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S’Court Rejects Omehia’s Move To Curtail Amaechi’s From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja and Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt HE Supreme Court yesterday rejected attempt by a former governor of Rivers State, Chief Celestine Omehia to join a suit filed by Chief Cyprian Chukwu seeking to determine and possibly abridge the tenure of office of Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. The court also reprimanded Omehia’s counsel, James Ezike

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• Amaechi Says No Victor, No Vanquished for using foul language in his brief to address senior legal practitioners and counsel to Amaechi, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN) and asked him to apologise. But to the consternation of all present, Ezike refused to apologise. In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court agreed with the submission of Amaechi’s counsel, Fagbemi, that the

Court of Appeal was in error to have joined Omehia as a party at the appellate court without having fulfilled the condition precedent for it to join him as an interested party. According to Fagbemi, under the rules, Omehia ought to have applied for leave of the court to join the suit and also seek an extension of time within which to do so. Failure

to do so, he argued, rendered his joinder incompetent and ineffectual. The apex court also agreed with Fagbemi that Omehia also failed to show what special interest he had in the matter to justify the Appeal Court entering a decision to join him in the matter. Fagbemi submitted that equity helps only the vigilant, not the indolent and there-

fore said it was too late in the night for Omehia to wake up from his slumber. Omehia was shut of the case yesterday by the apex court for lacking locus stand, in an action challenging when Amaechi’s tenure of office would expire. Chief Cyprian Chukwu had initiated the action at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, praying the court to

declare that Amaechi’s tenure ended on May 28, 2011. But in a counter claim, the governor contended that his tenure came to an end in October 2011 on the ground that he took his first oath of office in October 2007. The trial Judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati, gave judgment against the plaintiff, who was dissatisfied and therefore approached the Court of Appeal to set the decision aside. When hearing in the appeal CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

PDP Made It Impossible For Me To Bring Change In Government, Says Atiku

Yoruba Leaders Reiterate Support For Confab, True Federalism By Seye Olumide HE Southwest geopolitical T zone has reiterated its support for the planned National Conference, demand for regional autonomy, true federalism and resource control. Speaking after a National Conference Preliminary meeting on Yoruba Position, held in Ishara-Remo Ogun State, at the residence of one of the chieftains of Afenifere, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi yesterday, prominent Yoruba leaders, including Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State, former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, chieftain of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, elder statesman, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Secretary General, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Dr. Kunle Olajide, Gen. Alani Akinrinade Former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, left; Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Olu Falae and CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Gani Adams at the Preliminary Meeting on Yoruba Position on National Conference in Ishara-Remo, Ogun State yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

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APC Condemns Disruption Of Membership Registration In Rivers HE All Progressives T Congress (APC) has strong- • Calls It Assault On Constitution, Democracy ly condemned the attacks aimed at disrupting the party’s ongoing membership registration in Rivers State, saying the attacks undermine democracy and the country’s constitution. “People’s participation is at the core of democracy, while the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

guarantees the right of citizens to associate with any party of their choice. These deadly attacks hinder people’s participation in democracy and violate the fundamental rights of the affected citizens,” the party said in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday by its

Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. It said the attacks, undoubtedly masterminded by the Nyesome Wike-sponsored Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, are aimed at

Yoruba Leaders Okay National Confab CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 (rtd), Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi and others, agreed on the need to reach out to more Yoruba people, for wider consultations for the region to properly articulate its position before the conference. Meanwhile, the group disclosed it has done everything within its capacity to reach out to the leadership of the South West zone of

the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande, but they were shunned. Others present at the meeting were Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Supo Shonibare, Mr. Bisi Adebuyi, Afenifere spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Mr. Shina Kawonise, Prof. Wale Are Olaitan, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, former Minister of Mines, Alhaji Sharafa Ishola, Senior Pastor, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, former Chairman, Punch Newspaper, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, former governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Dr. Tokunbo AwolowoDosunmu, National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams. Odumakin, who was assigned to address the media, said: “This is an assemblage of people who are political, people who are non-political and from vari-

ous cadres of life. Nobody should see it as a political thing. It is about the Yoruba nation, we are here to take a position on the planned National Conference.” On the plan to choose the 15 delegates that would represent the group at the conference, he disclosed that the decision was postponed till February 17th, when the meeting will reconvene at the same venue. Speaking on the efforts made to bring Tinubu to the forum, Chief Adebanjo said: “We have done everything to bring APC, go and ask General Alani Akinrinade. We have done everything to bring in Tinubu. Some people wanted to meet him two days ago, he gave them an appointment, twice, and he didn’t keep. “Before we came here, that was the battle we first had, that we wanted to get everybody, that this is not a political matter, but he wouldn’t respond. What are we discussing that he (Tinubu) shouldn’t be there? We are talking of federalism; is that for our selfish interest? We talk of resource control and these are the things we have been agitating ever before he became the governor of Lagos State in 1999. I was the chairman of the party that made him the governor. These are the agitations we have been doing 20 years ago and you now have the opportunity to achieve it.”

covering up the glaring rejection of PDP by the people of the state. “We have no doubt that these attacks, during which at least one person has been shot dead, would not have been possible without the collusion of the police. Therefore, we appeal to the incoming Commissioner of Police in Rivers to stop the Mbuera misuse of the police as the enforcement arm of the PDP in the state,” APC said. The party wondered why the deadly attacks aimed at disrupting its ongoing membership registration would occur only in Rivers, even as the exercise is going on simultaneously in all the 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory. ‘”Some partisan analysts and uninformed critics have challenged our directive to our lawmakers in the National Assembly not to cooperate with the Executive until peace returns to Rivers. But are they not surprised that it is only in

one state - Rivers - that our membership registration has been disrupted? Is Rivers the only state where we have PDP members? “Again, we ask President Goodluck Jonathan to rein in his supporters in Rivers and stop them from setting the state and the country on fire. We urge him to remind his supporters in Rivers, led by his overzealous Minister, Wike, that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” the statement said. Detailing some of the attacks by armed and sponsored hoodlums in Rivers, APC said the worst was in Degema where one Andy was shot dead while six APC supporters sustained bullet wounds. It added the Supervisory Committee Chairman for Degema for the registration, former Chairman, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Ben Orugbani, escaped death when his house was shattered with bullets in old

Bakana. The APC said there were also attacks in Phalga Wards 11, 14 and 16, where Vandam and Noso led 50 other hoodlums to shoot sporadically and hijack the registration materials, handsets and cameras; Ward 9 in Obio/Akpor the ward of Wike, where hoodlums were hired to beat up registration officers and hijack registration materials; and Ward 6 in Woji the area, where Chief Timothy Nsirm, led 30 hoodlums who manhandled its supporters and shot one of them, Chibuchi Ogbonda. “The question to ask these hoodlums and their sponsors, including the GDI and the PDP, is why are they worried about people who want to register as APC members if they are indeed convinced that the party (APC) is not on ground as they have claimed? Where in the world are people prevented from joining the party of their choice by hoodlums? What is democracy without the people having the right to associate with any party of their choice?

Police Deny Releasing Suspects On Mbu’s Orders From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt HE Rivers State Police T Command has denied allegations that former Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, ordered the release of six suspects arrested for being in possession of arms and ammunition by the Joint Task Force (JTF) last month. The suspects, nabbed around Ekporo Road on their way to Ogu/Bolo Council, were alleged to be supporters of the lawmaker representing OguBolo Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, and Senator George Sekibo, representing Rivers East senatorial district. But both men have since denied any link with the suspects. Speculation had been rife in Port Harcourt that Mbu, who has been redeployed to Abuja after several months of agita-

tion for his redeployment, ordered the release of the suspects. But state Command spokesman, Ahmad Muhammed, told The Guardian that the allegation was false and must have been politically motivated. He explained that ever since Mbu was deployed to the state, his detractors, in a bid to malign him, had politicised all his action. “It is not true that the suspects have been released. They are in our custody and everyone can come and verify. “Every action of the former Commissioner of Police has been politicised and that explains the reason for this baseless rumour,” Muhammed asserted. Asked why the suspects have not been arraigned in court one month after their arrest, Muhammed explained that the Police was investigating

the matter and the suspects would be duly arraigned in a competent court after investigation if found culpable. Reacting to the purported release of the suspects, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the state government was aware of the rumour, but was yet to ascertain its veracity. The JTF in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, arrested the suspects with seven AK-47 rifles and 164 rounds of 7.62mm special live ammunition and 10 live magazines last month while travelling in a Land Rover jeep. Bipi had attributed the report linking himself and Sekibo to the suspects as a calculated attempt by the state government and the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, to damage his political career and tarnish his reputation as a member of the state Assembly.

Amaechi Says No Victor, No Vanquished CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 began, Omehia filed an application, seeking to join as an interested party. Although Fagbemi opposed his request to be joined, the Appeal Court granted it, causing his client to lodge an appeal at the apex court. Delivering its decision on the matter yesterday, the apex Court held that Omehia established no premise for seeking to join having not complied with well set out legal procedure as argued by Amaechi’s counsel. In the lead judgment, Justice Muntaka Coomassie held that Omehia ought to have sought permission to be made a party first in the case before he could seek permission to file any process. Besides, Justice Coomassie said Omehia failed to convince the court that he had a vested interest in the case. The apex court held that Omehia had no right to protect any longer having contested the 2011 governorship election along with Amaechi, lost and even

explored all legal avenues to get the said election nullified unsuccessfully. Justice Coomasie held thus: “The first respondent (Omehia) in this case is a pretender with his claim that he has interest in this case on account of his being governorship candidate in the 2011 governorship elections. “He has to show sufficiently that he is a person whose interest is directly affected or will be affected by the court decision and not just a person with general interest like any citizen of Rivers State. Being a governorship aspirant has not conferred any right on him to seek to be joined in this case as he is not the only one who wants to be governor of the state.” Consequently, the court voided the permission granted him by the Court of Appeal to join the suit and accordingly set aside same “for being wrong in law.” Following this decision, the case would now return to the trial court for continuation of hearing.

It would be recalled that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Supreme Court, had pitched its tent with Chukwu against Amaechi, a twist from his initial position at the trial court, the Federal High Court. Meanwhile, Amaechi, in his reaction, said there was no victor, no vanquished and urged Omehia, his supporters and all well-meaning people of the state to join hands with his administration and work together towards the greater good of the state and its people. Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State chapter, through its interim Chairman, Mr. Davies Ikanya, lauded the sagacity of the Supreme Court, saying it has once more proven that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. Amaechi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. David Iyofor, explained that although the court ruling again vindicates his position that Omehia had no case

against him. “Now that the legal tussle is over, I want to appeal to Omehia, his supporters and all other well meaning Rivers people to join hands with my administration in building the new Rivers state that my administration has started. As for me, in this matter, there is no victor, no vanquished,” Amaechi said. On his part, Ikanya stressed that Amaechi’s victory was by all intents and purposes, a very significant one in view of efforts “to pull him down.” He added: “We recall that even though he was aware that Omehia had no case, Amaechi had pleaded with him for them to put an end to the litigation and behave like brothers. “However, he refused the entreaties and turned down all the offers made by the governor, including that of nominating commissioners into the state cabinet,” he said. “This should serve as a warning to all those who insist on the way of the moving train known as Amaechi.”

Saturday, February 8, 2014 3

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PDP Made It Impossible For Me To Bring Change In Government, Says Atiku By Samson Ezea Vice President, FwhoORMER Alhaji Atiku Abubakar recently defected from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC) told The Guardian yesterday the situation in the PDP has made it technically impossible for him to bring the needed change in the governance of the country. Atiku said: “Nobody, however rich or powerful, can bring about change without being in the government and to do that, you need a platform to do so. PDP has

made that option technically impossible for me. And for that reason, I chose the APC because the party’s manifesto has a lot in common with my own policy document on the reformation of Nigeria. “Nigeria suffers from poor governance, which is why its oil wealth has not significantly improved the living standards of the ordinary Nigerians. I have found genuine commitment among the APC leaders in making Nigeria remarkably better. APC does not pay lip service to democracy and I could see

genuine passion among its leaders and members of how to move Nigeria forward. On whether he will return to PDP again, Atiku said the question is not necessary, considering that he didn’t join Action Congress (AC) for frivolous reasons and the circumstances of 2007 are no longer the same today. “The circumstances that led to my departure from the PDP to join AC are well known to Nigerians to bear a repetition. I was pushed out of the PDP; I didn’t leave. I was a victim of constructive ejection. If a landlord begins

to remove your roof, disconnect your water supply and every other thing necessary for normal habitation, you don’t need anybody to tell you that you are not needed. “The policy of de-registration in 2005 /2006 was directed at me and my supporters and I was eventually suspended from the party for a period longer than what the party constitution provided - three months. With such deliberate hostile environment created against me, I had to leave the PDP and join the AC,’ Atiku said.

On what will be the fate of members of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) allegedly registered by him, he said that although the party is made of his political friends and associates, he has no right to dictate to them how they will run the party. “The future is in front of us, all of us. What Nigeria does in the next election will determine whether the future is filled with hope and opportunity or fear and despair as it is now? The next election will decide if Nigeria will change the way

it does business, so that every person who wants to work can have a job and the dignity that comes with it. “The next election will decide on whether true security can be provided so that people who walk to market can return safely to their homes and be safe within them. The next election will decide whether or not a country like Nigeria can provide petrol to its population and not merely lines of lost time. The APC is ready for the next election and so am I.”

Armed Forces Must Partner To Defend Democracy, Says Former CDS From Karls Tsokar, Abuja

HE former Chief of Defence T Staff Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim has called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to work together in order to effectively defend Nigeria’s democracy, even as he was pulled out of Service. Ibrahim at the colourful pulling out ceremony from the Nigerian Navy organised for him yesterday at the Mogadishu Cantonment parade ground in Abuja said, the role of the Armed Forces in a democratic setting is not to emasculate the process but to intensify and nurture it to develop for the good of the country. “Let me reiterate here that the role of the Nigerian Armed Forces is essentially to deepen our democracy and not undermine it. In doing this, I urge you to always work in concert to defend democracy and our territorial integrity as no single service can go it on alone”, he said.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim With his wife, Amina, during his pulling out in Abuja yesterday.

PDP Accuses APC Of Hijacking INEC Polling Units To Raise “Phantom” Membership Figure From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) Friday accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) of hijacking the polling boots of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out its registration exercise.

Pa Jaja For Burial Today HE death has occurred of Sir T Reuben Balafama Siminialayi Jaja. Born in 1938, he died on December 30, 2013. The late Jaja will be buried today at his residence in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Council Area of Rivers State after a funeral service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town at 10am. He is survived by six children and numerous relatives.

Says APC Plans To Use Figure To Reject 2015 Poll Result Briefing journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja yesterday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, alleged that APC had a plot to raise an over bloated figure in the registration exercise and eventually use it as bases for rejecting the result of the 2015 general election. Metuh said: “Our great party has received reports from various states, calling our attention to an on-going, well planned clandestine moves

by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to lay mines in the way of a successful conduct of 2015 general elections, using its nation wide membership registration as a ruse. “It is very unfortunate that while the PDP-led federal government is solidifying the foundation of a credible electoral system it has already laid, and INEC yet to release the final details of the 2015 general elections timetable, which is still a year ahead, the

APC is already introducing weird inventions, calculated to torpedo the process and blow sky-high, the huge expectations of Nigerians and the international community.” Metuh’s statement continued: “Our investigations revealed that part of the plot by the APC is to use this fraudulent membership registration exercise to hype a phantom public support after which it will declare a particular bogus figure and create a

false impression of massive public followership ahead of the 2015 general elections. “We wish to alert Nigerians therefore to the incontrovertible evidence at our disposal to the effect that the APC is sadly and currently using every foul means at its disposal to build a particular membership figure, running into tens of millions, which it intends to use as a justification to fault, dispute, reject and subsequently take to violence when it loses the 2015 general elections,” he declared.

Tinubu Describes NNPC As Government’s ATM ORMER Lagos State goverFthenor and National Leader of All Progressives Congress of Nigeria (APC), has described the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government as one that routinely abuses power and manipulates the people. Speaking as After Dinner Speaker and Special Guest of Honour at the NG Annual Dinner in Lagos at the Muson Centre on Thursday, Tinubu went to great length to draw a distinction between the PDP and the APC. He was unsparing when he blamed the Jonathan led PDP government as one

spinning recklessly out of control in terms of spending, corruption in the oil sector and other slush funds channelled through government programs to fill the pockets of party loyalists. Tinubu noted that Nigerians are yet to get a satisfactory explanation on the 400,000 barrels per day that is stolen. He opined that the NNPC has been converted into an ATM. “Like I have maintained previously, the Sure-P project is a drain pipe. A slush fund for political patronage. For instance, the N253.5 billion alleged to have being spent on

projects by the Federal government as at December 2013 is not reflective in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. In 2012, about N180 Billion accrued to the Federal Government in Sure-P alone”. Under the heavy weight of corruption, heavy dose of insecurity, the ticking time bomb of youth unemployment and a near total absence of institutional rationalization, Nigeria under President Jonathan clutches on like a battered engine in need of a complete overhaul, in fact, a change of engine. Tinubu who was speaking

from experience as former governor of Lagos examined what is wrong with Nigeria today both politically and economically. According to him, Nigeria punches below its weight and is trapped in a “disarticulated economy” occasioning poverty and frustration on people. “The AFDB, in its African Economic Outlook report of 2013 revealed that poverty has worsened since 1996 and through 11 years of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, rule. The efforts of President Jonathan’s government at combating poverty were also faulted”.

Mark Has No Power To Stop Defecting Senators, Says Fayemi From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head South West Bureau Ado Ekiti) KITI State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi yesterday said the Senate President David Mark has no power to stop eleven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from defecting to the All Progressive Congress (APC), saying it is a constitutional matter that is beyond his office or political preference. He, however, warned the Senate President to do what is right because more senators will soon defect to the APC. Fayemi made the statement in reaction to the brouhaha dogging the defection of Senator Bukola Saraki and other ten PDP senators at his country home, Isan Ekiti in Oye Local Council Area of the state while participating in the ongoing APC nationwide membership registration exercise. Fayemi posited that the cries over alleged withholding of letters of some defecting Senators by Senator Mark is immaterial, saying the issue is a constitutional matter, “which cannot be personalized by anybody”.

4 Saturday, February 8, 2014

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NEWS Nigeria Plans N320 Billion Fund To Improve Health outcomes By Chukwuma Muanya S part of efforts to accelerA ate Nigeria’s drive towards meeting health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Federal Government plans to set up $15 to $20 billion (N320 billion) Information Technology (IT) Innovation Fund, even as the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHN) led by business mogul, Aliko Dangote, yester-

day in Lagos, officially launched the Nigeria Health Innovation Marketplace (NHIM) and inaugurated its Steering Committee. Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. omobola Johnson, in her keynote address at the inauguration of NHIM Steering Committee, said: “What we require to meet the MDGs is significant. Delays and poor quality of data have led to poor health outcomes especially maternal

and child deaths. “But deploying innovative interventions such as IT could be used to solve this problem. It has been successfully used in Malaysia to reduce infant mortality. In Nigeria, the ondo State government has used Abiye to improve maternal and child health. The Abiye programme uses Information Communication Technology (ICT) for communication, and follow-up between the Health Rangers

and the pregnant women.” The minister said government is partnering with NHIM, which aims to identify and develop innovative products, approaches, processes and technologies to meet MDGs 4, 5 and 6. Dangote, who is the Chairman Founding Board of PHN and who inaugurated the NHIM Steering Committee, said it will comprise three components: Virtual Portal (a website to

serve as a virtual link to the different players in health innovation providing up to date information on innovations, innovators, resources and opportunities), Health Innovation Challenge (yearly competition to identify and support the most promising innovation in health) and Innovation Hub (a physical space to facilitate business and technical support for innovations, and house the activities of the NHIM).

APC Group Accuses Al-Makura of Waging War Against Jonathan From, Msugh Ityokura, Lafia ASARAWA State Governor, N Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has being accused of waging a vicious religious war against President Goodluck Johnathan. The war, according to a group, Nasarawa Concerned APC, has translated into the state politics and is affecting the plight of residents of the state negatively. Addressing press conference in Lafia, the state capital, leader of the group, Nathaniel Isa Nathaniel, said the suspension of the state deputy governor, Damishi Barau Luka, by the interim Chairman of the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Stanley Buba, was an affront on the sensibilities of the people of the state. Nathaniel said his members were aware that the plan is

orchestrated to disrupt the peace, which the state has enjoyed in the last few weeks. Isa Nathaniel: “We are shocked that Governor Al-Makura has hired reckless adventurers to help wage a vicious religious war concealed in the name of

APC against the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the guise of fighting his deputy governor. “We are aware that last year, when the President went on holy pilgrimage to the state of Israel in company of a num-

ber of governors and deputy governors, Al-Makura used the opportunity to plot the an impeachment against his deputy. The only offence was that he went to Israel in the President’s entourage. “Just few days ago, President

Mbu’s Redeployment Routine, Says Police From Sunday Odita HE police authorities yesterday said the redeployment of the former Rivers state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu, was merely routine procedure. The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar and the Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mike okiro (rtd), made this dis-

closure during the pull out parade of seven senior officers, held at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos. The occasion also served as a forum to decorate about 100 policemen with medal of honour for hard working police officers, among them were, the officer-incharge of Lagos state AntiRobbery Squad, SP Abba Kyari, Area E Commander,

Dan okoro who had displayed courage in their battle against crime. The officers who were pulled out ceremoniously were Assistant Inspector Generals of Police, Dax Uzu and Alex okeke, while the five Commissioners of Police were, Arnold Abuah, Margaret Hart, Vincent okaa, Florence okafor and Dayo Adeleke.

Johnathan was in a church service in Nasarawa state and the governor became so infuriated when he saw the deputy governor and the President on TV in the church service at Living Faith Church, Goshen together.”

Agwu People’s Assembly Endorses Ekweremadu For Fourth Term From Kodilinye Obiagwu, Enugu HE Awgu Council People’s T Assembly in Enugu State has added its voice to the growing list of endorsements for the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, to seek reelection into the Senate in 2015. In a communiqué at the end of an extra-ordinary general meeting in Agbogugu, Awgu Council yesterday, delegates from the 38 autonomous communities that comprise Awgu Council, noted that Ekweremadu has performed well in his representation and that he “has made tremendous impact in the infrastructural development of our zone through his numerous constituency projects.”

NLRC Vows To Checkmate Naija Lottery From John Okeke, Abuja

HE National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) has vowed to checkmate the ongoing Naija 964 Lottery of the Global Lottery Nigeria Limited. According to the Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Ekpe Adolphus , who spoke in a briefing in Abuja said the commission is involve in Naija 964 Lottery. The Director General NLRC who was represented by the

Director, Regulation and Monitoring, Emmanuel Jeminiwa promised that the commission would not hesitate to deal with the firm if it violates the modus operadi of the game. He urged Nigerians to embrace the game as it promises dividends for individuals and the nation at large. Also the Chairman of Global Lottery Limited , Innocent Dura, said the game is a lowskill, low-cost and that it is popular form of leisure betting.

TheGuardian SUNDAY, February 9, 2014 SPECIAL REPoRT

PDP on The Path of Recovery?

oo many unaccountable deaths due to cult clashes and gang wars in the suburbs of Lagos and there seems no end to the bloodletting. The Guardian takes a look at the various wars in Lagos to find the origin and what must be done to put an end to it.

FTER the exit of Bamanga Tukur and the appointment/election of Adamu Mu’azu, a flurry of activities have been set in motion to reconcile warring parties and factions within the Peoples Democratic Party. Is the PDP capable of regenerating itslef after the disastrous mismanagement of her fortunes in the last three years?

BUSINESS:

Four Years of Sanusi What New Apex Bank Governor Must (Not) Do, By Bankers, Others IBRU: Second Burial or Fidau Prayer For The Dead ...Clerics Position on The Matter

Mu’azu

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Court Reserves Judgment On Ikoyi-Lekki Toll Bridge By Joseph Onyekwere USTICE Saliu Seidu of the Jyesterday Federal High Court, Lagos, said he would deliver judgment on the case challenging the imposition of toll fees on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge on March 27. The decision of the court was sequel to the adoption of originating summons by the applicant, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa dated November 25, 2012 and adoption of counter affidavit by counsel to the first defendant (Lagos State Government), Ade Ipaye, who is also the Attorney -General of the state. The court took notice of the affidavits filed on behalf of the federal government. The applicant, Adegboruwa, represented himself in court, while Ipaye, represented the

Lagos State Government. Mrs. Queen Uba, counsel to the Federal Government and National Inland Waterways (NIWA) sent a message that she could not make it to the court because she was attending a seminar. The trial judge proceeded to take arguments on the main originating summons. Presenting his oral arguments, Adegboruwa urged the court to apply the provisions of section 4 of the 1999 Constitution to determine the priority and supremacy of laws, between the National Assembly and the house of assembly of a state. He submitted that once the National Assembly has made an Act in respect of any subject, such as the Lekki Lagoon upon which the bridge was built, that Act covers the field on that

subject, and a state house of assembly is incompetent to make any law, that may rival or claim to supersede, an Act of the National Assembly. He prayed the court to hold that even if the Federal Government, through NIWA had authorised the Lagos State government to construct the bridge, such authorisation cannot translate to an authority to collect toll, which is a form of taxation, in the absence of any specific law to that effect by the National Assembly. In response, Ipaye argued that once there is a concession that the federal government has authorised the construction of the bridge, then the case of the applicanthasnowbecomeacademic. He submitted that even though section 4 of the 1999 Constitution creates priority

of legislation in favour of the National Assembly, it will only be effective when the National Assembly restricts its law making powers to the areas reserved for it in the constitution under the exclusive list, otherwise the state house of assembly can always make laws in matters contained in the concurrent list.

From John Okeke, Abuja INE Local Government Councils in Kogi state have been scheduled to receive N30 million to implement 50 projects geared towards reducing poverty in the state. As part of the plan, the Federal Government is expected to donate N20 million towards the project, while the state government would make available N10 million as counter-part funding. The 50 projects would cover basically agriculture, manufacturing and smallscale activities. The National Coordinator of

T was pandemonium along Ithethe Makurdi-Otukpo road as highway was truncated for over six hours yesterday when youths from Apir community, a suburb of Makurdi city, the Benue State capital,

blocked the road because of the killing of one Tarshar Namakaa, a local cattle rearer, by suspected Fulani herdsmen dressed in military uniforms. The Guardian gathered that Namakaa, who reared cattle for one Samuel Utoo,

Coordinator of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) in the state, was killed in the early hours of yesterday while in the bush with about 57 cattle for grazing. As a result, vehicles plying the route from the northern and south-eastern part of the

NRC Lists Challenges Of Railway Transportation By Olushola Ricketts HE Managing Director, T Railway Nigerian Corporation (NRC), Engr. Adeseyi Sijuwade, has said that railway transportation is still facing challenges despite huge government investment in

railway system. Sijuwade, who made the observation during a courtesy visit by the newly elected President, Nigerian Society of Engineers Ademola Engr. (NSE), Olorunfemi and members of the society to NRC office in Lagos, said that insufficient

APC Inaugurates Interim Leadership In Jigawa From John Akubo, Dutse for HE Congress T Progressives Change (APC) has inaugurated its interim leadership committee for Jigawa State. The ceremony, which took place yesterday in Dutse, was presided over by Deputy Chairman, North- West Zone, Barr. Salisu Fagge on behalf of the interim national chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande. Fagge said the selection of the caretaker committee members was based on merit and on their track record as leaders. Members of the committee are Alhaji Badaru Abubakar

Talamis( interim Chairman), Barr. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia (Secretary) and Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu (Treasurer). Others include Hon. Nasiru Garba Dantiye (Organising Secretary), Barr. Bala Hamza (Legal Adviser), Barr. Bello Hassan Gada (Auditor) among others. Fagge said it is the hope of the party to win all political seats in Jigawa State during the 2015 forthcoming election. He said it is expected that the interim leadership would do all within its power to ensure unity and understanding among all APC members in the state, adding he would carry all party members along in delivery the state in the next election.

locomotive, coaches, wagons and workshop equipment are some of challenges facing the corporation. “Other constraints are porosity of rail corridors and level crossings, inadequate warehousing, inadequate loading and offloading facilities, limited freight and passenger services on Western line. Nigerian Corporation’s Railway dependent predominantly on Federal Government budgetary provisions, untapped demand for reliable freight services, cape gauge single track, assess to only two seaports among others are the other challenges,” Sijuwade said. Olorunfemi promised that NSE would partner with NRC to take the fortune of railway transportation to the next level. “We are here to monitor the development and see how we can contribute our own quota to the corporation. As we all know, NRC is very critical to the economy, and the society of engineers are major stakeholders. We are going to partner with NRC,” Olorunfemi said.

Jonathan, Oshiomhole, Fagge For Honour RUTH, Peace and Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge, honour as an Icon of Peace, According to the organisa- Oshiomhole and Fagge will be T Development Network Initiative, a non-governmen- tion, the honourees are being honoured as an Icon of Truth tal organisation, has announced President Goodluck Jonathan as an Icon of peace in the year 2013. Also, listed as icons by the organisation are Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),

honoured in recognition of their contributions towards national development by upholding and working with and for truth, peace and development in the out gone year. According to a statement issued by the organisation, while Jonathan receives the

and Icon of Development respectively. The statement, which was signed by president of the initiative, Mr.John Anonyai, noted that a major challenge facing the world today is man’s failure uphold truth and behave peacefully.

the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Mukhtar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who disclosed this at the flag-off of the Grassroots States’ projects in Kogi state yesterday, said the efforts of the Federal Government basically are to compliment the states in reducing poverty to the barest minimum. According to him, the nine councils are drawn from the three Senatorial districts.

Borno APC Denies Faction, Assures Hitch-Free Registration Exercise From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri HE Borno state Interim T Chairman of All Progressives Change (APC), Mallam Kaka Yale, has denied the claims of Alhaji Ibrahim El-Zubairu of the party that a “faction has emerged” with-

in the ruling party. Addressing newsmen yesterday in Maiduguri on ElZubairu’s allegations, Yale said there were no divisions or faction in APC, as claimed by one of the members of the party.

Youths Block Highway Over Killing Of Cattle Rearer From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi

Kogi Councils Get N30 Million To Reduce Poverty

country were compelled to wait for more than six hours for the irate youths to remove the woods and tyres of vehicles they used in blocking the road before continuing with their journey. Utoo told The Guardian that Namakaa had gone out as usual to feed his cattle before he

was gruesomely murdered and that the cattle were forcefully taken away by the assailants. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the incidence, adding that the police were yet to make any arrest.

His words: “ There is no parallel state executives in this party. This falsehood claims by one of our members, is however, the greatest political joke of the century. “Our committee was inaugurated by the National Secretary of APC, Alhaji Tijjani Musa Tumsa, last Saturday on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC). Therefore, there is no greater legality that can be found in our party machinery. “As for El-Zubairu’s allegation, we have no faction in APC; his problem is with his former party, the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC).”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

6 Saturday, February 8, 2014

NEWS Former Commissioner Declares For A‘Ibom Governorship From Willie Etim, Yenagoa FORMER Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Chris Abasi Eyo, has joined the race for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State in 2015 under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Declaring his intention formally in Uyo, Eyo said as a steward he was submitting himself for the service of the Akwa Ibom people. “Besides a wholesome political experience and professionalism spanning several years, I have equally come away with amazing tips on how to grow our economy, enrich capacity development, thus taking the average Akwa Ibom man to the next level by adding value to his standard of living,” he stated. Eyo, a seasoned professional and Oron-born politician, who made his mark in the media world christened his governorship ambition, “Manifest Destiny” and promised to deliver good governance to Akwa Ibom State if given the opportunity to govern.

Police Commence Investigation Into Murder Of US-Based Show Promoter From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri OLICE have commenced investigation into the tragic assassination in Owerri, capital of Imo State, of a United States (US)-based show promoter, Prince Noel Tochukwu Unegbu, who was gruesomely assassinated in his hotel room last Tuesday. The assassins of the show promoter were yet to be arrested as at the time of filing this report. The state police command through its Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Joy Elemoko, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the incident, stating that the command was investigating the incident. The late Onuegbu, until his death floated Prince Noel incorporated, in Houston, Texas, US.

Ondo LP Group Alleges Neglect By Party From Niyi Bello, Akure WO months after the death T of a member of House of Representatives that represented Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Raphael Nomiye, his political associates and followers have cried out over alleged neglect by the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the state and the government. Nomiye, a chieftain of LP and close ally of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, slumped and died in his official residence in Abuja late last year.

Proposed National Confab Is Waste Of National Resources, Says Attah From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi Nelderstatesmanandchieftain of the PDP in Benue State, Chief David Attah has criticised the forthcoming national confab, describing it as a sham that would be politics as usual and waste of national resources. He questioned the relevance of such a conference when the country’s legislative structures are on board and

not military dictatorship. Chief Attah who was the press secretary to two former military heads of states (Generals Sani Abacha and Abdulsalem Abubakar) in an interview with The Guardian in Makurdi, stressed that national confab for now would have been meaningful if it were meant to address security issues bothering on the nation that have

defied the conventional solutions. He said, “Under a dictatorship, a national confab could be understood because the whole legislature is supplanted. We all know that many solutions have been proffered in the past but all remained a voice in the wilderness and I think what the nation needs now is attitudinal transformation.”

While calling on the politicians to learn to operate from a moral high ground to be able to get things right in this country, the party chieftain regretted the get-rich-quick syndrome that has gripped the political class and advised them to consider politics as a call to service and not an avenue to make money. Commenting on the spate of

defection in the PDP and APC, Attah expressed worry about the state of the political parties, saying none is holier than the other. He blamed the PDP for allowing other parties to know its weaknesses, adding that its inability to resolve its internal problems shows that it is incapable of fixing the problems of the larger Nigerian society.

Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe, member, WIMBIZ Executive Council, Mrs. Toyin Olawoye; Mrs. Ifeoma Idigbe,Mrs Adeola Azeez (members, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees); Ms Mosun Layode, Executive Director, WIMBZ; Mr. Wale Goodluck, Corporate Services Executive, MTN; Ms Osayi Alile WIMBIZ Chairperson; Ms Funmi Onajide, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN; Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus, Mrs. Morin Desalu and Mrs. Julia Jacks (members, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees) at the annual WIMBIZ cocktail held at Events Place, Obalende, Lagos on PHOTO: BISI Thursday.

Reps Decry Discrimination Against Nigerian Businesses In Ghana Akuka For By Bola Olajuwon HE House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora has condemned the way Nigerian businessmen and women were being treated by Ghanaian authorities. The Chairman of the committee, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed the displeasure during a visit by members of the panel to Nigerian High Commission in Ghana recently, raising the issue of $1 million required for the opening of business by foreigners in Ghana.

Dabiri-Erewa said Nigerians should be treated fairly considering the immense contribution of the country to Ghana. She commended the interventionist effort of the Nigerian ambassador to the country, Ademola Oluseyi Onafowokan, who she said has been proactive in responding to complaints by Nigerians. In another development during the visit, Dabiri-Erewa, accompanied by other members of the committee, including Innocent Tirsel, Akinlaja Joseph and Mustapha Khabeeb

– advocated the need for educational partnership between Nigeria and Ghana. The lawmaker, during a courtesy call on the University of Ghana’s (UG) Vice Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, stressed the need for more synergy between the two countries for the development of West African sub-region. She said the citadel of learning has distinguished itself in learning and character, hence, the intellectual gravitational pull of students to the university from other African nations as well as best brains from all

over the world. Dabiri-Erewa asked the university to intervene in the issue of residence permit, marginalisation in terms of foreign scholarships and cases of missing passports. Responding, the vice chancellor lauded the historical ties between Nigeria and Ghana, saying that there must be intellectual synergy among the African states in educational exchange and culture, and UG still maintains a good relationship with University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos, among others.

Fashola Tasks NNPC Over Pipeline Rupture By Tunde Alao LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola on Thursday inspected the site of the ruptured Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) pipeline at Ijegun Imoren in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, calling on the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to raise its game and adopt the highest standards expected of national oil corporations of its type. The governor asked the corporation to mark out its Right of Way (ROA), and develop the assets with which it does business. He said: “We are standing on a pipeline, where is the warning signals that this is a pipeline? Now, that does not also justify people building so close to a pipeline. This is one pipe leakage too many for Lagos. There

are long distance consequences for this kind of thing,” he said. The governor said he had spoken to some of the members of the Imoren community after being briefed by a member of staff of NNPC/PPMC and they had explained to him about the safety measures and clean up measures that are being applied, adding that the State MinistryofEnergywillalsowork with them to see what results this would bring.

According to the Fashola, beyond the clean up, there was the issue of compensation to deal with. “What I have said to the officials of the NNPC is that beyond cleaning up, what about compensation for the damage to the ecological life, fish, marine life and so on. Peoplehavelosttheirlivelihood. “Thisistheendofariverinecommunity who depend on this waterways for their daily livelihood for fish, for crab and all

sorts of things and we need to apply again best practices and global standards.” he said. He said the state government will walk every distance with the community to ensure that the compensationthatisavailableat the international level applies in this situation too, adding that if oilissoldataglobalstandardand price, there cannot be different standards for clean-ups when there are environmental damages or disaster.

Burial

RS. Bernadatte M Ihemesimnanwa Akuka (nee Adinna), who died on Friday, January 10, 2014 will be laid to rest on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in her late husband Sylvester Ifeanyichukwu Akuka’s compound at Isieke I, AwoOmamma, Imo State. She was born in 1938. The burial will take place after a funeral church service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church AwoOmamma. A nurse, teacher and devout Christian mother, she is survived by nine children including Bertram, Henry, Michael, and other relations.

Akuka

ENGINE Partners With Lagos On Girl Education By Ijeoma Opara IN a bid to enhance the girl child literacy level in Lagos State, a programme tagged Educating Nigerian Girls in New Enterprises (ENGINE) is set to improve learning and economic status of marginalised adolescent girls.

During a courtesy call on the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation, Lagos State, Hon. Omotayo Oduntan said that the state government is committed to working with ENGINE to increase their level of involvement with the girl child in the

state. She further noted that the state has homes for the physically challenged, abused, and centres for those who learn skills, adding that the government cannot do it alone because of the challenges it is facing from other sectors. The Executive Director, Lynx-

Nigeria and a partner of the initiative, Nanre NafzigerMayegun said, they want to empower girls economically and financially by giving them additional livelihood; teaching them how to make useful decisions, basic communication skills, and personal hygiene.

TheGuardian

Saturday, February 8, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Africa C. Africa Crowd Lynches Fleeing Muslim ANGUI (Central African fleeing Christian vigilantes saw. Christian “anti-balaka” vigiB Republic) (AFP) - A mob headed north from Bangui lynched a Muslim on Friday under a slew of insults from lantes tried to attack a second after he fell off a crowded lorry taking frightened civilians out of the strife-torn capital of the Central African Republic, witnesses said. A large convoy of lorries and taxis packed with Muslims

angry residents, locals said. The mob set on the victim after he fell off one of the lorries and hacked to pieces his body, which still lay by the side of the road by late morning, an AFP photographer

Six Police Officers Wounded In Twin Cairo Bomb Attacks police officers have been SwentIXwounded after two bombs off in Cairo, the Egyptian health ministry says. The blasts were heard at around 09:45 local time (07:45 GMT) in the Giza area and were around two minutes apart. Local media report that the bombs targeted police vehicles stationed near a bridge. Armed groups have stepped up their attacks in Egypt since the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi by the military in July last year. A BBC journalist at the scene says there is little obvious damage to the area. The attacks took place in Giza Square, a regular route for marches against the current government. Anti-military protests are

expected in parts of the capital later, after Friday prayers. The current government has outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood, declaring it a terrorist organisation. It accuses the movement of supporting attacks against the police and army - a claim the Brotherhood strongly denies.

vehicle in the convoy, but they dispersed when troops from an African peacekeeping force, MISCA, fired warning shots, an AFP reporter saw. Muslim Central Africans and foreigners have been fleeing Bangui for several months to escape killings, looting and harassment by armed militias drawn from the Christian majority in the city. On Wednesday, uniformed troops of the Central African army (FACA) attacked a Muslim man just after a military ceremony in the capital, stabbing and stoning him in a murderous incident that led the United Nations and France to demand justice and exemplary punishment for

Members of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) lynch to death a man suspected of being a former Seleka rebel on Wednesday in Bangui PHOTO: AFP

Two South African Miners Die In Harmony Gold Accidents WO miners have died in sepT arate accidents at mines owned by Harmony Gold in South Africa. They follow the deaths earlier this week of eight miners in a fire and subsequent rock fall at Harmony Gold’s Doornkop mine, west of Johannesburg. Rescuers are still trying to

locate a miner at Doornkop who might have been underground at the time of the fire. Mining experts have called for an investigation into Harmony Gold’s safety measures. It is not clear what caused the Doornkop accident, which happened on Tuesday

evening about 1,700m (5,600ft) below ground after some seismic activity in the area. BBC reported that it was the most serious accident in South Africa’s mines since nine workers were killed in a rock fall at a platinum mine in July 2009.

Harmony Gold said the latest deaths occurred on Thursday at the company’s Kusasalethu mine in North West province and at its Joel mine in the Free State. The worker at Kusasalethu was killed by liquid paste-like gold ore waste that escaped from a container and the miner in Joel

died in a blasting accident, Harmony Gold’s spokesman James Duncan told the BBC. Mining is a vital part of the South African economy and the country is the fourthbiggest gold exporter. It also has some of the world’s deepest gold mines and safety is a major issue.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

8 | Saturday, February 8, 2014

JUSTHUMAN By Olushola Ricketts

HINGS are not too good for the Chikogu family from Delta State. One of their four children, Harrison Chikogwu, a 100-level student of Delta State University (DELSU), has been battling with aplastic anaemia since September last year. The family needs N8 million for bone marrow transplant to correct the defect. The 22-year-old Accounting student is at present on admission at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. The ailment has affected his hearing too. And according to the medical report signed by LASUTH’s Consultant Haematologist, Dr. A.O. Dosunmu, “due to his young age, bone marrow transplant is highly recommended but meanwhile, he is to commence on Cyclosporine that the parents cannot afford.” The report added: “He has had multiple transfusion of red blood cells and platelet concentrates because he suffers from a very severe type of aplastic anaemia. This report is to assist him in seeking financial assistance’. Distraught, Harrison’s father, Mr. Emmanuel Chikogwu, cannot stand the pain his young son is going through anymore. He has exhausted all the channels he has to seek assistance. The retired electrician’s visit to his state government’s office through the chairman representing his constituency, has proved abortive. Narrating how it began, he said: “After we noticed some abnormalities, I took him to a private libratory for a test. The result was that he has a severe anaemia and needed urgent attention. I took him to a private hospital at Oshodi in Lagos where he was given two pounds of blood. We bought each for N15, 000. He was in the hospital for eight days before the doctor asked him go home. He also gave us date to come for check-up.” Along the way, Mr. Chikogwu revealed that the case became worse. The private hospital recommended another laboratory test. “I said to myself that we cannot continue like this. Instead, we should go to a government hospital since we have more specialists there,” he said. In September last year, the family decided to

Harrison Needs Assistance To Undergo Bone Marrow Transplant try out Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). By then, Harrison could not work again. When they got to the hospital, his father disclosed that they rushed down to the emergency ward where a certain doctor attended to them. He admitted that the doctor was furious at him, blaming him for keeping his son at home too long. “The doctor asked me to accompany him and we rushed down to the blood bank where we got blood after I deposited some amount of money into the hospital’s account. He collected the blood and administered on my son. Later in the day, he asked for another pound of blood. My son was moved out of the emergency ward after that day,” he explained. But since then, Harrison has been in the hospital. The doctors conducted different tests to ascertain what was wrong because according to his father, they said they could not ascertain the main cause of the ailment. Whenever they gave him blood, it dried off after two days or thereabout. After several tests, he said it was discovered that his bone marrow was no longer functioning. “So on November 13, they said it couldn’t be done in Nigeria. They gave me a medical report that I should take it to my state government. At Delta, I went to see the Honorable Member representing my constituency in the state House of Assembly. He asked me to go back to the hospital to get a letter of reference to India. I met with the doctor and he said he would contact a hospital in India. He said N8 million would be required for the operation.” Mr Chikogwu said Harrison now bleeds from the mouth, penis and his ears. When the blood sees nowhere to pass out, it forms a swelling

on his forehead and burst out after a while. In December when most people were celebrating, he said all his thoughts were centered on how his son will get better. “The last time I visited him (December), he was the only one remaining in his ward. Most of the patients had either been discharged or transferred. So, I am really worried. The young man is not feeling okay as well. He told me recently that I should bring him home since the doctor said they cannot treat him in Nigeria

and I do not have the money to take him to India. But to discharge him, I still need to pay a bill of N165, 000. I have not been able to raise anything,” he cried out. Since he retired in 2007 as an electrician in Guinness Nigeria Limited, Ikeja, Lagos, he has not been doing anything. His wife, Beatrice, sells fruits and foodstuffs. “Friends, well-wishers and relatives have really contributed to the little treatment my son has received so far. He cannot go back to school because of his health. The doctors have really tried their best but they say nothing could be done in Nigeria again. I am appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid. We do not have the history of such ailment in the family and I only read about it in books until recently.” Readers who wish to assist Harrison should kindly contact him on 08068921257, or send their donations to: Account name: Chikogwu Harrison Bank: First Bank Account no: 3078952789

Harrison Chikogwu

A Quick Kidney Transplant Could Save Lolade By Amara Nwosu SPENT today, Sunday, with LoItwo lade and her family (mother and brothers). It was a most touching and humbling experience. I still can’t tell where I got the courage from, to handle the emotional outbursts of the family especially her mother. Indeed, many of us do not know how lucky and blessed we are to be in good health! As for Lolade, she is an amazingly courageous young woman. She’s not in any doubt that she will make it. News of the massive outbreak of support for her made her beam. Her blurry eyes lit up for the first time in a season. She is a prayer warrior indeed, and God is surely hearing her humble supplications. . This week is going to be crucial in the campaign to raise funds for her kidney transplant. Without sounding ungrateful for the contributions received so far, I wish to renew my appeal to the men and women of goodwill who are my friends for real and on Facebook, as well as their friends and friends’ friends, to rally to Lolade’s aid. Even if you’ve already given, please give more – if you can spare the extra cash. Please! I beg you in the name of God to please Help! Help! Help! Lolade’s condition is getting worse. Right now, her vision has been impaired due to acute hypertension, and she’s literally surviving on weekly blood transfusion because her blood level keeps dropping. Meanwhile, we have contacted some hospitals in India through the assistance of a former boss of

mine. God bless him! Now we know, it’s better for Lolade to travel to India as soon as yesterday, mostly because the cost of her biweekly dialysis will be reduced by 50 per cent or more. Indeed, she can start receiving some expert attention, while the required funds are being raised h e r e . We’ve also been told the donor must come from her immediate family (parents and siblings). Counseling and testing will commence tomorrow. Whether the

mother qualifies or not as donor, she’ll travel with her to look after her daughter, so the process of securing her international passport will commence tomorrow. Any assistance in that regard will be appreciated, in terms of paying for the passport and facilitating the process. If her mother doesn’t qualify (I pray she does), then she and one other person will accompany Lolade to India (making three persons). The travel and accommodation and other logistics costs have

tripled. Therefore, I appeal to anybody who works with an airline or knows someone who does to please help with a free return ticket or two or three, preferably on Emirates, which flies to India daily. For friends in the diaspora, who have been looking for how to send their support for this humanitarian cause, we now have an FX account that can take the three major global currencies. . Account Name: Olawunmi Bello Bank: GT Bank Address: Plot 635 Akin Adesola

Street, Victoria Island Lagos Swift Code: Gtbingla Account No. Dollar: 0004258893 Account No. Pounds: 0004258910 Account No. Euro: 0004258927 Meanwhile, The Local Account Number Remains: Olawunmi Bello, GTB 0004258886 ( 2 0 5 / 1 3 3 0 9 2 / 1 5 9 0 ) The Save Lolade Campaign is gaining serious momentum and God willing, we shall make it and Lolade will be saved. God bless you with prosperity, long life and

Saturday, February 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

METRONOTES From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE commendation came from unusual T quarters - Civil Society Organisations and this has given credence to the commendations that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has received in oil producing communities of Edo State in the past two years when Henry Okurobo represented the state on the Board. Speaking on behalf of the groups, Austin Osakwe said they inspected among several others, the Okaegben bridge in Ewohimi in Edo Central Senatorial District, 176-bed hostel facility at the University of Benin; erosion control project at the University of Benin; electrification of 13 Communities in Orhionmwon council and Country Road Motel road in Benin City, which, he said, met the project evaluation template. He regretted, however, that the political squabbles, which the agency is presently confronted with over the nomination of a Commissioner from Edo State, if not quickly resolved, may work against the consolidation of the achievements. He said the team used the following template for the evaluation of projects: Need Assessment, Community Ownership and Participation, Value for Money, Transparency of the Procurement process, Funding Commitment, Monitoring and Evaluation/Supervision Effectiveness, Quality Delivery, Timeliness, Evenness of Spread and Civil Input /Sustainability. And according to the report, the score was above average in each of them. Osakwe expressed satisfaction with the achievement of the Commission but bemoaned what he described as the lack of commitment by contractors which, he noted, has led to the stoppage of contract works in some of the project sites. “We are concerned about what NDDC is doing in Edo State and our primary role is monitoring and evaluating projects undertaken by MDA’s in States and the councils. “There have been complains about the poor quality jobs by contractors, which of course is not what the NDDC is set up to do. So, this is essentially why we set out to monitor what they are doing. We are 15 evaluators drawn from Civil Societies in the state representing different bodies. We inspected 43 projects spread across the state in almost all the councils. Some of them are macro projects, while others are micro projects. Essentially what we did was to see if it is according to the tem-

For Impactful Strides, Kudos For Edo NDDC From CSOs The 22.2KM Ewohimi Road built in Esan South East council plates, whether NDDC has lived up to expectation. “For a long time, we found out that government arrogantly go to communities and site projects, which the people themselves neither need nor are willing to own or manage.” But, he said, the communities evaluated showed that the NDDC in recent times has tried to carry the people along, to site project which were of outmost relevance to the people. “The effect for us is the evenness of spread, spread across both the oil and non-oil producing areas of Edo State. We saw for instance a huge hostel facility, 176-bedspread facility complete with borehole and electrical supply plant. We also saw a massive erosion control project all in University of Benin, and you know that the University has been threatened by erosion that necessitated the call by Federal Government to

use the ecological fund to intervene. So, what we saw across the state was a deliberate effort by the NDDC in the past two years to deliver on it promises.’’ On the political challenges stalling the appointment of Commissioner for Edo State NDDC, he said: “For us, it is worrisome and that is one of the challenges that we have

The communities evaluated showed that the NDDC in recent times has tried to carry the people along, to site project which were of outmost relevance to the people.

mentioned. In states which are not controlled by the party at the centre which responsibility is to appoint a Commissioner, the Commission usually suffers because there is a conflict whether it is the state government that should recommend or the party leadership at the state or the party in power. “As it is today, Edo State NDCC is the only one that doesn’t have a commissioner. For us, that agency is too important to be politicized. What the Federal Government should do is to focus on the urgent need to put a square peg in a square hole to ensure that it is devoid of politics with a capable person at the helm of affairs. This will also ensure that when contracts are awarded, there is no tendency to please politicians who will submit the names of contractors, whether they have the capacity to deliver or not,’’ he added.

Makoko: Unbreakable Relationship With Poor Sanitation On Tuesday January 21, the 20 finalists of the African Story Challenge went on a field exercise to the Lagos famous shanty town, Makoko at the Yaba council, Lagos. AJIBOLA AMZAT reflects on his experience of the visit to the Lagos slum.

OODEN canoes glide slowly on black dirty water, sending multiple ripples towards the directions where human wastes accumulate. Over time, the rubbish has formed a mass below and around structures which serves as dwelling places for the residents of Makoko, a riverine community in Yaba council of Lagos. Resting on stilts, the shanty houses stand unsteadily above the lagoon, with an unmistaken signature of poverty and poor sanitary. Makoko, indeed is an eyesore, but that is only to the outsiders who do not live in the fishing community; to the residents, living in Makoko is just business as usual. At mid-day, children run around the rickety houses naked, some of them were swimming in the filthy water under the hot sun, women ply their goods in the canoe shops stationed close the piles of filth on the lagoon front, while the few men around tend to their nets and other fishing kits. The living condition of people in Makoko though appears shocking; the people carry on with lives as if all is well. Not even the demolition of residences in the community by the Lagos state government can make the Egun people of Makoko consider relocation. The community head, Chief Francis Agoyon says his people have been living for ages on the lagoon front, and there has never been an outbreak of disease. “Even when epidemic hap-

A section of Makoko pens elsewhere, Makoko residents have never fallen victims,” he discloses. Considering the total lack of hygiene in this shantytown, the statement of Chief Agoyon seems far-fetched. How can a people who source their water from the place where they dispose their sewage could be immune to typhoid fever for instance? How can a people who live in overcrowded room be immune to respiratory diseases? How can the residents who sleep outside in their canoes where millions of mosquitoes inhabit can be free of malaria parasites. Though there are boreholes in the community

which provides water for cooking and drinking, the resident draws water from the lagoon for their laundry and bathing. The Lagos State Government sees Makoko as an open sore on the landscape of the city, and had attempted in the past to evacuate the people to other place. In July 2012, the government officials destroyed about 4000 residences after a 72hour notice of eviction. But it was a decision that has run counter to the desire of the residents of Makoko. While the government sees their intervention as a necessary evacuation programme, the res-

idents see it as a callous eviction. For the people, poor sanitary condition in the area matters little, “we are born to live on this water,” says Janet Ajonmape, a resident of Makoko. According to Chief Agoyon, the fishing community has been existing since 18th century when migrants from Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana chose the place for their settlement. But the population of Makoko was not this large then, and the village was not this unclean. Presently, the condition of living in Makoko exposes the residents to any disease imaginable.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, February 8, 2014

METRONOTES

Kudos For Adeyemi, The Generous Giver From Kolawole Timothy, Lokoja year Christmas would forever remain LWestAST fresh in the memories of the people of Kogi Senatorial District, Kogi State, as a day the Senator representing the district, Senator Smart Adeyemi distributed medical equipments, vehicles and other household materials to the people as part of his empowerment programmes for the socio-economic development of his constituency. Kogi West Senatorial District consists of seven councils namely: Kogi, Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East and Ijumu. The ceremony which was held on December 23, 2013 at Iyara in Ijumu council of the state, witnessed large turnout of who is who in the society including the state governor, Captain Idris Wada, his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi and members of Kogi State Executive Council. The seven council chairmen in the state, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Hassan Salau, traditional rulers and members of the ruling PDP also attended the auspicious occasion. To add colour to the ceremony were the dance troupes from Kogi and Kwara state’s Art Councils who entertained guests with their various songs turning the venue into a carnival. Senator Adeyemi used the occasion to distribute various medical equipments such as 23 ambulances, 500 hospital beds, operation theater equipments, X-ray machines, transformers incubators, furnishing, 10 SUVs, three cars and also donated 100 shops for the use of business owners at the Iyara central market.

His wife Mrs. Yemisi Adeyemi gave 60 deep freezers and 60 grinding machines to women of the council. In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ijumu council where Senator Adeyemi hails from, Dr. Remi Oguntola commended the senator for putting smiles on the faces of the people of his constituency, adding that, there is a saying that: “One way to judge a person is by what he says, a better way is by what he does, the best way is by what he gives.” According to him: “Today Senator Smart Adeyemi is complementing the efforts of the state government in Kogi West Senatorial District by giving out state of the art ambulances with full equipments for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation [CPR], blood transfusion and life saving emergency surgeries, incubators that can save the lives of premature babies, wheel chairs, ultrasound machines and tons of disposables to his people. In his speech, Senator Adeyemi said: “The projects are meant to improve the quality of lives of our people by making deliberate attempts to reduce mortality rate in our hospitals through the provision of access to speedy and quality healthcare services. Hence, the need for the ambulances, the idea is to have at least one ambulance within every locality, 15 minutes drive apart in the senatorial district.” On the economic status of the people of his constituency, he explained that a tremendous impact had been recorded in the lives of the people through job creation. He added that, “through various empowerment schemes and by securing employment opportunities for our teeming youth at federal level at least between

Kogi State Governor Idris Wada (right) cutting the tape to commission the project. With him are Adeyemi and others. 2011 till date no less than 150 job slots have been filled by the members of my constituency in different Federal Government ministries and agencies.” On sport development, he explained that he wants the youths to be preoccupied with sports so that they can use it as an agent of development of the state. In his remark, Governor Idris Wada was full of praises for Senator Adeyemi, for his intervention in the health sector through the pro-

vision of the medical equipments, stressing that the state government would continued to support his good works and to extend the gesture to Dekina and Okene councils in the Eastern Senatorial and Central Senatorial District of the state respectively. He then appealed to well meaning Kogites and other federal lawmakers to emulate the good gestures of Senator Adeyemi by supporting the government in its efforts to reduce poverty in the state.

‘Nurturing Leaders, Critical Thinkers Remain Our Priority’ By Femi Adekoya

HERE is a growing desire by a large affluent class of Nigerians to acquire education outside the state due to factors ranging from the declining standards of education, rising insecurity among others. Undoubtedly, the high cost attached to education among private institutions in the country does not seem to be commensurate with the quality of service being delivered. To this end, the key stakeholders at the Greensteds International School, Nakuru, Kenya, believe that the school could fill the gaps and latent desires if opportunities in the school were properly harnessed. Indeed, they believe that the advantage of having the presence of foreign students in a learning community creates opportunities to build relationships. According to them, the most obvious opportunity for relationship building is between native and foreign students, who have the opportunity to be exposed to other cultures, glimpse the global economy and build lifelong friendships. In addition to individual friendships, the community as a whole can dedicate efforts to building relationships with foreign students to ensure that they feel connected. The Headmaster of Greensteds International School, Chris Starling, during an education fair and meeting with some parents in Lagos recently noted that the school, a co-educational day and boarding school which provides an outstanding education based on the British curriculum from Reception to ‘A’ level, achieves its objectives by creating a friendly family atmosphere that nurtures a community feeling where the emotional, physical, creative and intellectual needs of all students are met within an international community. On the interest in Nigeria, Starling said: “We have a lot of interest both from the people here, friends and parents and some schools who desire to know more about our school, as well as interest from people who are seriously considering education that shouldn’t be outside of Nigeria and looking at affordable option instead of sending their children to Europe, which is becoming increasingly expensive. “To achieve this goal, we have designed a smooth transition from Junior to Secondary education through a team of highly professional and dedicated teachers to inspire a lifelong love of learning and to stimulate intellectual curiosity; promote a culture of creativity; develop and nurture critical thinkers, problem solvers, decision makers, responsible risk takers and effective communica-

Murray-Walker tors. Speaking about some of the school’s competitive edge, Starling stated: “With a broad based, dynamic and balanced curriculum where commitment to extra curricular activities is seen as equally important as academic achievement, we have created challenging opportunities for learning, both in, and out of the classroom, creating self assured, focused, disciplined, well-balanced and enterprising young men and women, ready to take their place and to make their mark in modern society. For instance, traditional values such as courtesy, honesty, tolerance and mutual respect are taught in a structured, purposeful manner within the context of a friendly and homely international community. “Although many parents complain about attention being given to students in schools,

Strling we at Greensteds provide individual attention within small class sizes to maximise opportunities for a variety of teaching and learning styles. In an environment where close and effective partnerships between teachers, support staff, parents ensure that every child admitted benefit from the education on offer, we offer a safe and nurturing community where diversity is celebrated and traditional values such as tolerance and mutual respect are practiced”. The school’s Junior School Headmaster, Jon Murray-Walker, added: “In terms of cost, I think Greensteds is more affordable than in Europe. Schools in Europe are charging two or three times more. Secondly, I don’t think their schools have facilities like ours. For international students, they get help right from the airport as they are assisted and handed

over to our teachers. “Our training is geared at developing Independent critical thinkers and active participants in a global society. That is, students who will acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to set and achieve their own goals to become better leaders and guardians of tomorrow’s world by accepting embracing and celebrating cultural diversity and promoting values of respect, honesty and kindness appreciating themselves and others as individuals with rights and responsibilities irrespective of race, religion or gender”. Despite competition in Nigeria and abroad, Starling said the school was proud of its achievements as it constantly looks to move forward; to modify how it operates while retaining its reputation as a leading British Curriculum School in Kenya.

Saturday, February 8, 2014 | 11

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Instructions on how to play the game Starting from the square numbered ‘1’, fill in the first word, writing from left to right. Also fill in the second word, starting in the box numbered '2'.

You will observe that the second word will overlap the first word. Also, the third word will overlap the second word and so on. Keep on filling the words in a clockwise direction until all the squares are completely filled, using the clues/ definitions below:

OVERLAPPING WORD GAME with OLULANA KAYODE O8023183727 olulana3@yahoo.com

Overlapping Word Game ‘43’

Solutions To Overlapping Word Game ‘42’

1. Lagos PDP Governorship Aspirant 2. Make pledge to do 3. Lagos State NCP Gubernatorial Candidate 4. Improve 5. Unit of Ghanaian currency 6. Split into parts 7. God’s arch-enemy 8. Natural embankment beside river 9. Follow 10. Insertion of liquid into rectum 11. Sleeveless cloak 12. City in Rivers State 13. Go in 14. Light-coloured social insect 15. Incite desire in somebody 16. Token of victory 17. Somebody from the USA 18. ‘___ Uduaghan, Delta State Governor 19. Gap in law 20. Flowering evergreen bush 21. Relating to skin 22. Calendar 23. Baby’s bed 24. Without excess fat

1. Jonathan 2. Antidote 3. Tease 4. Eremite 5. Team 6. Amass 7. Scuffle 8. Fledge 9. Geodesy 10. Symbol 11. Bolero 12. Ordain 13. Inch 14. Channel 15. Elevate 16. Atelier 17. Erosion 18. One-Sided 19. Drenched 20. Hedgehop 21. Hopper 22. Erratum 23. Mature 24. Rest

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

On The Path Of Winners

Doing the will of God By Bayo Ogunmupe OING the will of God in order to gain fulfillment is the forgotten secret of success. Jesus said, “my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work,”Jn 4:34. Hardwork isn’t what determines how great you become. Neither does persistence bring automatic success. It takes your doing the will of Jehovah for you to succeed. Increase comes after planting and watering. The pursuit of your purpose and persistence in that pursuit is planting. What then does watering mean? The watering stage in the pursuit of happiness is where we often miss the point. But until you plant and water, it is then that God can give you the increase desired. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God concerning you,” Thessalonians 5:18, Doing the will of God through thanksgiving grants you access to success in life. You don’t gain greatness until you are grateful to God. You cannot gain outstanding success unless you penetrate the mystery of thanksgiving. Ingratitude stops the finger of God which brings success to you. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise,” Hebrew 10:36. Here, we are told we can only receive the promise after we have done the will of the Almighty. And what is the will of God? It is in everything you must give thanks, until the will of God is done, you cannot obtain the promise. So, every pursuit in your life must culminate in thanksgiving, for it to end up in success. If there was no sale yesterday, thank God there was no robbery attack also. For today, thank Jehovah for being divested of fraudsters or that there was no fire outbreak in home and shop. Thus, if you want to receive the hand of God, then lift up your hands in thanksgiving to Him. You may be valiant in the pursuit of your purpose, you may even be very persistent in that pursuit, but nothing will work until you are genuinely thankful to Allah. Divine presence is the ultimate in your clarion for

recognition. God’s presence is your guarantee for the accomplishment of your goals. His presence renders your enemies helpless, paving way for the establishment of your goal. There are many workaholics who died in penury, because of the missing God’s presence. Thus, it isn’t enough to have a goal and the persistence to pursue it. The answer is that you strive to carry God’s presence and praises creates a conducive atmosphere for His presence. Until you Praise Allah, you are not worthy to carry His presence. Until you register in the school of thanksgiving, you will never be successful. No one ever gets anywhere with complaints. Never complain to God, ask Him what you want; “For no good thing would He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Great success is the heritage of the thankful. The ones full of praise for Jehovah and the joyful are those that can provoke the hand of God to produce results. You reign by working. You cannot substitute work with prayer. Life does not reward wishers, it rewards workers. Work strengthens you while laziness wears you out. Hardwork is the secret of success. It provokes God to help you. You cannot succeed alone. Stay connected to God, rely on Him. Envy no one. Know what you want and be ready to give it whatever it takes. Work hard and work smart. The use of your senses is what enhances your results. Always get persuaded by available facts. Then get to work on your field of interest where you wish to excel. Believe in facts and information. Do everything to acquire them, for they will give quality to your reasoning and planning. When facts are applied in your decision making, you come out with excellent results. Work is a commandment from heaven. Prayers are spiritual wishes, and if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. You reign

Fanon by working, Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day, the night cometh, when no man can work, John 9:4. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before Kings, he shall not stand before mean men, Proverbs 22:29. Diligent in his business, not diligent in prayers. Jehovah God works. Work authenticates faith (James 2:18). Life doesn’t answer wishers, it only rewards workers. The harder you work the more profit

you gain. Moreover, hardwork keeps you healthy. Our champion for today is Frantz Omar Fanon, the Martinique-born Algerian and French Psychiatrist, philosopher and revolutionary. He was a writer whose works are influential in post-colonial studies, critical theory and Marxism. As an intellectual Fanon was a radical and humanist concerning colonialism and the cultural consequences of decolonization. In the course of his work as a physician and psychiatrist, Fanon supported the Algerian war of independence from France. He was a member of the Algerian National Liberation Front and for four decades, the life and works of Fanon have inspired anti-colonial liberation movements in Palestine, Sri, Lanka and the United State States. Frantz Omar Fanon was born on the Caribbean Island of Martinique, then a French Colony but now a French county. His father was of African descent, his mother was of Indian and European descent, whose White ancestors came from Strasbourg in Alsace, France. Fanon was born in July 1925 and died in December 1961. After France fell to Germany in1940, at the age of 18, Fanon fled Martinique to the British Dominica to join the Free French Army. He enlisted in the French army and joined an Allied convoy that was stationed in Casablanca, Morocco. When the Nazis was defeated by the Allied forces, Fanon was among the Allied forces that crossed the Rhine into Germany. Then he returned to Martinique in 1945 but didn’t stay long. He then left for France where he studied medicine and psychiatry. In 1952, Fanon wrote Black Skin, White Masks, reflecting his service in the Army. Later he published. The Wretched of The Earth and Toward the African Revolution. There, Fanon revealed himself as a war strategist. Still later, A Dying Colonialism he published before dying as Algerian ambassador to Ghana in 1961.

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

12 Saturday, February 8, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Arts&Culture

Cultural dancers at a previous outing

Chief Executives Of Culture Promise Better Deal In 2014 BY Bridget Chiedu Onochie

“In the area of craft, though we have AFAC platform for them to market their products, we also want to reach out to centres were OING by the projection of some chief executives of culture such art works are produced to assist them in improving their parastatals, the culture sector would witness a beehive of products. “We believe that to add value to their products, there must a activities this year. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr. M.M. Maidugu form of training to equip them with necessary skills and compeas well as the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural tence, especially in areas of design and finishing. “We will look at those that have excelled in those areas Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma respectively told The Guardian that apart from efforts at introducing new pro- and bring them face to face with those that are interested in the grammes, there would be value addition to every aspect of their skill. There would be experts in finishing, packaging and marketing of indigenous fabrics, cane products and other indigeexisting core mandates. Maidugu added that aside national events that bring all the nous arts and crafts”, he said. states of the federation together such as the annual National The NCAC boss also disclosed that various art and craft centres Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), African Arts and Crafts across the country would be competed and commissioned this Expo (AFAC), Honours Lecture/Awards as well as the National year. Some of them include the Textile Tradition Centre, Culture Quiz Competition, the council was planning to meet stakeholders in arts and crafts practice in their respective cen- Oshogbo, Crafts Development Centre, Sokoto, Crafts Development Centre, Ikare as well as Masquerade Tradition tres across the country. The idea, he said, was to identify common areas of need in pro- Practice Centre, Enugu. According to him, most of the centres are duction, packaging and marketing with a view to organizing over 80 per cent completion and would definitely be ready withtraining programmes for them, noting, “What we are trying to in the year. do this year is organize training programmes for the stakehold- For NICO, training of cultural offices that will integrate Nigeria’s ers in the industry. We will reach out to them and identify com- culture into the educational system, remains one of its major mon areas of need and we will bring experts in those areas to focus this year. Other programmes include the quarterly national media workshop for arts writers and editors. train them. The institute has been consistent with this programme since 2010, when Ayakoroma shortly assumed office. Ayakoroma believed that the training, which serves as a platform for arts writers to learn from veterans would help in enhancing reportage towards promotion of art and culture in the country. Others are workshops on repositioning Nigerian workers for improved productivity, national conference for traditional rulers on their roles at ensuring peace and national security, book titled Inspiration on the Go by Reverend Inyang annual public lectures - a forum for intellectual discourse on culOkutinyang, first pastor of Christ Love Fellowship, Obafemi ture as well as the indigenous language programme. Meanwhile, the institute is panning a national conference for Awolowo University, also a graduate of Kenneth Hagen’s Rhema chairmen and councilors on their responsibilities in packaging Bible Training College, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of Nigerian culture to meeting the challenges of globalization. America, is due for launch on tomorrow, Sunday, February 9, This, Ayakoroma said, would motivate them to encourage cre2014. Time is 4pm at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and ativity and promotion f cultural industries at the grassroots. Industry (LCCI) Conference & Exhibition Centre, beside Marwa “It will also encourage interface and interaction among the Garden, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. local government on cultural matters as well as encourage propThe book is a compendium of years of inspiring counsel and divine snippets from God’s word. It is a perfect companion as it’s er documentation of our cultural heritage”. down-to-earth, encouraging content guarantees to help readers Aside plans to henceforth participate in exhibitions and trade to create forum for interaction with Nigerians on culture matters, through the hustle and bustle of each day. the Institute also has plans for the younger ones. Some of the From the first chapter to the last, the reader is encouraged to platforms for children include children’s cultural extravaganza focus on the prize of the high calling of god, run the race and as well as establishment of cultural clubs at the secondary school finish it. The author, Rev. Okutinyang, is the founder of Faith level. Impact Ministries & Christ Lovers Christian Centre. For NCAC, although Ogun and Ondo States would be given due

Inspiration on the Go For Launch Tomorrow

consideration for the hosting right of NAFEST 2014, Maidugu said the door is opened for other states, who are also keen in hosting as the ticket is not automatic. Ogun State first indicated interest at the close of NAFEST in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, in 2011. For obvious reasons, the next two editions went to Kwara and Bayelsa States respectively. It was not clear whether the State is practically ready this year to match words with action or would continue to watch while fresh bidders take advantage of the platform. Maidugu however expressed delight that things are looking up for the Council as far as NAFEST hosting is concerned. According to him, state governments have suddenly come to appreciate the economic impact of the festival to the people of the state. Rather than plead with states to host the one-week cultural fiesta, he said states now request for hosting right. “Interestingly, hosting of NAFEST has changed from what it used to be. Now, to our greatest pleasure, state governments have seen the importance of the platform of NAFEST - a platform that brings together all Nigerians for one week to celebrate Nigeria and to celebrate the achievement of government, and state governments have developed interest. “ Rather than FG to contact states, asking them to host the festival, the states have taken it upon themselves to request to host the festival. Last year, we had up to three states on the line but Bayelsa was able to win. This year, our priority consideration would be given to those states that wanted to host last year but couldn’t host. The two states were Ogun and Ondo. As soon as we meet in March at the Chief Executive of Culture Meeting, the issue of which state would host the 2014 edition would be decided. “But hosting right would however be opened to more states that have interest. It is not a request that is utomatic, there are lots of other considerations such as facilities and the ability of the state to host a national event of that magnitude”. Aside all other considerations, granting of hosting right is usually a consensus between all the states and other stakeholders, and would be approved by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation. As a centenary edition, Maidugu said the various activities would reflect historical perspective of the festival to appraise the extent of growth and development since inception several decades ago. Also in the spirit of the celebration, AFAC, which comes up within first week of June, may witness an increase in the duration of the regional market. Maidigu noted that preparation towards this year’s edition began immediately after 2013 edition. According to him, efforts are being made, not only to extend the time beyond the usual seven days but also to increase participation and enhance arrangement of pavilions in line with products.

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Saturday, February 8, 2014 13

Saturday, February 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, February 8, 2014 15

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

DIARY

MD SPNS Consulting, Mr. Debo Adebayo, Director Professional Development, CIPM, Dr. Charles Ugwu; Chairman Board Of Directors, SPNS Consulting, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa (OFR); and Former Group Human Resources Manager, FIDSON Healthcare, Mr. Ernest Onyejekwe during a maiden edition of breakfast seminar themed ‘Discovering the Value of Business Process Management (BPM) for Business Productivity and Profitability’, organized by SPNS consulting during the week.

Executive Secretary, NTCC, Somadina Johnson Anene, Executive Chairman, NTCC, Dr. Eze Eche Hyacinth, Director General, NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, Vice President, NTCC, Mr Abraham Nda-Isaiah and Board Member, NTDC, Mr. Andy Nkemneme during the signing of MOU at the Corporate Headquarters of NTDC in Abuja… recently

Chief Executive, Sun Flag Group of Companies, Mr. S.K Ahuja (4th left on the front row); Group Marketing Manager, Mr. Vinay Sood (5th left); and other members of staff of the company during a business forum with School Proprietors organized by Sun Flag and Best of the World in Lagos on Thursday Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial district, Adegbenga Kaka, his wife Alhaja Oladunni Kaka and his Royal Highness, the Sopen lukale of Ijebu –Igbo, Oba Mufutau Yusuf at the commissioning of Molusi College Staff-room Blocks, and Mosque by Kaka in Ogun State…recently

Commander in charge of Information, Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos, Lieutenant Commander Olabisi Wey, his counterpart at the Naval Training Command, Lieutenant Commander Ahmed Hamman at the Nigerian Navy end of the year ball in Lagos… recently Executive Proprietor, Ifako International Secondary School, Mr. Wande Majekodunmi (fourth right), Kazeem Taiwo (left), Kunle Sokunbi, Bunmi Omole, Dr. Dare Raymond Osho, Abiola Raji, Mrs. Bunmi Olubi and Obieze Emenebo at the school’s re-union dinner in Lagos…recently

Barrister Eniola Leyimu flanked her father, Mr. Boye Leyimu) and her mother Mrs. Nike Leyimu (mother) during her Call-To-Bar in Abuja…recently

Chief Akinola Ogunyolemi and his wife with Elegbeda of Egbeda, HRM Oba Samson Balogun and the Asoju Oba Egbeda, Alhaji Kazeem during the installation ceremony of the Ogunyolemis as Otunba Amoyi Oba and Yeye Otunba Amoyi Egbeda… recently

Former Miss Oreoluwa Oyindamola Bankole and her husband Opeyemi Olorunfemi Asu cutting their wedding cake during their wedding ceremony held in Abeokuta, Ogun State…recently

The Guardian’s Deputy Lagos City Editor, Godfrey Okpugie’s daughter, Rita recently wedded in Benin City, Edo State. Mr. V. Ogbemudia (left), Mr. Julius Adetola, the couple, Mr. and Mrs. Emma Aroloye, Mr. Wilson Ebong (the National Representative of the Bible Standard Ministries), Mr. Efosa Osadolor and Mr. Orok Obot.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

16 | Saturday, February 8, 2014

SOCIETY Last Respects For Late Mrs. Ella Ikokwu Recently, the former State chairman of National Peoples Party in old Anambra state and chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Guy Ikokwu buried his late wife, Ella who died in the United States. The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries. Below are some that attended the ceremony.

Chief Guy Ikokwu, Prof Pat Utomi and others

President Aka Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazuruike and others at the service of song

Chief Ikokwu and some lawyers

Igwe Ochendo and others at the service of song

Glitz, Glamour As NIM Installs Uwaga As President THE Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) recently inducted its 19th President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Nelson Uwaga and his executives at the banquet hall of the Muson Center, Lagos. Below are some faces that graced the occasion.

The 19th President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Dr. Nelson Uwaga (right), been congratulated after his induction by his predecessor, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole

Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande (right), the immediate past President and Chairman of Council of NIM, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole (middle) and the incumbent Head of the Institute, Dr. Nelson Uwaga (left).

Dr Nelson Uwaga and his spouse, a foremost industrialist and a past President of the institute, Dr Michael Omolayole (middle), a transformation strategist and another past president of the Institute, Chief Lugard Aimiwiu (back) and Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole.

Uwaga (right), Dr. Michael Omolayole (middle), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole (right) and another past President, Dr. Lugard Aimiuwu (back).

TheGuardian

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Saturday, February 8, 2014 17

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Love&Life

... Celebrating The Feelings You Share!

With Michael Uchebuaku

Princess Of

IN THIS EDITION

Love

True Confession:

‘I Hate My Step-Son

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Love Adventure: ‘I Moved To London To Be With A Guy Who Immediately Dumped Me’

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

Romantic Jokes Link-Up (Love/Dating Connections)

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True Confession From Abroad:

Dayo, busty, a single mother, wants a man for a mutual relationship. 08121644406.

‘I Framed My Co-Worker For Stealing From Charity’ Love News: Queen Bans Kate’s Short Skirts For Aussie Trip

Love Connections

Precious, 32, needs a mature man of 34-45 years for marriage. 08089257389. Shade, 33, a widow, HIV Positive, needs a HIV Positive medical doctor of 40-45 years for marriage. 09032666764. Ariyike, 35, self-employed, wants an educated, capable man for a relationship. 08164472300. A 24-year-old Yoruba girl needs a man of 3439 years that stays in Abeokuta or Ibadan for a serious relationship. 09032660408.

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

Jane, 28, graduate, needs a graduate, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

‘I Moved To London To Be With A Guy Who Immediately Dumped Me’

AST year, my boyfriend was hired to work on a movie that was shooting in the UK. He had to move there for nine months and we decided that I would fly out and stay with him while he was working. I had never been to London, so it was a great opportunity to model overseas. I met and signed with an agency a week after I got there. I was immediately whisked off to castings in a city where I had to learn the public transportation system within an hour. Luckily, the London Underground is color-coded and a million times easier to learn than the NYC subway. I’m also very attracted to British men and was more than happy to ask for directions. I couldn’t get enough of tall, pale,

Pete Doherty-looking men asking me, “Where are you trying to go, love?” Umm, inside of your pants? It was also the first time in my life I contemplated smoking cigarettes to look cool. Fuck, London is so cool. My first two castings were with Net-APorter and Topshop. The Topshop on Oxford Street is the craziest store in the entire world. It’s five floors and they have a café and nail salon in it. There’s an entire floor just for bags. It’s nuts, guys. My reaction upon first walking in there was like Kevin McCallister’s when he sees Duncan’s Toy Chest in Home Alone 2. I think every girl I met in London was wearing at least two pieces of Topshop clothing at all times. I may have an unhealthy obsession with Topshop. I

Happy Birthday, go fuck yourself. I had moved to London, got a visa, an agency, and ditched commercial season in LA need to change the subject. against the advice of my manager to be I ended up booking a job for Regis with a guy I was in love with. At least Salons that was shooting in I’ve learned my lesson about never relyManchester. I was actually in New ing on men for anything. York for a few days meeting with ediI made a lot of changes in my life to be tors about a book I have yet to write, with him in London, and now all that when my London agent called to tell work was a total waste. My first me I booked the job. It was a pretty response to him was, “Umm, no we are decent-paying job so I was stoked. not breaking up.” That didn’t work. I grabbed a slice of pizza on my way I sat on my hotel bed staring at my back to my hotel and called my uneaten slice of pizza, asking why he boyfriend to tell him the good news. was doing this now, as opposed to His response was, “That’s great news, when I got back to London. He said his umm, I think we need to break up.” friend told him to call me now rather “I’m sorry, what did you say?” than later. Great advice, idiot! Now I Yeah, he broke up with me. Oh, it had to sit on a nine-hour flight back to was four days after my birthday too. London trying to figure out my life.

Love Adventure

He said, “Well I thought maybe you’d just want to fly back to LA and not see me again.” “I have a job in Manchester and most of my clothes are in your house, why the hell would you think I’d do that?” I was so angry. I really wish he had waited until I got back to London to drop this news on me. I couldn’t eat or sleep. When I got back to his house I started packing. I asked him what the hell went wrong and why he hadn’t told me he was having these feelings before I decided to drop everything and move my life to London. He said, “Well I didn’t feel like this a week ago.”

18 |

Saturday, February 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN, www.ngrguardiannews.com

LOVE&LIFE Dear Love Doctor, Being a stepmother is my worst nightmare. I never had the desire or yearned children of my own but fell in love with a man who has his son 85 per cent of the time. I thought I could hack it, but I am really at the end of my tether. My stepson Harry disrespects me even though I have bent over backwards for him and have always put in 150 percent effort with him. I contribute along with his father for the upkeep of the family and this leaves me financially drained. It's just not fair to me. And though I have been more of a mother figure than his mum, I am not treated as an equal. I am becoming increasingly unhappy with the situation. I would never harm him in anyway but I wish so badly that he would just go live with his mother. I can honestly say if I never saw him again I wouldn't shed a tear or miss him one single bit! It would be AWESOME if he moved out and I could never see him again. I love the alone time with my husband and the only reason I have lasted this long is because I love him so much. I know this may sound selfish, but I miss my husband.

‘I Hate My Step-Son’ would make life easier all round for the three of you. Work as a team with him to make his son feel loved and cherished. Children are very intuitive and he will know that you don’t like Love Doctor’s Advice: him and can’t wait to be rid of him, so If you sincerely want to make a go of you cannot expect a positive response or any sort of warm relationship until it, then the effort has to come from you put the real effort in yourself. you as well as the recognition that You’ve built a strong and loving relayou need to look honestly at your tionship with his dad and you need to behaviour. Whatever you might build one with him so try doing some think, you have not given 150 per things together just for the two of you. cent nor are you a mother figure to this little boy, who appears to be let It could be connected to his dad, like organising a birthday treat or cooking down badly by both you and his mother so his father’s love and affec- him a special meal, because one thing tion will be even more important. By you have in common is that you both all means enjoy the time alone with love the same person and can start from that angle. your husband, but stop thinking At the heart of this is the simple fact about yourself the rest of the time, that you fell in love with a man who is and if you want to be treated as an a fantastic dad and he always will be equal then behave like one. If you can’t love your stepson then but whether or not he is always your at least treat him with respect, as you husband will undoubtedly be affected would anyone else of importance to by how you treat his son. You don’t your husband. Talk to your husband have to be your step son’s mother but if you get this right you and he could without being negative about his have a very strong friendship which son and ask him what he thinks

True Confession

Love News

Queen Bans Kate's Short Skirts For Aussie Trip

HE Queen is giving the Duchess of Cambridge an Australian makeover for her trip Down Under, asking her to ditch her short skirts in favour of longer hemlines and royal tiaras. Kate, Prince William and sixmonth-old Prince George will be making their highly anticipated trip to Oz in April for their first royal tour of Australia and New Zealand. As well as travelling with her fam-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 employed man of 29-33 years for marriage. 08112716256. Julie, 23, in Lagos, needs a man to take care of her. 08052541447. Funmi, 35, self-employed, wants an honest and reliable Christian man of 38-42 years for marriage. 08111177043. Oyenike, 38, needs a loving and caring man of 45years+ who can assist her. 08137829695. Men looking for relationship/marriage: Akanbi, 40, works in Lagos, a Christian, needs a lady of 25-30 years. 07053152505. Remi, 38, wants a lady of 20-35 years in Lagos. 09093242550.

can only enhance your marriage.

ily, Kate will be accompanied by a team of people to dress her in daily couture outfits, with up to four outfit changes per day to meet the Queen’s high standards. Kate will be travelling with an entourage that includes her hairdresser, Amanda Cook Tucker, and the Queen’s own personal dresser, Angela Kelly, who has dressed the Queen for the past 20 years. “Angela has been asked to start selecting jewels ahead of the trip,” a

royal source told UK newspaper The Mail On Sunday. “She knows most of the pieces in the Queen’s private collection. Her understanding is crucial because this trip will be about Kate appearing more royal than ever – you can expect to see a lot more tiaras, and the Queen will be watching closely.” The 32-year-old new mother will also be carrying some breathtakingly expensive jewels, including tiaras, royal stones from the Queen’s personal collection and a set of Indian gems, known as the Cambridge Jewels, which have been passed down through royal women, from the Queen Mother to Princess Diana. The Queen has hand-selected sentimental pieces for Kate to wear from her own personal collection, including her mother’s diamond and ruby hibiscus brooch that was given to her as a gift from Australia in 1958, and her own golden wattle brooch, which she received on her Coronation Tour of Australia in 1954. Kate has also contacted such labels as Alexander McQueen and Alice Temperley to ask them to design her Australian gowns and day dresses.

Love Connections woman of 28-34 years for marriage. 09034887573. Dan, 38, fair, in Lagos, needs a working or businesswoman of 30-41 years for marriage. 08105266854. Bola, 39, wants a beautiful, comfortable, working woman of 3545 years for a serious relationship. 08086715680. Victor wants a sugar mum from Abuja. 08140666650. Jimmy wants a girl of 19-25 years or a sugar mummy. 08038174191. Kelvin, 27, romantic, in Lagos, needs a cougar lady for serious relationship. 08169354747.

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*If you want daily love tips and advice, download The Color of Love guide on your iPhone or iPad now. Download the Colour Of Love App free at https://itunes.apple.com/ng/app/thecolor-of-love-guidefree/id767393599?mt=8 Or search for Color of Love in the Apple App Store on your IPhone or iPad and download The Color of Love guide today.

Fertility Problems/ Miscarriages/ Seeking Male Child 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, 08131161840. Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641 to link up and for direct hook up. Also call if you have engagement, marriage, wedding, anniversary or birthday announcements to make. Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top three answers. Bamidele, 21, in Lagos, 07017732611, is asking all men: “Is sex part of love?” *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

Romantic Jokes After The Honeymoon A couple returns from their honeymoon refusing to speak to each other. The groom's best friend takes him aside and asks what's wrong. “Well,” replies the man, “when we finished making love on the first night, I put a $50 bill on the pillow without thinking.” “Oh, you shouldn't worry about that too much,” says his friend. “I'm sure your wife will get over it soon enough. She can't expect you to have been saving yourself all these years.” “That's not the problem, “ the groom says. “She gave me $20 change!”

Words Of Wisdom “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them” —Dalai Lama.

Lovers' Answers Game The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top three answers. Tesy, on 08139330148, is asking all men, How can you know a man that loves you so much? *Call Michael: 07031028714, 08023700641 to send questions or issues.

What Is Low Sperm Count? a low sperm count are still able to father a child. Azoospermia is the medical condition of a man not having any measurOW sperm count means that able level of sperm in his semen. It is the fluid (semen) you ejaculate associated with very low levels of ferduring an orgasm contains tility or even sterility, but many fewer sperm than normal. A low forms are amenable to medical treatsperm count is also called ment. ... oligospermia. A complete absence The consistent use of hot tubs or of sperm is called azoospermia. baths, recreational drugs such as Your sperm count is considered alcohol, cocaine, marijuana or tobaclower than normal if you have few- co, and fevers from flu’s or other er than 15 million sperm per milli- infections can all lower sperm counts liter of semen. in otherwise healthy men. Chronic Having a low sperm count stress from sleep disorders, traveldecreases the odds that one of ling, or from work or emotional your sperm will fertilize your part- issues can also lower sperm counts. ner's egg, resulting in pregnancy. Generally, their effects are reversible Nonetheless, many men who have upon recovery.

Love Dictionary

Israel wants a responsible lady from 30 years and above for a serious relationship. 07086897787. Sam needs a partner. 08166454680.

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Ade, 39, graduate, employed, in Lagos, needs a responsible and attractive graduate, working lady of 22-40 years from any tribe for marriage. 08167885874.

Victor needs a sugar mummy. 08140666650.

Your say: Have you had a similar experience? Call Love Doctor Mike now to share your stories and thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. *Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com If you’re in a crisis, call for help: 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08023700641 or Chris 08023913619. Visit www.romancestory.org

Ifeanyi, Accounting graduate, needs someone to help him get a job. 08085137573. * Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641 to link up and for direct hookup. *If you have announcements to make: Call Mike-07031028714 or Simon-07032944123. *SCAM ALERT: Beware of scammers! Please do not respond to any strange numbers besides the official number 07031028714 above for link up or to publish your request. Be warned!

Saturday, February 8, 2014 | 19

THE GUARDIAN, www.ngrguardiannews.com

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

LOVE&LIFE

Coconut Beach:

Fun Place Of Relaxation

Located in the town of Badagry in Lagos which has the reputation of being a centre of slave trade in the 1800s, Coconut Beach is pleasant and fascinating, and it provides excellent holiday resort. Visitors who are unaccustomed to the tropical sun are advised to wear hats as it can be warm at mid-day. The beach has lots of coconut trees all over the place! Courtesy: Cometonigeria.com

‘I Framed My Co-Worker For Stealing From Charity True Confessions From Abroad I had been working full-time as a receptionist for a year when I decided to take up part-time study. So I didn't have to leave a job I loved, I suggested that we hire another receptionist to fill in for me on the days I'd be at uni. This seemed like the perfect solution to accommodate my new schedule. Jane was soon hired and she seemed nice and pretty eager to learn how the office worked. A month later, the office began to fall apart. When coming in for my shift after Jane's, I was greeted by a multitude of files strewn across the desk, an overflowing garbage bin

mouth he erupted with angry accusations: “You keep forgetting to water the foyer plants!” and “Were you rude to one of my clients last week?!” I wasn't responsible for anything he was saying and I began to correct and an answering machine filled with messages about unreturned calls. It was apparent him when he cut me off: “I don't care! Sort it out between yourselves — just get this place that Jane was so lazy that most days it was back in order!” like she didn't come in to the office at all. I It just wasn't fair. Not only was I constantly confronted her about the state of chaos she left the office in. She laughed off my concerns cleaning up after Jane and doing her part of the job, I was now getting in trouble for her! and told me to “calm down”. I was furious! No matter how many reminders I left for Jane One day, I came in to the office and my boss or how many times I told her the rules, she pulled me aside. Before I could open my

ignored me. Now my boss wasn't listening to me. I realised Jane was never going to pull her weight, but she was going to keep her job regardless. Something had to change. Brimming with frustration, I scowled at our desk covered in paper and mess. Suddenly, I had a stroke of genius. My office had been supporting a local charity by selling chocolates on their behalf from our front desk. At the end of the day I phoned the charity's local rep Tom, who happened to be a mate of mine, to let him know that we were out of stock and the money was ready for collection. “Yep, all the money is here — I counted it myself,” I confirmed. I then delved into the box and pocketed half of the proceeds, knowing that Jane was working the next day and would be the one to hand over the box to Tom. A few days later Tom, who could hardly contain his disgust, told me what happened. Jane handed Tom the cash envelope and he counted it in front of her. Obviously, it was short. “It's all there — well, it should be” Jane nervously insisted. Tom turned a bright shade of crimson. After realising that only half the cash was there, he yelled: “How dare you steal from charity! You are the lowest form of human being!” Tom then demanded to see our boss while Jane was left at reception, tears steaming down her face. My boss was horrified and fired Jane on the spot. The fact that she requested a pay rise earlier in the week and had been turned down made her look guilty — even though she protested that she hadn't stolen it. I've since left the job, incensed by the way my boss refused to listen to me. I never told Tom the truth. But every time I see a charity chocolate stand, I make sure I buy a few to return the money that I actually stole! All names have been changed. Picture posed by models. Your say: Have your say about this true confession below... NB: Call Mike on 2347031028714 if you have a story from abroad to share with us.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

20 | Saturday, February 8, 2014

RELATIONSHIPS

A Valentine Wish: Give Us These Men By Alita Joseph

The man of strength is the one that governs his household or anywhere his authority extends with firm love. He chides where necessary and takes punitive actions where it is called for. He is not feared, but respected. He is the one that people around him can trust as a leader.

T is not news that the Ilenged woman has chalthe man so

much in roles that were once thought as only better carried out by the man. Still, we want to continue to stress that the man should strive to take over his duties as tradition or even nature has deemed fit to allocate to him. That the woman can now do more than was thought possible for her to accomplish is only a help for the man to improve on his act and not give up entirely. A woman can only go so far in shouldering a man’s responsibility because her delicate physique and emotion are not equipped to endure the consequences of strain or stress. For example, she still cannot operate heavy machinery without breaking down sooner or later. She cannot function as the family’s breadwinner successfully for a long time if her man still lives with her. When she takes over as sole provider of the family, she is not looking at it as a long time arrangement; she is thinking of helping her man and family in time of crisis, believing that soon, he will get his bearing again. She is aware of her limited capacities in a man’s world, as the relationship goes, so she

The Romantic Man MANY men believe it is not masculine to show how they feel, especially when it concerns falling in love. The modern woman disagrees with this opinion, however, and wants assurance in any way possible and as many times as possible. But she is not asking that you fake your feelings; what she wants is that you surprise her with a gift when she is not expecting it. She loves that display of affection when she is down and feeling low. These days, your wife is certainly that smartly dressed chic that is well educated and a successful player in her field

continues to look out for that man who takes his duty as a man seriously. She looks for the man who can take care of her and her needs. Basically, she seeks continually. Man Of Strength HIS is not the man who spends his time to build his muscle, but a man who can administer his home with a firm hand.

He is not violent physically and neither is he the verbally, abusive spouse or father. He is not a man who sees politics as a way to unleash terror on opponents. He is not the lily-livered man who uses office politics to tear down his colleague. He is not the man that accumulates women as wives because the idea is a status symbol. To him, women are individuals who are entitled to their opinion and rights.

of work. Be proud of her; make her proud by helping her to carry those heavy loads. When you relieve her delicate frame of these heavy shopping, you are not doing her a favour; you are helping your image as a man. Surprise her with an occasional ticket for a get-away for two, even if she earns more than you do.

Relationships Built On Love By Kemi Amushan E all want to fall in love at some point in our lives and I know sometimes it can be hard finding the right person, but how you fall in love and who you fall in love with is completely up to you. There is actually nothing that is more exciting and exhilarating than falling in love, or is there? Sadly, though, many of us have learned that it is just as easy to fall out of love, as it was to fall into it. And while finding love and affection is one of our greatest personal needs, why is it that so few seem to stay in love? Falling in love can be the start of a loving relationship, but lasting relationships don’t just happen; they grow. In many ways, nurturing a relationship is like tending a garden; neglect it and it dies. Constant care and cultivation, including the following suggestions, are needed to keep love alive and growing. Love Is Actually Being There ONE of the chief ingredients of love is to give another person your presence. Without presence, as a great writer once said, love receives an invitation to die, as weird and scary as it may sound. Presence is not only spending physical time with another person, but also giving him or her your undivided attention when you are with him/her. It includes being sensitive to his/her feelings and aware of his/her needs. It means not only hearing with your ears, but much more so, also hearing with your heart. For instance, recently, I visit a friend who spent the entire time talking about his interests and concerns. I tried to share some of my interests, too, but felt as if my words fell on deaf ears.

There was no experiencing of mutual presence, which is the basis for all meaningful relationships, including friendships. Love Is Understanding MOST behaviour is caused or motivated. Once we understand this, we can be much more accepting and loving. For example, a male friend of mine who had two kids, both boys, was having difficulty with one of them. One was the “perfect” child, the other “constantly rebelling.” ‘Is one of your children a favourite?’ I asked the father. With a tinge of embarrassment, he admitted the “perfect” child was. ‘Do you think this could be the cause of your difficult son’s negative behaviour?’ I asked again. The answer was too obvious. Much negative behaviour in adults, as well as children, is caused by not feeling adequately loved. This may have its roots in present relationships or from unmet childhood needs. Either way, when people are acting negatively or yelling, they are hurting and, in a way, however clumsily, they are yelling for help. If we can see this and take the time to understand the real cause behind their behaviour, instead of taking it personally and yelling back, we can go a long way in strengthening our love relationships. Love Is Accepting Responsibility MOST of us bring the excess baggage of unresolved issues from the past

into our close relationships. For example, the man who didn’t get along with his mother and is still angry at her will inevitably take out his hostility on his wife and family. Or the woman who felt mistreated by her father or some other significant male and is distrustful of men will take out her hurt and anger on her husband, and so on. If we desire to stay in love, it is imperative that each of us accepts the responsibility for resolving our inner conflicts that cause dissension in our present relationships. We were not responsible for our upbringing, but we are now totally responsible for what we do about resolving any negative effects our past had on us. Love Is More Than Sex LOVE is much more than a physical relationship; it is also an emotional relationship. The man who ignores the emotional needs of his wife and expects to receive a warm response in bed is inviting frustration. Women are not machines to be turned on at will. Sex starts in the

kitchen at six, not in the bedroom at nine. A long-lasting physical relationship is the result of an ongoing healthy emotional relationship. On the other hand, the wife who no longer shows any interest in her husband’s life outside the home feels totally shocked when she discovers that one of the younger women at the office has. Many men (and women too) who get involved in extra-marital activity don’t do it so much for sexual reasons, but for companionship. They look for someone who will listen to them and make them feel important and appreciated. And that is the simple truth. Love Is Romance I READ about one woman who had been married for 25 years. She was in front of her house when the newlywed man from across her house arrived home from work. His wife rushed out the door to greet him and they stood embracing for a long time. The observer got the message. When her husband came home that evening, she did likewise. The rewards of all such romantic gestures are well worth the effort. And men, please do not forget that we ladies love a little gift from time to time that make us feel loved and important. A good tip for keeping romance alive, as one person suggested, is to have an affair with your wife? Love Is A Commitment LOVE that lasts is a commitment of one imperfect person to

another imperfect person. It means that no matter what, ‘I am committed to you and to your growth. I will be what you need me to be, not necessarily what you want me to be. ‘If you need me to be loving and affectionate, I will be loving and affectionate. Or if for your growth, you need me to be tough and firm, I will be tough and firm. ‘Within the bounds of my own imperfections, I will always strive to do and be what is best for your growth.’ This kind of commitment means that one will not try to manipulate the other person to get his or her own way, but will at all times maintain gut-level, open and honest communication. I know it is not an easy task, but it is the way of love. Love Is Spiritual LOVE is not only physical and emotional, but it is also spiritual. For instance, couples that attend church regularly are 42 per cent more likely to be still married for the first time than couples that don’t go to church. However, it is more than just going to church that makes a marriage happy; it is commitment that makes the difference. Those truly committed to their spiritual faith are 23 per cent more likely to have a “very happy” marriage than couples that don’t go to church. The point I am trying to make is that when we respond to God’s love, He gives us “a spirit of power, love and self-discipline,” all of which are essential for cultivating loving relationships. So, if you are a Christian and do not attend church regularly, why not start this week. Find a church where love, friendship and affection are expressed. This too can help to greatly enrich your love life. To the loving relationship we all deserve, good luck in love and life.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

LOVE & LIFE Saturday, February 8, 2014 21

WEEKEND with AMARA

08116706852 Email: amara@amarablessing.com

Mistakes Women Make In Marriage

Busybody I receive messages from women crying out in pain because they saw certain messages on his phone. One recently called me and said she saw a message from a woman addressing her husband as “darling”. The man’s response was a very official one. I did my best to convince her by telling her there may not be anything between them as colleagues (this isn’t acceptable at the work place) and high school friends use such for each other. But I want to ask you a question: what are you looking for in his phone? The earlier you learn to get your ears and eyes off his phone, the longer you will live. Get busy with something meaningful and you will no longer have time for his phone. Avoid those unfriendly friends who come to you with stories of your husband’s sexcapades. Have you Insecurity Some women are so insecure; they threaten cared to ask what they were doing in that other women especially the ones they see hotel when they saw him? Many of them talking to their husbands. They put all their want your man and the only way they can effort into that instead of focusing on the en- have him is to get you out of the way. ergy that will keep their marriage strong. If women could learn to focus on their mar- Unfriendliness Towards In-Laws riage and not let petty things like cheap talk Ladies, this is still Africa and communal livget in the way, then the marriage might ing is part of our culture. I support the idea of marriage and issues surrounding it being have a chance. I feel sad each time I see women fight other discussed and solved in the bedroom. But I women for wanting their husband. I have don’t support the idea of women trying to told this story countless number of times make their in-laws strangers in the home. If about a family friend who lost her three you want peace in your home, your mothermonths pregnancy just because she went to in-law must become your mother while your fight husband’s girlfriend. She has not been sister-in-law becomes a sibling. If you know how to pound, pound in the mortar; if you pregnant again. Fighting a woman for your husband means don’t know how to pound, pound on the you have very low self-esteem, you have no ground. Do not isolate yourself from your husband’s respect for your husband, or you got him the crooked way and so you must struggle relatives. Remember you will need them any all your life to keep him because you know time so try and stay connected to them no you are not good enough for him. And for matter how hard they may seem to be. You your information, I have seen men pack to will be building a strong family foundation another house bought by them for their girl- for your children too. Don’t deny them the friend just because madam tried beating up privilege of knowing their hometown and relations just because you want to act “on top the girl. You may end up losing that precious thing of the world”. Allow them go to the stream you want to keep to yourself if you continue and enjoy the beauty of the rural area. the way you are going. Even if the man wants to be too civil, he will leave that very No Sex one you know and move to another. How Women are so emotional and tend to use sex many are you going to fight? Stop going to as a tool to punish their husbands after a his office at odd times just because you want fight. They deny their husbands sex and in to know who visits him. Allow the man to doing so, sometimes the husbands tend to relax and occasionally catch fun with look elsewhere. Don’t listen to that foolish woman advising you to deny him sex so as to friends. They must not womanize when they are to- get that new car or money. Girls, very beautigether. Stop making yourself a beer parlour ful ones are everywhere and they are ever woman by your constant visits with him. We available to help you do the work. And for know you are not going there because you your information, that woman acting tough love it; you just want to satisfy your restless may be a slave to her husband. One of those devilish women was at my ofsoul. Don’t kill yourself with irrelevancies.

HAT haven’t I done to please him? Am I going to lose my life before he realizes how much I love and respect him?” These and many other questions come before me regularly. I can understand; I know how you feel because I have been there. It hurts when you put in your all only to realize that your best wasn’t good enough. I acknowledge the fact that there are men who will not change no matter how much you put in. But I also know that there are some good men out there who have been driven away by their own wives into the arms of another woman. C’mon girls, let’s look at those terrible mistakes we often make in marriages:

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IMAGE AND ETIQUETTE With Pamela

fice sometime ago. One of my workers told me how she tried to convince them to agree that they must always demand money from their husbands before sex. Isn’t she a prostitute in her home? Nagging Another thing that can really irritate a man is when you complain too much. Nagging or even being too much of a critic will surely not go down well with him. Women fail to understand that love is not owning a man entirely. He shouldn’t lose his individuality because he is married to you. This occurs more in marriages than in dating because for some crazy reason, some women think that once they have a man wearing a ring on his finger, that they can abuse him all they want. Women may not realize that nagging is abuse, but to most men, it is a form of abuse that they silently endure until they have had enough. Give the man space and occasionally advise him. He is your husband and not your son. Unfriendly Friends Sometimes, women normally choose the wrong people to discuss their issues with. They think all the friends they have are there to listen to them and in the end they find themselves with very wrong advice. Women should always be careful when choosing friends, especially the ones they open their hearts to. Don’t just pour your heart out to someone. Some people are out to destroy others. You keep wondering why your husband is getting worse even after all the prayers and visit to church without knowing that your darling friend tells him and his relations all you say about them. Even if she doesn’t tell him, her advice to you may be just to destroy your home. Appearance If you think you are married and can now stop taking care of your appearance, you are so wrong. Stay attractive and be sure you are not the one pushing him out with your looks. Keep the look he fell in love with. Staying attractive is not about bleaching your skin because his girlfriend is light complexioned. He fell in love with a dark skin, keep it for him. He saw a flat tummy and well toned hips and fell in love. Please keep them the way he first met them. Childbirth is never an acceptable reason for big tummy and wrong choice of bra. Changing church is not a reason to ignore those lovely hairdos he was attracted to. You can wear your African hairstyles and still be attractive. For some time now, my hairstyles are strictly African. He saw you first in a fitted dress; why do you now feed his eyes with those oversized

skirts?

Keeping Secrets Some women are dishonest. They moment they get married, they become unhappy and start hiding things from their husbands. They become secretive to the point where they alienate themselves from a relationship. Always tell your man the truth. Remember that he loves you for who you are. Let him know where the land or house you bought is. If he is your husband and not a stranger, he will know what you own. And who knows; you may die before him. Don’t go with the mindset that your husband must not be your next of kin. If you don’t trust him, why close your eyes while lying next to him? Inability To Feed Him A good number of women no longer bother to know how their husbands feed. Madam, because you have ten stewards doesn’t mean you should ignore your husband. You may not always be there to serve him, but please prepare his soup yourself. It’s sad to note that women now use domestic staff to cover up their inability to cook well. There is a saying in my place: “a mother’s food tastes different”. Your children and husband want to eat mummy’s food. Too Accommodating Heitler calls it “appendage-itis,” in which the wife is basically being an accessory to the husband, instead of being a full and equal partner in marriage. Usually, they’re afraid it could make a fight or some unpleasantness, or they just think somehow, on a subconscious level, in order to preserve the relationship, they have to diminish what they themselves want. The sense of helplessness leads to anger that eventually boils over. It’s always a very devastating one. Always let the man know when his actions don’t go down well with you. You must not agree with him at all times. And don’t forget, he listens to you and allows you to control him when he sees a submissive wife. This is why you must marry your friend. Godlessness You have pushed God aside for your husband and material things. Remember, He is the one who gives you power to make wealth. Never worship the gift more than the giver. God can take away that thing that is precious to you because he doesn’t want to lose you. Don’t remember God only in times of trouble; go close to him now that you are happy. Your lovely husband is a gift from God, never serve him more than God Himself.

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

ITHIN a few secW onds of meeting, a First Impressions: Charming The Senses (Part 1) person can judge your social position, educational level, economic level, level of class and your level of accomplishment. Within a few minutes of meeting, a person can draw conclusions about how humble we are, how dependable, how capable, how compassionate, how reliable, how approachable, how much confidence we have and even how intelligent we might be. Everyone agrees that these judgments can be very premature but that they are nonetheless drawn is a fact we cannot argue with. What is inside us is far more important than our outward appearances – yes, but it would be foolish to think that out outer image does not matter at all. People perceive with their eyes, ears, nose, etc. So it is wise to take all these senses into consideration when you’re trying to make a good impression. If what one sees, hears, smells, feels, etc., is not pleasant to him or her, you aren’t going to make a good impression on the person. However, if a person finds you attractive, he or she will be more subject to your influence. Remember These For Great First Impressions

Make Eye Contact Making eye contact with another human being is a way of validating their existence. You acknowledge a person’s presence by meeting their gaze. In discussions it is an unmistakable statement or gesture of acknowledgement and attention. This factor is of utmost importance. However, there is such a thing as a discomforting stare. This can happen when a person is uncomfortable with your presence, or feels like your gaze is bordering on intrusion or even just a culture clash! Whatever the case may be, it is worthwhile for you to pay attention to whoever you are with. Most times, a person’s body language or attitude can give you a clue as to how comfortable the person is. Assess a person and revise your approach if need be. If you perceive a person to be intimidated by your direct gaze, shift your gaze to the bridge between both eyes. Also, avoid looking at someone for less than four seconds; it might suggest that you have shifty eyes or are uncomfortable with their presence. Smile Strategically A genuine smile is worth so much more than it is generally recognized (the operative word being ‘genuine’). It is a smile that comes

from a sincere heart, reaches the eyes and lights up the face. Most often, when such an ethereal smile is seen, it is received totally and treasured! Why? Because it is rare! How many beautiful smiles do you honestly remember? Some of the best smiles I have ever received have come from children – a smile is so pleasing to receive from an honest heart! This isn’t far out of reach from adults; you just have to choose to like everyone regardless of whether they are likable or not and reach forth in honesty. Genuine warmth (or love) is capable of melting the hardest of hearts. “What’s in a name that which we call a rose…” – William Shakespeare Who is the person who has no identity? Everyone holds onto some sense of identity no matter what. One aspect of who we are – or of our identity, is our name. Whether a person feels inferior or confident, he or she will appreciate the acknowledgement of his or her name consciously or subconsciously. Ask for a person’s name, repeat it to get it right and say it a number of times in conversation. I wouldn’t say more than this except to urge you to try it out! Be Gracious In Word And In Deed It is as rare as an honest smile to find a gracious personality. With all the sham and

harshness in this broken world, it’s little surprise that we are inclined to keep to ourselves most of the time. However, in truth, it pays more to be kind that to be a recipient of kindness. Offer your time, give of your wealth – both material and immaterial, be sincere, be gentle, be thoughtful - be gracious! We ought to be inspired by the fact that we are most like our LORD when we are loving or gracious: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” – John 3:16(KJV). What’s the secret of being sincerely gracious and staying so regardless of what life throws at you? Expect nothing in return save a longing to delight our LORD and Master, Jesus. 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 interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08116706879 Pamela also covers Online Correspondence Courses, Workshops and Keynote speeches on Corporate Image and Etiquette. For online correspondence courses email info@regalgraces.com with the title “Online Course (Saturday Guardian)” for our promotional price.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

22 | Saturday, February 8, 2014

MARITAL SEX

Don’t Leave ND Ruth said, “entreat me not to leave “A thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God” (Ruth 1vs16). In most marriages, there are regrets and pains, because expectations were not met. We thought marriage was going to fulfill our lives, but we came into it and realised it was not as rosy as expected. Some people decided to leave. They want to be happy; they want to be fulfilled, so they leave. First, they leave emotionally. They refuse to make effort towards the growth of the marriage anymore. They withdraw affection, commitment, submission, trust, cooperation, understanding, loyalty and faithfulness. They leave the garden of their home unkempt. Then, it begins to have effects on the surface. Quarrels multiply. They maltreat each other. They use various methods to make the other partner feel frustrated and hurt. They actually wanted to revenge. We say words that leave ‘irreparable’ damage. We stab. We fight. Then, we break up and leave. We find our paths in life, try to forget the past, forge ahead, find another partner and ‘move on.’ But we left something behind; something that will eventually follow us. Marriage is such a sacred thing that we should be careful how we make decisions about it. In our text, Naomi told Ruth that she had nothing anymore to offer. Her sons were dead, she was old, and if there is hope of her marrying and getting children, Ruth may not be able to wait until the child gets to a marriageable age. What is the implication? Leave; there is nothing here for you anymore. Anytime you think relationships are based on what you want to get from it, you may be disappointed. Things may not be the way you planned it. Is that why you should leave? Is there no plan B that will work for that relationship? There are several things that can happen positively for you in that marriage.

For some people, it is becoming hard, and the demands are much. Mother-in-laws are threatening, as there are no children yet, so what is in it for me? Offences. Sometimes, we think they are unforgivable. We form this ‘emotion’ around certain offences and make them sound irreparable. You refuse to be comforted and be appeased. Love is easy to be entreated and not easily provoked. Why do we make correction difficult for our spouses? They even find it difficult to tell us when they are wrong. Why do we love God, trust Him and pray to Him for forgiveness? It is because we know He will. We confess our hideous crimes because there is forgiveness with Him. We must distinguish between reality and myth. Most people opt for divorce because they say love has gone out of the marriage. Can’t it return? Won’t you bring back the love? How did it come the first time? Why did you ever think both of you could live together? Being loving in actions and behaviour is an act of the will. ‘Being in love’ is not same thing

as loving a person. Having a high ‘emotional fever’ for someone is not the same as loving the person. Loving a person takes practical steps. Craving for a person is not same as loving a person. Even if one defines love in emotional terms or feeling-states, we are still not able to predict with accuracy what our feeling states will be towards someone in the future. When people change in their attitudes and behaviour toward us, we have a tendency to change our feelings towards them. People abandon marriages because they say we don’t want to raise our children in an atmosphere of an unhappy marriage. Studies of broken home have been grim. Ask children what they think about divorce. People rarely sakes divorce for the well-being of the children. Some believe it is better to divorce than be unfaithful. But that is trouble. That means we shall keep divorcing every time we feel attracted to another person. How would the society be? How odd!

BODIWORKS

What Are You Wearing? By Oyinkan Talabi (The Equilibrium Centre) OR every activity, there is an Ftheappropriate dressing style. For chef in the kitchen, there are kitchen appropriate clothes, the astronauts as well has to dress for the temperature. The medical field is even more interesting, as the doctor has his work appropriate; the nurses have theirs; the surgeons have theirs, so also do surgical nurses. My point is, even in a particular field, dependant on activity, your attire must be appropriate. This applies to working out as well; your outfit must be appropriate for your activity. What makes an outfit appropriate? The main factor is functionality and comfort. Style is really not a factor; it is an added bonus. Some of the things to look out for are: Comfort OUR workout clothes must not be tight. You should dress for your present size, not the size you are aspiring to be, or you will end up spending most of your time adjusting your clothes, and this will lead you to be distracted from your activity. Having said that, your clothes also

shouldn’t be too big. You don’t have to look sloppy and oversized clothes can get in the way of your movements. Functionality ENERALLY, workout clothes can cross a variety of activities. However, some activities, like swimming, need their own specialised attires based on functionality. Some are based on the culture of the sport, so expect a certain type of dressing, for example, golf and tennis. However, generally speaking, regarding functionality, does your outfit allow you to be functional and comfortable at the same time in your chosen activity? Sports Bra OR the ladies, strapping down when working out is so important. The skin around your breast is delicate; you don’t have muscles there (you have chest muscles, but not breast muscles), only fatty tissue and skin. Constant unsupported movement stresses the skin and causes it to sag. So, “No”, this is not the time for braless or a lacy bra or a fancy cut bra; you should wear sports appropriate bras that provide adequate support.

Different activities call for different support levels, like a runner needs different support than a golfer. Socially Acceptable BELIEVE this is an important guideline; we shouldn’t only dress for ourselves, we should always dress in a way that even the people around are comfortable to be around us. I was out running this week and a lady ran past me and I almost fell over and sprained my knee. She was wearing a cute running top paired with the shortest of running shorts. I could see her bum cheeks as she ran. Some men almost twisted their necks looking at her as they walked. Now, I am more open-minded than the average person. However, there are lines of modesty that don’t need to be crossed. If you need to wear tiny shorts, wear cycling shorts or leggings underneath. Low cut tops are distracting both for the trainer and the people around you. Sheer legging are also no, no. Footwear CHOOSING the right kind of footwear depends on your exercise activity. Certain exercises require shoes that are light in weight,

while others require more ankle support. If you perform more than one type of workout, you may want to buy a different pair of shoes for each activity. For example, if you are a runner, you need lightweight shoes that are designed specifically for running. A basketball player needs more ankle support to protect his/her ankles. So, high top shoes are appropriate. Footballers need a lot of grip so their footwear must cater to that. Be Safe AKE sure your clothes and shoes have reflective material on them and take a flashlight and even a personal alarm with you if you are out and about at night or early in the morning. Love your body and it will love you right back.

Some say the marriage was a mistake in the first place. But is that how you knew life? Your parents married and gave birth to you? Was it a mistake? You went to a particular school, read a particular course, lived in a particular place, had/have some kinds of friends, neighbours and colleagues. Was it a mistake? Don’t you see providence? Don’t you see that in all, whatever we do is part of the destiny of our lives? Marriage is meant to stay for life, at least that is what God says. Other will say God lead me to it. Does God lead people to dissolve a union He ordained? It doesn’t make sense to me at all. Are we sure God spoke? I am not sure we understand marriage at all. E. C. Samuel Intimate Faith Ministry 08027173447 (SMS only) intimatefaithministry@yahoo.com

Saturday, February 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

WOMAN Four months after her appointment as Registrar of the University of Lagos, Dr. Folashade Taiwo Ipaye spoke to AJIBOLA AMZAT and LAOLU ADEYEMI about her appointment and the UNILAG of her dream. The interview took place in her office at the 5th Floor of the Senate Building, Akoka. FTER several attempts to get her for an A interview, the new registrar of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), eventually yielded to pressure. At the appointed day, she was already at her desk waiting for the young man who would never stop calling and asking her for interview. Entering her office that morning, the two visitors saw a woman seated on a black leather chair; her charming face had the freshness of someone who takes her health serious. In her roomy office, there were several piles of files, and stack of books on the shelf. But it was a well-kept office, suggesting the painstaking attention to tidiness by its occupant. The woman behind the big table calmly invited her guests to two chairs facing hers. At that close range, the letter on the nameplate became visible. It read: Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Taiwo Ipaye. Few reporters would miss the fact that the name is Lagosian. In Nigeria, name gives hints about place of origin. “Certainly, you are a Lagosian,” one of the reporters quipped. She looked up, not in surprise, but to be sure she heard right. “Well, I am married to the Ipaye family; I am not Ipaye by birth. But yes, you are right, I am a Lagosian.” The response was subtle, yet the message was clear. The registrar is not just another African woman who is confused about her identity in a deeply patriarchal society. In fact, Dr. Ipaye is ideologically schooled; a woman, conscious of her place in the world where males are deemed to be the primary authority figure. Her next question was expected, yet came without notice. “What qualifies me to appear in your newspaper?” Response: “Well, the Woman Page of The Guardian on Saturday celebrates outstanding women whose achievements could be a positive influence on the reading public. Put simply, it is a page for female role models.” That assurance was what Dr. Ipaye needed to lower her guards. Asked to speak about how she got the registrar job, then she remembered how reticent she was at the time to apply for the top job despite her thorough preparation to take such challenging task. Five years before her appointment, Ipaye had completed a doctorate degree in education administration at the same university where she had been working since 1989. “When I completed my doctorate degree programme in 2008, little did I know that a new job was on the way that would require the use of my newly acquired skill.” Barely a year after she bagged her doctorate degree, she transferred her service from the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, to the main campus, Akoka, in 2009 as Deputy Registrar and later headed Examination Office. In August 2013, Ipaye became the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council of the University of Lagos. For this career progress, she has three people to thank. The first person is her father, who would stop at nothing to push his children to work extra hard more than their colleagues. But for him, she might not have made quick decision to pursue her master’s degree immediately after her first degree at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. Her father told her that first degree holders would soon become as commonplace as school certificate holders. She listened to his counsel and enrolled for a master’s degree in UNILAG. The second person is her twin sister, Kehinde, an inspiring figure whose remarkable success as a sojourner in America spurred her to break the limit of her own ambition, and get to the peak of her educational career.

Ipaye, UNILAG’s Vibrant New Registrar Her sister who was already a graduate before traveling to the US, came back with three certificates in different disciplines, despite all her challenges in America. Her Nigerian accent was a barrier to secure jobs in America. But she rose above the odd to get all the education America could offer. Today, the all-rounder woman is a ranked bureaucrat in a government institution in Lagos. And the third person is her husband who persuaded her to apply for the registrar job. When the advertisement for the registrar was out, she thought little of it. But her husband did some pushing and thank God for little mercies, she got the job. “May be if not for my husband; and the childhood lesson my father had thought me, I might not become the Registrar. My husband said: ‘Do you know if God was preparing you for this post all this time by helping you make those career choices you made?’

Ipaye

Now that Ipaye has got the top job in a university aspiring to be among the top in the world, she said her plan is to make the registry much more vibrant than the way she met it, “a vibrant registry that would be a change agent” for the entire university system. She said although UNILAG products excel everywhere either as students in other schools, or as professionals in different industries, the ranking of the world universities has not favoured UNILAG yet. “We have not been able to carve a niche for ourselves as we have done locally, so we are trying to push the frontiers of our acceptance.” Yes, considering that UNILAG is yet to appear on the list of the first 1000 universities in the world, Ipaye definitely has got a tough job to deal with. And her way of dealing with this challenge is

to help the university build a 21st century technology-driven institution that will not only provide good support to the students at all times, but also give them a rewarding experience during their student years. She spoke about Vice Chancellor Bello Rahman’s commitment to e-administration and his innovative way of raising the bar of academic excellence in UNILAG. The present administration has insisted that internal communication activities within the university are e-based; management processes are e-driven and virtual libraries are integrated. “We used to consume a lot of papers in our Senate meetings, making rims of paper documents available to Senate members. Now minutes of meetings, results, documentation are now sent to the members of Senate and Council provide Senate members with enotebooks. “From these, everybody would be able to access their documents on their device. This would reduce the amount we spend on the papers consumption at the Council meetings and other meetings.” The registrar said digital migration has taken off with the students’ interaction with the university. Students’ registration forms and assignments are submitted online. Some technology-savvy lecturers are even taking the effort further by conducting e-classroom for their students. “And we are the first university to introduce edocket for examination, a kind of access control mechanism.” Also with the new system, lecturers are able to upload their publications in the websites. “These are the things that go a long way in determining our visibility. If you go to our websites now, it is a lot more different from what it was about six months ago. We try to upgrade on a regular basis. And the more people can access, the more we can network and share ideas with the rest of the world. “So, if you go and click any of our lecturers now, it is not the same story as what you had this time last year. I believe the next time we have webmetric ranking, our status would have changed,” she enthused. As a well-travelled person and someone who has been living in academic community for decades, Ipaye recognises the power of building strong alumni. UNILAG though has strong management structure for alumni contribution to the university; the students’ experience while they were in the university does not motivate them to become committed alumnus. Ipaye said she is ready to fix this challenge. “I personally want to create an alumni spirit in our students. A lot of them go through the system and complain about how rough it was to be a student in UNILAG. But I want anybody to come out with the feeling that he came to this university, and to have a sense of commitment to want to give back to the community because of the wonderful experience the person has gone through. “This is one of the idea I intend inculcating in my colleagues: better customers’ service to everyone that we come in contact with, whether they are students, or staff or even other stakeholders. Anybody who steps into the gate of the University of Lagos will leave with an enriching experience.” Noble dream, that is. And noble dreams take time to mature into reality. But Ipaye said she is determined to do all that is necessary to create a new administrative culture that would transform UNILAG to a prized possession of all its alumni. “I will leave UNILAG greater than I met it. And we are working very much towards that,” the registrar said. Though her large office did not echo her voice, it is not uncertain that the air within the space of the office has carried her utterance into the far distance of time where history waits patiently to judge every man and woman of authority. Dr. Ipaye (nee Davies) was born on September 25, 1964 in Lagos. She attended Our Lady of Apostles Secondary Grammar School, Oyo State 1981, holds a Bachelor of Education/History from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, IfeIfe, as well as a Master’s and PhD degrees in Educational Administration from UNILAG in 1987 and 2008, respectively. She joined UNILAG as Administrative Officer I in December 1989.

TheGuardian

24 Saturday, February 8, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Weekend

CELEBR ITY

Chioma Adibe: Eyes On Acting, Heart On The Runway By Shaibu Husseini

If you are an ardent fan of Nollywood, you should be familiar with the name ‘Adibe’. Only one man, a veteran actor of the stage and screen, Chief Fabian Adibe, bears that name as surname in the entire Nollywood. But this piece is not about the septuagenarian actor, play director, poet and screen writer who clocked 70 recently and who offered a book Mixed Grill to mark his grand entry into the 70’s club. The piece is about the delectable Chioma Adibe Onwusika, daughter of the published poet who has not only taken after her father, but she is trudging on and has so far been making significant inroads into the acting and modeling industries. Dark, slim built, tall and friendly, Chioma, a Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Port Harcourt who is married with children, speaks about her career, her future and life. Now, are you into all these because your father too is a performer? OT really even though dad is a major influence. I have always loved to be in the arts. My dad can attest that even in my early school days, I showed stuff as an actress, singer and dancer. I was in the cultural group from primary to secondary and even up to the university because I ended up studying Theatre Arts. So it has been a passion I developed right from when I was a kid. And it just followed me till now. I recall that my father was excited when I told him I wanted to go into entertainment. But he advised and insisted that I must go to university to learn the craft. So it has always been in me. You married too early. Was it deliberate? Well, I will say it was deliberate. I fell in love and decided to seal the relationship when my husband who is my best friend proposed. I didn’t want to loose him and I didn’t want us to play around since we established that we really loved one another. So we got married and our marriage is blessed with children. So it is not really about how old but how prepared and I think I was ready for marriage. I see you have done some work as a model. What of as an actress? I have equally done some jobs as an actress apart from the stage plays I took part in, in school. But the biggest one was Slave Warriors where I played the lead. Oliver Mbamara who is based in America directed the movie. My dad also starred in the movie. In fact, I had accompanied him to audition for a role in the movie when he introduced me to the director. I was then given an opportunity to also audition and I am sure I impressed them because I got a call back to join the production and that was it. I just finished working on another movie titled Gang Land. I played a gang leader. It will be released soon. So at what point did you leave Port Harcourt? I left after my youth service in 2011. Though I left the university in 2010, I couldn’t immediately serve because I had my second daughter then.

So I had to wait for another batch and after serving, I discovered that there was nothing much happening in Port Harcourt in terms of entertainment. So I faced Lagos. Besides, I felt it was important to shift base since I was spending so much going back and forth for auditions and most times, you waste so much money and you don’t get a call back. But the real motivation came when the Editor of Fiesta Magazine, Olusheyi Ogunlana saw my pictures on Facebook and invited me to come for a photo shoot in Lagos. He later used my picture on the cover and gave me about three pages inside where he talked about my family and career. That provided the leap and from there, I got introduced to the late Remi Lagos, to popular Nollywood actor and producer, Emeka Ossai who gave me some acting role on his television series like Cross Roads and Comfort Zone and then I started attending auditions and all that. You must have been climbing on daddy’s back to grab all these roles? Not really. Sometimes it is after I even finish auditioning that I am asked if I am related to Chief Adibe. But the name has also provided the pass for me in some cases. And I thank my father for the good name he has built. I consider him my hero. He taught my siblings and I, a lot of things about life. I also got my survival nuggets from him. Who is the model in your family that you took after? I would say my mum even though she is not very tall. But my mum had always dressed us up well. Whenever we go out for any occasion, people must notice us and know that these are Fabian Adibe’s children because of our dress sense and unique hairstyles. But on my own, l always watch fashion television and I also love to see models on the runway. But you look so trim and to know that you have three kids? I work out and I do so deliberately. Besides, I keep fit and it is good to do so. I used to be bigger than this but I have learnt how to control my weight. My weight doesn’t control me. If you want me to add weight for a movie shoot, I can do it in weeks. Same thing if you want me to lose weight. I know how to control what I eat and how to work on my weight without losing anything. How have you been able to combine all these with taking care of the home front? Well, I thank God. I also thank him for giving me a wonderful husband who right from when we were dating supported me tremendously. He is an engineer but he understands my profession. He knows how to adjust his schedule once I tell him that I am going on location. And I also have wonderful kids who are understanding and who pray for mum to be successful. So it makes it easier for me to face my job. That is why when I am not working I spend time with them. I also love writing stories when I am less busy. What is this we hear about models and drugs to keep them trim? Well, I have heard those tales but I can only speak

for myself even though I think that everything has to do with choice. If you choose to take drugs and keep fit, that’s your choice. I don’t do drugs. I hardly even take drugs when I am ill. Also if you come to me and say I must do this before this happens or before I get a job, I will ask you to keep your job because I am not desperate. If I don’t get this job, I will get another. I just don’t just get discouraged. I mean, I just got a call now for a job I never thought they would give me a call back for. So you don’t have to be desperate no matter the pressure. Will I ever catch you on the runway in pant and bra? Ah, no. I won’t be caught in pant and bra. I CAN appear sexy but it also depends on the extent. But I can’t do pant and

bra. I don’t have issues with people that wear pant and bra ooo. It’s what they want to do. But I don’t want to practice my art to that extent. I can play sexy roles but not to appear in pant and bra. Has this been rewarding for you? I will say I am comfortable but it can be better. I won’t say I have gotten what I want out of what I love doing but I know I would get there. I believe that I will get to a stage in my career where I will be fully booked for seasons unend. I really pray to get to the top of my career either as a model or actress.

CelebrityExtra... Ailing Nollywood Practitioner, Chike Bryan Needs Help ELP is required urgently for top Nol- Igando, Lagos where he has been on CelebrityExtra last night. He called on H lywood scriptwriter and director dialysis. well meaning Nigerians to come to his Chike Byran. The gangling president of A close family source says they have the Script Writers’ Guild is down with kidney-related ailment and medical experts say he needs urgent medical attention abroad to stay alive. CelebrityExtra gathered that the notable Nollywood practitioner was initially admitted at Isolo General Hospital but was later transferred to a medical facility in

been advised to take Chike abroad for kidney transplant. The source also said that Chike needs about N10 million to carry out the surgery. The fellow confirmed that help has been trickling in but that it is not anywhere near the cost of offsetting the weekly dialysis bill. Chike was in tears when he spoke to

aid and not allow him die. “I still have a lot to offer creatively. They should come to my aid and not allow me die. Someone should help me reach out to governors Chime, Fashola and Oshiomole and my colleagues in Nollywood please”, he cried out. Chike can be reached on 07082462734. And Nollywood Actor, Charles Warren Is

Dead! Light dimmed on popular Nollywood actor and scripwriter, Charles warren last Thursday. The handsome fair skinned actor reportedly passed on minutes after he complained of severe chest pain. He reportedly died before he got to a medical facility. Best remembered for starring in the 2001 blockbuster Mark of the Beast starring Majek Fashek, Warren has written countless scripts for television and home movies just as he has featured in a number of home movie productions.

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MONDAYS–FRIDAYS IN THE GUARDIAN

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2014

NASRDA, BELLSTECH Partner On Space Weather Research By Gbenga Akinfenwa OLLOWINg the conclusion of its workshop on space weather and space-based technologies for young African scientists drawn from various West African countries, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Bells University of Technology (BELLSTECH), Sango Ota, Ogun State, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to partner on space weather research. This was made known during the workshop which held at the BELLSTECH. The workshop is part of NASRDA mission to build indigenous capacity on space weather and environmental management as well as provide lasting solutions to environment-related problems and natural disasters in Africa, especially on the West Africa coast. Speaking to Life Campus after the training, the director of Centre for Atmospheric Research, an arm of NASRDA, Babatunde Rabiu, disclosed the centre was building African scientists space weather capacity against environmental degradation and natural disasters that plague Africa and Nigeria. “We

Diarrhea Outbreak In EKSU, Students Visit Factory

can only solve indigenous problems with indigenous solutions,” he said. He add, the centre, having observed inaccurate weather forecasting and lack of weather forecast equipment in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, has established Air Quality Research Laboratory in University of Ilorin and also concluded arrangements to locate such lab in other universities across the country. “What we are doing in terms of pollution for instance is setting up air auality laboratory. We have just set up collaboration with UNILORIN, and we now have an air quality research laboratory located in the campus with standard research equipment already provided. We are making the laboratory a national facility. We want to duplicate it in every part of the country. “We have international collaboration and the university research group also has an international collaboration assisting us with these studies. Rabiu noted the MoU with the universities will form a platform that will dictate the scopes of interaction between the NASRDA and the universities.

By Olatunji Awe LL SEEMS not to be too well for students Ekiti State University with examinations fast approaching. According to students of the institution, it’s been one issue or the other since the school resumed on January 5.

TWO WORDS /35

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Bayelsa Polytechnic Registrar Kidnapped, Kwara State Varsity Appoints Oyebode Malete, have appointed Mr. OME gUNMEN have kidSurajudeen Oyebode as the napped the Registrar, Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, new registrar of the institution. According to a statement by Bayelsa State, Mr. Apelebiri Walabo. He was abducted along the institution’s Principal Information/Protocol Officer, the Agbor-Asaba highway in Alhaja Hamidat SulymanDelta State, while returning from an official assignment he Yusuf, on Monday, Oyebode succeeds Mrs. Modupe had attended in Abuja. Akinrinmade, whose tenure Though the kidnappers are expired on January 31. yet to establish communicaUntil his appointment, tion with the family, but the Oyebode was the Deputy Bayelsa State Police Registrar, Usmanu Danfodiyo Commissioner, Mr. Hilary Opara, who confirmed the inci- University, Sokoto. The new dent, said he had been in touch registrar, who hails from Offa, with his colleague in Delta State is a member of the Association of Nigerian University over the incident. Meanwhile, the authorities of Professional Administrators. the Kwara State University,

Classic Lace Trust And Be Content

Apart from the Hatman robber in the campus and reported in this medium, the students have been hit by outbreak of water borne disease, which had sent and still sends many students to the university health centre. “We were greeted with the issue of Hatman when we came in and now it is the perceived outbreak of diarrhea, which is sending our students to the university health center and some are going home to get treatment,” Omowunmi Olayinka, a 400L English and Literary Studies student said. The students accused sachet water producers in the community of being unhygienic in their production. This prompted some students to organise themselves and visited one of the popular pure water factory around the school alleged to be the killer water. In one of the factories visited, the proprietor said, “I can categorically state that we have been following due process in the production of our sachet water and I can prove this by leading you into the factory to see and we can

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WISECRACKS Contentment comes not so much from great wealth as from few wants. Epictetus Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who implement them are priceless. Mary Kay Ash Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Phillips Brooks Miracles can be made, but only by sweating. Giovanni Agnelli

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CAMPUS

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Gidi Culture Festival Announces First Lineup of Artistes Friday, February 08 (Nigeria) Wizkid, Timaya, Lynxxx, Ice Prince, Seyi Shay, Jesse Jagz, Reminisce, DJ Hazan and DJ Obi will all take the stage at this year’s Gidi Culture Festival, but the bill still boasts many more artists... Are you ready for the biggest beach party that Lagos has ever seen? Eclipse Live, the organisers of Gidi Culture Festival today announced that its much anticipated beach festival is set to take place at Elegushi private beach on Sunday, 2nd March, 2014. There is nothing like the thought of a beach party to get you all excited; the sand between your toes, the water around your ankles, the waves lapping against the shore, dancing around a crackling bonfire and music courtesy of some of Nigeria’s hottest acts. If you are as excited as we are; that’s OK! The Gidi Culture Festival, brought to you by Eclipse Live gives you the opportunity to feel the effervescence of a beach festivity, Naija style. With a line-up that boasts some of Nigeria’s hottest and upcoming musical talents such as Poe, Blink and Ayo-Jay, you cannot miss this. Be ready to get your groove on to tunes from some of the hottest DJs on the clubbing circuit and if you wish to unleash the foodie in you, our food court provides a mouth-watering menu. For the adrenaline junkies and sport enthusiast, our fully equipped

Hon Justice Babasola Ogunade, Dr. Mrs. Tolulope Ogunade, Prof. Ismael Ogboru collecting a gift from the Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, during the 57th Inaugural lecture of the University held in his honour sports arena will get you ‘bending it like Beckham’..... And that’s not all; we even have a treat for the Techies. Our range of tech inspired experiential zones will have you thinking all Silicone Valley. For the fashion lovers, we will be providing you with festival fashion tips from some of our celebrity friends including your favourite TV presenters, Eku Edewor & Zainab Balogun and fashion designer and stylist Bubu Sigo, so just hold on tight. The organisers of

Gidi Culture have made it their mission to draw upon influences from festivals around the world including Glastonbury festival, Coachella and Made in America and What’s more? The Gidi Culture Festival promises a fun, yet affordable and safe environment to enjoy the ultimate festival experience. Come join the fun!!! Tickets are now available from our official ticket partner : www.afritickets.com/event/gidiculture_festival_251

Diarrhea Outbreak In EKSU student a victim and one those who led the students to the facgo further by you taking two of tory proprietor they were not in his facility to cause any dammy waters from different age, but would appreciate if he places in the factory for samstop production and distribupling to any place of your tion of the sachet water until it choice.” Some students who spoke to is proven the water is not the Life Campus said all victims of cause of the outbreak. He said, “we are not here to the disease complained they began to have stomach upset destroy your company but we immediately after drinking the would appreciate of you stop sachet water produced by the the production and distribution of the sachet water until it company. Abdul-Rasheed Bello, a 200L is proven that the water is not

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the cause of the diarrhea outbreak. If you think we are against your business, we would appreciate you going with us to the university health center to see the victims and confirm from them.” The proprietor who does not want her name in print agree and followed the students to the health center and met with one of the matrons who do not want her name in print, but explained they have had over 20 cases of students who have been throwing up, having severe stomach ache and all other symptoms of diarrhea.

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FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO

National Development Strategy NICHOLAS OKOYE, Founder EMPOWER NIGERIA Initiative,

NICHOLAS OKOYE’S THE NINE PILLARS OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Pillar One: Government Policy (paper 4) ETTING Leaders to use the power of Government policy to promote development and stimulate economic growth can be much easier than you think. The truth is that most of our present generation of politicians and Leaders are more concerned about elections, and they operate from election to election, without planning or paying any attention to national development strategies in between. Whereas even if you don’t want to spend the Nigerian people’s money on what the people need, if you are only able to implement some very clever well designed Government policies you can still stimulate national development by default and the Nigerian people will not be too concerned about what you do with our money. Government policy is a powerful weapon and we need to use it more to position our Nation for the future. Some Government Policy Solutions that should stimulate JOB creation and Jobs growth Transportation: I wrote about the National Automotive Policy last week and how we could make a few adjustments to really bring that policy to bear on the development aspirations of the Nigerian People. However Transportation is lot more than just putting more Buses and more cars on the road. When we talk about transportation we are really talking about getting people, goods and services from one point to another in an effort to enhance economic activity. So if we want to have good roads that last much longer we will need to start hauling our heavy goods by rail and not by road. We need trains to haul large and heavy goods and services around the country, we need planes to transport people around the country and internationally, we need ships to transport our exports and bring in our imports from around the World, we need smaller vessels to transport goods and people around the Nation’s inland water ways. So your guess is as good as mine how many Nigerian Jobs these industries are presently creating and what they have the potential to create, if targeted policy is applied. For instance………. Shipping: Nigerians are a little absent minded when it comes to what and where the opportunities are for Job growth in our own economy. We export billions and billions of dollars of crude oil every year, and we import billions of dollars in diesel, aviation fuel and PMS (petrol for cars), however Nigerian owned shipping vessels are not involved in any or if at all very little of this haulage. In fact Nigeria is one of the only countries in the entire World where its crude oil is sold on an FOB basis. FOB means FREE ON BOARD, in the shipping industry that means that the party that is buying the commodity, in this case our crude oil, will decide who will carry the crude oil. This makes it impossible for Nigeria to grow a shipping business and to create jobs in this industry, as all the countries and crude oil traders that buy our crude will always choose their own country’s shippers. In my opinion

this is a very low hanging fruit for Job creation and for the promotion of Nigerian Entrepreneurs and building of Nigerian capacity in Shipping. So the question is “why hasn’t anything been done after more than fifty years of operating an oil and gas industry? And we are still selling our crude oil on FOB basis? And why are we constantly exporting our Job opportunities? In order to put the lost opportunities in the right prospective, I will use a back of the envelope example. Let us say for argument sake that Nigeria exports about $50 billion worth of crude oil on an annual basis. And lets say it costs 10% of the total value to ship to customers. That would mean that we are losing $5 billion a year in revenue that could be going to a number of Nigerian owned vessels which in turn could have created thousands and thousands of Nigerian Jobs directly and indirectly. So what is the real problem and why hasn’t this been done? Well we really need to ask ourselves this question. Can we do this through Legislation or through Government Policy? Well the truth is that we already have the Local Content legislation bill, so all we

need now is policy. The same goes for the importation of petroleum products, which is delivered to Nigeria in hundreds of foreign vessels. If we do not want to refine our crude to produce the petroleum products we need in Nigeria, which we should to doing, then maybe we can at least promote the establishment of Nigerian shipping Corporations that will benefit from the shipping and importation of Nigeria bound petroleum products. I understand that Nigerians are already penetrating the smaller vessel markets for moving petroleum products within the Nigerian territorial waters but we need to do much more, as the Jobs and economic activity we can stimulate with this is monumental. Aviation: Nigerians really love to travel, so we have several foreign airlines that leave Lagos and Abuja for thousands of destinations around the World. Why are Nigerians not benefiting from this demand? We tend to use old solutions that never did work in the past, to try to solve old problems. So we are at it again about to launch a National Carrier, which will have a lot of Government influence and which is doomed to fail as we all know how our Federal Government runs

business, remember Nigeria Airways? Remember NITEL? Remember NEPA? A national carrier will not work if I is owned and controlled by our Government and that is fact, what will be much more effective is to support private Entrepreneurs to build large capacity Airlines that can compete with the International carriers. What is wrong with the Nigerian psychology, that we cannot run effective Airlines? Well if we can’t run the airlines effectively then maybe we should have international management but e can maintain Nigerian ownership and Nigerian Jobs for all the services of the airline across the board. I love the face lift of the Nigerian airports today and I congratulate the President and the Hon Minister of Aviation for a Job well done. I am not one of those who will pretend that I am not seeing the improvements that are obvious to everybody. We have had Ministers of Aviation before now, why didn’t they do the improvements we are now experiencing? We however need to go further for instance, we need a brand new modern terminal in Lagos that can manage the growth of our traveling population that is surely

growing and will continue to grow, we need a new road on approach to the airport in Lagos, we need a multilevel parking lot in Lagos, and a few other things I do hope the Leaders in the Aviation sector are listening. The Policy of partnering with Private investors can help here if the funding available to the Ministry of Aviation is not sufficient. If this is done in a transparent way, jobs will be created and the sector will experience growth. Education We all know that the Nigerian Education sector is in a state of collapse. Nigerians parents are sending their kids to Ghana, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United States, Russia, India, Malaysia, Japan, France the list is endless. In fact Ghana is now getting over one billion dollars in school fees from Nigerian students alone. We are spending over $3 to $4 billion on school fees in the United Kingdom and almost $5billion on school fees in the United States. So if we factor in the other countries around the world where Nigerian children are getting educated then we are really leaking cash, leaking Jobs and squandering our own development and our future. So the question is why has the Nigerian middle class lost confidence in the Nigerian educational system? A little study I carried out of the Nigerian students in Ghana, UK and the USA, I found out that a good number of the students are children of Nigerian Federal and State Civil servants. These are Government employees who have a responsibility to put things right in Nigeria, but they have rather contributed to the decay and the mess and they have sent their children aboard. We need solutions in the Education sector and we can do it with the right Government Policy. I will address solutions in Education from a Government Policy stand point in Paper 5 of Government Policy as one of Nicholas Okoye’s Nine Pillars of National Development.

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32 Saturday, February 8, 2014

EMPOWERNIGERIA GUIDE TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BY NICHOLAS OKOYE’S CCURATE Thinking and making decision A based on Facts There are a number of misleading information, expressions and things we hold as true the people have used for years and years and years to guide their life, and the unfortunate thing about it is that most of this information is not based on fact. In most cases the information is an outright lie and people have been using these lies to make life altering decisions which most times lead to doom and gloom. I always advocate for people to “THINK ACCURATELY” this is a major part of what I teach and it cannot be over emphasized. Lets look at some clear examples of inaccurate thinking and the lies you have been told. 1. “If its truly yours then let it go, it will always find its way back”. Remember this one, I have heard it over and over and over again when I was growing up. However I always rejected it but sadly many of my friends believed this nonsense and they paid dearly for it. I have a friend that was about to get married to, not a good man but a great man. Then her family started acting up saying this and that and why they should not marry now and so on. My friend resisted and resisted and I tried my best to support her. Then her mother came forward with the magic phrase “if he is truly yours, then let him go, he will come back”. Well she was taken in by this statement and because she had heard it so many times before she believed it. So she let him go. And guess what in two years he was married to someone else. As for my friend, she is presently 36 years old and not yet married. She is bitter, angry and no longer speaks to many members of her family including her mother. If only she had rejected this statement life would have turned out differently. Remember folks we are the result of our decisions, so base all your decisions on accurate information. And reject the nonsense. I wonder why those who advocate this saying never apply it to money. When anybody advises you to let your passion or your dream go, please ask them to let their money go first and then you will follow right after them. 2. “We are all Equal”. What a big fat lie. I am sure you have all heard and read this one. In fact the history of mankind is based in a large fact on the story around the struggle for equality. Well believe it or not there is no such thing as real true equality. And that’s a fact. No to people are equal, no two situations can be equal and no two solutions will give you equal results. Any manger of people or resources will tell you that people tend to apply themselves based on their different motivations and the results are always different ad that is why people will always be compensated differently. A football player that clubs are paying $35 million for a chance for the player to play on their team, cannot be equal to the guy that plays soccer in your community play ground? That employee that goes out every day and sells and sells and sells bringing in millions in revenue for your company cannot be equal to the sales person that comes back every day with excuses of bad economic situation, bad weather, car broke down, they stopped me on the way, they are coming next week. If you believe that we are all equal and all things matter equally then you will fail again and again on the things that matter the most largely because you are giving equal attention to insignificant things alongside the important things.

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GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURAL LEADER AYMOND John (born February 23, 1969) is an American entreD preneur, investor, television personality, author and motivational speaker. He is best known as the founder, president and CEO of FUBU, and appears as an investor on the United States national network NBC reality television series Shark Tank. Daymond is a young entrepreneur, an industry pioneer, a highly regarded marketing expert, and a man who has surpassed new heights of commercial and financial success, as many of his New York based colleagues will like to address him. Over the last 20 years, Daymond has evolved from one of the most successful fashion icons of his generation to one of the most sought after branding experts, business strategist, and motivational speakers in the United States. Daymond’s creative vision and strong knowledge of the marketplace helped him create one of the most iconic fashion brands in recent years. FUBU, standing for “For Us By Us”, represented a lifestyle that was neglected by other clothing companies. Realizing this need in the marketplace, Daymond created the untapped urban apparel space and laid the groundwork for other companies to compete in this newly established market. John was born in the mountains, but spent his childhood in the Queens neighborhood of New York City I the United States. He was surrounded by urban youths all his young life and this influential neighborhood helped spur the inspiration for his clothing line that would ultimately change the fashion world. He was raised with seven sisters by his mother and attended Bayside High School in New York. In high school, he participated in a co-op program that allowed him to work a full-time job and attend school on an alternating weekly basis, which he credits with instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in him. After graduating high school, he started a commuter van service. His first foray into the apparel market came when he wanted a tie-top hat he had seen in a popular music video but could not find one for a good price. With the sewing skills he had learned from his mother, Daymond started making the hoods and hats for himself and his friends. Wool hats with their tops cut off and tied with string were popular, and John noticed them being sold for $20, which he considered overpriced. He went home and sewed around 90 hats with his next-door neighbor, Carl Brown. They sold their homemade hats for $10 each in front of the New York Coliseum, and made $800 in a single day. There was a buzz about Daymond’s products that simply could not be ignored. Based on that early success, Daymond recruited some of his neighborhood friends and FUBU was born. They created a distinc-

DAYMOND JOHN

In recognition of his contributions to fashion and the face of American business, Daymond has been celebrated with some of the most prestigious awards including: Brandweek Marketer of the Year, the Advertising Age Marketing 1000 Award for Outstanding Ad Campaign, Crain's Business of New York Forty Under Forty Award, and Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

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tive logo and began sewing the FUBU logo on all sorts of apparel, including hockey jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts. The brand hit a tipping point when Daymond convinced Hollis native and Hip-Hop superstar, LL Cool J, to wear FUBU for a promotional campaign, LL wore the sweat shirts to a few concerts and the sales just exploded. This was the catalyst behind getting the entire Hip-Hop community supporting the new brand and instantly giving it credibility. In need of start-up capital to keep up with demand, Daymond and his mother mortgaged the home they collectively owned for $100,000. Soon, the home was turned into a makeshift factory and office space. FUBU gained even more nationwide exposure when Daymond and his partners traveled to the industry trade show Magic in Las Vegas. Despite not being able to afford a booth at the event, the FUBU team showed buyers the distinctively cut, vibrantly colored sportswear in their hotel room. The company came back to Queens New York with over $300,000 worth of orders. FUBU soon had a contract with the New York City-based department store chain Macy's, and it began expanding its line to include jeans and outerwear. A distribution deal with Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung allowed their designs to be manufactured and delivered on a massive scale. With the brand transcending into the mainstream markets, FUBU recorded annual sales of $350 million, placing it in the same stratosphere as designer sportswear labels such as Donna Karan New York and Tommy Hilfiger. In 2009, John joined the cast of the NBC entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank, produced by acclaimed TV producer Mark Burnett. As one of the “Sharks”, Daymond and four other prominent executives listen to business pitches from everyday people hoping to launch their company or product to new heights. Investing his own money in every project, Daymond becomes partners with the entrepreneurs helping turn their dreams into a reality. Millions of viewers tune into the show as Daymond demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights. Due to the increasing amount of requests from major companies, Shark Branding was formed to provide companies with the marketing insights that have made Daymond’s companies successful over the years. The firm consults companies on innovative strategies to connect with their consumers more effectively by associating with the world’s most influential celebrities, musicians, and personalities. Whether it’s activating a celebrity endorsement or integrating product in a music video, companies rely on Shark Branding to utilize Daymond’s contacts and relationships to produce real results and sales. Daymond entered the literary world with his first book Display of Power: How FUBU Changed A World Of Fashion, Branding And Lifestyle which tells the story of his awe inspiring journey and provides a road map for those who aspire to succeed in business and in life. Daymond followed up his with his second book, The Brand Within: How We Brand Ourselves, From Birth To The Boardroom, which examines the loyal relationships companies seek to establish with the public by attaching celebrities to their brands and the instantaneous impulses consumers exhibit when purchasing a product. Drawing on his cutting edge experiences in the fashion business, as well as his hardwon insights developed as a sought-after marketing consultant to trendsetters and taste makers, the author argues that branding relationships have now seeped into every aspect of our lives.

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Friday, February 8, 2014 33

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Love Like A Movie 2…

Darey Explains Kelly Rowland’s Role TuFace on stage with Darey at the Love Like A Movie concert 2013. (Inset) Kelly Rowland Stories by Chuks Nwanne T is no longer news that the multiple award IRowland, winning American singer and actress, Kelly has been unveiled as international guest for this year’s edition of Valentines Day groove tagged Love Like A Movie (LLAM). Conceived by R&B singer Darey Art Alade, the event will play host to the Grammy Award winning artiste and former member of the best selling female group of all time, Destiny’s Child, who is expected to co-host the red carpet session with Dare, as well as join in the main show. In a chat with Darey, the singer confirmed that, “Kelly Rowland is our confirmed guest act for Love Like A Movie 2: The Love Rollercoaster. Kelly is a great performer and we’re delighted to have her on board. She’s an extremely talented artiste, beautiful, sexy, very friendly and humane. She will undoubtedly enjoy her stay in Nigeria and I’m also hoping she will try some pounded yam and efo riro before she leaves,” he said. From all indications, Darey is confident that this year’s show will live up to expectation. “We wanted to give our audience a nice surprise to top all the other goodies we have in store at the concert; from lights to aerial acrobats, acts flying from articulated cranes and a wide variety of other acts. Expect the normal deliverables; world-class performances from top Nigerian stars, international standard technical direction and some other surprises.” In what seem like a move to avoid any form of controversy over the involvement of Kelly Rowland in the concert, Darey took time to explained specific roles of the music star at the event. “She and I will co-host the red carpet/fashion police. However, it is important to draw the attention of the audience to the difference between hosting the show (of which we have no host or MC) and hosting the red carpet. Kelly will also perform a scintillating set during the main concert,” he said. On her part, Kelly seems excited coming to Nigeria. “I’m so excited to be a part of this innovative concert and I’m really looking forward to coming to Nigeria too. I hear LLAM Season 1 was simply magical and I really can’t wait to get on stage and give a great show,” she enthused. The critically-acclaimed Valentine concert is billed to hold at the Eko Hotel Oceanview Grounds on February 15, and will feature solo and collaborative performances from Nigeria’s queen of pop Tiwa Savage, internationally renowned Nigerian entertainer D’Banj, Darey himself, Timi Dakolo, Seyi Shay, Soul Muzik’s MoEazy and Zaina, JJC, DJ Spinall, Eva, Muna and Waje, while the special edition of the LLAM red carpet will be streamed online across the world. Last Valentine, Darey redefined the term

music showmanship in Nigeria with a first of its kind concert combining the very best of entertainment, music, theatrics and more on one stage. Special guest, international reality show megastar Kim Kardashian co-hosted the red carpet with Darey. A theatrical concert for Valentine, the show is produced with style as an exhibition of local and international performance varieties. “The plan is to take the concert around the country and the world eventually. We are building a very strong brand that has become ‘the’ valentine experience to beat. We will continue to break new grounds and offer a type of entertainment never before experienced in Nigeria and this part of the world. Hopefully, other states will adopt it and we can show it to many other people who want the experience,” Dare hinted. In case you’ve been wondering about his whereabouts, Dare has been working behind the scene. “I’ve been working seriously but quietly over the last several months; I’ve released my recent single titled Special Fever and a music video for which will be ready soon. Some of my new unreleased material as well as that of Zaina and MoEazy, will also be debuted at the concert,” he assured. Love Like A Movie 2 is supported by Etisalat, Eko Hotels and refreshed by Fayrouz. Media partners for the event are Africa Magic, Channel O, AIT, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info and Beat FM.

In Addiss Ababa, D’Banj, Yaya Touré rally support for agriculture plier effect of agricultural champions include Tanzanian PSA, which debuted on N January 29, the ONE Camgrowth in sub-Saharan Africa is President Jakaya Kikwete and Côte one.org/doagric. O paign came up with a new reestimated to be 11 times greater d’Ivoire footballer Yaya Touré, The launch in Addis Ababa coport and launched an initiative calling for African governments to with Touré starring in a new ONE commit to spending at least 10% of national budgets on effective agriculture investments, through transparent and accountable budgets. At the heart of the campaign tagged Do Agric, it Pays, is an effort to push political leaders to adopt better policies that will boost productivity, increase incomes and help lift millions of Africans out of extreme poverty. Nigerian singer-songwriter D’banj was on hand for the Do Agric, it Pays kick-off event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, along with campaign champion Benin President Yayi Boni. Civil society partners at the launch included the Pan African Farmers Association (PAFO), ActionAid International, Acord International, Oxfam and the D’banj Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Other notable

incides with the 2014 January African Union (AU) summit, where heads of state gathered to discuss key development challenges across the continent. The AU has declared 2014 the Year of Agriculture in Africa. “Now is the time to get our leaders to commit to a big push toward implementing effective agricultural policies, scale up public investment in agriculture and catalyze private sector participation in agriculture development,” says ONE Africa Director Dr. Sipho Moyo. Of the more than 400 million Africans living in extreme poverty, 70% live in rural areas that depend on agriculture. Remarkably, the multi-

in reducing poverty than in other non-agriculture sectors such as utilities and mining. “There are massive untapped business opportunities in agriculture which could create jobs for millions of Africans on and off the farm. I want Africans to know that farming is not only the foundation of the economy, but also that farming is ‘cool’. I believe that, if the needed attention is given to agriculture, we Africans will not only feed ourselves, but also the rest of the world,” D’Banj said. “While other African leaders have made statements of good will, currently only 8 countries have kept their promise to invest 10% of their national budgets in agriculture. It is therefore essential to do more, to go further. Agriculture is not only important, it is also vital; Agriculture pays,” said Yaya Touré.

34 Saturday, February 8, 2014

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African Fashion Week Nigeria berths N a bid to create a platform Ifashion, that will promote African as well as give oppor-

Obasanjo

Anyaoku

Tinubu

Nigeria’s Obasanjo, Anyaoku, Tinubu, others up for AFRIMA board of patrons of choosing ‘their patrons’ for ‘their award’, rather than have patrons rammed down their throats,” he said. S musicians, music lovers and parishAlso speaking, another member of the ioners in African the showbiz circuit International Committee and AFRIMA’s gears up for the maiden edition of the All Director of Brand Communications and African Music Awards, (AFRIMA) a conti- Sponsorship, Matlou Tsotetsi noted that nental showpiece to celebrate the rich the African public would play a vital role musical heritage of Africa and her talin selecting the six patrons in consonance ented artistes for the economic growth with the core values of AFRIMA –FACE IT, of the continent, the International Com- which stands for Fairness, Authenticity, mittee for the award has commenced a Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transprocess by which members of the Board parency. of Patrons for AFRIMA will be selected. “It is essential that persons nominated The six patrons to make up the board as AFRIMA patrons embody FACE IT in would be selected by popular votes from their personal and professional life, as the long list of illustrious Africans, who well as also bringing it to bear in their adhave distinguished themselves in varivisory capacity for the ennobling awards ous spheres of human endeavour and so- project,” Tsotetsi stated. cial-economic life such as governance, After strategic meetings, consultations arts and entertainment, philanthropy, with key stakeholders and suggestions business, academia and social advocacy. from African music lovers, the InternaAfrican citizens living on the continent tional Committee has unveiled a long list or abroad, who are 50 years and above, of 15 nominees. qualify for nominations. However, in“This first list of nominees is just a guide cumbent public office holders are inelito streamline the process and give direcgible for consideration. tion so people are not nominating from According to a press release statement an uninformed perspective,” explained signed by a member of the International Ayorinde. Committee and Chairman, Media ComThe first list of nominees for the AFRIMA mittee for AFRIMA Steve Ayorinde, “the Board of Patrons are: Desmond Tutu entire process to select the six patrons (South Africa), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigemust be devoid of politics, prejudice or ria), Winnie Madikizela–Mandela (South personal interest. Anything short of mer- Africa), Kofi Annan (Ghana), Ng g wa itorious appointment can taint the Thiong’o (Kenya), Mohammed ‘Mo’ awards project and rob it of its vaunted Ibrahim (Sudan), Emeka Anyaoku (Nigeintegrity and independence. ria), Patrice Motsepe (South Africa), Alpha “We want Africa to make this decision Oumar Konare (Mali), Dame Patience

By Chuks Nwanne

Jonathan (Nigeria), Martha NamundjeboTilahun (Namibia), Mohammed IbnChambas (Ghana), Joaquim Alberto Chissano (Mozambique), Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia) and Bola Tinubu (Nigeria). Since it is an all-inclusive African project with exciting programmes in the build up to the main awards ceremony on October 25, 2014, fans and followers of African music and culture on the continent or abroad can begin to send in their nominations to be added to the unveiled list. The maximum number of nominees on the long list will not exceed 50 names. “And, discussions are ongoing with most of the nominees who are glad about the reception and enthusiasm shown by Africans so far,” said Tsotetsi. Sending names of nominees for the AFRIMA Board of Patrons opens to the public on AFRIMA website www.afrima.org on Monday, February 10 and closes on Friday, March 7. Entries will also be accepted on other AFRIMA social media platforms like Twitter: @afrimawards and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AFRIMA2014 Voting for the final six patrons will commence shortly after nominations close at a date to be communicated subsequently, according to the release. The 2014 All Africa Music Awards will produce a star-studded, world-class event to be held in Nigeria on Saturday, October 25, 2014, with live performances and television broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations around the world.

Array of stars for Tehila’s Alabanza Concert spirit of St Valentines IingNDay,the Tehila Crew will be staga special show in Lagos tagged Alabanza Concert. The gospel music gig is billed for February 14, at the Indoor Sport Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, strating from 8pm. Alabanza, an Hebrew word for a fearful praise was conceived by Tehila Crew two years ago and will be providing and giving an opportunity for artistes to interact with one another and also help to raise fund for the motherless babies homes. According to, Tim, a lead partner of the group, the vision of the concert came while ministering in Scotland with the crew. And immediately we returned to the country, we delve into it.” Tim stated that no fewer than twenty Gospel artistes within and outside the country have been slated to minister at the event. Among them in-

clude Sammie Okposo, Righteous Man, Pat- Uwaje –king, Nikki laoye, Charles Okafor, Henrisoul, Cwesi Otengand others. Meanwhile, Tehila crew will be using the occasion to formally present their single, which focuses on praising God in all languages. Tehila Crew started as a gospel music group in the year 2010. This is a blend of talented and Spirit-filled worshippers (Enkay, Tim & Seth) poised to bring down God’s glory each time there is an opportunity to worship, reaching out to souls, mending broken hearts and reconciling men to God. Their ability to adapt to various tongues is awesome. These highly energetic young folks with mature vocal emphasis inspired by heavenly rhythm are well versed in Afro/traditional, classical, RnB genres of music. In effect, their style is a fusion of worship, praise and dance in every style.

Tehila crew has also organised series of concerts to uplift people’s hearts and draw men closer to God. It’s latest being the Alabanza Praise 1, which is the first of a series of concerts slated to hold quarterly. “Looking into the future,

Tehila crew is poised to achieving greater heights in trying to reach as many people all over the world with its inspirational and soul lifting tunes as well as be a force for good in the area of grooming talents in Gospel music,” Tim said.

tunity to fashion designers in the continent to showcase their works, Nigeria’s Ronke Ademiluyi are bringing the African Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) to Lagos. The two-day spectacular show, which will be held in May, at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos will showcase everything that defines fashion from an African point of view. According to the organisers, the African Fashion Week Nigeria will give equal opportunity and priority to top fashion designers alongside new and emerging designers to celebrate culture, style and increase their passion for fashion. This is an opportunity for all aspiring or emerging designers to use as a platform to showcase their talent to the right people. Designers and exhibitors who are interested to participate are required to log on to their website, www.africafashionweeknigeria.com to download the application form. The event which will feature

designers from the whole of Africa, offer those in the fashion industry a free platform to showcase their brands, act as an opportunity for fashion designers to network among each other, create a portal for new designers to enter into the market and integrate into the international fashion system, highlight the African textile Industry to a global audience, enable African countries to showcase their national fabrics through their designers and make African textiles visible to the rest of the world. The event will be attended by fashion designers, fabric manufacturers and printers, jewelers, photographers, make-up artists, models, media houses, buyers, press and indeed anyone that has any link with fashion, especially with an African interest. The African Fashion Week is an initiative of Ronke Ademiluyi. Since 2011, when the project was launched in London, it has created an unparalleled platform for over 100 UK and non-UK designers, who have showcased their collections in London.

Chidinma, Sound Sultan light up Ibadan the tunes of Chidinma, Sound Sultan rekindled the excited with his usual dramatic performance. With Chidinma, and Sound Sultan songs like Orobo and Natural performed at the MTN Nite, a Something, it didn’t take long show held to entertain polo players, enthusiasts and guests before the Naija Ninja got that came for the MTN Ibadan everyone back to the dance floor. International Polo TournaIn line with its profile as ment. ‘The Enabler’, MTN, through Kedike crooner, Chidinma, the Variety Night, also prowas at her best, as she wowed the audience with her electrify- vided a platform for some aspiring Ibadan-based music ing performance. The MTN talents to showcase their creProject Fame winner and Amativity, as one after the other bassador threw the audience they mounted the stage and into a frenzy, when she entertained the crowd. breezed into the excited The Ibadan polo tourney ficrowd; she got most guests dancing in small groups, as she nally came to an end on Sunbelted out tracks from her fast day February 2, 2014, paving the way for the MTN Lagos Ingrowing repertoire. ternational Polo TournaJust when everyone at the ment taking place later this Eleyele, Ibadan Polo Club was settling down after dancing to month. HE ancient city of Ibadan T came alive on Friday, January 31, as Nigerai’s top singers

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Betty Ugona

Saturday, February 8, 2014 35

Trust And Be Contented

do I do now?” Agnes asked Edna. “Oh that’s no problem. Come back tomorrow and we will do something about it.” At the end of the meeting, Agnes went home thinking about as he looked at the photograph that Agnes had given him. “Baba I want this man, he is the only one that can provide my what Edna had suggested. She had to choose between trusting God, allowing Him to secure the marriage or follow Edna’s needs. Please do what you can to ensure that he lives for me and gives to me before I even demand for anything.” Still want- counsel and entrust her marriage into the hands of a native doctor. ing to give her opportunity to choose what she really wanted, She thought of the immediate gain and the benefits as outthe native doctor advised her to go home and come back the lined by Edna of having Timothy all to herself. After much strugnext day. gle within her, Agnes chose to visit Edna again and give her Agnes met young Timothy at the bank where both of them came to transact some businesses. Agnes, a graduate of a poly- suggestion a trial. But did she think of the consequences of entrusting her marriage into the hands of men? What about the technic, was working at a private insurance company in the architect of marriage – God – who has ordained it? city of Lagos. She was the company’s accountant and most “Hello Agnes, how is Timothy?” Edna asked. times she would go to the bank to make some deposits before “He is fine, I have just dropped him off at the airport on his way the close of work. to Dubai and he would not be back until after two weeks”. She was doing very well and hoping that one day she would “Perfect timing” Edna said, this will give you get married to the man of her choice. Unfortunately, all the enough time to do what Baba (the Native Doctor) men she had dated never proposed to her would want you to do without being disturbed. Are despite the fact that most you sure you are strong enough to do this? I hope times she spent money on you will not chicken out when we get there.” them in order to keep them. “Anything to keep Timothy my dear, I have waited When she met Timothy, the for too long,” Agnes said, bracing herself for the relationship was different from worst. what she used to have in the As they entered the shrine, Baba requested that past. Timothy loved her so Edna should wait outside. He repeated the consemuch and lavished expensive quences of each of the options to Agnes and gave gifts on her. Agnes was very her the chance to make her choice. happy and she prayed that this “Are you sure that you will not regret this choice would eventually become her of yours in the future?” he emphasized. But no, heart’s desired relationship. Agnes was bent on keeping Timothy at all cost and mortgaged her entire future and life. Baba Four months later, Timothy progave her a small piece of cloth to wrap around posed to Agnes and she accepted. Timothy’s picture and instructed her to hide it The wedding arrangements were where no naked eye can see it. in top gear until Agnes went to the Agnes chose to listen to wrong counsel; she house of Edna, her friend to dischose to do it herself. She chose to satisfy the cuss the wedding dress with her. craving to have a man and keep for herself by “Agnes dear, congratulations”, herself. Did she wait for God’s plan which is Edna said as she hugged her. “I am eternal? happy for you and I wish you the Two years after the wedding, there was no cry of a baby in the very best of marriage”. “But come o o ”, Edna continued, “have you secured this mar- house. Timothy’s businesses collapsed and he was always in and out of the hospital. Life became very miserable for Agnes. She riage? I mean, have you tied the man to prevent other ladies went back to Baba to undo the spell, but it was too late. Baba from getting to him?”. told her that the choice she made must take its full course. Her “What do you mean?” Asked Agnes. future was ruined because she was so much in a hurry to satisfy “Don’t tell me that you do not understand what I’m saying,” Edna said as she leaned close to her and whispered, “I hope you immediate needs. would not be as careless as the last lady that had him. You betFirst say to yourself what you would be, and then choose ter do something fast before you lose him.” what you have to do to achieve what you want to become. Losing Timothy was the last thing Agnes ever wanted. “What H my daughter,” the native doctor said, “are you sure “O about the choice you are about to make? Are you sure that you will be able to bear the consequences? He continued

TWO WORDS

uki@poisenigeria.org,

bad after all”, “no need to feel bad, after all this is very unlike me”. Dear readers, why do you think I was telling myself thee things? It was because I was trying very hard not to FEEL IT. I was trying to take away the pain, the bad feeling and the disappointment that came with the realization that what happened was my fault. Doing that would have made me feel better Ukinebo Dare but not accepting my mistake would make me liable to make the same mistake another time. Making the same mistake over and over is just not my style so I told myself the truth. “Uki, you didn’t try at all. HERE IS an African proverb that says “Pain is inevitable, but Even though I felt bad for a while, I was happy to learn a lesmisery is optional” but as we all know, things like that are son. Pain is inevitable but misery is optional. It is wise to accept easy to say and much harder to do. Have you ever done something you know is wrong but it was too painful to accept your faults without letting them weigh you down. So here is my advice to you in in TWO WORDS: your fault so you made excuses and pushed it aside so you wouldn’t FEEL bad? Yes? Me too. -Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk – Clean It I once had a bad experience where I almost lost something I had worked so hard to get. I didn’t lose it completely but I had - Don’t ignore a painful lesson – Learn It to face a very undesirable delay. It was my fault because I had a bad plan A and no plan B. In all honesty I hardly every find my- - If you do something wrong – Say Sorry self in such situation. In fact, I pride myself on being able to think fast figure everything out and be a super hero all at once. Most imoortantly, If the pain of failure will make you a better I felt so bad and I didn’t want to feel bad anymore so every time person – FEEL IT I remembered what had happened, my instinct was to say something like “Everything Happens For A Reason”, “Its not so Ukinebo Dare is CEO of Poise’ Graduate Finishing School

Experience is the best teacher, but the tuition fee is very high. I am Uki Dare, C.E.O of Poise’ Graduate Finishing Academy, mother of two and wife of one. I will share with you lessons I have learnt from my experiences around transforming from a young lady with big dreams to a young C.E.O with massive goals. I won’t bore you with long prose and philosophical arguments I promise to be real and answer all your questions in just TWO WORDS.

Feel It T

In association with

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Valentine’s Day Dinner Date(s): 14/02/2014 Location: Intercontinental Hotel 52 Kofo Abayomi Rd, Victoria Island, Lagos Promoter: Intercontinental Lagos TICKETS: 17,500.00, 15,800.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

LOVE LIKE A MOVIE Date(s): 15/02/2014 Location: Eko Hotel and Suites Adetokunbo Ademola Street Victoria Island, Lagos Promoter: Livespot Group TICKETS: 10,000.00, 30,000.00 BUY TICKETS HERE: www.afritickets.com

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VALENTINE AVEC AMOURIDEA

On the 14th of February 2014, “AVEC AMOUR” promises to bring a different twist to your valentines day. This intimate outdoor dining experience showcases a delectable 3-course meal, finest choices of wines and afro-soul music by Kaline and her band. The best part however lies in knowing that a percentage of the funds raised will go towards supporting the Haven For the Nigerian Child Foundation, which has tirelessly worked towards the eradication of destitute children on the streets of Lagos. So come, eat, drink, and really share the love by making a difference in someone’s life.

Promoter: Idea Robot Productions TICKETS: ₦50,000.00 Contact: Tracy Nwapa; +2347052166785, +2348097784495

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With God Is In Charge,

Onyinyechi

Livens Up Gospel Music Scene By Ekwy P. Uzoanya ITH the launch of her debut album reW cently in Lagos, Evangelist Onyinyechi Okechukwu has taken a place on the list of artistes in the gospel music genre in the country. Her 10-track album, God Is In Charge, comes with scintillating freshness, panache and vigour embedded in the inspirational danceable tunes. With this gospel highlife production, delectable Umuahia, Abia State-born singer simply stepped up in her age-long passion and romance with singing. An instinctive singer and composer, Onyinyechi sang in the mass choir of the churches she attended at various times. This passion, waxing stronger as she grew, propelled her to take up the role of a back-up singer in the popular Rosemary Chukwu-led Divine Favour Gospel Band in Lagos. For about 10 years, she worked with the group, while pepping up her natural singing ability. At the same time also, she worked on the songs she “received,” waiting for the appointed time to achieve her dream of producing her own music. Mrs. Okechukwu recalls: “From childhood I love singing. It gives me joy when I’m singing. I have sung in mass choir for many years. I started singing in the church – City of God, here on College Road, Ifako, Ogba, Lagos. From there, I went to Bible Pattern, and Christ Life. In all those places, I joined their choir and will be their leader at the end of the day. And then the current one, Final Word Church,” she said. However, getting the support of her parents to go the way of music was initially not a smooth sail. But along the line, passion prevailed. “My parents, especially my father, said none of his children would go into music; he really fought me over this issue. When I wanted to join Rosemary Chukwu’s band, a member of my church introduced her to me. We talked at length and she said I could work with her. I had to tell her to please go and meet my father to try to convince him to allow me sing; and she followed me to go and talk to him. “She told him to allow me to flow on this level and that she believed I was going somewhere; that I would do well. He agreed and said that he was handing me over to her because he would not want to hear any untoward story.” Some of the tracks in Onyinye’s album come in Igbo, English languages, while one is in Pidgin English. These include Bianu lee, God Is In Charge, Nwe ndidi, Enwere m onye ka gi ike, Enyi oma Jesus, When I call him, Have mercy, Ekele oma and Onye ga enye m. Produced by Chimex Alex, the songs come in throbbing rhythm, and the smooth flow of the songs from one to another, coupled with the rich vocal and instrumentation, make it a lively collection. A mother of two children, Onyinye attributes to God the inspiration for her songs, which she says come to her when she is meditating, doing chores like washing, sweeping, or walking. “In fact, some of the songs, I received in the studio. It is such that it baffles me sometimes when I play it, listen to the lyrics and I ask, ‘is it really me that sang these lyrics? So, it’s God.” Her music, she notes, is a means of evangelising the gospel of Christ and influencing the lives of people positively, especially those who may find themselves at a crossroads of life at some point. In some of them, she has used her experi-

ences to attune to other people who find who themselves in similar positions in life. The themes, as such, poignantly explore life generally. For instance, Bianu lee is an invitation to come and witness the goodness of the Lord in her life, for making her dream come true. Nwe ndidi is an admonition to exercise patience and wait on God for the fulfillment of one’s desires, while Have mercy is a plea for God’s mercy on the people, country and her leaders. She counts on the unflinching support of her husband, Pastor of Final Word Church, College Road, Ogba, Okechukwu Chinke, which she says made it possible to achieve this burning desire that was kept on hold until this time due to lack of funds. “God has used my husband to make it possible. When I married him, I told him about it and we talked about it and he said “Ok, no problem, we will work towards it.’ He called me one day and said I should get prepared to go to the studio, I was very happy.” An evangelist, she is deeply involved in ministry work in the church and does counselling. Has music affected her life in any way all these years? “In fact, I was only doing it because I loved singing; I was not doing it because of monetary gain. It’s a passion for me. But it has taken me far. I have met prominent people through music that I’m surprised. When people run into me, they say, “I know this face.’ Then they try to remember and tell me with excitement that I am a singer,” she offers. Her appraisal of the Nigerian music scene is that the society does not regard gospel music as much as secular ones. “Even when a secular song makes no meaning, you see people buying it and leaving the highly inspirational and soothing gospel song. It’s improving now, though, especially with Christians. I just pray that people will appreciate gospel artistes. For now it is only God that is seeing them through.” For upcoming artistes, she shares these words: “I want to encourage upcoming artistes that I have been through this path of having no one to assist produce a work. They should trust in God and he will make it possible.” Evangelist Onyinyechi’s future plan is to have her own band, and a studio. The album is an audio production, while she is working on the video.

Evangelist Onyinyechi

A Tea Party Valentine’s Day With Stars Omotoye Benson of Motbensonz Solutions noted that, “Valentine is a period of love and tea is one of the healthiest beverages in the world. So, why not nering Motbensonz Solutions for the party with tea instead of alcohol? Top fourth edition of the Valentine Tea Tea is a quality blend of the very finest Party Fiesta. The gig, which will be handpicked teas that contains flavonoid staged in both Lagos and Port Harcourt, antioxidants that revitalises the body kicks off on February 14, at The Place, and soul at a season like this and beAdmiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos, while the yond. Port Harcourt show is billed for FebruAlso speaking on the event, the Brand ary 16, at the popular Ediz Winebar. Manager of Top Tea, Ub Torsam deIn line with the tradition of the projscribed Valentine as a time to show love ect, this year’s gig will feature musical to our loved ones and how much they performances by some notable Niger- are valued. ian artistes including Tiwa savage, “Having a musical show is our way of Olamide, Phyno, Solidstar, GT the Gui- showing appreciation to our custarman, Emma Nyra, Yemi Alade and tomers,” he said. Minjin. It would be recalled that the Valentine While Gbemi of Beat FM and Dotun Top Tea Party Fiesta started in 2011 when of Cool FM will host the Lagos event, it featured the likes of Wizkid, Seyi Law, Arinze Baba will anchor the Port Har- DJ Jimmy Jatt, Dammy Krane, Chidinma, court groove. Chuddy K, Shank, DJ Xclusive and a host Speaking at a media briefing held of others have featured at the various recently in Lagos to herald the event, parties held all over the country. S part of activities to mark this year’s A St Valentine’s Day, Top Tea, a brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, is part-

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Valentine’s Eve At MUSON Stories by Chuks Nwanne ITH an objective to restore love in the society, the MUSON School Alumni Association is organising a music concert tagged, Valentine Eve. Perhaps, this is one event that will reshape the landscape of musical performance in the city, as diverse musical tastes ranging from classical, contemporary, jazz, Broadway, pop and indigenous compositions are catered for in a most fashionable pattern. Billed for Thursday, February 13, at the Agip Hall of the MUSON Center,

Onikan, the evening will open with a special cocktail session and red carpet reception starting from 5.30pm, while the main concert is billed to kick off at 6pm. Put together by a body of musicians, who graduated from the MUSON School of Music through the MTN scholarship, the event is expected to be the largest convergence of musicians in the country, with a record 150 members, who had been graduating from 2008 to date. The major objective of the association is furthering the cause of healthy

G-Clemp Drops Microphone AVING been in the indus- said Microphone is an inspiH try for some time now, rational song that privates George Clement Pius, other- the spirit with good lyrical The MUSON Orchestra in performance

‘I Want To Be Remembered For My Music, Evangelism’

wise called G-Clemp in the music industry, has released his debut single entitled Microphone. Managed by Kennis Music, the talented artiste of Face of Centage Superstar 2009,

content. “Microphone is currently enjoying airplay nationwide with plans to release the promotional video soon under South - South Records,” he hinted.

doing better, I salute their ef-

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi is one of Nigeria’s icons, who has been in the forts. So, I will advice that, who are yet to make imindustry for over five decades. Though christened Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu those pressive mark should work Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi, his ability to weave intricate Yoruba axioms (rhythm and harder because music is one lyrics) into dance-floor earned him Chief Commander; a title he bore until he of the best tools to communiideals to the society, found a new life and love in the gospel in early 1990s. The highlife-juju maes- cate therefore, I charge upcoming tro turned gospel minister began his professional music career in mid-1950s musician to think of how to ideals rather than the after moving to Lagos. After his tutelage under the late guitar maestro, Fatai instill benefits they will derive from Rolling Dollars, he established his own band in 1964, The International Broth- it. would you want to be ers, which metamorphosed into Inter-Reformers in early 1970s; he recorded What remembered for? hit albums under West Africa Decca label. In this interview with TUNDE ESO, My life have been ordered by in other words, God orhe spoke on issues affecting the industry such as piracy and legacy he wishes God, dained my music and evanto leave behind. gelical calling and these are Do you still perform on stage as you used to do? ES and because that is what I use mostly to communicate with my audience. If I want to invite you to my event, how much would you bill me? Now I’m combining the work of God with my musical career. Initially, when I went into the ministry in 1992, I was only using my music to communicate the gospel to people. But after sixteen years that I commenced the work of God, I then re-strategised with special appearance that I started; I was performing for those who have supported my music. But later, I expanded it and it was no longer limited to those who partner and sponsor our music. Asking me what will I charge you if am to play at your wedding, When ever churches invite me, I play music free for them and collect honorarium, but if am to play music at wedding or other events, its depends on the distance; I collect from N2.5million and above because of the kind of equipment I use and if I’m to rent them, its cost N1.5million; I collect N5million from some people. The quality of music in Nigeria is deteriorating and that is because most artistes don’t work hard. What do you foresee for Nigeria music in 20 years to come? I know that we have quite a lot of talents in Nigeria, while some are finding the easy way

to go about it. But we cannot doubt the fact that we have a lot of talented musicians in N i g e r i a . Things are changing because in our own time, you have to work extra hard for people to buy your releases. It’s obvious that all my releases are sold because we work hard to produce them. So, I encourage every up coming musician to work hard so that their music can last and be sold like ours, so that in twenty years to come, posterity will have what to lay on in the entertainment world. Can you quantify how much you have lost to piracy and what do you think can be done to stop it? The amount of money I have lost to piracy cannot be quantified and government has been working with us for a long time to eradicate piracy in Nigeria. But each time we take a decision to end piracy; the perpetrators will take an-

other dimension to ensure they pirate our music. But I don’t believe that we cannot curb piracy; that can be done with much effort. Who among the nowadays musician of today do you consider doing juju music the way it should be done? For me, every musician must be given a pass mark for attempting to venture into music to display their own talent and contribute their own quota into the music world. For those who are

the things I would like to be remembered for when I passed on because there is no way you talk about one that you will leave the second. Reason being that after I have recorded enormous successes in music, God called me into ministry. So, I am a good musician and a good evangelist. If you have the chance of leaving your life again, what are the things you would leave to correct? Well, to me, God have given us the ample chance to live our life, but there is one command; that we should be fruitful and multiple. So, as a citizen of Nigeria and of the kingdom of God, I’m obliged by God to multiply all He has endowed me with. So, am to do the will of God, which I have been doing. Therefore, if I have to leave again, I will like to leave the life I’m living now, because God has made me a fulfilled man. Meanwhile, my advice to government and those at the helm of affairs is that they should make our environment more conducive for Nigerians to live. If not, others will kiss Nigeria good-bye soon; reason being that poverty has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerians and this can exude provocation that may result to disintegration.

G-Clemp

Cupid Concert Brings Iyanya, Sheyi Shay, Others To Asaba ONCEIVED as a platform offer a unique entertainment for all lovers of music C to celebrate values, culand fashion. We will expect ture and relationships, Cupid Concert is set to bring some notable music stars to Asaba for the maiden edition of the show. Billed for February 20, 2014, at the Lamibele Place, the show will feature top entertainers such as Iyanya, Sheyi Shay, Beejay Sax and ten other acts, who will storm Asaba for the groove. Aside from musical performance, the Cupid Concert will be spiced with a fashion show that will exhibit gorgeous attires from Delta State. The event is expected to attract notable Delta State professionals, the public sector and key players in the Nigerian fashion and entertainment industry. Speaking on the initiative, the Project Director for Cupid Concert, Anne Omezi, stated that the desire to promote the cultural values and enhance viable relationships was the primary reason for the concert. “The Cupid Concert will

both individuals and corporate sponsors to take full advantage of the event to reach out to their various customers within the SouthSouth region. We have also got confirmation from the Nigerian Police for the provision of security to ensure that the concert is hitch- free

Sheyi Shay

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FASHION

Celebrate A Glitzy Valentine’s Day Make February 14 a special day as you give gifts that touch the heart like the Cupid’s arrow By Ibukunoluwa Kayode

ANY of us are already countM ing down the days left to the next date circled on our calendars, and that day of course is “Valentine’s Day.” Though, everyday remains special but Valentine’s Day known as lover’s day is a time to express our affection and love not for only our significant other but for family and friends as well. At a time like this what to wear and what gift to give becomes the most bogging questions on our mind. There is no need to worry too much, since the season comes with a special colour -red-which signifies passion. The question of what to wear should not be so difficult to answer, as there are many beautiful outfits to choose from out there in the shops. If you are looking for ways to sweep your loved ones off their feet here are loads of surprising gifts to deliver your heart-felt love and appreciation to celebrate the ones you love. Here is the clue; we are about to celebrate the season of passion, which is all about appreciating the people we love. Spice up the gift and make them something so unusual. Fine, it’s a time to for a lover boy to the pop the question with a diamond ring. But the day is not all about popping questions; after the question is being popped it should be accompanied with a gift. Most women want different things, a box of chocolate is out of fashion for most of us. Okay, here is it, you want to give her a wristwatch, handbag, phones, perfume or a jewellery box? Then make it a customised colour of the Val, red or pink. How about seductive lingerie, I bet she won’t wait to flaunt it to you. I believe anything can make a Val gift, what about lasting gifts like a car, I tell you she’s is going to scream waooooh! There are also a great deal of things you want to tell him this Val’s day, too. For all the women who would like to show the world that their man is the best in the world, there are romantic day’s celebration gifts that will tickle him as a man too. Since men have fascination toward components and technology, why don’t you appreciate him with the vogue phone wristwatch? Your man would certainly love it if he’s very techno savvy. Also cufflinks, bracelets and wallets would be most revered gift items around the men’s world. These are the mark of nobility and they are what every man envies. A pack of nice boxer shorts and singlet is another perfect gift to make him go wild for you, because he definitely understands the code. There is also no special way to pamper your man than to reward him from a large selection of men’s personal care products such as perfumes, shaving sticks and gel. They are gift options to pamper and make him feel special and wanted. Also, watches are great deals with regards to reputation for any occasion, mood or sentiments.

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FASHION

YOUTHMAGAZINE

Classic, Super-Hot Lace Make a bold fashion statement. Update your New Year wardrobe with delicate lace. It is still the fabric of the moment By Nike Sotade one may be so bold as to make a IwillFsartorial prediction for 2014, lace never go out of fashion. Sexy, feminine, delicate and versatile lace makes the perfect designer canvas, especially for working red carpet magic. If you’re yearning to add a little lace number to your repertoire, the choices are endless- from Chantilly lace to broderie anglaise, tatting lace, needle lace, princess lace and more. You only need to get your designer to make that neat and eye-popping match of lace with other fabrics for you. The Guardian recently tracked down some affordable alternatives to a stunning mix of lace ensembles from Nigerian based contemporary brand Ella & Gabby that can really catch people’s fancy when you don them. It is a perfect number for a romantic outing on Valentine’s Day, especially if you do it in the colour of passion. So don’t be shy, party like it is 1979 and evoke ‘70s sexiness and contemporary class in these lovely lace line-ups.

Pearl Look 2014 Holds March 1 HE second edition of the Pearl Look Model T Search has been slated for March 1. The model search competition, which debuted in February last year, is the brainchild of three Nigerian international models- Doyin Haastrup Olatokunbo, Opeyemi Awoyemi and Warebi Martha, who wanted to groom a new generation of models from the country and also give back to a career where they have recorded tremendous success. Pearl Look 2014 competition is an initiative borne out from a burning desire to give back to the society by empowering young ladies. It is a platform for young aspiring models to achieve their dreams. This event has been set up in such a way that each contestant participating in the competition will be trained and ready to face the challenge of modelling industry. The finalists will undergo intense training on catwalk, style, poses, and all the multi-facets of the gruelling world of modelling. The event finale will see the finalists strut the runway where the winner will emerge. Two winners will emerge- the best runway model and Pearl Look beauty queen. The best runway model will win a trip to South Africa (all expenses paid). She will also get a work permit with Ice Models Management, and contracts worth more than 2.5million naira in one year and more prizes. The Pearl Look beauty queen will go home with N1million and other prizes. Details of sponsorship can be obtained at pearllooknigeria@yahoo.com. The event that promises to be a night of

comedy and lots of music, will take place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos. Special guest appearance would be Sulu of the BBA fame and the Chase will perform Ruby Ruby live on stage. The maiden edition was won by Julia Otobo, who has moved to South Africa to realize her dreams of becoming a world-class model.

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Welcome to another edition of Passnownow.com in The Guardian. Trusting your week has been great; we do hope you enjoyed our last week’s package. Did you learn anything new? Please tell us what this column has taught you so far or what you are looking forward to seeing in the Passnownow column by sending us a mail at info@passnownow.com. This edition promises to be filled with exiting articles and tips for your learning pleasure. So what are you waiting for? Dig in!

PASSNOWNOW is Nigeria’s prime Learning based social Community that employs contemporary solutions and innovation to teach, engage, entertain and empower Young people growing from Teenage into early adulthood. Our content provides teens, parents and teachers reading selections and games they can access during their leisure. Our contents include; classwork support, test and exercises, exam support, school forum, etc

2. The one who will never do his/her homework 3. The one who disrupts class but the teacher loves him anyway - No one else would ever get away with the stuff they pull.

This section deals with appropriate set of rules which are valid and allowable in English Language. Understanding Subject Verb Agreement

4. The one who knows every secret - Tell her your business, and soon everyone will know. But then again, what would you do without her? You’ve gotta get your info somehow.

When discussing subject verb agreement, it’s helpful to remember that a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For Example:

5. The one who turns EVERYTHING into a competition - We all care about our grades, but this person takes it to a whole another level.

Anyone, everyone, someone, no one, and nobody always require singular verbs. Example: No one knows tomorrow.

6. The one who is genuinely friends with everyone – He is not even being pretentious. This person is always thoughtful enough to include everyone and always has your back. 7. The one who never studies but always gets As - You respect this person but at the same time, it’s hard not to fake-hate him. Like he’s just born knowing everything about chemistry?! How does that happen? 8. The one who has everything - All the coolest clothes and the significant hottest others. We don’t even have to go fiction here. 9. The kid who doesn’t panic when he forgets to study - It’s like his likes wave a magic wand and everything works out perfectly. 10. The one who always talks about music - It’s like every facebook and Tweet is some kind of album cover or song no one else has ever heard of but his likes swear it’s the best thing on earth.

1. The well-travelled-mysterious-butinteresting one - Those are the students who have spent time living somewhere exotic and unexpected. They dress a bit more maturely but no one questions it and immediately accepts their quirky-ness as cool. After all, they’re way more cultured than those of us who have never left the ‘burbs.

On March 2002, the Council celebrated her 50th anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria.

Neither and either require singular verbs even though they seem to be referring to two separate things. Example: Neither Tony nor Tim is around. Sums of money or periods of time require a singular verb. Example: Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense When a sentence compounds a positive and a negative subject and only one is plural, the verb should agree with the positive subject. Example: Low prices and not quality determine many purchases. Words that indicate portions of a whole, such as percent, fraction, some, all, none, and remainder require a singular verb only if the object of the preposition is singular. Example: Some of the pie is missing. To Be Continued Next week….

11. The guy who is destined to be a frat brother - The first to know about every party, that is, if he’s not the one throwing it. He talks to every girl there and then you hear him replaying the conversations the following Monday in class.

The 14 Types of Classmates EVERYONE Has

Did you know? The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) was established in 1952. The council was formed out of the concern for education in Africa. The five countries with the WAEC Ordinance include Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra – Leone and The Gambia. The council conducts four different categories of examinations. They are international examinations, national examinations, those conducted in collaboration with other examining organizations, and examinations conducted on behalf of other examining bodies The council International examinations consist of: •WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination): •SC/GCE O’ levels, and •HSC/GCE A’ levels.

PASSNOWNOW is a Technology driven Learning Hotspot for Nigerian Secondary School Students and School Leavers. We’ve been rated as part of the 5 Start Ups shaping Nigeria’s online Education- http://techloy.com/2014/01/11/5-startupstransforming-online-education-nigeria. Our 2014 Social Media Week event will showcase ways through which technology is being used to empower and educate Nigerian secondary school students and teenagers in order to stimulate and enhance their learning experiences. Participants who will include students, teachers, tech enthusiasts and stakeholders from the Government and Private Sector will on hand to discuss, answer questions and offer solutions on the importance of technology in education in the 21st century, the benefits of E-Learning platforms and innovative education initiatives. Student participants will have the opportunity to register for FREE on passnownow.com and start making use of the contents/resources available on the site, there and then. This event is aimed at increasing students’ interest in studying, reduce exam failures in the long run and create lifelong learners. There will be Refreshments and light Entertainment and we look forward to welcoming you on the 20th of February. PANELISTS 1. Mr. Bambo Bashorun, Director of ICT and Co-coordinator of the Opon Imo Project, Osun State Government

12. The school spirit diehard- All high school. All the time. This kid is dedicated to just book. Can be boring at times though, but then, he’s the teacher’s favourite

2. Mr. Stanley Muoneke, Business Development Manager, Intel West Africa

13. The blogger/social media addict - Everything you need to know about this person, you can read it on his or her blog or Facebook wall. Want to know what your sweetie is up to? Just log on to her facebook page.

3. Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Proprietress, Corona Secondary Schools 4. Mrs. Roseline Ilori, Country Manager, MTECH Communications Limited

14. The NFA one – NFA is an acronym for No Future Ambition! This is the one that takes pride in doing the wrong things. He’s such that will miss classes; jump the school fence, dress inappropriately...

Session Moderator: Ms. Modupe Olateju, PHD – Founder/CEO, The Education Partnership Centre

N.B: Readers/Learners can send us questions on any subject of difficulty through; info@passnownow.com or visit our facebook/fan page to post your questions and you will get answers as soon as we get them. If you’re also preparing for any exam, visit www.passnownow.com to practice past questions on various subjects from JAMB and WAEC. Next week promises to bring you more interesting packages. Inform your families, friends and teachers to join this train of fun! Enquiries: +234.802.235.2545, +234.706.054.5017 info@passnownow.com Also join our enlightening and intriguing conversations on Visit www.passnownow.com Now!

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Valentine’s Day: Traditional Roses Or Exciting Exotic Flowers

Pink Florinbunda Rose bush

climbers. Fortunately, roses are not the only message sent. You can include a card, writing your feelings and the roses can be there just as a beautiful decoration that smells good. If you choose to be flamboyant and different, go for exotic flowers. You can also present the whole plant for everlasting love, as it will continue to grow long after Valentine’s Day. Flowering plants that are long-lasting and pretty elegant include the anthurium, heliconia, strelitzia, orchid and ginger. Keep Your Flowers Fresh. There is something wonderful about getting fresh flowers. Valentine’s Day flowers are extra special because they express someone’s affection for you. If you are lucky enough to get flowers this week, you will want to keep those flowers looking good for a week or more. Here are some helpful hints: Add floral fresh to the water to help the bloom last longer. Change the water if it becomes murky and add more floral fresh. Look for fresh green leaves, but make sure the leaves stay out of the water in the vase. Leaves in the water will cause mold and shorten the life of the flowers. Keep vases away from extreme temperatures. A cool room is the perfect place to keep your blooms happy and healthy. If your roses start to wilt, it may be necessary to submerge them in cold water for 30 minutes, recutting the stems at an angle. As the flowers start to wilt and die, remove from the arrangement. It may be necessary to use a smaller container to keep the bouquet looking proportional. Don’t cram those flowers into a container that is too small if you want it to last a few days or more. Plus those stems need to have a little room to breathe. If you don’t have anything suitable, separate the flowers into two arrangements. Smaller bouquets, but still alive. Does the flowers freshener work? Yes. It contains sugar to feed the flowers and chemicals to slow the growth of algae and bacteria. These bacteria not only make the water smell, they also clog up the stems and reduce the water uptake. If you run out of the ready-made stuff, you can make your own. Just mix a teaspoon of bleach and a teaspoon of sugar in one gallon of water. Some gardening experts say you can pour 12 ounce bottle or can of non-diet Sprite or 7-Up soft drink into a half gallon of water. The acid in the drink will slow bacteria growth and the sugar will feed the plant. Changing The Water It is best to change the water everyday, but no longer than every other day. Even if you use a freshener, bacteria will grow and you will want to get rid of it. Refill the vase with warm water. Keep Your Flowers Away From The Fruit BowlYou can’t see it, but that fruit gives off ethylene gas, which will make the flowers deteriorate more quickly. Some Flowers Last Longer Than Others That is only natural. The more delicate flowers in an arrangement will go first. As they die, pull them out and continue to enjoy the flowers that are healthier. “There is no salvation for the soul, but to fall in love. Only lovers can escape out of these two worlds. This was ordained in creation only from the heart. Can you reach the sky? The Rose of Glory.” Happy Valentine’s Day ahead!

Red Ginger

“ Shampoo Ginger” or “Pine Cone Ginger”

HEN did this whole thing of us giving one W another roses in February start anyway? It is said to mark the feast day of Saint Valentine, a Christian Martyr who died at Rome in AD 270. That is a long story. Suffice to say he is the patron saint of love and lovers. So, his name is attached to romance, the symbols and all expressions of love. With Valentine’s Day approaching, one’s thought turns to roses, which are the most desirable flowers for the day. With less than one week to that day, women all over the world will be expecting flowers from that special person in their lives. Asked a gentleman what Valentine means to him and the response was it depends. For him, the person special to him is his wife. What about his mother, is she not special? A diplomatic answer or down to earth one: “She has her own husband she is special to.” Sending your love roses can make their day, provide decoration for homes, workplace and provide a lovely scent. But what does it mean when you send roses? What are the right roses to send? The general Anthurium Flowers sentiment when you send roses of any colour is you are well appreciated, but the colour conveys a message to the recipient. Red Roses are specifically denoting love or war. Ever heard of that ‘War of Roses’ for the throne of England? Red Rosesare for that special person in your life. They can be costly, but they make a great impression. If you cannot afford two dozens (oh, what luxury), try a dozen, then try half a dozen and if that is still too steep, then a single rose might do the trick. White Roses are usually given to signify new beginning or renewal and purity. They are also perfect gifts to give to mothers on any occasion. White roses are also used for weddings and they can be sent after a quarrel to signify peace. Pink Roses are associated with women. Pink roses are given in appreciation usually to individuals with whom you have a platonic relationship. They can be given to sisters and mothers, but generally to women with whom one has no Beautiful Yellow Roses romantic inclinations and not related to, but have great deal of appreciation. Yellow Roses are also known as friendship or loyalty rose. They are given when a person is expressing friendship and loyalty to another person or in appreciation of exceptional support through great hardship. Black Roses are somewhat of a novelty. They are hybrid tea roses in dark red or dark purple roses and are given to someone quite mature, usually male. It symbolises wisdom, everlasting love until death or just death in general. If you send roses, you are doing the expected and in keeping with tradition. They will be appreciated and you will be appreciated for your gesture. While their colours can have meanings, you should also put the recipient preference into consideration. Some ladies prefer pink roses to Blue Rose from Brazil red or white or yellow. Then, there are the different shades of pastel of hybrid teas to the old

Almost Black Rose

Heliconia rostrata, “hanging lobster claws”

GARDENING

Let them eat cake. A heart of Roses.

Pink and Yellow Roses for a happy life

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

42 Saturday, February 8, 2014

HOME&DECOR By Ekwy P. Uzoanya AKING the home appealing is the M delight of homeowners. However, it is important to pay attention to safety considerations in the choice of items or decoration in use. This is because the wrong choice of construction materials and furnishing can lead to accidents. For instance, in certain sections of the home, falls are common occurrences. Flooring option should be a consideration for the safety-conscious home. Various types of tiles are commonly used these days and the right choices are needed for accidentprone areas. With the wrong choice of materials, the home may be setting itself up for disaster. Such places that need to be carefully looked at include the bathroom and kitchen because of the kind of activities that go on there. Unlike other sections in the home, tiles for the bathroom should be considered from a more functional direction. This is because the bathroom is one of the places where there is too much moisture and dampness. Water may get clogged and deposits of soapy condensations and grime can be found. Things can get dirty and stained easily and the floor becomes slippery. Not all tiling materials are suitable for the high moisture atmosphere of the bathroom. The bathroom, therefore, requires non-slip tiles. Tiles come in porous and non-porous varieties. When planning to install tile in the bathroom, choose the nonporous ceramic tiles. Non-porous, slip resistant ceramic tiles are the best option for bathroom tiling. Rougher glazes titles re better to prevent slips. Vinyl tiles are also good for the bathroom and can be supplied with finishes that mimic natural materials such as stone and wood. Another more popular tile material for the bathroom is natural stone. The surface is not slippery when textured but should only be used if owners are not worried about high moisture, which normally affects tiles.

Safety With Home Furnishing

Transformation With Painting AINTING is a quick way to update a home. Applying a fresh coat P of paint can transform the look of a room from dull to an exciting one. Outside its decorative value, painting protects the wall from the elements. It is a do-it-yourself type of project that you can carry out for fun while at the same time giving the home a facelift. But paint on the outside wall off a house is subject to wetting from rain and dew. It is not uncommon to see exterior walls shedding or experiencing discoloration of the paint that was applied in the not too distant past. Areas that suffer the most are those exposed to the highest degree of sunshine and rain. The result is that homeowners re-paint the exterior of their homes only to discover that the new paint soon wears out. Therefore, take some precautions to make the paint last during the period of rainfall and keep the home looking good. It is advisable to use good quality paint, as this will last longer. What will follow is the painting preparation that ensures good result. To have longlasting painted wall, clean the surface before the work is done to ensure that the new paint sticks properly to the wall. A house already painted should have all traces of lose paint removed with a stiff sweeping brush. Also, tree limbs and other vegetation in contact with the house or overhanging the roof should be removed as they are leading causes of paint discoloration and mildew growth. Damaged siding and trim should be replaced.

Saturday, February 8, 2014 | 43

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FOOD&DRINKS

Recipe For The Malnourished And Convalescent Olive oil 2 tablespoons Water 1½ litres Salt A pinch Seasoning cube 2

(Bean Porridge Served With Orange Juice) By Chinelo Nwagbo HIS recipe is known across the world. No one who has eaten bean porridge with orange juice can say he left the table hungry because it is filling and of high nutrient content. The dish is rich in protein, vitamins B1, B6, C, folate, iron, carbohydrates and vegetable fibre. It has little or virtually no fat and cholesterol, which are the greatest enemies of a healthy heart and male sexual potency.

Therapeutic properties of bean porridge Ideal for the malnourished (underweight), anaemic and convalescents Bean is rich in iron, vitamins, folate and carbohydrate. These nutritive properties make bean a highly suitable food for those suffering anaemia (shortage or lack of blood), undernourished and convalescent. Prevents constipation and cancer of the colon The high cellulose fibre content is of great benefits against constipation and in prevention of colon and rectal cancer. Studies have revealed that intake of foods high in fibre helps in prevention of constipation (passing of hard and firm faeces) and cancer of the colon. Lowers cholesterol and prevent arteriosclerosis Regular consumption of bean porridge is a good method of keeping cholesterol level within acceptable level and helping in prevention of ar-

teriosclerosis (narrowing/ blocking of artery wall due to fat and cholesterol

Fruity Chardonnay For The Palate By Ibukunoluwa Kayode INES are made from different grape fruits W that form their classification, and Chardonnay grape is one of the fruits white wines are made from. The origin of this grape fruit was disputed for many years, with some speculating that it came from the Middle East. However, researchers at the University of California, Davis, United States said in 1999 that Chardonnay is from eastern France. This type of fruit wine is known to be weighty and thick and is regarded as one of the world’s most distinctive white wines. It is a perfect wine for any occasion, and it can light up the mood for optimum refreshing time with family and friends. Chardonnay grape wines are known for their brisk citrus character, floral lift and incisive minerality to lighten up the palate for a smooth finish. The market for Chardonnay wine grape continues to be on the rise due to the consumers’ demand for brighter, better-balanced white wines, which have crisper fruit aromas, more soil character and less reliance on new barrels for flavour. This wine is fruity with an added flavour of pina colada, fresher stone and citrus fruits elements, mineral notes and restrained oak spice to lush the palate. Chardonnay grape wine can be indulged by any, especially lovers of white wine and low sugar wine drinkers. It is a perfect drink that complements any dish from the continental to the local cuisine. And it also can be best enjoyed and served when properly chilled. But it must be consumed within two or three years of production.

deposit), hypercholestroamiae (high blood cholesterol), heart attack and sudden death due its high fibre and potassium content. Prevents skin diseases Beans protect the skin and mucosa because of their richness in niacin and pathothenic acid, two vitamins that are essential for the health of

Method of preparation Pick and soak the beans in hot water for 1½ hours. Blend the tomatoes, pepper, onion and fry them using olive oil, add seasoning cube and little salt and fry about 5 minutes. Clean and cut the cabbage into strips. Peel and chop the garlic. Boil the beans in water until it becomes soft. Add the cabbage and reduce the heat. Add the remaining seasoning cube. Add the chopped garlic and the fried mixture to the beans. Cook until the bean is soft. Serve with cold orange juice. the skin. Recommendation This recipe is recommended for the malnourished, convalescents, anaemic, children, adolescents, sportsmen, people that want to prevent heart disease, constipation, cancer and skin diseases because of its high nutritional properties. Ingredients Quantities Beans 300g Cabbage 500 Onion 1 medium bulb Tomatoes 2 medium size Garlic 2 cloves Pepper 4 medium size

Orange juice Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, B1, B2, folic acid and antioxidants vitamins. Ideally, orange juice should be drunk fresh because vitamin C loses it potency over time on exposure to light. Recommendation This juice is highly recommended for people wishing to increase their resistance to infection, prevent arteriosclerosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, eye problem and kidney stones. Ingredient Quantities Oranges 20 medium size Method of preparation Cut the oranges into halves and squeeze. Pour the orange juice into a suitable glass. Serve cold with bean porridge. E-

Saturday, February 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

SHORT STORY

An Unforgettable Valentine! By Segun Durowaiye (08055356855) WEEK to Valentine’s Day, Biodun and Dupe were havA ing the best of time in Biodun’s one-room apartment in Surulere when suddenly they heard a heavy knock at the door. “Who could that be at this odd time of the night?” they chorused almost simultaneously. They took a quick glance at the wall clock. It was 11.30p.m. They disengaged immediately. “Who is that?” Biodun asked again. “Open up quickly! Open now or else!” came a guttural voice from the outside. Fear and panic gripped both of them. They were still wondering about the unfolding drama when they heard the heavy knock again, but now more threatening. “Biodun! Open the door or we’ll break it down!” sounded another husky voice. Biodun knew he was in for big trouble! The manly voices he was hearing were very unfamiliar to him. They were outright strange voices. He staggered up tremblingly, wore his trouser and moved hesitantly towards the door. “How did they know my name?” he thought. He was sweating profusely. And with trembling hands, he opened the door. But alas! On opening the door, what happened was better not imagined. Rushing in with clubs and daggers were four hefty-looking men; the fifth man was Dupe’s father, an elderly man in his early sixties. “You put my daughter in the family way!” he thundered. “I’ve always warned you to leave my daughter alone! You’ll pay for this! Now, beat him… beat him!” “But dad…dad…oh why!” Dupe said amid tears. Biodun was grabbed by one of the four men who looked like a gorilla. He gave him a terrible slap on the cheek, which sent Biodun reeling on the floor. Then the beating started properly without wasting time. About two men held Biodun’s legs and hands while the other two did jungle justice to him. They tore his clothes and gave him the beating of his life. The clubs were used on him and they cut him with their daggers. Blood was all over him within five minutes of the merciless beating. “Help…help…help!” cried Biodun. “Please…dad…please…don’t let them kill him…,” begged Dupe, but her dad was adamant. Then the next moment it seemed Biodun was about to die. The men left him thinking he was dead when he suddenly jerked and took to his heels. He escaped through the window. Two men followed after him instantly. Since this tragic drama started, most of the neighbours, who were fast asleep, had woken up and were banging the door and pleading on behalf of Biodun, but Dupe’s dad was so angry that he turned deaf ears to their pleas. A few minutes later, the two men came back, dragging Biodun along in a pool of blood. That same midnight Biodun was taken to the police station by Dupe’s dad, and a false accusation of theft was leveled against him. He was remanded in prison custody after a bribe of N10, 000 was given to the District Police Officer. Biodun Ayoola and Dupe Famakin had been lovers for the past five years. Biodun was a graduate of Accounting of Auchi Polytechnic, while Dupe was a final year student of Agric Science at the same institution. They fell in love while Biodun was still in the school. Biodun had been out of school now, but was yet to get a job for the past two years. Dupe’s father, Chief Famakin, was a business mogul. He had a chain of companies all over the country. He had invested a lot in Dupe’s education and social life. He had a lofty dream for his daughter whom he cherished so much. He wanted her to marry from the elite, the super rich and powerful. He knew Biodun to be a very poor lover boy, who lost his parents while still very young. Dupe actually was the person financing Biodun throughout his studies. She was so deeply in love with Biodun that she wouldn’t mind going hungry so far Biodun was okay. Biodun too was really in love with Dupe. He had no other girlfriend in the school except her. They were both known in school as lovers. Famakin had someone in mind to marry his daughter. He was Alhaji Abdulahi Dongo, his business partner. Although Alhaji Dongo had about three wives, f Famakin was bent on giving out the hand of his only daughter to him as the fourth wife. Dupe herself had bluntly refused all entreaties and moves by her dad, but Chief was a strict disciplinarian who wanted his orders obeyed by members of his household. Dupe had vowed to die rather than marry Alhaji Dongo. Her mum was based in London, overseeing one of her husband’s business interests there. Before Dupe’s mum travelled to London a year ago, she showed sincere acceptance for Biodun regarding their relationship. She was always on the phone advicing her daughter to marry the young, handsome Biodun and forget about Alhaji Dongo, who was in his fifties. It was three days to Valentine’s Day, and Biodun was still in the cell. Dupe would visit him in the morning with food and water – the same in the afternoon and evening. The prison inmates who had maltreated Biodun by beating him to a state of coma the first day he was put in the cell, were now lenient with him and pitied him when he nar-

rated what actually brought him to the prison. They took pity on him. He was now lean and looked haggard. He had bruises on his body. Dupe would look at him with the deepest feeling of sympathy immediately she set eyes on him. She was now two months pregnant for Biodun and her dad had vowed to kill him for putting his daughter in the family way. Dupe had been planning to elope with Biodun. She was getting impatient every day. Biodun’s sordid condition was making her lose sleep and she became very unhappy towards her dad and everybody at home. But her dad was still adamant. Dupe then phoned her mum and gave a detailed account of what happened. She demanded for about £5,000 and her mum sent the money through a friend coming to Nigeria. She got the money on Valentine’s eve. She bailed Biodun from prison and with the money, they took the next available flight to Cross River State to continue their romance there. During the one-hour flight to Cross River State, inside the airplane, Dupe unzipped her bag and brought out a piece of letter, which Biodun had written her two months ago. The letter read: “Dearest Dupe, how’s your studies and everything? I think by now you should have finished your final papers and making preparations to come home. Thanks for all you did in my life. I had to write you ‘cos it’s you and only you that’s occupying my thoughts at the moment. Dupe darling, I must confess, nobody can take your place in my heart. “You’ve never let me for once be in doubt as to the sincerity and true love you have for me since all these years we’ve been together. You know something, the very first time I saw you, I thought I was seeing an angel…and indeed you’re an angel! Your personal charm and charisma befuddled my sense of judgment…you’re such a seraph…a being from the celestial realm. “How actually am I going to describe you? Is it your spot-

less skin? Your sparkling white teeth or your eyes? Those charming white eyes? Or your physique? Everything about you makes my heart pound. I love you with every ounce of blood in my veins. Dupsy darling, I can climb the highest mountains because of you and I can swim the deepest ocean for your sake. I know you feel the same way as I do. “Your cherubic beauty is something only true loving eyes can see. I’m earnestly craving and praying for the day you’d bear me a child and I’d become a fulfilled man. Dupsy darling, I promise, you’ll never have cause to regret ever falling in love with me. All that I need from you is your usual sincere love, understanding and a caring heart and our dreams would come true through Divine blessing. I’ll be expecting your reply as soon as possible.” Your fiancé, Biodun.” Having finished reading the last lines, Dupe spoke softly, “I love you, Biodun. No one else in this world can take your place in my heart. All the money in this world cannot make me change my opinion ‘cos you’re such a caring and loving man…Oh! Your tender kiss is what I cannot resist…” Biodun looked deeply into her eyes and replied: “Darling, I love you, too…I had to go through all this to really prove that I love you… and I know you really love me also. There’s no life without you…” For a moment, they didn’t utter a word, the message was all over them. They had a passionate kiss under the envious eyes of passengers…a very deep and fervent kiss to mark the Valentine’s Day. After disembarking, they had a lovely and exciting time at the Obudu Cattle Ranch, enjoying the bliss of Valentine month. Dupe’s dad later forgave Biodun and agreed to let his daughter marry the young and handsome man when he realized that Dupe actually wanted to kill herself if he refused to let them be. Dupe was very happy, ditto her fiancé. All these happened because of the mood of the month that enveloped the whole world.

TheGuardian

Saturday, February 8, 2014 | 45

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

NaturalHealth Natural Health With G. C. Ihesie

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

The Health Implications Of Cigarette Smoking And Nicotine Addictions II DDICTION to nicotine and cigarette smoking Aare the world’s most dangerous evil habits that tend to start slowly and progress to a more serious psychic problem. That is, when the user lacks the inner will to control his or her cravings or propensity and feels that his/her whole life is dependent on taking nicotine or smoking. At this point, it may be so difficult to give up the addictive behaviour or propensity, except with conscious self-exertion and self-determination and not just a merely mental wish or desire to overcome the propensity. Apart from the serious psychic and spiritual consequences, nicotine and cigarette smoking (passive or active) have been found to have irreversible or long-term effects on all the bodily systems- the nervous (brain, spinal cord, nerves, sense organs and receptors); endocrine (endocrine glands and hormones); respiratory (air passages and lungs); cardiovascular (heart, blood vessels and blood); reproductive (ovaries, uterus, mammary glands- in females- and testes in males); skeletal/ muscular (bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and joints and muscles); digestive (mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas and small and large intestines); and immune, lymphatic system and the skin. Therefore, a smoker or a nicotine addict stands the risk of: Developing the cancer of various organs, e.g. lungs, breast, mouth, throat, tongue, gum, pancreas, kidney, colon, liver, leukemia, etc. Coming down with respiratory problems, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. Hypertension, angina, arteriosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, such as clogging of the blood vessels, cataracts, etc. Compromising the immune system and being prone to catching infections easily, prone to tuberculosis (TB) and other contagious diseases. Reduced libido, low sperm count, low sperm motility, primary and secondary infertility (in men). Suffering from digestive and colon problems, heartburn, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, colorectal cancer, pancreatic disorders, diabetes mellitus,

kidney, liver, thyroid, etc. The ill-effects of cigarette smoking and nicotine addictions are more severe in women than in men. A noble and genuine woman, according to our Creator’s Will, is passive (or negative) and is gifted with a heightened and delicate intuition that gives her a biological, psychic and spiritual superiority over her male counterpart. In addition, this gift strongly connects her with nature and with the streams of light from the Almighty, so long as she remains true to her delicate feminine nature and maintains a “clean blood.” Today, we are privileged to know that the blood is “… meant to form the bridge for the activity of the spirit on earth.” Cigarette smoke pollutes the blood, and polluted blood can suppress the full activities of the indwelling spirit. Also, the evil habit of smoking may actually be considered as a masculine (active or positive) activity. Therefore, a woman who smokes pollutes her blood and also indulges in an active or positive activity that is contrary to her delicate feminine and passive or negative nature. A woman, who indulges in masculine activity, either in thoughts or action, suppresses her delicate nature or may lose that which strongly connects her with nature and with God. The above-mentioned facts notwithstanding, studies have shown that due to the delicate and passive nature of woman, her body’s ability to clear nicotine from her blood is far slower than that of man’s body. Consequently, a woman is more prone to the physical health hazard effects of tobacco smoke than a man. A woman who smokes face a greater risk of: Menstrual disorders, such as dysmenorrheal, menstrual irregularities, ovulation problems, endometriosis, low libido, pelvic inflammatory diseases (PIDs), masculine features, premature aging, etc. Damage to the ovaries, production of eggs

that are defective, primary and secondary infertility. Early menopause, arthritis, osteoporosis and hip fracture. Women who smoke and at the same time use contraceptives are highly susceptible to stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic types). Pregnant women who smoke have very high risks of developing complications in pregnancy. Research works have shown that nicotine and carbon monoxide inhaled by a pregnant woman grossly depletes up to 25 per cent of the life-giving oxygen reaching the fetus. Apart from this, nicotine is capable of crossing the placenta barrier easily and may concentrate in the amniotic fluid. Fetus cannot develop properly in a low oxygen environment, therefore, a woman who smokes during pregnancy may experience placenta previa, early rupture of the membranes, ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy), miscarriage, still birth, premature birth, low birth weight, neonatal death, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs), post-surgical complications, etc.

Like women, children and infants are equally prone to the effects of tobacco smoke. For example, smoking during pregnancy may adversely affect the behaviour of the infant, e.g. learning disabilities, childhood aggressiveness, depression, anxieties, excessive worries and childhood rebelliousness. Also, such children may be prone to coughing and snoring, cerebral palsy, respiratory track and ear problems, etc. Most carcinogens present in tobacco smoke are found in urine of infants. It is important to mention here that the human aura can be seen by some gifted clairvoyant persons, as a halo of radiation or as an oval-shaped electromagnetic force field that surrounds the human body. Among all other numerous functions, the aura reflects our true nature and also acts as a kind of antenna with which we can give or draw vibrations from the cosmos. The composition of the aura can equally protect us from or exposes us to many seen and unseen inimical forces. The healthier and uplifting our thoughts, emotions and actions are, the stronger and harmonious will the compositions of our aura be and the more protection we enjoy, physically and psychically. Some people believed that psychic attack simply means a conscious or an unconscious intrusion into someone else’s auric field with the intention of causing harm. Tobacco smokes have been found to be one of the potent factors that can weaken, alter the composition or damage the aura most severely. In fact, it is said to create holes in the protective auric walls that can serve as points of attachment or the bridge to all kinds of unseen harmful forces. From the above facts, we can now see that most of the diseases affecting mankind today are traceable to either active or passive cigarette smoking or nicotine addictions. However, the severity and the intensity of the tobacco-related health problem varies from person to person and may depend on the age, level and duration of exposure and strength of the liver to deal with toxins. To be continued.

PetLife With Dr.Tunji Nasir HE other day, a colleague who T wanted to help some expatriates clients of his export some parrots to

Cities, Endangered Pets And You

Dubai sought my assistance. And as our usual practice dictates, I stated emphatically that these birds cannot be exported unless certain conditions are fulfilled as prescribed by CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Animals and Plants), because, they are considered to be endangered. It was, however, with shock and disbelief to find out about four weeks later that these expatriates succeeded without the prescribed papers to export these birds along with them. This is not the first time that this would be happening; it happened to me six years ago when a certain expatriate sought my assistance in securing an export permit for an African grey parrot and I told him of the requirements of CITES. But as in this case, he called me a few weeks later from his base abroad to say he was able to take his bird with him without fulfilling the prescriptions of the protocol. He said he had mother luck to thank for his success. So, what is happening at the ports and who is responsible for the flight

of these birds? Aren’t they aware of The aim of CITES is to achieve rationCITES? al and sustainable utilisation of the However, let us get something earth’s living resources for human straight from the beginning. It is not benefits. as if these birds cannot be exported; my grouse is that this can only happen when certain due processes are followed. A lot of people do not know about this requirement of CITES and it is my belief that we need to keep ourselves abreast of it. CITES is an international agreement signed on March 3, 1973 to regulate trade in a number of species of plants and animals, their parts and derivatives and any articles made from them. About 135 member countries have signed the Convention, which came into force on July 1, 1975, including Nigeria. Articles VII of CITES specifically provides for the promulgation of national legislations to enforce the provision of the Convention. This agreement led to the passing of Nigeria’s Endangered Species Decree No II of April 20, 1985 by the Muhammadu Buhari regime.

It is to specifically buttress the fact that traders, hunters and poachers need to realise that the elimination of species benefits no one, whereas

their conservation is for the good of everybody. CITES has the responsibility of protecting over 35,000 species endangered by international trade, through international cooperation. This is achieved by exerting tight controls on the multi-million dollar world trade in endangered species. You may be wondering why this sudden interest on issues bordering on endangered species? The answer is not far-fetched, because the number of foreign nationals and their Nigerian collaborators who are engaged in the illegal trade in endangered species keeps soaring by the day, and I am not very comfortable because of my interest in the protection of our earth’s resources in a sustainable way. In fact, our ports are not even the exit point; the eastern frontiers through the Camerouns and our northern borders are the sieves through which these unfortunate animals are strained out of the country. Make no mistakes about it, it might be practically impossible to take these out of our ports because of the vigilance of our able officers, but our porous borders and the lack of education of the populace on this illicit trade provide a ready avenue being constantly exploited by the beneficiaries of the trade.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

ThE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

YOURMONEY

Tackling Transitional Challenges In Power Sector By Uche Aneke NDERSTANDABLY, the hope of Nigerians U that electricity supply would improve with privatisation of the sector was quite high. In-

deed it was an emphatic promise of government, and to the best of my knowledge, that promise has not been retracted. It was not surprising, therefore, that shortly after the handover of assets to the new owners on November 1, 2013, a segment of the public began to demand for relief. In fact, some of such comments expressing disappointment appeared in the news media less than two weeks after the physical take-over by the investors. This may have been as a result of insufficient communication to the public, and therefore, consumers’ limited understanding of the workings of the power supply chain. They needed to know there would inevitably be a transition period that would throw up some realities of change. The dispensation is an entirely new experience for most of the players in the industry, and the new owners need time to put their house in order, especially since government never pretended it handed over assets in perfect order. Teething challenges were therefore inevitable. One of the concerns in the post-privatisation era is the complaint by some electricity consumers of increase in their electricity bills, without commensurate increase in the quantum of power supply to their homes and businesses. This is a big issue in the sector as observers see this as a setback and a direct opposite of public expectations of what power supply should be in a privatised sector. The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has however, assured that the post-privatisation situation is not abnormal, and that government was not taken unawares by the development. Nebo explained that the Nigerian Electricity and Regulatory Commission (NERC) is steadily engaging the distribution companies to address this problem, to ensure that electricity consumers do not suffer injury. The Minister is also insistent on tackling this problem through ensuring that every home is provided with Smart Meters, which of course forms part of NERC’s engagement with the distribution companies. NERC is also expected to ensure that tariffs in Nigeria (which are currently still the lowest in Africa) are cost-reflective and customer-friendly. One big question that keeps coming up is government’s ability to deliver on its promise of sustainable power supply. This is another palpable worry of electricity consumers. The good

news is that through the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan and the dogged pursuit of power sector reforms, the promise is much expected to be fulfilled. Prof. Nebo while allaying the fears of the public stated that “government wants to quickly grow from 4,000 to 8,000 megawatts in our capacity to generate and distribute electricity before the end of the year and I think we will accomplish it.” Steps have been taken by government to ensure reduction of losses in the electricity distribution chain by making available a good chunk of money to strengthen and boost the transmission capacity. This move is very timely as the issue of transmission fragility remains one of the greatest obstacles to stable power supply. Industry watchers are of the opinion that transmission stability and reliability are indisputably essential in the power supply chain. happily, the Federal Government recently, (mid-January) once again ‘put its money where its mouth is’ through, a Federal Executive Council approval of N1.9billion for the supply of 746 kilometers of aluminum conductor composite core reinforced (ACCR) for the re-conduction of the Onitsha-New haven 330kv transmission line that runs up to Makurdi. There is no doubt that gas inadequacy and the frequent outages from pipeline vandalism have constituted the greatest risks to the twin issue of service delivery and viability. There is the need therefore to close up the growing gap between the supply of gas and the demand from the power sector. Speaking at the recent Sixth Power Summit in Abuja, Prof. Nebo, while acknowledging the deficit in gas supply to thermal stations assured that he was collaborating with the Minister of Petroleum Resources to ensure gas availability and protection of gas pipelines. These efforts to improve the supply of gas include optimising the process of allocating gas to operational power plants with the objective of maximising the power produced from the currently available gas supply. Government is also tightening the project delivery schedules of ongoing gas delivery projects in the Western Sector to ensure that new gas is brought on-stream in the shortest possible time frame. Some of the projects are expected to be completed in Q1 2014 and others in Q4 2014. Altogether, some 250 MMscfd additional gas is expected in 2014 in the Western Sector. This

Nebo translates to an addition of some 800 MW of generated power. Also, new NIPP projects are expected to deliver some 900 MW of power from gas to the national grid in the Eastern Sector in 2014. Going forward in the post-privatisation era, some people have opined that harmony and unity of purpose in the power sector are essential ingredients for success of ongoing reforms. But one thing that has been very clear in the pursuit of power sector reform has been the proper coordination of the processes so far. President Jonathan has been very insistent on getting the right thing done by the relevant agencies in the sector. The Minister of Power took steps early in the day to ensure a unified power sector with the same agenda, same focus and the same commitment to eventually deliver uninterrupted power supply. In his words, “we now function as an integral whole, while all the other members still retain and maintain whatever independence and authority they were vested with, without any encumbrances....The outcome of this unity of purpose in the power sector has produced tangible results as evidenced in the recent seamless transition from public to private ownership of power infrastructure in the country. It has provided the instrumental framework for real, sustainable access to power by Nigerians.” For instance the Ministry of Power has been able to address power challenges in parts of the country through innovations such as Operation Electrify Nigeria in which some select cities including Abuja are being provided with 20-23 hours of light daily. There is also the Operation Light -

up Rural Nigeria programme which formally took off via the launch of three pilot projects in rural communities of Durumi, Mshape and Aura in the outskirts of Abuja. These communities like many similar rural communities of Nigeria are completely off the national grid and have no access to power supply. Through government’s partnership with foreign and local investors, these communities saw power in their villages for the first time through the use of Renewable (Solar) Energy sources. In line with provisions of the 2005 EPSRA, there is now in place the Electricity Management Services Limited, which is government owned, independent and technically based, charged with the responsibilities of closing up any existing technical gap in the post privatisation process. The Agency is to ensure that all major electrical materials and equipment used in Nigeria are of the right quality and standards. EMSL also ensures that power systems and networks put in place have been properly executed before use. This is to ensure that such systems are capable of delivering safe, reliable and sustainable electricity supply to consumers nation –wide. It is evident from the fore-going that government has taken steps to address emerging challenges in the post privatisation era and is still continuing, to ensure that privatisation benefits mature to full stature. There is indeed, as Prof. Nebo likes to describe it, “an array of incredible low hanging fruits” in the power sector, and with patience, Nigerians will surely pluck these fruits ripe and mature. Aneke, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Abuja.

Understanding Due Diligence In A Downstream Acquisition By Felix Ayanruoh ITh the foreseeable passage of W the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and subsequent deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry, it becomes imperative to note that major government infrastructures in the downstream sector will be privatized. This process entails the transfer of these infrastructures from government ownership to private individuals and entities for consideration. Although, the oil and gas industry is comprised of three major segments: Upstream, Midstream and Downstream, most oil and gas industry stakeholders in Nigeria readily agree that the oil and gas industry is comprised of both the Upstream, and Downstream segments. The upstream segment is generally referred to as exploration and production (E&P) and includes activities centered on searching for potential subsurface hydrocarbon fields and the recovery and production of such hydrocarbons (including crude oil and raw natural gas). The downstream segment consists of the refining and processing of hydrocarbons into consumer prod-

ucts (gasoline, jet fuel and diesel) and the diverse transportation, storage and marketing assets and services that link the energy supply side (Upstream segment) with the demand side for energy commodities. At the heart of every downstream acquisition lies the concept of “Caveat Emptor” – Let the Buyer Beware. This is a warning to a potential acquirer that the seller of the target business main objective is to maximize value. Albeit, there is the tendency that the seller will withhold vital information which could result in a purchase price reduction or in the seller having to retain liabilities following the closing of the transaction. The acquirer, in order to safeguard its investment from risks and liabilities being assumed should use all available mechanisms to rectify issues and identify liabilities – including due diligence and a comprehensive definitive acquisition agreement. Conducting an effective due diligence in the context of a downstream acquisition can be a difficult and pain-taking task, in that a downstream acquisition target are usually large in size and involves several assets with considerable activities and services. The proposed deregulation of the downstream industry

will witness significant and rapid growth and consolidation opportunities in the petroleum industry. Due diligence in relation to a downstream acquisition is the process by which a potential acquirer of a downstream business or division or group of downstream assets obtains and reviews information about the downstream acquisition target to reach an informed decision or confirm its decision to acquire the target business. There are different kinds of due diligence conducted in downstream acquisition, including: Financial Due Diligence – Involves the analysis of financial status and historical and projected financial performance of the target business by accounting firm or accounting or financial advisors. Operating Due Diligence – Involves the analysis of the operations and operational performance of the target business by engineering and operations consultants (and often investment banking firms). Strategic Due Diligence – Focuses on the ability of the business combination to achieve the strategic and value-added benefits perceived in the acquisition. Legal Due Diligence – Involves the analysis of the target business to de-

termine compliance with laws and regulations, legal title to assets, required consents to consummate the transaction and compliance with other legal requirements (including contract terms). This is usually done by in-house and outside legal counsel and other advisors. Although, the various kinds of due diligence often overlap and require interaction among the various specialists involved in the due diligence effort, the writer will limit its analysis to Legal Due Diligence. The legal due diligence process serves multifarious purposes, including the following: Information Gathering and Validation of value of detailed information about the operations of the target business, so as to enable the acquirer to confirm and validate the proposed value attributable to the target. Validation and Confirmation of various business or operating assumptions regarding the rights held by the target business on which the value of the acquisition or the future plans for the target business were premised. Identification of Encumbrances and Obstacles at closing. It involves the identification of issues that should be taken into consideration in order

to establish an orderly closing of the acquisition and transition of the acquired business. Identification of Current and Potential Liabilities and Obligations of the target business that would need to be taken into consideration in determining the value of the target business or the allocation of risks between the acquirer and the seller. Identification of Title and Operating Deficiencies or instances of noncompliance with contract terms or laws which might require remediation prior to the acquirer being able to proceed with consummation of the transaction Identification of Termination Rights, Purchase Rights and Other Contract Provisions Which Could Impact the Ownership of the Assets or Conduct of the Business. As will be readily apparent from the foregoing discussions, due diligence investigation is an essential and invaluable tool for the acquirer in a downstream acquisition which, when used properly, can help to (i) minimize the risk of the acquisition (ii) allocate identified and often unidentifiable risks between the transaction parties and (iii) maximize value to the acquirer’s equity holders.

Saturday, February 8, 2014 47

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

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

Celebrity Branding: Survey Reveals Level Of Influence On Consumer Decisions By Adeshola Ogbodo HE marketing tactics of leveraging celebrities as brand T ambassadors or endorsers for products and services has continued to be on the upswing in Nigeria. Last year saw a huge number of A-list celebrities from the entertainment and sports scene signed-on as endorsers for various brands. These brand endorsers feature prominently in the marketing campaigns of the brands they endorse and most times, serve as the main drivers of these brands. Last month, popular singing sensation, Wande Coal was officially unveiled as one of Glo’s brand ambassadors. Glo Nigeria and MTN boast an impressive array of A-list celebrity brand ambassadors. In addition, early this year, Etisalat signed-on popular Nollywood screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji, to a multimillion-naira endorsement deal. Airtel Nigeria also unveiled popular Nollywood actor, Mike Ezuruonye, as its new brand ambassador. The telecoms industry in Nigeria has the highest number of celebrity brand ambassadors than in any other sector. Some years ago, this marketing strategy was somewhat nonexistent in the country. But today, it seems to have come to be the norm amongst brands. The burgeoning Nigerian entertainment scene has in no small measure contributed to brands adopting celebrities as brand endorsers. As the entertainment industry continues to grow, so also are entertainers who continue to wield more influence and enjoy positive perception from millions of fans within and outside the country. As this trend continues to be on the rise in Nigeria, the question as to why brands engage celebrity endorsers comes to mind. Implementing the use of celebrities as ambassadors for a brand seems a great concept for any organisation. It usually serves as an easier means of reaching out and getting the attention of consumers. Celebrity brand ambassadors prove very effective especially when the brand in question is just making an entry into the market. The overall image of a celebrity ambassador is to obviously attract attention from consumers as well as for brand positioning purposes. Integrating a big time celebrity to a brand does increase the chance of it being sold. Celebrities are famous and popular, and have many loyal fans. So, it would be obvious for marketers to benefit from using them to get an audience to resonate with their brand. Most times, a brand wants to leverage the wide appeal of a celebrity in the sense that this appeal will then rub-off positively on the brand. So, brands carefully select a celebrity who has a wide appeal to consumers and also embodies the intrinsic values the brand stands for. As effective as celebrity brand ambassadors seem, there are also several drawbacks. For one, celebrities are in most cases likely to be involved in one scandal or another and as such, their social conduct may be at variance with the brand they represent. Such scenarios cause a huge conflict with the brand and the celebrity endorser, which usually ends in the brand withdrawing their continued partnership with the celebrity in question. There have been several cases of brands withdrawing their continued sponsorship of celebrities. A perfect case in point came during the wake of Tiger Woods’ late 2009 car accident and the following acknowledgement by Woods of marital infidelity, which led to majority of his sponsors cutting ties with the golfer. Woods lost multi-million dollar sponsorship

Facebook Clocks 10 HE biggest name in Snapchat. T social networking, Facebook’s initial public Facebook celebrated 10 offering in 2012 had unexyears of existence on Tuesday, having grown from a private college site to a worldwide platform with 1.23 billion users. Facebook founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg released a statement on the company’s Facebook page on Tuesday, saying he hopes the next 10 years will allow the company to expand its capabilities. He said he wants Facebook to help people solve bigger and more important problems than before. The company has announced no public plans for a celebration, but the occasion has spurred many observers to reflect on the meteoric rise of the site and its influence on other social networking services such as Twitter, Instagram, and

pectedly poor results, but the value of company shares has risen to record levels since then. The company is worth a reported $157 billion, more than many major U.S. companies with histories that are decades longer. Experts think the major challenge for the social networking site is to age gracefully, keeping the interest of its youngest users, who are moving on to newer technologies, while leaving their parents among Facebook’s core set of users. No matter what its future holds, Facebook has already made an indelible mark on the language of today, introducing such terms as “friending,” “unfriending,” and “status line” into the modern-day vocabulary.

Saka Mi

Kate Henshaw deals as a result of the scandal. In Nigeria, even though there hasn’t been any major scandal with any of the brand ambassadors just yet, the pertinent questions still remain: Does the continued use of brand ambassadors actually influence consumer purchase decisions? Would consumers want to identify with a brand simply because of its endorsement by a celebrity? To determine the extent to which celebrity brand ambassadors influence consumer purchase decisions and how much

consumers really identify with these celebrity endorsers, The Guardian Brand Intelligence embarked on a semi-qualitative study in Lagos with 100 respondents. The respondents were teenagers and adults, aged 16 -35 years and above, (male & female: ratio 50: 50) in the A B C D E social economic classes. The study revealed as follows: On how respondents feel about the use of celebrities as brand ambassadors in Nigeria, 50 per cent of the respondents said such use has made the endorsed brand to be more appealing to consumers. Twenty-five per cent of the respondents agreed that celebrity ambassadors could attract consumers to a brand while another 25 per cent said that it could convince consumers to patronise a brand outside his or her wish. On celebrity brand ambassadors that appeal most to them, respondents rated the following ambassadors very high. Hafeez Ayetoro aka Saka, the MTN brand ambassador, is by far the most recognisable brand ambassador in Nigeria today with 50 per cent. He became a sensation last year during the mobile porting campaigns when he ‘ported’ over from Etisalat to rival network MTN. He enjoys huge appeal from respondents. They cited his comical nature as reason for his appeal. Mr. Incredible (MI), a Glo brand ambassador is a favourite amongst respondents with 23 per cent. They cited his personality as reason for his appeal. Kate Henshaw, a Samsung brand ambassador also ranked high amongst respondents with 17 per cent. According to the respondents, her natural beauty makes her very appealing. However, other brand ambassadors that also appeal to respondents accounted for 10 per cent. If the result of the survey is anything to go by, we can aver that celebrity brand ambassadors have a huge influence in consumer purchase decisions especially celebrities that enjoy huge appeal from consumers. We can also deduce that if brands can properly identify the right celebrities to endorse their brands, the chances of such brands making an impact in the market become high.

Nigeria To Host 2014 World Electronics Forum HE Board of Directors of the World T Electronics Forum (WEF), through Consumer Electronics and Technologies Industry Association (CETIA) of Africa, has granted the Country Hosting Rights (CHR) for the 19th World Electronics Forum 2014 to Nigeria. WEF has also nominated Digital Africa Global Consult Limited, headed by Dr. Evans E. Woherem, as the event organiser. The 19th World Electronics Forum is therefore to be held alongside Digital Africa 2014 in Lagos, from May 20-22. President of WEF, Mr. Tony Smith, said that, “we look forward to bringing the decision makers of the world ICT and consumer electronics industry to Nigeria next year, and we believe that this is a tremendous opportunity for

Nigeria and the rest of Africa”. According to Smith, “Nigeria has demonstrated its vast investment potentials by becoming the largest telecom market in Africa and the Middle East. The major goal of the 19th World Electronics Forum is therefore to engage the African telecommunications and IT markets, using Nigeria as the window”. Chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult Limited, Dr. Evans Woherem, said: “We are very delighted to use our Digital Africa platform to bring the world’s leading technology stars not only to meet hundreds of credible business leaders and entrepreneurs drawn from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and the rest of the continent”. He reiterated that, “when it comes to the

digital industry today, Africa is the last frontier and the toast of the rest of the world”. WEF is the forum of CEOs and Directors of the global electronics industry associations of the leading economies of the world: USA, China, Japan, Germany, Britain, India, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Russia, Brazil, Philippines, Vietnam, etc. The 18th edition was hosted by Vietnam in 2013, the 17th edition was held in Philippines in 2012, and the 16th edition was hosted by USA in 2011. Traditionally, the President or Prime Minister of the Host Country is the Special Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony Dinner of the four-day event, while the Governor or Premier of the Host State or Province is the Chief Host.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, February 8, 2014

BRANDNEWS

BRANDINTELLIGENCE

Lenovo Targets Nigerian Market With Seven Smartphone Models LOBAL Technology Company and second largest maker of G personal computers, Lenovo, has unveiled seven smartphone models in the Nigerian mobile phone market. The event, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, set in motion Lenovo’s strategic plans to set up camp and cash in on Nigeria’s lucrative phone business. Speaking at the media launch, the Operations Director, Lenovo Middle East-Africa, Mr. Shashank Sharma, explained that Lenovo smartphones would offer exceptional apps which will benefit consumers. “Lenovo is a US$34 billion personal technology company – the largest PC maker worldwide and an emerging PC Plus leader. We are serving customers in more than 160 countries. Lenovo is also dedicated to exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices. Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution,” he said. Lenovo smartphones launched in Nigeria will be available at all major retailers from the first week of March 2014. The range includes entry-level devices such as, the A369i, A516, A680, and A859; the stylish S650 and S930; and the picture perfect and sleek Vibe X. “All Lenovo smartphones will come with a one year local warranty.” Commenting on Lenovo’s entry into the Nigerian smartphone market, Lenovo’s Africa General Manager, Graham Braum, said: “With more than 120 million mobile subscribers, Nigeria represents a strategic market for Lenovo’s smartphone business. Smartphones are fast becoming a primary platform for work, entertainment and social networking for consumers and we are thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting line-up in Nigeria. Our team strives to deliver ground-breaking devices with distinct, elegant design. The launch marks the first time customers in Nigeria can purchase Lenovo smartphones locally and we are excited to see the market’s reaction.” He noted that IDC forecasts show that smartphone shipments worldwide would reach 1.5 billion by 2017, with smartphone shipment dominated by emerging markets, adding that “smartphone penetration in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world.”

Bill Gates Becomes Microsoft’s Advisor, As Board Announces Satya Nadella ICROSOFT’S Board of Directors has announced the M appointment of Satya Nadella as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Following the announcement, Bill Gates steps up to a new role as Technology Advisor while John Thompson assumes role as Chairman of Board of Directors. Nadella previously held the position of Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group. “During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella,” said Bill Gates, Microsoft’s Founder and Member of the Board of Directors. “Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. His vision for how technology will be used and experienced around the world is exactly what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of expanded product innovation and growth,” Gates added. “Microsoft is one of those rare companies to have truly revolutionised the world through technology, and I couldn’t be more honoured to have been chosen to lead the company,” Nadella said. According to the company, Bill Gates, previously Chairman of the Board of Directors, will assume a new role on the Board as Founder and Technology Advisor, and will devote more time to the company, supporting Nadella in shaping technology and product direction.

FCMB Rewards Customers IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited conducted its secFtomers ond monthly Regional and Zonal electronic selection of cusfor the “FCMB 30th Anniversary promo” which resulted to an additional 133 lucky customers from 26 locations around the country, winning various cash and prizes. Three customers won N1 million each, while 130 others won LCD Televisions, Fridges, Generators and other cash and prices. At the Lagos/South-West Regional draws held at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyemi Oludaisi was rewarded with the sum of N1 million, while Mr. Abubakar Isah Saba won the N1million at the North Regional draws held in Kaduna. The third N1 million winner, Mr. Kelvin Osekemen Atama, emerged from the South-East/South-South Regional draws, which took place in Enugu. Speaking on the promo, FCMB’s Senior Vice President/Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Mr. Olu Akanmu, stated that the event was in fulfilment of the promise made by the bank at the launch of the promo to reward FCMB customers who qualified and participated in the promotion. The promotion, which started in October 2013, will run till February 2014. Akanmu went on to inform customers of the Bank and other dignitaries that witnessed the event, that the promo is aimed at encouraging savings and financial inclusion through rewards and prizes.

Majority shareholder, Brands & Products, Ghana, Philip Ayesu (left); Director, Verdant Zeal, Ade Adeniji; GMD, Verdant Zeal, Tunji Olugbodi; and a representative of Mofix, Gambia, Adesite Wole, at a purchase agreement signing ceremony for the acquisition of Brands & Products, Accra, Ghana, and Mofix, Gambia, by Verdant Zeal Nigeria in Lagos…recently.

Verdant Zeal Expands, Acquires Majority Stake In Ghana, Gambia Firms EADING Nigeria LCommunications Marketing Company, Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Ltd, has extended its operations within the West African market as it acquires majority stake holdings in two marketing communication firms – Brands and Products, and Mofix – in Ghana and Gambia respectively. Following this landmark acquisition, Verdant Zeal

Marketing Communications Ltd, will be Nigeria’s first indigenous marketing communications company to buy over and own majority stake in other foreign advertising agencies across the African continent. The former Brands and Products, and Mofix will now be known as Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications, Ghana and Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications, Gambia.

Speaking about the acquisition, which saw Verdant Zeal acquire 60 per cent stake in Brands and Products, Ghana, and 70 per cent stake in Mofix, Gambia, the Group Managing Director, Verdant Zeal Ltd, Mr. Tunji Olugbodi noted: “I am glad that the process of this acquisition which has been on for about a year now has been fully consummated. The Nigerian Marketing Communications industry

has evolved as a dynamic and vibrant one over the years and we need to break new grounds.” Olugbodi added that, “the industry needs to embrace new thinking and break new grounds to remain dynamic and forward looking. The time has come for the industry to embrace innovation more than ever before and remain vibrant and creative in addressing the needs of clients across the globe.”

Lionel Messi Is Gillette’s New Global Ambassador ORLD’S leading male W grooming brand, Gillette has announced Lionel “Leo” Messi as the new global face of its upcoming international football campaign. Gillette has also become a partner of the Leo Messi Foundation to support its mission. Gillette’s partnership with Messi will launch the brand’s ‘Inner Steel’ campaign showcasing the unrivaled passion and mental toughness required of players and fans to drive their teams to victory and show their colours for their country. Along with global ambassador Messi, Gillette is partnering on a local level with an elite portfolio of teams and players from around the world including; Joe Hart (England), Thomas Muller (Germany), “Oscar”, “Paulinho” and “Lucas” (Brazil), “Chicharito” (Mexico), “Falcao” (Colombia), Sergio “Kun” Aguero (Argentina), Juan Arango (Venezuela), Alexis Alejandro Sánchez “Alexis Sánchez” (Chile), Shinji Kagawa (Japan), Ki SungYueng (South Korea) and “Player of the Century” Pele (Brazil), as well as the world’s leading national teams including Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Venezuela and Chile. Gillette’s Global Vice President, John Mang said of the partnership: “This is a new era for Gillette and football. We are excited to part-

ner with Lionel Messi and a stellar line-up of world-class players and teams. These athletes meticulously hone their skills and strive for precision on the field. They are at the top of their sport and their passion to be their best is an inspiration to us all.” Also commenting on his partnership with Gillette, Messi said: “Throughout my

career I have been fortunate to have a great deal of success on the field; but I know that the strongest performances come only when you commit 100 percent to the task at hand and display the strength and mettle to give it all. Inner Steel is inherent within all men. It’s the unwavering commitment and dedication to the colours of

your team or country no matter what. Gillette is a brand that shares my resolve and determination to try to be the best and I know that together we can show men everywhere that the strongest performances come when you strengthen the Inner Steel inside and show your colours on the outside.”

SOLO Phone Unveils Latest Handset, The S450 YNAMIC new device D manufacturer and digital content provider, SOLO Phone today released its latest mobile phone, the S450. Boasting access to an incredible 20 million songs by both local and international artists, the S450 provides an unparalleled entertainment

experience in the Nigerian smartphone industry. The S450 brings to consumers the unique SOLO experience through the SOLO Music and SOLO View apps exclusive to the platform. SOLO Music has a vast library of music updated every week; from afrobeat to gospel, Miley Cyrus to Shina Peters, SOLO Phone devices give users unlimited, free access to music from around the world. With a rapidly growing movie/TV show content library in Nigeria, SOLO View has over 1000 hours of the latest local and international movies and TV shows, and with the innovative SOLO HotSpot solution, users need only spend two to three minutes at a HotSpot location to download movies to their devices. Downloaded movies remain on the device for two weeks only. The S450’s sleek, compact design is complemented by its bright 4.5-inch screen, 5MP camera and 16GB of internal memory. To com-

plete the exceptional experience, the phone comes with a premium headset and case included. The phones will come in three colours: white, black and electric pink. “With the S450, SOLO is bringing a whole new dimension to the way people can consume entertainment in Nigeria,” the Co-Founder and Global Chief Executive Officer of SOLO, Tayo Ogundipe said, adding: “We are bringing a totally new dimension to on-the-go entertainment with an experience like no other.” The Co-Founder and Country CEO, Dolapo Ajayi added, “Nigeria’s rapidly expanding mobile phone industry provides a unique opportunity, and the SOLO platform provides a unique proposition well-suited to the market. We partnered with some of the biggest telecommunication companies to ensure that users continue to get the great experience with free data for streaming content to their devices.”

TheGuardian

Saturday, February 8, 2014 49

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko (2nd right), representative of Commander 435 Base Services Group Ikeja, Air Commodore Najeem Sanusi (left), Lagos State Director of the State Security Service, Mr. Ben Olayi (3rd left), Commander NNS BeeCroft Apapa, Navy Commodore Chris Ezekobe (3rd right), Commander 9 Brigade Ikeja Cantonment, Brigadier General Ohifeme Ejemai (2nd right) and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Major Tunde Panox rtd (right) shortly after the State Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) at the State House, Marina, on Wednesday.

Alleged Boko Haram Threat: How Safe Is Lagos? By Samson Ezea OMETIME last year, a terrorist group allegedly conveyed Stankers weapons to Lagos State inside some of the numerous fuel that ply major roads to the country’s former capital and indeed the its commercial nerve centre. It was learnt then that the federal and state authorities were quite startled that the masterminds of the planned terror act could pile up weapons of mass destruction in the state, generally considered a safe haven for investment at the moment in the country. The state authorities, including Governor Babatunde Fashola, were shown the illegal arms that the security and intelligence community’s inter-agency cooperation confiscated. “They were shocked, really shocked when they were shown the level of organisational capacity of the evil ones that planned to attack Lagos’ A raid carried out some months ago by a Joint Task Force, led by operatives of the Nigerian Army and State Security Service (SSS) saved residents of Lagos and Ogun states from possible attacks by the terrorists. The joint raid had led to the arrest of 42 suspected members of the Boko Haram sect, who were dislodged from the Northeast by military operations there under emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states and had allegedly migrated to Lagos and Ogun to regroup and possibly plant terrorist cells. The suspects were rounded up through intelligence information by one of the supposed members stationed in Lagos, who, unknown to the suspects, had their telephone numbers tracked by the military operatives. Based on intelligence reports, the suspects were ‘smoked’ out from Ibafo and Ileke new trailer garage abodes in Ogun, and Mafoluku, Alaba, Ijora-Badia, Ketu and Mile Two motor parks, Orile trailer park, Lekki new extension and Bar Beach in Lagos. Security operatives that briefed the National Assembly leaders last year about the reality of the planned invasion of Lagos reportedly told the federal legislators that indeed the attackers had planned to cripple the economy.

Former Head of State, the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed, had in 1976 recognised the strategic importance of Lagos even while he was announcing the creation of the country’s new capital, Abuja, then. His words in a national broadcast to the nation on January 3, 1976: “…Lagos will, in the foreseeable future, remain the nation’s commercial capital and one of its nerve centres. “… There is need, in the circumstances, for the federal government to maintain a special defence and security arrangement in Lagos, which will henceforth be designated a special area…” It was learnt that the security chiefs told the federal legislators and their presiding officers that some of the attackers captured had hinted that the plot was deliberately to cripple the nerve centre of the country’s commerce and industry, so that the country’s economy could collapse. The federal legislators were said to have been alarmed by a revelation about the sense of urgency of the insurgents to hit Lagos, “just to make Nigeria ungovernable for the present administration.” And just recently, it was revealed again that the sect allegedly planned to attack the city with weapons in vehicles used by senior military officers and painted in the colours of the Army, Navy and Air Force to escape suspicion and evade arrest while conveying the arms. It would be recalled that since the eruption of the Boko Haram insurgency in the northern parts of the country some years ago, their activities have been concentrated much in the north, where several lives and property have been lost. The southern parts of the country have not experienced or witness any attack by the sect members, though there have been some cases of arrest of suspected members in some states. The recent alleged plot is already raising serious concerns among the residents of the city and other Nigerians, considering the status of the city, with population of over nine million people. This is despite assurances by the security agents and the state government that they were battle-ready to nip in the bud any attack by sect members.

Putting up what looked like a proactive measures against such attacks and other crimes in the city, the state government recently launched the installation of 1, 200 security cameras in the city. Fashola, members of his executive and some journalists witnessed the public demonstration of the use of the security cameras already deployed in the city with the aid of 27screen video wall monitors. Already, the cameras have been deployed in critical locations, and a visibly elated Fashola said his government was planning to expand existing camera and telephony infrastructure to support deployment of the additional cameras to effectively cover the entire state in a bid to make it safe and secure.

Fashola

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‘Alleged Planned Invasion Of Lagos By Boko Haram Sect Could Be A Decoy To Divert Attention’ Mr. Umar Aliyu, a retired military officer and security expert speaks on the recent alleged plan by Boko Haram members to invade Lagos in military uniforms and vehicles.

By Samson Ezea Recently in the news was the alleged plan by Boko Haram to invade Lagos in military uniform and vehicles. Do you think our security agents have what it takes to tackle the menace? EFORE doing a take on the capacity of security agencies as we see and know them to operate today, to contain or not to contain an impending or eventual occurrence of terrorist acts in Lagos, let’s first and foremost analyse the subject matter itself i.e. Boko Haram. I am aware of news as published in some media to the effect that security agency chiefs have briefed National Assembly members of plans by the Boko Haram members, to undertake attacks in Lagos; the form and modus operandi of these attacks were also said to have been specified; these and other relevant information were supposedly gleaned off a subject of interrogation and Boko Haram suspects. An objective and dispassionate approach to the foregoing brings to mind certain concerns which I will take time to dwell on properly lest the crux of the matter. Having observed the trend of events as it involves terrorism in Nigeria, one can with a little bit of sure footedness dare say, the modus operandi of the sect members is not given to self-declaration of would be targets, very much less so, the exact nature of how these targets would be breached. Be that as it may, in order not to underestimate the information at hand even when it clearly does not fall within the habitual operational nuances of the group involved, one would call for caution, critical thinking, metacognition and imagination on the part of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. That a suspect has given so much information on the possibility of attacks in Lagos should not elicit an ALL EYES ON LAGOS approach to security and counter terrorism, lest the information itself is deceptive. Given the faceless, formless and timeless nature of terrorism, Lagos could possibly be a decoy to take attention away from the original or intended target-city of choice. The way forward, would thus be, to take a cue from the security alert as given by the concerned agencies, to mean an impending attack on any of the many commercial nerve-centre-cities, as they abound in our national space with particular attention to Lagos. To explain this further, consideration of a possible exportation of terror attacks from the predominantly northern flash points across other regions of the country, particularly cosmopolitan and commercial hubs may not be out of place….therefore, the key question Counter Terrorist, Law Enforcement, Military and Civil Defence Agencies should be asking, and seeking to answer remains, and will be direct fall outs of critical thinking, metacognition and professional savvy to say the least. Any, all, security measures that need be considered and effected in Lagos, be duplicated across those commercial and demographic hubs that share similarity with Lagos in terms of population and economic importance; in this way a responsive nay continuous and concurrent anti-terrorism drive can be achieved by as many potentially vulnerable states, who leverage upon the lessons learnt and shared by others, to prepare and fortify and by so doing at the very least contain any eventual occurrences. Now to law enforcement capacity to contain terrorist acts in Lagos. Dire and bizarre as the Boko Haram incubus is to our national being, event trends as occasioned by various attacks and losses have acted as a loud wakeup call for polity, government and law enforcement, with unique situational opportunities for all to hone and perfect the pre-requisite skill sets for managing one of the world’s foremost

Aliyu contemporary threats to peaceful coexistence and democratic governance. Given the responsive nature of governance and the supportive stance of the Lagos State Government to security and its proper dispensation in Lagos, there is indeed gain in saying, with the right persons in the right place, Lagos state will, if eventually attacked, lead the way, once yet, on how things can be done correctly…albeit differently. Security-Lagos, in the last eight or so years, has shown a gradual, but deliberate inclination, from reactionary to responsive Law Enforcement and Crime Management. While more can still be done, I can confidently say, the state and its security apparatuses, in comparison to what is obtainable elsewhere have shown a positive inclination to itinerant and responsive security and crime prevention methodologies, as against the age old reactionary stereotype; While the former (responsive) leads crime, the latter (reactionary) pursues it. Given this posture of the State Government, the security challenges of terrorism in Lagos (pre and post occurrence) will meet the right mind sets who will no doubt mandate the appropriate skill set and resource persons to manage the situation…this kind of responsive approach to governance and its accompanying challenges is still not prevalent in most states of the nation. Why has it been possible for the Boko Haram members to operate in military uniforms and painted vehicles? More like, why do Boko Haram members prefer military uniforms! It is not unusual to see revolutionaries, militants, and terrorist groups donning military ordinances and kits; weaponry, ballis-

tics and pyrotechnics that have the capacity to meet their need to wreck substantial damage, and which incidentally are almostalways military become highly favoured. That the Nigerian Army, particularly in the case of Boko Haram has been rendered more visible than is advisable, does not help matters, in addressing this already traditional preference by hostile extremist groups for military paraphernalia. Soldiers, as we know, are no longer an exceptional sight in our society… they have become to the civil populace, as the civil populace is to them_ one and the same… nobody knows a real soldier from a phoney one anymore, because the familiarity and frequency levels of military participation in civilian life and endeavours, has not only affected hitherto regimented posture and awe eliciting demeanour, but has also bred contempt and doubts of their efficacy in a society and citizenry that is virtually worn and tired of their presence. Unlike in other civilised societies (who incidentally have their own security challenges) where uniformed men are a rare occurrence in daily societal endeavours; soldiers remain a common sight in the Nigerian scenario; this has rendered them open to abuse and in some cases outright attack by hostile groups. The residual and collateral effects of this abuse, image and reputation loss by the military owing to errors of deployment and application are not unconnected to the high confidence levels as exhibited by hostile groups against our soldiers, no less the Boko Haram sect. This rather indiscriminate show of military force and presence has perverted the psyche

That a suspect has given so much information on the possibility of attacks in Lagos should not elicit an ALL EYES ON LAGOS approach to security and counter terrorism, lest the information itself is deceptive. Given the faceless, formless and timeless nature of terrorism, Lagos could possibly be a decoy to take attention away from the original or intended target-city of choice.

of the average Nigerian citizenry who over the years have come to accept military participation in all aspects of civil-social-intercourse as normal. Today Boko Haram members exploit the window of opportunity unwittingly created by the aforementioned to breach security measures inter-alia; all it takes is a soldier’s garb, to execute the vagaries of crime and vice with resounding success. What do you think will be the consequences of such attack in Lagos taking into consideration the population of the people? Lagos State as I know it is to Nigerians a nexus of activity; virtually every Nigerian, has one thing or the other to do directly or indirectly, with Lagos; that she used to be our FCT once upon the past, underscores this. Commerce, enterprise-environment, and socials, as elements of our coexistence make the state, a remarkable sibling, in a national family of some 36 unique states. The effects of an attack on Lagos can be grouped into immediate and collateral, the details of which I would gladly spare this discourse, for reasons not unconnected to a common national Interest and commitment,(security) to which all and sundry subscribe to, for being Nigerians, or inhabitants of this nation thereof. What do you think should be done to forestall such planned attack on Lagos? The best thing that could be done to forestall terrorism and its horrendous portends is responsible governance and responsible socio-religious leadership conduct ab-initio; the next best thing remains proactive management of the situation, as our security circumstances nationwide unfold. Security and its management (no less its managers and their agencies) must be seen as an itinerant and going-concern. The ways of old in law enforcement must give way to the ways of today; responsive security must lead crime as opposed to the old order of reactionary security which pursues crime. There must be in place the right hands, minds and skill sets to address security needs in today’s Nigeria nay Lagos. Post 2010 events have come to underscore the ability of crime and it’s perpetrators to think and grow, with a discerning capacity to outwit and overwhelm security Custodians, Private and Public. What this means is the “crime sector” is growing; SO WILL THE SECURITY SECTOR; the bar must be raised on basic skill and academic entry requirements across board for security operatives at all levels. Why has Boko Haram attacks persist in the North, despite government efforts to deal with the insurgency? Terrorist acts are informed by certain conditional prevalence which makes a country vulnerable or attractive to terrorist activity; this prevalence includes and is not restricted to systemic and socio-economic deficits in the affected country. That the threat at hand was non-existent a decade ago underscores the fact that its eventual appearance in our National being existence remains a function of certain remote and immediate time spanned factors. Terrorist causes do not have a history of being resolved summarily at short notice, nor their activity stopped in the literary sense of the word. Best option remains seeing to it that factors which make nation space and country attractive to the propagation of a terrorist cause are avoided, at all cost. While there is no gain saying the security challenges the country faces at the moment are what the Nation has made of them, government efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria, can only be as good as the governments will and Nigerians resolve to stop terrorism; all of which only time and concerted efforts can bestow. Going forward, responsible social conduct (ethno-religious, socio-political) on the part of citizenry; participatory leadership and transparency, will go a long way in addressing the root causes and persistence of acts of hostile agitation in our nationhood.

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‘People Should Be Observant And Draw Attention Of Security Agents To Strange Movements’ By Joseph Okoghenun

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security (NIIS), Barr. Wilson Esangbedo, is of the view that enough attention has not been paid to the threat by the Boko Haram group to bomb Lagos. The former Chairman of Lagos Chapter of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), said the people should be mobilised to curb the threat, while government place surveillance on Lagos city, and borders with the aid of modern sophisticated technology to nip the threat in the bud. HAT do you think of the threat by Boko W Haram to attack Lagos State? The threat has been on for a while; it did not just now. Don’t forget that if Lagos is to be attacked, the Boko Haram members do not need to move anywhere because their agents are here. They have been here for years. The problem we have in the country is that the security agencies have underestimated the Boko Haram people; they come out to make statements like ‘we are going to crush them in three months.’ But after the expiration of the three months, they are still there. I am sure they have not really sat down to examine them holistically; they are just looking at them in parts. And when they have crushed a part, they think they have crushed everything. That has been the part of the problem. The people are here. And if they need to carry out an operation, all they need to do is to give out instructions. Don’t forget that what is driving terrorism is ideology; ideology is something you cannot kill. People are ready to die for what they believe in. And the government of the day is not doing as much as they should; I am not saying they are not trying. I think what is distracting government is politics; politicians are consumed by the passion to rule Nigeria at all cost. There are some timely actions they supposed to take, they delayed it because of politics. The government is trying to please too many people. There are some people they cannot touch. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was invited by the SSS. But why did they not invite Gen.Buhari Muhammadu when he made the threat that if he did not win 2011 election, there would be trouble? A lot of people were killed in the Kaduna and Abuja bomb blasts? Was Buhari ever invited? No! Buhari is a retired Major General; he cannot be touched. They are scared that if they invited Buhari, there would be more trouble. Fine they invited El-Rufai; he was under arrest for how many hours? If someone else had written the letter former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote, the person would have been the guest of the SSS. That is part of

the problem we are having in this country- we have people who are above the law. We are really not doing things right. But the people that are suffering are you and I who are trying to run our own businesses. The U.S. government and others have issued out travel alerts on 16 states in Nigeria that foreigners should not visit. In Lagos, I am quite familiar with many of the security agencies. The SSS is doing a good job, and the police commissioner in Lagos State is doing his best. The key to preventing terrorist attacks in Lagos does not lie with security agencies, but with you and I. When we see strange movements in our communities, we should be able to call the law enforcement agents. The question is how many of us, even know the number to call. I am trying to be frank. The government is not doing the right thing; the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is dead. If you complain, they would tell you that they do not have money. But if we keep on having adverts that say if you see strange movements, call this number, it would help. We can even undertake the task, but it involves funding. But what we can do we would do it. The SSS is doing its best, as it does jingles. But the police have not done enough. But if you complain about their efforts in sensitising the populace, they too would complain of funding. The IGP has done his best. But what could be done in this challenging circumstance to avoid attack on Lagos? We have been advocating that instead of coming up with all sorts of strange numbers, let call security number. If it is 112, 119 or whatever it is, let it be uniform all over the country. Anywhere you are, once you call that number, it would go into central network from where it would be distributed to the various states. If I go into a place like Sokoto and I am in a distress, I would not know whom to call. But if you know that we have a central number that works, whenever you have information you want to pass across, you call that number. Another thing Lagos has done is to place cameras in strategic places. That is not enough; government cannot do it alone. Government should make it mandatory for all companies, however small, even if it is one-man business, should have a security camera in front of their offices. Let government pass a law to make it compulsory. All hotels, filling stations supermarkets should have cameras facing streets. Government should look for a way to integrate them into security network. Government may not have money to put camera everywhere, but if they encourage everyone to.... you will be surprise to see that everywhere in Lagos will be covered. People should develop community-based associations; let them come together to have cameras in central areas in communities. They would be able to capture information, which would be passed into a central network. Let there be people whose responsibility is to monitor these cameras from the central base; when they see things are going wrong, they should alert security authorities. We would

Esangbedo then be proactive; right now we are reactive. We do not need to wait for them to blow up places; from our monitor we could afar suspect strange movements so that before people carry out their action, law enforcement agents will be there. There were times we received threats that Third Mainland Bridge would be bombed, what government and security agencies should do is to ensure under the entre bridge is under the surveillance of cameras. If it were U.S, they would put cameras there and ensure that there is 24-hour monitory of the bridge. Do you think a terrorist would go on top of the bridge to plant bomb? He may not go on top; he may just go under the bridge. You ask yourself, are they monitory mechanism on the bridge? I am sure they are not monitory the bridge. The best they have is Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to patrol there. But the RRS are just static; they are not doing any patrol. We need to bring in technology to help us. It cost a lot of money. The government cannot do it alone. What do you mean by strange movements? If I live around Palmgrove, Lagos, and I know people around my area, but I see certain people coming together, moving around- people that I have never met in my life; people I do not even know- and I am suspicious that their coming together may not be in the interest of our own security in that area, I have to two options: I ignore it to say it is not my business or I can call the police to say I am seeing strange movements around. The police would

move in and interrogate them. At the end of the day, you may be shock; they may just be the surveillance team of a terrorist group. We were doing a security audit for a hotel in Victoria Island Lagos, the bar attendant said he observed that some people wearing hats were watching a white man in a strange manner. The head of security team for the hotel said he does not think it is a problem. I then suggested that we test the situation to see whether there is a problem. I told him to tell the white man along with his friends to behave as if they want to leave the hotel premises with their car, and let us see how many people would stand up to follow them. These white men went into their car and behave as if they wanted to drive out, about three men stood up from different sections of the bar, move very fast and entered their car, waiting for the white men to take off. We had earlier told the white men that at that end, they should behave as if they want to pick up something they forgot. And let us see how many would follow them back. The three people that followed came back and sat down in their respective locations as soon as the white men put up that behaviour. We were shocked that these three people did not mean well. That is how they were arrested. When they were arrested, they confessed that they were trying to kidnap the white men. If we are really serious we are supposed to have technology helping us. We are supposed to have equipment to monitor vehicles coming into Lagos.

‘Preventive Mechanism Is The Best Way To Fight Boko Haram Insurgency’ Chairman Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Nigerian Content Committee, Engr. Chris Okoye in this interview with DEBO OLADIMEJI spoke on how to nip Boko Haram menace in the bud. HAT is your take on the recent reports that Boko W Haram was planning to attack Lagos? I hope that it is not true anyway. I don’t want to believe

Okoye

that it is true. It is not a matter for anybody to contemplate. Tell me which part of Lagos that if you throw something that thousands of people will not die. Anywhere you just drop a small bomb in Lagos the number of people that will die will be staggering. That obviously re-emphasized the need for the State Police, Council Police, village Police. Because it is quite clear that the government cannot safeguard the country by a centralized police force. From the way Boko Haram is operating, it is clear that the central government has not

been able to secure the entire country from the menace. Why do you think that the Federal government has not been able to stop Boko Haram menace? The country is too big for one to delegate the responsibility for securing lives and properties of the people in the hand of a centralized government. That fundamental principle that the person that most competent and able to secure your life and your property is the man that is next to you is obviously justified and make relevance for local police. Security is not a matter you take for granted. Without security of life and property there is nothing that one can do. Every other aspects of life become totally irrelevance. Nigerians are ready to pay a certain sum of money, every month for their lives to be secured. What about funding of the State Police? It is not enough to talk about State Police. It is also important to talk about how to fund it. Because it is poor funding that has also made it impossible for the police to perform maximally.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Politics Why I Want To Be Nigeria’s Next President, By Nda-Isaiah The publisher Leadership Newspaper, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, has declared his intention to contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). During his visit to the Rutam House, The Guardian’s Corporate Headquarters in Lagos, he bared his mind on the reason he is embarking on the presidential race. By Olushola Ricketts HY are you in the presidential race? W The fact is that the country has been mismanaged to the extent that the presidency is the only place one can impact meaningfully. We are writers; we have written everything in this world. Yet, there are no changes. And I am not looking for a job, since I have a job that I really enjoy doing. In as much as I agree with you that it is dangerous, why would I disturb myself especially when I am interested in doing the right thing? The country could be better, but many Nigerians have given up and we are in a very dangerous position. So, I think all men of goodwill must stand up to save the country, because we cannot continue on this path. No matter what anybody thinks, Nigeria needs to be in the right direction. Also, if you want to be a governor, senator or house of rep. member, it is possible you need a large part of your own money. But to be the president, it is not your money. All those that have been president in this country were not rich men. And people must know why they should vote for me. Yes, I am your colleague. But I do not think that is enough. In Nigeria, no matter how angry people are, everybody wants a united country that they would be proud of and happy to leave behind. One of our aims is to unite this country, because the country is too divided as a nation. While some people are enjoying, others are suffering. It is so bad that a Bishop was sent to one of the states last year and they said no he was not from the village. At the governors’ forum, we have two of them; we have different fractions of PDP, and we are hearing that some people want to form a new APC. I also learnt that it was even the president that needed the election timetable to be in place quickly, I have no proof though. If

that is true, it means that it doesn’t even trust the governors that we think are loyal to him. What do you think is wrong with Nigeria? The first thing that is wrong with us is unity; we are too divided. This is not how things are done in other countries. I have traveled all over the world and I see how governments are being run. Our leaders simply do not care. Creating unity and fostering cohesion among people is a deliberate thing that should be done. You can’t just sit down and expect it to be done. If you want to do it, you will. But we make rules that we do not follow here. Are you not afraid of the alleged history of lack of internal democracy within the APC? No! In fact, it is an opportunity. Since PDP has been used to imposing people here and there, APC must prove to be different. If not, the game is already lost. People want to see an alternative. The good thing is that the leaders of APC noticed this and they are determined; they know that Nigerians are watching. Nobody gave us a chance, and people have been predicting a break up. But that is what they will continue to say until we get to the villa. Meanwhile, the people saying that we are going to fight are the ones fighting and breaking up. There is no way we can bring those mannerisms of ANPP, ACN and CPC into APC. It is not even possible because there is no single person in the affairs of the party, especially at the presidential level. Nobody has that leverage. The only place we are going to likely have problems is at the state levels where some people are more powerful. But we are working towards it. Apart from being anti-Jonathan, what are you bringing to the table? Not that I am anti-Jonathan; I am anti-bad governance, and I have always been. If there were no bad government, I would not waste my time. Like I said earlier on I have a good job. But now, I must do something. And a time will come that I might even resign my position as the chairman of leadership. So, it is not true that I am anti-Jonathan. As far as I can remember, I was the only one in Nigeria that insisted that Jonathan should be made the president, not acting president when Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was ill. Where were the critics, including Chief Tony Anenih I recently replied, who are alleging that I am anti-Jonathan when I insisted that he should be made president?

Nda-Isaiah

‘More PDP Members Will Soon Defect To APC In Southeast’ Mr. Osita Okechukwu is the Southeast Zonal Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC). He bares his mind to LAWRENCE NJOKU IN ENUGU on issues surrounding the party in the South East zone. HE South-East APC has not benefited from the T massive defection of politicians from the PDP like other zones. Why? A lot of people seem to page with you. However, one has a different viewpoint, stemming from the fact that there is silence in the air, as per defection from PDP to APC in the Southeast. Our people do not run for the rain until it starts to shower. This means that we are going to have

Okechukwu

more defections in the Southeast now that it is becoming clearer that APC has the probability ratio and edge of winning the 2015 presidential election. The fact remains that Ndigbo hate being in opposition and there is clear signal that APC will win majority in the National Assembly, more of the 36 governors and the presidential post come 2015 general elections. On the issue of gaining ground in the Southeast, a lot of PDP elected officials and members are surely going to defect. For instance, Chief Sam Maduka Onyishi, a top financier of PDP, has defected to APC in Enugu State, and one classifies him as a big fish. It is elementary knowledge that he is not coming alone. Do you think that those prominent members of PDP who had been subdued and marginalised over the years by the Southeast PDP governors are going to remain in PDP? No! I know of some senators who are waiting in the wings, some have some irons on fire- immediately the iron is out of fire they will defect. Do you think these defectors have something positive to add to your party? The manifestoes and constitution of APC will smooth out the rough edges and provide the level playing field. For instance, the first cardinal objective of APC is war against corruption. Don’t you think the inability of politicians in the zone to embrace APC has confirmed the notion that Ndigbo does not want APC, as it has nothing to offer them? I appreciate your persistence on this propaganda, which was propagated by All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the Anambra

State governorship election late last year. APGA then sounded as if Senator Chris Ngige, the APC gubernatorial candidate, is a Yoruba man, or he would be led by the nose by the Yorubas if he became governor. Come out of it and let’s remember that there are two political tendencies in Igbo land: Pre-1967 civil war’s Zik School of Thought and the Ikemba School of thought. The Zik School of thought is the understanding of former President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, on the trajectory of Ndigbo in the wider Nigerian political landscape. He said that the growth and development of any part of Nigeria is advantageous to Ndigbo and Nigerians in general; that every effort should be made to enthrone a level playing field and to view the Nigeria as one. For him, Ndigbo are nationalists, patriots and itinerant people, who live, invest and adapt naturally anywhere in the country. He subtly opposed the civil war. The Ikemba School is diametrically opposed to Zik’s School of thought. It was propounded by late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu. Which one has triumphed? Suffice it to say that the Ikemba School of Thought is hyped at every turn by APGA. It has its rabid adherents when you recognise that other tribal irredentists re-echo similar exclusive paradox. For the pragmatic and realistic position on the ground supports Ziks School of Thought. This why some of us agreed with Zik; in fact Zik could have been in APC if he were alive. APC in the Southeast revolves around known names in politics but has not transformed to popular party with grassroots appeal. Why? Ndigbo are dynamic people, they will soon overcome the exclusive propaganda of APGA and its

cohorts; especially when it is clear that under the PDP no person of Igbo extraction will become a presidential candidate in the next 20 years. But in APC, we have maximum of eight years to clinch the presidency. They will understand that Dr. Ogbonnia Onu, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Senator Chris Ngige among others are not deceiving them, and that those who took President Jonathan to launch a non-existing sea port in Onitsha are the culprits of our underdevelopment. How sure are you that APC will win the 2015 presidential elections? One is fed up with such speculations; speculations seem to govern our discussions. They started in February 2013 when we were constructing the merger with speculation that ‘they can’t merge, they are strange bedfellows and they are going to scatter.’ Luckily the merger is highly successful and the party has become the one to

The Zik School of thought is the understanding of former President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, on the trajectory of Ndigbo in the wider Nigerian political landscape. He said that the growth and development of any part of Nigeria is advantageous to Ndigbo and Nigerians in general; that every effort should be made to enthrone a level playing field and to view the Nigeria as one

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ISSUES & POLITICS

‘APGA Will Surprise Opponents In Jigawa’ Chairman of Jigawa State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Alhaji Sarduana Yaro Yanleman, who was recently elected Chairman of the Forum of Northern Chairmen of the party, told The Guardian in Dutse that APGA would be a party to beat in 2015 elections in Northern Nigeria. From John Akubo, Dutse Why are you passionate about APGA in Northern Nigeria where the party is not so visible? E have our supporters, and we have been selling the party and telling people that it is a national party; its manifesto conforms with the yearnings and aspirations of the common people of the north. In the party, there is justice and equity. There is no imposition of candidates, and there is internal democracy, which is lacking in most of the other parties. All we are saying is that we need more support from the national leadership for the party to spring surprises in the north come 2015. People now understand that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) are two sides of a coin; they are one and the same. APC is a photocopy of the PDP, and they are both recycling worn out politicians. Therefore, the people are tired and have lost faith in them.

The people have now placed their hopes in APGA. So, let our newly elected board of trustees chairman be serious in giving adequate support to state executives, so that they can deliver. But there are factions your party. There is no faction. The national chairman is Sir Victor Umeh and his secretary is Shinkafi. We are solidly behind them. We know how the national chairman fought day and night to uplift APGA to its present status. It is now left to us, the state chairmen, to follow suit to ensure APGA is victorious in 2015. We pledge unflinching support for the BOT chairman-a man of integrity and dogged fighter that does not have defeat in his dictionary. He always fought for his peoples’ right. We are calling on him to empower the state chairmen to capture votes from the grassroots to the highest level. Let Maxi Okwu retire and stop playing hankypanky politics. He should understudy the calibre of politicians who are with Victor Umeh and come to the understanding that he cannot play them. He should find an alternative party where he can become a mole. For the present APGA, there is no way for Okwu. I want to implore the judiciary, which is supposed to be the last hope of the common man, to sit up and live up to its bidding. A situation whereby judges continue to award judgments on cash-and-carry bases poses serious danger to democracy. If not, how come an appeal court deliver a judgment on a matter and a high court, which is lower, deliver contrary judgment on the same issue? It will only make the people to loose hope in the judiciary. How far have you gone with your governorship ambition? We have started strategising. You know, it is not

Yanleman yet time to start campaigning. But when the ban is lifted, APGA will surprise its opponents in Jigawa State. Then people would actually know that politics is not tribal or religion fanaticism, but a game of numbers. In Jigawa, the incumbent governor of the PDP stock, has

delivered dividend in his seven years by transforming the state. But APGA will do better when elected. We are going to build on his legacies because he has been responsible and accountable. We would be more accountable when voted into power.

Students Blame ASUP, NAPS Over Strike N this report, JOSEPH OKOGHENUN gauged “This time around, although much in the same Ionline the mood of some polytechnic students in vain, NAPS is ridiculously demanding the resigcommunity through the Nigeria nation of the Minister of Education, Mr. Nysom Polytechnic Students and Alumni Community (NIPOSAC) with the shocking revelation that students are blaming , not the government, but the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and student leaders in the National Association of Polytechnics Students (NAPS) led by Mr.Ogbonnaya Sunday, for allowing the ongoing strike embarked by ASUP to linger. Mr. Adedeji Adelaja Adewunmi, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun, is one student who sit not happy with the strike. AdelajaAdewunmi regretted that ASUP is not carrying students along, even as he added that there has been deliberate attempts by the polytechnic teachers to withhold information from students concerning the ongoing strike. He said: “I have lost count of calling ASUP national public relations officer to make enquiry on latest development. I noticed that this man is a clown on his own because I remembered the last time I called him, he was busy watching football match and shouting at me, and even asking me if he is behind ASUP crisis. He even asked me if he were the ASUP chairman when I asked him when we are going back to class since 80 per cent of (ASUP) demands have been met. I am sure that the man was high on alcohol because he was spewing gibberish… Polytechnic education is surely going into oblivion because I cannot imagine us sitting at home for period of 7 months running now and no individual even LP (Labour Party), opposition parties,TUC , media etc are not sharing in our predicament.” Prince Stepbaba Stephen Oladosu, another student of Federal Polytechnic, said ASUP is not a union but “ a committee of self-centred people.” His reason? “They have got no one voice; they shy away from the media; they are not in any struggle for students’ benefit.” He gave “kudos to all schools that have pulled out” while advising “others that are still on it” to “ better think twice.” A student who called himself O. Valentine rather took the blame elsewhere, noting that the NAPS has become “ a league of toothless bulldog”. He said: “After numerous failed attempts to marshal and harness the dwindling fortunes of the much maligned Nigeria polytechnics students, NAPS led by Sunday Ogbonayan (Delta State Polytechnic. HND2 Bus Admin) has trooped to the fore again in their never-ending puerile attempts at salient issues terrorising polytechnic institutions.

Wike over the ongoing ASUP strike. The catalyst behind this prevalent yeyeful proclamation is as unknown as the existence of NAPS itself. However, the recent threat by the ogas at NAPS to jeopardise governance, after the 14-days ultimatum,which ended over three weeks ago, has gone with time unfulfilled. “More like it has always been anyway. I wonder how they intend to unseat a minister from the president’s backyard if they could barely garner 50 comrades for a single mini-protest. “NAPS with their obvious incapacitation should wake up from their lingering slumber, face reality and desist from running their cavities and save the polytechnic community the embar-

rassment of elucidating to our university colleagues how we bark and yet lack every iota of lawful confrontation. “Before now, at the dawn of this lingering strike, there have been threats and promises of radical aluta to savage the ASUP strike. Then postponement and invariably, time and event sweep by, and we rarely ever recall that there was a voice of representation out there for the humble polytes. “Few weeks ago, pictures of NAPS executives and the authority of NABTEB surfaced on several online platforms. The necessity of such visitation at the verge of the total redemption of the ASUP strike suffice many questions over the efficacy of the NAPS ingredient on matters that detest Nigerian polytechnics students. “I would rather admonish Ogbonayan and those at the helm of NAPS to seek a more realistic and

proactive measure if indeed the quest of polytes is paramount in their affairs.” For Adegbenro Kayode of Federal Polytechnic, Bida, “gone are the days of vibrant student unionism.” He added: “The students union executives of today are more interested in what they’ll get out of their position just like the average Nigerian politicians. There are still exceptional few anyway. I must, however, point out that the NAPS executives can’t do it alone. I can’t protest alone if I were the NAPS president. The students must also rise not only to hold their leaders accountable, but to also support them firmly.” Abiodun Salami of Federal Polytechnic, Ofa (FEDOFA) said “NAPS excos should resign” because “ they are toothless and voiceless.” He called for “ another way out” of the crisis.

‘In Spite Of Ongoing Exams, Plateau State Polytechnic Is On Strike’ From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos ITH the bustle and hustle of students in the Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos campus, one would think that academic activities in the institution have resumed, in spite of the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by polytechnic lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP). Even most students in the institution have the mistaken belief. A student of the institution, David Johnson, told The Guardian that the institution is not on strike, adding that the school authority “paid some fine and the school is allowed to operate.” But he could not explain how and why the fine was paid. Although he said that students resumed January 13, no academic activities have taken place, adding the best that has taken place is examinations for the second semester. Johnson, however, added invigilation is not being done by the academic staff of the institution. But Chairman of ASUP, Plateau Polytechnic Chapter, Victor Dawurung, said that the institution is on national strike contrary to students’ belief. According to him, “what you find in the polytechnic is an arrangement management made. They got people to assist them in invigilating students during the examination. But for us the academic staff, we are not working. We are observing the national strike. The registration going on now does not actually concern the aca-

demic staff. It concerns mostly the non-academic staff and the Senior Staff Association. So, they are the ones working and registering students.” On the student’s assertion that the polytechnic is not on strike because the authority paid some fine, Dawurung said the notion was untrue. “That was a long thing. That was when the strike started around April last year. We could not join the strike at time because we were still on strike; we had local strike in the state. Because we did not join the national strike at that time, we had to pay a fine. It was management that paid the fine because we were almost compelled to join the national strike after we suspended the local strike in the state; management did not want us to go on that national strike. But since then, we have joined the national strike.” Dawurung further explained the issues in contention. “Well, the issues are quite many. It has to do with the issue of Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) migration for the lower cadre. The government has provided a template for the implementation. But unfortunately, there is no cash backing. Then the second one is the issue of the CONCASS salary table,which has mostly not been implemented in the state polytechnics. And this is a very serious problem because it is lowering the standards of tertiary institutions. “There is the issue of the polytechnics commission which has not been passed into law up till now. And you will discover that all other institutions, the university has a commission, the col-

lege of education has a nomadic commission, primary school board etc but polytechnics are the only institutions left under the NBTE, and under the NBTE you have all manner of institutions. The polytechnics have been lumped up with technical colleges and all others. So, that in itself is a problem.” The ASUP chairman also listed as one of their problems the discrimination between the HND holders and university degree graduates, adding that thing has been there for quite a very long time even during the Obasanjo’s era when a pronouncement was made, converting some of the polytechnic into universities and bringing the universities and polytechnics at par. He lamented that the arrangement has not translated into reality, pointing out that the discrimination still exists up till today which he said is a very big problem. He also mentioned the issue of Polytechnic Act, which he said has not been attended to and the scheme of service for polytechnics. According to Dawurung, the issue of appointment of unqualified rectors in some of the institutions particularly in some state polytechnics is another issue. “Maybe the state governments do that because of political patronage without following laid down criteria for certain appointments. This in effect is affecting the standards of such institutions. These are some of the contentious issues that have not been resolved by the government.”

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TRAVEL&TOURISM Low Investment Slows Down Tourism Growth In Africa - Reports Stories by Ajibola Amzat O maximize Africa’s T tourism potential, critical investments are needed in key infrastructure sectors such as transport, energy, water and telecommunications, says African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Vice-President and Chief Economist, Mthuli Ncube. At present, the potential of Africa’s tourism is untapped because of the poor investment in these sectors, he says. In the foreword of the inaugural issue of the Africa Tourism Monitor, a joint initiative produced by AfDB in partnership with the Africa Travel Association and Africa House at NYU, Ncube says the expansion and development of tourism in the continent depends on better transport infrastructure - including airline connections, roads and railways - in addition to open borders, and improved marketing to niche sectors such as adventure and eco-travellers. “While Africa accounts for 15 percent of the world population, it receives only about 3 percent of world tourism,” writes Ncube. Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies, and revenues from tourism in Africa already represent more than double the amount of donor aid. Tremendous opportunities exist to further expand tourism across the African continent, yet challenges remain. The need for solid infrastructure, in the form of good roads and transportation corridors, for better airline connections, and fewer visas to cross African borders are just a few of the reasons

Africa’s tourism sector has not taken off. According to the United Nations World Tourism Association, 63.6 million international tourists arrived in Africa in 2012, compared to 17.4 million visitors in 1990. The top six countries for international tourist receipts in 2012 were, in descending order: Egypt ($9.94 billion), followed by South Africa ($9.994 billion), Morocco ($6.711 billion), Tunisia ($2.183 billion), Tanzania ($1.564 billion) and Mauritius ($1.477 billion). The economic potential of tourism is remarkable, with direct and indirect impact on employment. In Africa alone, travel and tourism generated 8.2 million direct jobs in 2012. Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with close to 70 percent of its population below the age of 25, and youth constituting about 37 percent of the labour force, but making up approximately 60% of unemployment. For this reason, the AfDB aims to promote tourism through the development of cross-border infrastructure and regional transport corridors, which will facilitated the movement of people and goods on the continent. The AfDB boss says, “Africa’s future looks bright given the huge growth in adventure and eco-tourism, coupled with the continent’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Already, several airlines from the United States, Africa, Europe and the Middle East have plans to expand their routes. Soon those untouched beaches and remote villages will become a thing of the past.” Source: AfDB

1860 Travels Targets Tourists For Brazil 2014 Domestic Tourism: FTAN Pledges Support For NTDC 860 Travels, a Lagos- in Brazil to develop a travel HE Federation of Tourism bogun, made this disclosure Mbanefo for the initiative to as ABC Transport, Arik Airline, 1 T based Traveling agency, package for varying needs, Association of Nigeria during a recent visit to NDTC foster collaboration between Redington Hospital, Visa, (FTAN) has pledged to supsays it has designed speport the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC) on its mission to reposition domestic tourism for national development. FTAN President, Tomi Aking-

office in Abuja. Chief Akingbogun who was accompanied by all members of the Executive Council of the association commended the Director- General NTDC, Mrs. Sally

the two organizations. He commended Mrs Mbanefo for offering the sector a new vista via her domestic tourism campaign which he said if embraced by Nigerians would expand the scope of business for tourism stakeh o l d e r s . “We are here not only to assure you of our support and willingness to collaborate with you but to identify with your vision.” Mrs. Mbanefo listed her achievements in the last eight months which include organizing stakeholders meeting for both private and public sectors; signing of MOU with various private sectors such

Heritage Bank and Turkish Nigeria Chamber; reconstruction of NTDC House called ‘Green House’; Training of Staff for professional Tour Guide with NIHOTOUR; interaction and networking with ministers of African Countries among others. She said her visit to the six geo-political zones to identify, authenticate and prioritize the development and enhancement of the tourist attractions is already yielding positive results. She concluded that FTAN would be a strategic partner to NTDC, “as we need all hands on deck to make tourism grow.”

cial packages for tourists planning to attend 2014 FIFA World Cup, holding in Brazil. In a telephone interview with The Guardian, the Managing Director of 1860,Olusina Daodu, said the hospitality packages offered by his company are affordable, and designed to promote sports tourism between the two Nigeria and Brazil. He said 1860 Travels has carefully inspected accommodations, transportation and championship locations

budgets and desires. He said the budgets are flexible, varying from seven-night stay for those who want to watch two matches to13 night-stay for those who may want to attend more than three matches. “For visa assistance, we will provide several information and protocol services. These would be available to World Cup tourists who require visas to Brazil. We are also poised to provide all the components needed for a thrilling Mundial experience.

Samodun Festival Kicks Off In Feb 14 HE year 2014 Samodun T cultural festival that showcases the cultural

L-R: Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Members, Mr. Shola Ilupeju; Mr Lucky George; Engr. Onofiok Ekong; Mr Rabo Saleh; Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; FTAN President, Mr Tomi Akingbogun; FTAN Members, Mr. Abiodun Odusanwo and Mr. Ayo Olumoko during a recent visit to the Corporate Headquarters of the Corporation in Abuja.

heritage of the Yoruba people will commence on Friday, February 14. According to the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Princess Adetutu Ahigbe Adeyemi while briefing journalists in her office at the secretariat Ibadan said the theme of this year “Asa Parapo” was coined by the Governor in order to stoke

the embers of unity among the Yoruba -speaking States. “ Last year, the Samodun festival was an in- state affairs without the participation of other states in the South – West region. But this year, governor Abiola Ajimobi has increased the scope by involving the contribution of other states within the region not only to make it grand but also to serve as a bridge of cultural – integration.”

She noted that after the evaluation of last year Samodun festival, the planners gained insight into the potential benefits of the festival as a platform of unity, tolerance, understanding, entrepreneurship spirit, youth development and of exposing the dynamic culture of the Yorubas. Adeyemi said the festival would commence on February 14 with a cultural fiesta parade and display

from all the 33 local government areas in the state, while Saturday 15 is slated for a Food Tourism Fair, a programme jointly packaged by the state government and the Tourism Care and Hospitality Association of Nigerian, Oyo state chapter. The Commissioner invited troupes from Yoruba speaking states to the main bowl of Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan where the grand finale would take place.

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Change of Name ABHILEKH: Formerly Abhilekh now Abhilekh Shrotriya. All former documents remain valid. General public note. ABIODE: Formerly Miss Abiode Augustina now Mrs Augustina Oshiokpu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ABOABA: I, formerly Miss Airat Adedoyin Aboaba now Mrs. Airat Adedoyin Adedayo. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ABOLAJI: Formerly Mrs Iyabo Abolaji now Mrs Iyabo Rotiromi. Documents valid. Public note.

ments remain valid. Public note.

remain valid. Public note.

ADEOSUN: Formerly Adeosun Adelele Oluwafunmilayo now to be addressed as Adekunle Adeleke David. Former documents remain valid. Public note

AINA: Formerly Aina Rebecca Oluwatosin now Badmus Rebecca Oluwatosin. Former documents valid. Public note.

ADEOSUN: Formerly Miss Adeosun Nusirat Olushola now Mrs. Moshood Olushola Nuzeerat. Former documents remain valid. Lagos State Govt. and general public note. ADEOYE: Formerly Adeoye Serifat Adenike now Lawal Serifat Adenike. Former documents valid. Public note.

ACHUMBA: Formerly Miss Achumba onyenachi Uba, now Mrs Onabolu Onyenachi Uba. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEBAYO: Formerly Miss Yewande Oluwaseun Adebayo now Mrs Yewande Oluwaseun Atiba. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEYEMI: Formerly Miss Adeyemi Adefunke Olabisi now Mrs. Ajibolu Olabisi Adefunke. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEDOKUN: I, formerly known and called Miss Abimbola Opeyemi Adedokun henceforth be called and addressed as Mrs. Abimbola Opeyemi Adetutu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AFOLABI: Formerly known as Miss Afolabi Oluwafunmilayo Abosede now addressed as Mrs. Adewoye Oluwafunmilayo Abosede. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AGBEGHO: Formerly Miss Gift Ashabanro Agbegho, now Mrs Gift Ashabanro Antoine. Former documents valid. Public note. AGHA: Formerly known as Agha Gabriel Mbey and also Agha Sunday Mbey now wish to be called Agha Gabriel Sunday Mbey. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ADEGBESAN: Formerly Miss Wemimo Olufunso Adegbesan now Mrs Oluwawemimi Oluwafunso Laoye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ADELEYE: Formerly Miss Adetutu Adeleye, now Mrs Adetutu Oyenuga. Former documents valid. Public note. ADEMILUYI: Formerly Miss Ademiluyi Adesola Sade now Mrs Daramola Adesola Sade. Documents valid. Public note. ADEOJO: Formerly Adeojo Temilade Aina now Mrs Ajala Temilade Aina. Documents valid. Ogun Subeb, public note. ADESEUN: Formerly Miss Adeseun Oyinprebi Adebukola now wish to be addressed as Mrs Adeseun-Brisibe Oyinprebi Adebukola. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Bar Association and the general public take note. ADEOSUN: Former Miss Adeosun Busayo Adenike now Mrs. Adenike Olubusayo Adedeji. Former docu-

ADEYEMI: Formerly Miss Adeyemi Janet Adebimpe now Mrs Obazee Janet Adebimpe. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AGONMUO: Formerly Miss Joy Chizurum Njikeonye Agonmuo now Mrs. Joy Chizurum Sam-Isa. Former documents valid. Public note. AGU: Formerly Miss Agu Ukamaka Clementina now Mrs Adesina-Kelvin Ukamaka Clementina. Former documents remain valid. Unity Bank and public take note.

AKUGUE: Formerly Akugue Ruth now wish to be known and addressed as Okech Sandra Ruth Akugue. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKEEM: Formerly Odeyinka Akeem Samuel now Odeyinka Samuel Abiola. All former documents valid. Public note.

ALABI: Formerly Miss Oluwafolakemi Musfat Alabi, now Mrs Oluwafolakemi Musfat Olowonyo. Former documents valid. Public note. ALADESANMI: Formerly Miss Aladesanmi Tope Abimbola now Mrs. Igboamalu Abimbola Temitope. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

AKEREDOLU: I, formerly known as Miss Akeredolu Yinka Ajibike now wish to be known as Mrs. Adeniyi Yinka Ajibike. Former documents remain valid. Greenspring Schools should take note.

ALIGA: I, formerly known and addressed as Dennis Asega Aliga now wish to be known and addressed as Asega Aliga. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINFOLARIN: Formerly Miss Akinfolarin Bunmi Celestinal now Mrs. Sesan-Odumewu Bunmi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ALLI-BALOGUN: Formerly Miss Alli-Balogun Aisha Thelma now Mrs. Abiose Aisha Thelma. Former documents valid. Public note.

AJIBODU: Formerly Miss Kuburat Adebimpe Ajibodu now Mrs. Kuburat Adebimpe Olarewaju. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

AKINTOLA: Formerly Miss Sola Mary Akintola, now Mrs Sola Mary Akande. Former documents valid. Public note. AKINTOLA: Formerly Miss Akintola Esther Tolulope now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Daniel-Aina Esther Tolulope. Former documents remain valid. General public note. AKINYELE: Formerly Miss Akinyele Victoria Bunmi, now Mrs Owonibi Victoria Bunmi. Former documents valid. Public note. AKINYEMI: Formerly Miss. Akinyemi Remi Yetunde now Mrs. Agunbiade Remi Yetunde. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AKPUNKU: Formerly Geraldine Ify Akpunku now Mrs. Ifeoma Geraldine Ikeacho. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKPUTA: Formerly Mrs AGWOME: Formerly Akputa Udoka Ucharia, Miss Agwom- now Mrs Osmond eMaryanne Adaku now Udoka Eucharia. Former Mrs Orji Maryanne documents remain Adaku. Former docu- valid. Public note. ments remain valid. Public note. AKUBUE: Formerly Miss Akubue Agatha AIHERBA: I, formerly Chigozie, now Mrs Miss Aiherba Esther Os- Okafor Agatha Chigozie. arugue now Mrs. Eme- Former documents rejuaiwe Esther Osarugue. main valid. NOCEN, All former documents Nsugbe/Public note.

ALUKO: Former Mary Damilola Aluko now Mary Damilola Kofoworade. Former documents remain valid. General public note. AMBEKEMO: Formerly Miss Ololade Adeola Ambekemo now Mrs. Ololade Adeola Adebiyi. All former documents valid. Public note. AMUME: Formerly Miss Oremeyi Oiza Amune now Mrs. Oremeyi Oiza Ovwighowhara. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ANIAGOLU: Formerly Miss Aniagolu Onyinye Stella, now Mrs Ezenweli Onyinye Stella. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ANIM: Formerly Miss Faith Anim, now Mrs Faith Nkemfunayan Aigbogun. Former documents valid. Public note. ARINZECHUKWU: Formerly Miss Arinzechukwu Chidimma Crown, now Mrs Chijioke Chidimma Crown. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AROGUNYO: Formerly Miss Arogunyo Funmi Precious now Mrs Ipadeola Olufunmi Bimbo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ASHOFOR: Formerly Ashofor Stanley Ugoluriabor O. now Mr. Stevens

S. Oshokosinova. Former documents valid. Public note. ASIEGBU: Formerly Miss Nwanne Asiegbu Olu now Mrs Olu Kalu Nwanne. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ASIYANBI: Formerly Miss Asiyanbi kehinde comfort, now Mrs Olatunbosun kehinde comfort. Former documents valid. Public note. ATAITI: Formerly Miss Rosemary Ereta Ataiti now Mrs. Rosemary Okhiria. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ATUMU: Formerly Sylvia Aseruoma Atumu now Mrs. Sylvia Aseruoma Tubi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. AUGUSTINA: Formerly Miss Nwanneka Augustina Nwaizugbu now Mrs Nwanneka Augustina Michael. Former documents valid. public note. AWHANA: Formerly Felicia Idjerhe Awhana now Mrs. Felicia Akpojivi. Former documents remain valid. College of Education, Warri, general public take note. AYENIGBA: Formerly Miss Ayenigba Titilayo Hannah now Mrs. Olajide Titilayo Hannah. Former documents remain valid. FRSC and public note. AYENI: Formerly Miss Ayeni Oluwakemi Damilola now Mrs. Erinle Oluwakemi Damilola. Former documents remain valid. General public note. AYODELE: Formerly Miss Ayodele Remilekun Labake now Mrs Adelaja Remilekun Labake. Documents valid. Public note. ALEBIOSU: Formerly Miss Olusola Muribat Alebiosu now Mrs. Olusola Muibat Omotoye. Previous documents valid. General public note. BALOGUN: Formerly Miss Motunrayo Tolu Balogun now Mrs. Motunrayo Tolu Omotosho. Former documents remain valid. Public note. BANKOLE: Formerly Miss Bankole O l u w a b u s a y o Oluwadaisi now Mrs. Okougbo Oluwabusayo Oluwadaisi. Former documents remain

valid. Public note. BANYE: Formerly Miss Awelenwakaego Maureen Banye now Mrs. Awelenwakaego Maureen Ewerebor. Former documents remain valid. Public note. BARNABAS: Formerly Miss Ivie Precious Fragrance Barnabas now Mrs. Ivie Irene Omosede OyegunSquires. Former docuemnts valid. Public note. CHANGE OF FAMILY SUR-NAME: ANUKWOLU: We formerly known as Anukwolu, now wish to be known as Egbujie family. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHIBUIKE: Formerly Chibuike Ifeanyi Depiero Justin now Isaac Ifeanyi Justin. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHIBUNZE: Formerly Miss Ebere Roseline Chibunze, now Mrs Ebere Roseline OFFIAELI. Former documents valid. Public note. CHIEDOZIE: Formerly Miss Chiedozie Blessing Chinenye now Mrs. Ezeaka Blessing Chinenye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHIMA: I, former Uchechi Evelyn Chima now wish to be known and referred to as Uchechi E. Oluwole Akinwale. General public please take note. CHIRDAN: Formerly Miss Selya Philemon Chirdan now addressed as Mrs Betty Selya Nwokobia. Former documents remain valid. General public note. CHIZEA: Formerly Miss Ifeoma Lynda Chizea now Mrs. Ifeoma Lynda Akinmoladun. Former documents valid. Public note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME: NWAIZUGBU: Miss Nwanneka Nwaizugbu is the same person as Miss Nwanneka Augustina Nwaizugbu, now Miss Nwanneka Augustina Nwaizugbu. Former documents valid. First Bank, public note. CHUKWUEMEKA: Formerly Miss Chukwuemeka Ngozi Blessing, now Mrs. Aniagu Ngozi Blessing. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

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Change of Name CHUKWUJEKWU Formerly Miss Chukwujekwu Prisca Nkiru now Mrs Anaebonam Prisca Nkiru. Former documents remain valid. Public note. CHUKWU: Formerly Miss Blessing Ngozi Chukwu now Mrs. Blessing Okoroafor. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DADDY: Formerly known as Daddy Nwanfolor Osarodanwi now wish to be known as Godsgift Osarodanwi All former documents remain valid. General public note DAN: Formerly known as Abubakar Mohammed Dan now known as Abubakar Mohammed Daniels. Former documents valid. Public note. DIANA: Formerly Suleiman Naila Diana now Suleiman Naillah. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DOMEIH: I, formerly Miss Domeih Bukola Airenakho now Mrs. Adeniji Bukola Airenakho. Former documents remain valid. Public note. DUROJAIYE: Formerly Funmi Idiat Durojaiye now Funmi Idiat Omitaomu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EBBAH: Formerly Miss Ebbah Oghenerukevwe Edna, now Mrs E m u r o t u Oghenerukevwe Edna. Former documents valid. Public note. EBURUE: Formerly Miss Eburue Funmi Onyinyechi now Mrs Anthony Funmi Onyinyechi. Former Documents valid. Public note. EDEM: Formerly Edung Edem now Mrs Eunice Amadi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. EDOSOMWAN: I, formerly Miss Edosomwan Ese Peace now wish to be known as Mrs. Esosa Peace Iyekowa. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council, general public take note. EHEDURU: I, former Miss Eheduru Jecinta Chioma. T. now wish to be Mrs. Onuoha Jecinta Chioma. T. All former documents remain valid. General public note EJIOFOR: Formerly Ejio-

for Nwanneka Rita now Mrs. Adama Nneka Rita. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EKEIFO: Formerly Bamiyo Eyitemi Ekeifo now Bamiyo Eyitemi Ogbeide. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EKPAH: Formerly Miss Emem Clement Ekpah now Mrs. Emem Aniefiok Thompson. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EKPENO: I, formerly known as Miss Ekpeno Owhoaridhowho Gloria now to be called and addressed as Mrs. Gloria Owhoaridhowho Okaloto. All former documents remain valid. General public, take note. EKUM: Formerly Miss Christiana Akpen Ekum now Mrs Christiana Akpen Francis Nungwa. Former documents remain valid. Public note EKUNWE: Formerly Mr. Michael Ekunwe now Mr. Michael Favour. Former documents remain valid. FBN, UBA & public note. EKWUTOSI: Formerly Miss Ula Millicent Ekwutosi now Mrs Onwugbolu Ula Millicent Ekwutosi. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EMEONYE: Formerly Miss Emeonye Chinwe Gladden, now Mrs Ezeh Chinwe Gladden. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EMMANUEL: Formerly Miss Peculiar Emmanuel Nze now Mrs Peculiar Obianuju Orakwue. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EMOKPAE: Formerly Mr Ehimare Simon Emokpae, now Mr Ehimare Simon OIKU. Former documents valid. Public note. ETUKUDO: Formerly Ms. Christiana Ekaete Etukudo now Mrs. Christiana Ekaete Olaoye. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EUGENE: Formerly Miss Patricia Obeten Eugene now Mrs. Patricia Obeten Temple Arthur. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ESEKIE: Formerly miss Esekie Anne Ikhinosen now Mrs Okonye Jonathan Anne Ikhianosen. Former documents valid. Fed-poly, Nekede, First Bank, Pharmacists Council of Nig. (PCN), public note

FADARE: Formerly Miss Oluwatobi Magaret Fadare now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatobi Magaret Alabi. All documents remain valid. Public please take note. FALOPE: Formerly Miss. Falope Foluke Eniola now Mrs. Adeosun Foluke Eniola. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IMONIOSE: I former Miss Kesiena Jane Imoniose . now wish to be known as Mrs Kesiena Jane Udeh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAGBEMI: Formerly Miss Fagbemi Toyin Jumoke now Mrs. Adeyemo Toyin Jumoke. Documents valid. FUNAAB, public note.

ISIRE: Formerly Miss Isiri Ovie Queensly now Mrs. Ovie Queensly GibsonAbakpoyo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FAGBEMI: Formerly Fagbemi Ayotunde Samuel now Mr. Oluwagbemi Ayotunde Samuel. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

JAIYESIMI: I, formerly known as Miss Oluwatoyin Idowu Jaiyesimi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatoyin Idowu Olalandu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FATIMEHIN: Former Miss Damilola Sileola Fatimehin now Mrs. Damilola Sileola Ogungbeni. Former documents remain valid. Public note. FLORENCE: Formerly Florence Arinola Oluwayemisi Laiyemo now Mrs Faith Arinola Oluwayemisi Laiyemo. Former documents valid. Public note

EZEANI: Formerly Dr. Miss Margaret Adaeze Ezeani, now Dr. Mrs Magaret Adaeze Uchefuna. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

FOLAWIYO: Formerly Tosin Folawiyo now Tosin Fatima Ojibara. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ELEMEFORO: Formerly Mrs. Happiness Oluchi Elemeforo now Mrs. Happiness Oluchi Eugene. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EZEANYA: I, formerly Miss Chioma Cyntha Ezeanya now known as Mrs. Chioma Cynthia Ezeugo-Orji. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

GBADAMOSI: Formerly Mr. Gbadamosi Kehinde Akeem now Mr. Oyebanji Oyeniyi Kehinde Isreal. Former documents remain valid. Public note

ELEMEFORO: Formerly Nelson Udoka Elemeforo now Nelson Udoka Eugene. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

EZELUE: F o r merly Miss Ezelue Chioma Cecilia, now Mrs Onuoma Chioma Cecilia. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IBE: Formerly Miss Uju Nneka Ibe now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Uju Nneka Ibe Nworisa. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

EZEOBI: Formerly Miss Ezeobi Stella Uzoma, now Mrs Ezeadim Stella Uzoma. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IDOLOR: Formerly Miss Feliia Idolor now Mrs. Felicia Afiemo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

ELIJAH: Formerly Miss Elijah Deborah Olayide now Mrs. Aina Deborah Olayide. All former documents remain valid. General public note. ELOSIONU: Formerly Miss. Nneka Nkeiruka now Mrs. Odezue Nneka Nkeiruka. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EMADIA: Formerly Miss Ogheneovie Sophia Emadia, now Mrs Ogheneovie Sophia Bassey. Former documents valid. Public note. EMEKA: Formerly Miss Celestina Chinyere Emeka now Mrs Celestina Chinyere Chiedozie Enyidede. Former documents valid. NYSC, Public note.

EZEONU: Formerly Miss Ezeonu Amuche Chika now Mrs Okpalaojiego Amuche Chika. Former documents remain valid. Public note. EZIKE: I, formerly Miss Felicia Nneka Ezike now known as Mrs. Felicia Nneka Odum. Documents remain valid. Public to note. FALAE: Formerly Mis Atinuke Falae and I now wish to be known as Mrs. Atinuke Awomolo. All documents remain valid. Public please take note.

IKEBUDU: Formerly Chioma Elizabth now Mrs. Enwerem Chioma Elizabeth. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

IDOWU: Formerly MissMojisola Bukola Idowu now Mrs. Mojisola Bukola Eboh. Former documents remain valid. Public note. IGWE: Formerly Igwe Ogochukwu Scholkastica now Mrs. AzubikeA m a k e z e OgochukwuScholastica. Documents valid. Public note. IJERHE: Formerly Miss Virginia Ovakporaye Ijerhe now Mrs. Virginia Ovakporaye Egogo. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

JEJE: I, formerly known as Miss Jeje Mojisola Helen now addressed as Mrs. Ijaola Mojisola Helen. Former documents remain valid. Public note. JINADU: Formerly called Ayishat Abeni Jinadu now known and addressed as Ayishat Abeni Atinuke Jinadu. Previous documents remain valid. General public note. JOE-OVBIYE: Formerly Miss Joe-Ovbiye Becky Efe now Mrs Bassey Becky Efe. Former documents remain valid . Public note. JOLAYEMI: Formerly Miss Jolayemi Margaret Oluwaseun, now Mrs Ayotunde-Oke margaret Oluwaseun. Former documents valid. Public note. JOLAYEMI: Formerly Jolayemi Aminat Oluwaseun now Mrs Folorunso Aminat Oluwaseun. Documents valid. Nigerian Police Force, public note. JONATHAN: Formerly known as David Ogwu Jonathan, now wish to be known as Chapi Ogwu. All former documents remain valid. General public note. KALU: Formerly Miss Kalu Uche Grace Eucharia now Mrs Eucharia Samuel Phan. Former documents remain valid. Public note. KILANI: I, formerly known as Miss. Kilani Funmilayo Kudirat now wish to be known as Mrs. Amusat Kudirat Funmilayo. Former documents remain valid. Gtbank

Plc, Access Bank Plc, and general public take note. LASISI: Formerly Miss Yemisi Modinat Lasisi now Mrs Yemisi Modinat Wilson-Metus. Former Documents valid. Public note. LAWAN: Formerly Qudrat Oluwatimilehin Lawan now Mrs. Qudrat Olwuatimilehin Olufemi-Dirisu. Former documents remain valid. LASU, public note. MADUAKOLAM - I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tochi Joy Maduakolam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tochi Joy Onyenweaku. All former documents remain valid. Public take note. MADU: Formerly Miss Madu Chinonye Cecilia now Mrs. Ifediba Chinonye Cecilia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MALAGU: I, formerly Obiageli Tessy Nwaka, now Obiageli Tessy Malagu. Public Note. MAYAKI: Formerly Ayuva Mercy Mayaki now Mrs. Ayuva Mercy Okomayin. Former documents remain valid. Public note MBAH: I, formerly Miss Mbah Ruth Chioma now wish to be known as Mrs. Ernest RuthChioma. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MBAUKWU: I, formerly Mbaukwu William, now Osuchukwu Ikechukwu William. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. MOGAJI: I, formerly known as Mogaji Basirat Tolulope now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mogaji-Allison Basirat Tolulope. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. MOSUGU: Formerly Miss Afubanesenosa Mosugu,Now Mrs Afubanesenosa Oke. Former documents valid. Public note. MURITALA: Formerly Adeyemi Kolawole Muritala now Shodipe Kolawole Oladega Adeyemi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. MUSILIU: Formerly Musiliu Saheed Adewale now Animashaun Saheed Alani. Former documents remain valid.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

58 Saturday, February 8, 2014

Change of Name Public note.

NNOLI: Formerly Miss Nnoli Ngozi Jane, now Mrs Anene Ngozi Jane. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NOWE: Formerly Miss Priscilla Ukoba Nowe now Mrs. Priscilla Nkemdilim Emeka-Enwere. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWACHUKWU: Formerly Miss Gloria Tochukwu Nwachukwu, now Mrs Gloria Tochukwu Odurukwe. Former documents valid. Public note. NWAOGBO: Formerly Miss Nneoma Gladys Nwaogbo now Mrs. Nneoma Gladys Enegide. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWEKE: Formerly Miss Nweke Ngozi Cynthia, now Mrs Ezeonu Ngozi Cynthia Uchechukwu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. NWIZU: Formerly Patience Ebere Nwizu now Mrs. Patience Ebere Orji. Former documents valid. NYSC, UNN, public note. NWORAH:Formerly Miss Nworah Chioma Cordelia now Mrs Aso Chioma Cordelia. Former documents valid. UK EMBASSY, public note. NZEBUNWA: Formerly Miss Nzebunwa Catherine Chikamnele now Mrs Dickson Catherine Chikamnele. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, Public note. OBETA: Formerly Miss Obeta Amoge Blessing, now Mrs Adinde Amoge Blessing. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBIAJULU: Formerly Mrs. Esther Obiajulu now Mrs. Esther Obiajulu Odia. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBIJIAKU: I, formerly known as Miss Nonye Juliana Obijiaku now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nonye Juliana Ezeonyejiaku. Former documents remain valid. NYSC, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, public note. OBINNAKWELU: Formerly Miss Obinnakwelu Blessing Adaobi, now Mrs Nnadi Blessing Adaobi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OBIECHINA: Formerly Miss Jane Amarachi Obiechina now Mrs. Jane

Amarachi Ibeh. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OCHE: Formerly Miss Oche Roseline Nkechi now Mrs Ezeano Roseline Nkechi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OCHU: Formerly Miss Ochu Seline Kalu, now Mrs Ifeanyi-Ume, Seline Ochu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ODAZIE: Formerly Miss Odazie Chinelo now Mrs Ugochukwu Chinelo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ODO: Formerly Odo Chinonye Francisca now wish tobe known as Mrs. Francisca Chinenye Ezegwu. all documents remain valid. IMT Enugu, NYSC and public note. ODORO: Formerly Miss Odoro Joy Francis now Mrs. Oyewole Joy Francis. Previous documents valid. FCE(T) Akoka, public note. ODUKOYA: Formerly Miss Odukoya Elizabeth Oluwatosin now known as Mrs. Sokabi Elizabeth Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OFFIONG: Formerly known as Miss Offiong, Asa Essien now Mrs. Itam-Eyo, Asa Eyo. Former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, University of Calabar and public please note. OGBATA: Formerly Miss Ogbata Sussan Nnenna now Mrs Uzoezie Sussan Nnenna. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGBOMO: Formerly Miss Precious Imuwahen Ogbomo now Mrs Precious Imuwahen Beconâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ajoonu. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGBONNA: Formerly Juliana Ogbonna now Mrs Juliana Eke. Former documents remain valid. General public take note. OGBONNA: Formerly Miss Justina Ejiuwanaka Ogbonna now Mrs. Justina Ejiuwanaka Onuora. Former documents remain valid. University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan, UBA, Stanbic IBTC Pension, First Bank, Diamond Bank, general public note. OGBUECHE: formerly miss Ogbueche Lilian Ebere now Mrs. Chinyelugo Lilian Ebere. Former

document remain valid. Public note

mer documents valid. Public note.

OGUERI: Formerly Miss Ogueri Ifeoma Rose now Mrs Ifeoma Rose Okorie Egelle. Former documents valid. Public note.

OKEDESO: Formerly Miss Priscilla Onoriode Okedeso now Mrs. Priscilla Onoriode Madve. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OGUNFOWOKE: Formerly Usman Taiwo Ogunfowoke now Usman Afunsho Opeifa. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNMUYIWA: Formerly Miss Falilat Omowunmi Ogunmuyiwa now Mrs. Falilat Omowunmi Aguda. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OGUNSEYE: I, Bolaji Ogunseye with birth date wrongly declared by parents in 1959 as 1st February 1954, hereby confirm correct date is Friday, 1st. Feb. 1952. Affidavit sworn at Lagos High Court backs correct age. All existing documents remain valid. OGUNTAYO: Formerly Miss Oguntayo Rebecca Bamidele, now Mrs. Owolabi Rebecca Bamidele. Former documents valid. Public note. OHEKE: Formerly Pauline Ijaji Oheke now Mrs. Pauline Ijaji Hassan. All documents remain valid. Public take note. OHIA: I, Formerly Miss Ohia Oluchi Happiness, now Mrs Nwobi-Timothy Oluchi Happiness. All former documents remain valid. Public take note. OJIRI: Formerly Miss Atomre Odiri Ojiri now Mrs. Atomre Odiri Akpabio. Public note. OJOMO: Formerly Ojomo Abiola Adeyinka now Adeyemi Abiola Adeyinka. Former documents remain valid. Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja note. OKAFOR: Former Miss Okafor Nnenna Okwuoma now Mrs. Ugwu Nnenna Okwuoma. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OKE: Formerly Oke Enoch Olayiwola now Ologbese Adeboboye Joseph. Former documents remain valid. Passport Office, public note. OKE: Former Miss Adetola Atinuke Oke now Mrs. Adetola Atinuke Adeniji. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKEBUKUNOLA: Formerly Faridah Gozie Okebukunola now Mrs. Faridah Gozie James. For-

OKOJIE: I, formerly Miss Ota Tracy Okojie now wish to be known as Mrs. Ota Tracy Adesina. Former documents remain valid. NAFDAC, public note. OKONKWO: Formerly Miss Pauline Ifeoma Okonkwo now Miss Paulyn Ifeoma Ojukwu. Former documents remain valid.Public take note. OKONKWO: Formerly Miss Okonkwo Nelly Nkechi, now Mrs. Agbo Nelly Nkechi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKONKWO: Formerly known as Miss Nneka Chinwe Okonkwo now Mrs. Nneka Chinwe Wood. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKONKWO: Formerly Miss Njideka Felicitas Mary Martins Okonkwo, now Mrs Njideka Felicitas Ezeowuneme. Former documents valid. Public note. OKORO: Former Okoro Arutt John Ethe now Gheliebeh Aruti John Ethe. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OKPARA: Formerly Miss Okpara Catherine Chibuzo now Mrs Ezeabikwa Catherine Chibuzo. Former documets remain valid. Public note. OKUSAGA: Formerly known as Mrs. Okusaga Florence Modupe now addressed as Mrs. Olusoga Florence Modupe. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OKWO: Formerly Okwo Cosmas now Cosmas Okwo Francis. All former documents remain valid. General public note. OLA: Formerly Miss Ola Monisola Ajoke now Mrs. Kolade Monisola Ajoke. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

Miss Morounkeji Adetutu Olajuyigbe now Mrs. Morounkeji Adetutu Aiyegbusi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLANREWAJU: Formerly Olanrewaju Mary now Mrs Ahmed Tosin Mary. Documents valid. Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria, public note. OLAWALE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolayo Mariam Olawale henceforth to be called Mrs. Omolayo Mariam Ogunsanya. All former documents remain valid. General. Public take note. OLISEH: Formerly Miss Oliseh Charity Anwuli now Mrs Okechukwu Charity Anwuli. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OLOFINJANA: I, formerly Mrs. Fola Olofinjana now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Aduke Babatunde-Olofinjana. All other documents remain valid. Public note. OLOGUNDUDU: I, formerly Miss Ologundudu Rachael Bosede now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oreofe Rachael Bosede. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OMAGE: Formerly Miss Augustina Omage now Mrs Favour Silva Ogbeifun. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OMENE: Former Miss Omene Elohor now Mrs. Elohor Asebota. All former documents remain valid. Public note. OMOTADE: Former Miss Omotade Olubisi Olutoyin now Mrs. Olubisi Olutoyin Aderinto. Former documents remain valid. Public note. OMOTORIOGUN: Formerly Miss Oluwatoyin Olaitan Omotoriogun now Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olaitan Ogundadegbe. Former documents remain valid. K.P.M.G Professional Services and public note. OMOTOSHO: Formerly Mrs. Feyisayo Olajumoke Omotosho now Miss Feyisayo Olajumoke Falaki. Former documents remain valid. Public note.

OLADAPO: Formerly Miss Abiodun Ashiat Oladapo now Mrs. Abiodun Ashiat Vaughan. Former documents valid. Public note.

OMOYAJOWO: Formerly Miss Bidemi Ifeoluwa Omoyajowo now Mrs. Bidemi Ifeoluwa Onolaja. Former documents remain valid. Public take note.

OLAJUYIGBE: Formerly

ONAADEPO:

Formerly

Miss Onaadepo Yetunde Ademide Omowuare now known as Mrs. Adelekan Yetunde Ademide Omowuare. All former documents remain valid. Public note. ONIBUJE: Formerly Miss Olaitan Karimat Onibuje now Mrs. Olaitan Yewande Tinuoye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ONI: I, Oni Taiwo is the same person as Mr. Oni Peter Taiwo. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONI: I, formerly known as Miss Bukola Thelma Oni now addressed as Mrs. Bukola Thelma Duro-Bello. Former documents remain valid. General public note. ONIGBOGI: Formerly Miss Onigbogi Folashade Basirat, now Mrs Macaulay Folashade Basirat. Former documents valid. Public note. ONOGWU: I, formerly known as Miss Obiageli Victoria Lisa Onogwu now wish to be called Mrs. Obiageli Victoria Lisa Abuah. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONOSAKPONOME: Formerly Onosakponome Juliet now Mrs. Orajekwe Juliet. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONUWA: Former Miss Onuwa Joy Biosah now Mrs. Onuwa Joy Biosah Fetuga. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONWUMERE: We the family formerly Onwumere now addressed as Chukwumere. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONWUBUYA: I, formerly Mary Nkiruka Njokanma, now Mary Nkiruka Onwubuya. All documents remain valid. Public Note. ONYEOCHA: Formerly Miss Onyeocha Rosekate Ugochi now Mrs. Chukwuemeka-Agoh Rosekate Ugochi. Former documents remain valid. Public note. ONAYIFEKE: Formerly Miss Onayifeke Bibian Oghenekevwe now Mrs. Oyebanji Oghenekevwe Bibian. All former documents remain valid. Public take note. OYALOWO: Formerly Miss Abosede Morenike Oyalowo now Mrs. Abosede Morenike Akindoye. Former docu-

Saturday, February 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TRANSITION

Funke Ibidunni Babatola (1958-2014): Gone Too Soon! UNKE Babatola was born on Friday October Fthe24, 1958, the third daughter in the family of late Colonel Samuel Afolabi Babatola and Mrs Taiwo Olubukayo Babatola (nee Lawson). The story of our friendship with Funke started on Monday January 12, 1970, at the quadrangle, Queen’s College Yaba, Lagos; our first day in secondary school (the school year started in January back then). Form One girls came in brand new pinafores (the school uniform) with name badges securely pinned to their chests so that the teachers and seniors would know their names. Funke was one of those 50 (odd) new girls, with average age of 11-13 years, queuing up at break time in two rows in front of the two school matrons to collect their mid-day snacks of one banana and two “Cabin” biscuits per head. One thing that we all remember about Funke in our Queen’s College (QC) days was that she was always cracking jokes. She came up with nicknames for people and was fond of making up songs and bringing them to life by drumming with desks, rulers, buckets and anything she could turn into a percussion instrument! All too soon, it was time for our West African School Certificate (WASC) and on June 14, 1974, after most of us had finished our exams, we went our different ways. Some returned to QC for “A” Levels, some went to other schools and polytechnics, and some to the universities for “Prelim”. In 1991, 17 years after, it entered the hearts of some of our classmates to start off the Old Girls Association of our set, 1970-1974/76, to include both the “O” Level and “A” Level components of the group. One is not sure at what stage after we started our bi-monthly meetings that Funke was appointed “Secretary”, or, as some Nigerians would call it, “Seketary”. We called her “Seke” for short. The “Seke” job suited Funke perfectly. The minutes of meetings were so humorous it was like reading a comic, many of us remember laughing out loud (in the real sense of the word). She had a good database and we knew we could get any information we needed. She set up and administered our set’s Facebook page.

Funke took her role as “Seke” very seriously. She knew how to connect; she went all out to seek out old classmates to add them to the mailing list and encourage them to come for meetings. She attended every meeting except if she was out of town. Even though she didn’t stay for “A” Levels in QC, she was just as friendly with the classmates that joined our set from other schools, making us all one big family. Those were “bonds which no future years can sever” (a line from our school song). Funke made sure she notified us of events in Babatola each person’s lives (weddings, promotions, all together. She was a beautiful soul, inside appointments, funerals etc) and that our set and out. And a fantastic mother! She gave her was properly represented at such events. Most darling son, Gbolahan, her all. She generally of the time she would attend herself, which had a way with children, youth and young was not always convenient but she just got on adults, developing her own relationships with it. She represented our set at the parent with them independent of their parents. She body of the OGQC and always updated us on just understood how to connect! the goings on. Seke and the other “EXCO” members made Seke was such fun to be with. She was so full several spirited attempts to hold elections so of life, never a dull moment, she knew how to that other people could be given the opporlaugh at herself and make others laugh, no tunity to serve but the rest of us resisted vioairs. She gave so much of herself. She cared so lently and unanimously agreed that they much; she loved a lot, and laughed a lot. Like should hold their positions for life. Any time someone said, Funke was the glue that held us

Funke sent out a notice or some information, we would hail her saying “Seke for life” - we didn’t give any thought to anyone actually dying so early. On Tuesday January 21, 2014, we woke up to see the mail sent to us by our class President announcing the sad passing away of our dear “Seke” the day before. How was it possible? Is this how people die? Are you sure? Has anybody confirmed the story? How would Gbolahan (an honorary member of our set who was at every meeting with his mother until he became a guy) ever get over this? Was today April Fool’s Day? What kind of joke was this? Different emotions combined to make our tummies churn - shock, anger, fear, disbelief, horror, heaviness gripped our souls, our hearts bled, and finally, acceptance of that which we cannot change. If only...If only...If only...! A number of people reflected on the fact that they exchanged individual bb messages with Seke at different times on that fateful day, Monday January 20, 2014, and as usual it was fun and banter. The last comment from her in our OGQC 70-74/76 group bb chat was at 8.58am on that “black” Monday. In response to a prayer for someone’s birthday, Fbi (another of Funke’s nicknames) wrote “Aamin o! have a great week y’all”. Alas, she was not to see the end of that day. How do we pick up the pieces? To say that we are devastated is putting it mildly. That we will miss our darling Seke is an understatement! We pray that God will heal our broken hearts and grant us the grace to be good mothers to Gbolahan. May the Lord comfort her family, especially her beloved sisters, her family, her friends (and she had so many groups of us) and all those whose lives she touched along life’s journey. Adieu, Funke, our darling friend! Adieu Fbi, our wonderful sister!! Adieu Seke, our great connector!!! We miss you so much and will always remember you. May your path be blessed! Old Girls Queen’s College (OGQC) 1970-74/76 Set contributed this tribute.

Goodnight, Colonel Lucky Mike Torey By Dele Agekameh T is no gain saying the fact that the Nigerian Ivalues, Army is a noble institution built on pristine ideals and foundation of patriotism, service and commitment to national development and progress. This is in addition to its primary duty as the defender of the country’s territorial integrity and as the custodian of its defensive capability in terms of men, materials and ideas. In spite of the different interpretations of the role of the military since its incursion into the nation’s political consciousness on January 15, 1966, there have been, no doubt, some oases of military men who played significant and enduring roles in the entrenchment and sustenance of peace, stability and the survival of the country as a thriving nation. The military has produced a good number of officers whose overall contributions during and after their sojourn in the service have continued to withstand the test of time. Many years on, these officers and gentlemen have continued to forge ahead at other levels of the society doing things that the discipline and orderliness associated with their earlier engagements, aptly, prepared them for later in life. A prime example of one such officer and gentleman that was nurtured and honed by the Nigerian Army was Colonel Lucky Mike Torey. Torey or LMT, as he was fondly, called died in November 2013 after a very brief illness. He was buried in Ekpan near Warri, his hometown on Friday, January 24, 2014. I had known LMT for many years even before he came to public office. He was a member of the 11th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and later an officer of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps reputed to be one of the elite corps of the Army and its combat arm of decision. What surprised me so much was the manner of his death. We had always been in constant touch together. A week before he died, we spoke on phone for some time and he was full of life. He did not betray any illness as we joked and remembered old times. That day, he told me he was planning a reception slated for December in Warri. We ended our discussion

with a promise that we were going to talk again to finalise arrangements for the reception. That was the last time we spoke until a week after when the news of his death filtered into town. The news was broken to me by his former Aide-de-Camp, Brigadier-General Benson Akinroluyo, a very fine, respectful and unassuming officer. That Sunday morning when Benson called me to break the sad news, he was on his way to his station in Bauchi after attending the burial ceremony of the father of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika. I could not believe what I heard. But that was the truth. LMT was dead. I later called the wife who had relocated to Abuja from their base in Jos in the wake of the sad development. She confirmed the news and kept on muttering the word: “Let’s thank God.” Whenever I pose a question to her in a bid to know the details of what happened, she ended whatever explanation with “Let’s thank God.” I later reached out to some of our mutual friends who were equally dazed by the news of his sudden death. We will never see LMT in the physical sense again, but he would be gloriously remembered by those who came across him while his earthly sojourn lasted. A core Armoured officer, it is to Colonel Torey’s credit that he took part in military exercises in various parts of the country even when the trappings and administrative requirements of office as a Military Administrator tended to slow him down. He was never deterred by this as he was variously involved in the ones carried out under the aegis of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu where he served last as a Military Administrator before he was posted to the Infantry Corps and School, ICS, Jaji, Kaduna State, as Training Team Leader in September 1996. Also during his tenure in Enugu, he hosted and provided logistics support for the Lieutenant to Captain Examination that was held in Enugu. Before he was posted to Enugu in September 1994, Colonel Mike Torey served for nine months in Ondo State as Military Administra-

Torey tor between December 1993 and September 1994. He had earlier served at different times as Acting Military Governor of Plateau State between 1989 and 1991. Though his tenure in Ondo was brief, just nine months, it was eventful and filled with landmark achievements, some of which are enduring and are still visible today.

When Colonel Torey was redeployed to Enugu State in 1994, he took along his vision and mission of a benevolent military governance imbued with some goals that included the empowerment of the womenfolk in areas such as self-employment and governance including leadership roles. A consummate political strategist, Colonel Mike Torey (in his two areas of posting) developed a working rapport with the political class and tapped from their positive experiences in the general interest of the people. Before he left Enugu in September 1996, he had made giant strides in the turnaround urban and rural infrastructure and human capital development especially in the state capital, Enugu; the university town of Nsukka and Abakaliki, capital of present day Ebonyi State. The Japanese have an ancient maxim: “Vision without action is a day dream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” Colonel Mike Torey would have had this wise saying at the back of his mind as he traversed the difficult terrain of governing over sets of people with diverse pedigrees; orientation; customs and norms; religions; political inclination etc. He learnt early enough to match action with vision in the administrative style he engendered during his tenures in Ondo and Enugu States. He delegated power for the execution of government policies, programmes and projects to aides who, like their principal, were ready to offer selfless, accountable and people-oriented service in the discharge of their assigned duties. Colonel Lucky Mike Torey, an officer and gentleman, in the real essence of the appellation joined the higher realm of saints triumphant four days after he was admitted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, when he was rushed there from his country home in Ekpan, Warri, Delta State. As we celebrate the life of a man who placed selfless service and commitment to noble ideals above other considerations, my heart and feelings goes to his wife, Olushola and their two children, Yomi and Deji. May God grant his amiable soul eternal repose! Amen.

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TRANSITION Udechukwu Ugochukwu: Curtain Call For A Quintessential Port Harcourt Boy By Tunde Olusunle ERHAPS if the writer of the song, “Port HarP court Boy,” the dance hall, sing-along popularised by the highflying Nigerian artiste, Duncan Mighty, had dug deeper into the history of the socio-economy of the city celebrated in that tune and the big names it has thrown up thus far, the song might have encapsulated some additional players. To be sure, the hit song serenades a list of contemporary players on Nigeria’s socio-political scene, whose foundations are rooted in the famous city. Udechukwu Ugochukwu, lawyer, businessman, politician and more, was a Port Harcourt boy in his own right, who made invaluable contributions to the socio-economy of the city and state at large. For the avoidance of doubt, he lived and worked for most of his post graduation adult life in Port Harcourt, the coastal oil rich capital of Rivers State, which prides itself as Nigeria’s Garden City. Beginning his post-National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) working career with the law firm of Abuka, Ajaegbo, Ilogu and Nwaogu in Lagos in 1982, he would subsequently be mandated to open the firm’s Port Harcourt office as its pioneer resident solicitor. He handled big time briefs for the firm, including overseeing the firm’s interests in the erstwhile Eastern Region (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu states). Ugochukwu was also charged with the Chamber’s engagements with the erstwhile National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON), which was headquartered in Port Harcourt. In 1984, he founded the law firm of Ude Ugochukwu and Co Legal Practitioners, which blossomed into a thriving practice, whose services were sought by many across the South-South geo-political zone and beyond. With friends like Atedoghu Rudolf RogersHalliday, Okezie Iroegbu and Ozo Oriaku, he made a bold statement in the Port Harcourt and Rivers of yore, as a resourceful, visionary and energetic personality, with a keen eye for the future. Away from routine and regular legal practice, he would become very active in the promotion of several business and commercial concerns, both as an entrepreneur and a member of the boardroom. He was for instance, managing director of Fellows Chemical Industry Limited; director and Company Secretary of Belhope Plastics Industries Ltd; and Reeve Plastics Industries Ltd, all based in Port Harcourt. Beyond Port Harcourt, however, Ugochukwu was an archetypal pan-Nigerian, whose networks traverse time and space. His activism in the private sector witnessed his service as director of Premier Breweries Ltd, Onitsha; Eastern Plastic Ltd, Enugu; and Director and Company Secretary, Robinson International Nig. Ltd. He chaired the boards of several companies including Shield Securities Ltd, Druze Nig. Ltd, Gates Resources Ltd and Compass Properties Ltd, among others. He was born in Umuahia in the erstwhile Eastern Region, now in Umuahia North Council of Abia Sate. His elementary education straddled Umuahia, Kano and Jos in the old Northern Region, a situation engendered by the serial transfer and relocation of his eldest brother, the late Chief Ndubuisi Ugochukwu, with whom he lived, and who worked for multinationals at the time. He attended Methodist College, Uzuakoli, Abia State for his West African School Certificate Ordinary Levels and the Methodist Boys High School, Lagos for his Advanced Levels. An indomitable quester for knowledge, he gained admission into the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he studied Law, with classmates like Donald Dewingwe; Kanyisola Ajayi; Babajide Koku; and Jimoh Lasisi, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). Very up-to-date on global affairs-politics, economy and international relations, he was captain of the Fajuyi Hall Team that routed the Post-Graduate Hall Team in the university’s

Ugochukwu first ever Inter-Hall quiz competition in 1977. Ugochukwu graduated in 1980 and immediately proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. For his NYSC, he once again found himself at the heart of the north, where he served with the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice as a State Counsel. He regularly found himself in courts across what has since become Sokoto, Kebbi and Jigawa states, defending the interest of the state. He subsequently earned a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Oxford University, United Kingdom and was thereafter admitted a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London. A keen follower and participant in national politics, he was elected delegate representing Umuahia North to several national conventions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was also a senatorial aspirant on the party’s platform in the run-up to the 1999 general election. Despite his multi-pronged professional and official engagements, Ugochukwu was selflessly community-minded, serving as national president of the Ohuhu Committee, a socio-cultural organisation that pursued the accelerated socioeconomic development of the Ohuhu clan across Abia and Imo states. Arising from his emergence from a family of diehard Methodists, Ugochukwu found himself functioning in several leadership capacities in the church. Indeed, following the demise of his elder brother, on February 11, 1998, Ugochukwu found himself appointed to replace him as chairman of the Building Committee of the church in Umulenso, Umuahia. Consistent with his characteristic of committing himself wholly to everything in which he has involved, he guided the remodelling and reconstruction of a new edifice to replace the 1949 brick structure, from foundation to completion. The programme of events of the commissioning of the church on Friday, December 27, last year acknowledged Ugochukwu’s role thus: “Under his chairmanship, the challenge of inadequate land space was resolved with the design of a functional church of unique architectural beauty.” Because of the inextricable biological bond be He was very well travelled and left his wife, Mrs. Ngozi Ugochukwu (nee Iroegbu), a chartered accountant, three sons, an uncle, two brothers, a sister, cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws and several relatives to remember him. He will be sorely missed for this candour, bluntness to a fault, objectivity, humour and that ringing gap-toothed laughter.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sports

The Libyan team after winning the African Nations Championship (CHAN)

PHOTO: AFP

CAF, Libya Count Gains Of CHAN 2014 Such countries as Mali, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Morocco were tipped to win the 2014 African Nations Championship owing to their pedigree in African football and the rating of their leagues. But at the end of the three-week fiesta, Libya, against all expectations, defeated Ghana in the final to cart home the trophy. ADEYINKA ADEDIPE, who covered the competition in South Africa, writes that the CHAN has proved that there are abundant talents in the continent waiting for the opportunity to showcase their talents. HE outcome of the African Nations T Championship (CHAN), which recently held in South Africa, tore the formbooks, with Libya emerging champions after a three-week battle by the best of the continent’s players plying their trade in their local leagues. Before the first ball was kicked in Cape Town, no one gave the Libyans any chance of winning the title because little or no football has been played in the country, whose league was suspended following the uprising that led to the ouster and death of long time leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi. South Africa, Morocco and Ethiopia were heavily backed by the pundits because the bulk of their main national team are based at home and therefore would bring their years of experience to the competition. Ethiopia, which narrowly lost the Brazil 2014 World Cup ticket to Nigeria, came with 70 per cent of that team, while South Africa, which has one of the most lucrative leagues in Africa, had about 80 per cent of their stars available for the competition. Nigeria, Mali and Ghana have always at the top bracket of African football and were expected to dominate the championship, but Libya had other ideas. Although the Libyans, coached by Spain’s Javier Clemente, showed high tactical discipline, they were never in the running for the trophy, even when they managed to get to the semifinal to face the Zimbabwean national team, whose free-flowing style endeared them to many fans from Southern Africa.

The Libyans defeated Zimbabwe and went on to claim the trophy by beating Ghana 4-3 on penalty at the Cape Town Stadium to the amazement of football fans across the continent. The Libyans came with an impressive style of play based on solidity in defence. They hardly gave away goals since they were not scoring. Above all, they had a solid unity of purpose that was devoid of the extravagance that characterised South African and Moroccan game and the wastefulness that was Nigeria’s undoing. Although the Libyan victory shocked many African football followers, it justified the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to institute the competition. CAF’s position was that the African Nations Cup (AFCON) has too many players from the foreign leagues and there was need to give local players a platform to exhibit their talents. The fact that the competition also got the nod of world football governing body, FIFA, who gave world ranking points to participating countries, also made it more competitive and players were ready to die for their countries in South Africa. CAF President, Issa Hayatou, who expressed delight over the development from FIFA, said he was confident the tournament would become a major role-player in years to come. “After reading the letter of approval, I am happy that FIFA has recognised CHAN as an A-level competition and with ranking points up for

grabs, teams would be further motivated to win the event, while increasing the tournament’s reputation on the global stage. “This competition was created to motivate African youths because most of the players, who take part in the Africa Cup of Nations are foreign based,” Hayatou stated. “We decided to create this competition to enable those who are locally-based to be proud to play at home and have a space where they can improve. At the level of the executive committee (of CAF), we are quite sure that in 10 years time, the CHAN will be as big as the Africa Cup of Nations.” Speaking in the same vein, Coach Clemente, said the tournament gave a good platform to up-and-coming young players. “Most young players really got a massive foundation from this tournament,” he added He described Libya’s success as a shot in the arms that would give more impetus to its people as they try to rebuild their country. “This win is good for Libyan people, for the growth of the sport and social stability. I have put a lot of passion in this team, they have played with enthusiasm and pride and they fully deserved this trophy. “I hope winning this trophy has been massive for Libya and its people. I want to give credit for winning this trophy to the hard-work of the players. They have gained a lot of experience from this tournament.” For Ghana coach, Maxwell Konadu, the competition has afforded his country the chance to see

its next set of international stars. “What this tournament showed is that African football is on the rise. The level of this competition has really risen by each tournament. This particular competition has been a massive success. We need to congratulate the tournament organisers for a job well done. “Ghana has a bunch of good players who can take Ghana to the next level. We were solid at the back but could have done a little better upfront. The experience in South Africa for the past month has been an eye-opener. We really need such tournaments in Africa to give local based players a chance to show their talent. “We cannot say anything that went wrong. We did our best but things didn’t work out the way we wanted. We have taken it on the chin. We just lost the game.’’ Housed in Group C, Libya got off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia before coming from behind to hold Ghana (1-1) and Congo (2-2) to progress to the next round. At the quarters, they beat Gabon 5-3 on penalties before accounting for Zimbabwe via the same route, 54 at the last four. The Mediterranean Knights were the only North African team at the inaugural edition of the tournament designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire. While Libya is still relishing the success of victory, it was a disappointing campaign for the host,

CONTINUE ON PAGE 62

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62 saturday, February 8, 2014

CHAN 2014 Justifies CAF’s Position CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61 who were thrown out of the competition in the first round after losing to Nigeria 1-3 in the final group game. The exit of Bafana Bafana caused a lot of uproar with the sports Minister, Fikile Mbalula, calling the players a ‘bunch of useless losers.’ “What I saw was not a problem of coaching, it was a bunch of losers with no respect for this country. Nigeria was shocked. They thought they were going to meet the lions but they came to meet a bunch of unbearable useless individuals. “Their performance was not even lacklustre, it was useless. We must go to the drawing board. That mediocrity that was displayed against Nigeria… we must never wake up to that again. We indeed have a crisis of monumental proportions. We don’t have a crisis of talent, we have a crisis of putting everything together,” Mbalula said. However, shadow Minister of sport and Recreation, Winston Rabotapi of the Democratic Alliance, called the minister’s comments ‘immature and disgraceful’. “The Minister – who is responsible for the promotion of sport in south Africa – should not be shifting blame for the 3-1 loss to Nigeria. Instead, as the cabinet member tasked with ensuring that our sporting teams receive all the support necessary to perform at their optimum, should be taking responsibility for the loss.” Former Editor of Kick off south Africa, Neil Greig also chided the minister for heaping the blame on the players and calling them useless. Greig, who now works with MTN Football, said the system needed overhauling, while youth development must be taken seriously if football has to return to his place of pride in south Africa. The south Africa Football Federation (sAFA) boss, Danny Jordan said the football house would launch a ‘Vision 2022’ programme, which would see football enjoying a lot of support from the schools where the talents discovered would be discovered and nurtured. He also stated that the Under 17, under 20 and under 23 team would become very active so that quality players can graduate to the Bafana Bafana. “What we need to do is access our performance after CHAN and see what we need to do to improve the situation. We have beaten spain and played other quality friendly games so it not as bad as it is being portrayed. The coach has done well with the team despite the defeat. We will surely get things right.” Jordan said the focus would shift to next year’s African Cup of Nations Cup as soon as the CHAN ends, saying one who emerges the coach in June would enjoy the support of sAFA. He also said the problem of the team is not in its name and said there was no

need name to change the name, Bafana Bafana, which has become a global brand. While the host failed on the field, the south Africans should be commended for their organisation of another impeccable tournament, which gives credence to the fact that the Rainbow country is fast becoming the destination for top sporting events. The stadia were top notch, the CAF designated hotels superb while the transportation system to and fro the stadia and host cities were flawless. While some would consider the third place finish of the super Eagles as an achievement considering the losing start to Mali, others believe that the Nigerian team should have brought home the trophy due to the amount of talents available in the Nigeria Premier League. Coach stephen Keshi super Eagles coach, stephen Keshi after the victory over the Zimbabweans, said he had no regret over the third place finish of the team. “The players have matured tremendously over the last three weeks. I don’t have any bitter taste after finishing third. I am happy for the development of the players in the last three weeks. They have grown to understand what I want and I like the mentality they displayed throughout the tournament. “Every team would be sad not play in the finals but the major thing for me is to know that I have players in this squad who can make it to the World Cup in Brazil,” he added. He also said the competition was used to kickstart his World Cup programme. “Most people think I should have been resting in the U.s instead of being in south Africa, but I must say that the CHAN is the beginning of my World Cup preparation. I have seem some good players here and hopefully, they can become top stars in the near future.” President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari urged Nigerians to look beyond the third place finish of the team. He said the African Nations Championship gave the coaches the opportunity to sample out new players and see how they can fit into the super Eagles team A. “We are working hard at the NFF to make sure that the team performance well at the World Cup. “We have lined up friendlies for the team and I am sure the CHAN has afforded the team’s technical team to see new players that can break into the team. “We saw players that showed a lot of quality in south Africa and this is good for the World Cup preparation because some of them really gave the coaches something to think about as the preparation for the World Cup begins. ‘The team may not have won the trophy but the way they came back into contention after a shaky starts tells a lot about the quali-

Abdullahi Shehu of Nigeria holds off Kudakwashe Mahachi of Zimbabwe during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships 3rd/4th playoff at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town last Saturday ty of the players and the coaches. He continued: “Like I have always said, everyone has his talents and I am happy that Keshi has used his coaching talent to the upliftment of the team. some coaches know how to read their games, some read their opponent’s game, but Keshi has shown good understanding of the game since he took over the job. Chairman of Enyimba Football Club, Felix Anyasi also said that Keshi should be assisted in looking for talents in the local league since it wasn’t possible for him to visit all league venues to look for players. The defeat of south Africa by the super Eagles came at a big price. The south African fans turned against the Nigerian at they were all disappointed when the Eagles came from three goals down to beat Morocco 4-3 in the quarter-final game in Cape Town. They were, however, happy when the Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to the Black stars of Ghana in the semi final game at Bloemfontein. But when reminded that they would continue to play second fiddle to Nigeria and that they wouldn’t have won the Nations Cup in 1996, if the super Eagles were at that edition, the fans became very hostile. With teams already plotting strategies for the next edition, it is clear that the lessons from south Africa would form the basis for what to expect during the qualifiers.

The English Premier League

Pellegrini Hits Back At Mourinho ANCHEsTER City manager, M Manuel Pellegrini has hit back at Jose Mourinho’s claim that Chelsea are the “little horse” in the title race. Mourinho’s Chelsea drew level with second-placed City in the Barclays Premier League standings with a 1-0 victory at the Etihad stadium on Monday, but afterwards said they were still third favourites behind them and Arsenal. Pellegrini brushed off that suggestion by pointing out that Chelsea have been one of the one of heaviest spenders of recent times. The Chilean said: “Maybe it is a small horse if the manager thinks like that. It can be a little horse, but very rich. “This is the team that has spent most money in the last 10 years,

Pellegrini

Moyes: Vidic Decision Was Mutual AVID Moyes insists he and D Nemanja Vidic both decided it was time for the Manchester United captain to leave Old Trafford. Vidic announced on Thursday that he would be leaving the reigning Premier League champions after eight seasons at the club. “It was something that we all mutually agreed together,” the United boss said. “I think it was the right decision for club and player.” Vidic has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan. The serb will skipper the Red Devils until the end of the season. “He has been a brilliant servant for Manchester United,” Moyes

added. “He is captain and it will remain that way until the end of the season. He has been a great player for us and we will continue using him.” Moyes confirmed that Jonny Evans would miss tomorrow’s home game against Fulham with a calf injury he suffered against stoke. Phil Jones, who came off with concussion against the Potters, could be fit for the game. Marouane Fellaini’s bad luck with injuries continues as he has suffered a groin injury and will be out for a week, Moyes added. This weekend will be the first time that Fulham manager, Rene Meulensteen has come

back to Old Trafford since leaving the United coaching staff in the summer. Moyes opted to bring in a number of his own staff when he replaced sir Alex Ferguson as manager. The former Everton boss revealed he was sad to see the Dutch coach leave United, however. “Rene helped me when I first came here,” Moyes said. “I had several conversations with him. He helped me, told me about the club, how it runs and the players. “In the end I would have liked him to stay at the time but he wanted to go and that was fine. I am looking forward to getting Rene back and seeing him.”

is the team that spent most money this year and the team that spent the most money in the transfer window. so, little but rich.” It was a strong counter-reaction from Pellegrini, coming soon after Mourinho also spoke about the “dodgy” attitude some clubs - possibly City - had towards financial fair play. It was also the first time Pellegrini had responded this season to Mourinho, with whom he has a perceived rivalry dating back to when the Portuguese succeeded him at Real Madrid in 2010. In previous weeks, he has refused to engage in the apparent mind games of the stamford Bridge chief. Mourinho went on to say on Monday that City remain the title favourites, but Pellegrini insists Chelsea - after beating the Citizens twice this term - cannot

be written off. Pellegrini said: “He has shown in the last two games (against us) he has a strong team with some great players. “I think he is favourite. He thinks if he wins he will have the merits but if he loses he does not have responsibility. “It is the way he acts. Everyone acts the way he thinks is better for the team. “I think it will be very close with Chelsea and Arsenal. Arsenal are the favourites because they have two points’ lead in the table. “Of the 24 games we have played, Arsenal have been top of the table for 16 or 17. They have an important advantage. I am sure the three will fight to the end for the title.” City remain above Chelsea on goal difference and will hope to hold off their challenge, and respond to Monday’s setback,

with victory at Norwich this weekend. City thrashed the Canaries 7-0 when the sides met at Eastlands in November, but Pellegrini expects a different game this time. “It’s a very difficult game, it is very important the way the team reacts after the defeat at home,” said Pellegrini, whose efforts in January have earned him a second successive manager of the month award. “We play against a good team in Norwich, a team that tries to play, so we hope that we can win again. “It will be absolutely different. They will want revenge for what happened here in Etihad. “They have a good team that play good football, it is very important for us to continue playing the same way we are doing away because the last four games we won all of them.”

‘Rivals Give Us The Boost’ OsE Mourinho believes JLeague Chelsea’s Barclays Premier title challenge is alive because Arsenal and Manchester City have performed below his expectations. The self-proclaimed special One downplayed his side’s title chances following Monday’s 1-0 win at the Etihad stadium, which ended Manchester City’s 100 per cent home record. And, speaking ahead of today’s match at home to Newcastle, Mourinho again insisted the third-placed Blues are third favourites for the title. “We are there because we are

doing very well or because maybe Man City and Arsenal are not doing as well as they should with the conditions they have,” Mourinho said. “Do we dream to win the Premier League? Of course. If we don’t, we don’t play. Do we want to win the next game against Newcastle and be there? Of course. “If we have the chance to win we are not going to say we don’t want to, but we have not the same responsibilities, that’s for sure. “When we lost two points against West Ham (in a 0-0 draw), many people were saying

we have no attacking power to win every match and to win the Premier League and to compete against teams that score goals and goals and goals and goals. “Just because we won against Man City, now people are changing their opinion. But I know where we are, I know that we are good and working well and playing well, but we are going step by step. “Let us enjoy the moment, the moment is good. We all like very much to be there, to be close to them. That’s good but no more than that.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, February 8, 2014 63

SPORTS

Chan 2014 – Matters Arising! Pirates, are reported to be chasing him to come and continue his professional career in South Africa. Nigerian goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, was so unimpressive in Despite Libya’s victory at the championship, it is apparent that some of the matches that his domestic club, Rangers International FC of Enugu, have off loaded him from their squad the power base of African football has not shifted. West Africa ahead of the new 2014 season in Nigeria. Many wonder why he still remains the continent’s powerhouse. Several of the matches were exciting, but the general standard kept goal for Nigeria in all Nigeria’s matches and was the team of football displayed by the teams, particularly those that got to captain throughout! Keshi must have seen or known what the rest of Nigeria did not! the final stages of the championship, reflected a general low standard for domestic African football. This may be attributable Whereas Nigeria lost only one match (to Mali in the first game) in regulation time throughout the championship, eventual winto the high rate of migration of the best talents to foreign ners, Libya, won only one match (to Ethiopia) in regulation time leagues outside of Africa. African football does not hone its talthroughout the same championship! ents to the highest levels. Even the most gifted players still The Super Eagles were the best team of the championship in require strategic exposure abroad to achieve higher levels of terms of standard of play, goal-scoring statistics, and number of understanding of the game and of performance. players (three) selected in the continent’s Best X1 after the champiIronically, the player declared as the player of the championship. onship, Uzoenyi Ejike, did not live up to expectation in the Ghana got to the finals but did not look anywhere as good and as French league when he went to France to play professionally two seasons ago. He had to return to Nigeria last season to play fluid as they have always been in previous competitions. Uncharacteristically, the Ghanaian players were extremely physifor Rangers International FC, and has also remained on the cal and hard. They abandoned and sacrificed their usual attractive fringes of the main Super Eagles team in the past few years. style of play and adopted the kick-and follow unorganized style. Perhaps, that explains why since the end of CHAN 2014 there The champions of CHAN 2014, Libya, were the luckiest and the has not been a reported mad rush by European clubs for his sigmost under-rated team of the championship. No one gave them a nature even following such a virtuoso performance. Whichever way we choose to look at it, the present good news is chance before the championship started and even when they were to meet Ghana in the finals, none of the commentators and that at least two clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando analysts tipped them to win. They unobtrusively got to the final and deservedly won it playing against an uncoordinated Black Stars. Finally, CHAN 2014 was exciting to watch if one was ready to disregard the shallow quality of football played. Ike Uche Re-Enters Keshi’s World Cup Calculations! Stephen Keshi has invited four players from the home-based Nigerian team that came third at CHAN 2014. At the same time, it was reported that he has also thrown open his camp to receive Ike Uche, one time highest goal-scorer for the Super Eagles, who is currently putting up very impressive performances for his Spanish Villarreal team after recovering from a spate of injuries. I agree completely with Keshi’s decision to invite Uche. He definitely provides the Super Eagles with an additional option up front with his creativity and calm deadliness in front of goal. He is definitely a more effective offensive player than Ameobi, Oduamadi and even Dike! When free of injury, Uche has the qualities to make Nigeria’s attack just that bit sharper and deadlier! Rewarding Failure! It is no longer news that the Super Eagles earned the easiest $100,000 of their careers. It is reported that they were paid the match bonus promised the team should they win the semi-final match against Ghana. The team did not win the match. Indeed, they had no business not winning it in regulation time playing against a 10-man Black Stars for almost 60 minutes! Motivation for any one representing the country in sports is very important, but it is not the best practice to reward a clear failure. The match against Ghana was a failure no matter what it scores for effort and frittered chances! It is a dangerous precedence to set for other teams! Football Returns Home To The City Of Lagos! In Nigeria, there are three very interesting and exciting unfolding Uzoenyi HAN 2014 has come and gone, but some memories still C linger, just as there are matters arising from the championship.

Olumide Oyedeji Wins NEL Awards HIS evening at The Regent, T 331 Regent Park Road, Finchley Central, London N3 1DP, Team Nigeria’s Basketball captain, Olumide Oyedeji, will be decorated as the winner of the Nigeria Entertainment and Lifestyle Awards in the Education Lifestyle Category. Previous winners of the prestigious award include television icon, Julie Coker and top fashion designer, Adebayo Jones. Oyedeji, who is also a member of the board of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), is being honoured for helping hundreds of kids, especially Nigerian children in the United Kingdom, to rediscover their destiny and change their course from selfdestruction. Just like in Nigeria, where his programme, Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp, has helped many young Nigerians actualize their dream of playing basketball and getting education, his programme in the United Kingdom, ‘ Shoot a ball, not a Gun,’ has helped many young

Nigerians to quit crime and other anti-social behaviour that could lead to selfdestruction. An elated Oyedeji expressed his profound gratitude to the board of the Nigeria Entertainment and Lifestyle Awards for appreciating his little contributions towards making the world a better place. He revealed that his youth empowerment programme is his covenant with God and that he will continue to impact on younger ones and give them direction. Oyedeji also urged his colleagues to also use their God given talent and resources to help the youth: “The younger ones see us as role models; a five minute conversation with a young man changed his story from bad to good, and even from good to better. We must do all we can to ensure that our children are guided in the right path; nothing must deter us from doing it. Again, I thank the board of NEL Awards, this will spur to do more”, said Oyedeji.

Segun Odegbami developments in the second tier of the league - the professional National League. The league is guaranteed to attract unprecedented attention this season. The ‘Flaming Flamingoes,’ Stationary Stores FC, are back. The team has been ‘resurrected’ courtesy of one of the Adebajo sons (Tilewa), the eldest son of the late founder of the club, Israel Adebajo. The hope this time around is that none of his siblings will rise up to challenge Tilewa’s authority to take over and run the club, and revive the internal family feuds that have kept the club in the cooler for several decades. This same season another Lagos-based football giant, the Elephant Boys, First Bank FC, have also raised the stake in Nigerian football by returning to the same National Professional league, igniting the fire of competition that will erupt in Lagos where they will be campaigning alongside Stationary Stores FC, MFM FC and City of David FC (all from Lagos) and other teams like Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, Shooting Stars International of Ibadan, Gateway United FC of Abeokuta, and so on. The 2014 football season promises to be one of unprecedented excitement for Lagosians that have missed this level of football in the city for a very long time. NNPC/Shell Cup Starts – Nigeria’s Next Under-17 To Emerge!! The most authentic breeding ground for Nigeria’s young talented footballers, a football championship between secondary schools all over Nigeria, starts next weekend in all states capitals. Shell Cup has become a veritable ground for exposing the next generation of Nigerian players. From the state preliminaries up till the finals, thousands of youngsters representing champions of each State’s secondary schools become the cynosure of the eyes of club and national team coaches and scouts. The competition has produced very many exceptionally gifted players through the years, with several of them ending up in the junior and even senior cadre of the national teams. The latest such player is the CHAN 2014 player of the championship, Uzoenyi Ejike, who played in the Shell Cup championship some years ago, from where he was discovered and went on to play for some domestic clubs. From Saturday, all over the country, the race for the most coveted trophy in grassroots (secondary schools) football will begin in earnest!

Esieme Relishes CHAN Experience, Praises Keshi By Adeyinka Adedipe HAN Eagles defender, Bright C Esieme, has described his experience at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) as ‘life changing.’ The Enyimba of Aba player expressed happiness over his inclusion in the team, but added that he would have been happier if the Eagles had won the championship. Esieme, who played at his first international tournament in

South Africa, said he was happy to have returned from the tournament with a bronze medal instead of coming to Nigeria empty-handed. “It wasn’t bad to come back with the bronze medal, though we would have loved to win the trophy. We really prepared well for the tournament and we denied ourselves a lot of things to be in shape for the competition. So, winning the championship would have been superb,” he added. While lamenting the Eagles’

semifinal loss the Ghana, Esieme said they were unlucky to have lost the game to the Black Stars, adding, “we did everything possible to beat the Ghanaians, but the match didn’t go our way. “We dominated the game and had the better chances, but we couldn’t get the goal to win the game. It was very painful considering that the Black Stars goalkeeper also saved a last minute header that was destined for the back of the net. At that point, I knew it would take

a lot of courage to win the game,” he added. He said his involvement with Eagles would open doors for him as he prepares to take his game to another level. “Playing at CHAN will definitely help my career. This is the first time I am playing at an international tourney and the experience I got cannot be quantified.” Esieme commended Coach Stephen Keshi for the positive impact he had on him, while he was with the team in South Africa.

‘Pa Ojidoh Will Continue To Live In Our Memory’ Illah in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta HE late ex-chairman of the State. Pa Ojidoh died during defunct Bendel State Football the week at the age of 87. Association, Pa John Ojidoh has While Pinnick led a delegabeen described as a great sports tion comprising top Delta legend, whose selfless services Sports officials in the condoboth as a teacher and football lence visit to Illah, his counteradministrator, laid a solid foun- part in Edo State, newly dation of sports development, appointed Commissioner for not only for his people, but Sports, Christopher Okaeben, Nigerians in general. led the entourage from Benin “Pa Ojidoh left behind an indeli- City. ble mark to sports development Speaking further, Pinnick in Edo, Delta, old Bendel State said: “I have always ran to Pa and the country in general,” the Ojidoh whenever I needed any Chairman of Delta State Sports advice on sports and most of Commission, Amaju Pinnick his advice is the success story told The Guardian after a condo- of sports development in lence visit to Ojidoh’s family at Delta today.”

By Gowon Akpodonor

The Delta Sports Commission boss said that the government of Delta State would immortalize the late Pa Ojidoh, who was one time a FIFA badge referee. Pinnick said: “Just few days before he past-on, I visited him and he expressed happiness with sports development in Delta State and the country. He spoke the Super Eagles performance at CHAN competition in South Africa and was so excited with the way Stephen Keshi was handling the team. Keshi is a native of Illah.” He urged those he left behind to emulate his good

Ojidoh virtue saying: “I want to tell you that Delta State will immortalize him. We are going to have a physical legacy to remember him for.”

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Club owners Attack NNWL over N.2M Compulsory Insurance Premium From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HERE was an uproar at the T pre- season congress of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL) on Thursday when some congress members queried the imposition of a N200, 000 insurance premium, negotiated by the Ahmed Kawu -led NNWL board, on the clubs. Some of the club owners insisted that the deal is a rip off in a league that is yet to get title sponsor. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had in a recent circular to all state football associations directed all the leagues to ensure full compliance to CAF and FIFA regulations on insurance cover, insisting that it is mandatory for players and officials of league clubs to enjoy full cover before they register for the 2014 football season. But the NNWL board’s resolution that all the clubs in the third tier league must comply with the directive met a brick wall at the congress held at Lapour Hotel, Abuja. While some of the clubs sup-

ported the move, some others kicked against it, saying the amount negotiated by the board was on the high side. others went further to accuse the board of outright rip off. Not even a late Wednesday night meeting and overtures to the clubs for them to pay in installments could persuade the members to accept the deal. It took the intervention of some well-meaning members of the congress for sanity to be restored at the meeting. Addressing the congress, NNWL Chairman, Ahmed Kawu, acknowledged the complaint of the clubs considering the difficulties they face as the nation’s football third tier league. He, however, pointed out that insurance is mandatory without which the League cannot kickoff. He said the reforms so far carried out are yielding results such that sponsors are coming to partner with the NNWL, adding that the Standard Alliance Insurance Ltd has come in with a token fee of N8 million in a deal that will last one year.

Falcao May Be Fit For World Cup oNACo coach, Claudio M Ranieri, says he expects his star striker, Radamel Falcao, to be fit for the World Cup later this year. Falcao ruptured a cruciate ligament in his left knee during a French Cup match against an amateur side on January 22 and it initially looked he would be out of action for about six months, but Falcao and the club have attempted to speed up the recovery process so he is ready to

take part in the tournament. “I spoke with him on the phone yesterday (Thursday), and he’s very quiet. He is working hard and is very advanced in his rehabilitation. His knee is reacting well. We’re happy about it,” said the coach at a press conference. When asked if he believes that the Colombian striker will be ready for Brazilian quote, Ranieri said: “I think he is going to play.”

Blatter Going For Fifth Term As FIFA President Blatter says he is ready SFIFAEPP to stand for re-election as president in 2015, extending his stay at the top of the football ladder to five terms. The 77-year-old Swiss was expected to step aside after his fourth mandate ended next year, but he has now said he is willing to run for a fifth term if he is approached by the world governing body’s members. “I’m in good health and I don’t see why I should think about stopping work now,” he told RTS on Friday. “If the member associations ask me to be a candidate I wouldn’t no.” say Blatter was speaking in Sochi,

where he is attending the opening ceremony of the Winter olympics as a member of the IoC. But the travel and workload involved in his role does not deter him from thinking of standing for a mandate which would take him will into his 80s. “In terms of human rights, an age limit is discrimination,” Blatter added . The only person to announce his candidacy before now is Jerome Champagne, Blatter’s former advisor, who unveiled his bid for the presidency at a press conference in London in January .

Arsenal’s leadership credential will be on test against Liverpool…this afternoon.

Arsenal Ready To Rock Liverpool’s Boat At Anfield • Chelsea Target Full Points Against Newcastle IVERPooL remain without LJohnson injured defenders, Glen and Daniel Agger, just as Mamadou Sakho, Jose Enrique and Lucas Leiva are also ruled out in today’s battle against league leaders, Arsenal, at Anfield. Arsenal will assess midfielder Jack Wilshire, who is nearing a comeback from an ankle injury. Mathieu Flamini serves the second game of a four-match ban, but Mikel Arteta is fit despite limping towards the end of the win against Crystal Palace. Having last month maintained that Liverpool would “never give up the fight” for the Premier League title, Brendan Rodgers has now conceded that his team’s aim this season is to make the “big

Ribery Suffers Bum Injury, May Miss Arsenal Clash AYERN Munich winger, B Franck Ribery, could miss the German side’s Champions League clash with Arsenal, due to a burst blood vessel in his buttock. Bayern’s media director, Markus Hoerwick, confirmed the 30-year-old’s injury with the winger staying in a clinic in Munich over the weekend.

Champions League winner, Ribery, has been ruled out of this weekend’s Bavarian derby with Nuremburg, but the winger’s participation in the February 19 match with the Gunners is also in doubt. Bayern manager, Pep Guardiola, however, remained hopeful that the Frenchman would pull

through. “Hopefully, he can play in London,” he said. “Franck is important, I hope he can train as soon as possible and we are waiting on him.” The Catalan coach was given some more positive injury news with the return of Bastian Schweinsteiger from a knee problem.

jump into the top four.” “Liverpool are fourth and if they want to stay there they will have to get something out of their games with the teams above and around them, especially because Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea will all come to Anfield in March and April. “This is a key period for Arsenal too, because they go to old Trafford on Wednesday night, and will need to pick up some points there.” It does appear to be the Reds’ level right now too - they have beaten all of their immediate rivals for fourth, yet failed to earn a point against the three teams above them. That includes Arsenal of course - the only team to have prevented both Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge from scoring in the last 12 league games they’ve played together. Indeed, Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat at the Emirates on November 2 was the last game the team failed to score in at all. In 16 matches played since they’ve racked up 45 goals - 24 of those from ‘the SAS’. Arsenal are not quite so prolific, but they are proving relentlessly consistent (as two goals in each of their last five league games testifies), and the title challenge many

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TAIWo AKERELE

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maintain will ‘blow-up’ is still looking strong. Chelsea striker, Fernando Torres, remains unavailable for the game against Newcastle because of a knee injury, but he could return for Tuesday’s match at West Brom. New signing, Mohamed Salah, awaits his debut, having been an unused substitute in Monday’s victory at Manchester City. Newcastle midfielder, Cheick Tiote, is expected to

miss the next two matches with a hamstring injury. Yoan Gouffran and Papiss Cisse are unlikely to be fit, while Loic Remy is banned for two more matches. Whilst Jose Mourinho insists that his side are just a little horse in a title race led by sturdy thoroughbreds, Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini might well be a little hoarse after the stick he’ll have been giving his team since they were so completely outplayed by Chelsea.

Today’s Matches English Premiership Liverpool Versus Arsenal Aston Villa Versus West Ham Chelsea Versus Newcastle Crystal Palace Versus West Brom Norwich Versus Man City Southampton Versus Stoke Sunderland Versus Hull Swansea Versus Cardiff Spanish La Liga Valencia Versus Betis Vallecano Versus Malaga Real Madrid Versus Villarreal Almeria Versus Atletico Madrid Italian Serie A Fiorentina Versus Atalanta Udinese Versus Chievo Napoli Versus Milan German Bundesliga Wolfsburg Versus Mainz Bremen Versus Dortmund Nuremberg Versus Bayern Munich Freiburg Versus Braunschweig Hamburg Versus Hertha Berlin