyed His instructions. One of the most beautiful stories of God’s mercy, kindness and love for man that I find in the Bible is that of the Shimei and David (2 Samuel 16: 5-14). When David fled from Absalom, this man walked along side Him cursing and making the whole assembly weary from his words. Not just that, he threw stones at David and His men. Now, David could have done something about this for his mighty men asked permission to take off the man’s head! David stayed their hands saying that God sent Shimei to “curse David” (for part of God’s judgement was coming to pass through Absalom). The point is not in questioning whether He was sent by God or not but this man whom God allowed to “curse” David served as a reminder for David that this was the hand of God. Thus reminded, David humbled himself under the chastisement of God’s mighty hand and remained faithful in trust and dependence. Yes, David had repented, he had a remarkable relationship with God and God put his sin away and spared his life yet God’s judgment ran its course. David stayed humble under God’s judgment and we all ought to learn from this; whether under grace or while

receiving chastisement, God is good and we ought always to humble ourselves beneath His mighty hand. Barnabas God is the same yesterday and today. In the new testament, we have the story of Paul, Barnabas and Mark. Paul and Barnabas separated from each other because of Mark who was a relative of Barnabas (Acts 15:37-41, Colossians 4:10). Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary trip. On their second trip Barnabas was willing to take him on again against Paul’s opinion for he thought it unwise. Therefore Paul and Barnabas separated and Barnabas sailed with Mark in their native land. One can understand Barnabas’s relationship entanglements in siding with his relative and we do not doubt that his name is in the book of life. However, the Holy Spirit called both he and Saul to work together (Acts 13:2,); After this sharp disagreement, his name (Barnabas) is no longer recorded in the book of Acts. We must all do the will of God and not our own will. If we learn to obey there will be no need for chastisement or judgement. But even if we do find the Hand of His judgement, we must receive it in humility for this too is the Love of God. May we never forget that His judgments are righteous. Better to be chastised now than to receive His judgment at the last day with those who will be thrown into the lake of fire. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world”. – 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (KJV) Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for personal development and effective interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08116706879.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

WOMAN

‘Everybody Has A Purpose In Life’ strength to see me through each day. It’s only by the grace of God that I have managed so far”. One of the challenges is how to deal with the workers’ perceptions. “I have had a lot of challenges in trying to change the orientation of the people because this is a regime that is not operating business as usual. It’s a regime that is out to transform, create, change the system. I must confess it’s been a very challenging job. “Sometimes the machines will break down and you have to look for how to fix it. The workers may be used to working in a particular way. You have to get them moving at your pace to achieve a better result. To get people to run government enterprise as if it is their own business is a big challenge”. Cole opted to go into the murky waters of politics in 2005 to make impact on her people because of her commitment to good governance, women and youth empowerment. RS. Oyinkansola Cole, the General Manager Thus she was an aspirant for a seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly in 2011 under the platform of the Action Conof Ogun State Printing Corporation, Abeokuta is a woman who has a lot of passion gress of Nigeria. But before then, she was the first female secretary in Odogfor community development, human capacbolu Local Government in July 2007. She was the Vice Presiity building and youth empowerment. dent of Odogbolu Community Development and was also Her father, Oladipo Osikomaiya hailed on the board of Odogbolu Grammar School (Junior Secondfrom Odogbolu Local Government of Ogun State. Her mother, Gladys Omolara ary School). “Politics to me is like a calling. I wanted to lay a lasting Osikomaiya is from Ijebu Ode. legacy. I wanted people to see my children and say to them “I was born in Lagos. I schooled in ‘during your mother’s time she did this and that.’ So, I beLagos. I grew up in a closely-knit family lieve everybody has a purpose in life. You don’t come to this of three. My father was privileged to world and just go without touching some lives or impacthave Western education. We are all girls in my family but my father made ing positively on your people, and politics is an avenue for me to do that. I have been in politics for about seven years”. sure that he gave us very good and Through politics, she said has been able to touch the lives solid education,” she said. to touch the lives of the people in her constituency. “I was The last in a family of three has Secretary of my Local Government Transition Committee in fond memories of better infrastructure in Lagos when she was 2007. I was able to involve myself in some empowerment programmes for my people. By the grace of God, I am ready growing up in the 50s and 60s. to do more as the General Manager, Ogun State Printing “There was regular supply of electricity, pipe borne water was Press Corporation”. She advised women who want to go into politics to put flowing. It was a period that the their houses in order first. “I didn’t join politics when my economy was doing very well,” children were still young. When you are a politician, your she said. Her mother was a very influen- time is not yours; they can call you for meeting at any time. “Then you must seek the cooperation of your husband betial woman. She was a businesscause your husband must flow with you. You need to build woman and because she had no the home front first before you can build a nation. The male child, she was nicknamed ‘Ladies Roundabout.’ It was also what home front must not suffer at the expense of your work. I live here and I only go to my family during the weekends”. she named her shop in Tinubu. For those going into politics when their children are of “A lot of people used to patronize her shop. We used to sell wares for her. Before tender ages, she advised them to make sure that the chilyou can get your Xmas shoes, you have to work dren are well taken care of. “Politics is not something you can do without the support hard for it. My mother hates people frowning their faces at customers. You just have to smile of your family. When you take up this assignment of beat the customers and make them feel at home,” coming a politician, it’s a calling. You can be compared to the missionaries of those days when they left America to she said. come to Nigeria and to produce good Christians and to be Her mother was also a caterer, she said, and good ambassadors of their countries. You leave your comtaught her how to bake and make lovely meals. “My father was the quiet type, easy going. He re- fort zone to work and to make an impact with a sacrifice. “I am lucky in the sense that my children are all grown up tired as a permanent secretary in the Lagos State and we talk on the phone. So this is a good step for me, the Ministry of Health”. Cole attended Regan Memorial Baptist Girls’ Sec- job I am doing is keeping me occupied”. She is not done yet with her desire to contribute to imondary School, Yaba, Lagos. She later proceeded to proving the society. “I have not gotten to the pinnacle of Baptist Academy for her A-levels. “Although Baptist Academy is a boys’ school, at that time it was admitting my achievement yet. I still want to achieve more because the more you are empowered, the more you are able to students of both sexes for its Higher School Certificate touch lives. And you are in a better position to do that if you (HSC), ” she explained. From there, she proceeded to University of Lagos (UNI- are lucky to get into elective position, like becoming a LAG), where she had a B.Sc in Mass Communication, ma- member of the House of Representatives or the Senate”. Her advice to career women is to forge ahead in what they joring in Broadcasting. do through hard work and determination. “Don’t give up She started her career in Advertising with Admark Adeasily. When you aspire to a particular position, if you don’t vertising Agency in 1980. From there, she proceeded to get it, don’t give up. In everything that we do, let us put God Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1983 as a profirst. You have to work hard as fellow men”. ducer. She was Acting Head of Marketing from 1985 to Of her role model, she said: “I look up to God in everything 1991. She joined the Lagos State government in the year 2000. that I do. My mother is my role model in the sense that from nothing and with hard work, she made an impact in She worked as the Head of Press/Public Relations with my life”. Lagos State Primary Educational Board 2000-2005, Lagos State Lands Bureau, and Governor’s Office 2005-2007 as Chief Press/PR Officer. Politics to me is like a calling. I wanted to lay a Presently, she is the General Manager of Ogun State Printing Corporation. It is a position that demands a lot of lasting legacy. I wanted people to see my chilwork from her. dren and say to them ‘during your mother’s time “The printing corporation is a very active agency of government. My day starts from 8.00 am and sometimes I can she did this and that.’ So, I believe everybody be in the office till 9 or 10.00pm. We are dealing with machines not only human beings. The equipment can break has a purpose in life. You don’t come to this down at any time. So, it’s a job that is a bit stressful and world and just go without touching some lives or you have to be on your toes; it’s a very challenging job”. impacting positively on your people, and politics Yet, God’s grace has been her sustaining power. “Every day I am going to work, I call on God to give me the is an avenue for me to do that.

Mrs. Oyinkansola Cole, the General Manager of Ogun State Printing Corporation, Abeokuta, is a talented woman with a clear goal, vision and a dependable team to move the corporation forward. She spoke to OLAMIDE OLAYIWOLEFADARE on her dreams to contribute her quota to the development of the country.

Cole

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

WOMAN Dr. (Mrs.) Ramota Olayinka Karim is a woman with great depth of knowledge and fear of God who derives immense pleasure in prospering lives around her. Meeting her provides an ample opportunity of seeing a true African woman who through sheer perseverance and hard work, has been able to achieve her goals in life as a wife and mother. Aside this, she is a woman leader in Nasrul-Lahi-Fatih Society (NASFAT), a foremost Islamic organization in Nigeria and also serves as the Head of Department of Home Economics and Food Science in the University of Ilorin.

‘Muslim Women Must Live By Example’ By Fatima Abubakre OR Dr. (Mrs.) Ramota Olayinka Karim, MusFetylim women have key roles to play in the sociwhich is raising children in the fear of Allah through living exemplary lifestyles. This is why she enjoins mothers to buckle up and guide their wards through Islamic tenets as advocated in the Qu’ran because of the prevalent decadence in the society. “We have a key role to play because as mothers, we are known to be the first teachers and the home is the first school. We are the greatest stakeholders because we are the ones that will determine whether our children become faithful Muslims or not; and because of this, we have then to live by examples. “If we offer our Salat (prayers) regularly, our children would emulate and learn from us. From age one, when you are praying as a faithful mother, call unto your child and let him or her stay beside you. They will be so eager to join you and by doing this, you are already making faithful Muslims out of your children. Let us be eager to correct them whenever we see them deviating from the path of Islam. We cannot achieve all these without supporting it with prayers,” she says. For the Associate Professor and mother of three, there is no job without its challenges. “There are so many challenges; as a home maker who wants to succeed in her career, as a career person, as a Muslim leader and aside that, the challenges of coming from an extended family. The greatest challenge is in terms of time but what I have learnt over time is to plan. My Sunday is devoted for Islam; I hardly do any academic work on Sunday. I have no regret for all these challenges because they have strengthened me,” she adds. Explaining the role of women in Islam, she lends her voice to the discourse of early marriage, which has dominated the media in the last few weeks, pointing out that she will never support early marriage of a female who is physiologically and psychologically immature. According to her, a lot of things have changed in the society which have affected the reproductive life in particular. “In that age when Islam was encouraging early marriage, you hardly find any female menstruating at the age of 10, 11 or nine years. You find them starting menstruation at the age of 16 and above. I have seen a primary three baby of about nine years starting menstruation, and when the girl started, she was amazed because she didn’t understand what was happening. Her friends were just playing with it. Can we now say because such girl has commenced menstruation, so she should now be put into marriage? No. “A girl of 11 at that time cannot be compared to a girl of this age. A girl of 18 years at that time now is comparable to a girl of 10 years of this time because of our nutritional status and our environment. Our reproductive life comes up so early and you cannot just use age as a determinant for marriage. Our physiological lives have changed. It is what we eat and our environment. Our environment is not as pure as it

was and what we eat now is not as pure as they were before. We have so many genetically modified and processed foods that we consume that can encourage or engineer early menstruation.” While urging the National Assembly to revisit the issue, she says: “I will not support early marriage for a girl of 10 to 15 to 18. Let them mature physiologically and psychologically; maturity psychologically is also important. We should not also forget about the issue of cervical cancer that could also occur.” As a young girl growing up, she was largely influenced by what she described as “hidden mentors,” who made her aspire to great heights. She once saw a young lady smartly dressed in the NYSC khaki uniform that she greatly admired. She was made to realize that to be NYSC corps member, one must study hard to get to the university and graduate in flying colours. She was also influenced by the emergence of Prof. Mrs. Grace Alele Williams, the first female to become Vice-Chancellor at the University of Benin. Indeed, Karim studied hard as her position in class reflected this because she always came top. During her national service year in Ondo State where she served with BSB Bakery, she developed the chocolate bread and spiced bread borne out of her discipline, which earned her a commendation award from the NYSC. The Ondo State government equally offered her immediate employment but she did not utilise it. “After my NYSC, I went to the University of Ibadan for my Masters in Food Technology. And because of my interest in bakery, I got into bread production and I have a factory in Lagos where I produce bread,” she disclosed. Born to the family of the late Alhaji Rauf Saji and Mrs. Amudat Kehinde Saji from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Karim is the 22nd of 33 children. Her father had five wives, but she is the fifth from her mother. She attended Ansar Ud-Deen Primary School for her early education and Muslim Girls’ High School, IjebuOde, obtaining one of the best WAEC results. “I attended the University of Lagos, Abeokuta Campus, now called the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. It was the University of

I will not support early marriage for a girl of 10 to 15 to 18. Let them mature physiologically and psychologically; maturity psychologically is also important. We should not also forget about the issue of cervical cancer that could also occur.”

Karim

Lagos Vice-Chancellor that came to matriculate us. I got the admission to study Food Science and Technology. I finished in 1992 with a second class upper division. “I later joined Olabisi Onabanjo University, then it was called Ogun State University, Department of Home and Hotel Management. I joined as an Assistant Lecturer and from there I rose to be a Lecturer 1, before I joined the University of Ilorin as a Senior Lecturer. I went back to Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, to

the Department of Food Science for my PhD. I was the first PhD graduate of the department and I became an Associate Professor in 2011. I was appointed as the Head of Department, Home Economics in the University of Ilorin in 2009”. Karim is also a sportswoman who has represented her alma mater and her state (Ogun) in many sporting competitions. “I also won the first three medals for the university, in Basketball and in Javelin. I won a Bronze medal in Inter-Collegiate Games comprising Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education. For the state, I won a gold medal Basketball in Bauchi. I also represented the country in Junior Basketball in Republic of Benin. I happen to be one of the first in Abiola Babes when it was founded in Abeokuta.” Karim is a mother of three children – two girls and one boy. She describes her kind of person: “I am a Muslim and I love Islam. I love engaging in things that can prosper human living, be it academic work, spiritual, social work that can prosper people. I love sharing ideas with people. I have no time for laziness and I don’t see anything to be impossible. I believe with God all things are possible. So, whenever I am given any assignment I don’t find it difficult to handle because I believe if you are not capable, you will not be given. I love team work because you cannot be perfect in everything.” Married to Dr. Adegboyega Ayuba Karim, a military man, her advice for young women is that that they must be determined to succeed in life. “Be determined. There are so many successful men and women outside. If you are determined, you will leave out all these social distractions (boy friend/girl friend).

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

PEOPLE From Chuks Collins, Awka T took just five years of extra ordinary hardIyoung work for the Louis Onwugbenu to distinguish himself in the world of business, which entailed shuttling to and fro Lagos fortnightly to buy and sell his wares. He ventured in 1972, and by 1977, he had a household name. As a result, he was then christened ‘Carter Bridge,’ a name he earned as a result of his routine weekly business trips to Lagos, about thrice regularly. His watchword had remained honesty, diligence and hard work, inculcated in him early in life by his parents and his close contacts with the missionary priests under whose tutelage he was exposed early. These trademarks became his abiding life principles and hallmark of his business life. And those who had business or social contacts with him reckoned with his forthrightness, transparency and humility. The virtues also quickly endeared him to them easily. Today, after years of dogged business experience, Onwugbenu sits atop a large conglomerate business organization as the chairman/chief executive, thanks to his adept managerial skills and financial acumen. What started as a small few years ago in Nnewi, his birthplace, has steadily blossomed into a big conglomerate with interest spread across areas and sectors of the economy such as general merchandise, manufacturing, agriculture/agro-allied industries, real estate and food processing. Remarkably, Onwugbenu’s tentacles has also spread beyond the shores of Nigeria to such places like Korea, Japan, England, France, United States of America, Brazil, Canada and Malaysia. Louis Carter, as he had grown to be known in the business world, is widely traveled, having traversed virtually so many cities across continents, amassing friends and partners of diverse tribes. And with these, fortune and fate have continued to smile on him and his business empire turning it into a household name and sterling business trademark nationwide in general merchandise, manufacturing, agriculture/agro-allied industries, real estate and food processing. Now 60, Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu, the Okpata Ozuo-Ora of Nnewi has undoubtedly led a life of successes and immense accomplishments. Born on August 15, 1953 to the catholic family of Augustine and Cecilia (aka Omakaa) Onwugbenu of Ndiojukwu village, Uruagu Nnewi, Onwugbenu was nurtured with deeprooted faith in God. His association with priests who he served dedicatedly also contributed immensely to the successes he recorded in life and business. Though his education was truncated midway by the Nigerian-Biafran civil war of 1967, he was divinely rewarded in business enterprise later in life, rising above his peers. It is striking that his birthday uniquely coincides with the Assumption date of August 15, a sacred day among the Catholics. It was actually the day when the body of blessed Mary, mother of Jesus Christ assumed into heaven. The famous Irish missionary catholic priest, Rev Fr Louis Kettels who was working in Nnewi at the time prophetically foretold the future ‘full of hope’ for the newborn child. Rev Fr Kettels baptized him with the name of Louis on September 13, 1953. Kettels actually left a legacy of service in Nnewi, mentoring many sons of the community who later in life became prominent and very successful in their chosen endeavours. Little wonder, that the values and legacies the Irish missionary left with the young minds primed them for a life of industry, resilience and diligence. Onwugbenu has ensured that his dealings with fellow men are according to the teachings of the Holy Book. That has evidently garnered to him tremendous trust and confidence from friends and business associates. Having learnt philanthropy and charity work especially from his mother, Onwugbenu has made support and contribution to the things of God and those in need a way of life. Over the years he has remained the benefactor to many reverend Catholic priests and reverend sisters. He built the St Louis Catholic Church, Uruagu with all the appurtenances - the parsonage, the church hall and the Uruagu Primary School, for his people. These were dedicated in 2003 by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev Hillary Okeke at a combined service to celebrate his 50th birthday and silver jubilee of his wedding

Louis Onwugbenu: A Study In Industry And Selflessness spirit in the young Louis. They therefore began to pave the way for him at that early stage to attain his desired success in the career he has chosen. More so, they taught him all values of honesty, hardwork, fear of God and respect for the human family as the binding foundation of every successful business life. His parents also ensured he never stayed away from things of God; little wonder every new missionary priest inherited his services in the vineyard on assumption of duty. Onwygbenu adapted to the strict discipline and lifestyle of the European missionaries who brought him up. While reminiscing on his growing up experiences he admitted that anniversary. He has contributed handsomely serving under Rev Fathers Duncan, Baylon to the building of many churches for both the and Basil Onwuasomba who shepherded the parishioners of St John’s Parish in Egbocatholic and other denominations even outUruagu Nnewi at one time or another made side the community and state. Instructively, the parcel of land hosting the St indelible impression on him. His business expedition took off in 1972 with Louis Catholic Church parish, Uruagu, Nnewi today was sourced through the joint efforts of selling of bolts and nuts, oil filters and plugs, with an initial small capital made available Louis Carter’s godfather, the late Joseph by his parents. With resilience, he carried on Okoye, then a school teacher cum headmaster, and Fr Kettels. His memory has continued well till he graduated into the importation of auto spare parts. That was when he began to to inspire Louis till date. blossom tremendously. Chief Onwugbenu showed signs of high His success in life, which made him a multibusiness acumen and ingenuity quite early in life at age thirteen. His parents, being notable millionaire at 30 thrust upon him a lot of responsibilities. He then started contributbusinesspeople at the time, specialised in palm produce merchandizing and processing. ing to so many development projects in parts of the nation. He built and donated a That perhaps gave verve to the enterprising

I have traveled extensively. As a result, I have come to realize that education is the bedrock of every human endeavour and the pillar of life. Any society that does not have solid foundation for the education of her citizens is doomed. Hence, my interest in education. It is most unfortunate that youths of today lay more emphasis on the end and not the means

lecture theatre to the nurses of the Nnewi campus of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This facility contributed to the considerations that gave rise to the upgrading of the university to its current status. Because of his belief in human resource development, Onwugbenu has to date given out countless number of scholarships through his education foundation to indigent students from primary schools to post-graduate levels. His passion for providing quality education to the less privileged compelled him to build quality primary and secondary schools within the premises of St. Louis Catholic church Uruagu Nnewi. A man of decency, he erected a two-floor ultra-modern primary school, acquired another property already restructured and renovated for use as St. Louis Secondary school to absorb the graduates of the primary school. The school has just been commissioned as part of events marking his 60th birthday. His marital life has been no less successful. Having accomplished so much in business by 1977, he saw a life partner in young Patricia, the beautiful and well cultivated daughter of the late Sir Anthony and Lady Roseline Ojukwu, former catechist of St. John Cross, Egbo, Nnewi. And with divine leading, Louis and Pat were joined in marriage on October 21, 1978. Today, the couple is blessed with eight loving children and four grandchildren. Onwugbenu’s contributions and service to humanity has continued to elicit accolades and recognition through various awards and chieftaincy titles. Prominent among them is Okpata Ozuorah, Nnewi, a man whose wealth extends to others, conferred on him by the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu. Indeed, Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu has paid his dues and will continue to be a model for upcoming young business entrepreneurs in the country to aspire for greater heights even in the face of daunting challenges. Amazingly and in spite of his riches, he lives a simple and selfless life devoid of the airs that goes with wealth. His level of humility is disarming. Today, friends and associates will clink the glasses and toast to his life at 60. Onwugbenu has every cause to celebrate. According to Onwugbenu, “I have travelled extensively and been to all parts of the globe in the course of business transactions with attendant exposure. As a result, I have come to realize that education is the bedrock of every human endeavour and the pillar of life. And any society that does not have solid foundation for the education of her citizens is doomed. Hence my passionate love for, and interest in education. It is most unfortunate that youths of today lay more emphasis on the end and not the means. They are more interested in acquiring wealth without having the basic of foundation of life, which is education. The world is a global village and business today is technology-driven quite unlike in the 70’s and 80’s when we were growing up in business - the analogue era. They always look up to those who have made it in life without asking how they made it in life. I advise the young entrepreneurs today to, before anything, acquire education instead of looking up to those who have excelled without knowing how they made it. The business environment is fraught with encumbrances/obstacles such as fraudsters, intrigues and perfidy. “As a true Christian and given my deep-rooted faith in God, it would not have been easy for me to excel in business and life generally. Personally, I faced lots of daunting challenges especially these past few years. That was when I realised that all that glitters is not gold. As an industrialist who engaged more than 700 employees, I sometimes address them, drawing from the Holy Book the account of betrayal of Jesus by one of his apostles, Judas, with a kiss because of money and Peter, the Sur. Apostle who denied his master in time of need. It is a great lesson, which influences my life. “My journey to stardom is not without the ugly side which in any case, I would want to recall. But where it pained most is that it came from close relations and confidants who betrayed the confidence reposed in them when it mattered most. ‘Indeed, I took all these with equanimity of mind and a deep sense of responsibility. Despite the vicissitudes of life, is still thank God for His immeasurable blessings he has continued to shower on me and my family, more so, giving me the grace to attain age 60.”

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 17, 2013 | 25

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Travel&Tourism

... Explore, experience the best of destinations! DELEGATION of Nigerian Lions Clubs InternaA tional visited Hamburg, Germany to attend the 98 Convention of the organization where th

they showcased Nigerian culture. The delegates of 1.4 million-member organization returned with story of a European city suffused with architectural splendor, bathed in golden brightness. In the first week of July, the Nigerian delegation of Lions club left Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Hamburg via London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Frankfurt and Italy, while a few others flew in from UK and United States. The common destination was Hamburg where the 98th convention of the Lions clubs was scheduled to take place. Over 500 Nigerians from different locations eventually met at the Convention. Convention Centre At Messi And 02Hall / HSV Stadium The Lions Convention delegates centre was at Messi Convention centre, a multi-hall international convention ground in contemporary architectural style and statement that typifies the German architectural school, where there was constant marriage of generational architectural movement flowing into one another, with listed buildings flowing into Romanesque order, modern style, and back into contemporary times. Nigerian Lions delegates actively participated in all the pre-function events at Messi centre, which include registration, checking in to the hotels, shuttling in the Convention buses, train and the new `trendy 2013 Mercedes Benz, e-class series as urban taxis. The Nigerian cultural ambassadors involved are Ln (Olori) Elegushi, Ikate Lions Clubs; Ln Bintu Kafaru Tinubu, Ikoyi Lions Club; PMCC AVM Tony Okpere; PDG Sam Ekpu, PH Lions Former Multiple Chairman, Ln Williams Park; District Governor 404B, Ln Yinka Bolarinwa and others during the 98th convention of the Lions Clubs International held in Club; Ln Otunba Owolabi Osibodu, Ipaja Lions Hamburg, Germany recently. Club); Ln Dr. Funke Adebajo, Ikeja Golden; Ln Mariam Kareem, Ikeja Golden; PDG Joy Warmeth, PH Lions Club; Ln Sado, PH Lions Club; Ln Alice Offiong, Calabar Lions club; Ln Princess Toyin Atobatele, Omole Lions club; Ln Leke, Ln Olaniyi Olagoke, and many others. 02 Centre/HSV Stadium Plenary Session Lions Clubs International delegates from over 141 member countries attended the Opening Ceremony at first plenary session from the six continents of the world. These include United States of America, Latin America of Colombia, Brazil, the Asia continent of India, the pacific of Korea, Japan, China, The Australia, the host Germany, France, Turkey, Birmingham, Spain, Italy and Africa continent of Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and the latest entrant into the Lions clubs family- South Sudan. In attendance also were the representatives of the organizations that had partnered with Lions Clubs International to spread the gospel of charities and welfare around the world such as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Johnson & Johnson

Lions Meet In Hamburg, Showcase Nigeria’s Culture

corporation, UNICEF, WHO, United Nations, in combating scourge of meningitis, river blindness, cancer awareness, cataract operations, literacy and reading action program, disaster management and intervention, feeding the needy and meeting the needs of persons with disabilities (PWD) and poverty alleviation program. The audience at 02 Centre, found additional space at the adjacent sporting stadium of HSV football club - another architectural masterpiece owned by a

football club. Nigerians delegates agreed among themselves that Nigerian sporting federation has a lesson to learn from German football clubs. Lions Clubs members from all over the world showcase their charity activities in the last one year through video clips of their program as sent to the international headquarter in Oakbook Illinois, USA and through the Lions Club International Foundation LCIF, a huge sum of several million dollars were used for intervention in various zones of the world especially in the United States of America, Asia,

Lagos To Commence Classification And Grading Of Hotels HE Lagos State Government has T commenced plans to classify and grade hotels and hospitality outlets

week. This is intended to prepare visitors for what to expect in a particular operating in the State. Hotel or Hospitality outlet, HolCommissioner for Tourism and Inter- loway said. governmental Relations, Mr. Disun He added that the plan aims also to Holloway disclosed this during Hotels serve as a marketing tool for the esand Tourism Establishments staketablishment. holders meeting held at the Harbour The Commissioner stressed that a Point, Victoria Island during the consultant was engaged to develop

L-R: Permanent secretary, Mininstry of Tourism & IGR, Mr. Ashamu Fadipe; Hon. Commissioner, Mr. Oladisun Holloway; SSA Hotel Licensing Authority, Aduke Gomez and Director, Leisure & Hostility, Mrs. Mosunmola Johnson at the Hotels & Tourism Establishment stakeholders meeting organised during the week by the Ministry in Lagos.

the criteria for determining the award of a star grade. Reiterating that government’s determination to register, classify and grade hotels is borne out of the desire to have a reliable database for planning, research and development of the sector, Holloway observed that at many events the number of attendees far exceeded the amount the room or location can conveniently hold. The Commissioner also laid to rest the contentious issue of double taxation, saying that the ministry had conveyed a series of meetings with the leadership of various industry associations such as Hotels, Personal Services and Employers Association (HOPESEA), Hotels Association of Nigeria (HAN) and other stakeholders in order to educate them on its activities. He assured that all government agencies would con-

tinue to liaise with each other to move the industry forward. “Therefore all operators who are yet to fully comply with the Hotel Licensing Law (Amended) 2003 which was promulgated for the licensing, registration, grading and standardisation of hospitality and tourism outlets should do so.” It would be recalled that the Supreme Court has recently put to rest the contention between the Lagos State government and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) over who has authority to grade and classify hotels. Thereafter, Lagos state has inaugurated two Committees, Hotel Grading and Classification committee and the Classification Review committee made up of experienced hospitality practitioners to serve as oversight committees to the Hotel Licensing Author-

India, Europe and Africa. Mentioned should be made here of an Indian-Kenyan couple and past international director that donated five million US dollar to Lions Clubs International Foundation LCIF, and other individual lions members donors of one million dollar, five hundred thousand dollar including Congolese lion Gomez, (International Director) and other hundred thousand dollar donations all intended for charity works to the needy people and places, around the world at the Hamburg convention through LCIF. International Paradise/Parade Of Nations An interesting part of the Lions Club annual convention was the parade of all participating nations in their rich native costumes and cultural ensemble. The Nigerian delegates were shining stars as they came tops in a show-stopping, mouth agape, colorful national dress of the Niger Delta costumes for men complete with bowler hats and walking sticks, while the women folks were in the Calabary attire with flowing gown and yellow head tie, a long procession of lucky-go-happy beautiful Nigerians that the whole world in Hamburg continuously took pictures in turn with, while an added seal of royalty At the rear end of the precession, a seal of royalty was added to the show by His Royal Majesty, Ln Kabiyesi Oba Abdul-Rasaq Afolabi, Olojoku of Ojoku, Kwara State who appeared in full traditional regalia of white flowing 3-piece Agbada and white beads. Nigerian Lions in Hamburg indeed was a beautiful sight to behold. The Fun, The Tourist, The Merchandise Nigeria delegation entrainment night was held at the Marina beach Lions market club house where Nigerian delicacies were provided by lady Chika- a German based Nigerian restaurant owner in Hamburg. The club manager, a Greece national, played the “Port-Harcourt Boy” melody song among many Nigerian songs on display after the rendition of the Nigeria National Anthem. Sadly, no embassy staff from the Nigerian mission joined the party.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

TRAVEL&TOURISM

‘How The Eid El Fitri Durbar Can Be Promoted For Tourism’

Durbar From John Akubo, Dutse HE different ethnic groups in different loT cations in the north have different traditions for celebrating the Eid El Fitri festival. The three-day festival which celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting from dawn to dusk each day means so much to the Kazaure Emirate where the festival has been set aside as a time to give charity to the poor, and to celebrate the completion of Ramadan with family and friends. The other aspect, which has become a phenomenon, is the display of royalty and the entertainment in horsemanship by the emir himself, the Hakimis and other traditional titleholders to the admiration of the people. As the years goes by modernity seems to have caught up with the age-long festival to the extent that tourists are now attracted to be part of the celebration. At this years event the horse riders tried to outdo themselves in terms of costumes that set each aside as they regaled themselves and their horses with expensive royal costumes. Hence calls for Durbar Festivals to be upstaged to meet up with tourists attraction demands became the main burning issue at the Grand Durbar held to mark the Eid El Fitr celebration in Kazaure Emirate last Saturday. This is coming just as the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has been looking inwards for strategies to adopt in that direction. The celebration, which marked the 15th year anniversary of the emir, Alhaji Najib Husseini Adamu, was unique as all the sons and Daugthers of the emirate gathered to pay their emir homage and to relish the entertainment of the season. Going by the history of Emirate council, the traditional

Durbar festival originated when the Fulani Dynasty took over the throne of the Emirate almost two hundred years back. It first started with Ibrahim Dantunku who ruled from 18201824, followed by Abdullahi Dembo from 18241857, who later succeeded by Mohammed Zingi from 1857-1888, followed by Muhammad Bello 1886-1912. After him was Muhammad Tura who ruled Kazaure from 1912-1922, followed by Umaru Tura 1922-1940, after him was Adamu Abdulmumminu who ruled from 19411968, followed by Ibrahim Adamu who ruled from 1968-1993, and was succeeded by Hussein Adamu who ruled from 1973-1998, and later succeeded by the present Emir of Kazaure, Alh, (Dr.) Najib Hussein Adamu who took over from 1998-date as the tenth Fulani dynasty Emir of Kazaure. One fascinating aspects of these fallen Emirs of Kazaure past and present was that each contributed positively in the overall development of the Emirate in areas of expanding the frontiers of the Emirate, fostering unity among their subjects, love, patriotism among the people, as well as bringing accelerated development in all facet of human endeavors. The issue of accelerated development would be sustained according to some of the people from the emirate with the fact that the current emir is the son of the late emir and having spent 15 years with age still on his side. For example it was during the reign of his father the Late Hussein Adamu, Kazaure the Emirate embraced the importance of western education in areas of increase in school enrollment. The people embrace farming with all sense of humility, security was enhanced, there was low crime rate during his purposeful leadership, the economy of the area was vibrant, people were well enlightened on the need for self reliance, among others. It is well known fact that the

current Emir has not deviated from the developmental steps of his father. According to one of the foremost daughters of the emirate and younger sister to the emir, Amina Husseini Adamu, who is an INEC commissioner, “The significance is with the Muslim umar because it is the celebration of Eid El Fitri, and this is the way the people have always celebrated it as we have known it from childhood and it seems we don’t grow out of it, we have always come out to watch no matter what. “Yesterday we were in the rains watching the children Durbar and it is something we have grown up with and it is something that will continue and it is even growing bigger and bigger by the day.” On the possibility of upstaging the carnival to attract tourists and spin foreign exchange she said it is an area yet to be explored. “I think we have not been able to explore these possibilities, if you look at the pavilion you see some foreigners, that come here. When you go to the Kano Durbar you see a lot of ambassadors and embassies will not like to miss it. So this is something Nigeria can explore and this doesn’t happen only in Kazaure it is all over the Northern States, from Borno to Daura, we have different days, different events and activities. “In Kazaure we have only three Durbars; one for the Salla Eid, this is the grand Durbar the second day but because of the Friday this year the Emir thought in his wisdom it would be better to shift it to the third day while the children’s Durbar was staged on Friday.” She expressed her desire for the children’s Durbar to be made grandiose in order to catch them young and ensure sustainability. She said she feels happy watching Durba even as she thanked God that she was able to see this year’s event. “Last year I was here, this year I am here and I am very happy and by God’s

grace next year I will be here. It is the same thing but every year it is different, different experiences, colourful apparels won by the Hakimis, the best dressed, everybody trying to outdo the others and its fun for all to watch. ‘The guns and their bangs are frightening but since three years, we have been with them and we are used to them.” She pointed out that the in Kazaure there is a new innovation which will cement relationship between the indigenes and the none-natives. She recalled that in the previous year, at the end of the Durbar, the Sarikin Yoruba in Kazaure was part of the event. “It was an innovation that happened last year and I think it will happen this year and I cannot wait to see the Sarikin Yoruba. So it is something that can unite Nigerians together if the Sarikin Yoruba, the Eze Ndigbo can join the Durba, I think it is a plus for Nigerian quest for unity. She advocated for the children’s Durbar to be upstaged since they are beginning to get into the scene. She said every year the Durbar is improving with some of the people coming from Kano to be part of the Kazaure Durbar while others go from Kazaure to Kano to enhance the Kano Durbar. “So it is becoming an exchange of the different experiences and even people that are not from the royal seat are following us to ride the horses with us and we give them space but it think it is something that help us hold our tradition together.’ If we put out acts together this is something that brings foreign exchange. A Singaporean, Zahir Hussain who is the Head of Academics JSIIT at Kazaure said he was at the palace to witness one of the greatest events that happen once a year. “The Durbar is very exciting and it is a wonderful experience being here. It is colourful tradition. We do have our own culture back in Singapore and it is similar.”

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 17, 2013 | 27

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

Nollywood

Divorce Cases... And The List Swells By Shaibu Husseini HEIR marriages – one fascinating event to watch – are always consummated before a quality crowd. Ask them on the floor of the wedding and they would both declare that they are made for each other. Indeed, things always look perfectly clean before the somewhat nasty separation, which fans are now beginning to find interesting to talk about. Although they can’t help but get wrapped in the sometimes tasty stories that these ‘perfect’ marriages become, most Nollywood fans are beginning to catch good fun talking about a celebrity marriage in distress. But it is a normal occurrence that is not just peculiar to Nollywood. Even in Hollywood, celebrity marriages come tumbling after. In fact, out there, over three-quarter of celebrity marriages end in divorce or separation. Back here, it is beginning to appear as though fame and love cannot coexist considering the way doors are slammed on celebrities. The buzz in town is the recent decision of notable Nollywood actress Chika Ike to slam the door permanently on her husband, Tony Eberiri. As if it is a fad now to announce such development on social network, it was first on Facebook and then later on her twitter handle that the Anambra native first broke the news that she was now formally divorced and should no longer be known and addressed as Chika Ike Eberiri. Chika from Umuchina in Ekwulobia, reportedly filed for divorce at an Abuja high Court citing irreconcilable differences, and domestic abuse as some of the reasons she wants to quit her five-year-old marriage to the business executive from Delta State. The marriage was formally consummated at her native town in 2006. However, Chika’s Facebook post on July 28 confirmed that judgment was passed in her favour. She said: “Hi Fabs! Thank you all for your love and support over the years. It’s been an emotional journey and I

Chike Ike want to officially announce to you guys that the court has granted me a divorce. I am now officially divorced. Thanks,” the latter-day Abuja based actress said on her Facebook wall. The post got viral seconds after she hit the

send button. The news spread like wild fire. Observers say they were not surprised that the marriage packed up. They said the couple have been having issues, which was why Chika had to relocate to Abuja from their Egbe, Lagos home. Although some fans lashed out at her for

Celebritygist…

O’jez Celebrates Victor Osuagwu August 25

ARELY three months after he was sworn in as Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), popular comic actor, Victor Osuagwu, has started attracting the attention of the society with his vibrant style of leadership. Against this backdrop, he has been picked to be the recipient of August 2013 O’jez Entertainment Award. The award is scheduled to hold on August 25 at the celebrity restaurant, O’jez, inside the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Chairman of O’jez Entertainment Centre, Chief Joseph Odobeatu in a statement said Osuagwu has made his mark as an actor for over a decade now and so he deserves to be celebrated. He said: “When the news came in that he won the chairmanship election, many of us were not surprised. This (O’jez Entertainment Award) is our own Osuagwu

small way of encouraging him to also leave his footprints on the sands of time as far as AGN-Lagos is concerned. “Osuagwu within the short time he has occupied the seat, has for the first time got a befitting secretariat for the body, a wide departure from the past norm where the actors in Lagos operated from under trees. So, we are encouraging him with this ‘little’ award come Sunday, August 25”. The monthly O’jez Entertainment Award that has been on for over a decade now has celebrated Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavour. The renowned comedy

actor in his acceptance letter said he was elated by the show of love and encouragement by the O’jez Entertainment Centre. “O’jez celebrity restaurant is home to Nollywood stars and practitioners; it has been home for over 12 years now beginning from its first outlet on Iwaya Road. This (award) will surely fire me on and I am glad my little effort has been recognized by the industry. I am glad, really glad.” Comedians Elder O, MC Shakara and Elenu will take turns to thrill the large gathering of Nollywood stars and practitioners that evening, while the O’jez band led by singers Colours and Sony Okri, will dish out rich menu of highlife tunes as well as popular Nigerian songs. Zee Boy and Zee Girl, Surulere based dancers, are on the bill to rock the evening with some energetic dance steps. Show starts at 7pm.

parting ways with a man they believed loved her, Chika later publicly declared that she left her marriage because she was a victim domestic violence. Part of the letter she circulated reads: “The last straw that broke the camel’s back was during a heated argument, he threw a glass jug to my face and I dogged it and it shattered on d wall. I saw death flash before me and I made a decision to save my life. I left my marriage”. Well, if that divorce case caused ripples, the decision by Almaroof Kehinde Oloyode to slam the door on popular actress Olufunke Akindele caused a buzz that was to say the least earthshaking. True, if the popular screen actress had been told by a prophet about a year ago that her celebrated marriage to Oloyode, a real estate developer, will pack up so easily, Funke, who is affectionately called Jenifa by fans, would probably have described the fellow as a prophet of doom. But reality is that the celebrated May 3, 2012 ‘show stopping’ marriage has crashed. What observers found very disturbing and pitiable was that Oloyede chose the social media, his Facebook wall, to announce the divorce. This was how Oloyode put it: “It is with heavy heart that I am announcing the separation of me and my wife Mrs. Olufunke Akindele. We have both agreed to go our separate ways because of irreconcilable differences. We are still best of friends and we forever remain good friends”. Oloyede’s post got viral seconds after it appeared on his Facebook wall. It became the buzz in town and this can be explained. Apart from the fact that Funke has a huge following as an entertainment personality, the May 2012 marriage was so celebrated that no one will ever imagine that it will end so tragically. However, not too many informed observers were surprised that the marriage packed up they way it did. They held that it was only a matter of time for the bubble to burst between them. There were side talks that Oloyede had been married and had a lot of children from several women and so Funke was just going to be one of the several women in his life. In fact, before the marriage, the social media was replete with damming tales of Oloyode’s alleged exploits with women. They traced some love children to him and also alleged that Oloyede was once married to a lady called Toun and was still seeing two other women— Fadeke and Modinat Dada. But Funke would deny those shocking tales, which Oloyode never refuted. Funke was to put up this defence when Biodun Kupoluyi’s E24-7 magazine confronted her with the allegation that her hubby was previously married. She said: “My husband has never been married. I am the woman he got married to. I was married properly”. Well, not too long after that denial, Oloyede admitted in an interview on social media that he has a mistress named Modinat. He would also not deny that he has love kids. It was then that it dawned on Funke that her marriage had issues that she was going to live with. What observers say cannot be denied was that Funke loved Oloyode and didn’t hide the fact that she was prepared to make her marriage work in spite of Oloyode’s reported excesses. To show that she was determined to make her marriage work, Funke looked the other way and trudged on. Close sources would however say that Funke was merely ‘dressing up her marital wound’ to look as though everything was fine. They maintained that deep down ‘it was usually hell’ at home between the couple. It was alleged that Oloyode would take on Funke each time they had a disagreement. Now that the music has stopped playing for both of them, Funke’s fans would want her to dust up, learn from that mistake and face her shimmering career. They say they still love and adore her and that the unfortunate incident has not erased the fact that she is still their beloved actress. They however counsel that she must ‘shine her eyes’ if she ever wants to beat that path again. Some of the more famous celebrity separation and divorce cases: * Moji Olaiya * Stella Damasus * Monalisa Chinda * Kate Henshaw * Eucharia Anunobi * Doris Simeon * Chiege Alisigwe * Tchidi Chikere * Ayo Adesanya *Fathia Balogun

28 |

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

FOOD&DRINKS

Pinto Beans Porridge: Good Treat For The Skin By Chinelo Nwagbo

Take beans porridge today and enjoy all its health benefits.

INTO beans is a highly nutritious dish, recommended to P those wishing to follow a simple and healthy diet. Its use benefits the entire body, and especially the skin.

Ingredients Pinto beans Pumpkin Carrots medium

The most important factor to keep the skin and its attached structure in top condition is not beauty products but rather balanced diet and correct hygiene. Skin is much more than a wrapper to the body. It is a protecting and excreting organ. To keep skin, hair and nails in good condition, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet, especially in regards to consuming foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals (iron), and essential fatty acids. Niacin and pantothenic acids found in beans, as well as betacarotene found in pumpkin, carrots, and other vegetables are essential to the health of the skin and helps in prevention of eczema, dry skin, skin atrophy (a condition in which the upper layers of skin get thin), chapping (cracked, rough skin) and other skin maladies. Beans fibre reduces cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease, constipation (a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened faeces) and obesity (excess body fat). During pregnancy it is important to increase intake of beans to help prevent birth defects, premature birth, abnormalities in new born babies and miscarriages as it is good source of iron and folate.

Quantities 400g 250g 2

Refreshing Taste Of Made of grapes from Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vineyard, it is a dry red wine that can be taken at any occasion including weddings, cocktails, AZARES wine comes from younger grape birthdays, dinners and even beach parties. It can be indulged by anyone who desires vines and emphasizes a youthful fruit moment of refreshing relaxation after a quality that delivers optimum refreshing hard dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. It can also be served durtaste. This wine has over the years been conspicu- ing cold and warm weather. To derive maximum enjoyment from ous in hotels, bars and households around this drink, it should be served the globe. Typically, Nazares smells of fresh blueberry chilled preferably with ice cubes. It has 12.5 per cent alcohol voland cherry flavours with luscious taste of dark cherry, plum and currant, but no actual ume base and can be purchased at any wine market across Nigesweetness. ria at an affordable price.

By Ibukunoluwa Kayode

Onion 1 medium size Tomato 1 medium size Dry sweet pepper (tatashe) 1 Garlic 1 bulb Sweet paprika Â˝ Olive oil 3 tablespoons Laurel leaves 2 leaves Method of preparation Soak beans overnight in cold water or for one hour if hot water is used. Peel, wash, and chop the pumpkin carrot, and tomato. Peel the garlic and the onions; do not chop them. Drain and rinse the beans. Heat a pot with water and salt, and add the beans. At boiling point, reduce heat and simmer. When the beans begin to soften, add the vegetable, laurel leaves, sweet pepper, paprika, and oil. To avoid the beans from being crushed, do not stir with a spoon, but rather shake the pot gently, holding onto the handles. Cook until is done and then remove from fire and serve. E-mail: chineloeby@yahoo.com

Nazares Wine

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

| 29

HOME&DECOR How To Balance Aesthetics In The Modern Bathroom

HE modern bathroom is a showcase of beauty. The look ranges from the sleek to the rustic. It is important, however, to realise the need to balance aesthetics with functionality when it comes to choosing bathroom materials. The choice of flooring should bring into focus the following considerations: Waterproofing: It is a key factor in taking decision on choice of bathroom floors. The flooring does not only need to be able to deal with day-today splashes and degree of moisture but should also be able to stand flood that may occur occasionally. Personal safety: If you have highly polished surfaces, note that it is a high risk for slips and spills. You can do treatments such as honing to reduce slipperiness. On common flooring option available in the market is ceramic tile. This comes in various types such as glazed or unglazed. Glazed tile is more water resistant and easier to clean. Unglazed tiles are less slippery but more porous. Porcelain tile is very strong, durable and non-porous because it is fired at very high temperature Stone floor commands a classic timeless look. This explains why stone has been used in bathroom flooring for ages. It includes granite and marble. Care needs to be taken in terms of slipperiness.

Restoring Iron Furniture By Ekwy P. Uzoanya RON furniture can be both attracIdoor tive and durable in indoor or outspace. They can be used as patio furniture and accent pieces. These include settees, chairs and tables. This type of furniture has several advantages over wood and plastic furniture. Its major drawback is that it is adversely affected by the elements, which can cause the paint to faint, flake, peel and rust over time. However, you can restore their beauty yourself just by knowing what to do. Using the right paint, which is paint made for iron furniture is the first step retaining the beauty of your wrought or cast iron furniture. Paint made for wood furniture should not be used as this will not set or dry well on metal surface. Remove dust with cloth or clean paintbrush or old layers of surface paint with a chemical paint stripper. Apply the chemical stripping agent over the paint with a paint brush, in even strokes. Wait for the chemical stripping agent to oxidise. Look for surface bubbling. Take a scraping tool and scrape the old paint off. Another way is to clean away the loose paint and rust with steel wool and jelly, taking extra care to get down into the cracks and crevices and clean them out, too. Rinse well when you are through with cleaning and let it dry completely. Then re-paint with a good quality rust-resistant paint. You can use either spray cans, or apply it with a brush, being careful to be sure that every surface is covered. After the paint is completely dry, finish with a coat of sealer for additional protection. Ensure that outdoor wrought iron furniture is kept under cover, so that rain does not directly come into contact with it. Remove rust as soon as it appears on your iron furniture, because the prolonged presence of rust will damage the iron. You can usually remove light rust by simply cleaning with rubbing oils, vinegar, kerosene or baking soda.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

With Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer

sereba.agiobu.kemmer@ngrguardiannews.com

A wild garden where plants are left to grow naturally withA stable garden aims for both lateral and vertical diver- out disturbance in this dense border of associated plants, sity with trees, shrubs, herbaceous and ground cover which includes plumbago in forefront; purple coleus plants blumei, and a tangle of climbers and shrubs.

Bougainvillea glabra variegata cascading from top of wall over neatly clipped ixora hedge

GARDENING

Classic-styled green garden with a fountain as focal feature.

Foliage Power – Peaceful Greens LL too often gardeners concentrate their A thoughts on brightly colored flowers at the expense of green foliage. But green leaves are the most important element of any garden: they last longer than flowers and they are also what makes the garden a calm peaceful place in which to rest. It pays to think carefully about the grouping of these green that offers contrasting shades of green as well as different leaf textures, shapes and growth habits. Contrasting bright green foliage is balanced by somber Green plants come in an enormous range of purplish-red of Tradescantia spp. ‘wandering Jew’ or hues – dark green, mid-green, grey-green, blue- ‘inch plant” green and yellow-green, also reddish-green. Green is the basic foliage color, but it comes in subtle variations and is often marked or flushed with other colors. The green pigmentation also differs according to the time of year, palest as the young leaves unfold and in deciduous trees and shrubs darkening to colored tints. So introducing color is not difficult. Also bear in mind these greens have different qualities. Blue-green, for example, is a cool, receding color which will gives an arrangement depth, while yellow-green stands out, introducing welcome relief to the more somber shades, a variegated species, such as Enonymus fortunei is particularly useful. Try to avoid grouping together plants with similar-sized leaves. Large expanses of uniformly small leaves can look tedious without interruption of bold, large-leaved plants, and an association of big-leaved plants will appear Foliage power: Arundinaria – viridistriata, used as bedboth clumsy and boring without smaller ding plant in front of house. foliage. A variety of leaf textures add further interest to an all-green grouping. Smooth, rough, hairy, and glossy surfaces reflect light in different ways, thus affecting the visual color of the plants. Consider also the growth habit of your foliage plants – the way the branches grow and how the leaves are arranged. Intersperse plants with closely packed leaves and branches which give an impression of dense, solid shapes, with plants with much plants of a more open habit, which allow shafts of sunlight to penetrate, creating patterns of light and shade, a more pleasing picture is produced. To make a feature of your leafy green association include at least one foliage plant that catches the eye. Sculpture plants with their Group tactics: potted plants of costus spp nestling in a dramatic leaves and form are ideal for this. bed of dark green leafed edging plant with purplish-pink flowers

Sunny picture of beautiful architecture, landscape designed with matching exotic architectural plants.

Tillandsia ‘airplant’ growing in pocket of hand painted pink linen hanging on wall.

Decorative desktop with succulent aloes

Dieffenbachia maculata ‘Rudolph Roehrs’ is an evergreen fufted perennial, sometimes woody at base, leaves grow up to 18 ins, are creamy or white with green midribs and margins. Height and spread about 3ft. makes good houseplants potted, or planted in partial shade in garden.

Garden of green lawn, island beds of water-wise dramatic yucca gloriosa and ‘wandering jew’ plant. Tradescantia spp.

Great gardens are a result of good soil, design styles that incorporates principles of different but complementary plants structure, singular color of green comes in different shades and tones to give stunning effects.

Herb garden with mixed foliage plants including Lemon Balm, Mentha arvensis, Artemisia alfa ‘silver king,’ peppermint, solanum nigrum (black night shade)

Public Park with green shade trees, lawn of carpet grass; island beds of sculptural cacti and succulent plants.

Tillandsia ‘Airplants’ bonsai for indoor decoration

‘Hanging Garden’ of ‘Airplants’ Tillandisa species. PHOTOS: SEREBA AGIOBU-KEMMER

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

SOCIETY The holy matrimony between Miss Adeola Victoria Adisa and Osarumwense Edwin Igiebor was solemnized recently. Family, friends and well-wishers witnessed the wedding at Molete Baptist Church’s Cathedral of Thanksgiving, Ibadan.

Osarumwense and Adeola after the wedding

Bride’s parents signing the register.

Mr. and Mrs. Igiebor with some family members.

Couple cutting the cake.

Couple and bridegroom’s family

Osarumwense and the bride’s parents.

Couple with the officiating ministers

Adeola with her parents during the engagement

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

FASHION

Lady In

Red

By Ibukunoluwa Kayode ECENTLY on the fashion scene red lipstick has been rocking the show without any doubt, creating luscious attraction on every woman’s lips. Even with the red in vogue some tend to get the application right while many flaw their looks with improper shade application that is not complementary. Your lipstick is supposed to create a stunning attraction not a scary one. Lipstick application does not require a lot of professionalism, it’s just about going by the basic rule of choosing the shade of red, that best suits the skin tone. Many tend to flaw their looks with an overdone and wrong red lipstick application. Red is a colour that draws attention and at the same time adds glamour to an outfit, but can also turn out scary when not properly applied. Remember, being trendy is a nice thing but staying classy with trend is the most important. Because a certain shade is in vogue and comes well on most lips does not mean it will suit you. In order to wear it right, here are few tips to get the lips to sparkle perfectly like a beautiful work of art. THE FACE Your face comes first before choosing any red, the paler the skin the bigger the pop. Make sure you go light on the eyes and the blush to avoid looking like a clown. Line the inside lips Since red lipstick tends to bleed, fill in the lips with a liner of the same shade of what you want to apply.

Short Story

By Nonny Utomi AIRSTYLES are an expression of an individual’s personal sense of style and it communicates a message about a person. Short hairstyles go in and out of favour, but still remain beautiful and classic. The hairstyle seems to remain a favourite with women. They save energy and time than long, wavy and straight styles. It gives the wearer that chic, classy and comfortable look that makes her stand out anytime any day. Women consider short hairstyles ultra feminine and many women covet the lush short hairstyles sported lately by celebrities like Beyoncé, Keri Hilson and others. The different styles of short hair include the bob cut, the crop and the pixie cut. Short hair has been a style rocked by all, whether by choice or a transition to longer lengths. Choosing a haircut in this modern world is all about the flexibility. Our tastes and demand change so quickly that it is little wonder that our hairstyle changes at similar rate. Your hairstyle should suit your lifestyle, your image and physical features. Short hair was and is still the new thing to have. A change of hairstyle can make such a difference that you may not believe your eyes. When worn correctly it looks breathtaking and flattering. Check out these super-short crops on Beyonce and other divas!

Electrify your looks in

Red Lipstick by choosing the best shade for your skin tone. PICK THE RIGHT COLOUR Most people are able to wear cool red. However, it is important to try different shades of red to find the one that suits you. You can do this with the help of a make up retail assistance; be sure to make a test under good lighting.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

Tropical Sophistication

from Ella & Gabby The fashion house thrilled at the just-concluded African Fashion Week London with its latest collection By Nike Sotade HE recently concluded Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) was another open window of opportunity for African designers to showcase what the un-spoilt continent has to offer the rest of the world. And, as usual, Nigerian designers did not disappoint with their eclectic mix of ethnic fabric and Western designs. Prominent among them was Nigerian-based contemporary fashion brand, Ella and Gabby headed by Ada Mgbudem who showcased her Autumn/Winter 2013 collection tagged: “Tropical Sophistication,” at the colourful event on Saturday August 3 as a “solo show” at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, the East-End part of London, United Kingdom. Pieces from the collection came in exquisite tribal prints; floorlength elegant dresses, skirts, pants and shorts. Here are some of the contemporary ethnic chic meets Western sophistication designs, by Ella & Gabby, that graced the London runway!

FASHION

TheGuardian

34 Saturday, August 17, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Arts&Culture Port Harcourt Book Festival Unveils Plans For 2013 Feast

Kalango Stories by Gregory Austin Nwakunor

F good timing is considered a gift, Koko IClub, Kalango and her team at the Rainbow Book Port Harcourt have surely done well to recognise early that the Garden City Literary Festival, the book fiesta that has defined cultural activities in Port Harcourt in the past six years, be renamed Port Harcourt Book Festival so as to accommodate other conscious writers who thrive in academic and motivational writings. The Garden City Literary Festival began as an idea of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, governor of Rivers State, a literary man himself, who desired a programme that would draw writers to the city of Port Harcourt yearly to discuss books and their contents. The birth of the literary festival in 2008 has brought with it an influx of writers, literary connoisseurs, publishers and other players in the book chain to Port Harcourt. Previous editions of this festival have attracted literary luminaries such as the Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, John Pepper Clark, Gabriel Okara and Elechi Amadi, Kenya’s Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Ghana’s Kofi Awoonor and Ama Ata Aidoo. There had also been such younger writers as Sefi Atta, Igoni Barrett, the US-born Petrina Crockford, Uganda’s Doreen Baigana, Helon Habila, Kaine Agary, Chibundu Onuzo, Tricia Nwaubani and Okey Ndibe, who have also participated as guest writers. Now in its sixth year, the festival has been rechristened Port Harcourt Book Festival, according to the organisers, to reflect other such festivals all over the world. The founder of Rainbow Book Club and Festival Director, Kalango, who spoke to media men in her office in Lagos, said this year’s festival is scheduled to hold from October 21 to 26. She also spoke about some of the activities planned for the festival duration, with the highlight being the change of name from Garden City Literary Festival (GLCF) to the Port Harcourt Book Festival (PHBF). Kalango also said plans were currently underway to institutionalise and re-brand the festival in view of her organisation and Port Harcourt playing host to UNESCO’s World Book Capital. In sharing some of the thought that led to the name-change, Kalango said calling the festival Port Harcourt Book Festival was in line

with international best practice, noting that similar events such as Cape Town Book Fair, Edinburgh Book Festival and Ghana International Book Fair are named after their host cities or countries. Also, Port Harcourt’s nomination as UNESCO World Book Capital, she stated, had also generated increased interest in the city, adding that the new name would help consolidate the city’s reputation as a haven for literary activities. Further, since several other ‘Garden Cities’ exist around the world, Kalango said there was and would be much ambiguity around the identity of the festival, especially for visitors who would visit Nigeria for the UNESCO World Book Capital event next year. However, she said using the words ‘Port Harcourt’ would make the festival easily and quickly recognisable. Lastly, replacing the wording ‘Literary Festival’ with ‘Book Festival’, she added, would widen the content and scope, and thus, the festival’s appeal. Instead of solely literature-type books, the focus would now be on books in general such as motivational books, business books, academic books memoirs, etc. With the theme: Literature and the Creative Economy, some of the guest authors expected this year are Chika Unigwe, Julius Agwu and Titi Horsefall. Books of the festival are There Was A Country — as part of tribute to the late literary icon, Chinua Achebe, who passed in March— On Black Sisters’ Street by Chika Unigwe and Jokes Apart by Julius Agwu. According to Kalango, “the creative economy is gaining ground as an important part of the economy, thus, it be interrogated.” In the words of the festival director, “having its root in culture, the creative economy or industry has gone from being seen as a simple way of transferring cultural norms and values to becoming a force for socio-economic development and trade.” She says, “for years, the arts have not been considered ‘gainful employment’, but the advent of the Internet, with accompanying globalisation, has opened up opportunities for talented and creative individuals to utilise their to generate revenue and drive economies.” Kalango continues, “our theme is, therefore, timely and promises to be intellectually stimulating. It will motivate and inspire creative

This year’s theme will focus on how literaminds to take advantage of this global ‘economic spring’ to express themselves, square up ture affects the creative industry. The differto challenges facing the sector and exceed aspi- ent sub themes are: Literature and rations.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

British Council Set To Release Creative Sector Survey Result EANWHILE, the British Council is set to M release result of its survey on Creative Industries Mapping. The creative sector has proven to be a viable contributor to the economic development of nations, especially with consideration to the immense export potentials of the sector. Nollywood (the Nigerian film industry) is recognised as the second largest film industry in the world and Nigerian music, after conquering Africa, is generating conversation and growing interest across the world. Despite the activity within the industry, the creative industry in the country continues to maintain a relatively low profile in comparison to other economic sectors and this low profile is attributed to lack of verifiable data on the economic contribution, job creation and other macro economic indices of the sector. Consequently, a stakeholder forum in July 2011 agreed unanimously that, in order to stimulate interest in the sector, grow its profile and aid policy making, it was imperative that an economic study (a mapping) of the Nigerian Creative Industry sector be undertaken to provide information on size, employment profile and other trends in the sector. Thereafter, a Mapping Working Group was commissioned by the British Council to facilitate the mapping of the sector. Members of the group were drawn from the Society for Nigerian Theatre Artistes (SONTA), Pan Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communications and the National Bureau of Statistics. Following a scoping of methodology in 2012, the mapping is commencing with a pilot study of key creative industry sectors in Lagos. The subsectors selected for this pilot are: Fashion, Film and Music. Ojoma Ochai, Assistant Country Director of British Council Nigeria, is of the view that the mapping will be very advantageous to policy making.

“Evidence based decision-making regarding the creative industries in Nigeria is key to its growth and we hope that by providing much needed data on key sub-sectors through the mapping exercise, we can start to identify scale, opportunity, trends and patterns that will allow responsible stakeholders make short and long term decisions that will impact the sector positively,” Ochai says. Prof. E.S. Dandaura, Head of Department of Theatre & Cultural Studies, Nasarawa State University, President of the International Theatre Institute (ITI)-Nigeria and immediate past President of SONTA, who coordinates the Mapping Working Group, agrees with Ochai about the long term positive impact of the creative industries mapping. Dandaura says the mapping project will provide the needed empirical data that will demonstrate the extent to which the Nigeria Creative industries offer Nigeria a viable alternative to oil. On the reliability of the data collected, he stresses, “the data collection process for the Lagos pilot will cover various sector clusters across Lagos. The establishment and household surveys will cover the core clusters of music, fashion and film industries in both the urban and semi-urban Lagos.” Apart from the potential of catalysing increased investment to the sector, the mapping will also highlight the challenges and opportunities of the component sectors and allow non-creative practitioners understand the sector and consequently increase the potential of investment inflow and collaboration. Mapping of the industry from various experiences around the world including the UK, show where the industry is and allows decision makers come up with effective plans for future growth. The results of the mapping exercise will be announced to stake holders in the creative industry during the third edition of the British

THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 17, 2013

ARTS PHBF: Plans For 2013 Feast CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 Performing Arts — art forms in which artists use their body or voice to convey artistic expression. Focusing on the Nigerian context, the festival will explore how musicians, comedians, actors and actresses have built a niche for themselves in the economy using their ingenuity. “We would like to create discussions about Nollywood and see how literary works can be created in movies, thereby, boosting our literature,” Kalango reveals. Also to be explored is the Digital Technology and the Literary Sector. To be treated is the social media: facebook, twitter, blogs, Youtube, etc. How they have become multi million-dollar industry and opened up avenues for creative expression. Other features of the festival are: The Port Harcourt Book Fair, Meet The Author sessions, Writers’ Workshop, Events For Children and Drama Performance. For the six-day duration, visitors will be able to participate in activities such as a book fair/exhibition, a symposium, children events and book signings, to name a few. LSO, as one of the pre-events for Port A Harcourt Book Festival, over 400 young people from 18 states across Nigeria participated in a national essay competition. SS1 and SS2 students from 45 schools across Nigeria wrote on the topic: Social Media and Youth Development. And as the entries poured in, it was evident that the young men and women indeed had strong and divergent views on this subject. English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTAN) is currently assessing the essays. Three winners will be invited to the Port Harcourt Book Festival where they will be given an educational grant, a personal computer, and a selection of books as a way of motivating young people to dedicate themselves to reading and writing

By Omiko Awa T a time most businessmen in Europe and A America are skeptical doing business with Africans, especially Nigerians, Dorothee Wenner, a German filmmaker, in her own corner has produced Drama Consult, a docudrama to unravel reasons businessmen from those continents are swindled in Africa, and also, to erase the age-long prejudices between whites and blacks doing business. Highlighting the basics of doing business aside from exploring new business opportunities in Nigeria and Germany, the film opens with real-life discussions that began in Lagos. The discussion sees the duo of Jude Fejokwu and Biyi Tunji-Olugbodi (management consultants) take on three enterprising Nigerians — Dolapo Ajayi (an estate expert), Femi Oladipo (shoe designer) and Sam Aniama (auto spare parts dealer) — on a business trip to Germany to get new partners for their respective businesses. After establishing links in Germany, the consultants lead the threesome to Berlin, the capital of Germany, where they were introduced to some business prospects. The trip sees the group branching out to meet people engaged in their kinds of businesses as well as potential investors, who ordinarily have remained skeptical about business dealings in Africa, especially in Nigeria because of the various sharp practices often associated in business deals between Nigerians and foreigners, particularly Europeans and Americans. Beginning with Oladipo, the shoe designer hopes to shore up his production from 200 pairs of shoes, a month, to 1000 with the help of his new partners. Apart from shoe making, Oladipo also hopes to sell leather dye as he visits a manufacturing company in this regards. However, he is directed to an already existing partner in Nigeria. He sees this as a challenge, but is reassu.red by the company’s representatives that they will iron things out in a way his fears are addressed. However, seeing the sincerity and openness of the Germans, Oladipo begins to nurse the idea of staying in German to do his business, especially as the necessary infrastructure that will make a small scale producer like him grow are so much available. Ajayi soon discourages Oladipo from staying in Germany, making him to see reasons he should return to Nigeria and to invest in the

Wenner…Strengthening Inter-Border Trade Through Film ty lands the building project will be situated. The film also exposes some of the ill feelings Nigerian businessmen hold against Nigeria, as these are revealed through Aniama when he is asked to compare his driving in Lagos and Berlin: He says, “In Lagos, we do not drive cars, we are only hitting one another.’ Apart from telling the level of orderliness in Germany, this in a long way shows that Nigerians can operate in an orderly manner if given the right situation. Shot in Nigeria and Germany, Wenner says she is using the film to arouse discussion and set agenda for the improvement and enhancement of businesses between Nigeria and Germany. Inspired by what she sees around her in Germany, this longest serving jurywoman on African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) notes that none of those duped in Africa, especially in Nigeria has agreed to talk on camera or even speak to the press. According to her, they do not always want to speak to people in public about their ordeals because they are afraid of doing more harm to themselves. Not ruling out greed as one of the reasons businessmen from Europe and America are defrauded in Nigeria and other parts of the African continent, Wenner reveals that the film will initiate a discuss among German investors that Nigeria is not all about fraud, prostitution and all the negative things that Wenner are reported about the country in the western media. Nigerian economy. Premiered at the cinema hall of Leisure Ajayi, the most articulate of the three, is seen Mall, Suru-lere, Lagos, in association with explaining his proposals in clear terms to Film House, the film, apart from initiating potential partners, who also take him through a discuss that will help easy flow of business guided tour of the city, especially construction activities within and outside Africa, surely sites. This later snowballs into a meeting, which remains a bold step in the right direction at makes the potential investors come to Nigeria cementing German-Nigerian business relato see Chief Musa Adedipe on whose communi- tions through concrete case studies.

‘Why Ondo Is Immortalising Fagunwa’ HE regeneration that has been trailT ing works of the late popular Yoruba writer, Daniel Fagunwa, is set to get

(R-L)Former Editor of The Guardian on Sunday, Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo; Mrs. Elizabeth Fagunwa and Director General Of Centre for Black and African Art and Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof. Tunde Babawale at the Fagunwa conference held in Akure...last week.

more institutional support as the Olusegun Mimiko government in Ondo State is making efforts to immortalise him. This will come in terms of erecting monuments for him in Okeigbo, Ondo State, Fagunwa’s hometown, where many of his acclaimed novels were set. Such novels are Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole and Irinkerindo Ninu Igbo Elegbeje. The government has also introduced his books into the secondary school syllabus in the state. These were made known by the Commissioner of Information in Ondo State, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, who said the government made the steps in appreciation of Fagunwa’s contribution to the development of Yoruba language and African literature in general. Akinmade spoke in a statement in response to a call made by the writer’s widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Fagunwa. At a conference held in Akure, Ondo State, on the legacies of the author of Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole, Adiitu Eledumare and Igbo Olodumare, among other works, Mrs. Fagunwa had called on the Olusegun Mimiko administration to help in transforming the forests and other natural resources in Okeigbo area, about which Fagunwa wrote in

his novels. Akinmade, however, said that the government had already set up a machinery not only to immortalise the writer, but to also ensure that his estate would continue to grow. “Governor Segun Mimiko demonstrated this by hosting and sponsoring the conference in the first instance. We are very happy that Mama Fagunwa and other members of the family came out and played a major role. “That is why the government is happy that our plans for the Fagunwa heritage will receive maximum cooperation from all stakeholders. “During the conference, the governor announced that Fagunwa’s books would be introduced to our schools as recommended texts. That is an important one for all – including our children who now have the opportunity to encounter the experiences and cultural spectacles captured in the works,” Akinmade said. He added that the establishment of the monument would be built into the state’s larger tourism development. He said, “This is, indeed, coming at a time Akure and other parts of Ondo State have become the places to visit by tourists from all over the world. The impression given by the visitors that came for the conference from all parts of the world is very positive, and this has further energise Governor Mimiko.

TheGuardian

36 | Saturday, August 17, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Entertainment Kenny St. Brown Takes Reality Shows To Another Level Kenny Saint Brown, creativity is part of FnewOR her daily routine. If you are waiting for a release from her rich reservoir of songs, you are in for a shocker as the multiple award-winning crooner has moved into the television presentations of Light House. This is outside her blossoming musical career. That much she explained in an exclusive interview with The Guardian at her Ikeja, Lagos residence penultimate week before dropping her new song, No Jozing. KSB, as she is fondly called, said she got encouraged when she realized that, “In music, you are limited on a track or two, but on a talk show, you have endless opportunities to reach out to more people with your views. I have been fired up with this project because I get inspired by challenges.” She spoke about one of the project thus: “I am still much into music, but another part of me, which is giving inspiration to those that need it, has given birth to a television talk show. The show helps to inspire, encourage and counsel people. It helps in giving a helping hand to people in despair.” KSB whose Bragado video, featuring LKT is also out on the airwaves, said the programme which started airing since the second week of July, is 50 per cent of entertainment and 50 per cent of talk show. With this she promised to open up a window of hope for unknown but good musicians who ordinarily don’t have the opportunity of being heard. “It has been in the pipeline for over 10 years

now, but I needed some experience, which God has given me. So now is the time to encourage others, especially as we now have Reality TV shows that have no values, that are promoting immoralities and unnecessary lifestyles. Yet we have so many people with emotional punches. While some survive the punches, others are impaired,” she averred. She said her show will be making a remarkable difference because, “When you go to mental homes you will see people that can’t be productive again as the society has neglected the important aspect of care. The show is about people facing the issues of life. That is what the talk show is about because when such issues come, those affected are drawn in their sorrows and sadly don’t even remember to go to churches, mosque or any form of worshiping and fellowshipping with God.” Already with five episodes shot with 30 minutes on terrestrial and an hour-long on digital with KSB as host, the show is enjoying good air time through Kenny’s Music channels worldwide, OGTV, Galaxy Television, AIT and TVC; just as there are plans to have it on Dstv and some satellite channels in the United Kingdom. As usual, with most new projects as this, she said: “The challenge and focus will be health, physical and mental trauma and finance. In most cases, we look at emotional issues on those that have lost a dear one. You have to move on and cross the hurdle because when you see some mad people, they have been stuck not by drugs, but real life handicaps;

Regal Dry Gin ambassador, Pasuma storms Osun Osogbo EGAL Dry Gin ambassador and NigeR ria’s foremost Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma will perform at the grand finale of the annual Osun Osogbo festival on August 23. He is also expected to perform earlier in the week at the Fuji Slam in Ikorodu, Lagos State on August 17. Brand Mana g e r , Regal D r y

Gin, Olufemi Falomo, who disclosed this in his office in Lagos recently, assured visitors to the festivals of a memorable outing. He said Regal Dry Gin plans to mark its presence at this year’s Osun Osogbo festival with Pasuma as part of the brand’s effort to tap into the blessings of Osun Osogbo and to connect with the good people of Osogbo during the festival. Falomo said Pasuma, as Regal Dry Gin ambassador, has always performed at the annual Fuji Slam sponsored by the brand as a way of reward loyal consumers and allowing them to feel the brand since Regal Gin is all about excitement and enjoyment. The Fuji crooner, who could not hide his excitement as Regal Dry Gin ambassador promised to thrill the crowd and to make people happy at the festivals. “My fans really believe in the brand and I am happy to be working with Regal Dry Gin because of the consumers’ love for the product. This Saturday, it is going to be good and great show in Ikorodu. The people of Ikorodu will see two Oga Nla because Fuji Slam is storming Ikorodu with Regal Dry Gin. Pasuma’s Band Manager, Afolabi Oyekoya, said “We have had a good working relationship with Regal Dry Gin. The synergy between Pasuma and Regal Dry Gin is great and we look forward many years of collaboration.”

and you are looking for who will help you get your hope back. That is what the Light House is all about. I have been through it, so I can be able to say it as it is. For some it is the fear of the unknown, but for me, fear doesn’t exist.” She considers herself lucky as she has a dependable brother in Kenny Ogungbe, the new MD of RayPower who doubles as CEO of Kenny’s Music. “My partners are Kenny’s Music. They provide me with all the logistics. He has been encouraging me to start up since a decade ago because he knows how well I handle radio shows, so he believes I can handle it better,” says KSB who said Oprah Winfrey inspired her. “I never knew I had it until I stopped watching her shows about 10 years ago. Locally, I had looked up to Funmi Iyanda”.

Waconzy Celebrates Birthday With The Less Privileged

BINNA Kelvin Anyanwu, O popularly known as Waconzy, celebrated his birthday in an unusual way last Saturda. On that day, the I celebrate crooner fed hundreds of less privileged people in Ebute Metta in Lagos and cut his birthday cake with them. The CEO of Dv8 Media, who is currently promoting his Money Back Guarantee album, decided to celebrate and spend time

with the less privileged as a way of letting them know that they are loved. Waconzy, who gave relief materials to the homeless and needy, also gave some cash to many of the sick ones among them. After his birthday party with the needy, the artiste who relocated to Lagos earlier in the year from Port Harcourt, said: “I feel sad when I come across people like these. They need help. Those who

have enough to eat and can spare a little should come to their aid. Look at the children among them. It's so sad that they are growing in this harsh condition. It is so sad. I wish I had enough money to take care of all of them. I pray that God will continue to send help to them”. Waconzy ended the birthday celebration with a thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Church of Christ God in Lekki, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT Stories by Sony Neme

Orezi Raises Bar With Rihanna Video, Tours South Africa HERE is no hiding place for Orezi who is curT rently on tour of major South African cities. In addition to his exploits, the reigning hip hop sensation is shooting the video of his hit single, Rihanna. For starters, the Isoko, Delta State born artiste has been rocking the airwaves in Nigeria and across Africa for close to two months now with the hit song. The Guardian reliably gathered that South Africans have been having a feel of this young artiste who has left no one in doubt as to his mission in the music industry. Orezi said had in an online interview from South Africa last week: “I am into music to make my mark and leave my foot prints. I am glad that South Africans and Nigerians resident here accepted my music and they have showed me so much love that I am overwhelmed. I never knew that Rihanna is an anthem here like it is in Nigeria. For that, I give glory to God and my management companies, Sprisal Records and Synergy Entertainment.” Interestingly, the best hands are currently working on Orezi’s project in South Africa to ensure everything works according to plan. And an excited Orezi has this to say about the work in progress: “This is planning and coordination at its best. The state-of-theart equipment being used on the video, the precision, timing… are out of this world! Nigerians are going to see a video that will redefine music videos in Nigeria going forward.” On the total budget for the video, Orezi decided to keep that off the card but close sources revealed that his management company is spending over N7million on the video of Rihanna project. His words: “I am not authorized to speak on the budget

but the project is huge, the crew large and equipment, state-of-the-art so this is a project that is running into several millions of naira. We want Nigerians to have the best and that is what my management company is trying to achieve here with the Rihanna video and like I said, this is a video that will set the pace in music videos in the country. “We are working on a tour of Europe. It is going to be a busy year for me with the schedule by my managers. But first things first, let us conquer South Africa and return to Nigeria to take stock and then head to Europe. By then, the Rihanna video would have been enjoying massive airplay across Africa and Europe.” It is not sheer coincidence that Orezi titled his hit single Rihanna as the foreign star he would want to do a remix of the song with is no other person than the diva, Rihanna. And later, he would love to work with Daddy Showkey. “I really would want to do the remix of the Rihanna hit with Rihanna herself. That would happen by God’s grace and later I will do something big with Daddy Showkey.” Why Daddy Showkey? “When the song comes out, you will know the reason.” The University of Lagos graduate speaks about his relationship with his new record label, Sprisal Records: “The fact that my boss is my very good friend and we can sit down and reason together on my career is a great thing and that makes Sprisal different for me.” On challenges in the music industry, he said, “The same challenges every young and aspiring musician faces in Nigeria. But I thank God for today. It is all worth it. God made everything beautiful. Challenges only come to make you stronger. That has made me what I am today.”

Digital Music Summit Takes Bold Steps In Nigeria HISTORIC page in the A entertainment industry opened on Monday as key players in the Nigerian music industry and associated stakeholders dissected the future of the industry in the digital environment. The event, 1st Nigerian Digital Music Licensing Summit, had participant that literally resolved to make it a success. Interestingly, the well attended Summit resolved to set up of a 14-member working committee with a six-week mandate to articulate precise plans for addressing issues raised. It further resolved that, “Urgent steps be taken to align the music industry in Nigeria with developments in other parts of the developed world in the digital space; to protect investments of stakeholders in the industry, necessary action must be taken to ensure that henceforth the rights and obligations of every stakeholder must be understood and respected; and action will be taken for continuous education and retraining of stakeholders, judges charged with adjudicating intellectual property matters, legislators and regulatory officials.” Because of the extensive use of Nigerian music across the world, it was also decided that, “Database of the different rights owners in music and related agreements and assignments be developed so as to make music licensing less cumbersome; and a scheme be devised to immediately deal with the emerging scourge of unauthorized commercial offline digital download of popular music taking place in different Nigerian cities.”

In her reaction, Erelu Keji Okunowo, former CEO of Sony Music Nigeria, also former Chairman, International Federation of Phonographic Industries and Managing Director of MasterSounds, while commending Copyright Society of Nigeria, (COSON’s) efforts, said she is glad that the industry has gotten this far. Her words: “Education is an ongoing thing. We must continue to learn. So I came here today to learn and actually hear what the youths have to say. I am very glad that I can see the energy. I can see the intelligence. I can see that the zeal to be professional, to be doing the right thing and to ask that things should be done properly because in Nigeria so far, especially in our industry, we have lived in chaos and to see that there is that cry for us to regularize, to sanitize and to create platforms or template where things can be done better for future generation, is commendable.” At the event moderated by Nigerian Music Industry Coalition and coordinated by COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, were leaders of key music labels and music publishing companies such as Mr. Audu Maikori, Managing Director, Chocolatecity Group; Mr. Efe Omorogbe, CEO, Nowmuzik; and Mr. Toju Ejueyitchie, Managing Director Premier Records and Premier Music Publishing. Ejueyitchie was Chairman, Nigerian Association of Recording Industries (NARI). Also at the summit were Mr. Joel Ajayi, National President, Music Label Owners Asso-

ciation of Nigeria, Engineer Sharon Wilson, National President, Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria; Mr Laolu Akins, ace producer, and Chinedu Chukwuji, General Manager, COSON who coordinated the event. Present at the event organized under the auspices of the COSON were some notable Intellectual Property lawyers such as Mr. Afam Nwokedi, Managing Partner, Stillwaters Law Firm; Mr. Femi Fajolu, Managing Partner, Chief G. O. Sodipo & Co; Mr. Mena Ajakpovi, Managing Partner, Abraham & Co and Ms. Olufimilola Banjo of Olajide Oyewole & Co. There were also representatives of major telephone networks and value added service providers and aggregators such as Mr. Godwin Oriazowanlan, Head of VAS, GLO; Mr. Victor Bannerman, Head of VAS, Airtel; Mr. Nnamdi Agwunobi, Managing Director, Greenbee Communications; Mr. Lawrence Wilbert, Managing Director, Agitent Wireless; Mr. Simon Aderinola, National Coordinating Consultant, Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) and Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, representative of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Also in attendance was Mr. Alec Godwin, Managing Director, Alec Entertainment, while Spinlet Nigeria was represented by Mr. Mark Redguard, Chief Marketing Officer and Ms. Nkiru Balonwu, Head, Legal. The DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Copyright Commission was represented by Mr. Obi Ezeilo.

Next Movie Star 2012 Winner Drives Home A Brand New Hyundai Ix35 Jeep ALIMAT Aitsegame, the winner H of 2012 Next Movie Star Reality TV Show, went home with a brand new Hyundai IX35 and a cash price of N200,000. Aitsegame, of the Theatre Arts department of the University of Ibadan, is also an actress, presenter and a

compere. The first runner up, Bridget Chigbufue also got N200,000 and a 42” plasma TV for her efforts, while the second runner up, Babatunde Samuel consoled himself with N100,000 and a 22” TV. The third runner up, Olajoju Muse, won herself the sum of N100,000. The Next Movie Star Reality TV Show is a programme aimed at discovering movie talents that in turn provide both Nigerian and African movie industry with very creative actors and actresses. This idea was berthed by Digital Interactive Media, a Nigerian-owned content power house. The show which made its debut in 2005 and aired on TV stations in Nigeria and was later shown to viewers in West African countries, is presently going Pan Africa. The only independently produced reality show in Africa that has been consistently running for the ninth edition, has established itself as one of the most watched programmes, prides itself

as ‘the biggest and most exciting reality show on TV in Nigeria, Ghana and several African Countries since 2005’. This much was attested to by viewers at an interactive session that was recently aired. It has since inception has discovered successful stars such as Tonto Dike, Annie Macauley, Kevin Chuwang Pam, Portia Yamahan, Uti Nwachukwu, Lydia Forson, Karen Igho, Tamara Eteimo, Tomiwa Kukoyi, Halimat Ai Sagame, Boma

Mac Ake and Zerziyia Wilson amongst others. The Next Movie Star 2013 Reality TV Show Africa Reloaded edition Activity Schedule is already in motion, with partnership, sponsorship, recruitment and broadcast drives being made in Nigeria and across Africa. As usual, it promises to engage its audience across the African continent and Take Them To A Whole New Level of Entertainment & Reality Show Experiences with the best and

most outstanding talents selected from across 10 African countries which include Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa and Liberia. The show will be broadcast 24 hours on a dedicated Reality Channel on Startimes Digital Cable. There will also be an hour daily broadcast on AIT Network and strategically selected TV stations Pan Nigeria for 30 days.

Murder At Prime Suite Is Just A Movie, Says Producer ByVictor Olushola RODUCER of the movie, Murder at Prime Suite (MAPS), Jumafor Ajogwu, has denied the news that broke out on the Internet about a certain girl, Florence Ngwu, who was reportedly murdered at Prime Suite, Lagos. According to Ajogwu, it is a just movie and they have tried to put a stop to the rumour but it keeps going viral. “The movie featured stars like Joseph Benjamin, Keira Hewatch, Chelsea Eze, Okey Uzoeshi and talented upcoming acts. I want to categorically state to the general public that this is a movie; it is not a real life incident. This movie would premiere nationwide on August 30, 2013 at Genesis

Deluxe Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos. “We cannot trace how the rumour leaked as we had several journalists on our set during principal photograph,y but we want to put a stop to this rumour and make every Nigerian and the rest of the world know that it is a movie and not another incident like the rumour claimed,” she added. The movie is a total fiction and a C&C Screen production’s vision to promote value for Nigerian lives. Florence Ngwu is a character in our movie and every other character or things in the movie do not represent any true identity of living or dead.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Best Of PSquare, Lagbaja, Flavour, Omawumi, Others At Glo Slide & Bounce Tour HE on-going Glo Slide & Bounce T Concert whistle stop visit to eight cities in Nigeria has brought out the best in 11 top home grown entertainers. They are Lagbaja, PSquare, Omawumi, Bez, Waje, Flavour,Chee, Burna Boy, Lynxx, MI and Naeto C who have been wowing Nigerians in sundry creative ways. For all the artistes, the concerts have reportedly been very revealing, fun-filled and a wonderful platform for bonding with their fans that had been looking forward to an opportunity to meet them in flesh and blood. The oldest act on the concert, Lagbaja, who recently gave out his daughter in marriage, in his performance repeatedly cautioned the youth to cool temper, and not lose hope in Nigeria. Also interesting is the bond that the show has brought for three divas that have been part of the biggest concert on the African continent this year. According to a Globacom source: “These worthy role models for African women singers are trailing the well-traveled path by the likes of Onyeka Onwenu who held sway. Like Onyeka, these three musketeers are educated. While Waje is a graduate

of Social Works, Chee studied Accounting, and Omawumi is a Lawyer. All the three are endowed with rich voices. The soft underbellies of the shows were recently signed as Glo Ambassadors.” The embedded style of presentation of the divas and their capacity to turn the audience to participants afforded them the wonderful opportunity of getting instant feedback from listeners: a very important aspect in performance evaluation for the artistes. From their male counterpart, the performances were some of the best in recent times. For instance, Bez Idakula, a computer graduate, was a revelation as the Nassarawa State born jazz exponent is now a household name in all the cities that hosted the concerts, especially with the ‘Stupid’ song that is the most popular from his repertoire. Mr. Sexy, Lynxxx also became the Burma Boy flanked by Chee and Omawunmi darling of Nigerians; especially ladies pious use of mouth percussions and who were bowled over by his good his showmanship, was also a delight looks and charm. His raps coupled to watch. with energetic showmanship usually Expectedly, African Rapper Number win him accolades from city to city. One, MI, an X Factor judge, has been Last Saturday, he gave fans a wonder- top notch as he effortlessly carries ful gift when he performed a duet the audience along any time he with Banky W live at the Oriental mounts the stage. Last Saturday, he Hotel. Youthful Burna Boy, whose co- created abuzz by driving his new

Bentley to the stage. Flavour clearly added essence to the concert with his Adama song that became the show’s anthem. Naeto C didn’t disappoint in his ten-over-ten performances in all the venues. The famous PSquare were the star act of the concerts in all the venues, except Abuja that they conceded to

another legend, Lagbaja! Their performances lived up to ratings and reinforced their status as the’ Igwe’ of Nigerian entertainment. At the Saturday event, some winners of the Globacom recharge and win promotions received their cheques ranging from N10, 000 to N5 milliom.

Abuja Youths Converge For MDA 7 Auditions HE heavy downpour in Abuja penultimate T week could not deter thousands of youths who stormed the NICON Luxury Hotel, regional

tinues. At the end of the competition, nine finalists emerged for the battle of the grand prize of Nigeaudition venue of Maltina Dance All (MDA), ria’s number one dancing family. dubbed ‘The Evolution’, to showcase their talThe huge turnout and skills reportedly exhibents as the quest for the dance academy con- ited by the contestants as affirmed by the judges,

Julius Agwu Hits UK With Crack Ya Rib … Drops New Video HE much-expected new T video of Nigeria's versatile entertainer, Julius Agwu is ready for the re-launch of his music career. It is a decision that necessitated the recent trip to South-Africa for the shoot of the videos that the comic act’s recently released two new singles, Rejuvenate and Mama Soup off his next album. The music-comedian who recently celebrated his 40th birthday with a book launch of his 211-page-memoire, ‘Jokes Apart – How Did I Get Here’ will be taking Crack Ya Rib comedy show to the United Kingdom on August 2 3 .

Julius D’Genius Agwu who spoke with The Guardian at his Surulere, Lagos office, Tuesday, said, he is excited to be performing in Manchester for the first time. He will also perform in London before returning to Nigeria for the Abuja event. Lined up to make the event a huge one is rave of the moment, KCEE whose Limpopo hit track is currently ruling the airwaves across Africa. Also on the bill is HarrySong among others. According to his media managers, Marketing Media Experts, who made the information available: “Aside enlisting the services of professionals in his new video, arguably his best ever since he invented the music-comedy genre of music, Julius said he made use of a helicopter and a super boat to further add class to the video. “Another special feature t h a t may interest his numerous f a n s across t h e

world is the picture quality that is clearly of international standard. Essentially, award organizers will notice the efforts as a reason to nominate the video for the greatest prize of the year, probably ‘Video of the Year’.” On his part, Julius said: “Having clocked 40 with the staying power by God's grace in the entertainment world, there is a need for me to restrategize and reposition myself. My fans have been asking me what is happening to my music career. They wonder why I brought them something exciting, a new genre called music-comedy, and decide not to follow it up. So, as the creator of music-comedy, I'm only re-announcing myself to my fans. That is why I had to Rejuvenate which is the title of the video shot in South Africa. As a matter of fact, the title of the album is Rejuvenation. “What differentiates that album from others is because we spent more resources on it. It's something different from what people used to see from me, and most importantly, the song is a club banger. For the first time, you will hear me rap in my native language and the song is a blend of hip-hop, afro-pop and of course, the comical flavour that is always inherent in my style. It has to be funny and of course, the video is funny and entertaining”. The comedian has promised to drop his full album which will be his fourth release before the end of the year.

Muyiwa Osinaike, Bimbo Obafunwa and Ukalina Opuwari, revealed that Abuja participants have really improved in the selection session compared to previous auditions as some of the contestants promised to bring the title “up North”. Those selected were Abiodun Ibrahim, Ivory Dosa, Patience Ebute John, Tije Manari, Longret Masamari, Uchendu David Segun, Ude Jane, Godwin Clement and Ezekiel Chika. They, alongside their respective families, will however undergo comprehensive medical screening which is ongoing considering the highly physical and mental rigours of a competitive dance competition like the MDA. Despite the selection, the medical fitness result will ultimately be the basis for the selection of their families. Muyiwa Osinaike, the lead judge at the audition, reportedly rated the overall performance thus: “The Abuja contestants seem to have exceeded my expectations, which is very good and I must commend them. To survive in the Maltina academy as dancers, you must work at being an allrounder in dance which is what the Maltina Dance All is all about.” The selection of the family representatives was preceded by the age grade dance competition

featuring dancers from 5-12, 13–19, 20-30 and 31 and above age grades. Eight-year-old Rita Oba won the first prize –Flat screen television set – in the 5-12 age category. Omorogie Blessing, Ezekiel Chika and Samuel Okoye also clinched the first prizes in the 13–19, 20-30 and 31 and above age grade categories. Other prizes won include Home theatre systems and BlackBerry phones as the brand continues to “share happiness”. The show, according to Mrs. Ngozi Nkwoji, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina is all about the emotions, excitement, fun and the unbreakable bond that 10 families will showcase when they challenge themselves by learning and performing various dance styles from the 70s, 80s, 90s and to the present in the famous Maltina Dance All academy. “The winning family will go home with the grand prize of N6 million and of course, a brand new car. The first and second runners up will also get N1 million and N500, 000 respectively. The show brings to the fore, the Nigerian people’s essence and values of sharing, happiness, unity, cooperation, vitality and creativity,” Nkwoji said.

Zome Records Surfaces With Miz Gold And Trit By Tony Nwanne NEW entrant into the entertainment scene, Zome Records International Limited, is set to join the league of other entertainment companies in the industry. The Nigerian registered record label, owned and managed by Brian Greenaway, a Briton, currently has two artistes Miz Gold and Trit signed under its label. Wave-making Miz Gold, a songwriter, singer, artist, model and former dancer, since her debut into the music scene, has released promotional singles such as I Love the Way, Tinka Tinka ft. Sugar Boi, Div” ft. Guru, a Ghanaian music star, Take Car”, Kokonsa, and Whisper. Being the only female

dancehall artiste under the label, she has performed at different shows such as Sisi Oge Lagos, Plus FM Music Festival Accra and Trace St Remy Party Lagos. She won the Best Female Dancehall Artiste in Nigeria and was nominated for the Nigeria Music Video Awards as ‘Best Video by a New Artiste’ for her music video Tinka Tinka. 2013 will be a defining year for her as she releases her debut album titled, Man Zomi, which has been produced and will be released later this year on September 28th. “This year is going to be a year that my fans will see a different side of me that they have not seen before, such as classy music videos, unique

fashion styles, different hair styles, wild shoes and colorful costuming,” she enthused. Miz Gold recently performed at Ghana Bass Awards for Dancehall and Reggae music in Accra on July 5 and also at the City People Awards in Lagos on July 14 which featured many top Nigerian and Ghanaian artistes. For Trit, since he was signed to Zome Records, he has recorded his first official single under the record label titled GaGa and was recorded in Accra, Ghana this year. His latest single will be released at the later end of this month. Trit is a Nigerian Hip Hop and R&B singer who had performed consistently before joining Zome Records Label International Ltd in 2012.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

DIARY

Pastor Ajiboye Moses, Mrs. Romiluyi Ronke and Mrs. Ayeni at the 6th Valedictory Anointing Service and Prize Giving Day of outgoing students of Christ lead Model College in Lagos...recently

The Director, Precious Caring Institute, Chief (Mrs.) Precious Olubunmi Agbabiaka in a warm handshake with the representative of Ooni of Ife, Oba Kole Ojutalayo Faderera, the Laroka of Wanikin Ife during a media interaction organized by the American Consular General at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos… recently

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey unveiling the new Basnik Telecoms’ Logo with other members of the company in Lagos…recently

Glo Ambassadors, Desmond Elliot; Musician, Waje; Chee, Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator (Channels), Mr. Kemi Kaka and Omawumi at the media briefing to launch the company’s 10th anniversary N500milion consumer reward promo, Glo “Recharge to Stardom” in Lagos...recently

Pupils of Glomadie Scholars International Academy, during their end of the year party in Ajegunle Lagos…recently

Basic 6 students of Early Bells Group of Schools in a choreography session during their 12th prize giving day and 10th Valedictory Service held at the school premises, Ishaga, Akute, Lagos… recently

Father of the groom, Prince Adelaja Omofade (left), bride’s mother, Ayo Samo; the couple, Gboyega and Adesope; groom’s mother, Olori Adetoro and Father of the bride, Kunle Samo after the wedding at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, Ikeja GRA, Lagos …recently

Pupils of Zodiac Nursery and Primary School Egbe, Lagos during their graduation ceremony …recently

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ayabina, (middle) flanked by parents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Asu Beks during their wedding reception in Lagos…recently

Mr. Chidi Diyoke and his wife, Ngozi after their wedding in Enugu… recently

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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JUSTHUMAN

‘How My Husband Died’ Grace Oloko, 41, wife of Mr. Paul Oloko, The Guardian Photo Journalist who died recently at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, spoke to DEBO OLADIMEJI on how her husband died and why she would like to marry her husband again in another life.

“M

Y husband, Paul Oloko was a loving husband. He carried the children like eggs. He had lovely dreams for them. He was always there for them. He always provided for them, except when he didn’t have. He was a kind hearted peaceful gentleman,” says Grace Oloko, wife of Paul Oloko, The Guardian Photo Journalist who passed on recently at 55. Oloko was always there for his family. “He didn’t want anything to hurt me and the children. He was always boasting that his wife has a Master’s degree in Economics. Very peaceful and loving husband,” she added. Grace, who is from Odi, Bayelsa State described her husband, as a peacemaker. “He loved making peace. He never hurt a fly. He was always providing for his family”. She revealed that he used to come home at the right time and was always by her side. “I never had a dull moment with him. He was a man that I will like to get married to in another life. Paul was a father, husband and friend. He was such a good man. But he has gone for good,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks. “According to the doctors’ report, he died of obstructive jaundice. His problem started with vomiting. He had never been so sick since I got married to him,” she recalled. She disclosed that one day when he vomited seriously, she rushed him to a hospital at Palmgrove, Lagos. “They did a test for him and said it was typhoid. He was given medication. He came back home that week. The sickness subsided a bit. The following week, it started again. He was not vomiting but he was very weak. He went to the hospital again. They did another test for him,” she said. From the report of the test, he was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). “The doctors said that they don’t have the equipment to treat him in LUTH. So he was referred to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife”.

Mrs Grace Oloko, right, with her children. She revealed he travelled immediately to OAU Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife with her sister in-law, Margret, a retired nurse. “On getting to Ile-Ife, the doctor who examined him said he was going to need an operation. After the blood transfusion, my husband was told that the doctor would not be around for two weeks. The operation will take place when the doctor comes back. I don’t know what happened along the line, Auntie Margret and my husband came back to Lagos”. Grace said her husband came back to Lagos on a Monday while they ought to see the doctor on Thursday. “I asked him, ‘why did you people come back so soon?’ He said auntie Margret said she received a telephone call from Calabar that her mother was sick and she had to go back home to see her. “On that Monday, around 9.30pm, he was restless. He was rolling. At a point, I went to call auntie Margret and told her that my husband was restless and he said that his stomach was paining him. She said the doctor knew about it before they left Ile-Ife. “By Tuesday, my husband could not help it. His situation became terrible. We had to go back to the hospital in Ile-Ife on Wednesday. Unfortunately, my husband did not want me to go with him. I pleaded before he allowed me to go with him, reason being that he did not want me to suffer.”

She eventually went to Ife with her brothers-in-law. “Four of us chartered a vehicle that took us back to OAU Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife. Immediately we got there, they admitted him”. By that time, she disclosed, he could not eat anything again. “Even he had stopped taking fruits. He was just on drips. The doctor came to see him on Thursday before he travelled,” she lamented. Unfortunately, by Friday, her brothers-in-law who went with her left for Calabar. She was left alone with her husband before he died on Tuesday, July 16. “His last word was, ‘I am finished. ‘Darling, I ‘m finished’. He said he was sorry for suffering me. I told him not to say that again: ‘if I don’t stay with you, who will stay with you? “I will say it was over protectiveness of his wife that caused his death. ‘I don’t want my wife to suffer.’ How I wish there is another life so that he would take to corrections.” Grace met Paul in Lagos at one hospital, Bayo Ogoro Memorial Hospital along Kirikiri Road, Apapa. “I was working there as a trainee nurse when we met. It was from there that one thing led to the other. We did our traditional wedding in 1998. We later tied the nuptial knots in St Mary Catholic Church, Apapa in 2008”. Paul left three children: Stephanie 16, Stella, 13 and Stephen, 8. He was from Ogoja in Cross River State.

Maduka In Dire Need Of Help By Victor Olushola AVID Maduka needs help urgentD ly. When The Guardian visited him at home recently, it was obvious that

Maduka before he took ill

the only thing still keeping the man strong is his determination to survive and faith in God. According to the medical findings, his life is threatened by a heart disease and he needs at least N10 million for treatment. The medical report signed by Dr. A.K. Adebayo, a Consultant Physician/Cardiologist, Lagoon Hospitals, Apapa, Lagos, disclosed Maduka was referred to the hospital with complaints of dyspnoea on mild exertion of about year duration, but it has worsened in the last three months. It further stated: “He had associated bilateral lower limb swelling, transient (lasting seconds) sharp retrosternal chest pain and occasional palpitations. “I am of the opinion that he would benefit from urgent mitral valve repair in view of his symptoms and echo evidence of LV hypertrophy, LA remodeling and intermittent symptoms suggestive of acute pulmonary oedema,” the cardiologist disclosed.

Married with three children, Maduka works as a junior staff in a construction company in Nigeria. While pleading for the company’s name not to be mentioned, he revealed that his salary is nothing to write home about. And the money already spent on his wife who is suffering from an internal problems compounded his own problem. But Maduka used to be healthy and happy until January this year. His words: “I started feeling week and could not do the things I used to do before. I went to my doctor who later asked me to go have check x-ray to check the equilibrium of my heart. The result of the test later revealed that my heart was a larger than the normal size and that my pulse was not moving normally.” However, he was advised to go to a hospital with good facilities to examine his heart well. “When I got to Lagoon Hospital, Apapa, I had a heart test. They referred me to the Consultant Physician/Cardiologist there, Dr. A.K. Adebayo. After a series of tests, he came out with the report that the mitral valve of my heart was bad and that I need urgent operation to correct it,” he bemoaned.

Maduka, 47, from Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State was also told that to get the best treatment, he should go to India or South Africa. “Where is the money?” he said he asked in silently, saying that the ailment is becoming worse daily. “I am always having attack in form of asthma and when it comes, I grasp for breath. I am just managing.” Being the breadwinner of the family, he lamented that his role as a husband and father has dropped immensely.“Things are really rough; I am just living by faith. My wife is a full house wife and I cannot run around anymore. This gives me a lot of concerns. “I really want the public to see me through these trying times. I need an operation to be whole again. The doctor did not state a particular date but he said the earlier I undergo the operation, the better for me because he could lead to a deadly end. ” Readers wishing to help Maduka can send their contributions to: Name: David Maduka Onyebuchi A/C: 2056059456 Bank: U.B.A, or contact him on 08024768887, 08051052979.

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

JUSTHUMAN From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt The Guardian’s story of Fboy,OLLOWING November 17, last year on the case of a baby Nelson Ojonimi Onoja, with the hole in the heart, his father, Anthony Onoja, wrote: “It is with utmost awe, gratitude to God Almighty and to individuals and organisations that have stood by my family (especially Rotary Club of Port Harcourt and The Guardian newspapers) that I write to inform you that, at last, my son, Nelson Ojonimi Onoja, the baby with the hole in the heart, has been healed miraculously. Praise be to our Lord Jesus. “After The Guardian’s publication of my baby’s plight in its Just Human section of November 17, last year, help came our way through Rotary Club Port Harcourt (thanks to Rotarians Dr. Henry Sota, Sir Gabriel Toby and Mr. Saliu Ahmed), who connected us to Rotary Club of India that promised us free treatment in India, while transport was provided by Rotary Club of Port Harcourt. “After the baby had been managed for about eight months at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) successfully by Dr. Barbara Otaigbe, the Pediatric Consultant there, we were finally recommend-

ed to take the child for the surgery that would close his hole (PDA of 5mm). “We were full of prayers, hoping on God to act and give us a miracle or testimony back from there. We committed the child to Jesus in the blessed sacrament and prayers.”

He continued: “On July 3, this year, my child and wife attempted to go, but there were hiccups, which delayed the flight by almost two weeks in Lagos. On July 18, they eventually left for The Missions Hospital in Durgapur, India. “When they arrived at the Indian hospital, all

Hole In The Heart Patient

‘Healed’

necessary tests were done, including Echocardiogram, to verify the state of the PDA (the hole in the heart), but to their amazement, the PDA had closed completely. “Alas, the child has been healed without any further surgery. He was discharged immediately on July 23.” According to him: “The news came to us as a very awesome breakthrough for the family. The Lord has done it for the Onojas again. May His name continue to be praised forever. “If you want to corroborate this, I can forward the email from the Indian doctor or the patient’s discharge record to you. “I have some pictures attached too for your perusal. Thank you very much for your intervention, which led to hope from the Rotary Club and final intervention of the Almighty God. “I also thank all those who have supported us financially and spiritually at the very trying time we passed through (some anonymously). “I would be very grateful if you can publish this story, so that many will still believe in the efficacious power of prayer and our Lord Jesus.” Anthony Onoja can be reach on 08065238655.

Musa Needs Help To Restore His Esophagus And Intestine By Shaibu Husseini F Musa Bolaji Busari had known that trouble was lurking around for him at the Ijora area of Lagos on March 5, 2008, the undergraduate of the Direct Learning Institute (DLI) of the

Musa before

University of Lagos would certainly have taken another route to Aguda in Surulere, Lagos where he resides with his parents. But he never had any inkling that it was not going to be a normal day, for not only was

Now

Musa robbed at gunpoint, he was also compelled to drink corrosive element, which was later discovered to be acid, after he tried to resist the robbery. That incident left Musa with a damaged

esophagus and intestine and he has since been moving from hospital to hospital in search of medical attention to correct the damage. At the moment, Musa eats only through feeding Jejunostomy and breathes through Tracheostomy (an incision in the windpipe made to relieve an obstruction to breathing). Although Musa has been taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, among many hospitals, it seems the medical personnel cannot help the 26-yearold undergraduate’s life fully again. Although they all agreed that it is possible for Musa to survive and live a normal life, but he would need to proceed abroad for medical attention. So, a referral has since come from Dr. P. O. Adeoye of UCH for Musa to proceed to India for prompt medical attention. Specifically, Musa has been referred to Dr. Ajay Sachdev of Artemis Hospital in India for the reconstruction operation. However, Musa will require N6, 000,000 (Six million naira) for the esophagus reconstruction operation and other related expenses. “I want government and well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid. I need their assistance urgently. “My family has continued to borrow and have exhausted all they have battling to keep me alive for five years now. I want to live; I don’t want to die. “The doctors said it is possible for me to live a normal life once I can get funds to undergo the operations abroad. “I am, therefore, appealing for help. I want to return to school, graduate and contribute to national development. Nigerians should please help me,” Musa said. Help for Musa can be contacted on 08052864881 and 08091094862. Donations to MUSA BOLAJI BUSARI, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Account No. 0008042188.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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JUSTHUMAN

Little Promise Needs N3m For Open Heart Surgery that at the age five, Promise should come back for Intra Cardiac Repair (ICR), which is the second surgical N 2009, little Promise Nnaji was treatment. This surgery is now diagnosed with a heart disease known as Tetralogy of fallot which behind schedule due to financial difficulties. requires an urgent open heart sur“The boy is going to be six by gery. Through the financial assistance of good spirited Nigerians, the October and he needs the operation surgery was done at Metro Hospitals to survive. His temperature is very and Heart Institute, Noida, India on high. He has been taking excess water to cool down his temperature. July 16, 2009. We are appealing to kind hearted Dr. Amar Parihar, Senior people to please help our son to do Consultant and Chief Cardiac Surgeon of the hospital has advised the next surgery,” his father, Rev.

By Debo Oladimeji and Modupe Ojo

Promise

Philip Nnaji, said. He added that his Medical Consultant at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Dr.CAN Okoromah has strongly advised that the second stage of surgery be carried out urgently to prevent life threatening complications. His parents are therefore soliciting for about N3 million to cover the expenses for his surgery in India. Readers willing to assist should kindly send their donations to Nnaji Promise Manasseh, Eco Bank account:

Bogged Down By Spinal Chord Injury From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu O 31-year-old Ezekiel Izundu Okeke, life had gone on well, despite the lean financial position of the family. He had also looked forward to a brighter future which must come with hard work based on his conviction that one day he would be in a better position to repay his parents who have worked very hard to give his life a meaning. Thus, at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) where he studied Chemical Engineering, Okeke tried his best, graduating in second class honours (Upper Division). His graduation was one the family welcomed warmly, even as they looked forward to his being gainfully employed someday in view of the course he studied at the university. The opportunity for possible employment came in 2010 when he was invited to Port Harcourt for a job interview. He would need to leave his village in Ogugu, Awgu local government area of Enugu State where he relocated to after his one year national youth service to Port Harcourt in Rivers State for the job interview on January 6, 2010. Fate however dealt him a cruel one when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a road accident around 7.30 am on the then dilapidated Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. That was the end of the interview as the accident affected his spinal cord, which led to his being rushed to the National Orthopedic hospital (NOH), Enugu. For 15 months, Okeke was treated at the NOH and was discharged when the management of the hospital felt that his case should better be handled by the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla. At the UNTH, he was admitted and for another 11 months during which he underwent further treatment, but there was no improvement in his condition. Doctors at the UNTH decided that his case could be better handled by Nova Specialist

Hospital in India and spine surgery hospital in India. A letter from Dr C. C Nweze, written on May, 13, 2013, said Okeke who had been bedridden for the past three years, would require about N3.2 million for the treatment. According to Nweze, Okekere has “compression fracture of C5 vertebra”, adding that his best motor is C4 and best sensory level C5. He disclosed that he had been managed conservatively with crutch field tongs and Minerva’s jacket. Okeke, who has since been discharged from the hospital and is now confined to a wheel chair in his father’s residence, can only eat, drink or do anything with the assistance of somebody. “I carry him to toilet, feed him and carry him to bed. You can only know that he is living because he talks and breathes, nothing else”, his father told The Guardian. Amid tears from his wheel chair, Okeke said: “Please sir, I am from a very poor family. I cannot afford the bill of N3.2 million. This amount of money includes hospital services and travelling arrangements. My parents sold almost everything to sponsor me through the university. There is no one close to me who could meet the payment of the hospital bill. This is the reason I wish to use your good office to help me pass the information to good-spirited Nigerians”. The family has already opened a bank account, No. 2019328120 at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) with the name Okeke Ezekiel, for Nigerians willing to help. They can also be reached on phone number 080-37433311.

I carry him to toilet, feed him and carry him to bed. You can only know that he is living because he talks and breathes, nothing else.

Okeke

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 17, 2013 | 43

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

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

The Blessings And Rewards Of Breastfeeding REASTFEEDING is a normal and natB ural function, a special gift from God Almighty, which only the mother can give to her young one. Through breast feeding, the child receives more than just food for the nourishment and strengthening of the physical body, but also, a good and solid foundation for the immediate and future health and happiness during its life on earth. Therefore, every mother should realise that she bears a great responsibility towards the future health and happiness of all her baby. Adequate breastfeeding of the child during its first phase of life is “the best vaccine” against common childhood diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the fact that: “The best vaccine against common infectious diseases is adequate diet” – which should commence in infancy. The human breast milk is biochemically unique in its constitution, perfectly designed by nature to give the newborn all that it requires nutritionally at this important first phase of physical growth in life. Unlike the other human bodily fluids, the human breast milk is a living fluid constantly changing in composition. It varies from feed to feed between morning and evening and from day to day according to the particular child’s needs. No manufacturer of baby formula can duplicate or replicate the changes in composition, the volume, or nutritional need of the baby which takes place every day or from time to time. Scientific analyses have shown that the human breast milk is composed of mainly water (90%), protein, lipids, oligosaccharides, hormones, enzymes, growth factors, minerals, vitamins, antibodies; and many more are yet to be discovered. The first kind of milk present in the maternal breast before child birth or the first 1 – 5 days following delivery, is known as colostrum. It is yellow and

creamy and contains no fat. Colostrum is very rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, and most importantly antibodies. Human health investigators have found, that the concentration of IgA (Immunoglobin A) antibodies present in the colostrum is higher than that present in the maternal blood. The antibodies protect the new-born against a wide range of microbial infections such as polio, various viral diseases, tetanus salmonella, shigella, organisms that cause respiratory infections, etc. The colostrum coats the gut lining of the new-born and thus prevents large molecules of protein that can trigger off allergic reactions from crossing into the new-born’s blood. In this way also, potentially harmful bacteria are prevented from invading the immunologically vulnerable gastrointestinal and respiratory walls of the child. Colostrum has a mild laxative action that helps the baby to evacuate the meconium, the baby’s first stool or faeces, and also it reduces the baby’s risk of developing neonatal jaundice. After about seven days of delivery, the first breast milk – colostrum – changes to what is known as transitional milk, which may be more watery, low in fat and antibodies, but still yellow in appearance. Mature milk, which is more watery and blue-white in colour, then replaces the transitional milk after about 15 days of delivery. Adequate breastfeeding of the child is known to help promote the mental, emotional and spiritual development of the child later in life. Breastfeeding promotes proper development of the brain and central nervous system, and the child’s IQ (Intelligence Quotient). It promotes retinal growth and corrects visual defect. Proper breastfeeding protects the child against all kinds of microbial infections; kidney infection, middle

ear infection, blood poisoning (septicaemia), respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, etc. A well-breastfed child has a reduced risk of: sudden infant death syndrome, childhood diabetes (both type I and type II), childhood cancer such as lymphoma; obesity; inguinal hernia; acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of: colic, stomach upset and constipation, fever, diarrhoea or vomiting; inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, eczema, atopic dermatitis, etc. A well-breast fed child has a reduced risk of: heart diseases, hypertension, and infertility later on in life as an adult. Studies have shown that bottle fed children with cow’s milk may have their kidneys overloaded with the excess morbid waste products of protein metabolism. Such children may also have an increased rate of infantile diarrhoea, respiratory tract problems, all manner of microbial infections, calcium deficiency and health problems. Every mammal produces the kind of breast milk that is best suited to the nourishment of its new-born. For example, elephants or cows produce the kind of breast milk that will aid the development of creatures that are very large and strong; and in the same manner, rabbit’s breast milk is adjusted to nourish the creatures that grow very fast. Apart from the fact that the human breast milk is adjusted to a particular child’s need during the first phase of its growth, it has been demonstrated that at the present phase of human evolutionary cycle, the maternal breast milk has been adjusted to suit the creatures that develop a relatively large frontal brain. Sheila Kitzinger, in her book, The Experience of Breastfeeding, wrote that breast milk is designed, “for beings whose cortical development permits them to explore, invent, form families,

evolve new kinds of social organization and cultures and through speech, reading and writing, share with others and hand on through history their values, experiences and discoveries, and who have a potential for abstract thought and the concepts embodied in mathematics, science, religion and philosophy”. Studies have shown that there are specific proteins in human breast milk that protect the development of the frontal brain. In fact, breastfeeding is today regarded as the fourth trimester in the development of the human brain. Today, we are privileged to know that every mother, by virtue of her natural endowment, provides the delicate bridge and the fertile soil from which a healthy child with a strong diseaseresistant body will blossom forth. It is the purity of this delicate bridge which only the mother can offer, that will not only determine that nature of the soul that will enter the developing body (foetus) during pregnancy, but will also determine the future health of the child. Through the purity of her volition during breast feeding, a noble woman endowed with a delicate intuitive perception can open the gate within her and allow God’s blessing to stream abundantly through her; not only for the wellbeing of the child, but also for the ennoblement of her immediate environment. Reciprocally, the woman also receives joy and blessings as rewards for breastfeeding. Science has shown that breastfeeding protects a woman against some of the degenerative diseases that are common today like uterine and ovarian cancers, breast cancers, bone problems associated with menopause, type II maternal diabetes, post-partum depression, etc. Breastfeeding is particularly effective in protecting a woman against breast cancer. Sucking the breast by the young ones is a form of breast massage

that promotes healthy breast lymphatic drainage that prevents the accumulation of toxic, metabolic and cellular wastes that can trigger cellular changes in the breasts and thus cancerous growths. Most of the damages done to the health and future happiness of an individual begin early in life, especially during the period of laying the foundation for the physical body. A mother today was once a child yesterday. A child (girl) that was adequately breastfed may be well protected against diseases like breast cancer, hypertension, heart diseases, etc., later on in adult life (as a mother). Almost 90 per cent of women who develop breast cancers are often victims of marriage disappointment or disappointment in love matters, which often leads to serious emotional breakdown and disturbances in the harmony between the soul and the body. Strong negative emotions are known to weaken the liver, disturb the glandular system; and above all, destroy the part of the immune system that inactivates or engulfs cancerous cells as soon as they appear in the body or breasts. It is on record that breast cancer, like any other type of cancer, is often diagnosed in women 12 or more months after a serious emotional breakdown, especially when it has to do with the failure in male and female relationship. A mother that was adequately breastfed as a child, who also in return breastfeeds her own offspring, will naturally develop the intelligence, purity of thought and love that will enable her cope effectively with any difficult situations that might confront her anytime in life, no matter how traumatic such events might prove to be. The joy, blessing and rewards of breastfeeding to both the child and the mother cannot be quantified in material terms.

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir

Coat Shedding By Dr Tunji Nasir NE of the most frequently asked O questions by pet owners in my few years of practice is: “Why is my pet shedding a lot of hairs? “ It has been somewhat so persistent that I can no longer ignore its relevance. Naturally, pets are furred animals and the truth of the matter is that the body mechanism keeps growing the coat in a cycle of constant renewal. What will then make an owner to be jittery, in my opinion, is the rate at which this happens. It is also dependent on so many factors that border on the time of the yearthe warm versus cold months- the type of accommodation (is the pet outdoors or indoors all the time or does it spend more time indoors than outdoors or vice versa?) and is it well groomed? What about the nutrition? Does it contain nourishing ingredients, like the omega fatty acids that would encourage a flourishing skin and coat condition or what kind of nutritional sup-

plements is it on? Is the pet exposed to other environmental elements? What sort of shampoo or soaps does the owner use on the dog? Are they suited for its type of coat? What preventive ectoparasiticidal strategy does the owner apply in the care of pets? What sort of water do you apply on the dog- soft or hard, etc? So, it is a lot of questions that must be answered before affirmative answer can be provided to any enquiries of coat shedding. Individual circumstance must be determined to place the cause in any particular patient. Pets tend to grow more coats during the colder months of the year and shed these during the warmer months. What I have discovered is that a lot of pet owners in Nigeria actually do not bother about coat care, which invariably leads to shedding. For example, most of our dogs are locked inside kernels all day and are only released at night for patrol work, denying them the benefits of UV

Light, which plays a part in the integrity of the coat. Grooming is seldom done and when done, it is carried out with wrong equipment in a haphazard manner. A lot of the times, only the surface coat is combed, without taking cognisance of the undergrowths, which will then form a layer of thick fur becoming visible clumps that sometimes distorts the thermo-regulatory function of the skin as a consequence.

A big problem, and one of the most common mistakes, is the utilisation of human soaps and shampoos on our pets. This is not only deleterious to the coat’s health, but is also a practice that should not be condoned. It is important for owners to understand that not all human products are fit for our animals. There are certain components of human products that cannot be tolerated by pets. For example, the pH of the sham-

poos and soaps for dog is certainly higher than that of man, so it would be totally inappropriate to use the human products for dogs. Doing this will merely predispose the pet to more shedding, as the coat becomes acidic, brittle and can break very easily. Another big issue that usually results to shedding is non-recognition of underlying disease conditions that may have implications for the skin and the overall integrity of the integument. Diseases, such as ringworm, mite infestation, fleabite dermatitis, certain hormonal imbalances and autoimmune skin conditions are latent problems that can account for shedding. Therefore, you must engage your veterinarian to help carry out a diligent work up that can unearth the cause(s) of your pet’s problems. Usually, when the cause(s) are tackled, shedding stops. To prevent the shedding problems, however, you have a responsibility, as an owner, to be on top of your game, in terms of paying more attention to your pet’s nutrition, ectoparasitic control, grooming and general skin and coat care. For specific actions that can help you achieve this, read this page next week.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

HEALTHFEATURE Dr. Oluyemi Ogun, a consultant psychiatrist and Head of Child and Adolescent Centre, Oshodi annexe of the Federal NeuroPsychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Yaba, Lagos, says childhood mental illnesses are curable. Ogun, who is also the Head of Clinical Services of the hospital, therefore, urged parents to seek early medical help for their mentally-ill children, rather than wasting time in religious homes. By Joseph Okoghenun HAT necessitated the carving out of Child and Adolescent Centre from other clinical services? The then medical director of FHPN, Dr. Malomo, who had practiced psychiatry abroad with leaning towards child mental health services, had emphasised the need to have a unit for children. Moreover, at that the time when we were seeing children with mental health issues along with adult patients, some of the adult patients act violently. When adult patients become violent, children as well as their parents are likely to run away from treatment. When a child comes to the hospital with mental issue and the parents had to see adult patients with similar mental problems, there is always the thinking among parents that the child would grow to be like the adult patient. And they begin to ask themselves such question as how long will the child’s treatment continue? It was sending negative signals to the parents. But the truth is that the earlier mental health problem of a child is attended to, the better the outcome, because they are still growing. That was how we started in May 1999 as a crèche. But when the population of patients started growing, the then medical director then approached the friends of the hospital for help. The philanthropists later laid a foundation for Harvey Road Child and Adolescent Centre at Yaba. But when the population outgrew the space where we were located, the then medical director, Dr. Oladapo, solicited for help for the centre. QTriangle took up the challenge and built the centre at Oshodi, where we are currently using. When you say the earlier the treatment,

‘Childhood Mental Illnesses Are Curable If Presented Early In Hospitals’ the better the outcome, what exactly do you mean? When someone has mild malaria but does not take care of it in time, it will become a bigger problem. The same thing goes for mental health problems. Even among adults, the earlier a mental health problem is presented, the better the outcome. When it comes to children, it is the same thing because their neurons, synapses, connections and brain structure grow as they grow up. It is not a must that when a child has a mental problem, that mental problem will be forever. The earlier we attend to those problems, the better because of the maturation process of the brain. It may be interesting to know that what we might just apply at first attempt might just be what the brain needs to solve the problem. Are you saying that childhood mental health problems are curable? Many mental

issues are curable. The problem is that most us feel that mental health problems have to do with just madness. But madness is the extreme case of mental problem. There are so many mental health problems. What type of mental health problems do you treat in the centre? We treat all manner of mental health issues ranging from genetic disorders like down syndromes, all types of mental retardation, acute psychosis problems, depression, autism, epilepsy and childhood convulsion. If childhood convulsion is treated on time, it is better for the child before it damages the child’s brain. We also treat children with sleep problems, when they are not sleeping well or crying at night. Feeding problem among children is another health issue we treat. We also attend to children who soil their bodies with faeces. We attend to adolescents who have challenges with bedwetting. A child that always complains about stomach pain or starts vomiting any time it is time for school, needs to see a paediatrician and psychiatrist to know the emotional issue that could be behind such behaviour. We also attend to children that play truancy in school, and raped adolescents among others. It is interesting to know that mental health issues do not stay with patients forever. When children with mental illness come early and the problem is taken care of on time, their schooling and development will not be affected much. The earlier we take care of mental health illnesses, the better for the child, the parents and the society. But the average perception out there is that mental health problems are spiritual problems to be handled in a spiritual way. In Nigeria, everything has a spiritual cause. But we should try to delineate between the spiritual and physical. That is the problem we have in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. We blame everything on spirituality, forgetting that St. Luke of the Bible was a physician. So, God has given us the brain to choose. He is the one who gave us science and knowledge to treat mental health

issues. The problem with us is that when a child is convulsing the parents will take the child to traditional healing homes because of poverty, ignorance and proximity. The church, mosques and traditional healing homes are closer to the people (than the hospitals). Therefore, a confused parent would first of all rush a sick child to such places. But it is now left for our spiritual fathers to advise the parents to take such child to a hospital, while they intercede on behalf of the family with prayers. If you think the problem is spiritual, pray about it. But let doctors do their work. When it comes to the issue of mental illness, there is no reason why a pastor or Rev. father should chain a mentally-ill person in the church. It is abuse of fundamental human rights of that person. And the sad thing is that before some of the adolescents with mental problems come to us, some people in healing homes, churches and mosques would have raped them. This is what we see every time. But the joy of it is that we have some churches that are enlightened enough to refer patients to us as soon as possible. What has been your challenge? We have a challenge because many patients do not still know about us. This in turn leads to late presentation of cases. We hear many parents lamenting that they did not know that the centre existed, and they keep telling us to go the media to make announcement about the centre. But we have been doing our best. Late presentation of childhood mental illness because of ignorance is a big challenge. Some also fear that treatment will be too expensive for their reach. But it is not. It is not compulsory that patients must be admitted when they come. How can members of the public be of help to families with mental health illness children? Members of the publics should not sympathise with these families but empathise with them. Empathy is about putting oneself in the position of another person who is disadvantaged and thinking of what one would have done if one were in the same shoe. It involves being supportive and rendering a helping hand. It further means showing these patients love. Let them feel welcome; do not add to their problems. Parents of children with mental illness oftentimes get disturbed. Depending on the category of the mental illness of the child, some of the mothers have stopped working. Mental problems happen in children. But much as possible, people should know that they are not spiritual problems. And when they happen, parents should take these children to the nearest hospital. In Lagos, patients can go to the Lagos State University Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH),IdiaAraba; the child and Adolescent Centre, Oshodi, as well as some general hospitals. Parents should realise that the fact that they are bringing their children to psychiatric hospital does not mean that the children are mad. If the children with mental problems are not too violent, parents should take them to parties, mosques and churches. People already know that these children are ill; there is no need to hide them. Let the children be free to play; do not hide them because it is not healthy for their development.

When someone has mild malaria but does not take care of it in time, it will become a bigger problem. The same thing goes for mental health problems. Even among adults, the earlier a mental health problem is presented, the better the outcome. When it comes to children, it is the same thing because their neurons, synapses, connections and brain structure grow as they grow up. Ogun

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THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

SHORT STORY By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855) DON’T give a damn about whose ox is “I gored! Kidnapping Nifemi is the last straw because it’s a battle of my life!,” Ekunrin soliloquized that fateful day. “My most prized jewel is gone and everything is at stake here. I’ll sweat it out with the hoodlums and social miscreants who stole her away to God-knows-where. Where would I get such amount they demanded? They must be going crazy! I’ll risk death because of Nifemi. Nothing is too much to do for one’s sweetheart. No one will take Nifemi from me. This is a stab at my heart and I’ll show them that I’m a man among men, just like the lion is the king and lord of the beasts! I swear heads will roll!” For about 10 minutes, Ekunrin was murmuring what step he would take to rescue his lovely wife who was kidnapped by unknown men on the eve of their honeymoon. The kidnappers demanded for a ransom of N10 million before they would release Nifemi from their captivity. Nifemi was the only daughter of King Bamgbade of Onipetesi kingdom, a town situated on the outskirts of Lagos. Truly, Ekunrin had every reason to dare the gods in his attempt to bring back Nifemi. He had fought tooth and nail to win her love. He won her hand after defeating rich and powerful men in the society, based on his sheer charisma, wit and handsomeness. To win Nifemi’s love, Ekunrin also engaged in a well contested battle that even involved physical display of strength. And at the end of the day, he smiled home with the beautiful and angelic bride. Sincerely, Nifemi was really beautiful and lovely to behold: fair skinned, tall and charming. She was also of good character and well educated. She was the dream of every man needing a perfect wife. Ekunrin was more than happy when he discovered that Nifemi was a virgin at 22. She studied Chemical Engineering at the university and graduated with flying colours. She was the quintessential lady of high repute who didn’t stain or taint her womanhood but kept herself for the right man. Nifemi was a rare breed, a lady that even nightingales, with their sweet, chirpy voices, sang her praises, exalting her celestial beauty and brain. Ekunrin came back from a brief outing that evening to discover that his lovely wife had been kidnapped. He saw a note written by the kidnappers and his whole mind was in turmoil. He was devastated and worried. He swore he would find her and bring her back and damn all consequences! A neighbour hinted him that the kidnappers were about seven in number, fierce-looking and wielding dangerous weapons. Really, Ekunrin was a man with very strong physical attributes. Going by his pedigree, he was from the lineage of powerful men who were fearless. A quote from his epithet went thus: ‘Ekunrin, the modern day warrior that dares even death! A man that walked the earth that the grass shiver and tremble! The man that ladies would do anything to have as husband! The wonderful warrior, cast by the best goldsmith in days of yore!’ That night, he couldn’t sleep. What manner of man would sleep when his lovely wife was in the hands of hoodlums? Sleep eluded him as he wondered what condition or situation Nifemi would be at the moment. He waited with bated breath for dawn to come so that he could go to the kidnapper’s hideout as described by the attackers. What would happen to Ekunrin? Would he live up to his epithet and show that truly he was a warrior? What actually was the main reason why they kidnapped Nifemi. Was it because of money, envy, jealousy or sheer wickedness? These and many more questions tormented Ekunrin that fateful night as he sat on his favourite sofa, wondering why they did such hurtful thing to his sweetheart. At last, dawn came. At about 7 a.m, Ekunrin wore knickers and a shirt made and designed like the pattern on the skin of a leopard. He set forth on his journey to the evil hideout of the heinous kidnappers.

Ekunrin, The

Lion-Hearted Man At the hideout, Nifemi was tied to a wooden chair. She was a pitiful sight and was crying and shedding sorrowful tears, expecting the worst to happen. Her face was heavy with sadness, like someone bereaved. The seven tough-looking kidnappers were around her, poking threatening questions at her, making sure she was demoralized and hopeless. “Take a good look at us, Nifemi. We would all rape you one by one and make life look like hell for you!,” the leader of the kidnappers growled threateningly. “Even if your so-called husband brings our ransom, we’ll still molest you, kill you and him. We have nothing to lose. We’ve warned him not to inform the police and if he does, your case would be worse. You’re a total goner, just count yourself dead!” “Please, don’t do that … please…” Nifemi said tearfuly. “I beg you in God’s name…don’t spill our blood…my husband will bring the money…please…” “Stop begging us, you good-for-nothing lady,” the tall, heavily-built man growled, slapping her in the process. Nifemi fell down, rolling on the hard floor. She cried and sobbed like a wounded little kid. Just at that very moment, like lightning and thunder, Ekunrin smashed the window of the kidnapper’s hideout and jumped in like thunderbolt. Before one could say ‘Ekun,’ he had taken four men at once. It was a deadly and grueling battle and show of strength. He grabbed the head of one of the merciless men and hit it greatly against the head of another. Two men went down, writhing in pain. There was a cut on their heads and blood flowed ceaselessly from a deep gash. About two of the kidnappers grabbed Ekunrin, pinning him against the wall while one of the attackers wielded a sharp machete dangerously. The one holding a machete waved it fiercely towards Ekunrin’s head and was about hitting him but he dodged it and it missed its target. Instead, it hit the head of one of the kidnappers and he went down like a felled tree and cried in pains. Five of the kidnappers lay on the floor, stone dead. One of the two surviving kidnappers brought out a sharp dagger and swiftly stabbed Ekunrin on the thigh. He staggered back and fell down. The man holding a dagger jumped on top of Ekunrin with the aim of stabbing him in the chest but he dodged it deftly and wrestled the dagger from his hand. In a flash, Ekunrin took the dagger from his hand and stabbed the man’s chest with the deadly weapon. The man gave up the ghost instantly. Now, it was the leader of the team that was left. He was holding a sharp knife close to Nifemi’s neck. “If you dare come closer, I’ll cut her throat and skin her alive! Ekunrin, you’ve lost this battle! Your wife will die a painful death in your presence,” he said while touching the throat of Nifemi with the sharp knife and moving back to escape. N i f e m i started weeping. “Ekunrin, my love … my brave and handsome husband … don’t let him kill me…please…in the name of love…” Nifemi said between sobs. “Take a proper look at me,” Ekunrin said confidently, “no one can face the wrath of thunder. No man can look into the eyes of the fiery sun. The day the donkey enters the den of the lion it should count itself dead. Nothing will separate me from Nifemi, my sweetheart, not even death!”

All this while, Ekunrin was moving closer to the kidnapper and blood was dripping from his injured thigh. The eagle-eyed kidnapper too was moving backward, with his sharp knife still placed on Nifemi’s neck. “Don’t dare me Ekunrin, I say!” the kidnapper said in a guttural voice, and was about cutting Nifemi’s throat when he suddenly tripped on a bench behind him and he fell down. Nifemi ran to a safe distance. Ekunrin sprang to his feet and jumped like a lion pouncing on its prey. A fierce battle

began in earnest. Ekunrin gave the assailant a powerful headbutt which sent him crashing to the ground. They both wrestled for about 15 minutes before Ekunrin gained the upper hand and smashed the man’s head with the wooden bench. The wicked man lost consciousness and fainted. Ekunrin tied his hand to his back. At that very moment, the policemen arrived the scene but Ekunrin had already won the deadly battle. The gang leader was arrested and taken to police custody. It was a big surprise to the police how a single man could engage seven hefty criminals and beat them to submission. Nifemi hugged Ekunrin tenderly, looking into his eyes and with joyful tears, sang his praises, vowing never to leave him. “Ekunrin, my wonderful husband, you’re my treasure and precious gem,” she cooed, “a man that could do all this, fight and win a deadly battle for his woman is worthy of the love of the woman, any day… I love you Ekunrin…” “Nifemi, you’re my jewel of inestimable value … my most prized jewel … I’ll do it over and o v e r again…for the sake of love… I love you, Nifemi,” Ekunrin replied softly, pecking h e r cheeks.

YourMoney

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

Mobile Number Portability: Are The Advert Campaigns Really Effective? By Abiodun Obisesan is not by sheer happenstance that the IoneTmono-syllabic word, ‘Port’, has now become of the most widely used lingo amongst ardent observers of the ever competitive telecommunications market space. The ‘porting war’, as it is generally termed by media pundits, has also reinforced the powerful influence of the mass media on consumers’ habit and behavioural pattern. The Mobile Number Portability (MNP) test which enables mobile phone users to switch network operators while retaining their numbers was launched by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on April 22, this year, to boost competition and improve service quality. No doubt, the advent of MNP, which was heralded by the NCC, essentially succeeded in compelling the major telecommunications players to dust their creative caps in a bid to unearth tasty delicious advertising campaigns for brand positioning and bottom line benefits. On the day of MNP launch, MTN Nigeria, the largest network by subscriber numbers launched its widely-celebrated “Saka Don Port” campaign. In the controversial TV commercial, MTN Nigeria used an actor known popularly as Saka, who had hitherto featured in TV commercials for its rival, Etisalat Nigeria, to promote its number porting campaign urging subscribers to migrate to its network. With about 120 million active phone lines in Nigeria, mobile phone subscribers now have the freedom to switch from any non-performing operator and still retain their numbers with the emergence of MNP. Clearly, MTN’s strategic deployment of Hafeez Ayetoro, popularly known as ‘Saka’ demonstrated the most simplistic idea of the MNP to consumers. The huge impact of the ‘Saka’ music dance theatrics coupled with its unique narrative lore, seemed to have placed MTN above the perking order in the porting war. But determined not to bow to the ‘bullying’ tactics of MTN, other telecommunications operators also rolled out their respective ‘porting’ promotional campaigns to shore up brand engagement and visibility. However, contrary to the resounding milestone bolstered by the sight and sound of the epic Saka advert, recent result from NCC has shown that MTN Nigeria suffered the biggest hit by recording 49 per cent of overall subscribers that switched service providers under

the MNP scheme. This development has clearly raised a behemoth level of doubt on the effect of ground-breaking adverts like the ‘sakacious’ entry on the consumption pattern of consumers. However, among the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication operators, MTN still maintains the lead with 55,238,430 active lines, followed by Globacom, 25,019,862; Airtel, 21,591,904; and Etisalat, 15,303,647. Be it on the television, newspapers, posters, radio, billboards, social media and other media platforms, advertising has become the watershed instrument for engaging consumers. No doubt, some seemingly outlandish and larger than life advertorial content tends to befuddle the mind of the discerning consumer who view this offerings as a mere tool to rev double digit growths for the promoted brand or product. In time past, consumers had also expressed concern over the purported dubious stance of adverts, which do not fulfil its brand promise. Renowned Brand Strategist, James Agama gives a panoramic view about the ironical twist of NCC assessment card, which has whittled down the impact of MTN’s marvellous advert. “With the huge numbers of MTN users in Nigeria, if five per cent of its subscribers port to other networks, the effect will be felt. However, if the same numbers move from Etisalat, it will be so insignificant to other mobile operators. Hence, in as much as the MNP has restored sanity in terms of consumer choice and service delivery, its effect on MTN is immense, as NCC would want us to believe. Also, it has to be said that adverts do not really affect the bottom-line of the brand. The consumer experience of the brand in terms of service delivery and consumer relationship is some of the reasons people refuse to leave their network. It is not necessarily the giveaways and promotions but the emotional appeal and top of mind awareness, which makes the brand evergreen in the mind of consumers. Consumers know that there is no perfect network so they still choose to stick with their preferred choice because the client service and other public relations channels constantly address challenges,” he said. The opinion of Lead strategist/CEO, Absolute PR, Mr. Ekine Akonte is not radically different. His words: ‘‘In fairness to the release from NCC, I strongly believe that it all has to do with

It is being said and emphasised around several business climes from time immemorial that ‘the consumer is king’. Even this fact has been engrafted in the economic bylaw that no product, irrespective of its unique value proposition, is incomplete until it arrives at the ‘kingly doorstep’ of the consumer.

perception deficiency on the part of the consumers. It is believed that Etisalat is quite young, ambitious and have a better service delivery, while MTN is old and cannot boast the same quality delivery as Etisalat. In spite of the razzmatazz which the Saka advert generated, it should also be said that advert is just one of the marketing communication tools that is deployed for any brand campaign. There are testimonial, word of mouths and a gamut of media that can sustain brand engagement. Hence, MTN should stop behaving like a dinosaur and start reinventing itself like the phoenix.’’ It is being said and emphasised around several business climes from time immemorial that ‘the consumer is king’. Even this fact has been engrafted in the economic by-law that no product, irrespective of its unique value proposition, is incomplete until it arrives at the ‘kingly doorstep’ of the consumer. Clearly, this profound and axiomatic assertion could be alluded as a compelling reason that business strategists, brand owners and corporate organisations periodically splash out seemingly incredible and unbelievable monetary benefits in a calculated move to endear consumers to its products and shore up bottom-line. The battle is raging so much that the average consumer might just make his or her switching decision, not really on the value he or she is getting from particular networks but based on the noise level. The next report by the NCC on ‘porting’ would soon be released in the next few days and many analysts believe it would shed more light on the real market position of

industry players. Even today’s consumer psychological reactions to promotional engagement have been abysmal, judging by the low number of consumers who identify with it. This is because apart from the fact that some multinationals have insulted the intelligence of consumers by engaging them without rewarding them accordingly, consumers feel an enormous sense of loss and duplicity from promotions, which normally comes with advertisements that are sometimes disconnected from reality. For instance, Okpokpo Johnson, an MTN subscriber in Ikeja, Lagos is quite livid over the MTN double recharge promo. In his word, “all these promos, especially that of MTN, are fraudulent. If you load your MTN refill card using the promo code, you cannot monitor your airtime usage. The operators would just deduct them as it pleases them. In a matter of minutes you are told you don’t have enough airtimes to make other calls. This is wrong and quite deceptive.” Flora Agumefa, an Etisalat subscriber feels aggrieved over what she calls “exploitative tactics” of most operators. She stated that “most of these operators just come here and milk us dry; they don’t even bother to develop the Nigerian market. They shoot most of their commercials abroad and they just beam the whole stuff in Nigeria.” Similarly, Monday Eno, who has been using the Airtel network for over eight years, decried the networks insensitivity to consumer’s privacy and quietude. “Each time I am neck deep in my work or business conversation, I usually get some lousy dummy calls announcing one promo or the other. Personally, it is so disruptive and annoying.” Muyiwa Ibironke, a Glo subscriber, feels that the attention and financial resources being churned out on brand ambassador is outrageous and ludicrous. “Glo is my preferred call service but the huge money they throw at entertainers is very wasteful. They can deploy some of these resources to improve the lot of their loyal consumers,” he said. Basically, these problematic brands press the self-destruct button even before the promo takes off by failing to adopt a fair and transparent playing ground for participants of the said promotional engagement. Regrettably also, there have been incidences of double standards and scams in the arena of brand promotions. This obviously explains the palpable sense of apathy noticeable among the consumers in Nigeria’s telecoms industry today.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

NEWSMAKER

Inspiring Story Of Shittu Arulogun, A Graduate Vendor By Samson Ezea N Nigeria today, not many realize that life is not and can never be a bed of roses, especially with the obvious leadership failure at all levels. But Shittu Abideen Arulogun, a 30-year-old graduate of History and Diplomatic Studies of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State realized it so early in life and decided to carve a niche for himself in order to survive the odds of life. Residents and regular visitors to Ibeh Street along Okota-Isolo road, popular Ago Palace Way, Okota and the adjoining streets along the Palace way will notice this young man running after people to buy newspapers and magazines between 7 am and 2pm daily. He frequents Ibeh Street daily to supply newspapers to residents. This reporter had been seeing him for years now, but have not interacted with him. Recently, I was at the workshop of a generator technician on the street to repair my generator set and Arulogun came there to sell Complete Sports newspaper to the technician. I decided to glance through the headlines of the newspapers. While doing so, I engaged him in deep conversation. He expressed his flair for journalism having been selling and reading newspapers for years now. It was during the deep conversation that I discovered that he was born 30 years ago in Ibadan to the family of Mr and Mrs. Segun Arulogun. According to him, his parents, for reason best known to them, went their separate ways when he was two years old. That was how he was raised by his grandmother in a village called Arulogun in Akinyele Council Area of Oyo State where he attended both primary and secondary school education. After his sec-

Arulogun on the beat

I wrote JAMB in 2006 and scored 242, but after the post-UTME, I could not gain admission. I did not relent as I rewrote again in 2007 and I scored 247 and was offered admission to study History and Diplomatic Studies by Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye Ogun State ondary education, he was taken to the building materials market at Oguupa Market in Ibadan to do apprenticeship. He was eager to further his education but was handicapped by lack of financial support and poverty. After doing apprenticeship for years, there was no money for him to take off as his master refused to help him. “I was brought to Lagos in 2002 by my ‘area boy’ brother Kola who introduced me to selling black market of petroleum products at Ejigbo NNPC area; a business I was never comfortable with because of the risks involved. “I was introduced to newspaper selling in July 2003 by a brother,Alfa Ismaila, who also was a vendor and at the same time schooling at Owo Polytechnic. He has since left the business. From the sale of newspapers, I was able to raise money to obtain G.C.E form but could not do well in the examination. “In 2004, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, then the Secretary to Lagos state Government and present Chairman Ejigbo Development Council Area, gave me free G.C.E form. This time around, I was able to make the required five credits, but I had to wait for the next two

years selling newspapers to raise money to fund my university education. “I wrote JAMB in 2006 and scored 242, but after the post-UTME, I could not gain admission. I did not relent as I rewrote again in 2007 and I scored 247 and was offered admission to study History and Diplomatic Studies by Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye Ogun State’, he said. Accordingly to him, the real battle of life started with gaining of admission as he had the option of abandoning his newspaper selling business to face his studies or continue his business and do away with the admission. He said: “Because I had to rely on proceeds from the business to fund my school and it was a full time programme, I had to resort to selling the newspapers only at weekends, while I went to school from Monday to Friday. “I used to come to Lagos on every Friday and go back to school on Sunday evening after I finishing sales sometimes very early on Monday morning. I know that many of my course mates may be surprised when they read this, but some of them have seen me in traffic jams before selling newspa-

pers. Despite all this, I hardly missed lectures; I always met up with the compulsory 75 per cent attendance”. On how much he normal makes daily, he said he normally made at least N1000 daily and between N2,500 and N3,000 on Saturdays and Sundays. “It has not been easy to pay my school fees, but God took control. One thing I did was that I saved some money during vacation period. I always also targetted ASUU strike to raise money for my school fees. Friends also help sometimes. I tried as much as possible to register for every session. “It was very difficult in my final year, but God took control of everything by bringing a friend who came to my rescue at the final minute. He gave me more than half of the money with the promise that I will pay back”. On his next plan now that he has graduated from school, he said how to get a good job apart from selling newspapers on the streets of Lagos, is his biggest challenges. “By November this year, I will embark on my one year youth service programme, but one thing I am praying for is that I don’t want to continue to be a vendor after all these my efforts”.

YourMoney

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

BRANDNEWS Winners Emerge In “33” Export “Crack the Code” Promo R. Tunji Odusanya with M his friends, Sunday Edobor and Henry Emama, emerged the third set of winners in the recently concluded “33” Export lager National Consumer Promo. They won N3 million after successfully cracking the code of friendship by combining their crown corks to form the sentence “Code of Friendship”. The latest set of friends has increased the number of grand prize winners so far to nine since the promo commenced on June 7. Presenting cheques of N1m each to the latest winners at Lafost Bar, Ofin Sagamu, Ogun State, recently, Brand Manager, Consolidated Breweries Plc, Mr. Dare Olateju, expressed appreciation to loyal consumers of “33” Export for making the promo a huge success. According to him, the promo generated discourse in bars nationwide for

its uniqueness in recognising friends and giving them a platform to share lots more about their friendship. He also said that with the next set of winners emerging in Sagamu after Owerri and Lagos, showed the national footprint and strength of “33” Export lager in the segment that the brand plays in. “We at Consolidated Breweries Plc will continue to engage our consumers with promo ideas that they find truly rewarding and beneficial to them. This latest promo further drives home our belief in friendship and “33” Export being a good enabler of good times for buddies,” he said. He listed the trio of Vincent Nwawueze, Chibuike Oguamanam and Ahamaeze Ikechukwu from Owerri as the first set of three friends to win the grand prize.

Grand prize winners — Mr. Henry Imama (left); Mr. Sunday Edobor; Area Sales Manager (Ogun), Consolidated Breweries Plc, Mr. Ajayi Oluseyi; and another winner, Mr. Olatunji Odusanya, at the cheque presentation ceremony to the winners at Lafost Bar, Sagamu, Ogun State…recently.

FedEx Expands Operations To Emerging Markets EDEX Express has announced plans to expand its operaFexpanding tions to the North and Southern part of Africa thereby its scope of operation within the African continent. South Africa, Malawi, Libya, Swaziland, Zambia and Mozambique are all now included in the growing FedEx destinations in Africa. The new offices will help increase support for FedEx’s customers across Africa and beyond. Commenting on this development, FedEx Senior VicePresident, David Ross said: “Libya has great growth potential as the economy stabilises in the post-revolution era. As a big contributor to international trade, FedEx will significantly support Libya and its business community, enhancing flexibility and speed to market.” This expansion strategy by FedEx has a significant implication for both corporate organisations and individuals as highlighted by the Managing Director of Red Star Express Plc, Mr. Sule Bichi. Bichi said: “We are excited about the new business horizon that these developments in other African countries open up for our customers who have both business and personal interests in those newly added destinations. Our customers can count on significantly improved quality of service across the countries that are now being connected through this business expansion by FedEx.”

IRS Partners SAP On Tax And Revenue Management S part of efforts to live up to its promise of making businesses run better, SAP, a market leader in enterprise application software, recently hosted a Revenue Management Summit with stakeholders on boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by over 200 per cent year on year (YOY) with state of the art technology. The summit detailed participants on tax and revenue management importance to stimulate economic growth. SAP is at the centre of today’s technology revolution, developing innovations that not only help businesses

run like never before, but also improve the lives of people everywhere. Speaking at the summit, Managing Director of SAP West Africa, Richard Edet said: “Tax and revenue management is of tremendous importance. SAP provides organisations with better insight into business operations more quickly by analysing all the data available and enabling people to respond to changing business conditions, no matter how rapid. Organisations can make better decisions more quickly by gaining immediate access to relevant information”.

BRANDINTELLIGENCE Search For 2013 Indomie Heroes Award Peaks HE search for the 2013 T Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of

Abuja, Kaduna, Minna and Kano. He explained that the company has engaged vast experienced executive interviewers and personnel to work at every stage of the entire process due to the sensitive nature of the research. Fatunji stressed that the search for the heroic children is quite different from the conventional research field work as it requires a lot of time and effort to get leads, dig and follow up to get the desired stories. “In view of the exploratory nature of the information required in this peculiar type of study, the qualitative technique, via Extended Depth Interview (EDI) technique is being used in other to meet the objectives. This is to enable the interviewers pin down every piece of information of the concerned individual”.

Consumers Commend Maltina For Identifying Young Talents INCE the discovery of Ukalina Opuwari whose Sfamily won Season Two of

At the Lagos audition, eight promising dancing talents — Blessing Ekpo, 21; Gloria Idundun, 24; Promise Enweribe, 23; Peter James, 22; Aniebet Emmanuel, 22; Emmanuel Ibeotuche, 21; Jackson Obinna, 23; and Ekwerre Elijah, 24 — were identified and selected. Promise Enweribe, an undergraduate and one of the qualifiers that demonstrated raw talents and was selected revealed that over the past four years, Maltina has motivated him and his friends to work extremely hard, noting that two of them eventually made it this year. “For four years now my friends and I have been working tirelessly to stand a chance to feature in the Maltina Dance All show. We enrolled at a dancing school practicing and learning dance styles, we also spend most of our time in the gym to be in good shape. I am extremely happy that today all my efforts have paid off and I was selected,” he said.

Swiss Biostadt Honoured With Leadership-in-Quality Award

Maltina Dance All (MDA), the Maltina brand has been in constant search for raw talents, 25 of whom were promising talents discovered at the just concluded Maltina Dance All Season Seven regional auditions dubbed “The Evolution” - which took place across some major cities in Nigeria. Ukalina, it would be recalled, later became the first Nigerian female to be certified in Latin/ballroom by the IDSF/IDAT in Beirut Lebanon and one of the judges at the auditions. Since the discovery of Ukalina, more talents have been thrown up by the Maltina Dance All reality TV show. Following this, consumers have commended the brand for providing the platform that led to discovering the likes of Lemmy Adejoh, Opus Green and others who all have the potentials of dancing on the world stage.

USINESS Initiative B Directions (BID) has awarded Swiss Biodstat the

Glo Bounce Targets Nigerian Youths

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,

international star for Leadership-in-quality (ISLD) in gold category for 2013. The presentation ceremony took place at the just concluded Leadership-in-quality convention held in Paris. BID is an international organisation created to spread and promote the quality culture, innovation and excellence among leading companies. The award was given in recognition of the company’s penchant for and commitment to quality for all its products and services and for being customer-

centric. While receiving the award in Paris, the Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Ajayi, commended the international body for promoting the quality culture among organisations and dedicated the award to his staff for their support in ensuring that the company continues to make giant strides in the industry. He further said that “the award will propel us to double our efforts in ensuring that our clients continue to enjoy our world class products and services and to give our shareholders good returns on their investment.”

LOBACOM has introduced Glo Bounce, a special product G designed to deliver peerless value to Nigerian youths. It said said that Bounce was initiated in order to excite Nigerian youths and cater for their unique interests. Speaking at the launch of the product in Lagos on Saturday, Globacom’s General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Ashutosh Tiwary, said the new product offers many benefits to young subscribers on the Glo network. He said the product was developed based on extensive researchwhich zeroed down on the “passion points” of Nigerian youths, noting that their basic needs and their desired benefits were taken into consideration before coming up with the product which has everything for everyone. Tiwary explained that customers on Bounce can call other Bounce customers at the heavily discounted rate of five kobo per second and send SMS at the low rate of N3 per SMS. Bounce customers also stand to enjoy the Campus Zone rate of five kobo per second to any Glo line and a flat rate of 10 kobo per second to all other networks. Other benefits include free data of 30MB on every recharge of N200 and above, one free SMS for every SMS sent by the subscriber, free browsing on Facebook, free ring back tunes for one month and free night calls from 12 midnight to 5a.m. for every subscriber who uses a minimum of N30 before midnight.

President, Business Initiative Direction (BID), Spain, Mr. Jose E. Priesto (left); Chief Executive Officer, Swiss Biostadt Limited, Mr. EmmanAjayi; and President, QC 100, Mr. Graig Miller, at the BID 2013 Quality Awards in Paris…recently.

LG Unveils Pink Service Programme For Women S a response to the growing demand for a specialised customer initiative for its female customers, LG Electronics, a global leader in Consumer Electronics has launched a unique women-friendly customer service programme known as the ‘LG Pink Service’ in Nigeria. This new customer service initiative is aimed at providing technical assistance across LG products to female customers at their homes. The Pink Service, a programme which is an extension to the LG’s Care and Delight campaign, will allow female customers to be served by women technicians at their homes as an alternative to a male specialist visiting customer homes to advice on products and future care. Speaking on the new customer service initiative, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Deog Jun Kim said: “As a leading global brand, we strongly believe we have a role in solving customer service issues as well as forging new trajectories that will lead the LG brand to newer frontiers. In the light of this, we have adopted this new programme, the LG Pink service, a new approach to customer service that optimises both people and processes, creating long-term cultural change and measurable results.” Kim added that to ensure that a high level of customer-service is maintained, LG have selected the technicians with the highest skill-set to operate in the Pink Service programme.

Chairman, Council of Faculty Presidents, University of Lagos, Nelson Oluwafisayo (left); SUG President, YABATECH, Afeez Babalola; ex-SUG President, LASU, Agbomeji Ibrahim and others at the launch of Globacom’s new product for youths, Glo Bounce, in Lagos recently.

Wild Fusion Expands Operations To Kenya ILD Fusion, a leading W digital marketing agency, has opened an office in Nairobi, Kenya, as it pursues its African expansion programme. Wild Fusion, which was founded by an entrepreneur, Abasiama Idaresit, manages a portfolio of leading players in Nigeria’s banking, telecoms and FMCG sectors. Speaking on the expansion, Idaresit said: “We are very excited about this opportunity of offering our quality digital marketing services to brands and

advertisers in Kenya. We believe that through our services, we empower businesses to succeed.” Wild Fusion was Google’s first local certified adwords partner and a digital agency to leading local and international brands. Its services include digital marketing, digital strategy, media buying, online media sales, social and mobile marketing services Its client list includes Unilever, Diamond Bank, Vodafone and other leading blue-chip companies in Nigeria.

TheGuardian

Saturday, August 17, 2013 49

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover The ‘New’ Party And PDP’s Implosion Jega

Atiku

By Ehichioya Ezomon (Group Political Editor) HE news of the coming, and indeed, the regT istration yesterday of another ‘big’ political party (and an unheralded one) barely a fort-

latent. If anything, the disobedient group, whose arrowheads are governors elected on its platform, were prepared to bring down the roof over alleged anomalies within the fold. Two of those incongruities were the continued retention of the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and the reported but feebly denied second term ambition of President Jonathan. Unfortunately for the party, the two issues are inter-twined: Jonathan installed Tukur as the party chairman, and in return, the President expects the former governor of Gongola State to assist install him for a second term in office in the 2015 elections. The aggrieved governors, some of whom eye the 2015 presidency, saw the gimmick in such an arrangement and decided to break it. Thus, they demanded the sack of Tukur if there was going to be “peace” in the party prior to tackling the festering 2015 presidency. But according to an insider in the Presidency, Jonathan and his minders also saw the stunt in the aggrieved PDP members’ demand, which they labeled a “lose-lose” for the President. The source said that, “there is no guarantee that the sack of Tukur will pacify the ambitious governors and their camp, to allow Jonathan have a shot at the presidency in 2015. “So, it was a kind of ‘koni man die, koni man beri am ding-dong affairs,’” the source said. Which explains the hide and seek game that had characterised the reconciliation efforts of the PDP over the years, and especially in the run-up to the 2015 elections. There had been series of reconciliation committees empanelled by the party, but with no tangible results to show for them. Coming in quick succession of late were the Tukur Reconciliation Committee, the Anenih Reconciliation Committee and the Dickson Reconciliation Committee. Floated informally this week was the Obasanjo Reconciliation Committee. In between the last two panels was the Umaru Dikko Disciplinary Committee, which could wield the big stick where the carrot and olive branch failed to achieve the desired settlement. And from all indications, that is where the ball is right now. Already, the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the symbol of party resistance this season, is on suspension from the PDP. His sins? Daring to nurse a vice presidential ambition in the PDP fold, and reportedly “dining and wining” with the opposition, within and outside the ruling party. Amaechi has repeatedly denied the allegations. So, what would the PDP do this time? More suspensions, and possibly expulsions of the dramatis personae!

night after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registered the All Progressives Congress (APC), was no big surprise after all. That is, to keen watchers of the recent convulsions in the polity, particularly in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Actually, before the storm emanating early this year from the separate “applications” by three associations to the INEC to register them, using the acronym, ‘APC’, some “aggrieved” northern members of the PDP had boasted of floating a political party “of our own” if President Goodluck Jonathan insisted that he would contest for a second term on the platform of the PDP. The initial suspicion was that the appearance of the African Peoples Congress or the All Patriotic Citizens, each claiming the ellipsis ‘APC’ with the All Progressives Congress, was the handiwork of the angered northerners. But this notion was quickly dismissed when the African Peoples Congress showed a desperation that was reportedly linked to the PDP. Knowledgeable onlookers concluded that the aggrieved northerners, regarded in the PDP circle as “opposition within,” couldn’t be angling to split the outside and main opposition, made up of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) and splinters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). The polity watchers argued that the strategy of the aggrieved was to slit the PDP umbrella into pieces, “to fulfill the oft-repeated warning of an implosion” in the self-acclaimed biggest party in Africa. Which, perhaps, explains the apt description of the news of an impending birth of another seemingly big political party as a “coup in PDP.” Fittingly so labeled because the action is inhouse, and coming in the wake of the lingering seizures in the PDP and the much-touted reconciliation of the aggrieved members of the party that never materialised so far. Thus, given the revelation by INEC sources, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the nine PDP governors had submitted application for their association — the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) — to be registered as a political party at about the same time that the All Progressives Congress filed its papers, too. The report breaking the news of the impending registration of the new party stated that the association was supposed to be registered at the same time the All Progressives Congress (APC) was registered, “but for strategic reasons, it was withheld.” The INEC has debunked such claim. Who are the ‘promoters’? It was not that the rebellion in the PDP was

HO are the actual “promoters” of a new par- the country during the September 1992 presidenW tial primaries, which were later cancelled by the ty, Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), military regime. said to be on the card of the INEC for registration as a political party shortly? The registration of the party, along with the Independent Democrats (ID), occurred yesterday. This question arose, as virtually all the names associated with the group had denied any connection whatsoever. The bland response by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the poser could not untie the puzzle sprung on the public on Thursday. The news was that Atiku and nine dissatisfied governors of the ruling PDP were floating an association that the INEC might approve as a political party this weekend. Besides Atiku, the other names linked to the body were Governors Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, Babangida Aliyu (Niger State), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and the Governor of Taraba (is it the hospitalised Danbaba Suntai, or the Acting Governor Garba Umar?). Also reportedly sympathetic to the group is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, while a former INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Abubakar, a lawyer, and a close political ally of Atiku, allegedly filed the papers at INEC on behalf of the group. Speaking for Governor Kabiru Musa Kwankwaso, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Umar Farouk Jibril, told The Guardian on Thursday that the governor was not part of the group wanting registration as a political party. He said that Kwankwaso and his supporters would remain in the PDP to “actualise their agitation (for a reformed PDP and a president of northern extraction in 2015) rather than join another party.” Also reacting to the unfolding development, Mr. Danladi Ndayebo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, said he was “not aware of the governor planning to dump the PDP and join the (said) emerging party.” Ndayebo promised to confirm from his boss the “true position and get back to you (The Guardian).” But the call back did not come as at press time yesterday. Similarly, Governor Amaechi denied association with the new political body. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. David Iyofor, said: “Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is not part of the association, at least for now, as he remains in the PDP.” However, a glimmer came from Atiku’s media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu on Thursday night, affirming the pursuit of registration of the PDM by Atiku’s political associates, while the former vice president “remains in the PDP.” “The PDM platform, which was founded by the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, provided the impetus for his impressive performance across

“The late Gen. Yar’Adua came close to becoming President, thanks to the formidable PDM structure. In 1999, the PDM was also in the forefront in the emergence of former President Obasanjo as PDP presidential candidate. “Political observers also noted that the choice of Atiku Abubakar as running mate to Obasanjo in 1999 was a recognition of the active role of the PDM platform in his victory.” Meaning, if registered, the PDM could repeat the feat performed in those days of analogue politicking. But note that Atiku had complained recently that he was being ostracised from and marginalised in the PDP, prompting a petition to the party National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. He said he was being “denied of all the entitlements” due to him as a former vice president and member of the ruling party. Any wonder that the PDM had been meeting in Abuja, and had reportedly agreed to pull out of the PDP over the stated marginalisation! Still, while the hedging or outright denial of connection to the PDM (or ‘Peoples Progressive Movement (PPM)’) continued on Thursday, the INEC confirmed the group’s application before it. Mr. Kayode Idowu, the spokesperson for the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was quoted thus: “There is an application from the group, and you know that there is a procedure for the registration of a political party; the commission is doing that in conformity with the Electoral Act. “It is not true that the Commission has not responded to their (group’s) protest letter; we sent them a response that their application is being processed.” Idowu’s explanation stemmed from allegation by the promoters of the political association that INEC had refused to register the group, and also refused to respond to their protest letters. However, Idowu disclosed yesterday that the commission was considering 10 political associations for registration. According to him: “Registration of new political parties has been an ongoing thing in the commission. We have currently received and are processing the applications of over 10 political groups that have requested to be registered as political parties. “As the commission will continue to deregister parties that have failed the requirements of the Electoral Act, it will also not hesitate to register groups that have fulfilled all the requirements for registration as political parties. “Right now, the commission is still going through their documents and if we deem them fit to operate as political parties, they will be issued with certificates of registration.” So, three new ‘big’ political parties — APC, PDM and ID — and not just one, PDP, that was angling to retain power in 2015, are now in the political

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

COVER

Obasanjo And The Peace Moves In PDP By Samson Ezea ANY Nigerians, especially members of M Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), know that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was part and parcel of the numerous crises rocking the ruling party, right from his days as the President of the country for eight years on the party platform, and till this day. Which is why watchers of the polity were surprised that the same man has been saddled with the task of reconciling the obviously disjointed members of the party. During Obasanjo’s Presidency, the founding fathers of the PDP, such as the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Jim Nwobodo and some other members were expelled, suspended or stopped from contesting party positions. In 2007, he singled-handedly frustrated his vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, out the party, and ensured that Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, who had emerged as the party governorship candidates in Imo and Rivers States, respectively, did not fly the party tickets in the election. Even with the dying minute judicial victory for Araraume, the Presidency under Obasanjo struck a deal with former Governor Ikedi Ohakim of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPA) to undermine the PDP candidate. In Amaechi’s case, Obasanjo said the candidate’s victory at the primaries had “k-leg.” That was how Amaechi was replaced with Mr. Celestine Omehia in the actual election However, the Supreme Court judgment on the matter gave Amaechi reprieve, and he assumed office as governor of the state by judicial fiat. So, Obasanjo was instrumental in the emergence of most of the PDP governors in 2007 except a few of them who defected to the party after the elections. Obviously, Obasanjo appeared to have lost out of the power equation under the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration. But Yar’Adua’s ailment before his demise provided a vintage opportunity for Obasanjo to get at him, as he did not hesitate to take him on and an alleged cabal while he (Yar’Adua) was on sick bed outside the country. After Yar’Adua’s death, the successor, President Jonathan enlisted the support of Obasanjo to grab the party’s presidential ticket in 2011. Obasanjo openly disowned the zoning arrangement in the PDP and carpeted those using it

against Jonathan’s presidency. Despite the support the Presidency gave to Obasanjo and his faction of the party against that of Governor Gbenga Daniel in Ogun State, the PDP lost the state to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The PDP also lost Oyo State, thus leaving the party that was in control of the majority of the states in the Southwest zone in between 2003 and 2007 with no state after 2011 general elections. The party even lost the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, zoned to it by the party leadership, to the North. This development, many people believed, soured the relationship between Obasanjo and President Jonathan’s presidency. The choice of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as the national chairman of the party did not matter, as the state Presidency continued to align with the faction opposed to Obasanjo in Ogun State, and tried to detach the government from the former President. This move reportedly annoyed Obasanjo and his loyalists in the party, which they vowed to fight out. Thus, at every given opportunity, Obasanjo would make jest of President Jonathan’s administration, accusing it of nonperformance. Obasanjo was allegedly using his loyalists in the party, mainly the governors from the North, to spite President Jonathan. The governors were emboldened to dare the Presidency and the party leadership on how PDP should be run. But there seems an about-turn in the frosty relationship ostensibly owing to the several crises in the party ahead of the 2015 general elections. “Due to the threat to President Jonathan’s second term bid, “the Presidency had to seek the intervention of Obasanjo to settle the crises in the party,” a source said yesterday. But many onlookers view this approach as a sign of weakness and failure on the part of the Presidency, “as such a development is giving Obasanjo undue relevance in the party again.” One of the PDP governors told The Guardian that ahead of the peace meeting between them and Obasanjo, some of them loyal to President Jonathan knew that nothing good would come out of it. According to the governor, “with due respect, Obasanjo was major architect of the crises rocking the party, as he was using some of the gover-

By Samson Ezea HERE is no doubt that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a foundaT tion member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the Vice President elected on the party platform, he wielded enormous influence and power within and outside the corridors. His political differences with his then boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, which picked towards the end of their second term when Obasanjo’s alleged ‘Third Term’ agenda was shot down by Atiku leading the camp, created serious political tension in the party and the country at large. All political blocks were put in place to ensure that Atiku, who had political ambition to succeed Obasanjo as President in 2007, did not actualise it on the PDP platform. That was how Atiku, as vice president of the PDP-controlled government, collaborated with aggrieved members of the party and some progressives of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to form the Action Congress before the 2007 general elections. Every attempt by the Presidency under Obasanjo to humiliate him out of office before their tenure expired proved abortive. In 2007, Atiku contested the 2007 presidential election on the platform of Action Congress alongside Senator Ben Obi, as his running

nors in the party to cause crises to distract President Jonathan.” “We understand Obasanjo’s antics very well. We just attended the meeting as a mark of respect for him because we know he has no genuine intention to seek reconciliation in the party,” the governor said. “We know the source of the crises in the party and the target is to frustrate President Jonathan’s second term ambition. We are watching the development in the party and exploring options. “For now, the focus remains the party Mini Convention coming up by the month end. The outcome will go a long way in determining the next line of action in the party.” On the refusal of Governor Amaechi to step down as the NGF Chairman even as Governor Jonah Jang was ready to do, the governor said that the action was enough for Nigerians to know that Amaechi and his group had ulterior motives and Obasanjo could not deny that he

did not know. The governor said that some of them were not surprised with the news of the plans of some of the governors to float a parallel political party ahead of 2015, to checkmate President Jonathan. However, Chief Sergeant Awuse told The Guardian yesterday that Obasanjo’s peace moves in the party should be commended and not criticised. He said that at least, all the 23 governors had sat down together for first time since the crises erupted in the party. “The governors have made it clear that none of them is defecting to any party and I strongly believe that the party will come out of the crises stronger than before,” Awuse said. But the question is: What next for the PDP ahead of the 2015 general elections as the Obasanjo peace moves appeared to be deadlocked?

Obasanjo

Is Atiku On Familiar Terrain? mate; an election he lost in a controversial manner to the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the PDP. He fought the legal battle over the outcome of the election, which he also lost at the Supreme Court. Surprisingly before the 2011 general elections, Atiku returned to the PDP. This was after Adamawa State governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako, and other party stakeholders in the state resisted the move. Atiku, known for doggedness in political fights, found his way back to the PDP, and eventually emerged the consensus candidate of the North in the 2011 presidential primary election. He lost the party primaries to President Goodluck Jonathan, after the governors and the leadership of the party were accused of hijacking and compromising the process to favour Jonathan. Since then, Atiku was neither here nor there in the party’s affairs, as he avoided its activities both in the state and at the national level with “nonchalance.” This development made some observers to question or wonder if he was still a member of the PDP. Although once in a while, he had made comments on some goings-on in the party that he deemed detrimental to its progress and development, Atiku recently complained of his exclusion from the list of the party delegates to the August 31, 2013 Mini Convention in Abuja. Which makes observers wonder on whose platform will Atiku contest the 2015 presidency that he has been aspiring since 1999! It was obvious that his influence in the PDP had waned drastically. But some had argued that he might have his strategies close to his chest. That was why those in the know were not surprised when the news broke that a political group, known as

Peoples Progressives Movement (PPM), and allegedly having the backing and support of Atiku and nine aggrieved PDP, had applied to be registered as a political party with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, had confirmed the move. Responding to the development, Atiku, in a statement issued by his media man, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that while he “remains a loyal PDP member,” he doesn’t have the right or power to stop others from associating or seeking registration for new parties. “Following press enquiries on the reported registration of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) as a political party, the former Vice President said he would always welcome the expansion of the political space to accommodate all shades of opinions or political hue,” Shehu said. While acknowledging that many of his political associates are involved in registering the PDM, Atiku explained that he had no powers to stop adults with common interests from coming together to form a party. He also noted that many of his political associates are members of political parties other than the PDP, stressing that freedom of association, as enshrined in the Constitution, “is the beauty of democracy and that he wouldn’t dissuade any of his followers from seeking a platform to promote their programmes.” To many observers, Atiku’s position is neither that of acceptance nor denial of his link with the political group seeking registration with INEC. A source close to Atiku from South-South told The Guardian yesterday that he had heard before now that the North was planning to float a political party ahead of 2015 general elections, to ensure that they achieve their desire of getting back the Presidency to the zone. According to the source, Atiku has the political will and financial muscle to push the new party, especially with support of the governors who also control enormous resources. “I don’t know what will remain of the PDP with this development and the ongoing crises rocking the party for months now,” the source said. “I am also worried about how far Atiku can go with the political party if registered, to avoid the same experience he had in the AC after the 2007 general elections.”

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

| 51

COVEREXTRA

‘Routing Out The Terrorists Does Not Imply That Boko Haram Is No Longer A Threat’ By Laolu Adeyemi

Chief Ona Ekhomu, a security expert, spoke on the seeming resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the North, especially state under emergency rule and how to differentiate a genuine soldier from a terrorist in military uniform. What is your take on the recent Boko Haram attack on a mosque in Borno State? HE mosque attack in Konduga was quite unfortunate and sad. It showed that Boko Haram has absolutely no regard for human life. It also showed that Boko Haram followers are really devil worshippers, as they can’t slaughter this large number of Muslims and call it a Jihad. Boko Haram attacks on Christians is often justified as war against the infidels i.e. Christians. However, an unprovoked attack against other Muslims is cold-blooded murder. Seyyid Qutb’s radical doctrine, which inspired the radical or Talibanistic Islam that Boko Haram subscribes to, did not call for the murder of innocents. It called for a holy war against a corrupt government, but didn’t approve the killing of innocent citizens. How could they have succeeded, with soldiers on the ground? Borno is the largest state in Nigeria, in terms of landmass. JTF does not have enough manpower to monitor every square inch of the state. So, it is possible for desperate terrorists to pick on isolated targets and cause havoc. Remember, terrorists have to be lucky once in

order to cause a lot of death and devastation. The Konduga attack was also made possible by complacency on the part of the authorities. Routing out the terrorists as quickly as they did does not imply that Boko Haram was no longer a threat. Boko Haram saw this vulnerability and exploited it. How can you tell a fake soldier from a genuine one in a war zone like that? The military authorities have since announced that Boko Haram has fake uniforms, which are being worn to deceive and attack people. The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Maj-Gen. Bola Koleosho, actually displayed different military fatigues and explained how the fakes could be recognised. You might want to contact the military to give you the fake from the real. However, there are some characteristics that are emerging about Boko Haram fighters. These include that they are generally young (between the ages of 11 and 25 years). So, a very young soldier without an older partner could be a threat. They are also generally uneducated, may not speak English. All soldiers can speak English. If one does not speak a word of English, then he might be a threat. In addition, I am not sure, but there are rules of engagement, which will guide soldiers in the battlefield. What is responsible for the resurgence of Boko Haram activities after their routing by the military in the affected states? Boko Haram sees this conflict as ongoing and not concluded. Even though they have retreated to the mountains, they can sneak out and conduct deadly attacks when the soldiers let their guards down. The mindset of the terrorist is that while he attacks and punishes the common man, this will inconvenience the state and then make it

Ekhomu to accede to Boko Haram request. In order to stem attacks on places of worship for Muslims, the mosque owners should do like their Christian colleagues. Given the history of church attacks, many churches instituted several safeguards, such as concrete bollards, screening of guests, package search, security alarm systems, etc. What do you make of the boast of Boko Haram leader, Ibrahim Shekau, that the group was capable of hitting the United States (US) or its interest? Shekau is speaking like a man who knows his days are numbered, so makes one pronouncement after the other without the capability to carry out the threat. His boast is hollow and ineffectual. Since he has been designated a terrorist, the US drones are already on the hunt for him.

Shekau is given to grandstanding and making policy speeches. However, taking on the world’s only super-power is foolhardy of Shekau. I hope the Americans read the threat and decide to take him out. What of the safety of worshippers? In order to ensure their personal safety, worshippers should be alert and proactive. If they notice any terrorist attack pre-incident indicators (TAPIs), they should quickly alert church or mosque security. Worshippers should look at their neighbours in the eyes and say, ‘hi, its nice to meet you, Mr. so and so). This is a psychological ploy to make them feel you can read their plan and you can recognise them later. The good news is that Boko Haram is low on suicide bombers, so this threat has reduced.

Why Boko Haram Attacks Persist, By Musa From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri the midst of seeming resurgence IbyofNsuspected violence killings in Borno State Boko Haram members, the military Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Restore Order, has explained how the gunmen attacked and killed over 47 people in Konduga last Sunday. It also threw more light on the relationship between the Islamists sect leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau, and Momodu Bama, his deputy, who was recently killed by soldiers. Lt. Col Sagir Musa, the spokesman of JTF, while describing the recent attacks in Konduga as “an unfortunate development,” added that the task force was “making all necessary efforts, commitments and arrange to ensure that such does not happen in any of the communities in the state.” Asked how the gunmen succeeded in killing over 47 people, despite the presence of soldiers and policemen in the state, Nusa said: “Let me make it very clear that soldiers cannot be everywhere in Borno State. “We have that limitation. That may be possible in the future, when there are certain alignment and re-alignment of forces, and given the strength that we are witnessing, which entails the need for such kind of military presence in all the nooks and crannies of the state. “For instance, terrorists will want to cause serious mayhem inside Maiduguri metropolis, but the presence of soldiers almost everywhere have prevented them from doing so. “So, if you want to achieve 100 per cent security in the entire Borno State, in the villages, local govern-

Shettima ment headquarters and the state capita, Maiduguri, there must be the presence of all security agents.” On how to differentiate a Nigerian soldier from Boko Haram gunmen in military uniform, the JTF spokesman said: “We in the Nigeria military system can easily identify a professional soldier and fake soldier, whether Boko Haram terrorists or somebody faking. “The professional soldier in uniform is looking parker, active, clean and cleansable, well dressed from his or her head to the foot. “Sometimes, he/she even wears camouflage singlet on his body and covers it with normal military uniform. “Bandits, however, sometimes wear uniform, sometimes you may not see them in boots or wearing boots.

Sagir “You can see a different coloured inner shirt. The uniform does not fit them. The beret is not well placed. Sometimes, it is not even a beret of the military, as they can use a police or Prison beret on military camouflage. Sometimes, the trousers are different from the shirt. “So, you can easily get to understand how these Boko Haram terrorists wear to launch attacks in the state. “Even their positioning and postures on the road and in the bush is different from normal and regular military personnel.” On the resurgence of Boko Haram activities and how it could be checked, Musa stated: “Many factors could be responsible for the resurgence of terrorists’ killings, particularly in local communities, and depending on the person analysing it.

“To put it correctly, one of the reasons is that those in the local communities are in the category of soft targets, as they are not armed. They are gullible and most of them are not security-conscious. “The villagers appeared relaxed and therefore do not have adequate security in their respective communities. “The police presence is weak, if any. The military presence is also weak, if any, and therefore they become soft targets and easy preys to terrorists’ attacks. “Why can’t they (terrorists) come here in Maiduguri now and attack?” On the solution, he said: “There must be security presence to secure and police the villages, just as we are having in the townships of Maiduguri, Bama, Biu and others. “I know it is not practically easy, in

terms of logistic requirements, finances and other considerations, but in spite of these constraints, it can be done. “We must be able, as a country with its security apparatus, despite limitations, to cover all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. “But the fundamental issue or question is if it be possible or not. At least, this may not be immediate. “And to remain like that is to give room for increased insecurity to lives and property in the country, because terrorists are increasingly becoming innovative, adoptive and ruthless in pursuing their goals, and something must be done to counter them.” Speaking on how Bama was killed by the JTF, Musa said: “Intelligence report had indicated that before he was killed, he assumed the position of second in command to Abubakar Shekau. “He was ruthless, merciless and was the butcher man for the terrorists group in Bama town. We had seen him in a video clip slaughtering people, including policemen and few security agents. “Bama was combative and did not believe in negotiating and dialogue with the Federal Government. “He was also thought to be infallible and was thinking that nothing could happen to him. He killed by charms and he was bulletproof. He was riding on like a demi-God within his domain or area. “As I told you, for somebody to have risen to the position of second-incommand, Shekau must have believed in him and his capabilities, treachery, ruthlessness, honesty, commitments and loyalty.”

TheGuardian

52 | THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics mary to produce our governorship candidate.

The Interim National Chairman of the Election is not new to us in Anambra State. I know if the election were transparent four years All Progressives Congress (APC), we would have won. Chief Bisi Akande, recently spoke with ago, We think that from what INEC (the reporters at his Ila-Orangun, Osun State Independent National Electoral Commission) country home on a range of issues, has just done by coming out boldly to register in spite of all the pressures and obstacles including the prospects of party in APC, put before it by the Presidency, maybe it would the 2015 general elections and be bold this time and more courageous to give us transparent elections. other burning national issues. And if they do, we would win in Anambra State TUNJI OMOFOYE was here and any day, anytime. Even when we are in ACN, we reports. won and we will continue to win. Today that we

APC Will Win 2015 Elections, Says Akande ou were quoted as saying that President Y Good luck Jonathan could join PAC, if he likes. Does that mean he is a progressive and do you admire his leadership qualities? I kNOW the biggest problem of PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) today is Jonathan. When the question was put to me, whether our doors are open to any ACN, CPC ANPP members, it was true I said our doors are open to PDP. That may be defecting, particularly to Jonathan, if he gets tired of the crisis in the PDP, and that does not mean that we admire Jonathan. We have many reasons not to admire Jonathan. I have had two meetings with him in 2011, as well as long telephone conversations with him. I did not find anything in him to be a seriousminded leader. I can say boldly today that Nigerian’s problem is Jonathan. It should have been easy for Nigeria if we had right-thinking leadership in Jonathan. I said I had written him twice and he had never had any courtesy of acknowledging anyone and I have discussed serious business in the two letters on what can move Nigeria forward. That shows me that it is with levity that Jonathan was taking

the national issues. I said he is the problem of this country. He is not concerned about the society, but for the second or third election or to return as the President of Nigeria and he reduces Nigerian government to kindergarten governance. He reduces the totality of this country to kindergarten governance. If you remember, because Bola Ahmed Tinubu insisted that the ACN would not participate in the government of national unity, he sent the Bureau of Code of Conduct after him until he got disgraced. When (former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji) Bankole didn’t want to support his nomination, he set the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) after him, even as Speaker. See the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, now he sent the EFCC after everybody, behaving like a kindergarten. We want a good leader now in our country, not like Jonathan. I don’t have any reason to admire Jonathan. If he came to APC, we would have been afraid, so that he doesn’t bring crisis to our party. When you talk about progressive, it is a matter of political environment. There is no way you can

be in PDP and be progressive, but there is a lot you can gain if you come to APC and learn to be progressive. We belief that no matter how reactionary you are in PDP, if you come to APC, by the time you see us demonstrating discipline and efficiency, you will be ashamed to stay behind. If you can’t be first -lass, you will be the secondclass politicians. That is why we believe that no matter what you are now, if you join APC, you leave the circle of the expired leadership and come to the circle of disciplined and efficient leadership. What progressive means is thinking less about yourself, as a leader, and thinking more about the generality of the people. We want progressive leaders. That is why we invited people from PDP to come and join APC, because it is a progressive party. What is your reaction to PDP’s statement that APC is manned by expired leadership? I think Tom Ikimi has said it all, that PDP has no leadership at all, not to talk of expired leadership. How do you say that leaders of APC are expired leadership? I left Osun State 10 years ago and I am happy that today, I am being celebrated by the good people of the state. Would you call me an expired leader? Even today, Jonathan is not being celebrated in Bayelsa State where he comes from. What has he to point to in Nigeria as achievement? I don’t want to react to that kind of question. We are not for abuse; we are for work and business, not for the way they are doing. If you see the way APC was welcome after registration, you will be anxious to see election come and you will be convinced that APC is a government of change. It is in the mind of the people to judge which party is the party of change. There are fears of possible implosion in APC, with the amalgamation of different political parties with different leanings and ideology. What is the leadership doing to forestall this? The mere fact that people do come from different political parties doesn’t suggest implosion. What do you say about Nigeria has the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio and several other groups? Are you saying Nigeria is going to implode? If it is yes, then I would be able to answer your question. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari appears bent on contesting for the party’s presidential ticket. What is the party doing about possible counter-reaction? Buhari was the head of military junta that sent many politicians, including me, to prison, but Buhari, as a politician, has demonstrated to the whole country that he wanted to deviate from the military way to democratic way of doing things. We have been working and discussing with him. In the military, they don’t deviate, now they have been deviating with Buhari. He himself said he was ready to contest in the primary election with members of APC and if he is defeated, he is going to support the winner. So, the environment of politics or democracy is waiting to change Buhari to a democrat. I won’t talk about Buhari and the presidency, because I don’t know Buhari’s ambition and I don’t know APC’s intention, because we have not got there. Once we get there, we are going to do what should be done to pick a president. But I am going to talk about the person of Buhari. Is APC contesting the November 16 Anambra State governorship election? We are doing what we can. Of course, in Anambra State, in a fortnight, we will start registration of members and hold congress from the ward to the state levels and quickly produce or conduct a pri-

are in APC, we have no fear at all; we only need to ensure that the election is transparent, and we are going to create a watchdog forum of people who will make sure that our votes count. Are those factors that constitute impediment for the progressive coming together in Nigeria no more there, judging by past efforts and the registration of APC? Impediments before the progressive or the opposition to collaborate in the past have been totally removed. The major impediment in the past was lack of trust among the leadership or let me say this lack of trust was brought about by lack of political education that has been overcome now. The impediment of government in power made sure that coming together was impossible. It is a mischief on the part of the federal government to use its access of public funds to destabilise us or inject fake leadership in our midst, which we have now overcome. The lack of confidence is already in the past. The matter of political education is already in the past and the conflict of trust or the lack of trust among leadership is already overcome. In Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states, next year and in the presidential election in 2015, I am predicting that we would have successful outings and make life bearable to the people. Come 2015, APC is going to take over the government at the Villa and we will achieve this through democratic means. What is your reaction to the resuscitation of the defunct UPN by Dr. Fredrick Fasheun and his recent romance with Major Hamza al-Mustapha? Frederick Fasheun has always being my friend, but I have not seen him in person for about five years. I read about him in the newspapers, but I don’t think UPN can become a political party without the Act of Parliament, because UPN was abolished or proscribed by a military decree, which is a law, and it requires an Act of Parliament to unban it. So, Fasheun is a leader of an illegal party called UPN. If he does illegal things or he makes an illegal statement, what do you want me to do? What is your take on the crisis in Rivers State? I don’t see it as a crisis. When I started this interview, I said the problem of this country is Jonathan. Governor Rotimi Amaechi is in PDP and he was thinking that the relationship between the state and federal governments should be according to the constitution. The situation is that the federal government would just deep hand into the states’ money and spend it in its own usual way. And mind you, Amaechi was leading the governors to go to court to checkmate the federal government in spending states money. The issue is very simple, as the constitution is very clear, since there is sharing formula, that the federal government can take its money and spend it the way it wants, but let the state take its own and spend it for the people of the state. Because of that, Jonathan doesn’t want Amaechi to remain the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). That is the only offence and because of that, they sent the Police and EFCC to intimidate the governor. It was to your own clear eyes that five members of state House of Assembly wanted to impeach the Speaker, who has the backing of 27 other members. We all know what happened during the NGF election, when Amaechi won 19 governors’ vote against 16 of Jonah Jang and PDP embraced the 16 votes as winner. So, what I can say now is that PDP is a party of riggers. This is the reason why we are running from them and before the 2015 elections, PDP would show its self more, but Nigerians will not tolerate such nonsense from them.

tHE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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POLItICS Anambra Guber Poll Will Reveal What to Expect In 2015, Says Okorie

Okorie

National Chairman of United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, told LEO SOBECHI that 2015 would witness a titanic clash among President Goodluck Jonathan and two formidable candidates on the platforms of All Progressive Congress (APC) and UPP from North and Southeast geopolitical zones, respectively, just as he lamented the absence of creativity and originality in political party formation in Nigeria. HERE are already misgivings about the t November 16 Anambra State governorship election, in view of the crisis in the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state. What do you think could play out in the polls? I had stated in March last year that the soul of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had moved from the party to another party I was

forming at the time I made the statement, which is the United Progressive Party (UPP). At the time I made that statement, UPP was not yet formed, I prayed over my decision to return the registration certificate of APGA to the (Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and did that with heavy hearts. I made that pronouncement because nothing good can come out of evil, and no evil conspiracy would yield anything positive. there may be temporary gain for the conspirators, but at the end of the day, it would still come to the fact that evil does not pay. From that moment, and like I did add that what was left for those who claimed to have control of the party was a mere carcass, what they have been doing has been playing the game of ping-pong with the carcass of APGA. I did say later again that APGA would not be available for any election soon, because I had already seen the characters that I left the party for, and these are people who did not share in the vision for which APGA was founded. All they were interested in was their personal aggrandisement. Look at what they have been quarreling about. Governor Peter Obi wants to appoint his successor without even subjecting the person to democratic principle of a primary election. Umeh had sold the ticket long before INEC thought of an election in Anambra State to a different person, and they fought over that. the person who supported and was beneficiary of Umeh’s commercialisation of APGA ticket felt that it would be useless to wait to contest election on the platform that was riddled with crisis and multiplicity of cases in court over its correct leadership. He counted his losses and moved on to another party.

And here is Obi making pronouncements that only the NEC (National Executive Committee) of a party can make, that the governorship slot had been zoned to Anambra North senatorial district. I am in total sympathy with Anambra North; even UPP has met and considered seriously the same position that it should be Anambra North. But the statement, coming from the appropriate organ of the party, is the only way that even the people of Anambra North can read sincerity into such utterance. Obi knows quite clearly that no governor has the power, under the law, to decide on a policy that was yet to be enunciated by the appropriate organ of the party. this whole deceit is still being played out and some people of Anambra, including those from Anambra North, were celebrating when Obi said that. And today, they are no longer celebrate that much, because by the conspiracy in INEC, Umeh appears to have the temporal recognition as National Chairman of party, which is still being challenged at the Supreme Court. the judgment of the Court of Appeal did not declare Umeh national chairman of the party; it simply said that the court that tried him at the lower rung lacked jurisdiction. But the pronouncement is now being celebrated as if the court made a pronouncement that Umeh is national chairman of APGA. this again is where the slant of some our media houses do not help the public to understand what actually happened. this is what I called the game of ping-pong. Here you have the same APGA, with a convention monitored and approved by INEC that produced the Maxi Okwu led- executive, which has also received judicial approval. So, with these conflicting judgments of the Court of Appeal, which only the Supreme Court can consolidate and come out with a final decision, I do not see how APGA would participate in the elections that are ahead in Anambra State in a lawful and legitimate manner. Any person who wants to run election on such a platform must be a reckless risk-bearer. that is the truth of the matter. What about suggestions or speculations that

the Obi faction plans an understanding with UPP, does it not amount to restoring you to the leadership of the two parties you founded through the backdoor? It would be a very odd arrangement. Before APGA can go into a relationship with UPP, it would be a party. It is like what (Imo State Governor Rochas) Okorocha is doing with APC. there is no APGA relating with APC, and the world knows this. It is Okorocha and his group that has simply decamped from APGA and joined APC. So, anybody saying that APGA joined APC is wrong. there must be one united APGA to have a political relationship with one united UPP. But outside of that, members of APGA, who are desirous of contesting election on a viable platform, like UPP, are at liberty to join the party through the various wards. the ward is the point of entry; there is nothing like group declaration. It is a misnomer in politics and the most deceitful arrangement that we would never get involved in. So, there is no formal discussion between UPP and any of the factions of APGA. It seems the Southeast zone is in a political wilderness over leadership. Why is it so, given your keen political savvy? And is an Igbo presidency possible in 2015? Well, the problem of Igbo is leadership and a leader must be prepared to bear the pain. Moreover, to chart a course for the people is like carrying the cross of an entire people. It is like a first son of the family carrying the cross of that family and if it is a fairly large family, within that family, you have all manner of characters, who will even attack the one making sacrifices. I have always been comfortable with being the messenger, so that nobody says I am leading him/her. And because of the nature of our people, what I did was one of the sacrifices I thought was to make our people come together. For instance, I am on record as the only Nigerian that founded a political party, but did not use it to run for president. If I had done what others did and they are doing, the late Ikemba Nnewi would never have run for president at all and the leader he answered and the glorious exit he had would have been far reduced.

‘Yuguda Erred By Relocating Council Area’s Headquarters’ Alhaji Yakubu Dogara, representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives, in this interview with TERHEMBA DAKA in Abuja, faulted Governor Isa Yuduga’s alleged hurried implementation of an “unconstitutional resolution” of the state House of Assembly by laying the foundation for a new secretariat for Tafawa Balewa Council in a location not recognised by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), thereby setting a dangerous precedence for Nigeria’s democracy. HAt is your view on the relocation of the W headquarters of the tafawa Balewa Council by the state government? No matter the level of your motivation, whether rightly or wrongly, if you are motivated to bring peace, you cannot act outside the purview of the law. the action of Governor Isa Yuguda on the matter is illegal and unconstitutional. I have even tried to look at the morality of the issue. there has been more violence in the governor’s council (of origin) than in tafawa Balewa. So, if I am from Bauchi Council, for instance, and there is more violence in my own area, wouldn’t I be bothered to resolve my own first, because charity, they say, begins at home? We are not opposed to any efforts that will lead to lasting peace. Even in a war situation, the only thing that has brought peace is when parties and opponents sit down and resolve their differences.

that is what we have been advocating, as stakeholders in tafawa Balewa. All the ethnic groups and the major religions in the area must sit down and agree and that is the platform the state government should create. the violence is surrounded by issues relating to injustice and you cannot solve the problem of injustice by perpetrating more injustice. there will never be peace there. All we are asking is for the state to create an enabling environment for all the parties to come and sit down and mutually negotiate the basis of their co-existence, so that they can live in peace. there is no better way of living than in a world of diversity, as no ethnic group or religion can be an island of itself. What has been the reaction of the Bauchi State caucus in the House on the issue? As a representative of my constituency, I am bound by the position of a caucus in the House. My constituents did not elect any of the other 11 members from Bauchi, so they (11) have no right to speak as primary or the most immediate representatives of the people. this means that they can harbour different opinions than myself, the reason being that if there is immediate crisis in tafawa Balewa Council, I am the one that will be affected. None of them understands the place or knows the feeling of the people than myself. So, my position is not to tag along to them, but try to mould consensus among them, and I think that is what we are doing now and some of us are beginning to realise that. What is the position of the leadership of the National Assembly on the matter? I have not discussed anything with the Senate President. My area of jurisdiction is the House and I have been trying to confine myself to the House. But with regards to my Senate counterpart, who incidentally happens to also come

tafawa Balewa, I can confirm that he is bothered by this development. But I agreed that I was going to raise the matter on the floor of the House and there was no need replicating the same matter in the Senate. We thought that we should be able to get this done at the level of the House, and my prayer was that the House should set up a delegation to visit Bauchi State and interface with the state Assembly and the governor on the need to respect the provisions of our constitution. If that is done at the level of the House, I don’t think there is any need to involve the Senate on this. But on the part of the leadership on this matter, I cannot speak for it, since I am not the spokesman of the House. Why have the natives of tafawa Balewa failed to approach the court of law to get the matter resolved legally? I can confirm to you that one of the reasons we stood down the motion was the petition alleging that the matter was before a competent court. But if you look at the rules of the House, there is nothing that says that if a matter is in court, you cannot debate it on the floor. I remember that in the case of the Jos crisis, the House did set up a delegation, a committee, as a matter of fact, headed by now Senator Abdul Ningi, which sat in Jos and received evidence, even though all the warring parties in Jos were in court. So, the constitutional provision is that the court cannot unnecessarily gag the House. Our rules says reference in the course of a debate and if

Dogara you make reference to a matter on which a judicial position is pending in such a way that it will prejudice the interest of any of the party in the opinion of the Speaker, then the Speaker may disallow that. that has to do with leading the debate if you make only reference. Having said that, I know that the indigenes of tafawa Balewa are not completely ignorant of their rights. It is one of the councils populated by highly literate people and I know that this option, if pursued, will be sustained until justice is done.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

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

On The Path Of Winners

Imprinting Your Goals For Success ECIDING to change your life, habit or attiD tude does not automatically bring about the change desired. The decision to make the change is only the first step. Further action is required in order to effect the change. Your goal is the mental picture of what you want. When it is written down, it becomes an affirmation. Affirmation is simply a statement of belief. For effectiveness, it must be written in present-tense form as though the goal were already a reality. When you write down your affirmations, you deliberately control the programming of your subconscious by directing the visual picture to the end result you want. This process is called imprinting. This is the deliberate control of goals through the vivid use of imagery to effect the kind of changes we want. Imprinting occurs when our subconscious accepts the new visual image of the end result. Imprinting is a three-step process. One, you affirm your goal, two, you picture the end result. And finally, you feel the emotion that goes along with accomplishing the goal. Repetition is essential in the techniques of imprinting. First, affirm the goal by writing it down, reading the words of your affirmation many times over, especially upon waking in the morning and just before going to bed at night. Secondly, picture the end result. Picture the accomplishment of the end result in your mind. See yourself actively involved in the accomplishment of your goal. This is called constructive visualization, which works on the theory of displacement. You are displacing your old self-image with the new. Thirdly, you should feel the emotion that goes along with accomplishment. The subconscious responds to feelings more than to words. The more emotional feeling you can put behind an idea, the better and faster the goal will manifest. Your affirmation will manifest in direct proportion to the frequency with which you visualize it with emotional feeling. All three steps are essential to successful

imprinting. If you just read your affirmation, you can expect just 10 per cent success rate. If you read and visualize the end result, you can expect a 55 per cent success rate. If you read your affirmation, picture the end result, and feel the emotions behind the accomplishment of your goal, you can expect a 100 per cent success rate. The key to successful imprinting is the formation of affirmations that will support you in achieving your goal. A success factor in imprinting is that your affirmation must be personal. You cannot affirm for another person. Affirmations are most effective when you use them to change your self-image, because your self-image regulates your performance. You should understand by now that all change must come from within, from inside of you. This seems self-centered. But you cannot give what you don’t have. The second point in affirmations is that they must be positive. Write them out, using a positive sentence structure. Emphasize gain, not loss. Do not describe what you are trying to eliminate. Rather, affirm what you are moving toward. Affirm your greatness even if you are still expectant. The third point is that you must frame your affirmations in the present tense. This is because present tense is the time frame your subconscious operates on. Get into the habit of feeling that whatever you are affirming and imaging is happening right now. This is how ideas are created into form. Such ideas manifest rapidly when accepted in the present tense. Thus, your ability to accept your affirmation determines how long it will take to manifest. Write out your affirmations as if they were done, for everything is created in the mind first. If you do this your subconscious will act on it immediately. Fourthly, your affirmations must be written as if they have been achieved right now. Do not make comparisons in your affirmations. All you need do is to strive for excellence.

By Simeon Nwakaudu HE 2013 May/June West African Examination Council (WAEC) Senior School Certificate of Education (SSCE) results released by the council on August 7, 2013 was a total disappointment to critics of the Jonathan administration. I waited for days, but the screaming sensational headlines were nowhere to be found. Instead, most of the newspapers tucked the reports in obscure corners of their inside pages. Quick-fingered columnists and analysts found succour in other mundane issues. The results released by WAEC were such a shocker; most of them could not breathe, let alone sing the song of criticisms that have become a favourite pastime. In 2011, the results were the object of screaming headlines and scathing editorials. Even last year when the nation had considerable improvements in WAEC and NECO SSCE, most stakeholders and commentators did not find it necessary to acknowledge that education at the basic education level was witnessing a massive evolution. This is not about beating the chest, but it is about pointing out that in the last two years, the quality investments made in the basic and tertiary education levels of the country must necessarily yield the deserved dividends. This fact must be recognized by those assessing the nation’s education sector. Any assessment that fails to recognize the unprecedented investments and commitment to education by the Jonathan administration is bound to face the shocker most analysts are now experiencing in their hidden corners. It was in 2011 that the Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike did the unprecedented. At the time, WAEC had released a set of results which was quickly withdrawn and another set uploaded. Rather than deal with the management of WAEC in camera, the minister had an open air meeting with the WAEC leadership and the issues were thrashed out publicly with journalists in attendance. The minister stated at the meeting that in due course, Nigerians would definitely reap bountifully, the investments being made by the administration in the basic education sector. Back to the 2013 results as released by WAEC. According to WAEC, it released the full results of 1,543,683 candidates who sat for its May/June 2013 Secondary Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Dr Charles Eguridu, said the number represents 91.38 per cent of 1,689,188 candidates who registered for the examination. Eguridu said 889,636 candidates obtained six credits and above, while 1,074,065 others obtained five credits and above. The development represents a considerable departure

Never affirm you are as good as someone else, for in doing so, you are also saying you are not as good as another person. Your affirmations must use action words. Since the subconscious responds to feelings and emotion, your affirmations must be couched with words that trigger emotion. A most productive feeling is excitement. Cast your affirmations to create fun, excitement, happiness and joy. The rule is: the more emotion you pumped into the affirmation, the faster the change. Fifthly, your affirmation must be specific. It is essential to affirm only what your mind can accept. Have a clear picture of the end result. Write the exact pay cheque amount, or imagine it. Do not use such words as prosperity or abundance. Your subconscious does not

‘Now That The SSCE Results Are Looking Up’ from the past as 70 per cent of the students passed the 2013 WASSCE with five credits. It is necessary to remind us what the situation was in the last two years. In the 2011 WAEC May/June examinations, 30.9 per cent of students obtained five credits and above, including in Mathematics and English Language, and in 2012 had 39 per cent. For NECO examinations it was 31.6 per cent for 2012 as against 8.1 per cent of students who also obtained five credits and above, including in Mathematics and English Language in 2011. This massive improvement had been expected all this while by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education. Since 2011, Wike has reiterated in the course of every interview that it is only a matter of time before Nigerians witness massive sustainable improvements in WAEC and NECO results of SSCE. His confidence has always been premised on the quality inputs by the administration towards addressing the challenges of mass failures in SSCE. I have discussed these key programmes in several other articles. However, for the purpose of this landmark performance in the results just released by WAEC, it would be vital to recount them once again. The essence being to inform Nigerians that this no fluke. The results will continue to hover at figures above 50 per cent. It will also be necessary to state that the main examinations in question are the May/June examinations conducted by WAEC and June/July conducted by NECO. These two examinations involve students who have been trained in schools based on the revised curriculum introduced by the Federal Government.

understand such words because they are not specific. Write down the exact title you want to bear here and now. The power of affirmation is not to be taken lightly. So let your affirmations be balanced. When used correctly, affirmations drive you obsessively toward your goal. If you have balance, you have everything. Furthermore, your affirmations must be believable, you must be able to see your goal experientially, first person, present tense. Your goal must not create anxiety in your mind, since stress and anxiety are counterproductive to high performance. Your affirmation must conform to the secrecy principle. Keep your goals to yourself. If you tell others, often, they will discourage you or try to stop you. People tend to get upset when you start to grow and change. Your optimism makes their deadness more real! If you reveal your goal to others, it gives them an opportunity to work against you. Since we have a tendency to under-estimate ourselves, we may end up believing their negativity. Think of how many times you have been talked out of doing something good. Think also of how many times you were sorry for not listening to yourself. Only reveal your goals to those who can help you. However, you can share your team goals with your team. Cooperative goal setting is essential in a group, for you cannot achieve it all alone. You should always keep your personal goals and affirmations to yourself. Tell no one unless the person can help you. The time to tell them is after you have achieved the goal. Say, “This is what I have done,’ not ‘what I am going to do.” That way you become more productive and creative in the accomplishment of your ambition. Never mind other people. Jean Paul Sartre, the French philosopher said, hell is other people. The people around you already think you are crazy, no gain in disappointing them now. Just go the way of your ambition.

First, this administration has consistently organised Examination Summits. These summits have generated the best action plans to address the key challenges faced by students writing the SSCE. I say the best action plans were drawn up because the students, teachers, administrators, examiners, legislators and other key stakeholders were directly involved in these no-holds-barred summits. The reports of the summits have been presented to the media at two different occasions. The Federal Ministry of Education has religiously implemented the plans generated at these summits. The intensity of teacher training since 2011 is unrivalled. All key parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Education have been deeply committed to the process of equipping teachers. Prior to this era, teachers were abandoned to their analogue knowledge, while the public expected superlative results. The aspect of training is being addressed. In the last two years, over one million teachers across the country have been trained. These training programmes cover Federal teachers in Unity Colleges and State teachers in schools scattered all over the 774 local councils of the country. Closely linked to the training is the improvement in the curriculum. Since 2011, the Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), has been motivated to churn out a curriculum that has reduced the number of subjects offered at different levels of primary and secondary education, making it easier for pupils and students to assimilate what their teachers who now have better capacity are teaching them. I t was in 2011 that Wike set in motion the process of re-awakening the Federal Inspectorate Service. It was hitherto weak and its performance was below par. He also met repeatedly with Education Commissioners and got to their buy-in to strengthen their respective inspectorate divisions. The outcome has been that teachers and principals are now on their toes, delivering on their respective mandates. The education inspectors are on the field again and the lazy teacher will no longer have it his/her way. The massive infrastructural development at the basic education level has given stakeholders the confidence to put in their best in the quest to revive the sector. The rebuilding work has been collective, from the local government, through to the states, up to the Federal level. Even though the states and local councils are yet to fully commit themselves as basic education is specifically under their purview, more states are gradually getting to match the pace of the Federal Government as regards investments in basic education. Simeon Nwakaudu is the Special Assistant (Media) to Minister of State for Education.

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 17, 2013

SPORTLIGHT ON PRINTING AND PACKAGING PART (1)

Koenig & Bauer Group (KBA): Cutting-edge technologies for newspapers, banknotes and other print markets HE KBA group is the second-largest T press manufacturer worldwide, with a total of 6,000 employees generating annual sales of around €1.3bn in 2012, more than 85% of them from exports. With the widest press range of all suppliers KBA is considered an engine of innovation and technological advances. In May 2012 the Wall Street Journal’s Patent Scorecard™ for heavy industrial equipment in the USA ranked KBA 13th among the top 100, thus placing KBA significantly ahead of all other major press manufacturers. The name Koenig & Bauer has been synonymous with technological pioneering in newspaper printing for 200 years. Friedrich Koenig and Andreas Bauer, the founders of the company, invented the first steam-driven cylinder press in London in 1812. Today KBA is the undisputed leader in the newspaper sector with a market share of approximately 40%, offering an extensive range of highly sophisticated and innovative web offset presses, such as the double- and triple-width Commander CL and CT as well as the single-width Continent and Comet. The KBA Comet is specifically engineered for small to medium newspaper publishing houses and contract printers. Some 200 newspaper, semi-commercial and book printers throughout the world, e.g. Graphic Communications in Accra/Ghana, Nation Media Group in Nairobi/Kenya and The Standard Group in Nairobi/Kenya print on KBA Comet

presses. KBA Continent press lines, some of which have integrated heatset dryers, are very popular in the Middle East. With its exceptionally broad product range and unique level of competence in many sectors of the graphic arts industry KBA is the leading international vendor in large-format sheetfed offset, packaging offset, banknote and metal-decorating presses. In the whole sheetfed offset segment KBA is No. 2 in the world today with a market share of 20%. In commercial web offset KBA also delivers innovative presses for 16 to 80 pages. The launch of the high-speed KBA RotaJET 76 digital inkjet press at Drupa 2012 was another landmark in the long history of KBA. The RotaJET mainly addresses the book, direct mail and advertising markets. The first RotaJET was sold recently to a German direct mail printer. However, KBA has also received great interest from the newspaper industry. KBA is the global market leader in newspaper printing technology with an innovative press portfolio tailored to our customers’ individual needs. Again Rapida Trailblazer in Medium format Configurable with up to nineteen printing, coating and drying units, and capable of handling a wide range of stock from lightweight paper to corrugated board, their new rapida 106 defines the performance and quality benchmark in medium format with a maximum of rated output of 20,000sph (with HS speed-enhancement package).

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 17, 2013

Change of Name ABUKA: Formerly Miss Abuka Akudo Ugochi, now Mrs. Onyekwere Akudo Ugochi. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ADEDOYIN: Formerly Makinde Adedoyin Olamiye now Makinde Nzewi Adedoyin Olamiye. All Former documents remain valid. General public note. ADEGOKE: Formerly Miss Adegoke Sakirat Nike, now Mrs Azeez Sakirat Nike. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEMUYIWA: Formerly Miss Ademuyiwa Oluremi Grace now Mrs. Balogun Oluremi Grace. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEOYE-OBE: Formerly Miss AdeoyeObe Gbemisola Esther now Mrs. Emmanuel Oluwagbemisola Esther. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEPOJU: Formerly Miss Adepoju Esther Toyin now Mrs Adegbola Esther Toyin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADESIYAN : Formerly Miss Adesiyan Abosede Aderonke now Mrs Fashanu Abosede Aderonke. Former documents valid. Ogun Subeb, Yewa North LGEA, Public Note. ADESIYAN: Formerly Miss Adesiyan Abosede Aderonke now Mrs Fashanu Abosede Aderonke. Former documents valid. Ogun Subeb, Yewa North LGEA, Public note. ADESINA: Formerly Miss Adedoyin Damilola Adesina, now Mrs Adedoyin Damilola TomiwaOjo. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEYEMI: I, formerly Miss Oluwakemi Janet Adeyemi now Mrs. Oluwakemi Janet Ojelade. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADEYINKA: Former Miss Abiola Omolade

Adeyinka now Mrs. Abiola Omolade Ogunnaike. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGIRI: Formerly Miss Agiri Siddikat Olamide now Mrs. Amoo Siddikat Olamide. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AIYUNU: Formerly Miss Vivian Osas Aiyunu, now Mrs Afekhide Vivian Osas. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AJALA: Formerly Miss Ajala Olufunmilola Omowunmi now Mrs. Adebo Olufunmilola Omowunmi. Previous documents valid. General public note. AJAPE: Formerly Mr. Ajape Lukman Ishola now Mr. Lawrence Bode Blake. Former document remain valid. General public note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss Ajayi Nimota Idera now Mrs. Oreagba Nimota Idera. Former documents valid. Public note. AJAYI: Formerly Miss Oluwaseun Yemisi Ajayi, now Mrs Oluwaseun Oluyemisi Olasehinde. Former documents valid. Babcock University & Public note. AJEKA: Formerly Miss Ajeka Helen Alami now Mrs. Adeyanju Helen Alami. Former documents remain valid. Sea Petroleum & Gas public note. AJIBOLA: I, formerly Miss Georgina Omoluakhe Ajibola now wants to be addressed as Mrs. Georgina Omoluakhe Esede. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

Miss Akindeji Ayoku Seun now Mrs. Makanjuola Ayomiku Oluwaseun. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Izunna Donatus Anaele now Mr. Izunna Donatus Ughanze. Former documents valid. Public note.

AKINFE: Formerly Miss Bosede Caroline Akinfe now Mrs. Bosede Caroline Dayisi. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

ANIH: Formerly Anih Olucchi Ruth, now Mrs Toochi-Ude Oluchi Ruth. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

AKINGBADE: Former Miss Akingbade Abiola A. now wish to be known as Mrs. Ilori Abiola. A. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AROWOOGUN: Formerly Mr. Arowoogun Oreoluwa Oluwatobi now Mr. Arowoolu Oreoluwa Oluwatobi Davids. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

AKINTOLA: Formerly Olufisayo Lawumi Akintola now Mrs. Olufisayo Lawumi Segun-Alabi. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ALABI: I, formerly Miss Oluwafunso Olumide Alabi now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oluwafunso Olamide Arawole. All former documents remain vlaid. Public note. ALAKA: Formerly Miss Alaka Basirat Oluwasheyi now Mrs. Ijaola Basirat Oluwasheyi. Former documents valid. Public note.

AYAH: Formerly Miss Vivian Chioma Ayah, now Mrs Vivian Chioma Azubogu. Former documents valid. Public note.

ALFRED: Archibong Martina Alfred now Mrs. Ojie Martina. All documents remain valid. Public note.

AYEKU: Former Miss Ayeku Itunu now wish to be known as Mrs. Itunu AriyoOdole. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. AYIKO: Formerly Miss Anna Ada Ayiko now Mrs. Anna Ada Ojoko. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

ALOKA: Formerly Miss Cynthia Chiemenam Aloka now Mrs. Cynthia Chiemenam Osadare. Former documents valid. Public note.

AZEEZ: Formerly Mariam Adetoun Azeez now Mrs. Maryam Adetoun Salman. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AMIEKUMO: Formerly Grace Billy Amiekumo now Mrs. Grace Billy Dickson. Former documents valid. Public note.

BABALOLA: Formerly Miss Babalola Bolanle Rihanat, now Mrs Adetunji Rihanat Bolanle. Former documents valid. Public note. BAMGBOSE: Formerly Miss Bamgbose Kehinde Aderemi now Mrs. Ogunde Kehinde Aderemi. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

ALESE: Formerly Miss Alese Funmilayo Saidat now Mrs. Ogayemi Funmilayo Saidat. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

AJIFOH: Miriam Nkemdilim Ajifoh now Mrs. Miriam Nkemdilim EmmaAdubah. All documents valid. Public note. AKAMITA: Formerly Miss Blessing Ekpo Akamita now Mrs. Blessing Edidiong Anietie. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AMINU: Formerly Miss Aminu Adijat now Mrs Janefavour Nnaemeka Uzoh. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

AKINDEJI:

ANAELE: Formerly Mr.

Formerly

ASHIRU: Formerly Miss Aishat Mopelola Ashake Ashiru, now Mrs Aishat Mopelola Ashake Ajayi. Former documents valid. Public note. AYADI: I, formerly Miss Ayadi Olajumoke Oluwakemi now Mrs. Adams Olajumoke Oluwakemi. All documents remain valid. Public note.

BRIGHT: Formerly Mrs. Bright Oby Irene Ogonnaya now Miss Opara Oby Irene Ogonnaya. Former documents valid. Public note. CHANGE OF FAMILY SUR-NAME: AWAZIEM: We formerly known as Jonas Chukwuma Awaziem, May Chinyere Awaziem, Chinedu Kanelechi Awaziem, Chiazam Obiama Awaziem, Nneka Ezinwanne Awaziem, now wish to be called and addressed as Jonas C h u k w u m a Ebubechineke, May C h i n y e r e Ebubechineke, Chinedu Kanelechi Ebubechineke, Chiazam Obioma Ebubechineke, Nneka E z i n w a n n e Ebubechineke. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHANGE OF FAMILY SUR-NAME: ATAMA: ATAMA family now known as Chinonso, Chinonso Charity Ifeanyi, Chinonso Ikechukwu Anderson, Chinonso Justine Ofoma, Chinonso Chinedu Sunday, Chinonso Felix Amaechi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHINAKA: I, formerly known as Miss Oluchi Mercy Chinaka now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oluchi Mercy Adibe. Former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Hearth, NAFDAC and general public take note. CHUKWUKERE: Formerly Mr. Ibeka Iheanachor Kingsley now Mr. Chukwukere Ibeka Iheanachor Kingsley. Former documents valid. Public note. DUDUSOLA: Formerly Miss Dudusola Abimbola now Mrs. Olusegun Abimbola. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DUNKWU: Formerly Dunkwu Jennifer Isioma now Mrs. Patrick Jennifer Isioma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EDGAL: Formerly Miss

Funmilayo Feyisara Edgal, Now Mrs Funmilayo Feyisara SamEpelle. Former documents valid. Public note. EDOBOR: Formerly Miss Edobor Anwuli now Mrs. Asikoko Edobor Anwuli. Former documents valid. Public note. EFFIONG: Formerly Samuel Ukpong Effiong now Offiong Samuel Ukpong. All documents remain valid. Public note. EGWU: Formerly Miss Egwu Edith Nneka, now Mrs Onwukwe Edith Nneka. Former documents remain valid. College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus and general public take note. ELELU: Formerly Elelu Funmilayo Comfort now Mrs. Jeremiah Funmilayo Comfort. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ENEBELI: Formerly Master Collins Oliseh Enebeli now Master Azu Winner Ugochukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ENE: Formerly Miss Adewinmbi Anjola Ishat Ene, now Mrs Adewinmbi Anjolaoluwa Aishat. FormerÂ documents valid. Public note. ENEMCHUKWU: Formerly Miss Enemchukwu Adaobi Favour now Miss Enemuo Adaobi. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ENEMUO: Formerly Miss Enemuo Roseline Chinelo now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oranekwu Roseline Chinelo. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ENWAN: Formerly Miss Enwan Purity Ebose now Mrs. Ajewole Purity Ebose. Former documents valid. Public note. ERIOBU: Formerly Miss Chinwendu Eriobu now Mrs. Chinw e n d u Iloekwumma. Former documents re-

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 17, 2013

Change of Name main valid. Public note. EZE: Formerly Eze Nkechi Madeleine now Dr(Mrs.) Madeleine Nkechi Ukpebor. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZEMA: Formerly Miss Joy Chinemerem Ezema, now Mrs Onovoh Joy Chinemerem. Former documents remain valid. General public note. EZEWUIKE: Formerly Miss Ezewuike Anthonia Chikaodi now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Durueke Anthonia Chikaodi. Former documents remain valid. General public note. FAJEMBOLA: Formerly Fajembola Adeleye Segun now Oluwajembola Adeleye Segun Israel. Former documents valid. UNCON Associates Ltd, public note. GANZALLO: Formerly Ganzallo Elizabeth Morayo now Ugbejie Elizabeth Morayo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. GBENUPO: Formerly Hunsinu Oke is also Hunsinu Elijah Gbenupo. Former documents valid. ADO/OTALGEA, OGUNSUBEB, public note. HUNDEYIN: Formerly Miss Hundeyin Semedeton Janet now Ogbo Mrs. Semedeton Janet. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IBE: Formerly Miss Onyinyechi Ibe now Mrs. Onyinyechukwu Catherine Alex-Ntuka. Documents valid. Public note. IBRAHIM: Formerly Miss Kafayat Ibrahim now Mrs. Kafayat Olamide Aderoju. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IKEOBI: Formerly Miss Ikeobi Adamma Emmanuela now Dr. Mrs. Okechukwu Adamma Emmanuella. Former documents valid. Public note. IMONIGHARA: Formerly Miss Rita Imonighara now Mrs. Rita I. Opone. All for-

mer documents remain valid. Public note. INUEJULAWO: Formerly Miss Inuejulawo Oluwadamilola Mary now Mrs. Ademolu Oluwadamilola Mary. Former documents valid. Public note. IPESE: Formerly Miss Ipese Usirat Remilekun now Mrs. Saraki Usirat Remilekun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IPINLAIYE: Formerly Miss Oluwakemi G. Ipinlaiye now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oluwakemi G. Komolafe. Former documents remain valid. IWEOHA: Formerly Miss Iweoha Angela Isioma now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iweabunaukwa Angela Isioma. All documents remain valid. General public note. IYIOLA: Formerly Miss O l u w a b u n m i Opeyemi Iyiola now Mrs. Oluwabunmi Opeyemi Adekunle. Former documents valid. Public note. JOHN: Formerly Miss Charity John now Mrs. Charity Nneka JohnEmaimo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. JONES: Formerly Miss Abisola Margaret Jones, now Mrs Abisola Margaret Popoola. Former documents valid. Public note. JULIUS : Formerly Julius Ayodeji Oni now James Ayodeji Oni. Documents Valid. University of Maiduguri and Public note. KAZEEM: I, formerly Mrs. Sururat Bola Kazeem now to be addressed as Sururat Bola Sanni. Former documents remain valid. General public note. KEHINDE: Formerly Miss Oyenike Oluwaseye Kehinde, now Mrs Oyenike Oluwaseye Adebiyi. Former documents valid. Public note. KENECHUKWU: We formerly known as Samuel Chuks Kenechukwu/Theresa I f e b u c h e Kenechukwu, now

Samuel Kaayne Kenechineke/Mrs Theresa Ifebuche Kenechineke. Former documents remain valid. Public note. KOLEOSHO: Formerly Miss Falilat Koleosho, now Mrs Falilat Daramola. Former documents valid. Public note. KOUMAH: Formerly Oluwatosin Marytheresa Koumah now Mrs. Tosin Canice Ikashi.Â Former documents remain valid. Public note. LASISI: Formerly Miss Lasisi Kafayat Omolara now Mrs. Adeyanju Kafayat Omolara. Former documents valid. Public note. LAWAL: Formerly Miss Sobanke Funke Biodun now Mrs. Lawal Ayokunle Funke. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MATESUN: Formerly Mrs. Adedayo Selimot Matesun now Mrs. Adedayo Selimot Lawal. Former documents remain valid. General public note. MBADUGHA: Formerly Miss Mbadugha Chika Ifeyinwa now Mrs. Umezulora Chika Ifeyinwa. Former documents valid. Public note. MGBAJIAKA: Formerly Miss Mgbajiaka Secunda Ifeoma now Mrs. Onoja Secunda Ifeoma. Former documents valid. Public note. MOMODU: Formerly Miss Momodu Zainab now Mrs. Idowu Zainab. Former documents valid. NYSC, Auchi Polytechnic, public note.

Miss Nnamani Theresa Chika now Mrs Ogbodo Theresa Chika. . Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Odubela Adedotun Durojaiye now Emmanuel Adedotun Durojaiye. Former documents valid. Public note.

NELSON: Formerly Miss Evelyn Chinyere Nelson and Miss Evelyn Chinyere Ihekoronye now Mrs. Evelyn Nelson Carew. Documents valid. Public note.

ODUBELA: Formerly Odubela Iyinoluwa Ayo m i d i p u p o Oluwadunmininu now Emmanuel Iyinoluwa Glory Oluwadunmininu. Former documents valid. Public note.

NJOTEH: Formerly Miss Njoteh Adiba Edith now Mrs. Balonwu Adiba Edith. All former documents remain valid. General public note. NWACHUKWU: Formerly Miss Nwachukwu Chigozie Ruth now Mrs. Itodo Chigozie Ruth. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, public note. NWAGWU: Formerly Miss Chinenye Gift Nwagwu, now Mrs Chinenye Gift Owheya. Former documents valid. Public note. NWOKE: Formerly Miss Nwoke Happiness Chidinma now Mrs Balogun Chidinma Happiness. Former documents remain valid. public note. NWOSU: Nwosu Daniel Iroabuchi Iyone now Mrs. Orji Daniel Iroabuchi Iyone. All documents remain valid. Public note. NWOSU: Former Miss Nwosu Amaka Onyinye now wish to be known as Mrs. Umeonyekwere Amaka Onyinye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. NWOSU: Formerly Miss Nwosu Adaku Ijeoma, now Mrs Onyebuchi Adaku Ijeoma. . Former documents remain valid. Public note.

MUDASHIRU: Formerly Miss Mudashiru Taibat Atinuke and Mrs. Folahan Toyeebat Atinuke now Mrs. AnifowosheShokanbi Toyeebat Atinuke. Documents valid. Public note.

NZEADIBE: Formerly Miss Nzeadibe Ifunanya, Ihekuna Gloria Ifunanya, now Mrs. Ibe Gloria Ifunanya. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

MULERO: Formerly Miss Atinuke Grace Mulero now Mrs. Atinuke Grace Aidi. Former documents valid. Public note.

ODO: I, formerly Odo Kingsley Okechukwu now Ajah Kingsley Okechukwu. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

NNAMANI: Formerly

ODUBELA:

Formerly

ODUBELA: Formerly Odubela Sulaiman Muyiwa now Emmanuel Olumuyiwa Solomon. Former documents valid. Public note. ODUDU: Odudu Odiri Oghenetega Pamela now Mrs. Nosa-Erunse Odiri Oghenetega Pamela. All documents remain valid. Public note. OGAH: Formerly Miss Roseline Inayi Ogah now Mrs. Roseline Inayi Emmanuel Etimbuk. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Miss Ogundipe Modupe Rebecca now Mrs. Adeyinka Modupe Rebecca. Documents valid. Public note. OGUNSEYE: Formerly Miss Olutosin Adeola Ogunseye now Mrs. Olutosin Adeola Oluwasanmi. Former documents remain valid. General public note. OGUNSIKU: Former Miss Ruth Oluwafunmilayo Abidemi Ogunsiku now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ruth Oluwafunmilayo Abidemi Solanke. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OHANEJE: Formerly Miss Ijeoma Geraldine Ohaneje, now Mrs Ijeoma Geraldine Chukwuemeka. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OJEWUMI: Formerly Miss Ojewumi Beatrice Olusola now MRS Akinwumi Beatrice Olusola. Former documents remain valid. OGBONNA: Formerly Oyo SUBEB and public Chinenye Veronica Og- take note bonna now Mrs. ConfiFormerly dence Chinenye OJIEYIYI: Miss Christiana OsareEjibenam. Former docmen Ojieyiyi now Mrs. uments remain valid. Christiana Osaremen Public note. Igwesi. Former docuOGHENERO: Formerly ments valid. Public Miss Cynthia Udoruisi note. Oghenero now Mrs. OJO: Formerly Miss Cynthia Blessed- Ojo Adesola OluwaOhwode. Former docu- toyosi now Mrs. ments remain valid. Oluwatoyin Adesola Public note. Oluwatoyosi. Former OGRI: Formerly Miss documents remain Justina Christiana valid. General public Agbo Ogri now Mrs. note. Justina Christiana OKAFOR: I, formerly Agbo Ogar. Former Miss Joy Ngozi Okafor documents valid. Pub- now Mrs. Chimezie lic note. Gbaruko Joy. Former OGUNBAYO: Formerly documents remain Ogunbayo Sakirat valid. Public note. Olaosebikan now Mrs OKEKE: Formerly Rabiu Sakirat Olaose- Okeke Edward Ifeanyi bikan. Documents now Madichie Edward valid. Public note. Ifeanyi. Former documents valid. Public OGUNBOWALE: For- note. merly Miss Adeola Adetutu Ogunbowale, now OKEKE: Formerly Miss Judith Mrs Adeola Adetutu Okeke Oerlemans. Former Uchenna, now Mrs Judith documents valid. Pub- Chinyeaka Uchenna. Former doclic note. OGUNDIPE : Formerly uments remain valid. Mrs Ogundipe Zainab Public note. Dupe Oriyomi now OKONKWO: I, formerly Mrs Olabode Zainab known as Okonkwo Dupe Oriyomi. Docu- Mary Awele now wish ments valid. Ogun to be known and refSubeb Public note. ered to as Omokore OGUNDIPE Formerly Mary Awele. All former

THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August, 17 , 2013

Change of Name documents remain valid. Redeemer University and public note. OKORO: Formerly Mrs. Blessing Chizoba Okoro, now Blessing Chizoba Ilojeme. Former documents remain valid. WAEC, public note. OKPARA: I, formerly Miss Amara Chinelo Okpara now Mrs. Amara Chinelo BasilChidozie. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLABODE: Formerly Miss Olabode Deborah Abimbola now Mrs. Obadan Abimbola Deborah. Former documents valid. Public note. OLADEPO: Formerly Miss Oladepo Titilope Adetola now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adigun Titilope Adetola. Former documents remain valid. General public note. OLADITI: Formerly Miss Oladiti Olutayo Deborah now Mrs. Olajubu Olutayo Deborah. All former documents remain valid. General public note. OLADOKUN: Formerly Miss Opeoluwa Rolake Oladokun now Mrs. Opeoluwa Rolake Oladokun-Kuforiji. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLAKUNLE: Formerly Mrs. Olakunle Oyebola now Mrs. Adigun Oyebola. Former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and public take note. OLALEYE: Formerly Miss Oladayo Florence Olaleye now Mrs. Oladitan Oladayo Florence. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLAMIKANRA: Formerly Olamikanra O l u w a s g u n Oluwamodupe now Olajubutu Cornelius Oluwasegun. Former documents valid. Public note. OLAWANDE: Formerly Omirin Festus Olawande now wish to be called Omirin Fesola Olamide. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OLAWUMI: Formerly Miss Olawumi Oladokun Elizabeth now Mrs. Olawumi Olaseha Elizabeth. Former documents valid. Public note.

note.

OLOBA: Formerly Miss Oloba Olubukola Temitope now Mrs. Olowojoba Temitope Olubukola. General public take note.

ONIKOYI: Formerly Miss Onikoyi Olaronke Olabisi now Mrs. Madariola Olaronke Olabisi. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

OLUKOYA: Formerly known as Mrs. Olukoya Adepeju Iyabode now wish to be addressed as Miss Adebiyi Adepeju Iyabode. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OLUMUYIWA: Formerly Miss Olumuyiwa Mosunmola Arinola, now Mrs Ajimavo Mosunmola Arinola. Former documents valid. Public note. OLUPONA: Formerly Miss Olupona Olaotan Oluwatosin now Mrs. Oladeji Olaotan Oluwatosin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLUSANYA: Formerly Miss Olusanya Ololade Olorunjuwon, now Mrs Osagie Ololade Olorunjuwon. Former documents valid. Public note. OLUSANYA : Formerly Olusanya Adedayo Abosede now Mrs Salami Adedayo Abosede. Documents valid. Public note. OLUTAYO: Formerly Foluke Abiola Lawuyi now Mrs Foluke Abiola Olutayo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OMILANA: Formerly Miss Foluke Titilope Omilana now Mrs. Foluke Titilope Famous. Former documents valid. Public note. OMOROSE: I, formerly Miss Omorose Adesuwa Lilian now known and addressed as Mrs. Olusola Adesuwa Lilian. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OMOTOSHO: Formerly Miss Omotosho Titilayo Omolara now to be known as Mrs. Ayodeji Titilayo Omolara. Former documents remain valid. Public

ONI: Former Miss Anne Olawumi Oni now Mrs. Anne Olawumi Fadeyi. Public note.

ONOVO: Former Miss Onovo Nkechi Deborah Elaine now Mrs. Odaji Nkechi Deborah Elaine. All documents valid. Public note. ONWUDE: Formerly Miss Onwude Obianuju Juliet, now Mrs Ezenwa Obianuju Juliet. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONYEAMA: Formerly Nnenna Annastasia Onyeama, now Mrs Ayogu Nnenna Annastasia. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ONYEJIUWA: Formerly Miss Edith Ogonma Onyejiuwa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edith Ugonma Peter Osuji. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ONYEMALI: Formerly Miss Awele Victoria Onyemali, now Mrs Awele Victoria Ohaegbu. Former documents valid. Public note. ORIJA: Formerly Miss Orija Oyekunbi Janet now Mrs. Niyi â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Olasunkanmi Oyekunbi Janet. Former documents remain valid. KPMG Professional Services & public note. ORISASANYI: Formerly Mr. Orisasanyi Samuel Oluwagbemiga now Mr. Adeleye Samuel Oluwagbemiga. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OSENI: Formerly Oseni Olubukola Ayirat now to be known as Daodu Olubukola Ayirat. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OSHIGBO: Formerly Miss Onyeje Temitope Oshigbo now Mrs. Onyeje Temitope Agoma. Former docu-

ments remain valid. NYSC, public note. OSIFUWA: Formerly Miss Osifuwa Omotola Bolanle now Mrs. Adegboye Omotola Bolanle. Former documents valid. Public note. OSSAI: Formerly Miss Celestina Ndudi Ossai now Mrs. Okwose Ndudi Celestina. Former documents valid. Public note. OTAYEMI: Formerly Miss Tolulope Bukola Otayemi now Mrs. Josephine Tolulope Adelekan. Former documents valid. Public note. OTIEGBE: Formerly Miss Otiegbe Sharon .N. now Mrs Sharon Otiegbe Elegbue. Former documents valid. Public take note OYEDIRAN: Formerly Miss Bukola Aisha Oyediran now Mrs. Bukola Aisha Oyediran-Olaniran. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OYENUGA: Oyenuga Modupeola Nimota now Mrs. Sanni Modupeola Nimota. All documents remain valid. Public note. OYESHIDE: Formerly Miss Oyeshide Abosede Tinuola, now Mrs Akinremi Abosede Tinuola. Former documents valid. Public note. OZO: Formerly Ozo Assumpta Ebere now Mrs Ozoude Assumpta Ebere. . Former documents remain valid. Public take note. PERU: Formerly Miss Peru Oborahirororu Julie now Mrs Akhabue Oborahirororu Julie. Former documents valid. Nursing nnd Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Public note RANOR: Formerly Mrs. Ranor Omolola Dolapo now Miss Oni Omolola Dolapo. Former documents valid. Nigerians Nursing and Midwifery Council, public note. SANWO: Formerly Miss Sanwo Olatunbosun Morenikeji now Mrs Olounbanjo Olatunbosun Morenikeji. All former

documents remain valid. General public valid. General public take note. note. SHADO: Formerly Miss Shado Yetunde Oluwaseun, now Mrs Asekun Yetunde Oluwaseun. Former documents valid. Public note.

UGONMA: Formerly Chinenye Veronica Ugonma now Mrs. Confidence Chinenye Ejibenam. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

SALAU: Formerly Miss Kehinde Yetunde Salau now Mrs. Kehinde Yetunde Sanni. Documents valid. Public note.

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Saturday, August 17, 2013 59

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports Moscow 2013: The One-Athlete Nation Called Team Nigeria By Gowon Akpodonor

HEN officials of the Athletics W Federation of Nigeria (AFN) called off its planned two weeks camping for Team Nigeria athletes ahead of the Moscow 2013 IAAF World Championship due to ‘lack of fund,’ not many Nigerians saw the danger ahead. A story by The Guardian revealing the cancellation of the two weeks camping was labeled ‘unpatriotic’ by an NSC official, who claimed then that the Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, had given the AFN the financial support it needed to prepare the athletes for the championship. But stories from Team Nigeria’s camp in Moscow is painting a different picture. The Moscow 2013 Championship will end tomorrow and media reports suggest that poor funding, as well as inadequate preparations of the athletes, have taken their toll on the Nigerian team. The report described the situation in Team Nigeria’s camp as ‘scandalous’ by all standards in sports. Since 1999, Nigeria has not made it to the podium in the IAAF World Championship. To avoid another ‘embarrassing’ outing, the AFN came up with a two-week camping programme for Team Nigeria athletes in a city close to Moscow. The final rehearsals, according to AFN, was to give the coaches room to assess the athletes and make ‘adjustments’ if necessary, before hitting Moscow for the championship. Also, the AFN had planned to use the twoweek camping to work on the relay teams, particularly on the poor baton exchange of some of the athletes as noticed during the African Grand Prix/Relays held in Warri, Delta State, a few days before the All Nigerian trial in Calabar, where the athletes were picked for the Moscow championship. In Calabar, the sports minister, Abdullahi, assured the athletes that the country would give them the support they needed to excel in Moscow. He said at the occasion that as part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s agenda for sports, the nation’s athletes would be adequately prepared for all major championships. The assurance, notwithstanding, Team Nigeria departed for the Games, which is the equivalent of soccer World Cup, without a day’s camping for the athletes, after the AFN ‘tried every means’ to get money through the NSC for the team’s preparation. And as usual, the nation had to bank on luck and sheer determination of the athletes in the championship. Reports from Nigeria’s camp in Moscow indicate that the sum of N15 million was approved for the championships and that the money was allegedly released after the delegation had landed in Moscow. Before the departure for Moscow, an aide to the sports minister told The Guardian that one of the reasons the NSC ‘refused’ to release money to the AFN in respect of the World Championship was that the IAAF had taken care of Team Nigeria’s participation in the competition. “I am sure the NSC will only assist the AFN with some allowances for the athletes,” the aide stated.

But the question the minister’s aide could not answer was, whose responsibility is it to provide money for preparation of the country’s athletes for the games? After Blessing Okagbare’s ‘sole effort’ ended the country’s 14year wait for a medal at the World Championships, Nigerians home and abroad looked forward to seeing their athletes in the finals of other events. Okagbare’s long jump silver medal came on Sunday evening, which was the day two of the championship. The following morning, the focus of many Nigerians turned to women hurdlers, Muizat Ajoke Odumosu (400m hurdles) and Ugonna Ndu (also 400m hurdles), as well as Regina George (400m). During the trials in Calabar, Odumosu did everything to edge out other contestants in her events. She has been one of Nigeria’s top athletes known for making sacrifices to don the country’s colours in major events. She is among the only four Nigerians, who qualified for the Moscow Games with A Standard. Nigerians, who watched proceedings on television back home were shocked to see Odumosu disqualified in heat 2 of the women’s 400m hurdles on Monday. She beat the gun two times and was given the marching order by the officials. Observers were perplexed that an athlete of Odumosu’s caliber would beat the gun in a 400m hurdles event and two times for that matter? It became a major debate among athletics buff back Thank God…Okagbare seems to say after picking another medal for Nigeria in Moscow yesterday home. To some athletics faithful, it was a Moscow say that Odumosu was indeed But Team Nigeria entered her for the ridiculous situation for Nigeria. injured and could not train well, not to talk Feelers from Team Nigeria’s camp in of competing among the best in the world. 400m hurdles event. According to the report, Odumosu had to line out for the event in order to avoid sanctions from the World Athletics body, the IAAF. The only option left for the ‘injured’ Odumosu was to beat the gun two times and be fouled out. Before the commencement of the men’s triple jump event yesterday, there were

Every time, we complain there is no money for camping. Will they do that to football? The answer is no. This is the equivalent of the senior world cup in football, yet our country couldn’t make adequate preparation for out team. It is a shame.

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THE GUARDIAN Saturday, August 17, 2013

SPORTS

How Team Nigeria Came To Depend On Only One Athlete CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59 insinuations from Team Nigeria’s camp that Londonbased Tosin Oke was unfit. The coaches only found out on arrival in Moscow. Oke was missing yesterday among the competitors who filed out for the triple jump event in the morning session. He did not start. There was a report from the camp on Thursday that US-based female sprinter, Gloria Asumnu said she regretted changing allegiance to Nigeria instead of America. “Choosing to run for Nigeria was a decision I thought I made for the better but in turn I am starting to think it was a big mistake,” she was quoted to have written on her wall. The only male sprinter Nigeria entered in the 100m event, Ogho-Oghene Egwero was consumed by the wind of Moscow at the earlier stage of the championship. He could not qualify from the heat. Some worried athletics buff back home have blamed the situation on the Federal Government’s poor funding of other sports other because of football. “My major worry is the fact that in a country of over 150 million people, our hope for medals is solely on one athlete. This is very sad,” former Nigerian sprinter, Tina Iheagwam, lamented in an interview with The Guardian yesterday. To Iheagwam, the achievement recorded by Blessing Okagbare in Moscow came from her individual effort. “Nobody should take glory for the medal won by Okagbare in this championship. So, our sports has gone so bad that we can’t even boast four or five finalists in a major championship? When I heard that the team was going to Moscow without a day camping, I shouted and warned of the danger. It is not done in athletics because the camping exercise is to enable the coaches examine the athletes before the real competition. “Every time, we complain there is no money for camping. Will they do that to football? The answer is no. This is the equivalent of the senior world cup in football, yet our country couldn’t make adequate preparation for out team. It is a shame. “The AFN has its own share of the blame because I believe they are putting all eggs in one basket all the time. We want to know the caliber of coaches they took to Moscow. Where are the coaches who have been handling these ath-

letes? These are things we will like to find out. But I must give credit to our women’s 4x400m relay team for that fantastic race,” Iheagwam said. Some concerned Nigerians who spoke with The Guardian yesterday absolved the minister of Regina George collecting the baton during the 4x400m relay at the London 2012 Olympics. They team will compete in the final today. much blame in the poor preparation of the athletes for the championship, saying that the rot in the nation’s sports is ‘too big’ for one man to tackle. Before the cancellation of the camping for the Moscow 2013 World Championship, some of the athletes voiced out their displeasure about the ‘poor attention’ given to athletics by the Federal Government. After retaining her 100m title in Calabar during the trials, Okagbare said the country owed her a lot considering the honours and recognition she has brought to the nation through athletics. She said: “Nigeria is not doing much for me. All I have been doing since becoming an international athlete has been by my personal effort. As the world championships is coming up, I am not expecting anything from the country.” Bad market…Ajoke Odumosu could not compete in Moscow due to injury Two days later, Okagbare revealed that her athletics career would have been over long ago if not for the support she received from Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the likes of Solomon Ogba and Amaju Pinnick. “Without people like Governor Uduaghan, the AFN President, Ogba and Amaju Pinnick, it is possible that one would have dropped out of track and field. When I dedicate anything I win to Dr. Uduaghan I know why I do so. Here’s a governor who takes interest in your training, nutrition, coaching and general welfare. And it is not only me. He does that for some athletes too. He is the pillar of our sports in Nigeria now. He has given me training grants and has been good to sports generally and I wish others could emulate him for Nigeria to become world beaters,” she said. The women’s 4x400m relay gave Nigerians the hope for a medal, when the quartet ran a season best time of 3 mins, 27.39 seconds in the heat yesterday. The final will take place later this afternoon. Egwero could not make it beyond the first round in the 100m Tosin Oke was missing in the triple jump event yesterday

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SPORTS ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP

Stamford Bridge Return Will Be Emotional, Mourinho Admits HELSEA boss, Jose C Mourinho, says it will be difficult to control his emotions when he returns to the Stamford Bridge dugout for tomorrow’s Premier League opener against Hull City. Mourinho rejoined the club for a second stint in charge in June after leaving by mutual consent in September 2007. “When I go to my stadium, my dugout, my people, I will have to control it a little bit,” said Mourinho, 50. “It will be a couple of minutes and then I can concentrate on the game.” Mourinho first arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2004, weeks after guiding Porto to the Champions League trophy. He won the FA Cup and two League Cups as well as two Premier League titles but could not win the Champions League with the Blues. His relationship with owner, Roman Abramovich, grew

increasingly troubled and he quit despite having three years left on his contract. He won his second Champions League trophy with Inter Milan in 2010, but left to join Real Madrid later that summer. He finished second in La Liga in his first season but won the title a year later. Mourinho said he was looking forward to “the salt and pepper of football”, adding that when he goes to Stamford Bridge, he wants “to try and give joy to everyone”. The former Real Madrid boss said he would take the players to the stadium on Saturday before the game for training so that some of the new faces could settle in to their new surroundings. “We train there tomorrow because I want the boys to know where the dressing room is, where the dugout is,” he said. “I will feel something differ-

ent for sure. On Sunday, I think the fans will focus on me and [owner] Roman [Abramovich] but then they have to forget us and focus on the team.” Mourinho would not be drawn on Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney’s link with the club but he did insist defender David Luiz was going nowhere. “He’s a young player that signed a new contract last year and when he did that he was very happy to do it so we want to keep him,” added Mourinho. “A big club like Barcelona wants the best but we are being honest by saying there

Mourinho

Suarez Returns To Training, As Cissokho Joins Liverpool IVERPOOL striker, Luis Lfirst-team Suarez, has returned to training having been previously exiled by manager Brendan Rodgers. The Reds boss stressed an apology would be required in order for him to return to the fold, after Suarez claimed Rodgers had reneged on a deal to allow him to leave for a Champions League side. It is understood Suarez is now back in training with his senior team-mates, but the club would not confirm how or even whether - an apology had been made. Last week the Uruguay international was told he was to work away from the main group after Rodgers said his attitude and performances had not been up to the required standard during his

protracted transfer dispute with the club. Arsenal have had two bids for the player rejected, including one of £40,000,001 in an attempt to activate a clause in the South American’s contract. After last weekend’s friendly defeat to Celtic in Dublin, Rodgers confirmed Suarez would need to say sorry before any reintegration took place. “Initially there will be a recognition that (there needs to be) an apology to his teammates and the club,” he said. “When he is back from his international trip (Suarez went to Japan with Uruguay in midweek) we will assess it from there. “He is a world-class striker and when he is committed to

the cause we will welcome him back with open arms.” Initially there was some suggestion while he was on international duty that the player’s stance had mellowed, with Uruguayan newspaper El Observador quoting him as saying: “For now, owing to all the affection of the people, I would be staying.” Meanwhile, Liverpool have reportedly agreed in principal to sign Valencia defender Aly Cissokho on loan with a view to permanent deal. Manager Rodgers has been looking for reinforcements at left-back as Jose Enrique is his only senior player in that position and has identified the Frenchman as a viable option. Cissokho is expected to travel to Merseyside in the next

week to undergo a medical and agree personal terms, although it is understood Liverpool do not believe that will be an issue. An agreement is in place for the club to sign Cissokho permanently should his seasonlong stay be successful.

Darren Bent Joins Fulham Michu

Michu Is Not For Sale, Laudrup Tells Arsenal WANSEA boss, Michael previously stated he values SevenLaudrup, has told Arsenal the forward at at least a “ridiculous” offer £30million. would not be enough to price Michu away from the Liberty Stadium. The Gunners have so far been frustrated in their efforts to bring in Luis Suarez from Liverpool and are reportedly considering alternatives as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his forward options. Michu is thought to be one of those alternatives after the 27-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a stunning first season in English football with the Swans, scoring 22 goals after his £2.2million move from Rayo Vallecano. Michu signed a four-year contract with the Swans in January, and Laudrup has

And the Dane has told Arsenal there is no way Swansea will sell a key player when they would themselves to left with so little time to replace him. “I think economically the club is very good,” said Laudrup. “I know if they (Arsenal) came in with a very late bid, I know that the reaction from the board and chairman will be ‘No’, even if the money is ridiculous, as we will not have time enough to find a replacement who is near enough to the same standard. “You can say we would get a lot of money but why be the richest club in the championship? What is that worth?

ULHAM have signed Darren Bent on a seasonlong loan from Aston Villa. Bent, 29, was Villa’s record signing when arrived from Sunderland in January 2011 but he slipped behind Christian Benteke in the pecking order at Villa Park last season. Fulham manager Martin Jol signed Bent when he was in charge of Tottenham and is delighted to bring the England international to Craven Cottage. Jol said: “Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired. He has shown in the Barclays Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good linkup play, creating opportunities for his team-mates. “I’m delighted that he has joined us, he gives us pace up front and I am confident that he will add to our goals scored tally this season.” Press Association Sport

understands the deal does not include an option to buy next summer, with the Cottagers paying a loan fee and Bent’s wages in full for the duration of his stay in west London. Bent scored six goals in 23 appearances for Villa last season. He becomes Jol’s seventh summer signing following the arrivals of Adel Taarabt, Fernando Amorebieta, Derek

Boateng, Sasha Riether, AngeFreddy Plumain and Maarten Stekelenburg. Meanwhile, Villa have also allowed striker Nathan Delfouneso to rejoin Blackpool on loan until January 1, having spent last season at Bloomfield Road.

Injury Knocks Out Arteta RSENAL midfielder Mikel A Arteta could be out for up to six weeks after suffering a thigh injury. The 31-year-old Spaniard picked up the injury in training though manager Arsene Wenger is still to discover the full extent of the problem. “It could be as long as six weeks, but we don’t know yet,” he said. “We have to check the severity with the doctor.” Thomas Vermaelen and Nacho Monreal both have back problems and will also miss the season opener against Aston Villa. However, both forward Theo Walcott (knee) and midfielder Aaron Ramsey (ankle) could feature in today’s match.

Fixtures Today Liverpool

Stoke